Two Hundred And Seventy-Six / Side Ninety-Two – The Diviner, Matsumuro Tsukiko

Two Hundred And Seventy-Six / Side Ninety-Two – The Diviner, Matsumuro Tsukiko

“Just what are you doing, you sly old fox?” Saionji-san asked, clearly a bit puzzled by the move.

“Isn’t it obvious?” Kudou-san grinned, stroking at his long white beard regally, clearly enjoying the discomfort of his political opponents. “I’m putting my weight behind Akio-kun here.” The way he addressed me changed, as if to show his new closeness to me. “Tsukuyomi was the balance between the extremes, and now the reason for that has finished.” He addressed his own faction. “Now, I’m not saying you have to join me, you can make up your own minds, but Akio-kun is right. It’s no longer a choice between trying to reclaim past glories or protect what we had. It’s a choice between whether we try and stand alone, or join the new order.”

“I think, having seen you in action, I can agree with Kudou-sama.” Taishakama-san, one of the Tsukuyomi faction Candidates I had taken through the Kyoto Boundary said. He was followed by Engetsu-san, and Kinkawa-san then got up too.

“Well, I’m not so fixated on being a priest as you all.” He grinned. “But I know you’re strong, man. So I’ll follow you.” I guess his gangster look matches his personality. With that the exodus started, and soon around a third of the Tsukuyomi faction had joined behind us, though the majority was uncertain, hesitant. Even so, it’s quite the haul.

“Why would you do this?” Uchida-san grated. “Letting an outsider come in and make a mockery of the Conclave...”

“Who invited him, eh?” Saionji-san broke in, to much laughter from the crowd, enjoying his discomfort. Uchida-san turned red with anger, but seeing the situation, he swallowed it down, keeping himself as calm as he could.

“I did, yes. And I stand by it, as clearly he has some influence and power. However... are you really satisfied to be a lapdog to the government and the nobility, Kudou? And to this boy who disrespected the noble Lady Diviner, and even the Priestess of Ise!”

Well, there is that. I glanced at them. The Diviner was still next to me, still, silent and yet my gaze could pick out the minute tremors that shook her. The Princess, however, merely looked confused, as if she wasn’t sure how she had come to be sitting there.

“Disrespect? It certainly was shocking, but...” Kudou-san frowned, looking at the Diviner as I had. “... I knew. The Diviner had informed me of the upcoming disaster and her death. I grieved, but what could I do? I’ve always felt...” he said. “... that you are like a daughter to me.” He turned to me with a sly smile on his face. “She’s not twenty though, not even close. Though I shouldn’t speak of a woman’s age so carelessly. To think she looks so young still. That or you are a dangerous flatterer, Akio-kun.” He glanced at Eri and Shaeula. “Well, perhaps both are true. But... I too wish for the Diviner to survive. And perhaps live a life she has earned. Even were I opposed to this Ministry, I would be thankful for your consideration, Akio-kun.” He turned back to the Conclave.

“The ten minutes of chaos with Akio-kun and his women may have seemed to derail everything, but those of us with sharp political minds gleaned much. Do you deny it, Bankei, my old friend?”

The nominal head of the neutral shrines and temples agreed. “Why else would I have allowed it? This humble one is hardly senile yet, Yasuhide-san.” He addressed everyone in his role as moderator. “This first session was to establish a leader, before we moved on to other matters. Perhaps we should have decided on our course first, as the young man and Yasuhide-san are right, there really are only two paths now. But... you all know us. We have stood at the head of the faiths for years. But... his character is a mystery.” He pointed to me. “Therefore we needed to see it. After all, power without the wisdom to use it properly is dangerous.”

“Hence why we were checking him out, right?” Kinkawa-san said triumphantly. “I knew it wasn’t just to grab a few bits of Kyoto.”

From the Susanoo benches, Mine-san spoke up, a female mirror to Kinkawa-san. “Well, like yeah, totally! He was pretty badass, I’m not going to lie, but... he shared his water with a kami so I could get a blessing. There was like, nothing in it for him, but he did it.”

On hearing that, Shaeula eyed Mine-san appraisingly, causing her to look away, face red. Still, she continued. “He helped Yamato-sama too. I don’t think he’s a bad guy, and the girls obviously like him. I don’t think they’d be so taken with him if he was a selfish man.”

Well, that’s not true, I’m plenty selfish. Even so, I like to be fair when I can be.

“Most of us have had the opportunity for our factions to see him in action.” Bankei-san opined. “And those that haven’t have at least a favourable impression, right?”

Saionji-san shrugged. “I wouldn’t have invited him to be my ally if I didn’t. Yes, I get it. The chaos was insightful to his character. A self-made man, rags to riches in both financial and power terms. Yet one who is looking to work with others.” He paused, thinking a moment, before continuing. “Though somewhat reckless, the way you rode over the objections of our Lady Diviner. You might want to think a bit more, Akio-san, lest you get yourself into trouble you can’t get out of. But then, you’re ruthless too. Kondou Kazuo. I expect everyone has heard of him. After all, he is Japan’s most prolific serial killer. There was a story in the news that he fell into a deep coma and is likely to die when the machines keeping him alive are switched off.”

Haru-san flinched at that, but Shaeula whispered to her reassuringly. Saionji-san didn’t miss that nuance. “I expect you had something to do with that, right Akio-san?”

“Those who do terrible things will find that this new world isn’t kind to them. And now we know there’s an afterlife of sorts. I’m not sure if there’s a Yomi or a Western-style Hell, but if there is, he’ll be enjoying a nice, eternal vacation there soon enough.” I declared, not confirming, but not denying either.

“I see. Well, abusing powers given by the kami is certainly something we would disapprove of.” Bankei-san agreed with me mildly. “So, having said all that, you support him, Yasuhide-san?”

“I want a future where my granddaughter Shiori, the Lady Diviner and everyone associated with the shrines and temples of this land can live happily, with honour and respect, and the Gods have the worship and adoration they deserve. It seems to me that Akio-kun is aiming for a similar goal. But...” he frowned. “... the danger coming is likely to be significant. And looking at the girls around him...” he nodded at Eri. “... as well as the aid he has offered my Shiori with this Chirurgery... Akio-kun is best placed to make us stronger.” He turned to Takakura-san then. “Takakura-sama, if the nobility and also mainstream politicians support this Ministry, then I shall as well.”

“Well, can I just say a few last words?” I said, as Kudou-san came to a conclusion. “It’s true. I want a world where we can all live in peace. But to do that, we need to make sure that power isn’t abused. And we need to make sure that whatever threats are coming, be it this Red Dragon, or anything else, we are strong enough to defeat it. And the best way is to work together. That’s what the Ministry is for. Sure, there’ll be some inconveniences, some concessions...” I frowned. Concessions, not sacrifices. I don’t want people like the Diviner to have to suffer. But in life there is always compromise. “... but working together is the best way. I didn’t get this strong alone.” I declared. “And even this morning, with the help of Yamato-san...” I nodded at him as he looked back at me, his face an expressionless mask. “... and your children, Hikawa-san, we were able to grow stronger still.”

“I have my commitments.” Hikawa-san said. “But were my son and the twins here, I would allow them to sit behind you.”

“Great, because the twins are actually amazingly helpful. Their gift is something special. And Ren-san can improve everyone’s light element. I’ll be working them hard, but in exchange, I’ll make sure they are always protected. That goes for everyone else.” I finished my pitch strongly. “Those of you who have gifts within your bloodlines, or have family who do, please get in touch with Haru-san here.” At that she looked at me, before nodding, understanding I was giving her secretarial work, as well as work the Ministry would find helpful. “Chirurgery is a limited resource, but I intend to prioritise those prepared to work with us, and those of you with talents, we should help them to flourish, as even seemingly useless ones might turn out to be the key to strengthening others. If I had to sum up my position in one go, it would be...” I took a deep breath, as this was my slogan that would form the basis of my support.

“One twig is easily snapped, but a bundle tied together cannot be broken by human hands. And bundles tied together, strengthening each other, well, even fate and destiny will not break them. What one cannot do alone, five can. When five are not enough, then fifty. If someone is facing inevitable death, then five thousand will oppose it. Preserve what is good, crush what is evil, and together make the future a shining one, where nobody has to stand alone.”

********

“I see. And would you be prepared to share such prerequisites, and perhaps offer teaching? It would go a long way to establishing cooperation, and it would take some of the burden off your shoulders.” Saionji-san asked.

That’s sly. But it isn’t unreasonable. “I can agree to that. Though I would have to insist that the Ministry keeps a list of everyone that Chirurgery is performed on. I don’t want to accuse anyone of impropriety, but the last thing we want is for yakuza and organised crime gangs to start powering up.” It’ll happen sooner or later. In fact, odds are there are a couple of yakuza families with Candidates already. Even so, keeping a handle on things from the start will prevent problems later.

“You heard him, Uchida.” Saionji-san smiled. “Really, I see little choice. He’s right. Working with the Ministry from the start is the best course of action.”

Wait, Saionji-san is falling into line with my plans now? That’s... quite the turnaround.

“It seems so.” Uchida-san relented. “Yamato, what do you think?” he addressed his son, who had seen me in action.

“I think it’s inevitable too. Even so, we should have a position of authority equal to Oshiro-san at the least. In fact, in matters of faith and the Gods, our voice should be heard loudest, as we have taken care of Japan’s faith for fifteen hundred years, and to go unrewarded for that spits in our faces, and those of the Gods themselves.”

Well, looks like the major decision is reached, although now we are arguing shares and roles, I expect things to get very messy next session after the break. “Well, I’m not speaking for the Gods, so I can certainly allow other voices.” I conceded. “However, I also can’t make any decisions on that, and neither can Takakura-san, without the other participants...” as I detailed in-depth more of the planned structure of the Ministry, Saionji-san declared a branch should be placed in Kyoto, and that sparked fresh discussion...

********

“It seems clear to me that as the heart of the faith, a branch of the Ministry should be in Kyoto.” Saionji-san declared, and the Diviner, as she still thought of herself as, pondered that. It does make sense. From what Oshiro-san has described, there will be bureaucracy, military, law enforcement, political, legal legislative and research elements. Faith should definitely be included too. And likely the Imperial Family. She looked at Yukiko, her veil shifting as she moved. I do not need my gift of prophecy to see work there in your future, should you survive. No, you will survive! Her hands were still being held, otherwise she would have clenched her fists determinedly. It was annoying, but she knew they were holding on to reassure her. But I am fine now! My mind is clear. Although...

She pulled at her hands, and they released her. She nodded politely, placing them in her lap, while she listened to the arguments of Amaterasu and Susanoo, unable to tell the difference between them now. And Yasuhide has effectively disbanded Tsukuyomi, throwing in his lot with Oshiro-san. He has the favour of the moon indeed...

“Perhaps we can compromise.” Saionji-san was grinning. "A Ministry needs vice-ministers. One of us, as the most worthy, should surely take up such a post. Although..” he assumed a look of pity. “As a Chosen of Avalokitesvara, I have divine qualifications. And as I made a promise to Akio-san, for the good of all...” he was laying it on thick. “... to not abuse my gifts, I should not only be compensated, but I would have the time and leisure to devote myself to keeping the faith in order.”

Uchida-san was thrown off by that, but rapidly countered. “No, it would be a waste. Your gifts, much as my sons’, should be put to defending Kyoto. After all...” he turned to the crowd, looking at her. “The noble Lady Diviner has foreseen her death, and as she never leaves Kyoto, that means some disaster here. You would be better served in the defence of Kyoto, rather than playing at politics. I should be vice-minister, and my son Yamato could head up the local branch here.”

“Ah, but those mighty Golden Warriors should be at the forefront of any line of defence. If I am too useful for leadership, then surely your son...”

As usual, they seek power, influence. It is always so tiresome. One blessing is Yasuhide sheltered me from that as much as he could. Power. I must... make a choice. Tsukuyomi bade me find someone to accept his blessing. Doing so will remove much of my strength, though doubtless what I already possessed will remain. But... it is the most important task I have been entrusted. But there was no guidance given to me, no visions. Does that mean... I am free to choose?

As she pondered that, the argument was coming to a head. The old monk Bankei was trying to moderate, but they were going in circles, and just listening to them was giving her a headache. I am trying to think about something more important than these petty squabbles. I will likely be dead soon, and all they can argue about is this? Feeling rather irritated, she stood, drawing all eyes.

“Lady Diviner, do you have something to say?” Bankei asked solemnly.

“I do.” She declared. “This squabble is unseemly. A disaster is coming, one that will surely take my life, leaving my work undone, but do you think I shall perish alone? Those of you who argue over who shall be in charge of what, would do well to consider that soon you may be dead.” At her words there was a shocked silence, only for the Princes of Beasts to burst out laughing.

“That is quite-quite true. Fools divide the spoils before the battle is even won, do they not-not? I like you, Tsukiko. I think you will be a fine-fine ally for Akio and I. Your death? Bah...” she spat, annoyed. “I have no wish to see you die, and nor does Akio. You like the moon, yes-yes? Well, the moon in the lands of the Fae is quite-quite the sight to see, so huge that it can cover much of the skies above. Until you have seen such, I shall not-not allow you to surrender...”

“I am not giving up!” she declared, surprising herself. “Though I am not so foolish enough to believe I can turn aside a fate that Tsukuyomi has decreed inevitable, I shall not turn my face away. Until the last minute I shall strive and struggle.”

“Oh, Diviner...” Yukiko said, her eyes behind her glasses tearing up. “... you gave me confidence, a little hope, so I’ll stand by you. After all..” she swallowed. “The flames of Amaterasu burn within me. I’ll blaze until anything that threatens you is ashes!”

“I like this much better.” Oshiro-san said with a bright grin. As he looked at Yukiko and I with his grey eyes, he nodded, as if pleased with something. “Yes, I’m not asking you to deny your fears, I’m just asking that you don’t give up until the end. And we have more than ten minutes until the end of your world, right? If you’ve resolved to fight, then we’ll help you.”

“Right.” Mori-san agreed. “I’m still weak, but... I’ll do my best.”

“I too. I have died. It is... unpleasant.” Haru-san echoed mournfully. “I would like others to avoid that fate if they can.”

“Well.” Bankei declared. “I think this is as good a time for our recess as any. It is somewhat early, but we shall resume as planned. I suggest that for our next session, you all prepare your thoughts on what concessions the faith would require from this Ministry, as well as those we are prepared to give in return. We shall open the floor to all speakers, though do try and be brief and not repeat previously raised points, as our time is finite.”

“Well, I’m hoping I don’t have to waste my time demonstrating my abilities since things went a bit different to how it seemed to be going, thanks to Kudou-san here.” Oshiro-san nodded at Yasuhide. “So, we have some time. Matsumuro-san, Princess Mikasa. We should talk. If we are going to fight fate, we need a solid plan, and I need to know precisely what we are up against.”

Seeing his confidence, the Diviner found herself nodding. “Very well. Yukiko, come. We have much to talk about. Much that is frightening and little that is hopeful. But...” she smiled under her veil. “... little is not nothing.”