A Great Confucian Will Interpret the Scriptures for Me

University Hospital.

"Police Sergeant Teng Seishi."

"That is me. Is there something you need?"

The mature policewoman sitting on the bench outside the operating room looked up, staring blankly at the government official in a black suit standing before her.

"I am a member of the Public Security Bureau."

The man produced his credentials, first establishing his identity.

"Regarding the previous 'incident,' we need to understand some details from you. Please come with me."

Public Security—while the island nation's Public Security Bureau is technically under the Metropolitan Police Department's Security Bureau, its nature differs from that of ordinary police. They are primarily responsible for handling cases that threaten the national system, such as cults, espionage, and terrorist attacks. Their enforcement authority is vast, including powers of arrest and compulsory search.

"I can, but what about Kawai Mai's surgery?"

"Please rest assured. As soon as there is progress on Kawai Mai's surgery, we will notify you immediately."

Since the man had put it that way, Teng Seishi forced herself to rally and followed the Public Security member out of the hospital.

Her young junior, Police Officer Kawai Mai, had been struck in the head by flying building debris and was currently on the operating table fighting for her life.

Once inside the Public Security vehicle, weaving through streets sparse with traffic due to the cordons, Teng Seishi remained in a daze. On one hand, it was because her colleague was critically injured and unconscious; on the other, it was because of:

Yokai!

Or, to use the term her superior, Inspector Otaki, had inadvertently let slip:

Transcendental beings!

Things that belonged in movies and anime. Could they actually exist?

Even though tokusatsu shows and yokai anime are specialties of this island nation, encountering such "unscientific" existences in real life was still a massive challenge to one's worldview.

"You've arrived."

After being brought to the Metropolitan Police Department headquarters by the Public Security member, and following a series of complex security checks, Teng Seishi arrived at a conference room within the building.

Upon seeing the face of the man who beckoned her over, the mature policewoman instinctively puffed out her chest, stood at attention, and saluted.

"Commissioner Takeya!"

"No need to be so formal. Come over here."

As the superior of her superior's superior's superior, this middle-aged man who commanded nearly fifty thousand police officers lacked any "overbearing aura," instead casually gesturing for Teng Seishi to step forward.

"Explain the events of today to everyone in detail."

"Yes!"

Teng Seishi recalled the events in her mind while clearly describing what had happened that day.

At the same time, her gaze swept past those behind the Commissioner:

A female biker gang leader in a leather jacket with her arms crossed.

Several elderly men dressed in white kariginu robes with white tate-eboshi hats, holding wooden shaku tablets—attired as Shinto priests; and an old monk in a standing-collar robe, holding prayer beads with a solemn, dignified expression.

This scene made Teng Seishi even more certain.

The authorities really did know about yokai—no, about transcendental existences!

In addition to Teng Seishi's account, her "body-worn camera" was also continuously playing the footage from the scene on a large projector nearby.

"What do you masters think?"

After Teng Seishi finished speaking, Commissioner Takeya turned to ask the priests and monks behind him.

These individuals were the top figures in Tokyo's "folklore circles"—the Chief Priest of Meiji Shrine, the Head Priest of Yushima Tenmangu, and the Abbot of Senso-ji. Faced with the Commissioner's question, each of them appeared unfathomable, their faces devoid of ripples.

Yet, deep down, these titans of Shintoism and Buddhism were cursing up a storm.

What do we think?

We think we're standing here!

To be honest, not a single one of them actually believed in the existence of "gods and buddhas."

In their understanding, so-called gods and buddhas were more of a "philosophical concept," a "method of cultivation," or a "way of life," rather than real, physical entities.

In fact, this was the "scientific" view of gods and buddhas. The beings they worshipped—whether it was the Emperor, famous ministers, or the Buddha and Bodhisattvas—were merely pioneers on the path of life. Practitioners analyzed their concepts to admonish the world; in a sense, they were no different from the "philosophers" found in textbooks.

But today, their "worldview" had been shattered into pieces!

The police had come knocking, inviting them to discuss "national affairs" and provide guidance on "transcendental events."

If not for their years of disciplined composure, these priests and abbots would have been cursing out loud.

We have practiced cultivation for a lifetime, yet we haven't even seen half a ghost!

And now, they want us to participate in some "supernatural event."

What era is this? Do they not believe in science?

However, after arriving—

There really are monsters?!

"In the opinion of This Humble One, the true form of this strange fish is the 'Earthquake Catfish'."

Seeing that everyone remained silent, the head priest of Yushima Tenmangu spoke first, pointing to the black fish on the projector screen.

Yushima Tenmangu is located in Bunkyo Ward, near Todai; it is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a minister famous in history for his scholarship. Whenever the 'Yushima White Plum' blooms in the garden, many students hoping to pass their exams, as well as flower viewers, come to visit.

It is said that as long as one touches the bronze ox within the shrine, they can receive the blessing of 'literary spirit'—that smooth, oily-bright bronze ox is the mark left by countless university students.

As a shrine dedicated to the 'God of Learning', this 'head priest' was naturally well-read and knowledgeable.

"Ancient legends say that the four islands are supported by a giant catfish. When the catfish is displeased and moves its tail, an earthquake occurs."

"Before the 6.9 magnitude earthquake in Tokyo in 1855, Shinozaki discovered that catfish, which were usually rare, appeared in large numbers, predicting the quake; before the 8.3 magnitude earthquake in Tokyo in 1923, there was also an abnormal migration of large schools of catfish."

Citing classics and combining the ancient with the modern, the head priest became increasingly certain of his viewpoint.

"Everyone, please look at this fish monster. The supernatural creature has a flat mouth, wide jaws, long whiskers, and round fins. It is exactly the form of a catfish."

"I see."

Hearing this, Director Takeya looked thoughtful.

The legend that catfish can predict earthquakes is quite popular in this island nation. Combined with the abilities displayed by this supernatural creature, it fits the judgment of the Yushima Tenmangu 'head priest' very well.

"Amitabha. According to the observation of this humble monk, this flaming skeleton is the work of the 'Karma Fire'."

The abbot of Senso-ji chanted a Buddhist name before joining the discussion.

"The Karma Fire is a ghost fire transformed from a person who stole lamp oil in a temple during their lifetime, having received punishment from the Buddha after death."

"According to the on-site investigation, this monster was born from a 'natural gas' leak, which perfectly matches the nature of the Karma Fire."

In ancient folk legends, the Karma Fire was born from stealing lamp oil.

Now, it has become a monster that absorbs 'natural gas'.

Is this reasonable? Of course it's reasonable!

The few masters spoke one after another, causing Director Takeya to nod slightly.

They are worthy of being experts; they have some real skills. So:

"Do you gentlemen have any methods for exorcism?"

Ah, this.

Hearing this question, the several Shinto priests and high monks fell silent.

If they truly possessed supernatural, saintly powers, why would they have obediently come to this Metropolitan Police Department just because of a summons?

When it comes down to it, they are merely 'ordinary people'. Although they can usually befriend a few 'devout believers' with status, when it comes time to show their true skills, they inevitably find themselves in a bind.

"It was my mistake to ask."

Seeing the expressions on these 'experts', Director Takeya knew they possessed no supernatural power.

"Mr. Takeya."

Seeing that everyone had nothing to say, the chief priest of Meiji Shrine spoke slowly.

"Regarding this 'Arakawa Ward Machiya Incident', besides the 'Earthquake Catfish' and the 'Karma Fire' that caused the destruction, this one—"

The old priest raised his hand and pointed to the figure on the screen surrounded by flowing water.

"Is she one of your people from the Metropolitan Police Department?"

"No."

Director Takeya shook his head. If the Metropolitan Police Department truly possessed supernatural power, he would not need to gather these 'experts' and pin his hopes on the existence of those with 'real skills' among them.

"Then, why not try to recruit this 'Rain Woman'?"

The old priest took the opportunity to propose his idea.

"Holding an umbrella and controlling water—this is the 'Rain Woman'."

"Unlike the Earthquake Catfish and the Karma Fire, the 'Rain Woman' can communicate: the command of this policewoman caused the other party to pause her steps slightly."

Of course, the other party ignored the threat of firearms and left directly; but this already shows that the possibility of communication with her does indeed exist.

Moreover, the other party did not kill anyone on the spot, whether it was because the 'Rain Woman' does not kill women, or for some other reason—

It is enough for the Metropolitan Police Department to attempt contact.

"I would like to, but—"

"Do you gentlemen have any means of tracking or locating her?"

Faced with this question, the 'masters' naturally continued to shake their heads one after another.

With so many cameras at the Metropolitan Police Department, you come to ask us instead. Isn't this just making things difficult for people!

"That is precisely the most troublesome part."

Director Takeya spread his hands, looking quite helpless.

"Every time the target appears, it is accompanied by a thick fog, making it difficult for the police to track its movements."

Come to think of it, the police actually do have an 'extraordinary creature' in their possession: that Shiba Inu left behind by Tanimura Wataru.

It eats and drinks well every day, undergoing various high-intensity training sessions under the direction of trainers.

Its strength, speed, and reflexes are all steadily improving, as if the concept of a 'bottleneck' simply does not exist for it.

This completely overturns the common sense of biologists, causing those Nobel Prize winners to study it day and night, attempting to find the source of the 'yokai power' within it.

"Then please forgive our incompetence."

As the exchange with the 'experts' came to an end, Director Takeya turned his head to look at the mature policewoman, Teng Seishi.

"Inspector Teng, in view of the special nature of this incident and the contributions you have made, the Metropolitan Police Department has decided to promote you to Assistant Inspector and simultaneously induct you into the newly formed 'Special Operations Fourth Squad'. Do you have any objections?"

"None, Director!"

Teng Seishi, who had been acting as a background character, saluted and accepted the order.

In fact, she understood very well that she had no power to refuse at all!

Everything she had heard and seen in this office had long since exceeded her common sense; even with her eyes closed, she knew that if she refused, nothing but imprisonment awaited her.

"Director, if I join, will I be able to come into contact with extraordinary power?"

Facing this subordinate who was impatient to learn more immediately after her promotion, Director Takeya pushed up his glasses, the flat lenses reflecting a flash of white light.

"You will."

Nakano Ward, "Is this really Nagisa-san's home?"

Stepping out of the pitch-black luxury car, Class President Nao raised a hand to cover her mouth, though she could not hide the tone of surprise in her voice.

Before them stood a classical Japanese-style estate: wooden walls exuding an aura of 'history' stretched dozens of meters to the left and right, and the main gate bore a plaque with the elegantly inscribed characters for 'Nagisa Garden', weathered by the passage of time.

If such a classical estate appeared in the 'countryside', it might be barely explainable.

But this is Tokyo!

Not to mention the interior of this antique-style estate, the sheer land area alone was enough to scare anyone.

If it were leveled, who knows how many buildings could be constructed? If those living in 'capsule apartments' saw this, one could truly use that old saying: the bathroom is bigger than their entire home!

"Are you Kazuha's friends?"

A gentle voice rang out, and a woman with a dignified appearance stepped out from the side gate.

If one looked only at her appearance, the woman's first impression was that of someone in her twenties; yet her gentle, mature temperament made one feel she should be in her thirties; in reality, however, she was a middle-aged woman in her forties.

"Welcome to our humble home."

She bowed gracefully, elegant and serene.

"This is my mother."

As Nagisa Kazuha raised her hand to introduce her, Akihi Yu and the others returned the gesture one after another.

"Hello, Ma'am," X4

"No need for formalities, come in."

Madam Nagisa invited everyone inside with a smile, but Akihi Yu noticed that Amame Ei was avoiding the Madam's gaze, not daring to meet her eyes.

"This is Kazuha's room; don't be too reserved, just treat it like your own home."

Passing through a courtyard filled with flowers, Madam Nagisa led the group to a 'section' of the building.

"Kazuha, look after your classmates well."

"I won't disturb you further."

With that, the Madam, who showed no signs of the passage of time, turned and left.

"Nagisa-san's mother is so gentle."

Pushing up her glasses, a trace of envy flashed in Class President Nao's eyes.

"Hm?"

"Aren't all mothers like this?"

Faced with the 'airheaded' question from the young lady, the others present were left speechless.

Not at all!

Class President Nao's parents had been in a cold war for over a decade.

As for the two in the Akihi household, they were busy with work year-round, and when they finally found time to go on a trip recently, well...

As for Amame Ei, who lived alone at the shrine, Akihi Yu noticed her gaze was secretly sizing up the departing Madam Nagisa, her eyes filled with envy.

"Everyone, please come in."

She slid open the wooden door to the room, revealing a spacious area filled with musical scores and various models of violins hanging on the walls.

"This is where I practice the violin; is it perhaps a bit cramped?"

"No, no, no."

Facing an ojou-sama who lacked common sense, Akihi Yu waved his hands.

"This is already larger than the entire footprint of our house."

"Isn't this the bedroom?"

"Oh, the place where I sleep is behind the study."

Hearing the ojou-sama's matter-of-fact reply, even Class President Nao couldn't help but push up her glasses once more.

The gap between people is truly greater than the gap between a human and a dog! This made the always exemplary Ai Nao unable to help but sigh inwardly.

She had a very clear understanding of herself; after graduation, as long as she passed the Civil Service Class II exam, it would be a success. The salary from a lifetime of hard work might only be enough to buy an apartment, but if it were with Yu...

She snuck a glance at Akihi Yu, only to be met with the icy gaze of Akiyu Sora.

Amidst the other girl's cold snort, the class president awkwardly turned her face away.