I planted a sacred tree in Tokyo.

Chapter 148 Neko Sasano
"General Kafka, here is the information you requested."

In a V-22 tiltrotor aircraft heading towards Osaka, a female officer of the Self-Defense Forces respectfully handed a tablet to Kafka, who was standing in the cockpit.

The V-22 tiltrotor aircraft, also known as the "Osprey," is a vertical takeoff and landing tiltrotor aircraft. While similar in appearance to a fixed-wing aircraft, it features two rotating engines at the wingtips that drive two rotors, enabling it to take off and land on the spot like a helicopter, and also move at high speeds like a fixed-wing aircraft.

It was thanks to this convenient mode of transportation with a speed of 647 kilometers per hour that Kafka, who was on a work trip in Tokyo, was able to get back to Osaka in just over half an hour.

"These bureaucrats."

After reading the message, Kafka was speechless.

Although a native superhuman was involved, the Takahashi family was also serving the island nation, which led to the death of the superhuman 'Nekomata'.

The Osaka government not only failed to make proper arrangements, but also tacitly approved the suppression of the Takahashi family: although it sounds unpleasant, Kafka, the instigator, knew that the government had promised extraordinary drugs as a reward before the war. Where did these drugs go?
Does that mean we won't issue rewards for those who die in extraordinary battles?!

"Embezzling pensions and engaging in clandestine transactions—these are exactly the kinds of things they're capable of."

The middle-aged man lowered his eyes; he was no child and naturally knew these unspoken rules of society.

but--

"Once this is over, I want to personally investigate the deal behind it!"

He wants to be a hero, not a reckless brute who charges blindly.

Now that we have this power, those who do nothing should be sent to where they belong.

"Yes, General Lu!"

The female junior officer saluted.
"The Joint Staff Office has issued instructions that all three 'Chief Staff Officers' support your decision!"

The chief of staff is equivalent to the chief of staff in other countries; above the chiefs of staff of the Army, Navy, and Air Force are the Minister of Defense and the Prime Minister: that is, the Prime Minister.

The chiefs of staff of the three armed forces all supported him, which was almost equivalent to the island nation's prime minister implying that he could investigate however he wanted.

"I understand, then—"

Kafka turned his head to look at the front side of the plane, and at the same time, an electronic voice sounded in the cabin:
"General Riku, we have entered Konohana Ward, Osaka City. Should we slow down and land? Please advise!"

"No need,"

"Continue at full speed and open the hatch."

He handed the tablet to the female officer, who immediately returned to her seat, tightened her restraints, and secured herself. Kafka, wearing a white military overcoat, then walked to the cabin door.

puff--

The cabin door opened.

woohoo~~
The air in the cabin rushed out immediately, making Kafka's coat rustle loudly.

However, this pressure was nothing more than a gentle breeze to Kafka at this moment. He locked onto the distant battlefield by instinct and stomped his foot.

brush,

He leaped away.

Driven by inertia, it plummeted towards the densely packed city.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

"A powerful figure has arrived."

The paper dancer, who had been watching the play, closed her folding fan and looked up at the sky.

"Strong?"

Upon hearing this, Takahashi Eileen also looked up at the sky.

A black dot traced an arc as it fell from the distant sky towards us.

missile?

No, that's... a person?!
Indeed, it was a middle-aged man wearing a white military overcoat and a white suit.

He showed no signs of carrying any speed-reducing equipment, and simply fell towards the ground under the influence of gravity!

Boom! ! !

With a loud bang, the person who fell from the sky crashed heavily into an empty street, as if not flesh and blood, but a meteorite falling: the body that should have been smashed into a pulp strode out, and instead the solid concrete road surface cracked and dented into a large crater.

brush,

With each step a person takes, they cover dozens of meters.

At his speed, he arrived in front of the 'stray animal treatment center' in just a few seconds, and leaped into the air with a push of his feet.

Snapped,

Next second,
This person was standing on the edge of the roof of the 'stray animal treatment center'.

Oh, not bad.

The sudden acquisition of immense power, and the ability to wield it with ease, is also a talent: even if Kafka at this time had not yet 'transformed'.

"Meow~~?!"

Mitsuko, the 'Nekomata' who had been guarding Takahashi Eileen, screamed. Her whole body sprawled out, her fur stood on end as if electrified, and her pupils contracted into a vertical line. She had clearly entered a state of battle or intimidation!
"Uncle, who are you?"

Seeing 'Photon's' posture, Takahashi Eileen also became wary.

"I"

Kafka looked at the little girl in front of him: she didn't know him, but he remembered her.

Because of him, the other party's extraordinary pet was killed, and the family fell from grace. Unable to accept reality, one parent shut themselves away from home, while the other struggled frantically. Ultimately, they pushed the little girl to the opposite side.

"I am Kafka, a First Class Ground Officer in the Self-Defense Forces."

After speaking, the serious-looking middle-aged man with a scar on his face stepped forward.

brush,

Just as 'Nekomata' Mitsuko was baring her teeth and 'Mr. Takahashi' was raising his arms in a fighting stance, the opponent:
He knelt down on one knee.

Next, step on the other foot, then raise and lower both hands.

Finally, her lowered forehead was pressed against the concrete rooftop.

???

He prostrated himself on the ground, a standard earthen kneel.

During the Edo period in Japan, it was common for someone to apologize by bowing (dogeza) and being forgiven by the recipient.

However, from another perspective, bowing in reverence is also a truly shameful disgrace!
For people of that era, it was worse than beheading.

Even in modern times, island nation politicians bow and apologize every few days, but you rarely see them actually kneeling in apology.

Those who would use such etiquette are either utterly shameless individuals who have no shame whatsoever, or people who are genuinely expressing their deepest apologies or sincere requests.

The moment the other person knelt down, the entire battlefield fell into a deathly silence: not only was Takahashi Eileen stunned, but everyone watching the battlefield through drones was also dumbfounded.

How is that possible? He's the number one superhuman in the island nation!

"I'm really. So sorry."

The middle-aged man, bowing his head and kneeling, sincerely apologized. His handsome military overcoat trailed on the ground, completely devoid of the domineering aura he had displayed earlier.

“I am the one possessed by ‘Ibaraki’; your ‘Nekomata’ Mitsuko died by my hand.”

"I bear an undeniable responsibility for what happened to you!"

? !
"No, Ai Ling knows."

In this situation, the little girl shook her head instead.

"That's not your fault, you were just being controlled by the great demon."

"I heard that it was you, Uncle, who suppressed the great demon's soul, which allowed you to seal him away. I don't know what happened after that."

Later, the Takahashi family, having lost their supernatural abilities, were kicked out of the supernatural community. They didn't even recognize Kafka, but judging from the low growl of 'Nekomata' Mitsuko, it was indeed the power of that great demon.

"Not only that,"

The middle-aged man maintained the dogeza (prostration) posture.
"I am prepared to personally apologize to the victims of that disaster and take care of their families."

"But it was my fault that you were almost killed because of my trip to Tokyo for a work report."

After speaking, the middle-aged man raised his head and looked sincerely at the little girl.

"Please give me a chance to make up for this mistake."

"I will thoroughly investigate the inside story of this incident and bring those responsible to justice: I swear in the name of heroes!"

What is a hero?

As a child, Kafka believed that anyone who could "defeat monsters" was a hero.

But as he grew older, he realized that 'monsters' weren't just those with bared fangs and claws; many more lurked among humanity. Before, he lacked the power and resolve to face these 'monsters'; now that he possessed that power, he would certainly live up to the name of 'hero'.

"Tsk tsk tsk~~"

"You want my 'child' to go with you the moment you open your mouth?"

While Takahashi Eileen was still in a daze, Paper Dance floated over, interrupting the man's verbal sparring.

No wonder he wants to be a 'hero'.
Putting everything else aside, this "verbal persuasion" skill is indeed remarkable. The most troublesome thing is:

"I was serious."

Paper Dance curled her lip in disapproval at the middle-aged man kneeling on the roof.

It's precisely because they're serious that things get complicated!

If he were in the other person's shoes, wouldn't he also be tempted to trust the other person even once?

pity,

"You're just putting on this act because you don't want to fight."

Her gaze turned cold, and Paper Dance slapped the folding fan in her hand.

"Human beings, as social creatures, are forever filled with struggle, compromise, hatred, and scheming."

"You pathetic creature possessed by a powerful demon, what gives you the audacity to claim you can 'uphold justice'?"

After saying that, Paper Dance tilted her head towards the little girl, Takahashi Eileen.

"Ailing, don't waste your breath on him."

"Yes, Lady Paper Dance."

Although the man was very sincere, Takahashi Eileen hadn't forgotten that it was 'Paper Dance Sister' who brought back Mitsuko, giving her the strength to reunite with her 'family,' so—

"I'm sorry, sir."

As Takahashi Eileen pointed, the cats that had rushed back leaped up the wall and pounced on Kafka from all directions!

"Kafka was a real man."

In the command center of Gojo City, Wakayama Prefecture, Iori Kazuka, with one arm in a sling, sighed with emotion.

If she were in her shoes, possessing 'Demon-level' power, why waste time with all that nonsense? She'd beat the other person up first. —No, even without supernatural powers, she'd still beat the other person up first when solving a case!
But that doesn't mean she doesn't respect such people.

People with power are certainly worthy of respect, but those who possess power yet maintain such an attitude are even more worthy of respect!

"Senior Yihua, can General Kafka win?"

The policewoman with the bob haircut, Kawa and Mai, asked in a low voice.

Don't let them get involved in the fighting.

"what are you worried about?"

In response, Iori Ichika grinned, revealing her teeth.

"You're guaranteed to win!"

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

boom!
"Meow~~!!"

Faced with a large number of supernatural cats rushing towards him, Kafka didn't even raise a hand, but simply unleashed his 'demon power'.

In an instant, he transformed into a blazing torch, the rising blue 'demonic power' resembling real flames: causing the extraordinary cats that came into contact with him to scream, instinctively twisting their waists and jumping back to distance themselves from this terrifying presence.

For these extraordinary cats who are only at the 'wolf level', the 'demon level' demonic power, or rather chakra, is like fire to them!
Once impacted, they can't even maintain their form: don't forget, they are merely creations of Takahashi Eileen's blood.

Having lost their physical bodies, they would become 'wandering ghosts'.

Moreover, Kafka's demonic power was enough to obliterate their souls.

"Kitties, step back!"

After one contact, Takahashi Eileen realized that these cats alone could not defeat the opponent.

So:

"Dad, Kojiro, I'm counting on you."

"give it to me!"

"Hahaha, watch me show off my skills—"

The little boy roared out and charged forward, laughing wildly, only to have everything go blurry in the next second.

Snapped,
A large hand covered his face.

Twisting Hayakawa Kojiro like a chick, Kafka strode toward Takahashi Eileen.

"Don't even think about getting close!"

"Mr. Takahashi" roared, crossed his arms, and stood in front of Kafka.

"hardening--"

A metallic luster flashed, and 'Mr. Takahashi's' defensive capabilities increased significantly!

This is a ninjutsu that Kakuzu is good at using:
Earth escape·Earth spear.

That's right, this ninjutsu sounds like an offensive ninjutsu, but it is actually a defensive ninjutsu: using the earth-style chakra flowing in the body, any part of the body can be hardened; the hardened part will turn black, combining offense and defense with formidable power.

It bears some resemblance to the 'Armament Haki' of the One Piece world, but it lacks the domineering power of Armament Haki and is more like a 'block of iron'.
Bang————

Click!
Having withstood Kafka's punch, 'Mr. Takahashi's' arms immediately shattered like porcelain, revealing countless cracks.

This is before Kafka transforms; otherwise, this 'Mr. Takahashi' would have been smashed to pieces with a single punch, just like that guy who called himself 'Ghost Gate'!
With figures crisscrossing, Kafka stood before the injured and kneeling 'Mr. Takahashi', carrying the struggling 'Kojiro Hayakawa', and was already standing in front of Eileen Takahashi, who was protected by the 'triangular barrier'.

"Please give me a chance, please."

???

How to do how to do?
Faced with the man so close to her, Takahashi Eileen panicked.

How can I use my abilities to make this middle-aged man in front of me become 'family' and help me?

No, this guy is too strong! The guy I 'called' couldn't possibly beat him.
While the Kurama clan's "Illusion True Life" is terrifying, every ability has its limits. Limited by Takahashi Eileen's own strength, she cannot replicate objects that far surpass herself. Moreover, when she begins to "waver," her ability is interfered with.

Just like the saying 'Don't think about elephants,' when it is said, the image of an elephant already appears in one's mind.

When a little girl subconsciously believes that her 'family' is not as powerful as the other party, she has already lost half the battle.

The reason it's half is because:

Splash,

Countless sheets of paper flew in, obscuring Kafka's vision.

By the time he swept the papers away, the little girl had vanished.
"I personally selected this 'child.' If you just let me have him, wouldn't I lose face?"

With one hand holding Takahashi Eileen, she flew backward, while Paper Dance placed her other hand on top of her head.

"Ailing, I'm lending you my power."

"Let 'Photon' handle the fighting. You should get some sleep."

"Okay, Paper Dance Master."

As the paper dance gently brushed over her head, Takahashi Eileen closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

The art of feigning sleep!

"Meow------"

The 'Nekomata' Mitsuko, who was blocking Kafka's way, let out a long howl and flew back towards Takahashi Eileen.

Paper Dancer then threw Takahashi Eileen out of her hand, and the two collided!
There was no sound of collision. Takahashi Eileen merged directly into the body of 'Nekomata' Mitsuko: she could be seen curling up with her knees drawn up, like a sleeping baby in its mother's womb.

Brush, brush, brush, brush, brush

Other presences on the roof: numerous extraordinary cats, Mr. Takahashi, Mrs. Takahashi, and Kojiro Hayakawa.
All of them transformed into streams of light that gathered together, protecting Takahashi Eileen; forming a real substance resembling a translucent, bluish-green jelly, but after solidifying, it displayed an incomparably solid and heavy characteristic, like steel.

boom!
In the blink of an eye, these cyan energies, centered around Takahashi Eileen, formed a being over five meters tall, resembling a giant feline!

It wasn't over yet. The enormous feline monster continued to grow larger, and the building beneath its feet, under immense pressure, creaked and collapsed with a deafening crack. Then, a giant cat's head emerged from the smoke and dust, looking down at Kafka atop the ruined building.

"Meow?"

The enemy who killed him has become so small.

can win!

(End of this chapter)