Growth Quest: Don't Underestimate a Young Person's Potential

Izumi Takumi slowly gripped Kato Tajuro's neck with both hands.

He took a few deep breaths, and just as he was mentally preparing himself and ready to exert his strength,

The barrier suddenly shattered, and a petite figure appeared angrily above the high school.

Yukimura Yuri, looking anxious, glanced around and saw Izumi Takumi straddling Kato Tajuro, his hands gripping the latter's neck.

"...?"

Even the well-traveled and knowledgeable Yukimura Yuri was momentarily stunned.

What's going on?

If he remembers correctly, Kato Taju should be a high-ranking Onmyoji, right?

Although he only recently broke through to the top, his foundation is inevitably somewhat unstable.

But this is not something a low-ranking Onmyoji can defeat, is it?

The physique of a high-ranking Onmyoji has been modified by spiritual power, surpassing that of a low-ranking one in every way, not to mention the strange spells of the high-ranking ones.

Even if Yukimura Yuri came, it wouldn't be much better.

"President Yuri! Help!"

With reinforcements arriving, Izumi Takumi no longer needed to agonize over how to proceed.

Kicking Kato Itsuki away, Izumi Takumi shouted, "President! I've been waiting for you for so long! I almost died!!!"

After glancing at the energetic Izumi Takumi and then at the half-dead Kato Tajuro, Yukimura Yuri had for the first time the thought that she herself might not be fully awake.

"Sister! Wait for me!"

At the opening in the barrier, Yukimura Yuri also leaped into the barrier.

She first glanced around anxiously, then froze.

"Really?"

Muttering something to himself, Yukimura Mashiro was also dumbfounded.

She only sought help from her older sister because she couldn't break through the barrier set by the high-ranking Onmyoji.

But judging from Izumi-kun's current demeanor, it seems like he doesn't need to get involved.

They're true sisters; even their dumbfounded expressions are almost identical.

"Don't be stunned, come over here and help me control this guy."

Yukimura Yuri descended from the sky, a collar appearing out of thin air in her hand.

With a gentle lift of his hand, the collar was placed around Kato Tajuro's neck.

"Slave collar. Wearing it will disable your spiritual power and make you obey my commands."

Yukimura Yuri explained to Izumi Takumi, and couldn't help but step forward to take a closer look at the pig-headed man lying on the ground.

Yes, it really is Kato Tajuro himself.

Is his partner a monster?

[Yukimura Yuri's Affection +10]

Coming to her senses, Yukimura Mashiro jogged over: "Izumi-kun, you're amazing! How did you defeat that Onmyoji?"

Yukimura Yuri frowned slightly, just about to remind her younger sister not to talk too much, when she saw Izumi Takumi smile at her.

"It's alright, it's not a secret. I was planning to tell you anyway."

After recounting what had happened, Yukimura Yuri's expression was initially calm, but when she heard that the little mongrel had transformed into a giant wolf, she couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.

As for Yukimura Mashiro, she had a w(ﾟДﾟ)w expression the whole time.

"You've caught the eye of some mysterious being," Yukimura Yuri said with a complicated expression. "This is a good thing for you; at least you now have a powerful ally. As for the price... it might be your body?"

"Hearing you say that, I suddenly feel really scared." Izumi Takumi's chrysanthemum tightened.

I don't even know if that little mongrel is male or female; it would be better if it were female.

If it's a male...

Izumi Takumi didn't want to imagine what would happen.

"Honestly, my sister's talking nonsense again." Yukimura Mashiro first complained about her older sister, then looked at Izumi Takumi with starry eyes: "Izumi-kun, can you summon that little mongrel? I want to see it!"

Shouldn't a cat demon hate dogs?

And judging from your expression, you clearly just want to pet the dog.

"I'm sorry you had to go through this. It was my oversight; I never imagined they would actually dare to attack you directly." Yukimura Yuri's face darkened. "I will help you get justice."

Izumi Takumi nodded quickly; it felt good to have someone backing him up.

But I always feel like I've forgotten something?

Oh well, since I've already forgotten about it, it probably wasn't anything important.

"Izumi, let me escort you home," Yukimura Yuri offered. "I'll arrange for someone to watch over Kato Itsuki, so you can rest assured."

She believes it's all her fault that this happened today.

It was her negligence that put Izumi Takumi in danger.

Izumi Takumi was also afraid that the Onmyōryō group of powerful figures would send people to cause trouble again, and that they might ambush him on his way home, which would be disastrous for him.

"Yes, thank you for your help, Chairman."

Meanwhile, on the other side, at the Big Bang Burger shop.

Kazuma Kato sat by the window, eating a hamburger and drinking cola, occasionally glancing at his phone.

"Strange, it's already this late and he still hasn't arrived? Takumi has already read my message."

……

After saying goodbye to Yukimura Yuuri in the driver's seat and Yukimura Mashiro in the back seat, Izumi Takumi took out his phone...

"Holy crap! I forgot about Kazuma!"

Just as I was about to explain, Kazuma Kato sent me a message.

Kazuma Kato: Takumi, where are you? You're not going to stand me up, are you?

【Kato Kazuma: Doubt.JPG】

Izumi Takumi felt ashamed and quickly typed an explanation.

He believed that his attack had nothing to do with Kazuma Kato.

After all, Izumi Takumi believed that he had a good eye for people.

Kazuma Kato wasn't smart enough to think of ambushing himself.

And he certainly wouldn't do that.

Although it is highly likely that Kato Tajuro and Kato Kazuma are related.

But judging from Kato Kazuma's behavior last time, he and Kato Tajuro must not get along very well.

"So, the people sitting in that black sedan must be Kazuma's family, right?"

[Takumi Izumi: Your family almost killed me.]

[Kato Kazuma:? ? ? ? ? 】

After giving a brief explanation, Kazuma Kato immediately began apologizing profusely.

[Kato Kazuma: I'm so sorry, Takumi! My brother's a madman, I never imagined he'd actually go and cause you trouble... I'm so sorry!]

Kazuma Kato: I'm so sorry, Takumi...

If Kazuma Kato were standing in front of him right now, Izumi Takumi felt he would probably dogeza (a deep bow) on his knees.

[Izumi Takumi: There's no need for further apologies. I know that wasn't your intention.]

[Izumi Takumi: As for today's conversation, let's reschedule it for tomorrow. If you truly consider me a friend, then don't bother with apologies anymore.]

After confirming that the message had been read, Izumi Takumi put down his phone.

After what happened today, he realized that he was still too weak.

No, it's that he's too complacent.

He was too naive, actually believing that the Yin-Yang Bureau wouldn't kill him.

"Strength is the most important thing..."

With a soft sigh, Izumi Takumi decided to make good use of his cheat ability.

"I need to ask the Yukimura sisters to help me get to know other yokai, recruit them, and get rewards."

"Then we need to study the shikigami more diligently and try to find a good shikigami vessel so that Dog Brother will be willing to move in."

"And about Kotoko Morishita, I'll have to ask Yuri about the progress tomorrow."

Just as Izumi Takumi was pondering, the Yokai Encyclopedia suddenly appeared on his screen once again.

[Illustrated Guide Achievement: First Time Using a Shikigami]

[Illustrated Achievement: Overcoming the Strong with the Weak]

[Growth Mission: Never underestimate a young person's potential!]

……