Chapter 325: 135. Natsuki Kuri’s Little Scheme_3
"Over a month ago, I overheard their conversation and found out that a woman named Tanemura was coming to Minami-Izu, so I followed along." Natsuki Kuri’s tone and expression both relaxed, "I figured she had issues too, so I had Fukaeri probe her. Sure enough, she was also a fox demon. Moreover, she came from Tochigi County, and I suspect their acquisition of Huang Songyu is related to the Killing Stone in the Nikko National Park."
"It shouldn’t be..." Mrs. Hoshimi tilted her head and pondered for a moment, "The seal on the Killing Stone is intact, with a sealing rope on top, and there are over a dozen shrines and temples guarding Nikko Park... Huang Songyu doesn’t enhance attacks or break seals, so what’s their use in acquiring it?"
"Some shrines and temples might have been bribed." Natsuki Kuri said, "Huang Songyu could strengthen the barrier, isolating the Killing Stone from external connections, giving them ample time to break the seal."
"It’s possible." Mrs. Kasahara placed her hands folded on the table, smiling slightly, "But no matter what, what you’re saying is a hypothesis, and we can’t initiate an investigation on the Onmyo-ryo members because of it."
"Natsuki Kuri nodded, but her tone remained persistent, "But the hypothesis is very likely true."
"Without evidence, it’s like aiming at a distant target with a stone. You understand that?"
"I understand. But if you throw enough stones, the chances of hitting the target increase."
"But we can’t just throw stones randomly. For the chairman, things are not progressive but rather: either zero percent or one hundred percent, with no in-between."
"Of course," Natsuki Kuri nodded, "So please give me Mrs. Tanemura and Fukaeri, I’ll throw the stones with them."
Mrs. Kasahara fell silent, exchanging glances with Mrs. Hoshimi, and they whispered for a while.
Fujiwara Reya peeked out with half an eye from behind the drawing board, staring at his little aunt for a long time. Natsuki Kuri would occasionally glance at him, and even though it wasn’t a sharp glance, you could still sense a resolve similar to "never backing down." Fujiwara Reya wasn’t surprised by this; ever since he was young, people often mistook his aunt for being gentle and delicate due to her elegant appearance. In reality, she was a steadfast girl with an inner determination that wouldn’t be swayed by external forces. Just like once she drew a straight line, she wouldn’t easily compromise to draw it crooked.
How should I put it...
Fujiwara Reya felt proud of Natsuki Kuri’s growth.
After all, this perfect superhuman demon sister is someone he personally trained.
Not long after, Mrs. Kasahara looked at Natsuki Kuri and smiled again, "It’s decided."
Natsuki Kuri organized the photos and put them back in her handbag.
"Don’t make too big a fuss." Mrs. Kasahara reminded her.
"Rest assured." Natsuki Kuri agreed on the surface.
"Fukaeri," Mrs. Kasahara turned and held her eldest daughter’s hand, "Please take care."
"Okay." Kasahara Fumi responded, with a soft look in her eyes, filled with a warmth Fujiwara Reya couldn’t enjoy at the moment.
Natsuki Kuri stood up, picked up her purse, and bent slightly, "Thank you for your support." Having said that, she bowed again to Mrs. Hoshimi, "Thank you for the herbal tea. It was very sweet."
"I should thank you too." Mrs. Hoshimi’s eyes warmed, gently placing her hand on Natsuki Kuri’s wrist, "Feel free to ask for help if needed, we’ll assist as much as possible."
"I definitely won’t be shy." Natsuki Kuri smiled, her etiquette flawless.
"But you mustn’t have any designs on my brother Fujiwara." Mrs. Kasahara chuckled, covering her lips. Her long eyelashes quivered slightly under the midsummer sun, "He’s someone I have my eyes on, and I won’t give him up to anyone."
"That’s not certain." Natsuki Rin replied ambiguously, her tender face without a hint of shyness. She then turned and left, the lines of her beige long-sleeve shirt flowing from her shoulders, her defined legs highlighted by her skinny pencil pants, making her appear both charming and carefree.
Kasahara Fumi also picked up her handbag and followed.
Mrs. Tanemura was detained by Nine Division, and she needed to handle the transfer procedures.
"I’ll see them off." Fujiwara Reya put down the brush and followed the two.
"Don’t get mesmerized by your little aunt," Mrs. Kasahara glanced at him, "There’s still four women waiting for you here. If you’re not back in ten minutes, I’ll throw your luggage into the sea."
"Got it!"
With a confirmed response, Mrs. Kasahara turned her gaze back to the two young girls present.
From the beginning of this conversation, they didn’t have much presence. Perhaps feeling ignored, they were now somewhat sulky. Mrs. Kasahara chuckled softly and comforted, "Cheer up, you can’t afford to lose at tonight’s fireworks festival."
The two girls simultaneously looked up, their eyes igniting with a strange determination.
※※※※※
The window glass of the black G-class was dazzling under the sunlight.
Natsuki Kuri was in a good mood, taking large strides as she walked. Her silver high heels gleamed brightly in the sun, much like her radiant face, uplifting the spirits of those who saw her.
"What are you going to do with that fox demon?" Fujiwara Reya asked.
"Shh, it’s a secret!" Natsuki Kuri playfully shook her hair at him, then draped an arm around his shoulder like a good buddy, "Hey, my little rascal, tonight your auntie will give you a big surprise that will leave you wanting more."
"I expect more of a fright." Fujiwara Reya didn’t believe her.
"Really, tonight it’s definitely a surprise."
After speaking, Natsuki Kuri couldn’t help but laugh, her eyes sparkling.
Fujiwara Reya pondered silently for a moment, then said to Kasahara Fumi, "Please keep an eye on her for me."
Kasahara Fumi pretended not to hear, maintaining her usual aloof demeanor.
"Haha, you haven’t won over our Miss Fukaeri yet." Natsuki Kuri said, patting Fujiwara Reya on the back. Fujiwara Reya bent down, and with a "Woo-hoo," she jumped onto his back. The hands supporting her felt an irresistible exquisite softness.
When they were young, she used to carry Fujiwara Reya.
But after Fujiwara Reya grew taller, it was his turn to carry her.
"Let’s see how you perform," Natsuki Kuri whispered in his ear, "If you’re good enough, your aunt will help you get her into bed."
Fujiwara Reya squeezed the behind in his hands, carrying her towards the sleek black G-class.
"Ah, you rascal!" Natsuki Kuri giggled sweetly, nipping at his ear, as intimate as could be, "Tonight, you’re really getting a reward, really, I’m not teasing you this time."
This time, Fujiwara Reya believed her.
The wind blowing against his face carried a wave of heat; it was still summer, with small, distinctly outlined white clouds floating in the sky. He watched the black G-class drive away, beginning to mentally organize his schedule for the evening—whatever happens, he couldn’t afford another slip-up!