Tokyo: Rabbit Police and Her Evil Partner

Chapter 426 Your Highness
"Are you sure?"

Fushimi Shika snapped out of his daze and began to suspect that Ono Ken had made it up. The latter replied that there was no point in lying about it; all it took was a little sun exposure to know the truth.

The fire that destroyed the Murin-an Temple naturally made the survivors want to know what had happened. Yazaki Momo told Ono Ken everything in detail, and Ono Ken, after filtering through the information, told Princess Kiko part of the truth.

As the experimental results on Cat Island showed, Nue tea has no research value. A single cup would not cause any adverse effects on the human body; otherwise, Prince Fumihito would have noticed something amiss long ago, and Ooue-seam wouldn't have been feeding his assistant medicine every day.

Fushimi Shika had nothing to say. He welcomed the two into the living room and asked what they wanted to see him about.

As the saying goes, "He who takes a bribe is bound to be grateful," and in a way, Ono Ken saved his life.

Just as Ono Ken and Yazaki Momo were about to speak, they heard a loud crash coming from Fushimi Shika's room and were immediately stunned.

“Don’t mind him,” Fushimi Shika waved his hand and casually made up a story, “A-Jun is making a ruckus in the room.”

Momoya knew he owned a Border Collie named Jun, and smoothly steered the conversation to dogs, saying that she also wanted to have a puppy, but was worried about the hassle and lack of time to care for it...

As they were talking, Ah Jun, with a dog chew toy in his mouth, came out of Gentama's room, shaking his head and walking through the living room. In front of everyone, he turned on the TV and casually lay down next to the foot of Fushimi Shika's sofa.

When Fushimi Shika comes home, he usually lies on the sofa watching TV. Occasionally, when he's too lazy to get up and turn on the TV, and Minamoto no Tamako isn't home, he asks Jun to help him.

Over time, Ah-Jun developed a habit. Whenever Fushimi Shika lay down on the sofa and Minamoto no Tamako wasn't around, it would turn on the TV for her.

"How clever..."

Yazaki Momo's heart was overflowing with affection, and she reached out to rub the dog's head.

The next second, another loud crash came from Fushimi Shika's room, and it was unclear what Uesugi Shion was up to.

“We recently got another cat,” Fushimi Shika coughed lightly. “Don’t mind it, you two can continue.”

Upon hearing this, Yazaki Momo and Ono Ken exchanged a glance, sat up straight, and explained their purpose.

Before Princess Kiko approached Onoe Seki, this famous psychic had left behind several vague prophecies, all of which came true.

Besides her predictions about stock market fluctuations, she also left two predictions about Princess Kiko.

The first line is: "On the night the camellias wither, the tide flows against the current like a passing river, the chrysanthemum-patterned imperial seal."

This statement has already come true, referring to Wulin Temple.

The second line is: "A crane perches in the northern forest, carrying a new moon in its beak; when the snow melts on the seven-eyed stone, their double shadows become a prophecy."

The meaning of this statement is unclear, but Princess Kiko has been having recurring nightmares lately. In her dreams, she finds herself on the steps of the Shishinden Hall in the Kyoto Imperial Palace, with heavy snow falling outside, and the Nanbu and Mori clans locked in a fierce battle with swords drawn. She tries to escape the battlefield, but is always caught and killed by the villains.

After listening quietly, Fushimi Shika asked, "So... you've come to me to interpret your dreams?"

Ono Ken shook her head, believing that the two prophecies were a trick by Onoe Seiji. The first prophecy was meant to frighten Princess Kiko, while the second prophecy probably had another purpose. Princess Kiko sensed the danger, which was why she was having nightmares every night.

Ono Ken couldn't bear to see his mistress tormented by nightmares every night, so he wanted Fushimi Shika to decipher the prophecy so that Princess Kiko could be at ease.

Fushimi Shika felt this was too far-fetched, and he couldn't help but ask, "Are you sure Princess Kiko hasn't drunk anything strange lately, like Nue tea or something..."

"I personally taste-test all the food and drink the mistress eats and drinks for poison beforehand," Ono Ken said confidently. "I've already cleaned up the Nue tea."

Fushimi Shika suddenly realized why Princess Kiko had sent him a can of Nue tea as a thank-you gift afterward; he had found it a bit strange at the time... so that's how she cleaned it up!

"Aren't both of these prophecies a bit far-fetched?"

He expressed his doubts: "For example, the first line, 'On the night the camellias wither, the tide flows like a river, the chrysanthemum-patterned seal,' what does that mean? Does it imply that the Murin-an Temple will catch fire? Did Onoue Seki foresee his own death before he made the prophecy?"

Ono explained that the chrysanthemum crest is Prince Fumihito's family crest, and the "Night When the Camellia Withers" needs no further explanation; those who know, know. The "Tide Reversed Like a Flowing River" could refer to Prince Fumihito's near-death experience, or it could refer to the Nue tea's ability to allow people to see the dead... Therefore, she felt that this prophecy had come true.

She also offered her interpretation of the second prophecy. For example, the "stone-seven-stage" refers to the top step of the Shishinden Hall in the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the Nanbu clan crest is the "heavenly crane crest," and the Mori clan crest is the "one-character three-star crest," also known as the "moon and star crest," which corresponds to the phrase "the crane perches in the northern forest, holding a new moon in its beak"...

As for the 'double shadow prophecy', she still hasn't figured out what it means.

After listening silently, Fushimi Shika asked, "Is Princess Kiko very concerned about these two prophecies?"

Ono Ken nodded. How could he not care about something that concerned his life and fortune? The first prophecy from Onoue Seito had already caused her family to be destroyed and she almost died at the Murin-an. Who knew whether the second prophecy would be a blessing or a curse?

Fushimi Shika already knew what was going on, and he continued to ask, "Do you often talk to her about this?"

Ono Ken continued to nod. It was her duty to help the mistress of the house; otherwise, she wouldn't have made a special trip to visit.

"As the saying goes, what you think about during the day, you dream about at night. Princess Kiko is just overthinking things, thinking about those two awful prophecies every day, no wonder she has this kind of dream."

After Fushimi Shika finished speaking, he took out Dr. Arima's business card from his pocket: "Here, I recommend you take her to see this psychiatrist... Just write down the phone number, I'll keep the business card for later."

Ono Ken felt that Fushimi Shika was just going through the motions, and that Onoue Sei must still have some unresolved plots. Otherwise, why would she make those two prophecies? As the saying goes, too much talk leads to mistakes. Wasn't she worried that the second prophecy might not come true, causing her to be disgraced?
Fushimi Shika waved his hand and said, "You're always so tense and overthink things. Princess Kiko is probably influenced by you too."

He paused, then continued, "Even if Onoue Seki was still plotting other schemes in the shadows, she's already dead. What's the point of pursuing it further? She couldn't possibly have been so cunning as to know what happened after she died, could she?"

Ono Ken was speechless.

Yazaki Momo diligently scribbled down this anecdote of prophecy. When Fushimi Shika rose to see the guest off, she also stopped writing and asked, "Isn't there any other possibility? For example, perhaps Onoue Seki really does have precognitive abilities, able to vaguely predict the future, but she herself doesn't know the specifics..."

"Ha ha!"

Fushimi Shika chuckled, as if Yazaki Momo had told a funny joke.

Yazaki Momo pouted. She just wanted Fushimi Shika to analyze the matter a bit more to make it more interesting—but Princess Kiko's few crazy dreams weren't worth reporting, especially with such a hasty ending that only provided a gimmick. Readers would be furious after reading it.

Momoyasaki accepted the business card, thanked Shika Fushimi, and promised to take Princess Kiko to see a psychologist.

If the psychiatrist cannot explain the origin of the nightmare, she will visit again and ask Fushimi Shika to find out the truth.

Fushimi Shika, having run out of patience, exchanged a few polite words and then shoved the two away.

He closed the door and immediately began to take off his clothes. First, he boldly threw off his shirt, then pulled down his pants and underwear to the floor, and rushed naked to the balcony, intending to sunbathe from every angle.

A wave of heat hit him, the sun was scorching. Fushimi Shika walked barefoot on the tiles, feeling his skin burning painfully, as if he were a squid on a hot plate being stir-fried on both sides.

It's so hot! It's unbearably hot!!

Fushimi Shika was sweating profusely, feeling that sunbathing was hotter than a sauna. He then realized something was wrong: there was a difference between his perceived temperature and the actual temperature... No wonder he hadn't wanted to go out lately; it was all because of the Nue tea!
This has really caused me a lot of trouble!

Ah-Jun wagged his tail and circled around Fushimi Deer. At first, he was very enthusiastic, but after a while, he felt hot and started panting with his tongue hanging out.

Seeing that its owner ignored it, it went back to Fushimi Shion's room to enjoy the air conditioning... Uesugi Shion doesn't know how to use a remote control, but it does.

Fushimi Shika's ears were ringing; he was getting tinnitus from the heat and might be getting heatstroke. He felt that this matter needed to be considered more carefully.

As the saying goes, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is detoxification. Let's stop here for today and continue tomorrow...

No!

You're supposed to be an S-class man with strong willpower, how can you be so weak?
Fushimi Shika thought about this for a while, then looked down and saw that the black claw marks on his skin had indeed faded a lot. The mold seemed to be twisting and howling, and he could even smell the sun... or more accurately, the smell of dead mites.

Fortunately, the Sugamo apartment building is a standalone building, and he lives on a high floor with no one across from him. People downstairs can't see his lower body; at most, they can see that he's shirtless. It's not a big deal, and besides, no one is going to suddenly look up at him while walking by.

After Fushimi Shika finished sunning his front and then his back, he turned around and saw Minamoto no Tamako standing dumbfounded in the living room, holding the clothes he had just taken off, staring blankly at him.

—When did this guy come in?

What is Fushimi-kun doing on the balcony?
The two looked at each other, both filled with huge questions.

Three seconds later, Gen Tamako screamed and covered her eyes with her small hands: "Ah!! Why aren't you wearing any clothes?!"

Fushimi Shika quickly pulled down a bath towel hanging on the balcony and wrapped it around himself. It wasn't that he was shy; it wouldn't hurt him to be looked at by Minamoto no Tamako a few times. He was just worried that Minamoto no Tamako would notice that the demon claw marks on his body were fading and thus realize that 'Fushimi-kun is not dead.'

However, Genji's gaze was not focused on Fushimi Shika's upper body just now.

"I'm sunbathing!"

Fushimi Shika casually lied, saying, "Why are you back so soon? Didn't you buy groceries today?"

"We don't have time to buy groceries. We'll just grab a quick bento box. We still need to go out and track down Uesugi Shion!"

After saying that, Genji spread two fingers and peered at Fushimi Shika through them. Seeing that he was completely wrapped up and had pulled the towel up to his collar, she breathed a sigh of relief, but also felt a little disappointed for some reason.

Fushimi Shika didn't want to go out. Firstly, because Uesugi Shion was in his bedroom; secondly, because he already knew how to get rid of the Nue poison; and thirdly, because it was too hot outside and his clothes wouldn't dry him evenly, so there was really no reason to go out.

But he couldn't tell Minamoto no Tamako any of these three reasons, so Fushimi Shika could only make up another excuse, saying that he wanted to stay at home and sunbathe, trying to get himself a tanned, muscular man.

"What time is it? You still have the mind to sunbathe?"

Minamoto no Tamako simply couldn't understand what Fushimi-kun was thinking. Was he really not afraid of death? Or was this guy just tired of living?

Fushimi Shika solemnly said, “This is one of my last wishes. I want to tan my skin to a brown color before I die... so that when I am buried, my face won’t be as pale as a dead person, and I will look like I’m asleep.”

As he spoke, he looked up at the sky and sighed, seemingly trying hard not to shed tears: "I just don't want you to be too sad then."

"..."

Upon hearing this, Genji's heart softened completely.

She was both saddened and moved, and offered Fushimi a few words of comfort, encouraging him that he might not die yet! As long as he tried his best, he might still have a chance to survive!
Fushimi Shika picked up his clothes and casually said, "Then you go ahead. I'm in a bad mood and just want to stay home today."

Yuan Yuzi could understand; anyone would be upset in this situation.

She patted Fushimi Shika on the shoulder and earnestly promised, "Don't worry! I will definitely find a way to save you! I absolutely, absolutely won't let you die!"

"Go for it!" Fushimi Shika clenched his fist. "That sounds pretty promising!"

A strong sense of mission welled up in Yuan Yuzi's heart. Now she needed to save her boyfriend through her own efforts, just like the prince in the fairy tale who risked his life to save the princess. Now she was the prince, and even if she had to fight the evil dragon, she would save her lover!

With this in mind, Genji Yuko didn't bother with pleasantries and hurriedly prepared to leave.

As she passed the coffee table, she noticed a note on it, picked it up, and turned it over. There, she saw a line of delicate handwriting:
"I went out with friends, won't be eating at home, and will be back before curfew."

—Hiraka Sakura
Yuan Yuzi was taken aback. Lately, Ping Yingzi had been going out with her friends quite frequently. She didn't have time to investigate further, so she paged Ping Yingzi to make sure she was safe, and then hurriedly went to the entrance to change her shoes.

--boom!

Another loud bang came from Fushimi Shika's bedroom.

Gen Tamako paused, turned around, and leaned out of the entryway. Seeing Fushimi Shika still sitting on the sofa, she asked, "What was that sound?"

"I don't know," Fushimi Shika feigned ignorance. "I guess it's Jun causing trouble."

Yuan Yuzi frowned, sensing something was wrong. She took off her leather shoes and put on slippers instead: "How could that be? Ah Jun is more obedient than you, he has never caused any trouble!"

As she spoke, she realized something, grabbed a shoehorn, and asked Fushimi Shika, "After you came back...did you go into your room?"

"No, I went to the balcony to sunbathe as soon as I got home, and I didn't notice you opening the door at all." Fushimi Shika was a master of playing dumb.

"That wicked woman probably sneaked in again!"

After finishing her sentence, Minamoto no Tamako threw away her shoehorn and quickly switched to another weapon, which was the slipper on her foot. Holding two weapons in her left and right hands, she cautiously approached Fushimi Shika's room barefoot.

While she was facing away, Fushimi Shika got dressed and stood aside to watch the show, taking the opportunity to prepare himself for his surprise later.

Genji pressed his ear to the door and heard footsteps inside. He immediately pushed the door open and shouted:
"Hey! Slut!"

Before he could finish speaking, the pillow, which had been propping up the bedside table, flew out and struck Yuan Yuzi squarely in the chest. The latter was sent flying backward and fell to the ground.

"Ugh!"

Gen Tamako fell flat on her back and cried out, "There's a trap!"

(End of this chapter)