While Yugen and Hajime were conversing in the hotel's basement hot spring sauna, Gozo occupied a luxurious room reserved for high-ranking officers—colonels, no less. Despite the grandeur of the Shin'nyo-ryu's main headquarters, Gozo himself shunned excess. Unless it was a significant event, he preferred simple meals and modest accommodations.
He hadn't chosen the VIP room out of a desire for luxury but because a smaller space suited his martial artist sensibilities. Still, to honor the event organizers' dignity, he'd settled on this compromise.
Seated at a round table, Gozo's gaze settled on three young individuals across from him—two women and a man, all familiar to him but unknown to Yugen. They were tied to the secretive "underworld" of Tenjin magic, a topic Gozo kept from his grandson.
"Himeri-chan, how's your senior from Seventh High doing?" Gozo asked.
"She's calmed down mentally," replied Himeri Ise, the eldest daughter of the Ise family, the leading branch of the Kagurazaka clan and a first-year at Seventh High. Her expression dimmed. "But her magical capacity might take a hit."
The incident in question was a Seventh High competitor's crash during the second race of the women's Battle Board semifinals. Though uninjured, the loss of control due to overspeeding had shaken the athlete's confidence in her magic. The technical staff assigned to her were equally devastated, Himeri added.
A young man seated beside her spoke up, followed by the young woman next to him.
"An electronic malfunction…" mused Shuji Miyamoto, the third son of the Miyamoto family, a Kagurazaka branch, and a first-year at Ninth High. "The 'Electronic Silkworm' is the likely culprit. But targeting Seventh High alone seems unlikely. It was probably meant to knock out First High's Watanabe and push Third High's competitor to the finals."
"That makes the bracket suspicious," added Yume Takatsuki, the second daughter of the Takatsuki family, another Kagurazaka branch, and a first-year at Second High. "Tournament manipulation, disabled surveillance systems, and CAD checks… it's a mess."
Gozo sighed at their observations. "No one was hurt this time, so we'll let it slide. The Mitsuya family provided a list, and over half are 'black.' At this rate, I'm not sure we can trust the competition to stay fair."
"So, interference will continue?" Shuji asked.
"They pulled off that stunt in Battle Board," Gozo replied. "They'll expect us to be on guard. The Headless Dragon has even sent a 'Generator' to the venue."
Gozo's firm response addressed Shuji's question. Accidents were most likely in Monolith Code and Mirage Bat, the latter being a concern since Himeri was competing in the main event. The 'Generator' issue had been dealt with, ensuring spectator safety to some extent.
"What about me, Grandpa Gozo?" Shuji asked. "Should I join the rookie Monolith Code?"
"No, leave that to the 'Second Seat'—my grandson," Gozo said. "He'll have two others assisting, but can I count on you for backup, Shuji?"
"You're assuming something will happen," Shuji said, exhaling in resignation before nodding with a serious expression. "Fine. Grandma asked me to help, too."
Fortunately, Shuji was only competing in Cloud Ball, giving him flexibility. Yume, listening, turned to Gozo with a question.
"By the way, Himeri and I met someone named Yugen Mitsuya. Know him?"
"Oh, you met him?" Gozo's eyes gleamed. "Judging by your tone, did he disrupt your Tenjin magic?"
"Exactly," Yume said. "I didn't expect someone to unravel high-level magic so effortlessly."
"Himeri's practically smitten," Yume teased.
"Yume!" Himeri's cheeks flushed as she shouted.
"Both of you, settle down," Shuji interjected, calming them.
Gozo chuckled, amused by the idea of his grandson crossing paths with them unexpectedly. Yugen, it seemed, had a certain "pull."
"I planned to teach him martial arts at the master level," Gozo said, "but he mastered 'surface' Tenjin magic on his own. Deciphered those cryptic texts by sheer will."
"Seriously?" Shuji asked. "Which attribute does he specialize in?"
Tenjin magic, due to its complexity and characteristics, typically required mastering one of seven attributes: Yin-Yang (Light or Dark) or the Five Elements (Fire, Water, Wood (Wind), Metal (Thunder), Earth). Clan heads often mastered Light for "surface" magic or Dark for "underworld," a prerequisite for successors.
"Don't be shocked, Shuji," Gozo said with a grin. "Yugen's mastered all attributes."
"What!?" Shuji gasped.
"No way!" Yume exclaimed.
"That's impossible!" Himeri protested. "Even Grandma, one of the Kagurazaka's finest, only reached the highest Tenjin summoning with four attributes!"
Gozo's revelation left the trio reeling. Mastering all attributes was godlike, akin to the legendary onmyoji Abe no Seimei or Kamo no Tadayuki. Unfazed by their shock, Gozo continued.
"It's true. I caught Yugen practicing Tenjin magic once, wielding all attributes simultaneously. When I told Chihime, she insisted on attending the Nine Schools Competition."
"Grandma's coming herself?" Shuji asked. "Not in a kimono, right?"
"That'd draw too much attention," Gozo laughed. "She'll probably wear something she bought recently."
"She's likely picking out outfits at home," Himeri said, picturing her father's exasperation.
The Kagurazaka clan head, Chihime, though officially 84, looked youthful and had a model's physique, making any outfit look stunning. Despite her mastery of ancient magic, she embraced modern fashion, scouring the internet for trends—a quirk that left Himeri pitying her father.
On the fourth day of the Nine Schools Competition, the main events paused after Mirage Bat and Monolith Code, giving way to the five-day rookie tournament for first-years. First High led Third High by 70 points, but the rookie events, with points worth half the main events (rounded down), could tip the scales. A strong rookie performance was critical for overall victory and personal glory.
Mikihiko, seeking a secluded spot on the hotel grounds for spirit magic training, sensed a presence already there. The sheer number of spirits attuned to the area was striking.
(Who could wield such power…)
Even at his peak, dubbed the "Yoshida prodigy," Mikihiko couldn't summon so many spirits. Cautiously approaching, wary of the recent intruder incident, he found a familiar figure at the clearing's center: Yugen.
"…Incredible…" Mikihiko breathed.
Awe, not envy, struck him first. Yugen's ancient magic was breathtakingly beautiful. Spirits, normally imperceptible without intense focus, were vividly clear, orbiting Yugen in perfect harmony like a rainbow veil. As Yugen raised his hand, the spirits soared skyward, shimmering like a sunrise.
Caught in the spectacle, Mikihiko started when Yugen called out.
"Eavesdropping's not exactly polite, Mikihiko."
"Sorry!" Mikihiko stammered. "It was just… so beautiful. You're amazing, Yugen."
"I've been practicing hard," Yugen said, his half-lidded stare betraying mild offense at the implication of effortless mastery.
Mikihiko sensed a new air about Yugen. "Something good happen?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Your magic just now—it felt effortless, no strain, no hesitation. I thought maybe you were in a good mood."
"Good mood, huh?" Yugen mused. "Let's just say I worked through a personal hang-up."
His father's words had made him realize how his narrow perspective had held him back, even sparking self-awareness about his romantic feelings. He kept that part to himself.
"I'll help with your training," Yugen offered. "I can't teach secret arts, but I can handle exoteric Shinto spirit magic."
"Hah, go easy on me," Mikihiko laughed. "You use divine magic too, right?"
"More Shirakawa-ryu style, but yeah."
Yugen figured such boasts were a losing flag, best saved for after the rookie matches. For now, he'd focus on the competition. He could imagine Shoki thinking, "As the Ichijo heir, I must win overwhelmingly and ask Miyuki to the final dance!" It sounded cool in theory, but Yugen found it almost comical—though Shoki probably would think that.
Having taught Shoki how to handle women, Yugen now faced him as a rival. The thought stirred a flicker of irritation. If this were direct combat, I'd lock him in one of Mika-neesan's joint holds. He smirked at his own pettiness.
"What's up?" Mikihiko asked.
"Just thinking about a certain privileged pretty boy makes me want to blow something up."
"Let's not get too wild…" Mikihiko said, alarmed.
"Not you," Yugen clarified, apologizing with a sheepish grin. He resolved to keep his emotions in check.
Hajime had told him to show the Mitsuya's strength as a Ten Master Clan. Yugen had no grudge against Shoki, but he'd go all out—careful not to wreck the venue, of course. Holding back power wasn't the same as slacking off.
The rookie events followed the main event schedule, starting with Speed Shooting qualifiers through finals. Battle Board qualifiers were also held. Unlike the main events, there was no opening ceremony, so women's Speed Shooting took the morning, men's the afternoon.
CAD adjustments weren't allowed mid-match, but engineers could tweak settings between rounds based on the competitor's condition. Technical staff typically stayed close to their assigned athletes, with main and sub-engineers for high-match events like Cloud Ball. The same engineer couldn't cover different events on the same day.
"Why are you wearing an engineer's blazer, Yugen?" Toya asked.
"Tatsuya asked me to sub on day one," Yugen replied. "I didn't even notice it was ordered for me."
"Didn't notice?" Toya echoed, incredulous.
In First High's tent, Yugen explained. There was no rule against competitors doubling as staff, and it didn't violate regulations if it bolstered support. Third High had players doubling as strategists, and with self-adjusting CAD users like Mayumi and Katsuto, it was like adding extra staff. As long as team and event caps weren't exceeded, such flexibility was tacitly allowed. Upperclassmen couldn't compete in rookie events, though.
Yugen's sisters, Kana and Mika, had set a precedent for this, though Yugen insisted their skill was their own effort. "They worked hard for it," he said firmly.
"Sorry for the short notice, Toya, but I'm handling your CAD," Yugen added. "The other two guys refused, so I left them to their usual senior engineers."
"That's fine, but… even Morisaki?" Toya asked. "He's got no beef with you or Tatsuya, especially since you're teammates in Monolith Code."
"He's too competitive," Yugen said. "Didn't want my help. The other guy's just prejudiced because I hang out in Class E."
Likely thanks to Mayumi, Yugen's blazer was ready. He'd been photographed by Mayumi, Miyuki, and Shizuka en route—Mayumi for fun, but Miyuki and Shizuka to boost their morale, so he let it slide.
"No forcing them, huh?" Toya noted.
"Forcing it and getting blamed for a bad result is a hassle," Yugen said. "CAD tuning relies on trust."
Toya, having experienced Yugen's CAD skills and startup enhancements, trusted him implicitly. Ami's Battle Board win owed much to Yugen's magic, boosting Toya's esteem for him. Convincing Morisaki or others was trickier, as trust was paramount.
"Kirihara-senpai's 'thing'—can I use it?" Toya asked.
"If you don't need a new spell, I can adjust the data. That work?"
"Yeah, perfect."
Yugen couldn't assist on days two through five due to his own events and was meant to stay in the tent on day one. But with Tatsuya stretched thin by Miyuki's Mirage Bat entry, Suzune flagged the issue, and Mayumi tapped Yugen. Hattori filled in at the tent.
Yugen handled Shizuka for women's Speed Shooting and Toya for men's, with Tatsuya delegating Shizuka's CAD to him. Shizuka was thrilled, partly due to her spell and a "certain CAD." Debuting as an engineer before a competitor felt odd, but Yugen accepted it.
"Having Shizuka and Toya makes it easier," Yugen said. "Oh, about Eimi…"
In the original story, Eimi struggled with sleep deprivation. Yugen noticed similar issues in Ice Pillars Break, pegging her as sensitive. He'd passed something to her via Toya.
"Too strong?" Yugen asked.
"No, she slept great," Toya said. "It's not… illegal, right?"
"Nah, it's a sleep aid from Shizuru-neesan," Yugen assured. "She's a licensed pharmacist. Totally legit."
"The Mitsuya are a magic clan, right?" Toya asked, skeptical.
"With Third Lab ties, we deal with military mages," Yugen explained, typing. "We train in healing magic and medical knowledge. My photographic memory makes it easy, but I wonder if that's enough."
"How do you feel about debuting as an engineer before a competitor?" Toya asked.
"Hard to say," Yugen admitted. "I'm judged as a mage-technician, not a mage. Whether that shows Ten Master Clan strength… I can't say."
His gaze caught Tatsuya working with Honoka nearby. Using enhanced hearing, Yugen overheard Tatsuya promise to watch Honoka's match, her excited "It's a promise!" lighting up her face. Yugen muttered under his breath, eyes on his monitor.
"Toya, is that guy a ladies' man?"
"You're one to talk," Toya shot back, eyes wide.
"I know, I know," Yugen said, wincing but smiling as he focused on Shizuka and Toya's CADs.
Note: New story is out, if you want to check it out.
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