I planted a sacred tree in Tokyo.

Chapter 162 Extraordinary Shuffle
Clang——

During the high-speed chase,

The relentless 'mummy ninja' suddenly drew his sword, a dim light flashing from his waist.

The short knife flashed like lightning, hurtling towards the special police officer in front of him and striking the shield with numerous 'square' protrusions.

boom! !

The triggered 'explosive counterattack' exploded, sending both of them flying apart.

Compared to the heavily armored 'Special Police' with their large shields, the 'Mummy Ninja', dressed only in plain clothes and carrying a short sword, was unable to be contained and was blown away by the blast wave.

Brush, brush, brush

The next second, three round objects were thrown by the special police and flew towards the 'dried corpse ninja'.

Faced with the flying 'ninja tool', the 'mummified ninja' with only simple intelligence didn't hesitate to swing its sword and slash. Result:
boom! boom! boom!
After three loud explosions, a short knife fell to the ground.

The twisted 'dried corpse ninja' stumbled and finally couldn't withstand the pressure, exploding into scattered remains.

tap tap tap,

Just as they repelled the 'dried corpse ninja', the sound of horses' hooves approached again.

Not far away, two 'demon warriors' riding skeletal warhorses, wearing ancient armor, demon masks, and covered in arrows and broken swords charged towards them.

"asshole!"

This prompted the special police officer to burst into a tirade of profanities.
"Where did an island nation like this get warhorses a thousand years ago?!"

About 75% of the island nation is mountainous and hilly, with only small-scale intermontane basins and plains scattered throughout, which have become the concentration areas for residential areas, agriculture, and economic activities. This is also where the three major metropolitan areas are located. Naturally, this terrain could not have fostered the existence of a 'cavalry' force.

Moreover, it's not without reason that the native horses of island nations are very small and are jokingly called 'giant rats'.

It was only after the Meiji Restoration that large quantities of horse breeds from other countries were imported to improve their genetics. Therefore:
Facing the tall, imposing samurai charging towards them on horseback.

The super SWAT officer really wants to go back and beat up his history teacher, and show him what this is!
Shhhhhhhhh

Just as the special police officers were raising their shields in defense and retreating, a familiar whooshing sound came from behind them.

Two armor-piercing shells flew toward the 'Oni Samurai', leaving long trails of flame.

!

Faced with this attack, the two clones, which only possessed 'simple intelligence', immediately spurred their horses to dodge and began to accelerate.

Da da da da,

Amidst a barrage of gunfire as dense as popping beans, a dozen Self-Defense Force soldiers circled the hillside and opened fire from their elevated position.

"Sir, we're here to help you!"

"it is good--"

The special police officer's spirits lifted, and he seized the opportunity to draw the oversized caliber firearm from his waist.

All the superhumans officially registered in the island nation hold the lowest rank of 'little officer'; with the help of these fully armed soldiers, it is not impossible to take down these two 'ghost warriors'.

After all, fully armed soldiers are already considered to be at the 'dog-level' standard in official evaluations.

Moreover, these Self-Defense Forces brought quite a few rocket launchers.

can 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.

"Whoohoo~~"

Unlike other special police officers who are only targeted by 'ordinary' demon warriors and mummified ninjas.

Yamagami Toru and Saito Suke were relentlessly pursued by several 'Skeleton Onmyoji' and a flying shikigami, ultimately forced to turn back and fight to the death. The result was:
Both sides suffer!

The battlefield where they were located was once a sizable temple, but now only ruins remain.

Everywhere there were traces of the rampage of 'Yin-Yang Arts', scattered with various twisted remnants, and from their appearance, one could still barely discern some traces of 'Yokai'.

Whether it's a 'Skeleton Onmyoji' or a 'Flying Shikigami', they are essentially clones created by a demon using the 'Oni-Garara' technique and a transformation technique. They will also be killed if they suffer damage exceeding their tolerance limit.

"Brother Saito, are you still alive?"

Yamagami Toru, whose body was gnawed and bloodied by 'parasitic insects'.
He staggered toward Saito, who was pinned to the wall by a pile of thick, sharp 'earth spikes'.

"cough,"

Saito Suke, nailed to the dilapidated courtyard wall, gave a bitter smile.

"Still alive for now"

It's only temporary.

Although he narrowly avoided vital organs, such a severe penetrating wound would make it difficult for him to survive without immediate treatment—no, even standard treatment would be unlikely. In other words:
"Please tell 'Little Ring' for me that I'm sorry."

I can no longer reciprocate her feelings.

Snapped,
The hand, its fingers and bones exposed from being gnawed, landed on Saito's shoulder.

"Go and say what you have to say yourself."

"Saito, your ability can be combined with the extraordinary for healing, right?"

In response to Yamagami Toru's question, Saito Suke, who was pinned to the wall by a thick rock pillar, subconsciously responded.

"Yes.?!"

As soon as he said it, Saito, who looked like a young boy, suddenly narrowed his eyes.

"Mr. Yamagami, you—"

"Hmm, after absorbing me, you should still be able to fight your way out."

Although they had eliminated the pursuers, in their 'perception', as traitors, 'Blood Hakama' would certainly not let them off easily.

It's impossible for the two of them to escape together; a choice must be made.

However, in reality, these were the last pursuers.

Unfortunately, they didn't know.
???

"No, cough cough cough~~"

In his excitement, he aggravated his internal organ injuries, and the blood he coughed up contained fragments of his internal organs.

“Mr. Yamagami, you don’t need to do this.”

"You've already helped me a lot, and you're much stronger than me; you could totally do it yourself."

Who says only the strong can survive?

Raising his hand to interrupt Saito, Yamagami Toru, despite his injuries, smiled faintly, his tone carrying a hint of nonchalance and boldness.

"I am a weakling,"

"I can't control my own life,"

"I've thought about ending it all, and I even tried to commit suicide by drinking kerosene."

This "Nation's Number One Gunner" isn't as legendary or resilient as outsiders imagine. Essentially, he's just an ordinary person, scarred and battered by life.

His father died early, his mother was deeply involved in a cult, his older brother committed suicide because he didn't want to be a burden on the family due to an eye disease, and he himself was unable to go to university due to financial problems. He was still alone at the age of forty; he belonged to the kind of social 'marginal person' who would be ignored even if he disappeared.

“Saito, a person has to do something while they’re alive.”

"I don't regret assassinating the former prime minister, nor do I regret sending those cults to hell, and similarly—"

"I don't regret saving you."

"No, Mr. Yamagami."

You can still start a new life.

Hearing Saito's sincere advice, Yamagami Toru smiled and shook his head.

"No need."

"I buried the Unification Church with my own hands,"

"In this era of divine intervention, the government has begun to crack down on cults."

At least in island nations, it's impossible for cults to emerge anymore: not because the government suddenly had a 'change of heart,' but simply because they're afraid of offending the true gods.

For Yamagami Toru, who has lived 'half his life,' he has become indifferent to everything in the world, leaving only his kind heart to help others.

"My life has been without regrets. But yours is different; you still have a girl waiting for you to return; so—"

Yamagami Tetsu extended his hand to Saito Suke:
"Come on, you're welcome."

"Mr. Yamagami, may you rest in peace."

Facing the smiling middle-aged man, Saito finally bit his palm with tears in his eyes.

absorb!

---

Unlike other superhumans who fight to the death, the Isoya siblings present a completely different picture:
"With your limited strength, you shouldn't be meddling in this mess."

On the outskirts of Mount Koya, the sea ninja who had stopped turned around and looked at the two children who, despite being covered in wounds, had stubborn expressions on their faces.

"Let's go."

“We will be back!”

My older sister, Isoya Dai, clenched her fist firmly, looking like a hot-blooded boy.

"When we are strong enough, we will definitely take back our master!"

"That's right,"

Even his usually 'gentle and weak' younger brother, Kaoru Igarashi, nodded heavily.

"One day, we will no longer be a burden to our master."

"Alright, I've been waiting for this day to come."

Hai Ren patted the two spirited children on the head.

Although proficiency in hand seals is almost useless to Yu, this 'Otsutsuki', there's a saying: "It's never a bad thing to have many skills."

"Pinky promise," ?

Faced with the two little fingers extended towards him, Hai Ren almost lost his aloof demeanor.

Finally, he reached out and hooked his three little fingers together.

Those who break their vows shall swallow a thousand needles.

? ?
"Let's go."

With one child in each hand, he tossed them aside, sending them flying. Unable to bear it any longer, the 'Sea Ninja' sank into the shadows.

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.

"who?!"

On another battlefield, a group of Self-Defense Force soldiers advancing raised their guns, aiming at the approaching figure.

"Put the gun down, it's me—"

Carrying Fuji Seiko, Iori Kazuka sped up to the Self-Defense Forces and took over command without any hesitation.

"Halt the advance and organize a defense on the spot!"

Give me the communicator!

Because it was a battle against an extraordinary being, there was no need for 'electronic silence'. He snatched a sergeant's communicator and roared at him.

"This is Iori Kazuka, please forward the signal to Director Takeya!"

A commotion broke out on the communicator, and soon:

“It’s me, Yihua.”

Amidst the buzzing of the electrical current, the boss's familiar voice rang out.

"Director, please send someone to me immediately."

"The Holy Son's condition is rather dire!"

Fuji Seiko was placed on a Self-Defense Force stretcher, and Iori Kazuka continued her report.

"Everyone else has scattered; we don't know how many are still alive. Contact Tokyo and ask Inari God for help."

Although this is a war between humans, things are beyond our control, and we can only turn to the 'gods' for help.

"No need,"

?

Director Zhu Ya's calm voice came from the other end of the communicator.
"The situation has changed."

"Just now, General Kafka, returning to the battlefield, ambushed 'Blood Hakama' on the way."

'Blood Hakama' is a demon-level Onmyoji, cunning and shrewd, who commands demons and is adept at various Onmyo techniques. However, he was ambushed and attacked by Kafka, who is all about 'stats', and suffered a minor but significant loss.

"The Bloodhocks have retreated, and with the 'Soul Eaters' who went to hunt down the American fleet, we..."

It's safe for now.

? !
Ah this
Yi Zhi Yi Hua was surprised.
I never expected it to turn around in such a short time.

"In fact, news has already come from the Inari Shrine."

"If a powerful demon slaughters civilians, Lord Hakuzo will not stand idly by."

According to Lord 'White Lord', it has already warned Blood Hakama from afar that this battle should come to an end soon.

"Once the others are rescued, the Self-Defense Forces will halt their advance, and the battle situation will return to—"

The previous standoff scene.

"By the way, Yihua, come here for a second."

A helicopter flew in from the sky, clearly there to pick up Iori Ichika and Teng Shengzi.

"I've run into a problem and need your fighting power."

?

No,
My mother just escaped from the battlefield.
-----

Iori Kazuka, looking utterly displeased, boarded the helicopter.
Upon arriving at the other side of the battle line, she immediately understood why Director Zhuya had summoned her.

Because the person surrounded by several extraordinary special police officers was none other than Yagyu Isao!
Covered in blood and with tattered clothes.

However, the young samurai's eyes and demeanor were completely different from before.

Facing the special police and a large number of Self-Defense Force personnel with their long guns and short cannons, he stood there without fear, with two samurai swords tucked into his waistband.

As the helicopter approached, Iori Kazuka jumped down.

"coming,"

Director Zhu Ya, who was being protected by the special police in the center, glanced back at her capable assistant.

Now you know why I called you over, right?

"Know,"

Annoyed, Iori Kazuka pushed aside the Self-Defense Forces and Special Police officers in front of her and walked into the encirclement.

"Yagyu Yuuo?"

"Or should I call you 'Onoda'?"

"I am Yagyu Onoda."

The young samurai's answer almost made Iori Kazuka roll her eyes.

"So, you're still Yagyu Isao?"

How do you prove it?

At this point, even Iori Kazuka herself found it absurd.

How to make someone prove that they are themselves.
"Where's Onoda?"

"And what about your father, 'Yagyu Harashige'?"

So she changed the question.
"Both of my elders have attained Buddhahood, and I will carry on their legacy."

???

Okay, I think I understand.

Iori Kazuka glanced at the two swords at Yagyu Isao's waist—no, they should be called 'Yagyu Onoda'—and had already guessed what had happened.

There is no doubt that Yagyuhara Shigeshige died long ago: according to intelligence gathered by the Metropolitan Police Department, after the 'Puppet Master Incident,' Yagyuhara Shigeshige went on a frenzied training spree on his son. Government psychological experts unanimously believe this is because the son did not receive the venting effect of the extraordinary drug.

However, it seems that Yagyu Harashige was already replaced by 'Onoda' at that time.

What happened next was that Onoda, under the identity of "Yagyu Hara Shige," infiltrated the government's superhuman team and leaked the details of the operation.

As for how Yagyu Isao defeated Onoda, who was possessing Yagyu Harashige, after everyone "went their separate ways," it can be summarized as follows:
Onoda accepted him and entrusted him with her wish to 'drive away the beautiful beast'.

This is normal,

The practice of having stepsons is very prevalent in island nations.
If one has difficulty conceiving, or if one has a good-for-nothing son.

Choosing an outstanding stepson to inherit one's career and beliefs is quite common.

Simply put, many people in island nations value the continuation of 'will' rather than the inheritance of bloodlines: after all, unfilial descendants can be infuriating in many situations.

The key issue right now is:
"What a hassle,"

Iori Ichika scratched her hair in annoyance.
We've just been withdrawn from the battlefield, and now we have to deal with this kind of thing?

The simplest way is to have a fight. With her strength, she can definitely force 'Onoda' to reveal his true level.

But she didn't want to fight at all right now. Besides, she didn't know the other party's 'possession' mechanism. If she fully accepted the other party's experience, like Yagyu Harashige's swordsmanship, then playing the role of 'Yagyu Yusuo' flawlessly wouldn't be a problem.

Or just ignore it and kill the other person directly.
This is the behavior of a reckless person.

"Director, should we call and ask about Yu-Jun?"

Seeing that even her capable assistants were undecided, Director Zhu Ya nodded and took out her phone.

"I'm so sorry to have disturbed You-kun's class."

"Here's the thing."

"Yes, does Mr. Yu have a way to distinguish them?"

While Director Takeya was on the phone, surrounded by a barrage of cameras and microphones, Yagyu Isao, who had changed his name to 'Yagyu Onoda', waited quietly.

He wanted to fulfill the last wishes of his two 'fathers': first, to revitalize the Yagyu family; second, to expel the American beasts!
With the government's cooperation, these two points will be much easier to achieve.

That's also why he's standing here.

"Thank you,"

After hanging up the phone, Director Takeya, who was being protected by armed men, looked at Onoda Yagyu.

“Mr. Yagyu, you need to go to the Inari Shrine in Tokyo.”

"As long as you can prove that you are not possessed, the government will not hold you accountable."

"Can,"

The young samurai was quite satisfied with the result.

At least it didn't escalate to the point of swords and guns, resulting in a bloody battle: if that were the case, fulfilling the last wishes of the two 'fathers' would be extremely difficult.

"Okay, then."

The voice coming through the headset startled Director Zhu Ya.

"what happened?"

Amidst Iori Kazuka's confusion, the Metropolitan Police Department Commissioner wore a bitter expression.

"Lady Tanimura, Hoshino, has died in battle."

what? !

(End of this chapter)