Campione 05

by Miko of the Sword

  Obviously, he had no right to refuse, so Amakasu nodded his head in an exaggerated manner.

  Erica took the seat opposite Amakasu.

  The twenty-something-year-old unassuming youth, special operative of the History Compilation Committee.

  Having exhausted the resources of the magic association Copper Black Cross, her social network in Tokyo, and her own wits, Erica finally decided to make contact with this man to maximize her intelligence gathering.

  "What a surprise for Erica-san to visit a shop like this."

  Amakasu spoke casually, apparently unfazed by her sudden arrival.

  Erica smiled as she carried on the conversation.

  "Oh my, I often visited roadside stalls when I was in Hong Kong."

  "Yes, now that it's mentioned, you did stay there for a year or so."

  "As expected of Amakasu-san, you have investigated already, just like a Japanese ninja superman."

  To this rare compliment, Amakasu responded with a subtle expression that was hard to describe.

  "Recently I've already begged someone else not to address me that way. At least call me a secret agent or a spy... Besides, if you use such a description, 'superman' is kind of redundant."

  "Is that so? No matter, I will respect your personal opinion."

  "Much appreciated."

  At this time, the server came with the menu, and Erica spoke without hesitation.

  "Do you have wonton noodles? And of course, shrimp wonton would be best."

  "Ordinary ramen shops in Japan won't have that menu item, please go to a Chinese restaurant if you want something like that... Uh, this lady here would like to order the same things as me."

  Accepting Amakasu's order, the server left, and Erica made a frown.

  "To call themselves a noodle specialty shop, and yet they don't have wonton noodles."

  "Of course not. You should know, Erica-san, that there are differences between ramen shops in Japan and noodle shops in Hong Kong. You've already been here for three months."

  Erica was irked by Amakasu's expression of ridicule. Somehow, it reminded her of Godou's expression whenever he pointed out their "difference in upbringing."

  "How could I tell? This is my first time in this kind of shop."

  "Appearing to be wise and experienced, but actually a sheltered young lady from a high class family, you're the opposite of Ena-san."

  Taking a swig of beer, Amakasu commented nonchalantly.

  Erica smiled. Certainly, the man she called a ninja was very observant.

  "Seishuuin Ena, that girl is not a high class young lady?"

  "She is a young lady who received a perfect education since birth. The ultimate Yamato Nadeshiko. But in spite of that, the child was raised in a natural environment. However, Erica-san probably didn't come to ask about that, right?"

  "Yes, what I want to know is about her as a Hime-Miko."

  "You sought me out to ask about that? But there is no way I will answer that."

  "Is that so? 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend,' that probably best describes our relationship right now."

  At that moment, the food arrived.

  Two large bowls filled with noodles. From the taste and color of the soup, it was clearly typical soy sauce ramen. As well as a can of beer, which Erica opened by pulling the ring off without any delay.

  "In Japan, minors are forbidden from drinking alcohol."

  "Yes, but isn't this because you ordered the same thing for me? Besides, I am of drinking age in Italy, so don't worry."

  "What happened to 'when in Rome, do as the Romans do'? Whatever, so the enemy of my enemy is my friend?"

  Amakasu took the white spoon and took a small sip of the ramen soup.

  Erica also tried a mouthful, which turned out to have an unexpectedly complex taste, but it was not bad at all.

  "I've heard that, recently, you've been broadening your circles. If that's the case, then you should be able to obtain satisfactory information from those who distance themselves from the Committee... Especially the state of affairs in Japan, you should have a decent grasp, right?"

  "It was rather troublesome, and other than the History Compilation Committee, I never knew about the Four Families who served the emperor and their power struggles in the wizardry world."

  A power struggle dominated by family clans rather than magic associations.

  This was common in the world of magic, and was not really something surprising. However, it did come as a surprise to find out that the winning family were the ones running the History Compilation Committee.

  "Your side is responsible too, for you guys simply didn't care for inside knowledge about Japan."

  "About a hundred and fifty years ago, the victor in the political struggle was the clan of your master at the History Compilation Committee, but it was not that complete or overwhelming a victory."

  As the foremost amongst the four, its influence did not surpass the second family by a wide margin.

  "Yes yes, it is correct that the Seishuuin family has been a troublesome existence to us, but anyway, since our side has the final say, it isn't that serious a problem."

  "That's what you say, but then why are you letting Seishuuin Ena do as she pleased right now?"

  "Well we do have our own troubles, not everything can go as smoothly as one wishes."

  Amakasu conversed as he ate his soy sauce ramen.

  When faced with food that does not match her tastes, Erica had the ability to completely ignore the flavor.

  Fortunately, she did not need to exercise that ability this time. The ramen tasted just as good as shrimp wonton noodles.

  Having finished two thirds of his noodles, Amakasu spoke slowly.

  "Let me provide a few tips then. But do not misinterpret this as a dangerous relationship between enemies of the same enemy, but that I simply leaked information when entranced by the beautiful young lady sharing a meal with me."

  "Hoho, I am honored."

  Malevolent smiles appeared on both Amakasu and Erica's faces. Perhaps these two people could be described as a fox and a tanuki dealing in a secret transaction.

  "Seishuuin Ena is the secret weapon of the elder known as the Old One. No matter what opinions this old man and his companions hold, we Committee members cannot ignore them."

  "Just like the relationship between the government and the Senate."

  "An apt description. Furthermore, the Old One has bestowed the divine sword to Ena-san."

  "Divine sword—could that be the Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi?"

  "Also widely known as the Kusanagi sword."

  "Ah, that's the same name as Godou."

  "Just an ordinary coincidence. The family name Kusanagi is quite common in the areas of Akita and Sanuki, so I believe his ancestors most likely originated from there."

  So that's how it was. Erica nodded her head.

  If he had inherited the blood of those versed in magic, then it would be even better if he had more disposition towards magic.

  "That sword, could it be the real thing?"

  That name, belonged to the favorite sword of Japan's famous heroic god.

  To name a fake after a legendary divine artifact was actually quite common. But Erica found it strange for herself to be suspecting Ena's sword as the authentic original.

  However, a sacred presence could be felt from the divine blade.

  Sure enough, Amakasu showed a troubled expression.

  "Well that depends on the definition of what it means to be the real thing. As one of the Three Sacred Treasures, the sword inherited by someone of the noblest heritage is most likely a fake from an archaeological standpoint. However, that one, on the other hand..."

  "That one?"

  "Could be described as a treasure just like the real thing. To say any more would be disclosing trade secrets."

  "Understood. I'll simply think of it as the unlimited potential of 'made in Japan.'"

  It seemed like the Hime-Miko and the History Co
mpilation Committee still had many troublesome mysteries, and Erica decided she must be even more careful from now on.

  Like the Gorgoneion and the Secret Tome of Prometheus. If what Amakasu said was correct, the Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi would likely harbor the same hidden potential as those kinds of divine artifacts.

  However, those objects were originally tools that the gods made for themselves.

  They were not meant to be used by humans, and reckless use will result in death. If Kusanagi Godou had not become a Campione, he would have died already.

  "I am becoming more and more interested in Ena-san's secrets. By the way, may I ask something a little more detailed?"

  Amakasu shrugged silently as if he had no intention of answering. With no other recourse, Erica could only change the subject.

  "Anyway, are you and Ena-san from the same school of martial arts?"

  "In terms of ability, of course she is stronger. Fighting is not my strong suit."

  "Compared to martial prowess, I've heard that Amakasu-san is even more talented in spells... Is that true?"

  From early on, Erica had taken an interest in this man's hidden capabilities.

  "You overestimate me. After all, I just run errands. There's no need for amazing powers, it's that simple."

  Erica politely nodded at Amakasu's excuses.

  Tonight's investigation has reached its conclusion. The next step will be to follow the clues provided by this young man, who truly cannot be underestimated.

  Erica smiled like a noblewoman as she placed cash on the table and stood up.

  "What a pleasant conversation, let us meet again if the opportunity arises."

  "Personally, I don't really want to meet you privately like this. By the way, that Ena-san seemed like she was preparing some kind of trap or enchantment at your school. Though I have no idea what type it is, but seeing as it is set by the Hime-Miko who holds the divine sword—you cannot be reckless, please take care."

  Amakasu signaled with his eyes, having given Erica a crucial piece of news at the very end.

  Part 2

  It was after school at Jounan Academy, in the tearoom of the tea ceremony club—

  "To be able to drink tea casually is so great, if it was on the mountains, just boiling water alone would be quite a chore."

  "Hooo..." Ena murmured to herself as she deeply exhaled.

  In her hand was the cup of powdered tea she prepared herself. Next to her were the tea ceremony club president, Hanabusa-san, and Mariya Yuri.

  "However, as someone who does not belong to this club, for Ena-san to come and go from the tea room so openly is a bit..."

  Ena possessed nimble agility surpassing cats and monkeys.

  In Yuri's mind appeared images of Ena using such skills to trespass and infiltrate the school.

  "Calling me an outsider is too much, Ena has already greeted all the club members from the president all the way down. Besides, I even brought souvenir gifts today, so at least treat me like a guest."

  "G-Gifts?"

  The greatly surprised Yuri turned her gaze towards Hanabusa-san.

  Embarrassed, the kind-hearted tea ceremony club president proceeded to confess.

  "Yes, yes that's right—I just received from Seishuuin Ena-san all sorts of things. Look! Tea powder, some snacks, and then there's the tea ware!"

  "Could it be, that all the things were brought here from the Seishuuin home..."

  Yuri began to take a closer look at the tea-ware in use.

  She had never seen any of them. Actually it was rather alarming. Such high-class equipment was not really appropriate for club activities.

  "By the way, you all don't need to be too concerned. These are just spare stuff that Granny back home had gathered. Tools are meant to be used."

  "True, but high class utensils should be used somewhere more appropriate."

  "M-Mariya-san, c-could all these be very precious items?"

  "Yes, precious but not priceless. After all, things of this quality can be bought as long as you have the money. The most expensive piece probably does not exceed one or two million... President-san, get a hold of yourself!"

  At that unlucky moment, Hanabusa-san was holding one of the tea utensils with only one hand. Yuri and Ena looked after her as she entered a state of panic.

  Afterwards, Hanabusa-san declared that she needed to clear her mind and left the room.

  The spacious tearoom was left with only two Hime-Miko as its occupants.

  Today was Friday, and because it was not a club activity day, there were no other members present.

  Yuri came because Ena's phone call summoned her. As for Hanabusa-san, it was her daily routine as club president to clean and dust the place.

  "So, why has Ena come to our school again?"

  Yuri could not help but interrogate Ena.

  "Last time, it was all your fault for creating that kind of situation for me and Godou-san—"

  "But thanks to last time, Yuri and His Majesty's relationship has progressed slightly, isn't that good?"

  "No, not good!"

  However, it was true that the farce last time dispelled all awkwardness between Godou and her.

  But Yuri would not be happy because of that. Besides, she began worrying again about what happened between Erica and Ena.

  "Did you really not have any conflict with Erica-san?"

  "No no, we just chatted a bit that time, and then I left immediately."

  "Then why did I feel the Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi stir that time?"

  "I only drew it out for her to have a look, it's that simple. Yuri, you worry too much."

  Yuri's sharp gaze focused on the relaxed Ena.

  "Though Erica-san sometimes brings trouble to others, but she is a girl who gives her all for Godou-san... for the [King]. If you recklessly target her, you will incur a king's wrath. Please do not forget this warning, I sincerely beg you."

  "I know, I know. I'll do as you say."

  Did she really understand? Or is she just playing along?

  Unable to discern Ena's true intentions, Yuri could not help but sigh.

  This type of threatening warning should really be the job of the History Compilation Committee, but somehow they were giving a false impression of responding slowly to this matter.

  "Yuri seems to be worrying about something strange, but you have more important things to handle, right?"

  "Important things?"

  Due to Ena's sudden question, Yuri lost composure.

  "The matter of developing relations with Kusanagi-san. Now that it is declared that we will both marry into his household, the next step is... Of course, a date, right?"

  "Date!? Are you suggesting that Godou-san and I-I-I have a secret rendezvous?"

  "Yes, exactly, or maybe you can call it a tryst?"

  "No way! Two people cannot do that unless they are married!"

  "Actually, this kind of thing is very common before marriage. Don't worry, come with Ena together to invite him. To have Yuri on the right, and Ena on the left. Kusanagi-san will definitely be happy to hug two beauties simultaneously, one on each side."

  Ena smiled innocently, stood up, and forcefully pulled Yuri's hands.

  Then the two Hime-Miko began searching the school for Kusanagi Godou.

  Meanwhile, Kusanagi Godou was—

  "And thus, let us commence the second meeting of the Judgment Council Censuring the Bastard Kusanagi Godou who Monopolizes the Two Great Beauties + Newcomer. Everyone, are you all ready?"

  "No problem. Let us bring to justice Kusanagi Godou, public enemy of men."

  "Of course, on account of our love-communist ideals of equality, let us give our utmost in denouncing the bourgeoisie!"

  Godou was currently a prisoner because of these three raving mad men.

  After school, he was covered by a sack and kidnapped.

  Next, he was taken to an unknown empty classroom and thrown onto the ground with his hands and feet bound by transparent tap
e wound numerous times. The three perpetrators had paper bags concealing their faces, but Godou, who knew their identities from the start, simply spoke coldly.

  "Nanami, Sorimachi, Takagi... Though I already knew you were all idiots, I never thought your stupidity could reach such heights. Please let me go while your crimes are still minor."

  Hearing Godou speak, the three idiots stared at him through the eyeholes in their paper bags.

  "Fool, we are not of those names."

  "That's right, we are not your classmates."

  "We are the allies of justice who devote our thoughts to the people and the country, please do not have any odd misunderstandings, okay?"

  Godou had no doubt that if ultimate idiots existed in this world, surely it must be these three in front of him.

  "Uh... Though I don't really understand, but you guys must have many reasons, and I probably have areas I could improve, so just let out all your complaints and I will definitely listen to them."

  If possible, he wanted to be released as soon as possible.

  Thinking thus, Godou offered a peaceful proposal, but the three idiots angrily scoffed. Their arrogant and hateful attitudes continued unchanged.

  "You bastard, your mouth only speaks pretty words... Fine, then why don't you come clean with your crimes this past summer?"

  Summer? Hearing Sorimachi's question, the agitated Godou feigned composure.

  If their living together on Sardinia were revealed, there would be a serious misunderstanding. This required a prudent answer.

  "During summer I was living an honest and simple life, and nothing odd happened at all."

  To this unconvincing explanation, Nanami muttered "Oh?"

  "Then Comrade S, please report your findings."

  "At the shopping street in Nezu Sanchoume where Kusanagi Godou lives, this fellow was not spotted in the first half of summer from early July to early August."

  "Very good, suspicious point number one. Comrade T, what do you have to report?"

  "In the exact same time-frame, there were no eyewitness accounts of Erica who used to appear frequently in the Hongou area. Furthermore, even Mariya-san disappeared from her tea ceremony club activities during that period. It is my personal opinion that Kusanagi Godou is the prime suspect based on these times."