I planted a sacred tree in Tokyo.

Chapter 23, Section 23: A great scholar will explain the classics to me.
University Hospital

"Minister Teng Shengzi".

"That's me. Is there something you need?"

The mature policewoman sitting on the bench outside the operating room looked up blankly at the government staff member in the black suit in front of her.

“I am a member of the ‘Public Security’.”

The other party took out his identification and first identified himself.

"Regarding the previous 'case,' I need to get some detailed information from you. Please come with me."

The Public Security Bureau in island nations, while subordinate to the Metropolitan Police Department's Security Bureau, differs in nature from ordinary police officers. They primarily handle cases that threaten the national system, such as cults, espionage, and terrorist attacks. Their law enforcement powers are extensive, including the power of arrest and forced searches.

"Yes, but Mai's surgery is another matter."

"Please rest assured, we will notify you as soon as there is any progress in Kawai Mai's surgery."

Since the other party had said so, Teng Shengzi mustered his spirits and followed the police officer out of the hospital.

Her young junior colleague, 'inspector' Mai Kawai, was hit in the head by flying debris and is currently undergoing surgery.

Once inside the police car, driving through the sparsely populated streets after traffic control measures were implemented, Teng Shengzi remained dazed, partly due to his colleague's serious injury and unconsciousness, and partly because:

monster!
Or use your superior, Inspector Otaki.

Description of words spoken unintentionally:

Extraordinary creatures!

These things from movies and anime actually exist?

Don't be fooled by the fact that tokusatsu dramas and monster anime are products of Japan; encountering such 'unscientific' things in real life can still be very challenging to one's worldview.

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.

"coming?"

He was taken to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department headquarters by members of the Public Security Bureau.

After a series of complicated checks, Teng Shengzi arrived at a conference room in the building.

Upon seeing the man waving at her, the mature policewoman instinctively straightened her back, raised her head, and stood at attention to salute.

"Director Zhu Ya!"

"Don't be shy, come over here."

As the superior of her superior's superior, this middle-aged man who commanded nearly 50,000 police officers did not have any 'domineering aura'. Instead, he casually gestured for Teng Shengzi to come forward.

"Let me explain in detail what happened today."

"Yes!"

As Teng Shengzi recalled the events of the day in his mind, he clearly described what had happened.

At the same time, his gaze swept over the director's back:

A female biker gang leader wearing a leather jacket, arms crossed.

There were also several elderly people dressed as priests, wearing white eboshi hats and white hunting robes, holding wooden tablets; and an old monk wearing a robe with a dignified appearance, holding prayer beads.

This scene further convinced Teng Shengzi.

The authorities really knew about monsters—no, they knew about extraordinary beings!
In addition to Teng Shengzi's description, there was also the 'law enforcement recorder' on her body, which continuously played the scene on a large projector next to her.

"What do the masters think?"

After Teng Shengzi finished speaking,

Director Zhu Ya turned around and asked the priests and monks behind her.

These people were all top figures in Tokyo's "folk culture circle," such as the chief priest of Meiji Shrine, the head priest of Yushima Tenmangu Shrine, or the abbot of Senso-ji Temple. Faced with questions from the Metropolitan Police Department Commissioner, they were all unfathomable and remained calm and composed.

However, in their hearts, these Shinto and Buddhist leaders were already cursing.

What do you think?
We'll stand here and watch!
To be honest, these people...
Not one of them believed in the existence of 'gods and Buddhas'.

In their understanding, the so-called gods and Buddhas should be more of a 'philosophical concept', 'method of cultivation', or 'attitude towards life', rather than a real existence.

In fact, this is the true 'scientific' concept of gods and Buddhas. The beings worshipped—whether emperors, famous ministers, or Buddhas and Bodhisattvas—are merely pioneers on the path of life. Those who cultivate themselves analyze their concepts to advise the world—in some ways, they are no different from the 'philosophers' in textbooks.

But today, their values ​​have shattered completely!
The police came to their door, asking them to come and discuss "national affairs" and offer guidance on the "extraordinary events."

If they hadn't been so skilled at cultivating their inner strength, these priests and abbots would have started cursing.

We've cultivated ourselves our whole lives, and we've never even seen a single ghost!
Now let's participate in some extraordinary event.
What era are we living in? Don't we care about science?

However, after arriving—

Are there really monsters?!

"In my opinion, this strange fish is actually an 'earthquake catfish'."

Seeing that everyone was silent, the head priest of Yushima Tenmangu Shrine spoke first, pointing to the black fish on the projector screen.

Yushima Tenmangu Shrine is located in Bunkyo Ward, near the University of Tokyo. It enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, a minister renowned for his scholarship throughout history. When the Yushima Hakubai plum blossoms bloom, many students hoping to pass their exams and flower viewers come to the shrine.

It is said that touching the bronze ox inside the palace will grant you a "literary aura"—that smooth and shiny bronze ox is the mark left by countless college students.

As a shrine dedicated to the 'god of learning,' this 'shrine master' is naturally also highly learned and knowledgeable.

According to ancient legend, the four kingdoms were supported by a giant catfish. When the catfish was unhappy, its tail would twitch, causing an earthquake.

"Before the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Tokyo in 1855, Shinozaki noticed a large number of catfish, which were not usually seen, while fishing, thus predicting the earthquake; before the 8.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Tokyo in 1923, there was also an unusual migration of large numbers of catfish."

By citing classical texts and combining ancient and modern examples, the deity became increasingly certain of his point of view.

"Please look, everyone. This fish demon is an extraordinary creature with a flat mouth, wide mouth, long whiskers, and round fins. It is exactly the shape of a catfish."

"I see,"

Upon hearing this, Director Zhu Ya seemed to be deep in thought.

The legend that catfish can predict earthquakes is quite popular in island nations. Combined with the abilities exhibited by this extraordinary creature, it also aligns with the assessment of the 'head priest' of Yushima Tenmangu Shrine.

“Amitabha Buddha, in my humble opinion, this flaming skull is the work of the ‘Karmic Fire’.”

After the abbot of Senso-ji Temple chanted Buddhist prayers, he also joined the discussion.

"The ghost fire is the fire that is formed from the flames of those who stole lamp oil from the temple in their previous life and were punished by the Buddha after death."

"According to the on-site investigation, this demon was born from a 'natural gas' leak, which is in line with the nature of the primordial fire."

According to ancient folk tales and legends, Yeyuan Fire was born from stealing lamp oil.

Now, it has become a demon that absorbs 'natural gas'.
Is this reasonable? Of course, in the river!
The experts chimed in with their comments, prompting Director Zhu Ya to nod slightly.

As expected of an expert, they've got some skills. So:
"Do any of you have a method to subdue this enemy?"

Ah this
Upon hearing this question, the priests and high monks all fell silent.

If they truly possessed extraordinary powers, how could they obediently come to the Metropolitan Police Department just because they were summoned?

Ultimately, they are just 'ordinary people'. Although they can make friends with a few influential 'believers' on a regular basis, when it comes to showing their true skills, they inevitably end up in a predicament.

"I misspoke,"

Just by looking at the expressions on these 'experts' faces, Director Zhu Ya knew they didn't possess any extraordinary abilities.

"Mr. Zhuya,"

Seeing that everyone was speechless, the priest of Meiji Shrine slowly spoke.

"In this 'Arakawa Ward Machiya Incident,' besides the 'Earthquake Catfish' and 'Karahara Fire' that caused the damage, this—" The old priest raised his hand and pointed to the figure surrounded by water on the screen.

"But you're from the Metropolitan Police Department?"

"no,"

Director Zhuya shook his head. If the Metropolitan Police Department truly possessed extraordinary power, why would he need to gather these 'experts' and place his hopes on those among them who possessed 'real skills'?

"Then why not try recruiting this 'Rain Woman'?"

The old priest then offered his own idea.

"Holding an umbrella and controlling the flow of water, that is the 'Rain Woman'."

“Unlike the Earthquake Catfish and the Karma Fire, the ‘Rain Woman’ can be communicated with: the policewoman’s command made the other party pause slightly.”

Of course, the other party ignored the threat of firearms and left directly; but this already shows that there was indeed a possibility of communication between them.

Furthermore, the other party did not kill anyone on the spot, whether it was because the 'Rain Woman' does not kill women, or for other reasons.
That's enough for the Metropolitan Police Department to try making contact.

"I'd like to, but..."

"Do any of you have methods for locating or tracking?"

Faced with this question, the 'masters' naturally continued to shake their heads.

You have so many cameras in the Metropolitan Police Department, yet you come to ask us. Isn't that just making things difficult for us?
"That's the most troublesome part,"

Director Zhu Ya spread her hands, looking quite helpless.

“Every time the other party appeared, it was accompanied by thick fog, making it difficult for the police to track their whereabouts.”

Actually, the police do have a 'supernatural being' in their possession: the Shiba Inu left behind by Tanimura Watari.

They were well-fed and cared for every day, and under the trainer's guidance, they underwent various high-intensity training exercises.

Strength, speed, and reaction time are all steadily improving, as if there is no such thing as a 'bottleneck'.

This completely overturned the common sense of biologists, prompting Nobel laureates to study day and night, trying to find the source of the other party's 'demonic power'.

"Then please forgive our incompetence."

After the exchange with the 'experts' came to an end, Director Zhu Ya turned to look at the mature policewoman Teng Shengzi.

"Chief Inspector Teng, given the special nature of this incident and your contributions, the Metropolitan Police Department has decided to promote you to Assistant Inspector and add you to the newly established 'Special Operations Team 4.' Do you have any objections?"

"No, Director!"

Teng Shengzi, who had been relegated to the background, bowed and accepted the order.

In fact, she knew very well that she had no right to refuse!
What she heard and saw in that office was far beyond her common sense. Even a fool would know that if she refused, imprisonment would be the only thing waiting for her.

"Director, if I join, will I have access to extraordinary powers?"

Facing this subordinate who had just been promoted and was already impatient, Director Zhu Ya pushed up her glasses, the non-prescription lenses reflecting a white light.

"Will do."

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.

Nakano District,
"Is this Nagisa's house?"

Stepping out of the black luxury car, class president Nao raised her hand to cover her mouth, but her surprised tone was unmistakable.

Before me stands a classic Japanese-style manor: wooden walls, brimming with historical atmosphere, extend dozens of meters to the left and right, and a plaque bearing the inscription "Zhuyuan" in bold, flamboyant calligraphy hangs above the main gate, bearing the marks of time.
The presence of such a classical manor in the 'countryside' is somewhat understandable.

But this is Tokyo!

Putting aside the interior of this antique manor, its sheer size is enough to terrify anyone.

If it were leveled, I wonder how many skyscrapers could be built? If those living in 'capsule apartments' saw this, it would truly be a case of: their toilets are bigger than their entire homes!

"Are you a friend of Ichiyo?"

A gentle voice sounded, and a dignified-looking woman walked out from the side door.

Judging by her appearance alone, this woman gives the first impression of being in her early twenties; however, her gentle and mature demeanor makes her seem to be in her thirties; in reality, she is a middle-aged woman in her forties.

"Welcome to my humble abode."

When dealing with Yingying, her bow was elegant and serene.

“This is my mother,”

As Nagisa Ichiyo raised her hand to introduce him, Akihi Yu and the others returned the greeting.

"Hello, Auntie," X4
"You're welcome. Come in."

Lady Nagisa smiled and invited everyone inside, but Akihi Yu noticed that Tamamo Ei avoided her gaze and dared not meet her eyes.

"This is Yiye's room. Don't worry too much, just treat it as your own home."

After passing through the flower-filled courtyard, Mrs. Nagisa led everyone to the 'One Piece' building.

"Yiye, please treat your classmates well."

"I won't bother you any longer."

After saying this, the woman, who showed no signs of aging, turned and left.

"Nagisa's mother is so gentle."

Pushing up her glasses, a hint of envy flashed in Nao's eyes.

"Ok?"

"Aren't all mothers like this?"

Everyone else present was speechless at the young lady's 'naive' question.

not at all!
Class representative Nao's parents have been in a cold war for over ten years.

The two members of the Qiu family, who have been busy with work for years, recently took some time to travel, and as a result...
As for Tenjou Ei, who lives alone at the shrine, Akihi Yu noticed her gaze as she secretly observed Nagisa-sama leaving, her eyes filled with envy.

"Everyone, please come in."

Opening the wooden door revealed a spacious room filled with musical instruments and various types of violins hanging on the walls.

"This is where I practice my violin. Is it a bit cramped?"

"No no no,"

Facing a young lady who lacked common sense, Akihi Yu waved her hand.

"This is already bigger than the area of ​​our house."

"Isn't this the bedroom?"

"Oh, the sleeping area is behind the study."

Hearing the young lady's matter-of-fact answer, even class president Nao couldn't help but push up her glasses again.

The difference between people is truly greater than the difference between people and dogs! This made Iai Nao, who was always an excellent student, sigh inwardly.

She has a clear understanding of herself; after graduation, passing the Category II civil service exam will be her success. A lifetime's salary might only buy an apartment, but if it's with You...
She glanced furtively at Qiu Riyou, only to be met with Qiu Riqiong's icy gaze.

Amidst the other party's cold snort, the class monitor awkwardly turned his face away.

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.

P.S.: It's a new week, please give me some recommendation votes!
(End of this chapter)