บท 493: -487- In the near future
"————"
At the moment that frivolous voice appeared, the entire classroom seemed to be bound by invisible jujutsu. Not only did the tense atmosphere dissipate, but even the pulsations of magic in Natsume and Kyouko's bodies seemed forcibly suppressed and slowly dispersed.
Almost instinctively, everyone looked towards the classroom door.
There stood Ohtomo, leaning on his cane, maintaining the clapping gesture, and with a very helpless expression, he spoke.
"Really, why is my class full of troublesome students?"
Ohtomo spoke in a not-so-serious tone with a distinctive Kansai accent, causing the tension to vanish. Somehow, there was an inexplicable persuasiveness to it—perhaps it was an effect of some sort of minor jujutsu?
Rozen thought absentmindedly, unaffected by the situation.
In contrast to Rozen, Natsume and Kyouko were completely speechless.
Although they were at odds, they both shared a common trait: seriousness and a sense of responsibility, never breaking rules set by others, embodying the qualities of excellent students.
Now, after being addressed by Ohtomo, they were unable to utter a single word in protest.
Seeing Natsume and Kyouko like this, Ohtomo gave a wry smile.
"Well, let's put away the shikigami for now, shall we?"
Ohtomo gave this instruction.
"Yes..."
"Yes..."
Although Natsume and Kyouko were still a bit unwilling, they complied obediently.
"Come back, Hekireki."
The dazzling lightning shikigami, akin to a vajra, merged back into Natsume's body.
"Hakuou, Kokufu."
Kyouko issued the command, and the forms of the two Yasha gradually dissipated like mist.
Looking at Natsume and Kyouko in this way, the students in the class felt a tinge of envy. Being able to manipulate shikigami was something truly worthy of envy for an ordinary student.
Ohtomo smiled and addressed Natsume and Kyouko again, "I don't intend to interfere in your affairs. While it's true that duels between students without permission are not allowed, a healthy competition among students is a good thing. Especially in this industry that values strength and quality, competition among each other for progress has always been recognized as a good thing. If you intend to compete in a positive way, I have no objections."
The meaning behind Ohtomo's words was clear, and even Rozen understood.
"In the future, although primary lessons for students mainly revolve around lectures, practical classes are not nonexistent. Eventually, you'll have jujutsu spars among students as part of the curriculum. There's no need to rush," Ohtomo hinted.
Kyouko pointed at Rozen, ignoring his exasperated expression, and asked Ohtomo, "So, in practical classes, I can challenge him?"
Natsume wasn't going to let Kyouko lead the conversation.
"I already said, before that, you have to defeat me," Natsume emphasized again.
"It's good to have spirit," Ohtomo said with a wry smile, then shrugged, "Basically, as long as it's permitted by the instructor, students can engage in jujutsu battle. However, today is just your second day at the academy. I don't intend to let you start a fight here. If you both want to vent your frustrations, I can allow you to use the jujutsu practice field. Just remember, no jujutsu battles."
It seemed Ohtomo wasn't going to allow Natsume and Kyouko to have a showdown here.
As for the reason, it was probably because it would be too troublesome.
"If it's on a regular day, it's fine, but I worked late last night. Please spare me."
Scratching his head, Ohtomo made this statement, leaving the students in the room speechless.
Only Rozen knew what Ohtomo meant by "worked late."
Staring at this teacher who casually scratched his head, seemingly bothered, Rozen silently pondered.
(Who are you, really, Ohtomo-sensei...)
Recalling last night's events, Rozen became increasingly convinced that Ohtomo was hiding something.
(Even though there are professional onmyoji instructors teaching in the Onmyo Academy, it's not guaranteed that there are instructors at this level of strength, right?)
No matter what, Rozen had been honing his Spirit Vision for quite a long time since learning it. Over nearly fifty years, he continuously refined it. Even after modifying it to see spiritual energy based on his "Spirit Sight" ability in this world, the level of his "Spirit Vision" remained significant. Even using "Invisibility Jutsu," one couldn't escape Rozen's keen eyes.
Yet, Director Ohtomo managed to.
(Relying on an "Invisibility Jutsu" of that level... Even the "Twelve Divine Generals" might not necessarily be able to achieve that, right?)
Rozen made this assessment.
This made Rozen suspicious of Director Ohtomo's identity.
Of course, being adept at "Invisibility Jutsu" didn't automatically mean one was very strong. Just like players in SAO who mastered the "Hiding" skill, making it difficult for even Saichou and Hanachou to detect their presence, it didn't guarantee victory against Rozen if they hadn't learned weapon skills or other combat abilities.
Therefore, Director Ohtomo might excel specifically in "Invisibility Jutsu," but his overall strength might not be remarkable.
Unfortunately, Rozen didn't believe this to be the case.
(An onmyoji capable of manipulating SwallowWhip into such forms... It's impossible to think he's just proficient in "Invisibility Jutsu".)
Rozen observed Director Ohtomo, who wore a seemingly bothered expression.
(Oh well, the future holds plenty of time.)
Currently, Rozen had just entered Onmyo Academy, not even two days ago.
Stepping into the world of onmyoji, it had been barely two days.
In the future, given Rozen's special status, he would surely encounter various characters to different extents.
Ohtomo was just one of them.
(I wonder how things will unfold in the future?)
Resting his head on his hand, Rozen suddenly smiled.
One thing was certain: it wouldn't be boring.
With this thought in mind, Rozen quietly observed Natsume and Kyouko, who were staring each other down, as well as each and every student present. It felt like he was gazing at a reachable future, and he squinted his eyes.
Thanks to this, Rozen's "Mind's Eye" underwent a transformation, just like how it did on the 22nd floor of SAO, gradually evolving, improving, and becoming purer.
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