Using his title as the culprit to bring Tsukasa's true identity to light, Yugen issued a series of instructions before turning his gaze toward Leo and Mikihiko.
"Leo, Mikihiko, can I count on your cooperation this time?" "...I don't mind. In the future, I'll be put in the same position as you, Yugen. If I can't handle a trouble of this level, I won't even be able to stand in the conversation." "Count me in too. If we leave it all to Erika, the perpetrator's head might actually fly off." "Idiot! Even I would refrain from acts that bloodthirsty!"
Mikihiko spoke out of his awareness as the future head of the Todo family, while Leo framed his response as taking on the role of keeping Erika's actions in check. Although Erika retorted with a somewhat dissatisfied expression, the faint blush staining her cheeks made it completely obvious that she was embarrassed.
"Um, Yugen-oniisama, would it be fine if Kasumi-chan and I didn't help search for Shina-chan?" "The opponent belongs to one of the Eighteen Auxiliary Families, and on top of that, they're the elite of the National Defense Army. Considering your lack of combat experience against anti-military Magicians, I can't recommend you coming along. On the contrary, there's something I'd like Izumi and Kasumi to do." "What is it, Yugen-oniisan?" "Just tell your elder sister, 'Do not stick your nose into our trouble.' If it comes through her, I believe Jumonji-senpai will listen as well."
Neither Izumi nor Kasumi knew the location of the meeting Tatsuya and the others had headed to today. If they asked someone related to the Saegusa family, they would likely be told, but Yugen deliberately used a firm tone, taking into account the possibility of them interfering because of Mayumi. Mentioning Katsuto's name here also included his intention that, as long as the Toyama family was involved, he did not want the Jumonji family meddling under his capacity as the head of the Kagurazaka family.
"By the way, how are we going to track down Shina's whereabouts? Should we move your brothers to pull camera footage?" "There's a much more certain way. No matter how much they're intelligence personnel, using personal vehicles violates the National Defense Military Law."
Even if acquired through back-alley procedures, on paper, they had to be handled as military vehicles of the National Defense Forces. But setting aside Erika and the others who knew the circumstances, Kasumi and Izumi were here. Yugen spoke up before Erika's doubt regarding how to handle that aspect could take shape.
"Erika, you understand what position I'm in right now, don't you?" "...Ah, I see. But is that really fine?"
What Erika feared was likely the scenario where the Kagurazaka family picking a fight with the National Defense Army Intelligence Department came to light. However, Yugen's resolve did not waver in the slightest.
"Not only two years ago, but their recent actions have been going way too far. Besides, I just processed intelligence-related trouble in the first half of this week. Mainly targeting Tatsuya and Miyuki, though." "Eh? Neither of those two showed any sign of that at all!" "How could they possibly talk about it? If it became known that the National Defense Army Intelligence Department tested the Yotsuba family—a pillar of the Ten Master Clans—it could turn into a major incident involving not just the country, but international affairs."
It was information undisclosed in the original story, but the fact that the two were already associated with the Yotsuba family had been publicly announced, and the Master Clans Conference had taken an independent stance from the government and the National Defense Forces. That was precisely why Yugen had no intention of hesitating to disclose information. The Sado incident involving the New Soviet Union was barely disclosed, and the Soya Strait incident was reported by the media as "military provocation by the New Soviet Union." While the New Soviet Union was the first to come to mind, the UK and USNA were also intertwined in this mix.
"It would be ideal if things could be settled through self-cleansing, but this time, even if there's a possibility she followed them voluntarily, the fact remains that Shina was dragged into this. That's why preparation time is necessary." "Yugen, you sound like you're going to deal with this legally, but do you actually have a way?" "I've already made my move." "Huh, already?"
No matter how much they were military personnel affiliated with the National Defense Army Intelligence Department operating behind the scenes, on paper, they were "national civil servants"—in other words, placed in a position where they must abide by the laws enacted by the nation's legislature. If they openly violated the law, regardless of their reasons, they would be subject to punishment. He had already arranged for the police to crack down on the criminals using reasons where excuses like military exercises wouldn't work at all. Though the possibility remained that they would object, the moment they picked a fight with the Mitsuya family, the issue cascaded to the Kagurazaka family (Yugen), the Kamizumi family (Mototsugu), the Yaguruma family (Shizuru and Jiro), the Yotsuba family (Kana), and even the Jumonji family (Mika).
"To be honest, the moment I was attacked two years ago during New Year's, I considered the possibility of Shina getting wrapped up in trouble. However, considering the danger to those who cannot act as Magicians rather than Shina who can, I turned a blind eye. The responsibility lies with me as well." "...Please wait. Does that mean you knew the danger to Shina and didn't inform her?" "That's right, Jiro. What I feared most was harm reaching Mother Shiho, Brother Genji's wife Honami-san, or Laura and Alisa who became relatives of the Mitsuya family. Ultimately, it even connects to Lina. Once the possibility of an attack broadens to that extent, even I can't make immediate, decisive calls."
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