Ch.146 Back to Kyoto

"——New Shadow Style: Simple Domain." 

"——Secret Technique: Falling Petals' Sentiment." 

Holding the two handwritten, clearly ancient secret technique manuals in his hands, Akira couldn't help but smile. 

These were the ultimate moves for those without domains to counter domains—trump cards among trump cards. 

"Envoy, you're too kind. Not only have you not demanded compensation for the damaged vehicle, but you've also brought such valuable gifts. I feel unworthy, truly unworthy." 

The envoy was also smiling, exuding a warm, comforting aura: 

"Not at all, not at all. We've been remiss in not congratulating you on your promotion to Special Grade. In fact, I'm the one benefiting from you. Techniques like 'Simple Domain' and 'Falling Petals' Sentiment' are extremely precious secrets. Even with Gojo-sama's recommendation, someone like me, a talentless supervisor, would never normally have access to them." 

"No, no, regardless, I must thank you, Envoy." 

Akira flipped through a few pages, roughly confirming their authenticity, then handed the two manuals over—Simple Domain to Yuuta and Falling Petals' Sentiment to Maki. 

The two weren't here without reason. They were tasked with escorting, guiding, serving tea, and other duties. After all, Tokyo Jujutsu High was short on staff, and someone had to handle these tasks. 

The envoy's gaze quickly swept over the two, who stood like guardians, lingering slightly on "Falling Petals' Sentiment" but turning friendly when it came to "Simple Domain": 

"I must apologize to Yuuta. There's still debate among the higher-ups about whether the Special Grade Cursed Spirit Rika is fully controllable, so we can't offer congratulations just yet. Once the discussion is resolved, we'll make it up to you." 

"Ahaha, I get a share too?" Yuuta scratched the back of his head, laughing with an innocent smile. 

"Of course. Every Special Grade sorcerer is an invaluable asset, a strategic-level jujutsu practitioner." 

"You're making me blush. To dispel the doubts of the higher-ups, I'd like to go to Kyoto as well to prove myself. I wonder, Envoy—" 

"Yuuta, your willingness is commendable, but with Gojo-sama and Akira both leaving, I believe Tokyo still needs you to hold the fort. Perhaps you could visit Kyoto after one of them returns?" 

"I see." Yuuta took the opportunity to exchange a glance with Akira as he set the manual down. "The Envoy is indeed thoughtful. I'm still too naive. I hope to learn more from you in the future." 

"You're too kind, Yuuta. You are the true rising stars, the future of the jujutsu world. I've only provided a small bit of help. The rest relies on the great figures of the higher-ups. 

Please believe me, we are truly sincere. It's just that the Alliance headquarters has many people, and disagreements are inevitable. Coordination can be a bit messy, and some of the elders are quite advanced in age, making it difficult for them to come to Tokyo. So, we must ask Akira to make the trip. 

I've already arranged a private jet, and the procedures will be streamlined to avoid wasting your precious time. 

The topic of the meeting is the new ecosystem of Pokémon and its potential impact. This is just a preliminary report. Subsequent discussions will include representatives like Gojo-sama, and we're also in the process of contacting Yuki-sama. Please rest assured, Akira." 

With the private jet—not just a private plane but also a private helicopter, which the envoy had used to arrive at the school—already prepared, what could Akira say? 

"You've prepared everything so thoroughly. It would be ungrateful of me not to go. Please wait a moment while I pack, and then we'll depart. Yuuta, you're in charge here. Maki, come help me." 

Leaving a Special Grade to accompany the envoy was both a sign of respect and a way to prevent him from wandering around. Outside the reception room, in the hallway, someone was already waiting. 

As Akira and Maki passed by, the person immediately followed. 

"Akira-senpai—" 

"Your intel was correct, Megumi. The gifts, transportation, every question we raised was answered, and Kyoto's repeated emphasis on humility." 

The person waiting, the one absent from the earlier meeting, was none other than Fushiguro Megumi. 

Thanks to his innate technique and the stealthy nature of his Pokémon, Akira had assigned him to tail the envoy from Kyoto. 

Fushiguro didn't disappoint. First, he had one of his Shikigami dogs hide in Nitta's trunk, using his technique to track the envoy's location and determine his residence for further investigation. 

As a special envoy sent by the Alliance headquarters to deal with Special Grade sorcerers, this man's sense of caution was quite good. He stayed at a dedicated Alliance safehouse, set up barriers before making contact, and used a dedicated line. 

Even the Zenin family's inherited "Ten Shadows Technique" couldn't get close enough to eavesdrop. But no matter how careful he was, he couldn't stop Gastly, a being of gas, from slipping through the tiniest crack. 

Every word of the communication was heard clearly. Only after the envoy rested and slept did Gastly leave, and Akira used Lance's memory-reading ability to interpret the information. 

While this envoy wouldn't know the higher-ups' specific plans, Akira could still glean quite a bit from the tone and content of the communication. 

"The higher-ups do have sincerity. It's clear they're not planning to signal an ambush and call out two teams of assassins right away." 

"I really didn't expect them to part with these." Maki waved the secret manual in her hand. "This was my father's most treasured possession. When I was a kid, I got slapped twice and wasn't allowed to eat for a day just for peeking at it. If I master this, he might just combust from anger. The problem is, the heavier the gift, the more they must want in return. Akira, you must be careful on this trip." 

"I will." Akira nodded. "No matter how nice they sound, the fact that the envoy's attention was entirely on me and Yuuta, without a single word to you, is enough to show that the conservatives are still the same conservatives. They're not truly interested in creating a brand-new future." 

"Don't worry about me at a time like this. Focus on yourself." 

Maki's gaze shifted slightly. For someone as straightforward as her, this was the height of tenderness. 

"Don't worry. My lineup for this trip is even more impressive than when I faced Geto Suguru. And the advance team has already set off. Kyoto's biggest mistake was giving me a night to prepare." 

The Zenin aunt and niece accompanied Akira all the way to his dorm but didn't stay a moment longer, grabbing his backpack and leaving. 

His luggage had been packed the night before. 

And the moment he stepped out the door, the familiar white skirt floated behind the boy, following him like a shadow. 

Last time, she wasn't by his side, and he got hurt. This time, Gardevoir wouldn't miss it for the world. 

"Let's go. Back to Kyoto, to show those old fossils that the times have changed."