"Reinforcements are still necessary, but considering potential hidden enemies, it's best to temporarily reassign support personnel to the Countermeasures Office for flexibility."
Luo Shu didn't outright reject the direct assault proposal but shifted the topic:
"Here's what we'll do – each faction should request one additional Hero Rank from their superiors to be embedded in the Ministry of Environment's team, disguised as security personnel."
As for whether they could secure two Hero Ranks per faction, Luo Shu couldn't guarantee that.
In reality, each faction sending one more person would already be pushing their deployable combat capabilities to the limit.
Take the nearly all-out Nura Clan as an example. Whether it's the Bujin-shū, the Council, or even Cabinet direct reports – they're all local powers.
With such extensive operations, they couldn't possibly avoid keeping some combat strength in reserve as emergency defensive forces.
Thus, each faction's freely deployable Hero Ranks typically number between two to five.
This was precisely why Fumonshichi and Shin Natsume, after completing their Abyss exploration, came to stir up Kyoto's muddy waters.
The Bujin-shū only had four mobile Hero Rank forces to deploy. The other two had previously dealt heavy blows to Hagoromo Group executives and were currently on official business elsewhere – leaving only Shin Natsume and Fumonshichi available.
From this perspective, it was clear that Luo Shu was already pushing each faction's mobile force limits by requesting personnel.
"Adding one more person... We can only try our best here." Fumonshichi scratched his head, appearing quite troubled.
Rihan Nura pretended not to hear Luo Shu's words, putting a toothpick back in his mouth as he said:
"The Nura Clan and Keikain House basically can't spare any more personnel."
For Hero Rank combatants, the Nura Clan only had their patriarch Nurarihyon remaining, plus perhaps the perpetually ill Hihi. These two together practically formed a "weak and infirm" combo – surely Luo Shu wouldn't expect him to drag them into this, too?
Nearby, Kaname Kuran heard this and bluntly stated:
"I'll submit an application to the Council, but don't get your hopes up too high."
Luo Shu raised an eyebrow upon hearing this, thinking silently:
'If you're putting it like that, what else can I say? Guess I'll just respect their wishes~'
Shaking his head, Luo Shu sighed before speaking:
"Now then, let's discuss the specific operation plan."
"Um..."
At that moment, Hanabusa Aidō raised his hand cautiously.
Noticing this, Luo Shu glanced at him and said:
"Speak your mind if you have questions."
"Since the SDS has managed to investigate members of the Hagoromo Group and Gokadoin House, does that mean you can also pinpoint their exact locations?"
Silence fell over the room.
Everyone—Nura Rihan, Shin Natsume, even Luo Shu himself—stared at Hanabusa Aidō as if he were some divine being.
Hanabusa's expression immediately turned awkward:
"Looking at the information cards, the enemy intel seems so comprehensive—even their abilities are roughly outlined—so I thought this would be possible... Uh, can't you actually do this?"
In response, Suzuka Dairenji merely scoffed:
"The SDS's intelligence is gathered through field agents' investigations and divination techniques. When targets are too dangerous, information is primarily obtained through divination for safety reasons, with field agents providing supplementary support."
"So here's the question: how many members of Gokadoin House—where every clan head is a Great Onmyoji—would be skilled in anti-divination methods?"
The answer was obvious.
Every single member of Gokadoin House would be proficient in anti-divination techniques.
After all, these were family teachings passed down since Seimei's era.
Hanabusa's face twitched at this. He glanced at Kaname Kuran, and upon seeing his nod, immediately lowered his hand:
"No further questions."
"Back to the plan."
Luo Shu withdrew his gaze and addressed the group calmly:
"Tomorrow at 5:30 pm, everyone will choose their own approach direction and launch a direct assault until we force Hagoromo Gitsune out of the Inner Citadel Palace! Then eliminate both her and the soon-to-be-born Nue!"
The Gokadoin clan's information concealment is formidable, and Nijo Castle's environment makes precision assassinations or large-scale demolitions impossible.
Hence, full-frontal assault is the only viable strategy.
"That concludes our operation plan. I'll take full responsibility for all consequences."
"Any objections?"
Nura Rihan couldn't help but look at Luo Shu with some admiration:
"If you're putting it like that, holding back would make me seem petty, wouldn't it?"
"Heh! The Nura Clan approves this plan!!"
"A frontal assault? So reckless..." Hanabusa Aidō muttered under his breath, stealing another glance at Kaname Kuran. Seeing his silence, he immediately clammed up too.
"While I quite like this bold approach, the risk factor..." Fumonshichi shot a look at Shin Natsume, seemingly seeking input.
Noticing this, Shin Natsume—who'd already activated his Dragon Eye—remarked coolly:
"No single vanguard, yet everyone's the vanguard. Hah, relying purely on strength and luck, then?"
Tatsuya Shiba, who'd remained silent until now, turned to Miya Yotsuba as if awaiting her decision.
In response, Miya Yotsuba simply gave Luo Shu a meaningful look before saying:
"Since everyone agrees, I'll cast a vote of approval on behalf of Tatsuya as well!"
Hearing this, Luo Shu glanced at Miya Yotsuba before addressing Takina Inoue:
"Takina, compile a priority list of viable attack points on Nijo Castle and have everyone draw lots."
"I'll go make the final preparations."
"Yes!"
Takina Inoue immediately stood up and began preparing the lottery materials.
Meanwhile, Luo Shu excused himself to the restroom to prepare his cheating tools.
His method of cheating was remarkably simple.
...
Nijo Castle, Chamber of Nue.
Hagoromo Gitsune, who was cultivating the artificial vessel to facilitate Nue's birth better, turned her head with a peculiar expression to look at Sharon:
"You want me to hand over the Hagoromo Group's defensive arrangements in Nijo Castle to you?"
"Are you certain?"
In response, Sharon merely smiled and replied:
"This is Lord Luo Shu's intention."
"Of course, if you believe there are still subordinates within the Hagoromo Group who remain loyal to you, you're welcome to refuse this proposal."
Hagoromo Gitsune raised an eyebrow and snorted coldly:
"You certainly have a way with words."
After a moment's silence, she continued:
"I won't dismantle Nijo Castle's defences. Instead, I'll issue orders now appointing you to oversee the Hagoromo Group's defensive operations there."
Hearing this, Sharon's expression turned slightly peculiar:
"In that case, I'll trouble you with this matter."
Elsewhere, upon receiving the news, Luo Shu's expression also became rather odd.
'I get to arrange the Hagoromo Group's defensive layout?'
'This level of cheating is truly something else...'