The difference between the Onmyoji Hall and the Unnatural Counterasures Group was clear: while the Onmyoji Hall's mbers all held official positions and were genuinely dedicated to exorcising "evil spirits," their so-called Demon Officers often looked down on those in the Unnatural Counterasures Group. Friction between the two sides was almost inevitable.
Most Onmyoji Hall mbers ca from long-established exorcist families, trained in traditional Onmyoji techniques or other inherited thods. In contrast, the Unnatural Counterasures Group relied on a mix of ordinary humans, advanced technology, and exorcism tools. In short, the Counterasures Group relied on numbers, while the Onmyoji Hall relied on quality.
Then there was the Exorcism Association, a semi-formal organization with no official hierarchy. mbers were essentially rcenaries: missions were posted, and exorcists chose whether to accept them for paynt. Missions had difficulty ratings, and the association tracked each exorcist's skill and completed missions. mbers were often freelance or self-taught exorcists.
All three organizations had strengths and weaknesses. But if you asked which was the strongest? That would be the Yin-Yang Hall. Despite having the fewest mbers, those born into orthodox exorcist families possessed unique advantages. Generationally inherited techniques and family artifacts alone were enough to make them formidable for life.
"Alright, we're here. This is the Eighth Group's office. As for the mbers, I'm sure you already know Ms. Kuka. She's one of the most beautiful won in the entire Counterasures Team. Unfortunately for you, everyone else in the Eighth Group is either a monk or an old man, so consider yourself lucky. mbers of other groups don't even get a chance to talk to Kuka-chan—but now, you're in pri position. And here's a tip: don't let her cool exterior fool you—she's completely powerless against cute things."
Upon arriving, Yuto noticed that two of the three people present were familiar. Kamishiro Isshin, constantly winking and speaking without restraint, sprawled on the ground. The cool, aloof woman wiping down her long sword—Yamato Kuka—suddenly lifted it with an expressionless face, as if deciding exactly where to strike Kamishiro Isshin to inflict maximum pain without killing him.
When Yamato Kuka first joined the Counterasures Team, she had respected Kamishiro Isshin as her senior. But after spending ti around him, she realized he was nothing more than a lecherous, irresponsible old man.
"Welco to the team! From now on, we're partners. I'm very interested in your swordsmanship. Shall we spar soti?"
Even though Kamishiro Isshin was on the floor like a shrimp, Yamato Kuka welcod Yuto warmly. She clearly regretted not having sparred with him before and directly invited him to the training room later.
The other familiar face in the Eighth Group was Kujo Hinano, whom Yuto hadn't expected. After the incident with Nurikabe, she had passed her assessnt and officially joined the Unnatural Counterasures Team. But due to her lack of combat experience, she couldn't actively contribute in the field yet. Her role was limited to serving as a liaison for the Eighth Group while learning basic exorcism techniques at the Onmyoji Academy.
"Yuto, it's great to finally work with you. Also… I'm sorry! I caused you so much trouble before with my ignorance and stubbornness."
Hinano bowed formally after greeting him, her sincerity clear. Joining the Counterasures Team had given her a true understanding of her previous recklessness.
As the liaison, she had been responsible for reporting "cursed demon" incidents to Yamato and Kuka. Through this, she had realized the stark difference between humans and demons. Before, thanks to Yuto's overwhelming strength, she and her team had solved two demon cases with minimal casualties, giving her the false impression that ordinary humans could fight demons.
But after witnessing nurous incidents firsthand, she now understood how vulnerable ordinary humans truly were. Every "monster" defeated often left behind a trail of death and injury, even among highly trained support personnel. Casualties were inevitable, no matter how skilled the human team.
Hinano saw firsthand that her previous actions had caused Yuto unnecessary trouble. Her solemn bow and apology reflected that understanding.
"I'm studying hard now, looking forward to the day I can fight alongside you. I promise I won't hold you back. Until then, I'll serve as the liaison for the Eighth Counterasures Team. My na is Kujou Hinano. Nice to et you, Mr. Tenjouin Yuto."
Yuto stared at her, blank for a mont. Could this really be the sa willful, naive girl from before? Experiencing life-and-death situations seed to have matured her incredibly fast.
"My na is Tenjouin Yuto. Nice to et you."
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