Two Hundred And Seventy-Four / Side Ninety – Saionji Gin

Two Hundred And Seventy-Four / Side Ninety – Saionji Gin

“I think...” I began, as my Eye assessed the information on the vivid purple halo around Saionji-san. His Charm and Majesty had spiked alarmingly, and I estimated it was higher than mine currently, which was surprising to say the least, as Fae-Souled was a class that gave me a ton of those stats. I don’t think it’s that simple, but... even with my own Majesty, his words had made a noticeable amount of sense to me, but then my League surely overpowered his, as moments later the effect of his Majesty was gone. His words still made sense, as the arguments were somewhat solid, but there was no feeling of it.

Now I know what it feels like to be hit by Charm and Majesty, it’s no wonder I’ve been getting my own way lately. Although I don’t think it can make the impossible or stupid into an argument people will accept. There needs to be good, plausible ideas at the core. That wasn’t the current problem though.

Affectionate Gaze Of Avalokiteshvara – A rift in space to a higher realm, allowing energy to leak down, bestowing favour on the watched, creation and all within it looking on favourably. ??????????.

The description was troubling. Not about the favour, which did explain the sudden huge spike in Charm and Majesty. After all, it would be hypocritical of me to complain about the use of stats to get ahead, considering how I’d used my own Fortune and Charm at times. No, it was the spatial rift. The ether my Eye could see filtering through the rift, that looked like glimmering stars, I couldn’t identify it, meaning it was a higher-level, purer ether, so wherever it was connected to was not the Boundary or the lower reaches of the Astral, but higher. It was strong enough I could feel the density of ether in the surrounding area increasing a little as time passed.

“... that you should release your ability.” I said firmly. Saionji-san looked at me, a little surprised that I was resisting his sudden elevated stats, but what I said next shocked him more. “If you want your words to resonate, well, I get it. But... that ability is dangerous. Messing around with spatial element recklessly could put the whole world in danger.” Imagine a God like Avalokiteshvara being so careless... although... The ability was powerful, and I had a feeling that other gazes were possible too, not just affection. Perhaps it was considered worth the risk for such a decent ability?

Mutters went around the room at that, people still shaking off the effects of Saionji-san’s affection. Beside us on the podium, Kudou-san spoke, stroking his beard, his eyes clear, and a faint silver-indigo light lingering on him, a stronger aura around the Diviner. “I see. And just what do you mean, Oshiro-san?” he asked, respectfully.

“Didn’t whoever you met on behalf of Avalokiteshvara explain it to you, Saionji-san?” I asked. “The Boundary is limiting us, sure, but it also protects us. If there are any gamers here, you might have heard of newbie protection.” I glanced over the audience, but only a few seemed to understand. “It will take time before we are fully vulnerable and exposed to the wider Astral, the multiverse. Which is why I agree we need to take steps to sort out leadership and direction now. But... I’ve played enough mobile games and MMO’s to know...” I fixed my gaze on the Diviner then, who seemed to tremble, as if she knew something. Which I expect she does...

“... that certain events and thresholds can suddenly break that protection, even if the player isn’t ready. And we aren’t ready, are we? Look at the trouble everyone has been having in the Boundary here in Kyoto.” I snorted sarcastically.

“Who is this man?” I heard the Princess whisper to the Diviner, who waved away her question, her veil shifting with her breath as she addressed me.

“Are you merely speculating, or do you have any proof to back up your claims?” she said, her voice soft yet carrying to everyone.

“Yes, I would ask the same. If someone told you to stop using what power you were given, would you, Akio-san?” Saionji-san snorted, trying to regain the initiative. “The avatar of Avalokiteshvara that brought me this power told me that I would be instrumental in saving the world. Yet you say I am putting it in danger?”

Did nobody bother talking this through? Maybe Ortlinde just really liked explaining? To think I called her Exposition-san, looks like I was spot-on with that. Sure, this was largely my speculation, but it was educated speculation. “Look at it this way. You are poking a small needle through the Boundary each time you use that ability. Sure, the hole is small, and I don’t know if it heals up or not, but I still don’t think damaging what protects us is a good idea. And if something we weren’t able to handle could find such a hole...” I didn’t need to say the rest. At that, the Diviner spoke up again.

“The wounded pink bird, followed by stone pillars...” the Diviner breathed out, shocked. “Oh Tsukuyomi...” as she shuddered, the Princess was asking her if she was all right, and on seeing that, Saionji-san released his ability, the ring bursting apart into a shower of deep violet sparks.

“I’m listening.” Saionji-san said. “Tell me what you know.”

“Very well then. Yes, I think we all need to know just what is truly at stake before we decide anything...” I said, preparing to make my case...

********

“So, it makes sense to sort out leadership before charting a course, as the leader will have the biggest say.” Akio-san said, and his words were ringing in Gin’s ears, grabbing his attention. It was almost as if Akio-san had his own Affectionate Gaze, and Gin held in a slightly bitter smile. So this is what it feels like to be on the receiving end? He never does cease to surprise me. Gin had good reason to believe Akio-san would be amenable to his sudden request for alliance he had sprung on him in front of everyone, as Yasaka-san had been giving his all, asking the Book of Providence many questions, based on information from his meeting, as well as what Kikuchi Shuta-san had told him. It paints a picture of someone who tries almost too hard to be fair, and is weak to pressure, especially when it comes from girls who resemble the one over there... Mori Eri-san, right?

He considered the information he had obtained, plus the feats she had shown. Sure, Gin was confident he could defeat her without much issue, after all, were he to call upon the Benevolent Gaze or the Compassionate Gaze, he would be able to win, just as he had defeated Akai and obtained her submission. Even so, for an ordinary person, to have come so far...

“But I think before that, we should be clear on what we face, as a nation, as a world.” Akio-san continued, his words reasonable, and the hall was agreeing with him, as were those on the dais. “I’ve already touched on this with those in my faction.” He said wryly. “I’m always told I like to overshare, and so I’m not going to go into any mechanical details. You want those, well... only my allies get the full picture. Else Hinata would kill me.” The girls he had brought with him smiled at that.

It was then that the girl in the kimono stood up, picking up her chair with a broad grin on her beautiful, doll-like features. The two girls with her tried to stop her, but she shrugged them off, speaking loud enough for everyone to hear. “These seats do not-not suit us. Akio is as worthy as any here, his numbers small, but his powers and knowledge quite-quite great.” Her gaze went to those on stage, and the old bastard Kudou inclined his head, conceding, followed by old man Bankei. “Therefore, we should not-not be here, but there.”

She moved her chair to an open space, followed by the other two girls. Chiyo-san let out a hearty laugh, and with the scrape of metal on wood, she led a number of the neutral seats over too. Furtively, Shuta-san also moved, not before shooting Gin an embarrassed look. Annoying, but it can’t be helped. He’s a vassal, and the information he told me and that Yasaka-san confirmed with the Book of Providence... he has little choice. He gave me more than enough information to stay in my good graces. And it isn’t as though Akio-san and I are at odds...

Surprisingly enough, Hikawa Hiroto-san and the members from Susanoo didn’t move, with the exception of the head of Shirohebizumi shrine, and he was followed by the kami he served. Hikawa-san had the grace to look embarrassed from beside the Uchida whelp, and Gin didn’t fail to notice there was a blonde, punk-looking girl who seemed like she wanted to move, but was unable to do so. One of Susanoo’s candidates. He works quickly, that’s for sure.

********

So, not only one can lead, huh? Well, that’s true, but too many voices lead to waste and a mire of inadequacy. Gin pondered as Akio-san spoke passionately. After all, if that fence-sitter Kudou, old man Bankei and his fools, and that arrogant bastard Uchida had fallen into line, we would be in a much stronger, more united position. And now... Gin could see some people in the rear seats of all the factions looking restlessly at the smaller area occupied by Akio-san’s allies. He had been persuasive, certainly. With the support of Takakura-sama and the nobility, as well as some shrines and temples, the military and politicians, it was hard to argue that the Ministry wouldn’t dominate Japan.

“... the safety of the Boundary.” Akio-san was saying, no, demanding. “Before you decide on anything further, you need to agree on this, else I am leaving, and I’ll offer no further help to the faiths of Japan that don’t support me. If you think you can manage without me, go right ahead. After all, my God isn’t a Japanese one.” Akio-san snorted. “What will you do with those that don’t follow your faiths, or those overseas blessed by Japanese Gods? There are no simple answers. I don’t have to play this game, but I do believe in working together for mutual benefit. So, firstly, anyone that has powers that might cause the Boundary to break..” Gin shuddered under his hard gaze. “... should be careful about using them. I won’t say you can’t, after all, that’s unreasonable, in life or death situations, I’m not asking anyone to sacrifice themselves.” He clenched his fists. “I hate sacrifices. But think of the dangers.”

Gin signalled to Yasaka-san, and he received a nod. I knew he would check out the claims made by Akio-san. It seems like the Book of Providence has validated some of his claims. Yasaka-san looked truly awful from overusing his Book, dark circles under his eyes, and drying blood under his nostrils, but it was necessary. “Very well. I shall refrain from carelessly calling upon Avalokiteshvara.” Time to use what we’ve learned. He’s a fair man, so I should be able to get a favour for a favour. “However, that weakens me noticeably. And you yourself are an expert in the spiritual realm that you call the Boundary. An apt name. I like it. But... should I not be compensated for my efforts towards the greater good? Wouldn’t that be fair?”

Akio-san hesitated, before agreeing. “Yes, depending on what you want. I’m not going to support you blindly just for that.”

“I wouldn’t expect so much.” Gin bowed, reversing his earlier position, conceding defeat graciously, making an effort to impress everyone else in attendance, and soothe his earlier misstep. “Though I still believe working together is the best way. You said it yourself, there doesn’t need to be one leader. I have few objections to you having a position of honour equal to mine.” I can’t make him a subordinate. That seems a foolish dream. Though I see Uchida hasn’t given up on that, the damn idiot.

“Well, I’ll work with what you all decide. I’m not in charge of you all. Neither is Takakura-san. But what I am in charge of is protecting those I love, and I won’t let anyone’s recklessness endanger them. So... the Boundary must be protected. To that end, as one of the founding principles of the Ministry, if you declare your Territory, then as long as you don’t commit any punishable crimes, it will be against the law to attack and destroy the Territory of others.” There were some who reacted at that, most noticeably the Uchida whelp. “Of course, if you choose to keep your Territory a secret, you can’t expect people not to expand. And if you do commit crimes... well, I’ve destroyed several Territories of those evildoers, and I will train a force to enforce these laws.” His expression was grim, and once more it was as if he was at the centre of a storm, his words thunderous and powerful. Akai was hiding under her chair, her bottom sticking out, and the sight was so amusing, that Gin had to laugh uproariously.

“What’s so entertaining?” Akio-san asked mildly, and Gin snorted, wiping at his streaming eyes.

“You think you can, Akio-san? I’ve seen her power.” He nodded at Mori-san. “But one man alone, even if you train forces, I can’t see how you can oppose everyone. Kyoto is dangerous, isn’t it? And we may be hiding powers you can’t comprehend.”

“I know I can. Right Mine-san? Yamato-san?” He addressed those from Susanoo, before turning to those from Tsukuyomi. “Taishakama-san, Engetsu-san, do you think I can’t?” As they shook their heads, he turned to Takakura-sama. “The nobility knows what I can do, so does the military. I’ve fought alongside their Chosen.” He then turned to the Diviner, and said something puzzling.

“I still don’t know what twilight is... but here is light and darkness.” And with that two orbs formed over his palms, similar to what the Mori girl had done earlier. One was a glowing ball of blue darkness, seeming to draw in the light, while the other was a brilliant vivid indigo, illuminating everyone’s shocked faces. “So, Diviner. You seem to carry a lot of weight, both in terms of here... and also on your shoulders. So, why not lay some down and let me carry it for you?”

Wait, is he... propositioning the Diviner? That... that can’t be right? As Gin thought that, his mind racing, the Diviner spoke, puzzled.

“You... would carry the burden of the uncertain future with me?” she asked, and he nodded, bringing the two balls together, trying to merge them, only for them to become unstable and start to fizz alarmingly.

“Uh... damn.” He quickly spun up a sphere of some sort of jade energies, the clothing of everyone in the room rustling, before tossing the orbs inside. There was a soundless explosion, and the jade winds dissipated, leaving a puzzled-looking Akio-san untouched. “You know, I was really sure that would give me some twilight. Not that it matters. Why wait for some hero, when I think I’ll do just fine? I’ll be honest with you. My premonitions are getting worse, and I’m not prepared to risk it... so, I’ll be firm if I have to be.”

Firm indeed. That was... quite the display...

********

I was sure that would be twilight. Light and Darkness definitely do have some sort of composite element, I’m sure of it, but my ability to control and understand darkness is far inferior to light. Oh well... I reached out to the Diviner, knowing if she supported me, then that would go a long way, but she seemed rather confused.

“So, I know talk is cheap, and I don’t like relying on power rather than diplomacy.” I said, looking at the leaders on stage with me, and then at the crowd. “But without law, there is only chaos, and I’ve dealt with a monster who used his abilities for great evil.” At that Haru-san shuddered, remembering. “I’ll not let that happen again. By the way, Hikawa-san, you others...” I said. “Shouldn’t you be thinking about where you are sitting?”

Yamato-san glared at me, and Hikawa-san looked a little embarrassed. “I think it’s a bit early for that, isn’t it? Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten all you’ve done for me and my children.” He said, so I shrugged.

“Suit yourself. This is a long Conclave. Speaking of...” I considered. “... there’s a recess soon. I believe I’ve already adequately demonstrated my strength to you.” I addressed the faction leaders. “... but perhaps those of you who don’t understand...” I looked at the Diviner, who was hesitating. “... can see for yourself. Maybe then you’ll decide to trust me. And realise I’m not to be taken lightly. To be honest, I’ve been working all night and all morning, but I can still manage a little Chirurgery. So, how about it? Uchida-san, Kudou-san, Bankei-san, would you like to see the world your priests and shrine maidens do? Takakura-san, you too. And of course, I couldn’t possibly leave out the Princess. Nor you other Chosen.” I bowed elegantly, surprising her. Well, I’m used to Shaeula, so it’s no big deal... Damn, I’m drained, but Shaeula can supply me with aether, so... I can make this work... and if I display a might so strong as to cow them all, then getting them to accept the Ministry is going to be a lot easier. Plus to be honest, some of them are pretty annoying, it’d be fun to cut loose and show them something terrifying...

As I waited for their answer, smiling at the thought of terrorising them, all for the greater good, of course, I pondered two things. It looks like Shaeula has decided I need to start my own faction here. It wasn’t something I planned for, but it’s certainly one option. And if I am to make headway, I need to truly demonstrate without a shadow of a doubt to all of them that I’m serious in my demands about the Boundary and the Ministry. But then... when I had made my declaration that known Territories should be respected, my Foresight had responded, the threat becoming heavier and closer. I’m not an idiot. With the Yakuza the threads were hard to pull, but with Shaeula’s maids the timing made it clear the mansion was the danger. So now... something is going to happen in the Boundary, not to me, but those close to me. And it’s going to happen soon...

“Very well.” The Diviner said after a long pause. “I shall see your light and darkness first-hand. Demonstrate to me that you have the will to change what cannot be changed, the diamond strands of definite futures...”