267 Current Status of the Reincarnated

"Shiro, got a moment?"

Immediately after returning home from the Divine Word Church, I was stopped by Oni-kun.

Honestly, I’ve still got work left from the Tenth Army assignment forced upon me by the Demon King, so I don’t exactly have time. But Oni-kun looked unusually serious, so it seemed better to prioritize him.

I wanted to hear the real reason behind his sudden declaration to enter the war, and it might be convenient.

So I sent Fermina-chan home first and left my tasks behind.

Good luck, Fermina-chan.

Watching Fermina-chan leave with a resentful look, the Vampire Child gave a smug expression—oddly proud of herself.

And then, for some reason, she simply followed us, as if it were natural.

What does this child want, anyway?

"So? Where are we going?"

And why are you here, as if it were natural, Demon King.

I’ve stopped bothering to comment—seems pointless now—but I’m only talking to Oni-kun, that’s all.

This isn’t going to turn into anything interesting, is it?

Then, inexplicably, we arrived at the Demon King’s chamber.

Oni-kun looked initially confused, but after seeing me reach resignation’s threshold, he seemed to understand something.

A single sigh escaped him, and he began speaking.

“First, this. Information on reincarnated individuals, as gathered by the Church of the Divine Word. Kusama showed it to me.”

He handed over a simple note.

The contents were a direct listing of the current states of the reincarnated individuals, exactly as Oni-kun had described.

Ah.

Honestly, I may have underestimated the Church of the Divine Word’s intelligence-gathering capacity.

The note listed the names of our classmates, and nearly every entry contained accurate information.

Five individuals, including the teacher, attending the human academy.

A couple residing in the elven village.

Two freelance adventurers.

And Kusama-kun.

The note also mentioned the Vampire Child and Oni-kun.

Only three remain unaccounted for—those who are deceased.

If they are dead, there is no way to investigate further. Nearly everything that could be investigated has already been investigated, would it not?

That Ogihara-kun in the elven village is a spy for the Church of the Divine Word—this had been suspected, but it seems he has been gathering information from that position.

Wait—shouldn't this kind of information be kept confidential?

Kusama-kun, was it wise to pass this to Oni-kun?

Regardless, it is not my concern.

Understanding the inner workings of the elven village now makes sense. But to have tracked two freelance adventurers moving freely—this is no small feat.

Respectable, the Church of the Divine Word's intelligence network.

As for Oni-kun, Yamada-kun seemed to have recognized him upon sight. A note attached to the Vampire Child reads, “Probably that one, by elimination.”

It’s only “probably” because of the exception—Yamada-kun, whose gender differs.

There’s no impossibility that the Vampire Child could also be a reincarnated being with altered gender.

Still, it’s likely just a straightforward match.

“Compare this with the information Shiro has acquired. What do you think?”

Hmm.

Oni-kun is giving me a searching look. But then again, I haven’t shared much about the other reincarnated beings.

I only mentioned that Yamada-kun and Oshima-kun attend the human academy.

No matter. It’s safe to share.

I jot down a few additional notes and return the paper to Oni-kun.

I’ve recorded all the information on reincarnated beings I’m aware of.

Still, aside from the fact that the three unknowns the God-Speaking Sect didn’t know have died, there’s little else to add.

Oni-kun took the note, followed the new text with his eyes, then closed them for a brief moment.

Perhaps praying for the peace of the three who have passed.

“Is that all Shiro knows?”

Nods.

They monitor reincarnated beings using fragmentary consciousness, so they know about daily routines and minor details—but sharing all of it would have no limit.

Most important information is already written in the notes.

That Oshima-kun is a TS, for example.

“Is it true that this Oshima Kita has become female?”

Ah, so that’s what you’d ask?

Well, yeah.

Oshima-kun and Oni-kun were close.

It’s natural to wonder.

“Became a beauty.”

Oni-kun made a complicated expression when he responded without follow-up.

Even the Vampire Child, who showed no particular interest in reincarnates and had not participated in the conversation, now had their mouth turned downward.

A girl should not make such a face!

Yet, the Vampire Child’s feelings were not entirely incomprehensible.

Conversely, the Demon Lord’s eyes glowed.

"Ah. So that’s how it is."

Oni-kun murmured, his expression still complex.

Yes.

It would be better not to mention that lately, Yamada-kun had begun to subtly notice Oshima-kun.

Even the shock of learning one’s male friend had become a woman without warning would be enough—adding that the same friend was now developing feelings for another would exceed Oni-kun’s mental capacity.

It was easy to imagine, somewhere, a certain D enjoying this scene.

The Vampire Child casually snatched the note from Oni-kun’s dejected hand and glanced at it with apparent disinterest.

Something along the lines of, not particularly interested, but since I’m a reincarnated one, I’ll glance at it just in case.

Proof of that: glanced briefly, then returned it to Oni-kun without delay.

To the Vampire Child, reincarnated ones are merely distant acquaintances—someone briefly involved in the past.

The note, returned by the Vampire Child, was reclaimed once more from Oni-kun’s hand.

By the Demon King.

Even though a fragment of my soul is mixed in, the Demon King is a native of this world—unlikely to take interest in such reincarnated beings.

“From Shiro’s perspective, are there any among the demon clan who pose a threat?”

Ah. So that’s the angle of interest.

I’d prefer the fellow countrymen among the reincarnated to live peacefully. But if they oppose us, the Demon King will show no mercy.

Yamada Shunsuke, Oshima Hetaka, Natsume Ken-go, Hasegawa Yuka, Tagawa Kunihiko, Kushiyama Masayo, Kusama Shinobu, Sensei

Names of individuals in this world who possess above-average ability, as perceived from my vantage point.

All present at the human academy are strong.

The two adventurers, having experienced actual combat, may even surpass the academy group.

Additionally, Kusama-kun, for reference.

When Yamada-kun and Oshima-kun were named, Oni-kun flinched.

Of course, such a reaction is expected. To have one’s name spoken here means their life may soon be targeted by the demon race.

Yet, such concern is unnecessary.

"Intervention is unnecessary."

Declared to the Demon King.

Any attempt to harm a reincarnated individual, especially Sensei, would be met with severe consequences, even by the Demon King.

"That depends on them."

The Demon King does not relent. The response comes back.

From the Demon King’s perspective, if reincarnated beings act as adversaries, intervention would be necessary.

But I do not intend to change my stance.

Narrow my eyes. Focus power into them.

The Demon King’s expression shifts—smile vanishes, replaced by a solemn face.

Tension hangs in the air.

The Vampire Child and Oni-kun swallow hard.

“I understand. I will not interfere directly with reincarnated beings. But as a military force, we cannot ignore opposition. Is that acceptable?”

The Demon King yields.

Closes eyes, signifying agreement.

The tension dissolves. The Vampire Child and Oni-kun release their held breath.

Should the Demon King act directly, reincarnated beings would be easily dealt with.

Even the Vampire Child and Oni-kun together could not prevail against him.

Even if the Vampire Child uses the skill of envy and Oni-kun unleashes the skill of wrath, neither would reach the Demon King.

Other reincarnated beings, far beneath the Vampire Child and Oni-kun in capability, would be powerless even in numbers.

“If that occurs, I will respond.”

I pray it does not. But should a reincarnated being oppose the Demon King’s forces, my intervention would be the safest course.

There is always the risk of being eliminated by the Demon King’s army by accident.

Oni-kun exhaled, as if having sensed my intent.