-569- The unnatural girl

(Is that a shikigami?)

Feeling the dangerous presence swaying behind Takiko Soma, Rozen made this judgment in an instant.

If it were someone else, they would likely think that someone was using invisibility jutsu to hide behind Takiko Soma, rather than considering them as shikigami, right?

Because, in general, shikigami are spiritual beings capable of dematerializing and returning to a spiritual state, making them not easily perceived. On the other hand, when someone uses invisibility, those with superior spiritual sensitivity or sharp instincts can detect the presence of the hidden individual.

Now, with something appearing behind Takiko Soma and being easily perceived without actually appearing, many would probably think that the person was using invisibility to hide behind her, not considering them as shikigami.

But Rozen was different.

He could be very certain that they were shikigami.

Moreover, it wasn't just one; there were two.

This wasn't only because Rozen could clearly feel the spiritual connection between Takiko Soma and these two entities. It was also because Rozen's current knowledge of jujutsu had elevated his perception in this aspect by countless levels.

So, Rozen knew that the reason these two shikigami were easily detected was simply because they were in a state of alert, ready to materialize at any moment to deal with a sudden attack.

An attack aimed at Takiko Soma.

(They're really cautious.)

Rozen had this thought.

However, it didn't mean that they were careless, allowing themselves to be easily discovered just for the sake of vigilance.

The evidence was that neither Natsume nor Suzuka had noticed the presence of these two shikigami; only Rozen had realized this.

(Is this because of the insights gained from the knowledge of jujutsu and the growth in spiritual aspects?)

Rozen thought silently.

At this moment, Suzuka's irritation seemed to have reached its peak.

"Since you have nothing else, we'll be leaving," Suzuka said without further ado, grabbing Rozen's sleeve.

"Don't just stand there! We're leaving, right? Let's go!"

Suzuka shouted in frustration, dragging Rozen forcefully, preparing to take him away.

"Wait... wait! Suzuka!" Takiko Soma hurriedly spoke up, "This is a rare opportunity for me to meet Akikan. Natsume is here too. Can I talk to them, please?"

Takiko Soma pleaded, looking somewhat pitiful.

But, more than this, what Takiko Soma said was what caught their attention.

"Natsume?"

Natsume was surprised by how Takiko Soma referred to her.

"...You call us by our names right away?" Rozen was also somewhat surprised.

Undoubtedly, both Rozen and Natsume were meeting Takiko Soma for the first time.

In the context of a first meeting, calling someone by their name so casually felt a bit too familiar, didn't it?

"Ah...!"

Takiko Soma seemed to realize this and immediately covered her mouth.

Then, with a tone of apology, Takiko Soma spoke.

"I'm sorry, I called you by your names without your permission. But it's not because I'm rude; I just really want to be friends with you."

While apologizing, Takiko Soma spoke extremely sincerely.

She spoke so sincerely that it was impossible to believe she was lying.

In other words, Takiko Soma really wanted to be friends with Rozen and Natsume, right?

But before that...

"Um... do you know us...?"

Natsume asked hesitantly, a very crucial question.

To this question, Takiko Soma showed a dazzling smile.

"Yes, I've heard about you a long time ago, and I've seen your pictures, so I know you."

Takiko Soma seemed genuinely delighted to be able to talk to Natsume like this.

"You are Tsuchimikado Natsume, a member of the Tsuchimikado branch family. Even though you don't have the bloodline of the main family, you possess exceptional talents. You've shouldered the branch family's rules and responsibilities since childhood, working hard to become a shikigami for the main family. You're a person who is both beautiful and earnest, responsible, and admirable. Despite not having the bloodline, you've never shied away from your responsibilities. It's really amazing. So, I've always wanted to meet you."

Takiko Soma spoke in a cheerful tone, and both the content and the tone made it clear how genuine she was. It seemed like she had engraved all these things in her heart as she had said.

"I... I'm not as amazing as you say!"

Natsume suddenly became a little shy and quickly waved her hands.

"It's not true. You are really amazing, especially your sense of duty. Please hold your head high with pride. It's something worth praising. There's no need to feel embarrassed."

Despite Natsume's protests, Takiko Soma encouraged her in this way, seeming to genuinely have a favorable impression of Natsume. Natsume blushed and lowered her head.

Then, Takiko Soma turned her gaze and looked at Rozen. Her eyes became even brighter, and her smile even more radiant.

"You are Tsuchimikado Akikan, the heir of the main Tsuchimikado family. From a young age, you've displayed incredibly astonishing jujutsu talents, living up to the title of the true heir of the Tsuchimikado family, with extraordinary talents. A miracle in the world of jujutsu. Even before the age of ten, you had already inherited the ancestral spirit beast passed down through generations in your family. Now, within just a year of entering the Onmyou Academy, you've already reached the level of a national-level Onmyouji comparable to the 'Twelve Divine Generals.' I've heard about your solo purification of the Phase 2 spiritual disaster during the 'Jou-i Saihara',' blocking an out-of-control independent exorcist. Moreover, you took on the Phase 4 purification work in the Onmyou Academy and even resisted the Raven's Wing's possession. Any of these accomplishments is truly remarkable. I've been wanting to meet you for a long time."

As she said this, Takiko Soma was like a girl recounting the glorious achievements of an idol, and the more she spoke, the brighter her expression became.

However...

"The rest aside, regarding the matter with Raven's Wing, although considering safety, it's natural to resist its possession. However, since you are Yakou's reincarnation, even if it's just a rumor and not confirmed, as long as there's a possibility, one shouldn't resist Raven's Wing unilaterally. Maybe you indeed have the potential to be Yakou's reincarnation. In that case, taking back what's rightfully yours and shouldering the past life's great deeds and aspirations is what a qualified Onmyouji should do, right?"

Takiko Soma suddenly changed the direction of her words, as if giving a reminder to Rozen, saying this.

Is this really just a casual reminder?

However, she seemed quite serious when saying this.

This made Rozen narrow his eyes and finally speak.

"What if I'm not?" Rozen asked intriguingly, "If I'm not Yakou's reincarnation and, as a result, Raven's Wing goes berserk due to its possession, then what should be done?"

This question left Takiko Soma puzzled.

But she still provided an answer.

"That would indeed be very bad," Takiko Soma said somewhat troubled but then smiled, "However, whenever there's a possibility, one should give it a try. Otherwise, you're just evading your fate, aren't you?"