" Ao Jizo is dead?"
Hagoromo Gitsune hadn't expected that Ao Jizo, who was best at reconnaissance and as sly as they came, would just die like that.
He hadn't even made a ripple. What a pathetic way to go.
"It must have been that snake demon. But with a body that size, Ao Jizo should have sensed it. The fact that he didn't means the snake demon must have some kind of advanced concealment technique—or perhaps that Young Duke can grant it that ability..."
With its incredibly powerful constricting body, deadly eyes, top-tier stealth, and uncanny ability to appear and disappear, the creature was an even greater threat than they'd imagined.
"But the people from the Nura Clan have already started getting in touch with him. It looks like they might work together."
Gyakki Bone sounded worried.
"They haven't actually joined forces yet..."
Hagoromo Gitsune had recovered from the news of her subordinate's death, and her tone had grown calm. Then she smiled sweetly.
"We can show our sincerity, too..."
With a flick of his hand, Tao Yu had killed Ao Jizo. Karasu Tengu returned to Nura Rikuo with the shocking news.
That monster had once broken Hagoromo Gitsune's seal, causing heavy losses among the Onmyoji of the Hanakai Institute.
Possession, memory alteration, mind control—its abilities were all underhanded.
Yet that very creature had been killed instantly by the Young Duke!
"I really should pay him a visit. I was discourteous before."
Nura Rikuo hesitated. He had to transform into his yokai form to look imposing; in his human form, he seemed too soft.
Then he looked at his grandfather.
"You're in charge of the Nura Clan now. You'll have to handle negotiations between factions sooner or later. Go ahead."
"All right."
Encouraged, Nura Rikuo made up his