Chiyoda Ward, Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters, Sakurada Gate.
An elderly man and a young girl walked along the sidewalk, both carrying canes.
"So, what do you think about the SDS's new director?"
The first to speak was Nurarihyon.
Holding his cane, he moved leisurely like any ordinary old man. Yet his elongated occiput and the constant yokai illusion masking him from bystanders' sight revealed his extraordinary nature.
"If it's you, you should be able to discern something, shouldn't you, Princess?"
The one being addressed was Kotoko Iwanaga, revered as the Princess of Yokai, who walked the boundary between humans and spirits to mediate their conflicts.
Only yokai knew this princess had sacrificed one eye and one leg to wisdom, becoming the human vessel of the Goddess of Wisdom - an artificial deity created by yokai.
This was why Nurarihyon sought her counsel. Not only had Kotoko previously mediated between the Nura Clan and the Metropolitan Police Department, preventing the clan's destruction, but she essentially served as the yokai's chief strategist.
"A monster."
The yokai princess's unexpectedly crude response surprised Nurarihyon.
"When I saw that Luo Shu, I immediately knew - that man is a monster."
"He's an entity surpassing both humans and yokai."
"My wisdom keeps warning me."
"Warning me to stay away from him, to avoid misfortune!"
Kotoko clutched her artificial eye, her expression grave:
"Don't make an enemy of him, Nurarihyon. He's far more terrifying than either of us can imagine."
Nurarihyon froze, never expecting this answer from Kotoko, who had seemed so amicable with Luo Shu earlier.
As he stood dumbfounded, Kotoko's expression suddenly shifted to fox-like mischief:
"But setting aside his essential nature, Luo Shu is quite my type aesthetically."
"Black hair, dark eyes, clean features, and that look in his eyes just screams 'easy to manage'. His fashion sense is lacking, though, probably because he's single."
"Ah, what a steal for Meer and Lacus. Pity I can't poach a friend's boyfriend."
"Honestly, when will they break up? If they do, I'd confess immediately - what do you think my chances would be?"
"...Your topic change is far too abrupt."
Watching Kotoko Iwanaga, who seemed to be genuinely deep in thought, Nurarihyon's lips twitched before he said helplessly:
"So, in your judgment, Princess, is the other party a monster that needs to be kept away from?"
"No, no, no, that's just personal instinct."
Kotoko Iwanaga wagged her index finger in denial:
"Just like how humans fear tsunamis and dread volcanic eruptions, my instincts tell me to stay away from that person because they're like an impending tsunami or a volcano about to erupt."
"But setting that aside, judging by personality alone, Luo Shu-san completely fits the SDS's definition."
"In other words, the kind of fool those high-ranking officials at the Metropolitan Police Department would describe as someone who desires world peace and works hard to achieve it."
"Well, Luo Shu-san isn't actually foolish at his core, but under Lacus Clyne's leadership, he'll inevitably become one sooner or later."
"Because humans can't resist yearning for beautiful ideals."
Nurarihyon chuckled wryly, his expression tinged with emotion as he said:
"But the world is cruel."
"No, no, no, you're misunderstanding again, Nurarihyon."
Kotoko Iwanaga wagged her finger once more in denial:
"For those who possess both power and ideals, the world is beautiful."
Hearing this, Nurarihyon raised an eyebrow before saying solemnly:
"There will always be times when power falls short, and ideals will eventually face betrayal."
Kotoko Iwanaga tilted her head: "Are you referring to the Nura Clan?"
"Yes, precisely the Nura Clan."
Nurarihyon sighed, shaking his head slightly in resignation:
"My old comrades have all aged. They no longer have the drive they did 30 years ago."
"Compared to the Nura Clan, the SDS is still young. Having been established for less than a fraction of the Nura Clan's history, they can still afford to pursue their own aspirations."
"I don't want the Nura Clan to be dragged into the abyss by the tidal wave of change they're stirring up."
Hearing this, Kotoko Iwanaga looked at Nurarihyon seriously:
"Then offer sanctuary to Half-Yokais, you old trickster."
Half-Yokai.
Beings born from unions between humans and yokai, belonging half to each side yet rejected by both.
Though their parents may have loved each other, their very existence seems destined for unhappiness.
Kotoko Iwanaga had long realised that in modern mystic society, the gradual transition of yokai communities into Half-Yokais who assimilate with humans is an inevitable trend.
Yet the current reality remains that Half-Yokais are unwelcome by either side.
Hence, her suggestion for the Nura Clan to position itself at the forefront of this era by offering them sanctuary.
"Incidentally, the Nura Clan's third-generation leader, little Rikuo, is also a Half-Yokai. This provides suitable justification for the clan's protection of them."
Upon hearing Kotoko Iwanaga's proposal, Nurarihyon couldn't help but retort:
"...You really know how to give yokai difficult problems."
The fact that the leader of Tokyo's dominant yokai faction is a Half-Yokai is entirely different from the Nura Clan openly declaring sanctuary for Half-Yokais.
Such a move would see traditionalist yokai branding the Nura Clan as heretics, while wary human authorities would view their actions with suspicion.
It's a course that pleases neither side.
Yet Nurarihyon understood perfectly that this might align perfectly with the SDS's approach.
After all, he was familiar with the modus operandi of their Supreme Chairwoman.
For someone like that, offering sanctuary to Half-Yokais facing discrimination due to broader circumstances would be an unquestionable decision.
If the Nura Clan were to shelter Half-Yokais, it would mean standing on the same front as the SDS. And in Kotoko Iwanaga's eyes, it would also mean standing on the same side as Luo Shu.
"So, is this the answer you're giving me, Princess?"
Nurarihyon had initially asked about Luo Shu, the new department director, with the underlying concern being how the Nura Clan should interact with the SDS and avoid conflicts between the clan's old guard and the organisation.
Kotoko Iwanaga's response was to use the identity of the young master, Rikuo Nura, to shelter Half-Yokais publicly.
In a sense, this was leveraging the SDS's politically correct stance of not discriminating against Half-Yokais to unite both sides under the same banner.
One could also call it 'if you can't beat them, join them.'
"What a reckless answer," Nurarihyon muttered.
"Does it matter whether it's an answer or not?" Kotoko Iwanaga adjusted her beret, smiling faintly. "At least compared to Ghouls, yokai still have a choice, don't they?"
Nurarihyon fell silent for a moment before bursting into laughter:
"True enough. At least we still have a choice."
After his hearty laugh, Nurarihyon said cheerfully:
"Well then, farewell, Princess. Thank you for your counsel today."
With those words, Nurarihyon's figure dissolved like ink in water, scattering into the wind.
Kotoko Iwanaga watched this calmly, leaning on her cane as she continued walking:
"Now then, next is to contact the Small Yokai in the LINE group and get them involved in the operation against the Ghouls."
"Well, let's hope the little ones check their phones today..."
...
Luo Shu's home, near Ikebukuro in Nerima Ward.
"Wow, this lion's head is delicious!"
Meer, dressed in a green-collared sailor uniform, enthusiastically sampled the dishes on the table.
Holding a partially eaten lion's head with her chopsticks, she suddenly had an idea and lifted it towards Luo Shu with her hand:
"Here, Luo Shu-kun, say 'ahh~~'"
Kisara, who was already displeased with Meer's presence, accidentally snapped her chopsticks upon seeing this.
Luo Shu's eyelid twitched as he said helplessly, "Meer, that's not necessary. I can feed myself."
"Come on~ Say 'ahh~~'" Meer ignored him, pushing the food right up to his lips.
With no other choice, Luo Shu ate the lion's head and silently focused on his rice.
"It's really tasty, isn't it? This is Kisara's lovingly made lunch, after all~"
Hearing Meer's words, Kisara's mouth twitched. 'You know this is my lovingly made lunch?!'
"Meer-san."
Kisara's voice came out slightly hoarse, with a faint rasp.
Meer tilted her head in surprise. "Kisara, why does your voice sound... overused?"
"No, my voice is naturally like this—wait, what do you mean 'overused'?"
Kisara instinctively defended herself before realising what Meer meant, her face instantly flushing crimson:
"That's not it! I haven't done anything like that!"
Meer seemed disappointed by Kisara's insistence. "What a shame. I thought you two would've done everything after moving in together. How boring~"
At this, Luo Shu and Kisara stiffened, forcing awkward smiles as they thought in unison:
'Sorry to disappoint you.' x2
After struggling through the meal, Luo Shu finally set down his bowl and chopsticks, exhaling in relief.
"The operation against the Ghouls will likely start tonight, so I'm going to take a nap now to avoid being low on energy later."
Luo Shu immediately stood up after speaking and swiftly retreated to his room, clearly unwilling to continue facing this nerve-wracking battlefield of emotions...
Seeing this, Meer blinked, then promptly put down her unfinished bowl of rice. Like a child excited for a school trip, she cheerfully waved her arms and said:
"Then I'll go take a nap too~"
As she spoke, she made to follow Luo Shu into his room.
However, after just one step, the tug on her clothes made her pause.
Meer tilted her head back slightly and saw Kisara, her head lowered, revealing only one crimson eye as she murmured quietly:
"Where do you want to go?"
"Back to my room for a nap, of course."
Meer pressed a finger to her lips, smiling like a fox:
"Isn't it a warrior's daily routine to feel a girl's soft body before battle?"
"Get out," Kisara muttered.
"What?" Meer blinked in surprise.
Kisara looked up and emphasised: "I said, get out of mine and Shu's home."
"Oh?"
Meer narrowed her eyes, her tone dripping with mockery:
"I can back off this time, but what will you do next time?"
"Can you follow Luo Shu 24/7? Are you sure such stalker behaviour won't repel him?"
Kisara opened her mouth, but no words came out, her face flushing as she glared daggers at Meer.
Meanwhile, Meer cheerfully turned back, leaning close to Kisara's ear:
"Did you know? The average time needed for a quick affair is about 8 minutes~"
"Maybe during a class break, or a bathroom visit - if Luo Shu wants to, he could devour me anytime~"
Hearing such shameless words, Kisara turned red with embarrassment and anger, her face scarlet like an apple.
Meer then raised her hand, stroking Kisara's cheek while lightly tracing circles with her finger:
"Luo Shu and I have an agreement - once the Ghouls are eliminated, I must accept any condition he demands, letting him do whatever he wants to me."
"What?" Kisara gasped, having never heard Luo Shu mention this before.
"Let me remind you of something else - Luo Shu once openly declared his love for SDS's Supreme Chairwoman, Lacus Clyne. Quite the bold confession, hm?"
Learning yet another unknown fact, Kisara panicked.
Meer continued counting on her fingers:
"Besides, there seems to be something between Luo Shu and Takina Inoue from Operations, too. They've apparently been... open with each other once."
"O-open..." Kisara's eyes swirled with confusion.
She never imagined that Miss Inoue, who always seemed so close to Chisato Nishikigi, would secretly make such a move.
"Oh, and Luo Shu and that Utaha Kasumigaoka clearly have mutual feelings too."
Meer blew softly into Kisara's ear:
"Tell me, what does it mean when a girl who knows a boy likes black stockings wears them in front of him every day?"
"If we give Utaha a little push, do you think she might... hm, at school?"
Kisara's mind spun. Remembering Meer's 8-minute theory and all the girls around Luo Shu, she felt like Xiang Yu surrounded at Gaixia, hearing the Han army's ambush music from all sides.
"What should I do?" Kisara was utterly lost.
Then Meer suddenly gripped her shoulders from behind, whispering temptingly:
"Look, Luo Shu hasn't locked his door."
Luo Shu never locked doors at home - who locks bedroom doors in their own house?
But to Kisara in this moment, it sounded like some hidden invitation.
"Rather than letting someone else eat your favourite thing, it's better to eat it yourself first. That way, at least others will always come after you. Don't you agree, Ki~sa~ra~san~?"
"Eat it myself first." Kisara's eyes instantly turned a vivid crimson.
"I'm only giving you until this afternoon, Kisara. If you miss today's deadline, then it'll be my turn~"
"Hehe, the 24-hour mind games every day... Who knows? The first opportunity might just be stolen away by accident~"
As Meer spoke these words, it was as if demonic horns had sprouted from her head. She coaxed persuasively:
"Now then, Kisara. Will you be brave for an afternoon, or a coward regretting it for life?"
"Make your choice~"
As her voice trailed off, Meer's hand on Kisara's shoulder suddenly met empty air, left hanging in space.
Blinking, Meer watched the fading afterimage of Kisara before her, covering her mouth in mild surprise:
"My oh my, it seems I've done something naughty~"
With that, Meer stuck out her tongue:
"I hope Lacus won't mind too much later~"