Tokyo, Kannagi Residence.
Within the austere and dignified traditional compound, inside a tea room.
Jūgo Kannagi, the current patriarch, renowned as the strongest Flame Arts practitioner of the Kannagi family, sat dressed in a dark kimono. His salt-and-pepper hair framed a slightly gaunt face as he exhaled softly while holding a bowl of matcha:
"Is that so?"
"A sealed demon... in a place like Chiba no less, and it's caught SDS's attention too."
"The initial cause was Katsuhiko Yakushiji of the Yakushiji family collaborating with Truth Astronomy, correct?"
"Those Yakushiji clan members do love making grand spectacles."
As Jūgo spoke, an elderly white-haired man kneeling outside the sliding door in the corridor bowed deeply:
"My deepest apologies for failing to eliminate Katsuhiko Yakushiji before the information leaked."
"There's no need for remorse, Hyoue. This wasn't your failing."
Jūgo shook his head slightly:
"Your son Ryuuya only accepted the dark web contract this morning. Expecting him to eliminate a key Yakushiji family member in such a short time would be unreasonable. I bear no ill will towards you."
"Your magnanimity honours me, Patriarch-sama." The white-haired man, Hyoue Kazamaki, bowed deeply with profound respect.
Hearing this, Jūgo sighed quietly at Hyoue's excessively deferential posture before continuing:
"Facing pressure from the Americans, the cabinet will likely capitulate soon. Before we receive the ban prohibiting travel to Chiba, we should recall our personnel—"
Before Jūgo could finish, rapid footsteps approached.
Whoosh—a figure blazing like fire appeared in the corridor before Jūgo.
Then came a spirited feminine voice:
"Father! You've heard about the situation in Chiba City, haven't you?"
"Ayano..." Jūgo regarded the girl before him - her vermilion hair and dignified bearing reminiscent of dancing flames.
Seeing his impetuous daughter, Jūgo clutched his head as if pained:
"You should be attending classes right now—"
"I've heard everything! Father."
Ayano Kannagi's delicate face hardened with displeasure:
"Expelling demons from this land is the Kannagi family's sacred duty. Yet those American barbarians seek to release a demon sealed in Chiba City for their research!"
"How could I possibly focus on school knowing this?"
"While everything you say is correct..." Jūgo's headache intensified.
"No 'buts'! Give the order, Father. I'll reduce that demon to ashes with my flames before those fools can release it or harm any citizens!"
As Ayano spoke, vivid flames flickered across her clenched fist.
That was the radiance manifested by the flame techniques passed down through generations of the Kannagi family.
Before Jūgo Kannagi could respond, Ayano turned to the kneeling Hyoue Kazamaki and said:
"Mr Hyoue, I heard all roads to Chiba City are blocked. Could you arrange for someone to take me there?"
"This..." Hyoue didn't dare answer the young mistress directly; instead, he raised his head to look at Jūgo.
Finally releasing his grip on his head, Jūgo glanced at Ayano before replying:
"Very well. If you must go, then go."
Ayano's face immediately lit up with joy. "Really? You're allowing it? That's wonderful!"
Facing his overjoyed daughter, Jūgo turned back to Hyoue:
"Hyoue, isn't Ryuuya scheduled to go to Chiba soon?"
Hyoue immediately bowed his head in confirmation:
"Indeed. According to reports, Ryuuya's target, Katsuhiko Yakushiji, appears to be in Chiba prefecture. Judging by the timing, he should be preparing to depart around now."
Hearing this, Ayano looked surprised:
"Oh? What a coincidence! Ryuuya's going to Chiba too?"
"Yes, young lady." Hyoue nodded before adding, "Ryuuya has accepted the assignment to eliminate Katsuhiko Yakushiji, the original perpetrator behind the Chiba incident. He'll be travelling there shortly."
Ayano gasped in astonishment:
"They've already identified the mastermind? As expected of the Fuga Clan, experts in intelligence and assassination."
Hyoue offered a modest smile at the compliment, while Jūgo sighed from within the tearoom:
"Alright, Ayano. If you're determined to go, prepare to depart with Ryuuya."
"Oh right, I should hurry!" Ayano exclaimed, pulling out her phone as she dashed towards the door while dialling Ryuuya Kazamaki's number.
With rapid footsteps echoing, Ayano's figure soon vanished from the estate.
"That girl... nearly sixteen and still so impulsive." Jūgo sighed. Raising such a daughter had noticeably increased his sighing frequency.
Finally, Jūgo addressed Hyoue:
"I leave her in your care, Hyoue."
"Understood! I'll ensure Ryuuya brings the young mistress back safely," Hyoue responded respectfully before rising. "With your permission, I shall take my leave."
"Very well. You may go."
After Hyoue departed, Jūgo remained silent for a moment before turning towards the closed sliding door:
"Was it the Fuga Clan who told Ayano about Chiba?"
From behind the door, a middle-aged man in a black suit, kneeling on tatami mats, answered gravely:
"Several female Fuga members share classes with Ayano."
"I thought as much." Jūgo shook his head wearily before saying, "Watch over her for me, Genma."
"Leave it to me. After all, I'm her uncle."
As the words faded, the presence behind the door had already vanished.
Understanding this, Jūgo Kannagi felt somewhat relieved, yet still uneasy. He picked up a mobile phone from the side, unlocked it, and dialled a number:
"Hello, is this Chief Tachibana?"
"Yes, it's me, Jūgo Kannagi."
"There's a child I'd like to send to you for training. Coincidentally, you'll need insurance when dealing with that demon in Chiba City, won't you?"
"Indeed, that child is undoubtedly the inheritor of the strongest flames in the Kannagi family."
"Good, then I'll trouble you to look after them."
After hanging up, Jūgo Kannagi silently gazed at the now lukewarm matcha in his hand, thinking of his impulsive and utterly unrestrained daughter.
"Why can't that child understand? This world isn't one filled with grand ideals of vanquishing evil, but one of power and connections?"
"Speaking of which, should I consider finding a son-in-law? But it seems there aren't any outstanding young men in the recent generation..."
In the room, Jūgo Kannagi fell into deep contemplation as he faced his teacup.