Hattori's Dilemma and Takuma's Potential Hattori grappled with how to handle Takuma. Despite Takuma's ties to the prestigious Shippou family, one of the Eighteen Assistant Houses, Hattori saw potential in him—a raw talent that could shine with refinement. He believed Takuma's flaws were worth tolerating for his growth.
Yet, Hattori faced an unwelcome scenario.
"A mock battle?" Hattori asked. "You and Shippou?" "Yes," Yugen replied. "However, as it's beyond my authority to decide, I've come to request your approval as club president."
Hattori had braced for trouble when Yugen visited the club headquarters, but he hadn't expected a mock battle request with Takuma. Yugen had once declared, "If you've got a problem, come at me," yet no one dared challenge him. His consistent top academic ranking, coupled with the "Undefeated Myth" of his relatives Kana and Mika, meant Yugen faced zero official mock battles last year. (His bout with Katsuto was unofficial, like Tatsuya's with Hattori, and thus unrecorded.)
"Originally, the mock battle was to prevent Takuma's expulsion," Yugen explained. "But he disputed Tatsuya's judgment as referee and used forbidden terms, so I instinctively silenced him with a punch." "Surprising," Hattori remarked. "Is it? He was too heated to heed the referee. Physical force was the quickest solution."
Takuma's grievance centered on whether he could control the power of his "Million Edge." Yugen judged that words were futile against Takuma's defiance. While magical sedation was an option, organic interference carried strict penalties, so Yugen opted for a physical blow. He believed his decision was sound, and Hattori's lack of harsh criticism suggested he agreed Takuma needed firm handling.
"To avoid excuses about consecutive battles, I've scheduled the mock battle for the day after tomorrow. The third training room should be free in the afternoon." "Understood," Hattori said. "I'll submit the request to President Nakajo. But are you sure about this?"
Hattori's concern was the stark skill gap. Yugen had defeated Katsuto's "Phalanx" in last spring's mock battle, proving himself among First High's elite. Hattori doubted Takuma stood a chance.
"I'm fine with it," Yugen replied. "His spirit to rival the Ten Master Clans is admirable, but mistaking a victory gained through lethal magic as proof of supremacy is a delusion I can't allow." "Sorry for the trouble," Hattori said. "Don't apologize, President. You reminded me of Senior Juumonji just now." "R-Really? I'm not trying to imitate him." "I know," Yugen said with a nod.
Hattori felt conflicted, but Yugen's words were a compliment, affirming his dignity as president.
The Request at the Student Council Honoka locked the training room and returned to the student council room, where Tatsuya and the others prepared to leave. The doorbell chimed. Tatsuya had already anticipated the visitor.
"Come in," he called. "Excuse me," Hattori said, entering with a sour expression and approaching Azusa. Tatsuya noted Azusa's unusual lack of intimidation.
"Nakajo, this is embarrassing to admit…" Hattori began. "What's wrong, Hattori-kun?" Azusa asked.
Unable to grasp the situation, Azusa could only respond cautiously.
"Sorry, but I need approval for another match," Hattori said. "Again?" Azusa exclaimed. "Who is it this time?"
Hattori's seriousness prevented excuses. Azusa half-expected the request but asked formally as the approving authority. His answer stunned her.
"Kagurazaka and Shippou." "W-What? Really?" "Yes. At Kagurazaka's request."
Azusa, having witnessed Yugen's mock battle with Katsuto and his standout performance at the Nine Schools Competition, knew Yugen's exceptional talent as a magician. Yet, his reserved, non-aggressive nature—evident from their student council work—made the request surprising.
"Normally, I'd reprimand him sternly over the Saegusa issue," Hattori said, "but personally, I think it's a shame to let his talent go to waste." "Couldn't you or Sawaki have handled it?" Azusa suggested. "No, Nakajo. After the mess with Saegusa, it has to be someone of equal standing."
Hattori believed that since Takuma had staked the "pride of the Twenty-Eight Assistant Houses," only someone tied to the Ten Master Clans, like Yugen, could resolve it.
"Reserve the third training room for two hours after school the day after tomorrow," Hattori requested. "Two hours? It's free. I'll issue the permit," Azusa replied. "Sorry for the inconvenience… What's wrong?" "You're showing real dignity as president, Hattori-kun." "…Am I?"
Hattori, already self-conscious after Yugen's comment and feeling inferior to Katsuto, found Azusa's words tinged with skepticism.
Yugen's Resolve and Himeri's Intuition Yugen usually waited for someone before heading home, but today he wasn't in the mood. He didn't deny acting rashly, but Takuma's relentless defiance of Tatsuya's refereeing grated on him. As Tatsuya's friend, Yugen couldn't tolerate Takuma's condescending attitude.
While upperclassmen and peers recognized Tatsuya's uniqueness, first-years like Takuma didn't. Yet, Takuma knew Tatsuya was a standout in last year's Nine Schools Competition, a substitute who helped secure victory in the Monolith Code.
Takuma's obsession with family pride led him to judge others by lineage. Unbeknownst to him, Tatsuya was closely tied to the Yotsuba family's current head, a prime candidate for succession. The Yotsuba's secrecy was formidable; without Yugen's near-cheat-like information-gathering and his grandfather's Yotsuba connections, he'd be in the dark too. Takuma was unwittingly picking a fight with the Yotsuba.
In that heated moment, Yugen feared Miyuki might snap. To cool Takuma's temper, he chose a physical reprimand over literal cold water to avoid illness.
As Yugen walked, lost in thought, a voice called out at the school gate. Turning, he saw Himeri waiting.
"Yugen-san," she said. "Himeri? I thought you'd gone home." "I had an odd feeling and waited at the gate. May I walk with you to the station?"
Her "odd feeling" likely stemmed from her unique intuition, a trait of the Ise family. Yugen saw no reason to refuse and agreed. They walked in silence until Yugen broke it.
"You're not asking anything?" "Listening would only confirm facts. You're battling Shippou, right?" "Spot on. You don't need to be so formal, though." "Sorry. My position as the head's disciple makes people fussy."
Yugen nodded, recalling New Year's when he met Himeri's family—her parents and sister—due to their betrothal. They were welcoming, especially her sister, who teased, "My love-averse sister has a fiancé! Congrats!" Himeri, mortified, retaliated with a fierce temple-grinding attack.
"Fair enough," Yugen said. "Being the head's disciple earns favor, and Shuji and Yume aren't exactly tactful." "Are you calling me scheming?" Himeri huffed. "No worries. You're far better than a certain tanuki's daughter."
The Ise family, led by the Kagurazaka, excelled in "Stargazing" astrology, granting foresight. Himeri's formal speech reflected that discipline, though she was still a typical teenage girl.
"You owe me for that," Himeri said. "How will you fight?" "Takuma wants to prove he can control 'Million Edge.' But if he's arrogant about that level of swarm control, he'll never beat the Ten Master Clans' direct heirs. I need to teach him that."
Kana's "Gravity Bullet," Mika's "Blitz Lord," Mayumi's "Magic Shooter" and "Dry Blizzard," and Katsuto's "Phalanx" could all counter "Million Edge." "Blitz Lord," despite being called a movement spell, was a railgun-like attack. Even among peers, Tatsuya, Miyuki, Toya, and Shoki outclassed Takuma. Yugen wasn't boasting—he was realistic.
"Only you'd call a million paper shards 'that level,'" Himeri said. "Maybe. My teachers were beyond human." "True," she conceded.
Yugen planned to adapt a strategy like Reika's from the original work but with his own flair. He'd warned Maki against pursuing Takuma to avoid scandal, ensuring minimal trouble. The "No-Head Dragon" remnants were neutralized last year, and media-related threats from the Great Asian Alliance were detained, now interrogated at Kuzo Temple.
"Do you have a winning chance?" Himeri asked. "I wouldn't fight otherwise. As the 'First Seat,' I can't afford a sloppy match."
As a former Ten Master Clans member and the "Divine General Society's" First Seat, Yugen couldn't ignore actions disrupting the nation, even if they aimed for a "New Order."
The Aftermath and Tatsuya's Inquiry At the Shiba household, Yugen faced a light "interrogation" from Tatsuya about his physical reprimand of Takuma—the first time he'd visibly subdued someone.
"Takuma wouldn't stop arguing with your rulings," Yugen said. "Reika was unsure how to handle it, so as a club member, I stepped in. Convinced?" "Fair point," Tatsuya replied.
Though not close, Yugen and Hattori were friendlier than last year's Tatsuya-Hattori dynamic. Tatsuya realized Yugen, a frequent student council visitor, was also the club's vice-president.
"Will you use 'Valkyrie' or 'Odin' in the mock battle?" Tatsuya asked. "No, they're overkill. I'm using a dual-gun CAD I'm tweaking. Can you help adjust it?" "Sure," Tatsuya said.
"Valkyrie" and "Odin" were military-grade CADs, far advanced. Winning with them would invite Takuma's excuses. Yugen's new dual-gun CAD, though downgraded, was optimized for his casting speed, still surpassing Tatsuya's "Trident."
Miyuki looked worried. Yugen noticed and smiled wryly.
"Miyuki, I won the Monolith Code unscathed last year. Give me some credit." "I-I know, but…"
Miyuki had only seen it on monitors, and Yugen's past bullet wound fueled her concern. He patted her head gently.
"It's fine. I appreciate your worry." "Please crush Shippou," Miyuki said. "It's a mock battle, not a killing," Yugen chuckled.
Tatsuya noted Miyuki's rare hostility, especially when family was involved. Neither he nor Yugen wanted her to act on it.
Feeling an envious gaze, Tatsuya turned to see Minami, blushing, hurrying to the kitchen. Reflecting on his mother and Yugen's influence, Tatsuya smiled at how the Yotsuba were becoming more "human."
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