-2053- You make the fourth

Unlike orthodox deities, Aramitama often possess an obsessive nature, much like vengeful spirits. They cling to their past obsessions and wreak havoc upon the world.

For Ashiya Douman, his obsession is—Jujutsu.

He harbors an extreme pursuit and desire for jujutsu.

However, unlike Kurahashi Genji, who seeks historical advancements in jujutsu, or Yashamaru, who fervently wishes to prove his own theories, Ashiya Douman neither anticipates the progress of jujutsu nor desires to push forward any theories. He simply wishes to witness the collision, friction, and exchange of various forms of jujutsu.

That alone makes him feel immersed in the world of jujutsu and grants him satisfaction.

If Kurahashi Genji is the politician and strategist of the jujutsu world, and Yashamaru is its inventor and mad scientist, then Ashiya Douman is its battle maniac, longing for the chaos of jujutsu, the power of jujutsu, and the skills of jujutsu practitioners.

Therefore, when Tsuchimikado Yakou sparked a revolution in the jujutsu world, Ashiya Douman was greatly pleased. Similarly, he also found great interest in the modern changes brought by Rozen.

It could be said that in this Tokyo, now transformed into a Demonic Realm, the only one who truly finds joy in the current state of affairs is Ashiya Douman.

Watching the Hyakki Yagyō (Night Parade of a Hundred Demons) manifest upon the world, witnessing the successive appearances of deities, the joy in Ashiya Douman's heart is something no one else can understand.

This Aramitama lingers in the world solely because he cannot bear to part with this realm filled with the possibilities of jujutsu—nothing more, nothing less.

Thus...

"Even this old man cannot help but feel his blood boiling this time."

Raising his head, Ashiya Douman looked at Rozen and let out a sinister laugh.

"As the mastermind behind all of this, shouldn't you take some responsibility?"

The meaning behind these words was clear.

"For many years, I thought there was no one left in this world who could discuss the profound mysteries of jujutsu with me. Even that so-called Fire Demon boy is merely strong in spiritual energy, just raw power—he still falls far short in terms of technique."

From Ashiya Douman's words, it was evident that he did not regard Miyachi Iwao highly.

It wasn't that Miyachi Iwao was weak, but rather, in Ashiya Douman's eyes, Miyachi Iwao was only strong—his understanding and mastery of jujutsu had yet to reach a level that Ashiya Douman would find satisfactory.

And indeed, this was the case.

Though Miyachi Iwao had comprehended the true essence of Fudo Myo-o, the only jujutsu he truly excelled at was this one technique. In all other aspects, his jujutsu abilities were no different from those of an ordinary practitioner—it was simply his overwhelming spiritual energy that amplified the power and effectiveness of his techniques.

In terms of versatility in jujutsu, mastery of technique, expertise in spellcraft, and the ability to effectively utilize various spells, Miyachi Iwao was not only far behind Rozen, but he might not even surpass the other members of the Twelve Divine Generals—in fact, he would likely lose.

In this world, only a handful of jujutsu practitioners could satisfy Ashiya Douman.

"That kid from the Tsuchimikado family, as the reincarnation of Yakou, should be able to satisfy this old man. The one who serves as his protector—my former shikigami—who even had the audacity to take a piece of me for her research, also piques my interest. Aside from them, among the so-called Twelve Divine Generals, only that Ohtomo has demonstrated a level of skill worthy of my attention. During the spiritual disaster terror attack, he even managed to intercept me outside the Onmyo Academy. All in all, there are only three of them."

Ashiya Douman's gaze upon Rozen gradually turned mad.

"And now, you make the fourth, Onmyoji—Tsuchimikado Akikan."

In other words—Rozen had been targeted.

By an Aramitama—a wanton and reckless divine spirit.

"Could it be that you, Hoshi, came here and sided with the Kurahashi and Souma families just to have a match with me?"

With a half-smile, Rozen posed the question.

"Kehahahaha!"

Ashiya Douman trembled with laughter, his shoulders shaking wildly as he spoke.

"You are the Onmyōji who revived the Hyakki Yagyō, one who is protected by divine spirits. And now, with such a battlefield before us—if not now, then when?"

And so, Ashiya Douman appeared here, not only to fan the flames of chaos but also to satisfy his own craving for a jujutsu battle.

This, indeed, was the nature of an Aramitama, a deity that brings calamity.

Among the unexpected cards Kurahashi Genji had prepared—one of them was this very Aramitama.

"Come."

"Show me whether you compare to that brat, Abe no Seimei."

"Do not disappoint this old man, child of man."

As he burst into manic laughter, a terrifying miasma erupted from Ashiya Douman's body.

It surged forth like a black torrent, spewing into the air like a geyser, then exploded outward.

"Wha—!?"

Natsume gasped in shock.

"That... that is...!?"

Suzuka instinctively took a step back.

Upon closer inspection, the black tide rising to the sky rapidly spread outward, resembling a pillar of writhing insects, endlessly climbing before dispersing into the surroundings. In the blink of an eye, countless ghostly figures resembling phantoms and apparitions appeared, laughing eerily in the same manner as Ashiya Douman, filling the air—vast, boundless, and innumerable.

Those were Shikigami.

An uncountable horde of ancient, eerie creatures, radiating an ominous aura, their presence alone enough to inspire terror.

"All of these...!?"

Kyouko widened her eyes in disbelief.

But there was nothing surprising about this.

"Unlike the demons and spirits that serves you, these phantoms are merely simple Shikigami that this old man has modified and created. Even so, the techniques used are far older than anything in the Imperial Style, techniques even Tsuchimikado Yakou would find troublesome."

Ashiya Douman spoke with unrestrained delight.

"The battle between demons and spirits—just imagining it makes my heart race."

With his words, the phantoms let out ghostly wails as they surrounded the area.

"Akikan!"

"Hey!"

"Akikan!"

Natsume, Suzuka, and Kyouko called out, moving closer to Rozen.

To this—

"You all need not interfere. Leave it to me."

Without a flicker of emotion, Rozen stated this calmly. He didn't even spare the surrounding phantoms a glance, his eyes fixed solely on Ashiya Douman.

"Since you are in such high spirits, and since Taira no Masakado has yet to descend, I suppose I shall humor you with a jujutsu duel."

With those words, Rozen raised his hand and snapped his fingers.

The next moment—

From all directions of the shrine, countless demons and spirits let out roars as they rushed forward, clashing fiercely with the phantom horde.

A storm of miasma erupted, demonic roars and ghostly wails echoing throughout, turning this battlefield into a hellscape of terror.

And yet—

Ashiya Douman only grew more delighted, laughing maniacally.

"Exhilarating! Exhilarating! It seems I mustn't hold back! Time to get serious!"

"Now, behold my guardians!"

"Come forth! Gozu! Mezu!"

At his summons, two figures materialized beside him.

Seeing them, Rozen raised an eyebrow.