Work Text:
Haruaki, Ebisu, Kurai, and Kuzunoha were discussing the now asleep Sano mikoto real name when they suddenly got teleported to a room with a large TV and couches form a semicircle around it. However, only haruaki, kurai, ebisu, and sano are the ones who's there. Kuzunoha doesn't.
Haruaki, still wearing his kitsune appearance, scanned around the room and saw many other people.
Rintarou-kun and Izuna-kun? Why are they here? They aren't even included in this arc!
Is that troupe captain with the principal? For the same reason, why are they here!? Is this going to be like Hero coming late with how they are coming at the end of the arc!?
Besides, I'm from the newest chapter so what's the use of this reaction room like place!? Is there gonna be a big plot twist for this to happen?
This is the first reaction fic in this fandom, right?
While Haruaki’s mind was still chaotic, the others had noticed this situation.
Miki and Hatanaka observed the unfamiliar room and saw Haruaki standing there with a kitsune appearance.
“ …Hatanaka-kun, is that Haruaki? But…” he said as he pointed towards Haruaki.
“Argh, just what is the problem this time,” Hatanaka groaned, covering his face with his hand.
Then they walked to Haruaki's place. Haruaki noticed them, woke up to his senses and waved his hand quickly, “Rintarou-kun! Izuna-kun!”
“So, haruaki-kun, what happened this time? Why are you… like that?” Miki questions while looking at him up and down.
“Oh, ummm, well, here is what happened.”
Haruaki started to explain from the beginning how they got lost and entered the fox town. Kurai just looked at the room and the cast here.
__________
“Ohh? Now this is interesting,” Ranmaru admitted. “What do you think, acchan?”
“What's there to think about?” Douman already took his mask and his face was shown. “Must be because of Haruaki again… he really can’t go one day without causing any problem.”
Ranmaru stayed silent for a few seconds before placing his hands behind his head, “seems like it. Look, there he is.”
They both finally stare at Haruaki and realize his appearance.
“Why does he look like a fox?” Ranmaru commented.
“Don't know,” Douman responded as he disappeared through the floor
_________
Haruaki was already halfway through the story when the principal appeared from behind.
“Haruaki-kun, do you mind repeating that story?” the principal chimed in with his usual tone.
Haruaki jumps with comical screams.
“Principal!” Miki and Hatanaka spoke simultaneously.
“Don't forget about me!” Ranmaru stated, flying with his black wings and landing a bit far from haruaki. “So, could you repeat that?”
The human teacher starts over again from the beginning for the two new addition people.
…
“So that's how it is… his name is Tensei, right?” The principal asked while rubbing his chin.
“Yes,” the teacher in a fox appearance quickly answered.
“Why are you always in trouble…” Miki sighed, scratching his eyebrows.
“ …Seimei?” a hoarse voice sounded from the principal’s back.
His finger twitched slightly.
It was Sano mikoto- no. Actually, his real name is susanoo no mikoto. However, he didn't tell them anything about his name so the ones who know keep quiet.
“Are you okay? Did you remember what happened?” Ebisu tried to comfort him as he helped him to sit on one of the couches.
“Yeah…” Sano looked at him for a while before averting his gaze to Haruaki. “What's wrong with your looks? Why did you turn into a fox?” He said with a smirk, although it could be said that it was rather forced.
“It's great you’re okay!” Haruaki replied with his usual cheerful smile. “And this is necessary! Okay?”
The student also smiled back, happy he could still see that bright, sun-like smile.
“Oh! You like fluffy things right? You can touch it!” The human now fox haruaki turned around to show him his tail and ears.
“No,” the flat rejection came from the blonde, despite the fact that his eyes sparkled for a second at the suggestion.
[Are you done yet?]
The sound coming from the speaker next to the TV. It sounds kind of robotic but the way it speak unmistakenly human.
“KYAK!!!” The scream from Haruaki was indeed very comedic, he jumped 5 meters to the back.
[Okay, long story short, you’re here to react to chapter 131. Yes I know it’s your timeline now but there’s really a big surprise at the end so I want to do this.]
“Now I’m interested,” the principal admitted.
Something big happened on this particular day…
[Done? Now go find a seat!]
Everyone started to find their own couch to sit, some still complained though. From the left to the right, ranmaru, douman, Hatanaka, Miki, haruaki, Sano, ebisu, and kurai.
[...]
“What happened now?” Hatanaka grumbled at the TV.
[I’m conflicted whether to add another person or not.]
[Mmmmm yeah, I'm gonna do it.]
Why ask if you already decided!?
Then there was a new addition next to kurai. It was Nyuudou.
“Rensuke-sama?” Kurai quickly examined him to see if there’s any injury.
“ …kurai?” He opened his single eye slowly.
[Okay nyuudou-kun, basically this is what happened. Kaku kaku jika jika]
[I forgot how the anime or manga did it but I only remember the sound from the anime so yeah here it is. This is basically just retelling what I said.]
The hitotsume kozou sighed, “fine. But I will take you later, kurai.”
After saying that, he mumbled to himself, “things after things…”
[oh right, for fun, I'm gonna include one more person.]
Make up your mind! Why don't you just take them from the start!?
Thump!
Byakko appeared beside Ranmaru, blinking at the unfamiliar room.
“Byakko-chan!” Ranmaru exclaimed.
“You… What are you doing here? And where are we?” The feminine guy scanned around the room, then pointed an accusatory finger at Haruaki. “You! You called me in this weird space, aren't you!?” His face seems really pissed.
“EH!?” Shocked, Haruaki whipped his head back and forth at the accusation. “It's not me! It’s them!” He pointed his finger at the TV.
[Hello Byakko~. We’re here to react to what Haruaki and class 2-3 are going to face very soon. Don't worry, you will definitely love it as there really is a huge event coming.]
What’s with the favoritism!? When Nyuudou came, it just used a simple, short plot for explaining!
“How about we just calm down and watch, Byakko-chan?” The former God offered.
After a few seconds, he nodded, “fine….” He looked at Haruaki again, just now he noticed his appearance, “what happened with you? Why fox?”
“Ughh…” looks like he has to explain again.
How many times have I repeated this story?
A few minutes later.
“Hmm. Well, it’s your problem anyway,” the shikigami snorted.
Sano rolled his eyes.
[No more chit-chat. Let's start!]
[The screen finally lit up with Abe no Seimei grave displayed and a text shown “over a thousand years since that day…”]
Byakko’s eyes widened. He didn't think much before but this totally caught him off guard.
Douman and Ranmaru also didn't expect this to be the first thing to be shown. They pursed their lips slightly.
[Ashiya Douman turned his head as he heard a voice remark, “hmph… You’re so diligent about this, year after year.”]
So this is the important matter the principal has to do?
The shutendoji and kamaitachi shared a thought.
Haruaki is already sure that Douman didn't kill Seimei, and this is just further confirmation for him.
[“I don't remember that today was the day Seimei died at all,” the former God said, sitting and leaning at the top of a tree behind the principal.]
Byakko clenched his jaw just a bit, he didn't hate the former God, only annoyed.
He can't force the former Suzaku to do what he doesn't want, thus he chooses to be silent.
[“You said that, but aren't you here anyway?” Douman retorted, closing his eyes.]
They already had this conversation just before coming here, there’s no need to say it again.
[“I came with because I thought you are going to horse races,” he replied, his voice flat. “i’ve got nothing to reminisce about that guy.”]
Haruaki takes a glance at the captain, then shifts it back to the screen.
Nyuudou also took a peek at both of them. The situation feels tense since this started.
[“Well, you do hate him. After all,” his white and red eyes slowly opened.]
Ebisu’s usual smile stays there.
Kurai may not look like he’s interested at all but he’s all ears to the information the screen has given him.
[Ranmaru only gave a blank face. Then he got down from the tree and asked, “ … say, acchan.”]
The principal’s eyes half lidded, remembering the question he had been asked.
He doesn't want to think about it but he knows someday that day will undoubtedly come.
[“what? I'm not lending you any money.”
“I’ve been meaning to ask you for a while now….”]
The human teacher really wanted to somehow change this awkward environment but the TV moved faster than him.
[The screen changed to a cover of the chapter.
Young Abe No Seimei sat cross-legged on numerous skulls while smiling and put one of his right hand in his chin. Two Bone hands beside each of the child sides, reaching out to the Skulls beneath him. Yin and Yang symbol behind him.
The picture gave an unnerving feeling.
A text appeared beside him. “A life built upon countless sacrifices.”
Another text, “Hundred and Thirty-First Period. Fox Town Samsara (Part 6)”]
The Heian era people froze. The reaction was different for each person but something for sure, is that they’re taken aback.
Ashiya Douman breath hitched. Trying to hold something inside him before it leaks.
‘Seimei…’
Ranmaru tightens his lips. Tightens his palm. Face complicated.
‘Would…’
‘Would he make an appearance now?’
...
‘Who am I kidding, of course he would.’
Byakko’s eyes widened, covering his mouth with his hand, surprised but happily accepting the face that greeted him.
‘Seimei-sama…’
The others focus on the young face on the screen.
So this is Abe no Seimei…
He’s exactly the same as Abe-sensei, except the eerie aura around him.
A life built upon countless sacrifices, huh…
What a weird picture.
Each of them have their own thoughts for this.
[The rain occured. Fox Haruaki’s shocked face was palpable, “Sano-kun’s name… isn’t actually Sano Mikoto?”]
Sano’s body tensed. He already heard the explanation about the situation, glad he could be taken out before giving any real damages.
Also how his real name got exposed, but he guesses it's fine because he prefers that than hurting his idiot, kind-hearted teacher.
[A possessed ‘Sano Mikoto’ looking at his hands with a smirk. A big, black Mark on his left face, “is that so…”]
“So that's how someone who got possessed by osaki looked…” the principal muttered, focusing on taking the appearance of his possessed student.
The same thought was shared among some people that weren't in the place when this happened.
Haruaki glanced at Sano beside him to make sure he’s okay. The boy narrowed his eyes at his possessed self.
“That…” Nyuudou looked Kurai in the eye, “did I look like that…?”
“…Yes, Rensuke-sama,” the Dodomeki replied, taking a second longer than necessary. Perhaps he’s worried about what his family would think and feel, seeing himself like that.
The student focused back on the screen.
[He lifted his right hand as a tornado materialized behind him, destroying the buildings, “well, isn't that just great for me! Now you’re all out of tricks to make me leave this body!”
A tall building got snapped in half and fell to Kurai and Kuzunoha. “Guh!” he cried as the weight started to crush on him.]
“Ugh… it's heavy as heck,” Kurai scratches his head.
“The amount of destruction…” Hatanaka murmured.
“Well, that’s Yakubyougami for you,” Miki leaned back as he assessed both the blondes.
Byakko snorted, “hmph.”
[Trying to hold on, the dodomeki-now-fox yelled, “ABE-SENSEI!! DO SOMETHING!! HE’S GOING TO WRECK THE WHOLE TOWN AT THIS RATE!”]
Sano swallowed his saliva, disliked seeing how his magic destroyed his surroundings.
Just like what he always do-
He quickly dismissed the thought.
This is more important now. Don't think about anything unnecessary.
His big brother looks at him every once in a while.
[Abe-sensei panicked, “I wish I could! My exorcism power is used up! I never would have guessed that that wasn't his real name!”]
The 2 teachers furrowed their eyebrows.
The class representative took a peek at his classmate.
[“YOU’RE HIS HOMEROOM TEACHER! CAN’T YOU FIGURE IT OUT BASED ON THINGS HE’S SAID AND DONE?!”
“Umm… let's see…” the homeroom teacher started to list out the things he knew about his student to make an analysis. “clues on his real name based on things he’s said and done…. He’s from Izumo, he’s handsome,]
Why the hell does he keep mentioning my face!?
[He likes cute things, he’s better at humanities, he’s smart, he came up with the plan to defeat that huge monkey during the disaster drill…”
“…ah…” He gasped as a flashback started to occur. “Right… back then….” He recalled the drill in his memories, and Sano's expression was somewhat nervous. “The Yamata-no-Orochi strategy…. It came from a legend involving a God…” he concluded, “Izumo… Yamata-no-Orochi… ‘Sano Mikoto’....”]
Sano pursed his lips into a straight line. He knows despite how hopeless the teacher usually acts, he is actually very smart.
‘Yamata-no-Orochi… could it be…’ Miki looked at him and seemed to reach the answer. While the teachers know Sano is a God, there are no details regarding what kind.
(Did Miki know? He’s his homeroom teacher in the first year after all. Please tell me)
‘hmph, it really comes as a surprise.’ Kurai thought.
[Ebisu, coming from behind, interjects, “As expected of the son of a Shrine family, you sure know your stuff.”
“Huh?”
“Susanoo-no-Mikoto,” the God of luck stated.]
Miki : ‘So it's really that,’
Hatanaka and Nyuudou initially wanted to ask but after seeing his expression which clearly said he didn't want to talk, they let him.
With more than half the room already knowing this, there's not much reaction could be seen for this reveal.
Sano relaxed to some degree at the lack of reaction.
[The blonde’s stunned face was evident before the osaki left his body and returned to the gourd. His big brother already carries the now unconscious Mikoto.
“I knew it…” Haruaki mused. “Sano-kun was actually Susanoo-No-Mikoto.”
“‘Susanoo’...” Kurai was stunned. “It sounds like a name straight out of classical literature.”
Mikoto’s face zoomed in. “Well, he is a God that shows up in the kojiki and other Japanese legends, he’s said to be a God who wards off calamity and protects Harvests.” The screen changed to a scene from Yamata-no-Orochi legend, “one of his most well-known tales involves the Yamata-no-Orochi. It was a giant snake with eight heads that are people, and Susanoo slayer it by getting it drunk.”
“But if he was a God who warded off calamity, how did he become a Yakubyougami and end up at hyakki academia…?”]
That's a good question.
“And here’s where we suddenly got teleported here,” Haruaki explained.
The principal hummed.
‘ …those 3 become oddly quiet…’ Haruaki takes in the Heian people.
[A possessed Mamekichi Maizuka is shown sneaking around to run from the battle field. He also had a black mark on his left face.]
“!”
Sano's eyes widened, “mame!”
“Gah!” Haruaki clapped his hands on his head, “we let him slip right under our nose!”
[“We’ll just have to ask him, but it’ll be up to him whether he wants to answer.”
“and where do you think you’re going?” Tensei appeared out of nowhere and said.]
Byakko stared at him, feeling somehow familiar but didn't recognise yet.
“And I suppose this is Tensei, Haruaki-kun?” Miki questions, looking carefully at the kitsune.
The human-fox nodded.
[“GHK!” The one sneaking away froze comically. “T… Tensei!”
“Come on! Are you really trying to run away?” The kitsune raises his hands just enough to be in the same height as his shoulder.
“Our chances aren’t looking good, They’ve taken back our trump cards, the one-eye and the Yakubyou-gami,” He complained. “And the Fortune god who ought to be lost outside the town has somehow gotten in….”]
The hitotsume kozou faintly groaned.
‘heh, they don't try hard enough,’ Ebisu crossed his hands, ‘although I guess it can't be helped with Yuuta there.’
The others observed their conversation attentively, wanting to find a way to deal with this situation.
[The black-haired kitsune gave him a side glance as he lowered his eyes, “oh my, are we nullifying that deal then? Didn’t you want ‘the body of a strong youkai’?”]
Deal?
Seems like he’s not doing that for free.
[“Uh…” he hesitated for a bit before shooting back. “But, this pipsqueak tanuki you’ve gotten me is anything but strong.”]
His usual self would quickly defend Mame but the circumstances didn't quite fit. Thus he only glared at them.
[“Oh, don't worry, this is only temporary,” Tensei reassured him with a smile.
“If you do as I say, I can get you the body of…” the kitsune whispered with a sly smile. “ …in exchange for Abe Haruaki’s body. What do you think?”]
“And of course they won't disclose the important information,” Kurai blurted, eyes twitched.
Whose body? And why would they want Haruaki's body?
The Heian people became more suspicious.
Ranmaru and Douman already realized that the target he has is Haruaki. But what did he want to do with Haruaki on this particular day? Just what does he want?
[The Osaki, stunned, didn't believe what he had heard, “y… you promise?”
“Of course. As long as you can fulfill my wish,” the sly fox coaxed him.
“All i want,” Tensei makes a square with his index fingers and thumbs, what is seen in that square is people with haruaki. “is Abe Haruaki’s body, and nothing else. You’re allowed to use some violence. I'm leaving it to you.”]
“I have a very bad feeling about this,” Hatanaka hissed.
Animal youkai’s instinct is remarkable, if he said he has a bad feeling then it's really bad.
[“Ugh… okay…” the possessed Mamekichi determined, “alright, i’ll gather the remaining osaki and go all out!”
“How are you going to gather them? Can you use telepathy or something?”]
“ …can they?” Haruaki asked, clearly curious.
“As far as I know, no,” the principal informed, acting like the previous loss of composure didn't happen at all.
“It would be very annoying if they can,” Ebisu added, already imagining all the troublesome things they can do.
[The scene switched back to Haruaki, who questioned Ebisu, “Come to think of it, how did Ebisu-sensei get in…?”
“Hold on”
Kuzunoha speaks for the first time in this, “Do you hear the ground rumbling?”]
What?
It did not sound so good.
[Soon enough, several skeleton’s hands reached out from the ground.
“KYAHH!!” Kuzunoha screech.]
Some of them were surprised by the sudden appearance of skeletons from the ground.
Feeling the situation will go down hill real quick.
“That ability…” Nyuudou started.
“ …it's Satsuki-san’s!” Sano continued.
[“Skeleton's hands… don't tell me…” haruaki muttered when suddenly a gashadokuro with the same black mark on her face emerged from behind with another girl on her head.]
“Utagawa-san!” The human-fox’s ears swing open.
“Utagawa-san!” The orange-haired kid shouted at the same time.
“ …seems like the others will come soon enough,” Ranmaru, after becoming quiet for a while, guesses.
His mood has worsened ever since the image of young seimei emerged.
Kurai groaned.
They don't really have a chance to take a break, do they?
[The huge skeleton smashed the ground with her bone hand as Haruaki dodged it with a “YIPE!!”]
The previously possessed students don't know how to feel. Sure they were controlled, but they still attacked their own teacher. The teacher that always helps them through the worst.
They felt ashamed and guilty.
[“Th… that was close…” he tried to get on his feet. “Utagawa-san!”
The girl on top of the gashadokuro pops up, no need to say there was also a black mark on her face, “and I'm here too!”
“Satsuki-san!!” he shouted.]
“Now how should we deal with it?” Kurai turned to the side.
“ …we can't win if all of them charge in at the same time. We’re outnumbered,” Haruaki declared. “Maybe we’ll find the solution after watching further.”
Kurai hummed in agreement.
…
Byakko doesn't understand why he needs to be here.
It's not like he has any connection to this arc.
Did that human summon the four Gods to help him? Was it only him or also the others?
It's not like he will lend a hand to him anyway.
Even if they make a contract, he will never recognize him as his master.
Seimei-sama…
[“I’ve got it!! Everyone!!” ‘Mamekichi’ yelled to his phone. “gather at the construction site in front of the station!”
“I was wondering how you were going to tell them,” Tensei said, disappointed but still holding his regular smile, “A regular phone call, huh.”
This was weirdly comedic.]
“Oh… it was the phone…” Haruaki mumbled, barely audible.
“Well, it's the only logical way,” Miki responded, deep down also kind of disappointed.
[“We’ll get Utagawa-san first…” told Haruaki before one of the smaller skeletons covered his mouth. “MMF?!”]
“Guh, it did not look good,” the human sputtered, touching his own lips.
“No shit,” the blonde student responded, digging fingernails into his palm hard but not enough to cause injuries.
[“Tsk… these skeletons Satsuki-san summoned…” Ebisu grumbled, still carrying his little brother, clearly won't let him go.“They just keep pouring out…”
“They’re dead to begin with, so they don't go down no matter how hard you hit…” Kurai kicked one of the skeletons, destroying the bones to pieces.]
Ebisu remarked, uncrossing his hands, “we’re really in a tight spot, we can't just knock the students out too.”
Nyuudou glanced at the teacher assistant, he’s suspicious of him but at times like this he wished the Luck God could somehow help them solve the problem.
[“Stop the strongest ones first, glasses guy and braid guy!!” Satsuki commanded loudly.
“GUH…” Kurai fell and was overwhelmed by the countless skeletons surrounding them.]
“Kurai!” Nyuudou looked back and forth at both Kurai, concerned.
Kurai quickly hid his displeased expression after he saw the worried face towards him, “I'm sure it’ll be fine, rensuke-sama.”
They both focus back to the screen.
[The same happened to Ebisu and Sano, the skeletons try to restrain them. “EWW!! GROSS!! DON'T TOUCH ME!!” Ebisu squeaked.]
Miki holds back the amused sound on his throat.
Ebisu let out an annoyed expression before taking it back in less than a second. Nonetheless, his brother managed to catch his face before it disappeared.
The tension decreased a bit at the rare comedic display from the God of Fortune.
[‘Shit! I gotta do something!’ thought Haruaki.
“And now, get the gourd away from Abe Haruaki!!” the leader of the skeletons demanded.
“GAH!” The skeleton took the gourd away, accidently snapped his prayer beads.]
“AH! THE PRAYER BEADS!” Haruaki screamed. His father told him to never take it off and now it's broken!
“THAT’S WHAT YOU WORRIED ABOUT!?” Although Nyuudou yelled at him, there's no heat behind his words. More worried about the lack of proper prioritization.
“Really, you should care more about how you could get out of that situation,” Miki advised, his brows knitted, feeling slightly irritated at not being able to help his friend.
Some people dropped cold sweats as they kept watching.
[More skeletons ascend from the ground. Then Gashadokuro picked him up and squished his body as Haruaki screamed, “CRAP, I’M CAUGHT!!”
“Ugh… it hurts…” he spoke with struggle.
‘It's no good, I can't hold on…’ he thought as he slowly lost consciousness, saliva dripped from the corner of his mouth.]
“Seimei!” The students shouted, panic in their eyes.
“Haruaki!” His 2 fellow teachers as well as friends yelled simultaneously.
The others didn't outwardly shout but the same feeling went over them.
Well, some of them.
Haruaki’s face lit up, happy his friends and students cared for him but also didn't want them to stress too much.
“I'm sure it'll be okay, guys! The protagonist always wins! Right?” The cheesy line comes out without any awkwardness thanks to the situation as his comedic face shows. He really tried to ease the tension but guess it was in vain.
Considering the next scene.
…
So it's now, huh…
A certain crow thought, not liking it.
[The scene switched again to ‘mamekichi’ and tensei.
“Huh?! Are you trying to get him killed?!” Osaki Mamekichi started to get nervous. “I told you not to harm his body!”
Tensei only clicked his tongue, annoyed, letting out a “tsk!” sound.]
They glared at the duo.
Hatanaka looked like he was about to cut him down the second he saw him in person.
Miki’s planning how to make them pay for every single thing.
Sano and Nyuudou make sure to take revenge for controlling them.
Ebisu only smirks, but someone can tell he’s not exactly happy.
Kurai also feels slightly nervous.
Haruaki feels really on edge.
This is really bad, right!? What should i do!? What should i do!? I hope future me could solve this peacefully! Besides! What does Tensei want from me!?
…
Live for 1000 years…?
An image of Seimei pop up.
Tensei…
reincarnation…
Seimei…
Did he have a connection with Abe No Seimei? It's possible, but what exactly?
Unfortunately, he didn't quite have the time to think about his motivation now.
[Satsuki and others appeared again. Satsuki commanded, “Okaaay, and now, bite down!!”
“!! Abe-sensei!!” Kurai screamed, panicked. “Hey!! Wake up!!”]
“ …Did she really order her to bite him down?” they can’t even follow the command from the one who was likely to be the leader? The rest of the sentence didn't come out. It didn't feel necessary.
Byakko dislikes Haruaki, but that doesn't mean he wants him to die.
Especially with the same face as him. It would only let that image resurface.
…
Great, now the ache on his heart appears again.
[“Stop that, osaki…!” Tensei ran to their place.]
“ …be quick you bastard,” Sano hissed quietly, only those beside him heard it.
[“HARUAKI!!” The Dodomeki howled in despair as he cried out Haruaki’s name.]
Kurai-san called me by my name? I want to mention it but this really isn't the time.
[The camera zoomed in on the unconscious teacher, who suddenly had an uncharacteristic mischievous grin on his face.]
“What…?” Those with exceptional eyes could manage to catch the shift that happened under a second.
Here he come…
[He raised his left hand towards the gashadokuro and a glowing pentagram symbol with bright blue light appeared between his palm and her face. ]
Seeing the all too familiar exorcise power, the Heian period people froze.
–To be precise, it's only two people.
That much power and control over his own power— there's no way it was Haruaki, but if that’s true… then the only plausible possibility is…
Recognition dawned on their face
[The Gashadokuro was thrown off to the side, causing a wave of winds to arise.]
“what was that…? I thought you used up your exorcism power?” Kurai exhaled, letting out the breath he didn't realize he held all this time. He is still suspicious but glad Haruaki is okay now.
“No,” Sano resolutely refuted, scrutinizing the display.
“Yeah, it didn't feel like seimei,” Nyuudou continued, scowling.
Ebisu added, similarly frowning his eyebrows, “do you think that teacher would use his power to launch any of his students like that? Controlled or not, he won't be that harsh.”
Haruaki feels the same. There's no way he would do something like that to his own students, even if in danger.
But if not, then what could possibly happen?
[3 mortified faces were clear, Kurai, Ebisu, and Tensei. While only the lower face of Kuzunoha was visible.]
Hatanaka’s animal instinct kicked in, his instinct told him it wasn't Haruaki but it was Haruaki at the same time. He’s conflicted, this is the first time those contradicted feelings appeared.
While Miki’s sure it was definitely not the Haruaki he knows, the Haruaki he knows will always search for a peaceful way to resolve any problem and refuse to use any violence to his students and friends.
They don't know what happened and hope for the best. They glanced at him a few times.
[The scenery changed to a different place.
“ …Guh!” Douman kneel down. “Ugh…”
“Acchan?” Ranmaru turned back.
“It's…” he trembled, grasping his right eye. “It's…!”]
“Principal!” The teachers shouted, perplexed by the abrupt change and the nurarihyon’s condition. Basically snapped their heads to take a look at both of them.
The others feel wary at what's about to happen, they don't know much about the mark on his face but they for sure knew it wasn't a good sign.
“That…” his own scar hasn't reacted yet but he could feel the sting just by watching, sweats dropped.
This is just confirming their theory, the scar Ashiya Douman got when killing Abe no Seimei doesn't casually act, let alone that intense.
Byakko’s eyes gleamed with hope. It's not explicitly proven yet but the implied things can already make certain of that.
That their master is returning.
This watching experience was not a waste after all! What this room said is true!
But does that mean he could always come back on his own this entire time?
Then why didn't he come out during Kyoto?
Were we not worthy of it?
We didn't need to do all that if he can do this all the time.
Was he the one who decided to leave us?
But did it matter? He is back, that's the important thing.
Why?
We always miss you even after a thousand years.
Why?
We wanted to meet you once again, whatever the cost.
Was all our hard work actually in vain?
…
[Ranmaru’s eyes wide open, his mouth slightly agape, feeling a certain familiar presence. He abruptly twisted his head, a drop of sweat rolled down his face, “this feeling… it can't be….”]
The former Suzaku gritted his teeth, face full of ‘hatred’.
Why?
Why now?
Why did you appear now?
After 1000 years…
What did you, the dead, have to do in the world of living?
He clenched his fists, nails almost dug into his palm, leaving marks.
None of these 3 people really move on yet.
Especially the one who knows Abe no Seimei is truly still alive—whenever he wanted to be.
[The place shifted back to kurai.
“H… Haruaki?” Kurai asked, still stunned, “what was that…? I thought you used up your exorcism power?”
The black-haired ‘fox’ murmured, “Hmm, nice that I get to come out, but what’s going on here?” he slowly got up.]
Sano narrowed his eyes,”it’s clearly not Seimei.” He looked at his teacher beside him with worry in his eyes.
Just who was he?
Nyuudou stared suspiciously, brain trying to work its way to find the possible scenario.
[“Oh? Ooh!” Amused, he flicked his ears, tone clearly excited. “Fox ears? Cute! And a tail too?”]
‘Heh, still not changed,’ Douman grimaced.
‘Hah! Such audacity to act like that after all the things you have done,’ Ranmaru thought, smiled restrained. ‘I guess it's only normal for you.’
[The guy touched his ears, “But these don't really fit with the serious vibe right now.”]
‘Despite acting so cheerfully, I can't help but feel uneasy,’ Kurai thought, shifting closer to Nyuudou.
[“Hup!” He clapped his hands to the cheeks, causing the fox tail and ears to vanish.]
“ …he did that so easily…” Miki mumbled, clasping both his hands on his laps.
[“You're not… Haruaki…” The white-haired guy began to doubt, asking in disbelief. “Who…”
“Nice to meet you, uhh…” The human bring his index and middle finger together to swing it around, “ …dodomeki-kun”]
“Haruaki, was it possible that you also got possessed?” The kamaitachi theorized. He felt the tension on the side has rapidly changed to a more… heavy state since the screen haruaki used his power.
[“Thanks for looking after Haruaki,” he said as the skeletons surrounding Kurai were thrown off. Kurai flabbergasted at the situation.]
“It's reasonable, but… I’m not sure!” Haruaki responded, feeling lost. “We don't see any of the osaki possessing me, and the behavior is strange too!”
“ …we should continue watching,” the shutendouji ended.
[“Hold on… you’re kidding me…” Tensei sauntered to the scene, only to be halted in his tracks to the unbelievable scene.]
Even him?
Then it's truly not the osaki.
[“A truly formidable guest star has arrived…” sweat dropped, his usual smile faltering.]
Haruaki quickly pieces the puzzle together.
His face went pale at the realization. Not sure how the future would keep going if something like that happened.
How about his students? How about his friends he has made ever since coming here?
Can he do this anytime he felt like it?
Besides…
He still remembers the principal's face that looked like he wanted to cry in their first meeting when he was a child. He’s sure Seimei is the cause of it, unintentionally or not.
Can he still go back to his own body?
[The person who caused the atmosphere smiled, his upper face obscured.]
Miki Rintarou rack his brains.
‘formidable guest star?’
The cover of the chapter features young Abe no Seimei resurfaced.
His face drained of its color.
‘could it be…?’
“…”
‘So that's how it is… truly a formidable guest star,’ Ebisu breaks a sweat.
[“I would never…” The black-haired fox tilted his head to the side and let out a tense smile. “ …forget you…”
The human’s smile widened.]
Nyuudou also started to get it.
‘But- how could it be possible!?’
[“ …The great Onmyouji…”
“Abe No Seimei.”
Haruaki’s facial expression completely changed. His cheerful, kind, and warm self was nowhere to be seen. Leaving only uneasy, unnerving, and unsettling feelings to those around him. A Cunning smile appeared on his face.]
Now all of them utterly froze.
“What…? But then what will happen to Haruaki?” Miki manages to voice out a question while tightening his grips. Although he already reached the conclusion, looking at it in person is different.
Haruaki was silent, glued to his seat, not moving a muscle.
“principal, what…” Hatanaka wanted to ask, but after seeing his expression he suddenly couldn't.
He’s stunned, and stiffened. Eyes locked at the screen.
“ …Was he going to replace Abe-sensei?” Kurai asked, mind complicated about his young master's safety and Haruaki’s condition.
The human teacher already proven himself that he won't hurt and will protect his students at all cost. But what about The Abe No Seimei? There’s no fucking way he would do something like that. As an onmyouji whose job is to slain youkai, why would he feel the need to protect them?
“Is he really Abe no Seimei in the first place?” Nyuudou asked, hoping it was just a simple problem instead of absurd things like the Legendary onmyouji just decided to take over his reincarnation as well as his descendant body for whatever reason.
“Why don't you just ask his rival?” Ebisu pointed his chin to Douman.
Anyone other than the Heian people all look at him.
After a beat of silence, the principal finally spoke with his head lowered, “ …it was undoubtedly the onmyouji, Abe no Seimei.”
Ranmaru took his gaze to the ceiling, refused to look at anything, such as the screen, seimei’s unreadable smile, his reincarnation, and acchan’s expression whenever he saw seimei despite not being there. Except he’s truly here now.
“You're joking… then what would happen to Seimei!?” Sano insisted, refusing to believe this.
Byakko let out a ‘tsk’, “stop calling him Seimei! The real Seimei-sama is back so just stop it!”
BAM!
A loud sound coming from Sano. The floor underneath him cracks, “ …the hell do you say?”
The floor magically repaired itself in just a few seconds.
Byakko didn't flinch. He shrugged his shoulders, smirking, “I’m still standing on my point, that soul is originally from Seimei-sama. And I still remember your response, ‘it's our teacher’s now’ and guess what? It came back to the rightful owner.”
“You two! Calm down first!” Haruaki returns to his senses, trying to stop their arguments.
“Seimei…” the blonde student stared at him.
Byakko murmured something to himself under his breath.
Ebisu took a peek at the Heian people before he began his own opinion, ”technically, they’re still the same soul. Perhaps because Abe-sensei fainted, he showed up? There’s still a possibility for Abe-sensei to regain his body back.” give them at least some hope.
“it’s possible… but we can't know for sure,” Miki agreed. He doesn't want the deceased Abe no Seimei to come back and replace Haruaki.
He’s already dead so why come back?
He might just reappear because Haruaki was in danger but who knows?
The paused screen begins to continue.
[“A…” The Dodomeki finally regained his composure and quietly asked, “Abe no Seimei…? How…? What happened to Haruaki…?”]
Kurai sighed as he looked at his confused future self on the display.
[“He’s probably passed out,” Seimei’s comedy face came out. “ …let's see, what’s going on here…”]
‘So he only came out when I fainted? Only when i’m in danger where i can't save myself? Or are there other times where he came out without me knowing?’ Haruaki pondered. In spite of just seeing how his body got taken over, he searched for any hints or clues right away.
[“……” his face turned serious.
“…oh, okay, I get it.” the ancestor's eyes lowered. “ Right, Tensei is behind all this….”
“…Uh-huh… and he did that to the other youkai… ohhh…” without anyone explaining, he understood the whole situation himself.]
“He could get a picture of what just happened from that…?” the young shutendouji dumbfounded, terror overtook his face. Finally comprehend just how much of a threat the onmyouji could be.
No wonder he became the Legendary onmyouji who always won against the principal.
Success in protecting Kyoto during the Youkai prime era.
Success on sealing his mother back to Mount Ooe.
Hatanaka’s instinct told him that he wasn't someone who could be messed about.
However, despite all the danger and warning signs, they shared a thought.
They would confront him for their best friend no matter how dangerous and high-risk it is.
[‘He grasped the situation right away…?’ a drop of sweat on Ebisu’s face, feeling agitated.]
Ebisu feels the same as his future self.
Truly someone who cannot be underestimated.
Byakko thought to himself, ‘Of course! Seimei-sama is always the best!’
But apparently he can’t keep that inside. “Obviously. Seimei-sama can figure out whatever situation he was in in no time and solve the problem easily!” he boasted, his tone so happy and prideful one would think he got a phenomenal achievement and brag it to everyone.
Initially, Kurai didn't really care about him but as he recognized him as one of the four Gods of Kyoto, he became wary and tried to be respectful… but hearing this, he isn't sure anymore.
Sure Abe no seimei’s amazing and all but isn't that fanboy behavior gone a little too far?
He almost thought he was a girl before. But thanks to his Dodomeki power, he didn't fall into embarrassment of mistaken his gender.
[“Aw man, so sorry about all this, just leave him to…” Seimei said.
All of a sudden, Gashadokuro opened her mouth as if trying to devour the one who had made her fly.]
“!!!”
The students wide-eyed, caught off guard by the sudden attack. They didn't want to see their teacher’s body get crushed by the Giant Gashadokuro.
But it seems like they forgot just who is currently possessing the human teacher.
‘Heh, that won't be enough to even scratch Seimei-sama,’ his face showed no doubt.
[“Hey now, I'm just saying something,” he look aside and swip his index fingers to the ground. “Sit down.”
The Gashadokuro immediately pressed to the ground quite hard by invisible pressure.]
Kurai stammered something about how powerful he is but he himself knew it's no use saying the same thing others had voiced over and over again.
Really, he should not be surprised at this point. He already saw the onmyouji’s power, why does he keep being stunned by it?
Or it's not really?
[“That’s a good girl,” he strolled to the huge skeleton. “I ask that you behave yourselves.” Touching her skull, smile never faltered.]
“!”
“What does he intend to do with her!?” Nyuudou screamed, breaking out a sweat as panic began to fill him.
Kurai strokes his back while comforting him.
So many things happened at once…
[On the screen, boxes with dialogues taking shape. It was Ranmaru’s voice.
|…Say, Acchan.|
|I’ve been meaning to ask you for a while now…|]
What?
Haruaki had forgotten about that initial question as he didn't even hear the full question and too much was happening.
What did the captain ask?
[“Excuse me, one moment,” Seimei casually entered his hand to the skull’s eye.]
“ …Wah!?” the people who had not expected that, widened their eyes and mouths gawk open. “What!?”
[Kurai, for who knows how many times, gaped his mouth open again, appalled.
The Ancestor withdrew his hand with an osaki being held.]
“ …You can just take the osaki like that…?” Nyuudou staggered. Things could have been solved that easily?
Sano shared the same sentiment.
[|If…|
|There ever came a day…|
|You had to pick between Seimei and Haruaki-kun…|]
‘So that's the question…’ Ebisu thought, eyes scanning the entire room.
They are still in shock at the multiple surprises this one chapter provided.
[Seimei smirk.
Then crushed the ghostly black fox youkai with his own bare hand while wearing a devilish smile. Eyes shone disturbingly.
|Who would you choose?|
(How did Seimei…? Next month, G-Fantasy Novel!)]
…
……
………
They’re not sure how to react to something that ruthless coming from the kindest human they know.
Despite all his weirdness and his obsession with sailor uniform.
Even if the person is different, the appearance is still the same. Seeing the usually joyful smile got replaced by a cunning smirk…
Not exactly something they could adapt to in such a short time.
“ …that’s it? Show us what happened next!!” the Yakubyougami yelled, unsatisfyied at the cliffhanger.
Hatanaka joined, “That’s right! Could Haruaki back to normal!?” He got ready with his fighting stance.
Kurai groaned. So much work!
The screen didn't produce any more content.
“Seems like it didn't want to elaborate,” Nyuudou analyze, still overwhelmed by the information of the future.
“Hey, let's calm down first! We can’t process anything in distraught state!” Haruaki stated, get up from his seat. In spite of being the most obvious victim, he still tried to comfort the people he cared.
“ …how could you still be so positive…” Miki argued, before seeing the stiff smile Haruaki has and his slightly trembling figure.
Ah, of course he will be affected.
He got possessed by his Ancestor and not to mention that last action where he kill the osaki so viciously. Who knows if the Ancestor will hurt the students or not, when they still got controlled by the Osaki.
The shutendouji pulled him down from his standing position and hug him to make him feel more relax. After he’s done, he let him go, “better?”
“Ah…” the ahoge slacken. “Yeah… thanks Rintarou-kun,” the smile he gave no longer stiff and become genuine.
Miki Rintarou smiled back.
Ebisu listen to all the commotion that happened while organizing his own deduction. Not bother to keep up his fake smile again.
Douman stucked at his nostalgia. Although his rival often teasing and playing around, such sight was not unusual for him as Seimei kept his job as an onmyouji whose job is to kill Youkai. And he was also a natural sadist.
Byakko could not be happier at the revelation he got. But he also conflicted at his return. Many contradicting and complicated thoughts flying around his mind.
Ranmaru knew Seimei could come back to life by possessing his reincarnation whenever he pleased. He notice that the first time he land an eye at Haruaki, when he catch sight of that expression.
…
In a place far away, someone smiled as he stand on a bridge, moon shine brightly behind him. Eyes looking at somewhere nobody else could see.
“ …what would you do now in a world different from the one you should have gone through?”