Chapter 325: I Used to Think So Too
"....."
Hearing the reminder from the man in the trench coat, Hikigaya Hachiman fell silent.
It was true. If he weren't special, why would three of the five Exorcists in Japan have met with him?
"So, the deterrent measure for the Kanto region is... me?"
Although it was just a hint, Hachiman already understood that this hypothesis was likely correct. However, with his current strength of only being able to fight Ghost Emperors, he wouldn't be able to hold down the fort at all, would he?
"That's right. If nothing unexpected happens, the Kanto region will be your jurisdiction in the future."
Seeing that Hachiman had finally caught on, the man in the trench coat nodded in confirmation.
"But my strength..."
"Didn't I just test your strength? You're roughly at the high-level Ghost Emperor stage, a bit short of the peak."
As he spoke, the man gestured with two fingers to show the distance between Hachiman and the so-called peak of the Ghost Emperor level. He then added:
"Once the two powers in your body finish merging, your strength will likely jump another level. By then, there should be only a thin veil between you and the Ghost God level. As for how to break through to Ghost God, I imagine those two guys have already made arrangements. If they are bold enough, perhaps after you break through, your work will be quite leisurely for a long time. When that time comes, please look after the Kansai region. After all, besides Kanto, Kansai has the most rampant evil spirits..."
"Arrangements have already been made?"
Hearing this, Hachiman's expression turned strange. It felt as if his life was being manipulated by someone...
"Don't be silly. We have no interest in interfering in your personal life."
The man in the trench coat delivered another slap to Hachiman's head.
"Those two guys merely provided you with the opportunity to ascend to the Ghost God level. it's not like you can clear the stage just by lying down. Moreover, besides you, there are other backup candidates. It's just that currently, you are the most suitable in both character and strength, which is why we are focusing our attention on you. However, as a Senpai, I still hope
you can successfully clear the path and take over the Kanto region. Although you will shoulder immense responsibility, the benefits are quite plentiful..."
During their conversation, the progress of the fusion of the two powers within Hachiman was completed.
As his spiritual energy and Inari Divine Power merged completely, Hachiman's semi-divine state was forced to cancel. Immediately, a surge of silver energy flowed out from his body, automatically forming a translucent barrier around him that pushed back the pressure from the man in the trench coat.
"Peak Ghost Emperor, just as I expected..."
Looking at the silver barrier, the man nodded in satisfaction. He retracted his pressure and reached out to pull Hachiman out of the pit.
"Congratulations. You are only one step away from the God level."
"Thank you..."
Hearing the man's praise, Hachiman felt a hint of helplessness. Even though his strength had improved again, he still couldn't see through the man's power. Based on this deduction, even if he successfully broke through to the Ghost God level, he would likely still be thrashed if he became the man's enemy...
"Speaking of which, if it were Rimuru, who would be stronger between it and you, Senpai?"
Among the people Hachiman knew, those he found most inscrutable were naturally Rimuru and Karna. However, since Karna had never used his full power due to the limits of Hachiman's mana supply, he had to use Rimuru for comparison.
"If it's that slime, its strength is a bit higher than ours."
As if seeing through Hachiman's thoughts, the man proactively answered his doubt.
"!"
"Don't make that surprised face; combined with your dead-fish eyes, it looks quite stupid. And seriously, what is up with those eyes of yours? Your strength has already reached the Emperor level, so don't have such rotten eyes!"
"No, well, why do you know about Rimuru, Senpai?"
When Hachiman summoned Rimuru, the slime stayed for only a day at most. Why did this man from the distant Kansai region know of Rimuru's existence?
"Japan is like a big house, and the five of us each occupy one-fifth of it. If a fully armed guy suddenly runs into the house, do you think I wouldn't know?"
The man's gaze toward Hachiman gradually became helpless. He realized that the guy in the Kanto region truly hadn't taught Hachiman anything!
"In short, you'll understand once you reach the Ghost God level."
Because it was a hassle, the man chose to skip the topic. Seeing that he had said enough of what needed to be conveyed, he rummaged through his pockets for a long time and finally pulled out a golden tail, handing it to Hachiman.
"This is...?"
Sensing the Inari Divine Power contained within the tail, Hachiman looked up at the man in confusion. Divine power comes from the gods; there was no doubt about that. So, how did the Senpai get this power?
"This tail was left at the Fushimi Inari Shrine by that Inari fellow over a hundred years ago. The divine power inside is what has been collected from Inari shrines in the Kansai region over the years. I imagine that fellow is living quite miserably right now, so please hand it to her."
"Why don't you give it to her personally, Senpai?"
Holding the fluffy tail, the excellent texture caused Hachiman to start playing with it unconsciously.
"Give it to her personally?"
For the first time, the man's expression changed.
"Well, if that fellow sees me, she'd probably want to kill me on the spot. So, it's better if we don't meet..."
"Could you explain why?"
Hachiman's face was written with curiosity. Could it be that between the Senpai and the Inari God...?
"That tail in your hand feels good to touch, doesn't it?"
"It is indeed quite comfortable."
"Right? A hundred years ago, I thought so too."
"........"
After leaving one of the Inari God's tails, the man in the trench coat vanished instantly from Hachiman's sight. The human-shaped indentation on the ground where Hachiman had been pressed down vanished along with him.
If it weren't for the excellent feel of the tail in his hand and the surging silver power circulating within his body, Hachiman might have thought that everything that just happened was merely his imagination.
"So, I guess the next thing is to go to the shrine to return the tail?"
Thinking about the task ahead, Hachiman shrugged, then picked up his luggage and continued walking home.
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