True Magician

Chapter 33

Kyoto.

I decided to rest a bit and feel the atmosphere of the ancient city again. And this time without visiting Nurarihyon's place.

The sun had already set, and life in the city was just beginning: beautifully decorated red lanterns lighting up the streets, the clatter of traditional wooden Japanese sandals on the cobblestone road, and, of course, yukata men and women having a cultural time.

Spurred on by the moment, I too changed into a black colored yukata with a pattern of white flowers on it and strolled around, breathing in the ancient Japanese city-soaked air, which was a nice change of scenery.

- "It was a beautiful city. Like the smiles on the faces of the people here," I heard Grandpa's voice beside me, "In my time, they were covered in sand and dust, and the only sources of light were candles. The atmosphere was darker.

- "I suppose there was rather little entertainment in your time, eh?"

- "Perhaps there was, but I didn't pay any more attention to it than necessary. What I did take up all the time available."

- "Do you regret it?"

- "No," he said firmly, "It was my choice. I found my calling in it, and my personal needs took a back seat. Hashashin became my child who needed all my attention. The training of each candidate must be thorough and deliberate, and the enforcement of the code all the more so."

- "Oh? There were those who didn't follow them?"

- "Of course there were. Eighteen generations, eighteen leaders. Some lost their way, some found more important recognition in their lives, and some just reveled in the opportunities that came their way. And I remember them all."

- "Hmm... In addition to you as the founder, I know three other Hashashin heads. Can you tell me anything about the others?"

- "You already know the answer to your question, don't you, Master?"

- "It was worth a try." I shrugged.

Grandpa is definitely cool, and I'm already guessing what he was doing before he did what he's doing now. If you remember Shiki Tohno from Tsukihime, the Mystic Eyes of Death Perception can bring its owner a decent amount of inconvenience and limitations. The boy was experiencing a severe headache, and one wrong move could cost a massacre around himself and those around him. Not the most pleasant of sensations.

- "By the way, how did you set foot on this path? And what did you do before your current line of work? The voice of God?"

- "I don't even remember what I was before. But yes, one day I heard the voice of God. He chose me to decide the fate of murderers and sinners."

- "Oya? So, we are brothers in a way, huh?" I said passionately.

- "Brothers, Master?" he asked in a puzzled tone.

- "Well, since I'm Solomon's Pseudo-Servant who was also chosen by the Almighty, we can be called that, can't we? Nah, it's better to stay 'Grandpa'. It's more comfortable."

- "As you wish."

As I walked down another alleyway, the blonde head of a little girl with distinctive fox ears caught my eye. She was running from counter to counter as if she was hiding from someone, looking around from time to time. And apparently, I looked at her for a very long time.

- "Do you know this girl, Master? You've been staring at her for a minute."

- "Uh-huh. The daughter of the head of the Yokai who likes to run away from her guards. Do you think we should intervene?"