第４５２堀：鬼退治の準備と新しい研究 (Part2)
I had assumed we were talking about taking a break, but Taizo-san frowned at my words.
"What are you saying? Rest is certainly necessary, but there are still things we need to confirm before that, aren't there?"
"Things to confirm?"
I thought we were pretty much done with everything. Did I forget something? Reporting to Yuki-san is scheduled for tomorrow, so what could it be? As I tilted my head in confusion, Taizo-san pulled out a bamboo sword and handed it to me.
"Um, what is the meaning of this?"
"Training, of course. Well, the serious training will start the day after tomorrow. I need to observe Yuki-kun’s movements as well."
What is the meaning of this? Perhaps realizing that I wasn't grasping the situation at all, Taizo-san finally explained the purpose of the training.
"When Shuten-doji is resurrected, we Japanese must stand on the front lines. We are going to fight the very demon that even those legendary heroes could only defeat by striking while it slept. We must be prepared."
Ah, right, that was a thing, wasn't it? No, wait, this is for real, so it’s not just a "thing."
"For now, I don't feel like we'd win even if we trained..."
I said that, but I took the bamboo sword and stood up anyway.
"It's better than doing nothing. Once Yuki-kun joins us, we must analyze the movements we can predict from the lore he’s gathered on Shuten-doji and hold study sessions to ensure we can fight with as much of an advantage as possible."
"I wish we could just settle it with firearms, though."
"I agree. However, we have already ended up in a world like this. I don't believe firearms will be effective against the great boss of the Oeyama demons. I’ve heard that such entities can only be wounded by weapons to which one has entrusted their soul."
"I share that sentiment. But I never expected to hear such talk from you, Taizo-san, a leading figure in science."
I had assumed he was the type who didn't care at all about things like yokai or ghosts.
"What are you saying? This yokai is likely just following special rules, much like this other world—that is, it is simply operating under laws we do not yet understand. If so, it is the duty of a scientist to investigate and elucidate them."
Ah, so that’s it. Come to think of it, he was happy to analyze things during our test of courage, too.
"It might be imprudent to say, but deep down, my heart is racing. It’s exciting."
"Exciting?"
"Yes. Of course, the fact that a national treasure was stolen is something to be indignant about, but this incident seems likely to prove that magic and sorcery existed on Earth as well."
"Ah, now that you mention it, that’s true..."
"Pioneering a new field. No, while such dubious research has existed, I feel this might be the research that finally sees the light of day. Someday, the day will come when we return to Earth. I don't know if I'll be alive then, but the research I’ve done on communications and the like will already be far ahead in your era. That’s frustrating, isn't it? That’s why I wanted to pursue new mysteries to solve in this world, but now, the possibility of the use of magic and sorcery in Earth's past... If I can elucidate this, and if my research alone can reach Earth someday, everyone will surely be surprised. Don't you think so?"
"I suppose so."
I’m sure programs about hunting for yokai and the like would start airing all over again.
"I think that would be truly enjoyable. I never thought I’d find a new goal at my age. But for that very reason..."
"We can't afford to lose to Shuten-doji, right?"
"Exactly. If possible, I want to secure it unharmed. It is the ultimate research subject!! A monster that can be called a native of Japan!! This will be a fact that adds a new page to the history of Japan... no, of the Earth!!"
Seeing Taizo-san smiling as he held his bamboo sword, I realized he really is a researcher to his core. Well, knowing such a grand dream, I’m sure I’m smiling too.
Alright, time to get a proper grip on this bamboo sword...
"Here I come!!"
"Bring it on!!"
First step: training to slay the demon of Oeyama!!
***
Side: Yuki
"You, seriously. Don't you have other things to do? A clear 'final boss' type is about to appear..."
Luna is the one grumbling like that.
I’ve restricted the countermeasures for Shuten-doji and future supply shipments from Earth to only those I’m connected to, and to prevent further chaos in this world, I had her deploy a barrier around the planet to prevent any more otherworldly summons.
I’d been thinking about it for a while; it would be the end of us if some idiot from Earth showed up thinking they could just use a nuclear missile.
Fortunately, since it’s basically an advanced version of a transfer gate or teleportation magic, it didn't seem to be much of a burden for Luna to obstruct it, so she deployed it immediately. Though, thanks to that, I’ve used up all the favors I was owed.
"Shut up. Who’s going to wait for Shuten-doji to revive and have a 'serious' battle?"
"You really aren't the protagonist type, are you?"
"I’ve always gone by 'average guy,' so sorry to disappoint."
That’s right, I’m a normal, the-definition-of-ordinary kind of guy. Who would fight like a protagonist in a manga or anime? I’ve known for a long time that that’s not my role.
"That’s why I’m going to act to ensure we don't fight at all."
"...You have such a nasty personality."
"Shut it. Anyway, which of these paper charms actually work? I don't know anything about talisman arts."
"You don't? You should learn them."
"Where am I supposed to learn them!!"
Does this useless goddess think I’m a jack-of-all-trades? *Sigh*, why am I hunting demons even after coming to another world?
Between this and the test of courage the other day... Taizo-san is thinking about advancing into a new field. It’s important to keep an eye on various things in the world, I guess. Well, I’m not sure about the supernatural stuff.
Anyway, more importantly, the new Pokémon game comes out tomorrow!!
Time to catch 'em all!!