Shibuya, Tokyo.
One of Tokyo's most expensive residential areas.
Yoyogi Park, located in Shibuya.
Once the Imperial Garden during the Meiji era.
Now, it's a haven for baseball, joggers, and cherry blossom viewing for Tokyoites.
But few Tokyo citizens know that deep within the park, beyond the Meiji Shrine, lies a large private villa.
This villa changed hands several times before being purchased a few years ago by a mysterious buyer for a staggering price nearing twenty billion yen.
Abe Nasuzume resided here.
As one of Japan's foremost families, this was merely one of Abe Nasuzume's many properties.
——
"Any unusual movements in Tokyo lately?" Abe Nasuzume inquired, eyes closed, lying naked in the sunken bathtub on her balcony.
Several young women meticulously applied a concoction of imported Malaysian volcanic mud infused with precious tuberose bud oil and other rare ingredients to her body.
Her assistant, secretary, and nominal husband, Asai Kinnosuke, stood far back, head bowed low, holding a file.
"Hai! Several unresolved occult-related suicide and murder cases in Tokyo persist. Sensō-ji Temple's Wind & Thunder Gods faction (風雷神門 - Kazerajinmon) and the Occult Council have dispatched representatives."
Abe Nasuzume snorted. "Countless die every year, yet the Occult Council never stirred. Now, with the financial markets plunging and the government weak and fatigued, everyone sees an opportunity to grab a slice."
"Asahi-Dake Mountain's Fifth Heavenly Person, Hōki-Bō (伯耆坊), is reportedly en route to Tokyo," Asai Kinnosuke continued.
"Hōki-Bō? Why is he coming? Could Tokyo hold something he desires?" Abe Nasuzume frowned. "Track him. Relay his movements to Sensō-ji's Wind & Thunder Gods."
"Hai!" Asai Kinnosuke made a note, then read the next item. "The Sakura family transferred ownership of Shinrong Planning Building in Shinjuku to another party."
"Ho! Is the Sakura family that diminished? They gifted away their Tokyo stronghold?" Abe Nasuzume scoffed. "To whom?"
"A police officer named Fujino. A member of the Tokyo Exorcism Defense Team," Asai Kinnosuke replied, checking the documents.
"What?" Abe Nasuzume sat up, her pale fruits giving a visible tremor, her brow furrowed. "Him?"
"Who?" Asai Kinnosuke asked, momentarily confused.
"Baka! Is that your concern?" Abe Nasuzume snapped.
"Sumimasen." Asai Kinnosuke lowered his head further.
"It seems my intuition was correct," Abe Nasuzume murmured, an unexpected flutter in her chest. "That man is far more complex than he appears."
——
Inside a ramen restaurant with a cozy Japanese aesthetic.
A small table for two held a bowl of ramen and a plate of gyoza.
Japanese often treat gyoza as a side dish, sometimes even pairing it with rice – a starch-on-starch combination Fang Zuo found distinctly odd.
"Itadakimasu!"
Sawada Yui loudly announced the start of the meal, puffing her cheeks before enthusiastically slurping noodles.
"Onii-chan, why aren't you eating?"
"I ate earlier," Fang Zuo replied with a smile.
"Da-me! Da-me! You have to eat too!" Sawada Yui shook her head vigorously.
"Alright, I'll have some," Fang Zuo conceded, ordering another bowl.
"So, how are the swimming lessons going?" Fang Zuo watched Yui devour her noodles. "Slow down."
"Not great," Sawada Yui admitted, swallowing a mouthful with a frown. "Onii-chan, I have no talent for swimming."
Fang Zuo chuckled, tapping her head lightly with his chopsticks. "You're not aiming for the Olympics, are you? Just learning to swim requires talent?"
"Honestly! Others pick it up after a few tries, but I just keep sinking." Sawada Yui rubbed her head and sighed dramatically. "Onii-chan, I've figured it out! The girls who don't sink... they all have really big chests!"
"And since I sink... that's clearly the problem!" She gestured towards her own modest chest, deflated. "When will I be as big as Oka-san? Then I'll float!"
Fang Zuo nearly choked on his noodles.
The girl's mind truly worked in peculiar ways. By her logic, Shiraishi Nagiso could probably wear lead weights and still bob to the surface.
Though... in a strange way, it held a kernel of twisted logic.
"Your mother mentioned you wanted to switch to an arts major?"
"Hai! I always loved drawing as a kid. When I was alone, I just drew and drew. It made time pass faster."
"But after high school, Mama insisted I study Law." Sawada Yui nodded, her expression troubled. "She doesn't approve of me studying art. She hasn't agreed yet."
Law?
Fang Zuo was surprised. This gentle girl seemed ill-suited for lawyering. Then again, it wasn't necessarily about becoming a lawyer. In a country like this, law graduates often entered politics. It seemed Shiraishi Nagiso, perhaps uncertain about the future initially, had planned a traditional path to secure her daughter's prospects. Why had she so readily agreed this morning? His presence likely gave her profound security, eliminating the perceived need to steer Yui's future.
"Your mother has agreed. She called the university president this morning," Fang Zuo informed her.
"Really?!" Sawada Yui almost choked in her excitement. "Onii-chan, is it true?"
"True. When term starts in a few days, you can report directly to the Arts Faculty," Fang Zuo confirmed.
"It must be because Onii-chan spoke well for me!" Sawada Yui beamed, bobbing her head happily. Her large eyes curved into crescents, adorable dimples appearing on her cheeks.
"Do well in your classes. University is full of handsome young men ('二枚目' - nimai'me)," Fang Zuo teased, patting her head.
"Ehhh~~! Onii-chan underestimates me!" Sawada Yui pouted, puffing out her cheeks. "I was voted the most beautiful school idol at Tokyo Women's High School! Popular across several nearby schools!"
"Tons of boys chased me! Hmph! As if I don't know the world!" Relishing the chance to impress Fang Zuo, Sawada Yui looked immensely proud.
"Then why haven't you had a boyfriend?" Fang Zuo asked curiously. "Did your mother forbid it?"
"No," Sawada Yui replied, popping another gyoza into her mouth and chewing. She spoke around the food, cheeks full. "I just don't like boys my own age. They seem so immature."
"You're not exactly brimming with maturity yourself," Fang Zuo couldn't help but laugh.
"That's different! Anyway, I only feel comfortable around Onii-chan. I don't feel that way with them." Sawada Yui shook her head dismissively.
Fang Zuo understood. A lack of paternal affection. Sawada Yui had likely never experienced a dependable father figure, leaving her drawn to steadier, more mature connections. That, combined with the recent terrifying events, naturally fostered her strong reliance on him.
"I'm full~!" Sawada Yui announced, wiping her mouth and patting her stomach.
"Since you're done, I should head to the precinct. Where are you off to?" Fang Zuo asked.
"Hai! I was going home to play video games, but since Oka-san agreed to art..." Sawada Yui's eyes lit up. "I want to buy some paper and pencils!"
She made a determined little fist, then slumped slightly, propping her delicate chin on her hands in exaggerated woe. "But it's troubling... I haven't drawn in so long, I might be rusty!"
"Go for it. You'll be great," Fang Zuo encouraged, giving her head another gentle pat.
Sawada Yui leaned into his touch, closing her eyes contentedly like a cat being stroked.
——
Sakura Momo had texted Fang Zuo early, around 8 AM, mentioning a new lead and that she'd be out investigating the case, likely returning to the station only in the afternoon.
Fang Zuo arrived at the underground parking garage of the Tokyo Tower precinct building. Glancing at his time, it was still early.
Suddenly, a group of burly men in suits surrounded him.
Fang Zuo narrowed his eyes. These men weren't pushovers; they possessed notable strength.
One of them was manhandling Sanomiya Tsubaki, shoving her forward.
Sanomiya Tsubaki wore a floral dress – highly unusual for her. White socks and black Mary Jane flats completed the look. Her signature glasses were missing. Her usually composed, pale face was etched with raw fear.