Chapter 474: -467- [ Onmyou Academy ]
"Sekigokoro."
This is one of the three major central areas in Tokyo, renowned alongside Ginza, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Asakusa as a bustling district.
As the epicenter of various trends and fashions, it serves as the birthplace and hub for all kinds of pop culture, spreading their influence from this place.
In this location, facing the expansive roads, stands a very prominent building.
At first glance, it might seem unremarkable, but it exudes an exceptionally refined atmosphere upon closer inspection.
The building possesses a style distinct from the surrounding structures. Its exterior is pristine, adorned with shining granite plaques, and orderly arranged vermilion window frames add a touch of elegance.
Despite being a simple modern construction, it emanates an austere and solemn ambiance akin to a shrine, blending modernity with a hint of grandeur.
The people coming in and out of this building are a group of students unlike any seen elsewhere.
These students are attired in uniforms inspired by hunting garments from the Heian period.
The hunting garment, known as "kariginu," was originally the informal attire for the nobility during the Heian period and also the formal attire for the warrior class.
It was initially worn as sportswear during hunting, featuring loose sleeves and an unfitted structure for ease of movement. Over time, it transitioned into ceremonial attire worn by the Imperial Guard in the Kamakura period.
The students entering and exiting this building wear uniforms transformed from these garments. The boys wear black outerwear and trousers, while the girls wear white tops and skirts, creating a stark contrast.
At this moment, a boy and a girl wearing these black and white uniforms respectively stand in front of the building.
These boy and girl are none other than Rozen and Natsume.
"So, this is the Onmyo Academy?"
Natsume, dressed in the white female student uniform, gazed at the building in front of her with a sense of astonishment.
There was no helping it.
The building that appeared before her was far beyond Natsume's expectations.
In today's age, with the prevalence of spiritual calamities, Onmyoji have become a well-known profession.
However, it remains a very unique profession, one that requires certain qualities to engage in. People outside the field have little understanding of the entire industry, resulting in a closed and exclusive aspect of Onmyoji society.
This exclusivity extends to the world of apprentices and trainees as well.
Moreover, Onmyoji is a tradition that has been passed down from ancient times to the present, a kind of antique, to say the least.
The Onmyo Academy was established shortly after the creation of the Onmyo Agency and has a history of nearly half a century. Who could have imagined that in such a place, the school building would be so modern and advanced?
Of course, Natsume might be jumping to conclusions a bit too quickly.
"Times are changing, society is advancing, and even educational facilities with a historical background won't stick to their original architecture forever. It's quite normal to construct new school buildings as the masses progress. Especially here in Tokyo, where it's completely normal to build new school facilities," Rozen, dressed in a black uniform, remarked lazily.
"I heard that this school building was completed just last year, and the facilities inside are the latest developments. Being able to enroll this year is quite fortunate, isn't it?"
Moreover...
"Moreover, if you look closely, you can see something unusual."
Rozen, gazing at the building ahead, slightly narrowed his eyes as he spoke.
"You can't see it with the naked eye, you need to 'look' at it, Natsume."
Rozen's words reminded Natsume, prompting her to focus on her ability to see spirits and gaze at the building in front of her.
In the next moment, Natsume saw it.
A faint spiritual energy wafted on the surface of the building.
This made the interior and exterior of the building more stable compared to each other, and when needed, it could even provide protection.
In other words...
"There's a barrier!"
Natsume announced her findings.
Exactly.
There are barriers arranged around the building.
Moreover, the strength of the barrier is very high.
"Conservatively estimating, the strength of this barrier is even higher than the training grounds in my house, right?"
Rozen provided this assessment.
"Since it's a facility second in importance only to the Onmyo Agency, having this level of protection is only natural."
Rozen was satisfied with this.
A few days ago, Rozen and Natsume set off from their hometown, taking a train and arriving at Sekigokoro in Tokyo, the headquarters of Onmyoji, equivalent to the Imperial Court of Onmyodou.
After arriving here, based on the arrangements made by Tsuchimikado Yasuzumi, Rozen and Natsume immediately went to the admissions office of the Onmyo Academy and participated in the entrance exam.
As expected, just like Tsuchimikado Takahiro had said, with Rozen and Natsume's abilities, both of them easily passed the entrance exam.
In the written test, Rozen and Natsume were far ahead of the other applicants. Rozen even got an astonishing perfect score, causing quite a stir. In the practical exam, their performance was even more extraordinary, leaving the examiners dumbfounded and astounded.
It was only natural, as expected.
Rozen's level of jutsu was already remarkable due to his innate powerful jutsuryoku and perfect control over it.
Even without specific training, being praised by Kurahashi Genji, the leader of the Twelve Divine Generals, as a child was a testament to his exceptional abilities.
Now, as a student, there was no reason for him to fall short of the standards, and even the specialized Onmyouji might not be aware of Rozen's capabilities. His abilities were not only astonishing but also intimidating.
As for Natsume, controlling Raihou was known to be challenging, yet she effortlessly commanded it and displayed expertise in various other jutsu.
It had been mentioned before that even professional Onmyouji might not match her. Natsume stunned everyone during the entrance exam for the students, but it was entirely expected.
In fact, they should be grateful that Rozen and Natsume didn't summon Shikigami; otherwise, it wouldn't be a matter to take lightly.
Regarding the written exam, it was no challenge for either of them. Rozen, naturally inclined toward intellectual pursuits, excelled, and Natsume's scores were also close to perfection, as her intelligence was apparent.
Thus, in the entrance exam, Rozen and Natsume respectively secured first and second places, unquestionably earning their spots in the academy. Their performance far surpassed that of the other students.
It was said that the only student who could compete with Rozen and Natsume in the entrance exam was the student who secured third place at another examination site.
The three of them demonstrated astounding abilities, causing quite a stir.
Afterward, Rozen and Natsume received their enrollment notices today and came here to witness the true face of the Onmyou Academy.
All in all, the Onmyou Academy did not disappoint Rozen. The advanced school building and the high-level barrier made the difference in atmosphere clear when compared to the countryside.
Looking at the school building, Rozen murmured to himself.
"Arriving here went smoothly. The trouble might start from here on, right?"
Rozen mused with these words.
"Akikan..."
Natsume seemed to understand what Rozen was thinking and also looked worried.
Seeing this, Rozen comforted Natsume.
"Don't worry. We'll cross that bridge when we get there. Let's take it one step at a time."
Rozen patted Natsume's head, making her feel a little embarrassed but also alleviating much of her worry.
"Alright, let's go in."
"Yes."
The two descendants of the Tsuchimikado family stepped into the nurturing institution of Onmyoji, officially entering the world of jujutsu.
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