“Does this mean it was an ominous proclamation?”
Yuri then anxiously replied to the worried Liliana.
“Y-Yes. I’m afraid that the massive power force I saw in connection to this fruit was located somewhere in Tokyo Bay. Furthermore, this force exists in close proximity to the city area.”
Part 2
After Yuri described the scene she saw from her spirit vision, Kaoru winked discreetly.
The person who received this wink was none other than her trusty aide, Amakasu.
Even if his working attitude was extremely lackluster, it would still be unthinkable for anyone to doubt the special personnel’s abilities. He took out a cellphone from his wrinkled suit and began negotiating with someone. Shortly after, the conversation ended.
After thirty minutes had passed, Kusanagi Godou was sitting in isolation aboard a speedboat along Tokyo Bay.
Who knows what sort of connections he had tapped into. The role of the Official History Compilation Committee was to arrange a patrol boat from the Japanese Coast Guard for Kusanagi Godou to ride on.
“The ocean is still freezing at night…..”
“Indeed……”
Yuri chimed in during Godou’s muttering.
Under these circumstances, it was inevitable that his body would be exposed to the piercing ocean breeze on the deck of the boat. The howling wind mercilessly snatched his body temperature. Furthermore it was still evening, which meant even the benefit of the sun was gone in this dark period of time. This further sped up the decrease of temperature.
“Mariya, don’t you feel cold wearing that……? Oh yeah, there is a spare coat on the ship, you should probably borrow it. Just placing it over your body will be fine.”
Yuri was wearing her usual attire which consisted of white robe plus a hakama.
Wearing something as thin as this on dry land would still be chilly, but in this case they were on a boat. In fact, Yuri's glamorous eyebrows which were exposed to the ocean gust had already turned pale.
"No thanks. The clothing I wear can't be too thick, otherwise the sensing will become slower. Even like this, there is no need to worry about me."
Because of the freezing ocean winds during the night, a person's body would definitely feel chilled to the bone.
Even under these conditions, Yuri did not withdraw due to the cold nor did she blow warm air onto her hands to warm herself. Rather, she firmly straightened her body and sternly stood there.
"Was the sensing you mentioned before referring to your spirit vision?"
"It does include that as well as the psychic sensing. Right now the sensing power is being extended in all directions to probe for the god's aura. Because there needs to be a slight adjustment in its strength, the cold temperature actually makes it easier to accomplish."
Right now the only people on the deck of the patrol boat were Godou and Yuri. The hime-miko utilized an uncommon ability of hers. She was currently looking for the location that matched the scene from her recent spirit vision.
"Ah......so when it's cold it's somewhat easier to concentrate spiritually."
Godou utilized a sports mentality and nodded.
Morning exercises and martial arts activities during the winter time would lead to a rush of adrenaline and an elevated mental concentration. Perhaps those that loathe exercising were incapable of understanding the appeal of this.
"Actually, within the religious practices of the hime-miko, one must bear through winter's intense beatings."
"Very impressive. It has a miko-sama feeling to it."
"Yes, and with the other hime-mikos who were engaging in these religious practice, we learned on the spot together. Everyone showed restraint in spite of the adversity."
"Showing restraint in adversity?"
"In short, something cold can still get colder."
The hime-miko rarely joked like this. Godou wryly smiled and Yuri also revealed a smile that resembled a sakura wafting through the air. Normally this playful smile was never seen so it felt very refreshing.
"Then are you forcefully bracing yourself right now?"
"Honestly speaking, I am. My fingertips are so cold that they are practically numb."
Yuri's smile felt like it was done in distress as she raised her white fingers.
Even as she did this, her finger remained firm. Her gentle expression and manners were both peaceful as usual. The ability of this hime-miko to show restraint under these conditions had already been practiced to the point of perfection.
Although she said she didn’t feel anything, Godou was still concerned for her.
"Really......? Ha ha, looks like it. At least it would do you some good to warm up a little."
Godou muttered and unconsciously grabbed Yuri's hand.
It was as cold as ice. Only after he confirmed that her hand was colder than ice did Godou notice it. What am I doing? His and Yuri's line of sight connected.
Until just now, the hime-miko was always trying her best to show restraint under these rough conditions.
Her beautiful and composed facial expression in an instant turned completely red as she lowered her head.
The reason was certainly because Godou was holding her luxurious hand——.
“I-I’m sorry! I totally didn’t mean to act so recklessly!”
Godou immediately apologized. It was very unfathomable. He naturally extended his hand as if he felt he already held hands with Yuri many times before. This explains why he unconsciously stuck out his own hand casually for confirmation——.
Right now there should a scene where she would for sure say “what are you doing!?” in rage.
Anticipating the hime-miko to be rightfully angry, Godou was mentally prepared to willingly withstand her vehemence.
However, Yuri instead lowered her head in embarrassment and mumbled:
“I-I understand. My fingers have already warmed up a bit.”
Speaking of which, Godou was still holding Yuri’s hand.
To one’s surprise, he had carelessly forgotten about releasing her hand. But thanks to this, the temperature from Godou’s hand was able to be transferred to Yuri’s hand, which slightly added some heat.
Surely enough, the tips of the hand, foot and such were much more susceptible to the cold for women compared to men.
Godou, who had yet to release her ice cold hands, felt embarrassed and unwittingly said:
“I-It should be fine after warming up for a bit longer right......?”
"Y-Yes, you’re right. If it is too excessive then the sensing will become slower. Just for a bit longer really......one minute, no, even if it’s just thirty seconds then......"
In response to Yuri's reply, Godou rubbed her hand.
Thirty seconds, no, a minute had quickly passed. However, he still wanted to warm her up a little and slowly continued rubbing.
Afterwards, Yuri and Godou's line of sight matched up. The two of them instantly lowered their gaze.
Yuri still hasn't said 'that should be good enough' to signal him to stop. As a result, Godou never had the time to say 'it should be about time to separate our hands'.
“Something like this won’t affect your probing right?”
A calm voice interrupted them. Godou and Yuri released each other’s hand in panic and looked in the direction where the voice came from.
As it turns out, Liliana was currently walking in their direction with Erica right behind her.
“I brewed some coffee even though we were in a rush. I thought that Mariya Yuri would feel very cold in her mission to oversee the monitoring so I felt very bad about this.
“O-Oh, I see! But it’s nothing serious. Being slightly cold will allow the sensing to become very sharp!”
Yuri involuntarily used a brisk manner of speaking in reply to Liliana who was holding the thermos.
“Compared to this thermos, your body temperature seems to have increased greatly...... it’s the same for Kusanagi Godou.”
Lilia
na commented using a ridiculing tone while staring at the blushing red-eared Yuri and Godou.
Both of them had no way to retort what she said. They could only lower their heads and look down enduring the embarrassment.
“Well, isn’t this the perfect time to take a break? Yuri, please take a break. Letting someone with irreplaceable talent such as you have a rest is also included within my duties.”
Erica seemed to find this amusing as she interrupted them.
Furthermore, she gracefully chuckled while saying to her old friend and competitor:
“Even though I clearly understand Lily’s resentment, you shouldn’t be too hard on Yuri. Delving into a woman’s jealous state of mind doesn’t suit you at all.”
“J-Jealousy!?”
Erica’s statement left Liliana staring tongue tied.
“Yes. Actually, I recently heard an uncanny rumor regarding you. Yet you think it’s some crazy fabricated statement. However, after you see it for yourself you will understand that this rumor lived up to its word.”
“W-What kind of rumor did you hear Erica?”
Godou inquired because he felt a troubling premonition.
Hence, the girl who had the alias of Diavolo Rosso raised her head of golden hair which gave an impression of royalty and her pupils flashed with a rebellious and judgmental intent towards the devil king.
“Of course I’m referring to the love triangle you three have!”
“What! ?” “Eh! ?” “Love triangle! ?”
Godou, Yuri, and Liliana were all speechless. Moreover, Erica was getting more and more enthusiastic as she spoke.
“Due to the inadequate relationship Kusanagi Godou and Liliana Kranjcar have, it appeared the two of them were recently going between each other’s houses frequently......In addition, news of Kusanagi Godou’s alternative lover was uncovered by Mariya Yuri. He even kneeled down for forgiveness.”
“I-Is it like this Kusanagi Godou! ?”
“So the rumors were true! ? Ugh, to think that I had been astutely deceived by you before......!”
Most of what Erica said was true, however she snuck in subtle facts that would lead to misunderstandings.
Yuri shivered at this revelation and gazed at Godou in shock.
As for Liliana, he was faced with a chiding look from her.
“With only the evidence from the situation, it seems that the referees’ views of you are quite unfavorable. However, there is something else I should add. It’s easy to believe that no matter what the circumstances were, Kusanagi Godou would never have this sort of ambition. Because Yuri and Liliana are both intelligent girls, you two mustn’t be fooled by men like him.”
Erica was nonchalantly judging Godou as she spoke.
“However I’m still very naive. Yuri and Liliana’s complexion completely turned into that of a woman. Looks like you used some brilliant method to deceive the two of them, right Kusanagi Godou?”
“This is a misunderstanding! I haven’t done anything to victimize them! You two agree right?”
“Y-Yes. At the very least I haven’t had this happen to me!”
“Exactly. At the very minimum he didn’t do anything that resembled a deceitful and spurious relationship to me!”
The dialogue of the two girls appeared to have some subtle implications in response to Godou’s question.
Plus, Yuri’s gaze still flickered between Godou and Liliana while Liliana utilized an investigative look at Godou and Yuri. Both of them carried a depressed expression on their face.
Godou admitted defeat. He never thought it would turn out like this.
Nevertheless, Erica’s arrival without a doubt strengthens the unity between the girls.
Surely enough, when this girl arrived on stage the entirety of the situation will be altered. Regardless if it was for better or worse, she always became someone that people revolved around. Imposing her creative thinking within a team, she would become the focal point.
While he was clarifying this point, Godou and the others each drank a cup of coffee to warm up their body.
After that, in order to once again raise her concentration, Yuri distanced herself from Godou and the others to be alone. She then closed her eyes. Expanding her psychic sensing, she was probably probing the sea within close proximity.
“How is Amakasu-san doing in chasing that spirit?”
“Well, he is only pursuing the prankster who covered Santa Clauses in grey. I don’t think anything out of the ordinary will happen......”
The red and blue knights were conversing while eyeing Yuri who was currently concentrating on her psychic sensing.
Before setting out, Liliana had used the familiar from before to probe the earth’s aura.
Even though the matter with the most priority was the gate to Yuri’s spirit vision, that other aspect could not be ignored either. Hence, Amakasu headed towards that location.
On the other side, Godou actually savored some sort of strange feeling and felt uneasy.
If it was during combat, his concentration would be raised to a high degree at will, transforming into his most optimal state. If a heretic god was nearby then a sense of elation along with a violent surge of power for battle would occur within his body and mind.
This was the body of a godslaying Campione.
Right now those feelings were totally nonexistent. Their destination was of course very treacherous.
Just when Godou was pondering over this dilemma, Yuri finally opened her eyes and returned.
There was actually nothing necessary to add regarding the struggle that will happen afterwards. Because an intense battle did not come to fruition, this subject was simply dropped.
Yuri’s psychic sensing detected something on the waters of the Kasai seacoast.
It was a large emblem made out of stone. A stone sculpture that seemed to be carved out of a material like marble. The shape of a bird spreading open its wings was visible.
What was bizarre about the sight was for a bird emblem to actually emerge from the surface of the sea.
Moreover, it seemed like it was rooted there. Even though it was exposed to the intense ocean waves it remained motionless. It was solidly entrenched to the earth and fastened.
“......”
Liliana, who was looking at the emblem residing on the ocean surface from the edge of the patrol boat, displayed an incomprehensible expression.
Her hand was holding onto the familiar——a doll that had the shape of a pig.
“What’s wrong?”
“This child couldn’t sense the aura of the earth. Even though the power from the fruits of the trees was connected to Saturnus, I still think that it must be related to the omens of earth’s bountiful harvests.....”
Considering the various circumstances to this situation, thinking in this way was only natural.
Godou could not help but look at Yuri. With her more efficacious spirit vision powers compared to Liliana, she should be capable of discovering something. Godou figured it would be like this. Consequently, the hime-miko had an apologetic expression and said:
“I’m very sorry. Even I can’t see what kind of power is hidden. All I see is some sort of grey mist surrounding that emblem.”
“Did you say mist?”
“Yes. To put it simply, it appears someone is hiding its true form.”
After Yuri quietly finished speaking, she once again gazed towards that emblem.
“Right now that emblem is emitting a power that corresponds to a god of earth. Just then sprouts were germinating. Godou-san, if we get any closer we might provoke it.”
“Is this the divinity of the land that was born from the unidentified omens......?”
“It looks like using ordinary methods will not work on this opponent!”
Liliana muttered while Erica on the other hand blatantly cut her off.
The knights’ lines of sight were also fixated on the emblem on the surface of the ocean. Meanwhile, Godou also noticed the enorm
ous amount of magical power being emitted in front of him.
As expected, this was the rejection between godslayers and godly possessions.
The nerves will always tense up when there is a burst of increasing divine energy.
A parasitic plant with a trunk, branches and dense flourishing foliage resembling that of an evergreen tree, was growing vigorously nonstop!
At first it was a small shrub. Then it turned into an enormous tree right before their eyes. The tree even appeared to be hundreds of years in age.
Finally, within a very brief period, a parasitic-like tree emerged at the center of Tokyo Bay. The height had to be above thirty meters. The tree’s constitution was also proportional in magnificence to its height.
In terms of age, it certainly had the immense structure of a tree that was over one-thousand years old.
His Campione instincts told him that it was not a heretic god. However, he realized this existence was related to heretic gods since there was definitely divine power lodged within the tree.
“Since this lesser god, a divine beast, had an organic form, this thing is probably a divine plant or a divine tree.”
Erica spoke admirably.
On the other side, the divine plant that suddenly sprouted rustled as its branches swayed. It began to emit a solemn incantation from its entire body.
It was simply in a frenzy, on the verge of confrontation.
“What a bastard, this tree actually wants to fight me!”
The vindictive aura and desire to battle emitted by the divine tree was definitely towards him, hence it came after Godou.
Using his Campione battling intuition, he personally felt this was the case. Even though it had the form of a tree, it was still an existence related to gods. It appeared to show hostility towards the godslayer, but......
Just a moment ago, Erica compared it to a divine beast. In short, its strength should be quite unsubstantial.
If it were to face a Campione, it would clearly be considered a weak opponent——.
“Godou-san!” “Kusanagi Godou, over there!”
At this moment, the hime-miko and witch coincidentally warned him at the same time.
Did they acquire a spirit vision? They were pointing above a certain thick tree branch on the divine tree in front of them. Quietly standing straight at that place was the Grey One——!
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