The Sword Transcending Time(AI novel) Episode 12: Saito Kazumi’s Scout Mission into central Tokyo

Episode 12: Saito Kazumi’s Scout Mission into central Tokyo

A Keio Line express train, bathed in the morning light, departs from Takahatafudo staion and crosses the Tama River.
Outside the window, the number of buildings gradually increases—and with it, the air begins to shift.

Saito Kazumi sat deep in her seat, arms crossed, glaring at the ceiling.

“…Damn it… Why me…”

She muttered under her breath.

The memory from just a few hours ago echoed in her mind.

“Okay then… Kazumi-chan, we’re counting on you ♡”

Kondo Isako, Hijikata Toshimi, Yamanami Keiko, and Okita Souko all smiled sweetly as they spoke.
It was unanimous. No escape.

“Wait, what!? Eeehh!? Why is it always meee!?”

At the time, she thought they were joking.
But before she knew it, she was the only one on the Keio Line.

“…Those four definitely knew what they were doing…”

Of course, she wasn’t the only one who could "see".
All five of them had their mind’s eye open.
They could sense the shape and voice of the unseen—the presence of twisted spirits and evil beings.

That’s exactly why no one wanted to go to Tokyo.
Even in suburban Hino City, you could feel things lurking in old shrines or deep in the woods.
But downtown Tokyo—especially Shinjuku—is a nest crawling with twisted entities.

“Black mist creeping between the skyscrapers… whispers in the underground malls… We all know what’s there…
And in the end, the youngest gets the job…”

No one wanted to go.
But someone had to.
And so, it was pushed onto her.

(…Tch. Just because I’m small doesn’t mean I’m weak…)

Around Sasazuka Station, the air grew suddenly heavy.

Ringing in her ears.
A slow, squeezing pressure deep in her chest.
A sense that something unseen had noticed her.

(…They’re already here. Tokyo’s spirits…)

Saito silently slipped her phone into her chest pocket.
Her expression changed—fear vanished, and sharp focus took its place in her eyes.

──Keio Line, final stop: Shinjuku.

The train slid into the station.

Saito quietly stood up.

“…Alright then. Mission start, I guess.”

And so, Kazumi stepped into the heart of the concrete jungle.

Yes, the real estate developer trying to cut down the forests of the Tama Hills for development is based in Shinjuku.