Chapter 13: Fulfilling Desires

Among those present, a few inhaled ever so slightly more rapidly, though imperceptibly. Given their stature, every word and deed they utter could determine the fate of thousands upon thousands. To them, human lives were nothing more than figures on a report.

They had savored the world’s most exquisite pleasures; the treasures ordinary people revered were mere toys casually bestowed with a glance. For these gathered in the conference room, inheriting ancestral wealth and clawing their way through trials to reach such heights meant resting on warm jade pillows, scattering gold and silver beneath them, standing above millions. Yet, as time slipped by, they realized they were no different from ordinary folk—slowly edging toward the inevitable end of life.

How could they accept this so easily?

Elixirs of immortality, alchemy, vampires, divine faith...

Ancient rulers had long since proven humanity’s eternal pursuit.

Whether it was the immortal elixir sought by ancient emperors or modern tycoons’ experiments on the human body, longevity technology revealed mankind’s insatiable greed for eternal life.

The great figures fixed their gaze upon the screen, where Diru calmly spun his prayer beads. Were it not for their enduring composure from years of high office, they might have already lost their restraint.

Supernatural powers were real, and eternal life... was possible!

Director Baima understood their thoughts all too well, but now was not the time for them to show their prowess.

“Just yesterday, the great demon Tsuchigumo single-handedly withstood artillery fire and destroyed an entire Self-Defense Force unit. Ladies and gentlemen, this mighty demon still roams the island nation, lurking somewhere unknown. When he regains his peak strength and suddenly appears in the city, who can guarantee the safety of the people? And that mysterious Umbrella Man, who is rumored to be familiar with such a ferocious demon—can he truly be a force for good?”

Director Baima’s tone was grave, and the Chief Cabinet Secretary, the most powerful among them, nodded in agreement.

“Indeed, that monster still prowls the corners of the island, ready to strike at any moment.

Losing a few lives is trivial here; if we add another zero to the number, no one would bat an eye. As long as the truth is concealed, they wouldn’t even bother to bow.

But this time it’s a legendary demon of the island nation, and its emergence has dealt modern society a heavy blow.

The firepower that could raze a small town barely even scratched him.

Yet the Umbrella Man who appeared last endured Tsuchigumo’s relentless barrage unscathed. Such extraordinary martial prowess commands our respect—and fear.”

Those in power fear not the lower ranks wielding legal weapons against them, but weapons capable of destroying them outright.

“I will have the Self-Defense Forces cooperate with you. The Metropolitan Police Department will handle searches within the city. I will allocate a batch of weapons from the Self-Defense Forces’ arsenal to the police.”

Though the Self-Defense Forces’ combat effectiveness was lacking and personnel uneven, their “American-style equipment” was purchased with hard cash.

If Tsuchigumo truly appeared in the city, the police would serve as the first line of defense before the Self-Defense Forces arrived. The diminished firepower of their weapons alone would be insufficient to halt the demon’s rampage.

“This matter is of utmost importance; I must report to the Prime Minister immediately.”

“Ensure strict confidentiality. Chairman Mita, you must coordinate well with all regional police headquarters while maintaining secrecy.”

The Chairman of the National Public Safety Commission lowered his head in acknowledgment.

His jurisdiction covered collection, prevention, investigation, and suppression of anti-island nation crimes. In other words, the police managed internal affairs, the public safety bureau external ones, including cracking down on extremist groups, spies, religious sects, terrorism, and a host of related activities.

Being singled out did not surprise him. The Public Safety Bureau housed many mixed-blood individuals, and the island nation produced numerous “United States soldiers.” It was impossible to ascertain how many were planted as spies, and yet no measures could prevent this phenomenon.

After issuing instructions to various departments, the Chief Cabinet Secretary finally turned his gaze to Diru, who sat serenely among the high officials.

Following his look, all eyes fixed on the monk eager to speak.

The Chief Cabinet Secretary’s voice was sincere. “Master Diru, you are an expert in this field. Might we ask for your assistance?”

Facing the hopeful gazes of the top brass, Diru’s expression remained calm and impassive.

“I trust Director Baima has explained my situation. Under ordinary circumstances, I do not leave Sensō-ji Temple. The key to locating Tsuchigumo and the Umbrella Man must rely on all of you.”

Director Baima nodded to the assembly.

“I have already spoken on Tsuchigumo’s condition. Now, having absorbed the essence of a thousand souls and freed from the influence of Spider Cutter, his recovery will surely be swifter. I fear that when he reemerges, he will be far more savage than before.”

“Moreover, Spider Cutter was merely a tool wielded by chance. Without Minamoto no Yorimitsu’s valor, it would have been ineffective.”

Hearing Diru mention Spider Cutter, many in the room felt an itch beneath their teeth.

Several had visited the National Museum and seen such a popular exhibit, but they knew the blade was a fake—unless the island nation had possessed alloy and forging technology a thousand years ago.

But times had changed. Now knowing the true importance of Spider Cutter, they silently cursed the museum staff for their negligence.

Fools! Traitors to the nation! They all deserved divine retribution!

“As for the Umbrella Man... I have no leads, but given the current situation, there is no need to worry excessively,” Diru said, furrowing his brow and shaking his head slightly.

Hearing this, disappointment flickered across their faces.

Compared to the already manifested, massive Tsuchigumo, they feared the Umbrella Man far more.

Unknown face, unknown origin, mysterious disappearances suggesting some form of teleportation. Having not been seen with Tsuchigumo for a millennium, this figure’s attire and words evoked myths, legends, and villains from novels and films bent on world destruction.

Sakata Ginryū, Minister of Finance, looked at the contemplative Diru and posed the question on everyone’s mind.

“Master Diru, I wonder if there are many practitioners like you in Japan... Could we ask them to intervene?”

All eyes turned to Diru. This was their greatest hope: if there were many, it meant they too could tread the path of the extraordinary and cast off their ‘ordinary’ status forever.

Alas, their fantasies were doomed to disappointment.

“I do not know. I was enlightened by the sacred Kannon Bodhisattva, which granted me this knowledge. But now, with the mysteries newly emerging, there are likely not many,” Diru replied, shaking his head.

Though disappointed, they revived their spirits, knowing this was merely the beginning.

This was a good sign.

With their power, as long as no sudden terrifying entities like Tsuchigumo appeared, they could handle the first cat demon that emerged. There was no need to fear uncontrollable supernatural forces.

The discussion today was weighty, and all present had heavy tasks ahead. They could not linger in conversation with Diru, the prized guest in their eyes, and soon dispersed.

At the same time, they would use their channels to investigate any clues about the supernatural—preferably ones they could grasp immediately.

...

From Diru’s perspective, Mizunotsuki Shiro smiled with amusement and said, “Nothing you can grasp immediately, but there is one about to appear.”