Onmyoji, a nobleman in Heian-kyo

Page 1499

There is a limit to self-deception.

Knowing there's only one way to go, yet still foolishly clinging to a sliver of hope that's so faint it's practically impossible—what a foolish thing to do!

Even the Taoist priest who wanted to win over the other nobles was so angry he laughed.

The war isn't over yet, the villains haven't even escaped, and they're already thinking about surrendering?

Is this kind of cowardice a quality a nobleman should possess?

"I don't have many expectations for nobles, but I can't tolerate their baseness to the point of almost losing their humanity."

"Any concrete measures?" Yaobikuni asked with a smile. "It's still a bit unbelievable to just talk about it."

Perhaps thinking of the pursuit by nobles long ago, Yaobikuni became wary.

If the authorities in Kyoto are not behaving properly, they should focus more on fighting the evil god rather than also taking on the responsibility of protecting others.

This is indeed a very important responsibility, and it requires a considerable amount of effort.

Don't be fooled by the fact that Yaobikuni seems to have done nothing.

In fact, she also constantly provided Minamoto no Hiromasa, who was leading the frontline guards, with a lot of useful enemy information through divination.

Yaobikuni could predict things like the attack routes and approximate times of snake demons and monsters using her powerful divination skills.

Fujiwara no Michitsuna slowly took out an official document from his sleeve and handed it to Yaobikuni.

"The Taoist priest has agreed to the imperial court's request, so I haven't inquired about it any further. Now I'm paying more attention to the situation among the common people. Many civilians thought the great war was finally over after seeing Susanoo set up the golden barrier, but as for me, I can only cruelly expose this false hope."

"It just so happens that the squads of fire-bringers that Kyosuke built when he held an important position in Kyoto are proving very useful. They are currently responsible for suppressing the rumors circulating everywhere, and also for delivering official documents. Right now, many people already know that the great war will continue..."

Xiao Bai clicked her tongue and said, "Not even a little bit of hope is allowed? That's too cruel!"

Fujiwara Michitsuna smiled at Shiro: "That's not the case. I'm still considerate enough to leave everyone with some hope, such as the possibility that the battleground might be moved to another place."

"Huh? Is that even possible?"

"Maybe there is, maybe there isn't, but like you just said, there has to be something to look forward to, right?"

"That's right."

Xiao Bai looked thoughtful.

He has a very deep understanding of ordinary people.

At least I understand that many people are just like everyone else, easily swayed by the slightest rumor or gossip.

Nowadays, giving ordinary people some hope for the future can indeed help prevent some riots from occurring.

In recent days, Xiaobai has witnessed some people go crazy due to excessive tension, so she is well aware that everyone may have the potential to become like that.

"Not everyone is as strong-willed as we are; we still need to look after ordinary people more."

"Lord Daogang is indeed very considerate."

"I wouldn't dare say that. It's thanks to Kyosuke's prior arrangements that I was able to achieve results so quickly—has he gone to rest?"

Fujiwara no Michitsuna then asked about Kousaka Kyosuke.

Kagura replied, "Yes, Kyosuke was very tired after working so hard, so he went to rest."

"Whether in words or actions, Kyosuke is indeed the most efficient one." Fujiwara Michitsuna laughed again.

Longkui remained silent. Was this a compliment? Or a joke?

She couldn't help but steal glances at the others and noticed that they all seemed to agree wholeheartedly, which immediately made her understand.

"Kyosuke is just as popular in Japan as he is in the Central Plains. Well, he's just that charismatic."

“The issues of nobles and commoners have been largely resolved,” Seimei said. “However, the number of people who participated in the war should not be overlooked either.”

Fujiwara no Michitsuna replied, "Of course, that's why I had no choice but to summon Lord Raimitsu, who was still busy."

Xiao Bai showed an expression that said, "I knew it."

"Compared to Lord Hiromasa, Lord Raikou is always able to boost everyone's morale more effectively through various means."

Even though Shiro disliked Minamoto no Yorimitsu to some extent, he couldn't deny Yorimitsu's outstanding talent in military command.

"Hey, little dog," Minamoto no Hiromasa said with a dark face as he returned, "I hear you talking bad about me as soon as I get back?"

Xiao Bai quickly protested, "No! We were discussing issues related to the current situation!"

"Is the situation one that primarily involves belittling me?"

"It's not that harsh, haha." Fujiwara Michitsuna laughed, trying to smooth things over for Shiro.

Minamoto no Hiromasa, who then noticed that Fujiwara no Michitsuna had also come over, looked grave.

What brings you here?

"Don't be nervous. I'm just here to explain the general situation in Kyoto. In short, you don't need to worry too much. I will take care of these things. This is my duty."

Fujiwara no Michitsuna's smile remained, but his tone gradually became more serious.

As he himself said, he should be the one to quickly resolve the various internal conflicts in Kyoto.

Instead of letting those who are already fighting on the front lines continue to waste their time and energy on unnecessary issues.

"Lord Daogang's reliability has improved."

Yaobikuni smiled and praised her, and the gloom that had risen in her heart gradually dissipated.

Her opinion of Fujiwara no Michitsuna improved further.

“I am truly unworthy of such praise,” Fujiwara Michitsuna said, bowing his head to everyone. “I still have to deal with these issues. If there is anything you are not satisfied with, please point it out immediately, and I will take care of it right away.”

After saying this, Fujiwara no Michitsuna bid farewell to everyone and left.

Watching Fujiwara no Michitsuna's figure, Shiro wagged its tail excitedly.

"Lord Michizane is indeed very reliable. Now everyone can concentrate on dealing with the evil gods again~"

"Kagura, aren't you going to rest?"

Minamoto no Hiromasa quickly turned his attention back to his younger sister, Kagura.

Kagura replied, "I'm not tired. My normal routine is fine."

When the evil god attacked and "nothingness" swept in, Kagura only helped maintain the barrier of Kyoto and did not do anything that consumed her own energy.

"Then Miss Longkui..." Yaobikuni asked about Longkui.

Longkui quickly replied, "My power recovers very quickly. Part of the sword I reside in is forged from 'Void,' and I can absorb some of their power, so the consumption is almost nonexistent."

"That's really amazing."

"That's what I thought at first too."

Longkui did not hide her thoughts.

Seimei said, "Now that everyone is here, let's discuss our next move."

No one else objected.

Kagura and Longkui, who were still in good spirits, said they would inform Kousaka Kyosuke, who was still resting, later.

Day 494 of crossing

Kyosuke Kousaka continued his life of corresponding with his partners.

At this point, he had no intention of returning to the Shuibusi Manor or his residence on the main road in Kyoto.

Going back would seem pointless, since the evil gods are keeping a close eye on this place and will likely return to Kyoto soon after breaking free to reap the so-called "fruits of sin," at which point they would have to rush back immediately.

The latter would only cause unnecessary trouble if they went back.

He pretended to be dead yesterday, but a large number of officials and their envoys still had to go and visit him.

That's why Kyosuke Kosaka has come to understand just how formidable those nobles are at causing trouble.

"As predicted, those in power are undoubtedly the ones who drag the team down, and these scoundrels are quite formidable when it comes to dealing with humans..."

Kyosuke Kousaka's thoughts drifted as he wrote letters to his partners.

Having temporarily completed his rest, he also used this brief truce to reflect on the destructive lightning power that Susanoo had unleashed the previous day.

Then I discovered that gaining a deeper understanding is not so easy.

It seems that improving strength through combat is still a more reliable approach.

"Kyosuke, a messenger from Takamagahara has arrived."

Kagura came in from outside to report the latest situation.

Kyosuke Kosaka asked, "What is it?"

"The divine messenger demanded that Kyoto hand over the traitorous god, and the 'traitorous god' they referred to is Lord Susanoo."

"Hmm, that's really absurd. The rebel god saved the world, but Takamagahara did almost nothing. It doesn't seem convincing at all."

Kyosuke Kosaka put the letter away, slowly stood up, and prepared to go out to investigate the situation.

"Tsukuyomi, this false god-king, is finally preparing to deal with the Susanoo who has appeared. I need to go out and take a look. I remember in the original work, Tsukuyomi also ordered the god army to attack Kyoto."

Thinking about all this, Kyosuke Kousaka felt even more ironic.

If many people in Kyoto were killed by the evil gods of the Six Paths Gate instead of by the gods of Takamagahara, that would be a classic hellish joke.