Chapter 31: Demons Are Poisonous

Senso-ji Temple Main Hall, front chamber.

This is where the principal image of Kannon is enshrined, hence it is also known as the Kannon Hall. The entire hall exudes a profound sense of sanctity and solemnity. Within the six-meter-high hall, an atmosphere of stillness prevails. A monk sits cross-legged on the floor at the edge of the inner sanctum, hands pressed together in prayer, eyes closed, chanting sutras softly toward the "principal image."

Flanking the hall are statues of the attendants Brahma and Indra, while at the rear stand the statues of Acala and Ragaraja. This space is typically opened only for the unveiling ceremony on December 13th or for other special rites, allowing believers to pay their respects to the standing Kannon statue.

At the entrance to the hall, Commissioner Hakuba stepped inside with light, cautious footsteps. He reached the side of Chiriku, knelt before the Kannon statue, and offered a respectful bow.

"Commissioner, the demon is toxic."

Chiriku ceased his chanting and gazed at the exquisitely carved Kannon.

"Cough, cough... The Master already knows."

"Such dense demonic miasma can only be possessed by one who has recently been in contact with demons."

The implication was clear: there was no way to hide it from him. Commissioner Hakuba’s expression turned somewhat awkward. His conduct had indeed been lacking; he sought help when trouble arose, yet kept to himself otherwise—it was less than honorable. But he had no choice. Japan could not remain indifferent to the supernatural. Especially after witnessing the power of the recently unsealed Tsuchigumo, the need to grasp his own supernatural power had become an urgent priority.

According to Chiriku, the Tsuchigumo had been sealed for a millennium, its strength reduced to less than a tenth of its former self, and its performance hindered by the blade Kumo-kiri; yet, even in that state, it was ferociously powerful. If, as Chiriku suggested, gods, ghosts, and demons were to return to the world, the fragile strength of Japan would surely be left teetering in the storm. Although Chiriku later explained that the Tsuchigumo wielded earth-attributed spiritual power and the land itself was its home turf—making it appear exceptionally strong compared to typical great demons—this island nation was defined by its endless myths and legends. If those great monsters were to appear…

Chiriku turned toward Commissioner Hakuba and spoke, "Grasping supernatural power is no simple feat. One must face tribulations proportional to the power one bears. I urge the Commissioner to plan accordingly."

Commissioner Hakuba’s expression tightened, and he nodded solemnly. Putting himself in their shoes, if he were supernatural, he too would prioritize dealing with supernatural entities that posed a threat to him. Seeing that Chiriku did not oppose his actions, he felt a sense of relief.

Chiriku was the only supernatural person the Metropolitan Police Department could currently rely on. He possessed formidable strength and was a high-ranking monk personally enlightened by the Holy Kannon. According to data provided by the analysis division, the strength Chiriku had displayed was enough to turn Tokyo upside down in a short time. After he shared this assessment with the major conglomerates, the few that had been showing signs of restless ambition suddenly fell quiet and even donated large quantities of supplies to Senso-ji. Naturally, they hoped to build a connection, but Chiriku kept to himself, leaving their desires unfulfilled.

"Does the Commissioner have any important matters to ask of this humble monk?" Chiriku asked.

Commissioner Hakuba gave a slight nod and inquired, "Master, have you discovered the origin of the 'Umbrella Bearer' who appeared that day?"

The "Umbrella Bearer" had become the Metropolitan Police Department's designation for that mysterious supernatural figure. The name was fitting, given that repeated high-tech profiling, scanning, and database searches had failed to uncover even a single shred of information.

"I have scoured ancient texts but found nothing. Perhaps I have yet to reach the critical passages, but I have formed some speculations regarding his origins."

"I would like to hear them," Commissioner Hakuba said, looking at the monk with eager eyes.

"That youth walks the path of commanding the power of departed souls. To bestow that level of power without causing the host to collapse—I fear he is one from the Underworld."

"The Underworld!"

Commissioner Hakuba’s voice rose sharply, his eyes widening. As someone well-versed in cultural affairs, he was familiar with the legends of the afterlife in Japan. Similar mythological structures existed in systems across the globe: the underworld or Hades in the West, and the netherworld or Yellow Springs in the East. Each reflected humanity's inherent fear of death. The most critical point was that places symbolizing death tended to spawn gods and demons with power far exceeding those from other realms. Ryō Yamada had already demonstrated through action that firearms and artillery were useless against spirits. As for nuclear or hydrogen bombs... even if they worked, would they dare to use them recklessly?

Chiriku said calmly, "The Commissioner need not panic."

*Master, your magic is powerful, so you are not afraid, but I am merely a mortal man of flesh and blood—how can I not be afraid?* Commissioner Hakuba thought to himself.

"The spiritual energy of the present world cannot yet sustain the true descent of the deities of the Underworld."

Commissioner Hakuba felt a jolt, his previous anxiety swept away. "Does the Master know something?"

"Amitabha."

"..." *Fine. You’re the one with the biggest fist, so you make the rules.* "Riddlers, get out of Tokyo!"

Seeing that he wouldn't get anything more on that front, Commissioner Hakuba proceeded to the other purpose of his visit.

"Master, are you aware of... are you aware of Sagamibo of Shiramine?"

*Good grief, why does he keep speaking in such archaic tones?*

Chiriku nodded slightly and declared, "There is no need to worry about that Great Tengu for the time being."

Commissioner Hakuba let out a sigh of relief and continued, "Does the Master know the origin of that Tengu?"

"The origins of demons generally fall into three categories. The first are those born of heaven and earth; the distinction between god and demon is but a single thought. The second are those deliberately cultivated, or those transformed by the lingering miasma of a great demon. The third are those that sprout from the fears and resentments of the people, such as Kiyohime or the Blue Lady."

Undoubtedly, the first category was the strongest. Demons born of heaven and earth are essentially gods; the only difference is that gods tend toward benevolence, performing miracles to protect the living, while demons release their own desires. However, in this land of Japan, the distinction between gods and demons is not so rigid. The benevolence of gods is also subject to discernment; one could hardly call the gods of Japan truly benevolent—they are simply better than the slaughter-loving demons. Some even bestow power to protect their followers, though such instances are rare.

As for the last category...

Commissioner Hakuba frowned. "Does the Master mean that demons cannot be completely eradicated?"

"Indeed."

*Sigh... what a headache.*

Chiriku perceived his distress and offered comfort. "The Commissioner need not worry. Truly great demons possess world-shaking power, surpassing many gods, but minor demons do not signify such an end."

"..."

Chiriku’s words successfully reminded him of the three great demon kings of Japanese legend. After a brief silence, he continued, "Does Master Chiriku believe that the ghost-user can be recruited by the authorities?"

Chiriku merely looked at him, offering no answer.

Commissioner Hakuba knew he had asked a foolish question. Regardless of whether it was possible, the authorities would attempt it. That was the second supernatural being born among humanity; to the authorities, who were thirsting for talent, they were an existence that could not be refused.

"...How is the Master's injury? Does the Metropolitan Police Department need to arrange for a doctor?" Now that Chiriku had taken the initiative, he finally asked the question he should have started with.

"It is of no consequence."

Commissioner Hakuba did not ask Chiriku how to extract supernatural power, because Chiriku had already told him from the beginning that their operation was feasible. Asking further would yield no useful information; Chiriku was not a scientist. But he had received news even more shocking than the fact that humans could grasp supernatural power.

The Underworld...

Commissioner Hakuba suddenly felt the fatigue of his position. An unbearable weight pressed upon his shoulders, a burden as heavy as a mountain.