I planted a sacred tree in Tokyo.

Chapter 154 Preparations for War by Both Sides

"This world is getting more and more chaotic."

After reading the news, a group of chaebol leaders sighed with regret.

It seems we also...

"Drink the extraordinary potion and become an extraordinary being?"

A group of old men looked at each other. They believed they had no shortage of willpower, but their physical condition was a different story.
“There’s nothing to hesitate about,”

Izumi Toyoda clapped his hands; his burly physique didn't resemble that of a capitalist.

"Drink the extraordinary potion and embrace the evolution of a new era."

"Or, be abandoned by the times—"

Making the right choice is not difficult.

"Back to the previous topic,"

President Nogi interrupted this unexpected situation, since he was also going to drink the medicine anyway.

However, what lies before them is the imminent 'Kōyasan Counterattack'.

"If the Self-Defense Forces launch a counterattack, we..."

"We will coordinate a counterattack."

With a single glance, Idemitsu Toyota had already noted down the votes: it was clear that even conglomerates could only exist by relying on the 'island nation'.

Moreover, there's Kafka, an exceptionally powerful figure, and at this point in time, no one wants to offend him.

"Everyone,"

"Gather all the 'martial artists' under your command."

Of course, they weren't there to help: during the two extraordinary disasters in Gojo City and Nishinomiya City, the 'martial artists' under the control of the Zaibatsu didn't mobilize.

On the one hand, the 'martial artists' they have are skilled in one-on-one human combat; on the other hand, they train these experts to protect themselves and to bring benefits to their families, not for the country and its people!
If it weren't for the fact that it involved extraordinary medicine...
How could these capitalists, who are driven by profit, possibly come to the battlefield?

"Martial artists protect us,"

"Then the mercenaries will be handed over to the government for command. If a full-scale counter-offensive is to be launched against Mount Koya, a large number of them will definitely be needed."

cannon fodder!

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.

Koyasan,
The once serene Buddhist sanctuary has become eerily sinister.

The sky was covered with dark clouds, the mountains were stripped bare, and all the trees and creatures were dragged back to the hive to be fed to the 'queen bee', producing new demigods.

Only the brick and tile ruins of some buildings remained, standing forlornly on the ground. Coupled with the 'bi yao' flying all over the sky, it felt as if one had fallen into a ghostly realm, and dared not linger in such a place.

Even the island nation's Self-Defense Forces, the American fleet, and various extraordinary beings only dare to linger on the periphery.

Yet, in this very place, there was a warrior in his forties, dressed in blue, kneeling on one knee.

"The Jinchūriki of the Great Demon Ibaraki?"

"Yes, Lord Bloodhakama."

The one bowing his head to report the situation was none other than Onoda, who had taken over the body of Yagyu Harashige.

"In the past few days, the Self-Defense Forces' human army has been gathering, along with that general who obtained the power of the great demon 'Ibaraki'."

"I dare to predict that humanity is about to launch a counterattack on Mount Koya!"

As the current head of the Yagyu family and a superhuman who "comprehended" the samurai breathing technique from ancient texts, Yagyu Harashige's status rose accordingly, naturally granting him access to more secrets: such as the abnormal mobilization of the Self-Defense Forces, and Kafka Riku's determination to "recapture" Wakayama Prefecture in just a few words.

"Ordinary soldiers are nothing but ants, but the great demon Ibaraki-doji..."

Onoda, who had taken over the body of 'Yagyu Hara Shige,' hesitated to speak.

Having obtained the power of the great demon 'Ibaraki', Kafka's strength has surpassed his imagination: power, speed, and defense. If he had this power, he would go to sea now and send America's Third and Fifth Fleets to the bottom of the sea to feed the fish!

"Hehe, are you afraid that I am no match for the great demon 'Ibaraki'?"

"Your subordinate dares not,"

Onoda lowered his head even further.

Although that was indeed his meaning, some things cannot be said aloud.

Even if it's 'honest advice,' those in positions of power would never want to hear it.

"I am well aware of your unwavering loyalty."

Blood-stained hakama waved his sleeve.

"In a direct confrontation, Ibaraki is indeed slightly better than me."

"How could I, an Onmyoji, personally engage in battle with mere demons and ghosts?"

After saying that, the 'blood-clad man' who was floating in the air, no more than 1.4 meters tall and whose face was covered by a white cloth, spoke disdainfully.

"Don't interfere, let them come; just watch what I can do!"

"Yes, my lord!"

Since his superior, 'Blood Hakama', had said so, 'Yagyu Hara Shige' nodded emphatically.

"Subordinates retire."

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.

"Wind Breathing - All Eight Will Prevail!"

The alloy samurai sword slashed horizontally, a gale howled, and the surrounding branches and weeds snapped. Leaves fell like rain, and were then cut into powder by the howling wind.

A young samurai, his long sword swirling with the wind, sped past, causing the 'monsters' in his path to burst into blood, as if being slowly sliced ​​to death by countless blades.

After charging forward more than ten meters with a single strike, the young warrior eventually ran out of spiritual energy and stopped, crouching down.

Just as he stopped, two demonic creatures pounced from behind—

The young samurai did not turn around, but simply twirled his long sword, which flashed with a bluish light, making it appear as if the blade had trembled slightly.

The two 'monsters' that attacked from behind suddenly stopped in mid-air. The next moment, a black line appeared on their huge eyes, which quickly thickened. Then, amber liquid gushed out!

The four halves of the demon's corpse fell to the ground, only to be cleaved in two by the young warrior's backhand!
"it is good,"

A middle-aged, steady voice rang out.
"That move, 'Nine Reverse Wind Slash,' was used quite well."

"Father?"

Yagyu Isao stood up, looked at the approaching Yagyu Harashige, and respectfully nodded and bowed.

"Thank you for the compliment, but my cultivation is far from sufficient."

Seeing the young man's attitude, 'Yagyu Harushige' was even more satisfied.

Not bad, really not bad.

The "recruitment-style education" is said to be able to turn even trash into talent. It was even banned from using fists and feet by the higher-ups because it was too violent, which led to the creation of the "spirit-injection stick".

That's right, the famous "spirit-infusing stick" is actually a product of the island nation's upper class banning "fist and foot fighting".

However, this method has a high probability of causing both overtraining and burnout: not everyone can unleash their full potential under pressure.

More often than not, they become despondent and completely ruined.

Therefore, Onoda was quite satisfied with Yagyu Isao.

unfortunately,

If this really is his child
That great cause of 'driving out the American beasts' can indeed be entrusted to him.

Thinking these thoughts, 'Yagyu Shigehara' pulled up his sleeve and his gaze swept heavily over the lividity on his arm!

This body, after all, wasn't his; it belonged to the dissipated soul of Yagyu Hara Shige: taking over the body meant Yagyu Hara Shige was already dead. Not only the soul, but the body was also gradually decaying. This time, besides reporting on the movements of the island nation, Onoda also reported this matter to Lord 'Blood Hakama'. The reply he received was a dismissive: "We'll just find another body then."

As for the target of the replacement.
"Father?"

Yagyu Isao, who was walking ahead, turned around and looked at Yagyu Harashige, who had not moved, with a puzzled expression.

"Hmph, don't become complacent just because you have some strength."

"Father is right."

That's right.
Yagyu Isao is still somewhat unaccustomed to his father's lack of verbal abuse.

---

"Father,"

In Gojo City's 'Kongoji Temple',

Only one young monk sat alone in the prayer hall.

This 'Master Zhixiong' neither turned his prayer beads nor struck the wooden fish, but instead held a smartphone and looked dejected.

Above is a photo of his father, serious, old-fashioned, looking like a rigid, traditional old monk: and indeed he was.

Thinking back, his impression of his father was always that he would hold a funeral service when someone died, and bury the ashes in the cemetery when they arrived. He spent his days either chanting scriptures and meditating or tending to the cemetery. Because it was so boring, his mother ran off with her lover and money when he was in elementary school.

This led him to be very resistant to the profession of 'monk', which also resulted in poor academic performance.

After graduating from high school, he hung out in Osaka with a group of other young people who were also "mooching off their parents." He would only take the bus home when he had no money, and then go to temples to steal money from his father.

Although it enraged his father, he felt it was perfectly justified at the time; even after hearing of the supernatural's arrival, he returned home and ransacked the temple, without thinking anything of it. Until—

The great demon 'Blood Hakama' came to the door and released the 'Bi-yaki' that swept across the entire Wakayama Prefecture.

In the moment of crisis, his father used the sect's 'ritual artifact' to send him away.

"Don't worry, father."

"I will definitely drive those demons out of Mount Koya this time."

Kafka Riku, who will lead the Self-Defense Forces!

It was through fighting the enemy that Zhixiong and Monk deeply understood this.

Just how terrifying is the power of that land general, or rather, the great demon 'Ibaraki'?

It's simply invincible!
Even the 'Blood Hakama' and 'Sea Ninja' are no match for Kafka Rikusho.

After giving his 'teammates' a good boost, the young monk Zhixiong stood up and gripped the 'three-pronged pestle' in his hand; this time, with the help of Kafka Rikusho's power, he was determined to drive the demon out of Mount Koya and then reclaim his own temple!

May my father rest in peace.

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.

maritime,

"The island nation is about to make a move against Mount Koya,"

A large number of American ships are gathered here, including two aircraft carrier groups and many research vessels.

On these ships, scientists studied the 'Biblio' samples while also manufacturing 'supernatural potions': large quantities of 'Level 3 supernatural potions' were distributed to the naval officers and soldiers, immediately boosting the morale of the fleet that had lost 5,000 men.

America was once a penal colony for English prisoners, and it was home to a large number of fugitives, religious persecutors, beggars, ambitious people, and so on.

The famous "Uncle Jules" is a prime example of someone who was abandoned by his family on a ship bound for America, with the best advice being never to return.

People living in this country have never lacked a spirit of adventure in their bones.

They cannot accept simply being killed.

But the possibility of gaining superhuman power ignites the soldiers' boundless enthusiasm: give it a shot, and they could be the next 'Superman'!
Thanks to the 'supernatural potion', the white admiral not only secured his position as 'commander of the Seventh Fleet', but also continued to serve as 'commander-in-chief of the Combined Fleet': even though his 'Seventh Fleet' had all sunk to the bottom of Yokosuka Harbor.

"What do you think?"

In the command flagship's office
A group of high-ranking American officials were also discussing this matter around a shrine dedicated to 'leaves'.

"We can provide fire support, even..."

Brigadier General Thomas spoke first, as he had the earliest contact with the 'extraordinary' and was the most qualified to speak on the matter.

"At the critical moment, launch a nuclear strike!"

America is not without plans to use nuclear weapons; when the demon tide first appeared, they had already dropped small tactical nuclear warheads on Mount Koya.

Unfortunately, neither Blood Hakama nor Sea Ninja were fools who stood still and waited to be blown up; dark clouds blocked the satellites, and a large number of Bi Yao prevented reconnaissance planes and drones from getting close.

In this situation, even America's proud "beyond visual range strike" is powerless: should it bombard the entire Koya mountain range, or even most of Wakayama Prefecture?
Don't be ridiculous, missiles don't cost money!
Unless they use a three-stage missile with a yield of hundreds of millions of tons, but the island nation definitely won't agree!

If that ultimate weapon were left in Wakayama Prefecture, neighboring Osaka City would probably be reduced to ruins too.
"If the island nation's extraordinary beings can break into Mount Koya and locate the 'Bloody Hakama,' we Americans will not hesitate to send a 'return gift'!"

After Brigadier General Thomas finished speaking, his gaze swept across the faces of the others.

"Gentlemen, what is your opinion?"

"It's a good backup plan."

"Agree."

"Agree."

Other high-ranking American officials surprisingly agreed, as if dropping a nuclear bomb wouldn't accidentally harm the island nation's extraordinary individuals.

In fact.
So what if someone gets hurt accidentally?
As the island nation's extraordinary strength grows stronger, its attitude in exchanges with the other country has gradually become more assertive: although it hasn't gone too far astray, it can no longer afford to suffer losses and only dare to protest verbally as it did before.

If they can't achieve 'fairness,' then they'll have no choice but to resort to supernatural powers!
Especially after Kafka joined the Self-Defense Forces,

This situation is becoming increasingly apparent.

To put it bluntly, strength is the most crucial factor in determining a country's voice.

The reason why the United States can call itself the "world police" and dominate the four oceans for decades is because of its massive aircraft carrier fleet!
No matter what happens, the first thing the American president always says is: Where is our aircraft carrier?

As times have changed, America's carrier strike group has gradually shown signs of fatigue.

The island nation possesses an increasing number of extraordinary beings, especially the existence of Kafka, a "demon-level" being, which has already made the United States feel a strong threat!

More than sixty years ago, America and the island nation were fighting each other to the death in the Pacific Ocean. The only one that was able to reach the American mainland was the island nation: America has not forgotten this.

"it is good,"

The white lieutenant general who chaired the meeting set the tone.

"We will provide fire support, and even nuclear weapons support, at that time!"

If Kafka couldn't defeat the Blood Hakama, the island nation wouldn't even need to lift a finger; they would be begging them to launch nuclear weapons.

After all, once the counterattack on Mount Koya is launched, it will be tantamount to tearing off the mask of civility. Given the methods of the Blood Hakama and the Sea Ninja, the island nation's high-ranking officials will probably not be able to sleep at night from now on.

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.

Tokyo,

"what?"

Yu, who was accompanying Sora, the class president, and Yura to work out at the Shirogane Gym, received a call from the Metropolitan Police Department.

"Yes, would you be interested in coming, Brother You?"

“I have absolutely no interest in such dangerous operations.”

Yu decisively declined Iori Ichika's invitation over the phone.

"I am just a powerless Onmyoji, and I have no desire to get involved in the battles between powerful demons."

The real reason is that Yu is busy playing the role of the 'mastermind' behind the scenes'; she's exhausted, so she doesn't have time to fight between herself and others.

(End of this chapter)