Episode 6: The Beginning of Everything

-1 week later, Tsuchimikado mansion-

Harutora, Kunou and Hinata sat on the sideline as the three of them watch the two sparring matches that are currently happening in the dojo. One is Nogi Wakaba against their sensei, Masaomi. Ikutachi and Ame no Murakumo clashes as the two sword wielder exchange blows at high speed with incredible technique, though it is obvious that Wakaba is being pushed back by Masaomi while the former exorcist himself doesn't look winded.

To untrained eyes, the two of them appear to be evenly matched and extremely skilled. To those who knew better though, the difference in skill and experience shows as Wakaba is barely keeping up with Masaomi. Her speed and instinct are the only things allowing her to even match blades with their teacher, though Masaomi is also impressed that she could even do that much in such a young age.

Nogi Wakaba, while not as gifted in the mystic arts as her friends and would likely never reach their level in that field, is in turn one of the most gifted swordswoman in modern day Japan. It was like she was born to wield a sword with how natural she seems to be with it and Masaomi feels honored to be given the opportunity to cultivate such impressive talent.

Although, having watched such spars between Wakaba and Masaomi many times before, the three audiences on the sideline did not pay much attention to the two sword users. Instead, they watched the other two people sparring with their fists on the other half of the large dojo.

The two martial artists did not move as fast or traded blows as strong as Wakaba and Masaomi did. Not surprising as they are nowhere near supernatural level in strength or speed. But still, their match is impressive even if not on supernatural level as both of them prove to be evenly skilled and looked as if they had done it many times before, trading blows casually and knowing what each other would do.

Hyoudou Issei and Takashima Yuuna, seeing them spar is like watching a dance between two people as they move in some kind of harmony. Kunou had asked where the two of them learned how to fight since they handled themselves rather well during the oni attack.

Apparently Yuuna's father is a martial arts instructor and both Issei and Yuuna had been training together since they knew each other, of course training martial arts together was Yuuna's idea and she dragged Issei along while saying that 'the key to a healthy life is to have a healthy mind and body'. It really is something that Yuuna would say.

"Is this really okay? Takashima would be happier not knowing about anything."

Harutora said as she watch the two friends spar. Yuuna had decided to not have her memory erased and even said that she will help them in any way she can. Truthfully, there is nothing she can help with other than by joining the onmyouji force. But Harutora is of the opinion that such a path is not suited for Yuuna. The only reason why he even allowed her to choose is because he doesn't like forcing his decision on his friends.

"I don't know, Tora-kun. But…"

Hinata watch as Yuuna and Issei block each other's kick, smiles adorning their face as Issei followed up with a punch that Yuuna blocked and then countered with a judo flip which threw Issei to the floor and Yuuna placing him in a lock. The two look like they're having fun just being with each other.

"It will be a shame to separate them now, ufufu"

Hinata chuckled as Issei tap the floor three times to signify that he gave up. After their spar officially finished, Yuuna help Issei up.

Then suddenly the door to the dojo opened and someone came in.

"Good morning everyone! I see all of you are in high spirits today."

"Ehh, Utano-nee!"

Wakaba yelled in surprise, taking her eyes off her opponent, earning her a smack to the head with Ame no Murakumo's blunt side. Yes, the person who had just entered the dojo is Shiratori Utano, one of the Sandai Miko. Though she doesn't look like one of the three greatest Miko of Japan right now as she is dressed in a simple white shirt and black pants with a towel around her neck.

"Miko-sama, what is the purpose of this visit? Aren't you busy finding the holes in the daikekkai?"

Masaomi questioned.

"Don't worry, I have sent people to find those holes, if there is one in the first place."

Utano said. The incident from a week ago had made Utano very busy with her dispatching teams to find out how the oni could infiltrate the supposedly impenetrable barrier of Tokyo. Such a breach is a big problem that must be addressed immediately. Of course, there is also the matter about the masked scythe wielder too.

"Besides I have another purpose in coming here."

Utano then approach Issei and Yuuna, taking a good look at the two of them. The two doesn't know who she is but from the reverence their sensei gave her, she must be someone important and powerful, although she doesn't look like it at the moment.

"So this is the Sekiryuutei and his girlfriend huh?"

Utano said with a grin. Issei's face immediately turn red and he look away to avoid embarrassment while Yuuna is completely flustered.

"G-G-G-Girlfriend?! M-Me and Ise-kun are not-!"

"Ehehe, both of you are interesting kids."

She said, giving the two of them a pat on the head. Issei who doesn't know who Utano is and why she is here despite getting the hint that she's someone important whispered to Kunou who is now standing beside him.

"Who is she?"

"She is Shiratori Utano, one of the Sandai Miko and currently the strongest of them all."

"Sandai Miko?"

Issei inquired about the unfamiliar term. Sandai Miko which would roughly translate to 'Three Great Shrine Maidens' sounds like something big and if someone like his friends and sensei who he understood are people with reputation on the supernatural side would show respect to Utano, then she must be someone even more impressive.

"Sandai Miko is a title given to three of the strongest Miko in Japan who serves directly under the Shinto Trinity. Utano nee-san is currently the strongest of the Miko and she serves under Susanoo-sama."

That does sound impressive. She's some kind of big shot in Japan who serves directly under a Shinto Trinity. To think that Issei would meet someone so important so soon when he had just started delving into the supernatural world…

"Utano-nee, is there anything you need from us? It can't be that you came all the way here just to meet Hyoudou."

Wakaba questioned.

"Well, that is one of the reason but… I need your help."

"A masked scythe user was watching us when we fight?!"

Wakaba yelled out in surprise. This is the main reason that Utano came to visit the Tsuchimikado mansion; to talk about the masked scythe user. Utano didn't have the time to talk about it before so it took so long for her to mention it but now that she had mentioned it, everyone is on full alert, even Issei.

"Yes. I believe this is the person responsible for getting the oni into the kekkai. It would make sense if there is someone inside opening a path for them to get in."

That makes sense. But this is also worrying news to everyone in the Hero Club. Someone had managed to get inside the kekkai and opening up paths for their enemies to get in through. Furthermore, this person is undetectable when not using their power, making the task of finding them very difficult. This scythe user needs to be taken care of immediately.

"And that is why I need your help, Wakaba-chan, Harutora-kun, Hinata-chan, Masaomi-san. We don't have enough manpower to defend Tokyo while looking for this person. Besides, I can't send just anyone to fight this enemy. She escaped before we can seriously fight but I have the feeling that this scythe user will be more than what our agents can handle. which is why I can only rely on you guys."

Wakaba smiled, happy that the Miko of Susanoo came to them for help. Wakaba herself look up to Utano as a kind of a big sister figure. She was her senior back during her early days training to become a Miko until it was found out that she doesn't have the aptitude to become one despite coming from a long line of Miko. She's not even half as talented as Harutora in spellcasting.

It was Utano who encouraged her to pick her own path and discovered her talent for swordsmanship. She also acted like a big sister to her and her childhood friends. Now the person she looked up to came to her for help. Wakaba is without a doubt more than happy to help her. She look to her sides and see Harutora and Hinata smiling along with her. They all share the same thought.

"It is our pleasure to help you, Utano-nee. You can count on us."

Wakaba replied for them all. The Miko of Susanoo is extremely grateful for their help. She would've preferred to handle this matter herself but with the recent development, she will be too busy dealing with taking command and handling the aftermath as well as focusing on the oni forces to deal with this insider.

"I would be happy to help, Miko-sama, but…"

Masaomi said but trailed off in the end, sending a look at the remaining two members of the Hero Club Utano did not ask by name. She understood what Masaomi is implying.

"I understand, Masaomi-san. We also cannot leave the Sekiryuutei and his friend alone, especially since Takashima-san has no sacred gear or any weapon to defend herself. You can focus on helping them for now while Wakaba-chan and the rest can handle this matter. I heard from Oohtomo-san that Harutora-kun is rather adept in using shikigami. He would be a great help in finding this masked person. And both Wakaba-chan and Hinata-chan are very strong. The three of them should be able to handle this."

"Thank you for your understanding, Miko-sama."

Masaomi bowed. Utano smiled a little at his formality. She doesn't really like being all formal.

"There is no need to be so formal with me, Masaomi-san. I don't like all those stuffy formality. We've known each other for a while so you should simply call me by my name."

"I can't do that, Miko-sama. You are one of the Sandai Miko and you have to be treated as such."

Masaomi replied, though at this point he only did it because he knew it annoyed Utano. Besides, Masaomi has no problem giving Utano respect even if she is younger than him. Utano deserves it, much more than many of his superiors in the church back when he was still an exorcist.

The Miko of Susanoo sighs while grumbling something about Masaomi being like some stuffy old men. Issei, and pretty much everyone else, noticed the small smirk their teacher has at hearing Utano's annoyance. Issei and Yuuna smiled. They will definitely enjoy their time together with these guys.

-Night-

Koori Chikage is leaning on the railing of her apartment's veranda. Today her friends, Issei and Yuuna, went to the Tsuchimikado mansion for some training. Her grip on the railing tightens when she thought about those two going to see the three childhood friends, the Kyoto princess, and the former exorcist turned teacher.

"You look agitated, Chi-chan. Thinking about your friends?"

Chikage clicked her tongue in distaste when she heard a female voice behind her. Of all the people 'they' would send, it has to be her, the person she didn't get along with the most. Chikage turn around to see a blonde young girl around a year or two older than her sitting on her bed.

"Jeanne."

There is no one else in the Hero faction that annoys Chikage as much as Jeanne does. The inheritor of the Maid of Orleans' spirit is everything Chikage is not and frankyly, everything she doesn't want to be. He had hoped that Cao Cao would send someone else to check up on her, preferably Siegfried or Georg, but it just has to be Jeanne. Well, at least it's not Heracles. He can be even louder than the blonde.

"Cao Cao had read your last report. You made contact with the Miko of Susanoo and managed to gauge the strength of the Kyoto princess' bodyguards."

Chikage nodded. She had sent her report concerning their operation here with the youkai as well as what she found out last week, including her suspicion that her friend, Hyoudou Issei, is the current generation Sekiryuutei and wielder of the mid-rank Longinus sacred gear, the Boosted Gear. She knew that their leader, Cao Cao, will be interested in the information.

"Your orders did not change. Proceed as planned while keeping an eye on the Kyoto faction's movement. Observe the Sekiryuutei and recruit him through any means necessary. Another Longinus in our ranks will always be welcomed."

Jeanne said, relaying Cao Cao's order to Chikage. The silent girl again merely nodded in response. She'd rather not talk to Jeanne if she could help it. The blonde girl pout at Chikage's usual cold attitude, though she's already used to it by now.

"Che, you're no fun, just like always. Well, it's nice talking to you Chi-chan, and remember, we're counting on you."

The blonde girl said the last part in a very sinister way, making Chikage frown, again reminding her why she doesn't like Jeanne among the other members of the Hero faction. After finishing her errand, Jeanne left without a sound as if she had never been there in the first place. Chikage heaved a sigh. She really doesn't like Jeanne at all.

Chikage then return to her position, overlooking the city from her apartment's veranda. It's almost midnight and time for her to move. Chikage's body began to glow and part of the light seem to flow out from her body and form a body of its own beside her. Another Chikage appeared beside her, wearing a white robe and a skull mask that is currently being pulled up and a familiar scythe.

"You know what to do."

Chikage said to her copy. Her copy didn't give any reply and the only proof that she understood her is her pulling down the skull mask and jump off the veranda onto the roof of a house far below. Chikage watch as her doppelganger disappeared into the distance, jumping over rooftops.

"I wonder if you can forgive me after all this, Yuuna-chan, Issei-san."

And so the first arc ended with the revelation of who the scythe user is. Though if anyone remotely knew of Nogi Wakaba wa Yuusha de aru then they would've guessed that it is definitely Chikage using Sichinin Misaki, or the version of it that appear here. Next chapter will be the start of the second arc. There are 6 arcs in total with the introduction arc being the first and shortest. The second arc will be The Youkai Civil War arc which will focus on the defense of Tokyo from Ibaraki Douji and his oni.