I planted a sacred tree in Tokyo.

Chapter 188 Evil Spirits Become the Norm
"People,"

"As the rifts to the underworld are sealed one after another,"

"The peak of this 'Dragon-level' extraordinary disaster has passed."

Throughout the entire island nation, except for peripheral areas like Okinawa and Hokkaido, the sound of radio broadcasts echoed in almost every city, town, and village.

Thanks to 'rich' experience with natural disasters and the availability of mobile phones, information broadcast can reach everyone's ears instantly.

In shelters like primary schools, gymnasiums, and parks, large numbers of ordinary people gathered while listening to the radio and scrolling through their phones: according to government propaganda, the dragon-level supernatural disaster known as the "Yellow Spring Rift" had come to an end, but the super-large "dog-level" supernatural disaster known as the "Evil Spirit Parade" still threatened the lives of ordinary people.

Although the Yellow Springs Rift has been sealed, the large number of evil spirits that poured out have already spread in all directions.

The quantity is countless!
In addition, its ability to ignore buildings and terrain means that once it burrows into the earth or deep mountains, not to mention ordinary people, even ordinary superhumans can only stare helplessly.

"The government reminds the public not to be alone or out of sight of others for more than ten minutes."

"If you spot an evil spirit, shout for help immediately."

"Don't run away, confront them bravely."

"If you hear cries for help, please make sure there are at least three people traveling together before heading to the rescue."

The broadcasts continued, and people began to emerge from the shelters, dispersing in twos and threes by family or address: most of them wore expressions of bewilderment and helplessness.

Although island nations are long accustomed to various 'natural disasters,' the addition of a long-term supernatural calamity—'evil spirits roaming'—is still difficult for them to adapt to, and:

"How can it be repaired?"

A young man stood blankly at the entrance of the stadium, where the crowd was gradually dispersing.

He's socially awkward, his parents live in his hometown, and he's used to being alone, but now—

Being alone is tantamount to suicide!
Soon, only a large group of young men and women remained in the stadium, staring at each other blankly.

When socially anxious people meet, their toes seem to be digging into villas.

"cough,"

Is anyone living in xxx apartment?

A thin young man wearing glasses spoke first, breaking the awkward atmosphere.

"I"

Someone timidly raised their hand.
"Me too"

"I also live in XXX apartment."

As several people spoke up, the thin-eyed man coughed again and spoke with a shifty gaze.

"Since we all live together, we should visit each other more often and look out for one another."

"Go back together?"

As more leaders spoke up, the remaining people gradually formed small groups. Under the threat of the 'evil spirit,' the 'youth social interaction' problem that had been a headache for the island nation's government was resolved—congratulations!
No wonder!
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.

Osaka,

Gojo City,
In the conference room of the military base.

"Gentlemen, this matter is far from over."

Yu glanced at the three people in front of him with a serious expression: Director Zhuya, Kafka Lujiang, and Monk Zhixiong.

They represent the island nation's government, Self-Defense Forces, and Buddhism, respectively. Together with Yu himself, the "Onmyoji," it's equivalent to an extraordinary closed-door meeting of the island nation's top leadership.

The content of the discussion was the information that Yu obtained after communicating with the ghost messenger Bai of the Underworld through the Yellow Springs Rift.

"As I just said, the mastermind behind the 'Rift of the Underworld' disaster is none other than—"

"Yama no Orochi!"

Upon hearing You's words, the three people present fell silent.

That's the Yamata no Orochi!
Even Susanoo, the most warlike god of the island nation, needed to use a scheme to slay this great demon. It was on a completely different level from ordinary extraordinary beings. If we had to categorize it, it should be classified as a 'god,' which is the S-level!

Whether Inari Goddess Miketsu can defeat Yamata no Orochi remains a huge question mark.

Of course, no one would say such a thing out loud.

"What is the purpose of the other party releasing the evil spirits of the underworld?"

Director Zhu Ya pushed up his glasses. No matter how dire the situation became, as the head of the 'Extraordinary Countermeasures Department,' he could only try to find ways to resist.

"To create panic, fear, and death."

Yu's 'serious' explanation

"As everyone knows, the eight heads of the Yamata no Orochi represent eight concepts: soul, demon, evil, monster, monster, slaughter, spirit, and death."

Regardless of whether the legends are true or not, the fact that Orochi has already caused such a supernatural disaster as the 'Rift to the Underworld' proves that it truly exists; at the same time, it is only natural that it possesses these conceptual authorities.

"His power increases whenever someone feels fear toward Him."

As a naturally born great demon, Yamata no Orochi originally looked down on the meager 'power' of humans: even if He wanted to have a feast, He would only eat the offspring of gods.

"But things are different now. After all, the Yamata no Orochi was killed by Susanoo thousands of years ago."

"He must possess sufficient power if he wants to return from the underworld."

At this point, the other three understood.

"Use countless evil spirits to create panic, slaughter, and gather power to break free from the grip of the Underworld!"

At this point, Kafka's brow furrowed.

This is the real demon!
All living beings in the world, hundreds of millions of people, are merely pawns in His hands.

"Amitabha,"

After Master Zhixiong softly chanted the Buddha's name, he inquired...

"Does Benefactor You mean that this Yamata no Orochi will continue to exist in the future?"

"That's right,"

"He will continue to create new rifts in the underworld!"

Yu answered with certainty, which was a very normal deduction: Although they were stopped this time, what impact would it have on the 'Yamata no Orochi' in the underworld?

No!

He can continue to create more fissures and release more evil spirits, until—

"Accumulate enough power,"

"Breaking free from the shackles of the underworld, reappearing in the human world."

The other three, though unwilling to admit it, understood that Yu's deduction was true.

"Therefore, this information is sufficient for the three of you to know."

Yu gave instructions to the three people present.

"If the public finds out, it will only allow the Yamata no Orochi to gain power more quickly."

Any terror, hatred, or death directed at Yamata no Orochi.
All of this will only strengthen His power!
"Could it be that we humans..."

"Are we just supposed to sit here and wait to die?"

Director Zhuya rubbed her temples. The Nine-Tailed Fox and Orochi, these terrifying demons, were wreaking havoc in the island nation with impunity. Yet, they were powerless to stop them: the legendary Great Onmyoji was not only nowhere to be found, but was also very likely involved.

As for the gods
"Now I understand what Lord Inari once said."

Director Zhu Ya sighed. When she first met Inari, the deity had said, "The gods will only intervene when half of humanity is dead."

Director Zhuya was once curious about what kind of disaster could cause more than half of humanity to die: after all, at that time, the 'supernatural' beings that appeared in the island nation were few and far between, and none of them dared to appear in public.

Now I understand.
The gods already knew of Tamamo-no-Mae's and Orochi's scheme.
"Gods! Gods!"

Chewing on the word, the director, a pillar of the island nation's government, helplessly closed his eyes.

Perhaps in the eyes of the gods, waiting until more than half of the dead or wounded have died before taking action would both demonstrate their divine majesty and earn the gratitude of the remaining people.

"But I'm really unwilling to accept it."

That's fifty million people!
Kafka Lu Jiang and Zhi Xiong He Shang remained silent.

"cough,"

"There's no need for everyone to be so pessimistic."

Yu coughed lightly to encourage the three. "Kafka Lu Jiang can use the power of the great demon 'Ibaraki,' and Master Zhi Xiong has the 'Buddhist' lineage. Both are experts capable of guarding a region."

"And Director Zhuya, if the 'radiation curse' on you is used properly, it could be a fighting force."

The so-called 'radiation curse' is, of course, a hoax.

But the radiation chakra is real.

This ability comes from the 'Star Village' in the Land of Bears.

The village leader is known as 'Star Shadow,' but that's just a title; the five great nations will not recognize it.

Even a demigod-level powerhouse like Hanzo of the Salamander didn't have the title of "Kage." The reason why the Star Village could call itself the "Star Kage" was partly because of their favorable geographical location on a peninsula, where no powerful nation coveted them.

On the other hand, it is related to their ninjutsu.

Two hundred years ago, a meteorite fell in the Land of Bears and was picked up by the First Hokage, who then named the village "Hoshigakure" (Star Village).

This meteorite emits powerful radiation, and the people of Xingnin Village have used this radiation to cultivate a unique 'Peacock Technique,' which allows them to transform chakra into various shapes for attacks and even to fly.

Meteorite training has adverse side effects on the human body; however, it also makes the practitioner's chakra radioactive.

Major powers believe that fighting them would be too costly: it's like 'a mop covered in poop'—not that they can't beat them, but that it's disgusting.

This small village survived thanks to this disgusting ninjutsu.

Yu bestowed the "Peacock Technique" upon the island nation's extraordinary special police force in the form of "Radiation Evil Spirits" for the following reason:
"Since it's a radiation curse, there are two ways I can think of to become stronger."

First, naturally, we must guard the rifts of the underworld in Hiroshima and Nagasaki and eliminate the 'radiation evil spirits' that emerge from them.

Secondly, it is:
"Training using a nuclear reactor!"

???

Amidst the three people's "you're kidding me" expressions, they chatted amiably.

"It wouldn't hurt to give it a try,"

"The training of spiritual power is inherently affected by the environment,"

"If you can absorb nuclear radiation, that might be a way to quickly become stronger."

"Of course, absorbing nuclear radiation certainly comes with huge risks, and it depends on whether you are willing to cooperate in a scientific way."

As for the results and any side effects, there's no harm in giving it a try; it's not like you're just messing around with training.

Director Takeya agreed to Yu's suggestion without hesitation.

"The relevant facilities and personnel are already being prepared."

"For the island nation, for humanity—"

What's a hundred or so pounds of meat compared to this?
Furthermore:
Ever since they were afflicted by the 'radiation curse,' countless voices of anger and hatred have echoed repeatedly in their minds.

These sounds were like background noise, though not enough to affect their minds.

But even a fool would think that to eliminate these sounds—

The only option is to fight America!
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, Prime Minister's Official Residence.

Americans are rushing into this place.

"Sir, please stop!"

Armed guards stepped forward and stopped several American diplomats.

"Get out of the way, I want to see your prime minister!"

"His Excellency the Prime Minister is currently meeting with foreign envoys and is unable to spare the time. Please be patient."

Upon hearing the guard's reply,
Several American diplomats looked extremely grim.

When have they, the Americans, ever been turned away here on an island nation?
Rebellion! He's just a dog, how dare he—

Ga,

The door at the end of the corridor opened, and several Russians in military uniforms walked out, chatting and laughing with the island's foreign minister.

? !
This...this.
Although they had received vague rumors, seeing a Russian general appear on their "own" territory still made these American diplomats' eyes widen in fury, as if they were victims who had been bullied on the spot!

How dare you?

How dare these island monkeys?!

"Mr. Kamikawa, do you have guests today?"

The Russian leader, dressed in military uniform with medals plastered all over his chest, glanced at the American diplomat whose expression kept changing.

No, no~~

The man who had once groveled before America now smiled and explained to the Russian general beside him.

"Perhaps it's some kind of civil dispute? I'm not sure."

? ? ? ?
In a flash,

Blood rushed into the American diplomat's head, causing him to black out.

Fuck, fuck, fuck!!!
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.

Yokota Military Base.

"Shet!"

With a violent sweep of his arm, everything on the desk was swept away:
Documents, pens, telephones, and beloved medals flew to the side and crashed all over the ground.

"Whoohoo~~"

Behind the desk, the white lieutenant general paced back and forth irritably.

It seems like I'm looking for something to vent, but I find that all I can do now is 'impotent rage'.

"Calm down, Lieutenant General."

Brigadier General Thomas picked up the phone from the ground with a calm expression.

"Wasn't this situation entirely within our expectations?"

This Class A supernatural disaster, known as the 'Rift of the Underworld,' swept across the island nation, but America remained on the sidelines: if the island nation were to perish, there would be nothing to consider; but if the island nation survived, it certainly wouldn't allow America to continue participating in supernatural affairs as it had in the past.

America occupies the longest and all of the coastal areas of Mount Koya's 'defense line'.

They acquire a large number of extraordinary potions every day, making a fortune—no, it's like having countless 'money printing machines' running simultaneously!
This is an extraordinary potion; a single bottle can push the limits of human potential! Although there's a risk of failure, and although it involves excruciating pain, all these costs are worthwhile in the face of transcendence!
It could even be said that people all over the world are flocking to it.

In the 1990s, America and a certain red alliance attempted to push the limits of human potential and conducted numerous 'superpower' experiments.

What about the telekinetic power of bending a spoon, what about time reversal that exceeds the speed of light?
Other countries, upon seeing this, thought, "Wow, both superpowers are developing superpowers."

There must be something special about it, let's all work together!

Now, true superhuman power is right before your eyes. Just swallow one vial of this potion, and you will no longer be an ordinary person.

How could other countries not be envious?
In other words, the island nation and America joined forces.

They blockaded all sea areas, otherwise the 'multinational coalition' would have landed long ago.

"Now, the island nation's government 'officially' invites Russia to join forces against the 'world of the dead' and fight for the living. We—"

Brigadier General Thomas put the phone back on his desk and calmly continued speaking.

"And what reason or ability do they have to stop it?"

"I"

The white lieutenant general's lips twitched a few times, but he couldn't utter a word.

beat?
how to spell!
The island nation possesses extraordinary strength, and even if its Self-Defense Forces are weak and incompetent, they are still a modern army; in a real war, America may not necessarily gain any advantage in a conventional conflict.

As for the all-out war that could overturn the table—isn't the island nation pulling in Russia precisely to prevent this situation?
Even if the Russian bear is weakened, it is still powerful enough to drag America into a quagmire.

Besides, do the gentlemen on Capitol Hill really have the resolve to fight to the death?
Obviously not, so all he can do is—

"Protest against the island nation's government"

Finally, a weak and frustrated sentence was squeezed out from between the white lieutenant general's teeth.

(End of this chapter)