If one wants to travel, Miyagi is indeed a good destination. It borders the Pacific Ocean to the east, with over a hundred fishing ports capable of going out to sea, as well as many nearby islands.
The local seafood is extremely abundant.
Under the current circumstances, where wastewater has not yet been discharged and mass fish deaths have not occurred, the aquatic products here are still worth trying.
To the west lie mountain ranges, and within these mountains are ancient shrines with long histories.
"Shall we go to a hot spring to relax?"
Yomi made the suggestion.
"Alright."
Eichi naturally had no objections. Unfortunately, they had been to hot springs before, and both Artoria and Shoko did not accept mixed bathing.
As for Yomi, never mind, she already had a fiancé.
The car slowly drove out of the city.
As they passed through an area of old houses, Eichi noticed a trace of worry in Yomi's eyes.
"Where is that?"
Eichi's sudden question caught Yomi off guard for a moment.
This was a normal reaction for someone who had been distracted while accompanying an important guest.
Fortunately, after two days of interaction, Yomi knew that Eichi was not someone who would nitpick such matters.
"That is the Tsuchimiya Family's main residence. Kagura is visiting her father today, and I am a little worried."
Yomi explained with an apologetic smile.
"Now that you mention it, Kagura seems to have been living at your family residence all this time. Why is that?"
Until three years ago, the Tsuchimiya Family had been the strongest Jujutsu Sorcerer family in the region. Was the family really not concerned that having their next Head live with the Isayama Family might lead to influences unfavorable to them?
"Actually, the Isayama Family and the Tsuchimiya Family have been allies for a thousand years. The ancestors of both families were close friends. After they passed away, the two families continued to support each other. This is also why both families have been able to pass down their legacy for a thousand years."
Thinking of Kagura, Yomi smiled warmly.
"Then why are you worried about Kagura seeing her father? Are you afraid he might keep her at the Tsuchimiya Family?"
"No."
Yomi shook her head.
"The Tsuchimiya Family suffered a severe blow three years ago. Tsuchimiya's wife, who inherited Byakuei, died in battle. After inheriting Byakuei, the current Head, Tsuchimiya Utata, has been investigating the culprits behind that incident. The family's internal defensive strength is insufficient, which is why Kagura was entrusted to the Isayama Family to be raised."
So that was it. They were worried the Tsuchimiya Family could not protect their daughter, so they entrusted her to the Isayama Family, whose strength remained relatively intact.
"I am worried because the Head of the Tsuchimiya Family is a very strict person."
Accustomed to the schemes and struggles between major families, Eichi found it refreshing to see two families supporting each other in this way.
"Then let's go take a look."
"Eh?"
Yomi did not expect Eichi to say that so suddenly.
"I was planning to visit the Tsuchimiya Family soon anyway, and I have already had people make the arrangements. Visiting one day earlier will not be a problem."
All arrangements for visiting both families had already been handled by Eichi's butler, Zen'in Shuji. He had even prepared a set of gifts that might be needed for the visit.
They were not particularly valuable, but they were very practical.
Izuna Noriyuki, who was driving, also turned the car around and headed toward the Tsuchimiya Family residence after hearing this.
At the same time, at the Tsuchimiya Family.
Clap. Clap. Clap.
Tsuchimiya Utata was using a sword sheath like a ruler, striking Kagura's hand again and again.
Knock. Knock.
Utata paused mid motion, the sword sheath stopping in the air.
He knew that no one would come at this time unless something important had happened.
"Kagura."
"Yes."
Kagura immediately straightened her posture.
"Do not be careless again."
"Yes, Father."
After saying this, Utata stood up and left.
Kagura lowered her head and bit her lip. Compared to the pain in her hand, the pain in her heart was far greater.
Since her mother's death, her father had always been on the front lines exorcising Cursed Spirits. Father and daughter only met a few times each year.
At this moment, the anticipation and unease of seeing her father, the disappointment of failing to meet his expectations for her growth, and the longing for her mother all surged from deep within her heart.
She picked up the sword sheath, returned the sword to its place, and with tears in her eyes, went back to her room.
On the other side, Utata met the suddenly visiting Eichi.
Compared to Naraku, Utata was much more old fashioned. After they sat down, the atmosphere between them was clearly more rigid than when Eichi had spoken with Naraku.
Meanwhile, Yomi was gently comforting Kagura, whom she treated like a younger sister.
"Does it hurt, Kagura?"
"I am fine. I disappointed Father's expectations."
Disappointment was clearly visible on Kagura's face.
Yomi softly embraced her.
At the same time, Eichi, who observed this scene through Artoria's shadow, had an idea.
"Would you like a drink? This is a fine wine that is difficult to obtain even in Kyoto."
Eichi took out a jar of wine and placed it on the table.
"Nothing is impossible."
Clap. Clap.
Utata clapped his hands, and a servant quickly entered. Upon seeing the wine jar, the servant immediately understood and began preparing cups and utensils.
"My sudden visit today disrupted your reunion with your daughter. That is my fault. I will punish myself with three cups first."
Eichi disliked drinking mainly because of gatherings with elders where he could not speak freely, and leadership banquets filled with tests of obedience.
However, he did not refuse drinking with people he could get along with.
Moreover, ever since they met, Eichi had felt a familiar sensation.
It reminded him of an uncle from his previous life.
Always dignified, always serious, and when speaking, filled with stiff and formal phrasing.
In reality, it was simply clumsiness from not knowing what to say.
Because he did not know what to say, yet still had to shoulder his responsibilities, that uncle chose the safest approach.
Utata gave Eichi a similar impression, so Eichi chose to drink with him.
Because Eichi had once been forced to drink excessively, he learned that many things could only be said after drinking.
The saying that drunken words reveal true feelings was not empty talk.
"Do not mind it."
Utata shook his head.
"Kagura has good talent. Have you considered letting her attend Tokyo Jujutsu High?"
"Kagura still needs to inherit the Tsuchimiya Family, so it is not convenient for her to attend Tokyo Jujutsu High."
"I see. It must be very difficult to shoulder the family responsibilities at such a young age."
"This is her duty as the heir of the Tsuchimiya Family."
With an opening, the conversation gradually became smoother.
"From what you say, it seems Kagura may soon inherit Inugami Byakuei. But I have heard that Jujutsu Sorcerers who inherit Inugami Byakuei have short lifespans. Is that truly acceptable?"
(To be continued.)
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