strictlysupreme Chapter 327 The Witch's Scheme
Chapter 327 The Witch's Scheme
As dusk settled, the ancient shrine was enveloped in a tranquil, dark blue hue.
Deep within the temple, a dimly lit tea room held two figures sitting opposite each other, separated by wisps of tea smoke.
One of them was Keiko Onuma, the nominal owner of the shrine. She was dressed in an elegant and dignified white shrine maiden's robe, her long, jet-black hair neatly tied back, holding a plain-colored pottery pot, her posture serene and graceful, like a classical lady stepping out of a painting.
However, the occasional glint of cold light in the depths of those lowered eyes shattered the surface of tranquility.
Sitting opposite her was Mitsuo Itabashi.
He was still dressed like a street thug, with an open jacket and a T-shirt casually draped over his shoulders, completely out of place in the quiet teahouse.
He clearly had little patience for tea. The small cup of tea that Keiko Onuma had just poured for him was gulped down by him like water. He then rudely pushed the empty cup back to the edge of the tea tray, his eyes showing a hint of impatience and confusion.
“As you wish,” Itabashi Mitsuo said in a calm voice, devoid of any emotion, “the location of the advance team of ‘Manong’ has been revealed to the TPC Victory Team through ‘appropriate’ channels.”
Mitsuo Itabashi wiped his mouth, his brow furrowed. "But I don't understand, will this really be effective? Those few advance teams, hiding and not even daring to launch their spaceships, and their crude weapons? With their strength, they pose absolutely no real threat to Ultraman Tiga, or even Ultraman Naga. If the GUTS team were to deploy, along with any Ultramen that might appear, they would be crushed instantly. Besides alerting the enemy, or... adding to Ultraman's easy battle record, what's the point?"
Keiko Onuma didn't answer immediately. Instead, she picked up the ceramic teapot and poured the pale green tea into the empty cup in front of Mitsuo Itabashi again. The water flowed slowly, and steam rose gently. Almost instinctively, the instant she put the teapot down, Mitsuo Itabashi reached for the cup again.
Keiko Onuma frowned almost imperceptibly, a flicker of annoyance crossing her mind. Such a boorish fellow would gulp down even the finest tea, a futile waste. She suppressed her emotions, waiting until Mitsuo Itabashi had once again downed his tea before speaking slowly, her voice carrying a barely perceptible hint of arrogance:
"Look further ahead, Itahashi-kun. The power of these aliens themselves may indeed be like dust to Ultraman Naga and his crew. But what about the vulnerable ordinary humans living in this city?" She paused, her gaze drifting to the deepening night outside the window. "A sudden 'alien invasion' incident on the outskirts of the city, no matter how small, is enough to cause panic and chaos, becoming a shadow hanging over their heads. News reports, street gossip, online rumors... fear is contagious, it can grow."
She turned her gaze back to Mitsuo Itabashi, a meaningful smile playing on her lips: "Haven't you noticed? These past few days, haven't there been significantly more worshippers coming to the shrine to pray for blessings, or simply to seek inner peace? When people feel uneasy, or face threats they cannot understand or resist, they unconsciously turn to the mysterious, praying for the protection of gods or some higher power. And here," she gently gestured towards the shrine, "we happen to offer that illusion of 'protection,' or rather... 'hope.'"
Mitsuo Itabashi reached for his cup again, only to find that Keiko Onuma wasn't going to refill it this time; the pot was placed steadily beside her. He awkwardly withdrew his hand, stroked his chin, and began to ponder her words. Indeed, the number of visitors to the shrine had noticeably increased recently, and the donations were more substantial. Could this be her purpose? Utilizing the public fear sparked by the battle between Ultraman and aliens to create more fertile ground for the Kirieloid infiltration plan, absorbing more potential "believers," or rather... possible "soul fuel" for the future?
The air in the tea room seemed to stagnate as Keiko Onuma spoke. A wisp of smoke rose straight up from the incense burner, only dissipating after reaching a certain height. Mitsuo Itabashi stopped worrying about the tea; he leaned back, crossed his hands behind his head, adopting a more casual posture, but his eyes sharpened.
He wasn't stupid; he just preferred a more direct approach to demonstrating power. While he didn't fully understand Keiko Onuma's roundabout methods, which involved manipulating people's hearts and situations, he could vaguely sense their chilling effectiveness. After all, the Kirieloids' plan to have their gods descend and rule the planet required a multi-pronged approach, with both military deterrence and mental control being indispensable.
“Using human fear to expand our influence…sounds good.” Itabashi Mitsuo shrugged, his tone regaining its slightly roguish nonchalance. “Well then, my dear High Priestess, this little ‘catalyst’ has been cast. What’s next? You called me here specifically for more than just to offer me this…hmm, not bad tea, and to tell me your little scheme has succeeded, right?”
He tilted his head, his gaze fixed on Keiko Onuma: "Tell me, what else do you need me to do? Or rather, what new instructions does 'our' great prophet have that need to be conveyed through you? I'll carry them out!"
He deliberately emphasized the last sentence, conveying a sense of mixed obedience and probing. Within the Kirieloids, a hierarchy and different divisions of labor also existed. Itabashi Mitsuo was more of an action-oriented person, one of the direct executors of the "Prophet" plan, while Onuma Keiko seemed more adept at infiltration, planning, and psychological guidance. While they cooperated, there was also a subtle competition and comparison between them.
Keiko Onuma seemed unfazed by his tone, as if she were already used to it. She stretched out her slender fingers and gently brushed across the warm surface of the pottery, her movements as delicate as if she were caressing a precious piece of porcelain.
“Be patient, Itabashi-kun. The ‘catalyst’ has only just begun to take effect.” Her voice was steady. “The GUTS team should have received the intelligence by now and is either assembling or already on their way to that hideout. A conflict is inevitable. Regardless of the outcome, whether the aliens are wiped out or they cause some damage in their death throes, the aftermath will spread like ripples.”
She raised her eyes and looked directly at Mitsuo Itabashi: "What you need to do is to gently... drop another pebble into the center of this 'ripple'."
"Oh?" Itabashi Mitsuo became interested and leaned forward. "Be more specific."
“We need to make the ‘aftershocks’ of this conflict more clearly point to Ultraman, especially Ultraman Naga,” Keiko Onuma said slowly, a calculating glint in her eyes. “The GUTS team’s actions will inevitably have Ultraman as their backer, or even their direct involvement. When the battle is over, regardless of victory or defeat, people’s focus will be on the alien threat itself and the Ultraman who resolved it. What we need to do is make this process look less… ‘perfect’.”
Mitsuo Itabashi frowned again: "Not quite perfect? What do you mean? Do you want me to interfere with the battle and help those weak Manon aliens? That's too risky and pointless. Ultraman's power is not something we can easily interfere with head-on, especially since they are already prepared."
“Of course, not direct interference.” Keiko Onuma shook her head, a hint of mockery in her smile. “That would be too foolish. What we need is… a little ‘accident,’ a little extra damage that can be interpreted as ‘caused by Ultraman, especially Naga’s handling or the ripple effects of his power.’ For example, secondary disasters caused by the battle, non-target buildings nearby affected by the explosion, even if only slightly; or, a civilian fright that could have been avoided being highlighted in the chaos.”
"You have to understand that humans are creatures that always draw their swords and strike at the weak."
"But did you know? In a special situation, they will also draw their swords and attack the strong."
"That's when they think they're united."
She picked up her untouched teacup, took a small sip, and continued, “Your task is to ensure that, at the appropriate time, you create or guide one or two ‘small accidents.’ No need for major casualties; that would only trigger excessive investigations and backlash. Just a little discord is enough to be seized upon and amplified by public opinion afterward. When people look back on this event, besides being grateful to Ultraman for resolving the alien threat, a lingering doubt will remain deep in their hearts: Is Ultraman’s power truly entirely controllable? Can their battles always precisely eliminate only the enemy without harming the innocent? Especially that Naga Ultraman who frequently appears on the battlefield—who made him appear so many times?”
"Of course, there are also alternative options."
"That's Ultraman Tiga. This Ultraman's light is a threat."
"But it was also an opportunity."
Mitsuo Itabashi stroked his chin thoughtfully: "I understand. You want to carve a tiny crack in humanity's absolute trust in Ultraman. By using seemingly accidental 'collateral damage,' you subtly implant the idea that 'Ultraman is not an omnipotent savior, and their very existence may bring risks.' That way, when we Kirieloids officially appear, claiming to lead humanity to a more 'safe' and 'orderly' future, those who already have doubts will be more easily attracted to us, and may even see us as another possible option... at least, they won't be so resolutely on Ultraman's side."
“Exactly.” Keiko Onuma put down her teacup, making a crisp, light sound. “This isn’t a method to achieve a decisive victory, but rather a gradual, insidious erosion. It delays humanity’s unwavering faith in Ultraman, buying us time and psychological space for our true arrival. Every small incident is a seed sown. Fear needs nourishment, and doubt is one of the best sources of nourishment.”
She looked at Mitsuo Itabashi, her gaze turning serious and profound: "This requires skill and secrecy. You cannot reveal your Kirieloid identity. It's best to make it appear as a pure accident, or a natural consequence of the battle's aftermath. Timing is crucial; strike when the fighting is most intense and everyone's attention is highest. Understand?"
Mitsuo Itabashi grinned, revealing a somewhat arrogant smile: "Creating accidents, stirring up trouble, muddying the waters... sounds more interesting than just fighting. Okay, I know what to do. Perfect timing, I also want to see with my own eyes how the GUTS team and Ultraman will deal with these unlucky aliens this time."
He stood up, stretched his neck, and made a soft cracking sound: "I've had enough tea and understood what you said. I'll go prepare the 'stone-throwing' now. I hope your scheme will truly create the ripples you desire, Great Witch."
After saying that, he didn't linger. He turned around, opened the sliding door of the tea room, and his figure quickly disappeared into the dimly lit corridor of the shrine.
In the tea room, only Keiko Onuma remained. She sat quietly, her gaze returning to the window. Night had completely fallen, and the city lights in the distance formed a dazzling galaxy, but in her eyes, beneath that light surged endless desire, fear, and vulnerability.
She murmured to herself, as if reciting some kind of prophecy: "Fear breeds faith, doubt shakes loyalty... Ultraman, you protect these fragile lights, unaware that darkness has already spread through the cracks in the light. Delay is for a more perfect harvest. Only when humanity itself begins to question its own light can our 'sacred gate' truly open."
She slowly lifted the earthenware pot, refilled her cup with the now slightly cooled tea, and sipped it alone. The silence of the tea room contrasted sharply with the turbulent waves of thought swirling within her. The plan was unfolding step by step, just as she had anticipated.
After Itabashi Mitsuo left, the tea room returned to silence, with only the faint chirping of insects coming from outside the window. Onuma Keiko did not get up immediately. She remained seated, her fingertips slowly gliding across the rough pages of "Five Thousand Years of Chinese History," but her gaze did not actually fall on the words. Instead, it pierced through the pages and cast into the deeper, more distant, and darker depths of her thoughts.
“Stir up the waters…” she repeated softly, the curve of her lips turning cold and amusement. Human history, in a sense, is a history of survival, a constant struggle to gain an advantage amidst rules, facts, and murky waters. Individually weak and short-lived, they always manage to carve out their own paths in the cracks where the strong stand, even…occasionally challenging those seemingly invincible beings, thanks to this almost instinctive cunning. This unique “wisdom” is perhaps one of the reasons why the “gods” of the Kirieloids, and other higher beings, pay attention to this seemingly insignificant planet and race.
But attention is not the same as goodwill, much less endorsement. In the eyes of Keiko Onuma—or rather, the Kirieloids she represents—this kind of human wisdom is more of a source of chaos and uncertainty, a noise hindering the arrival of the "divine order." Therefore, they must utilize this wisdom, but ultimately, they must also control and even eliminate the "impurities" it brings.
She gently closed the book and placed it back beside her. Her gaze returned to the window, this time looking in a completely different direction from the city lights—the distant outskirts of Morino Town. There, surrounded by mountains and forests, the night was even deeper.
"A mere spore derivative of the Gagira tree, relying on a trace of the instinctive spirituality of a cosmic plant, entrenched in a dilapidated little shrine, absorbing the fearful prayers of foolish men and women, dares to presume to call itself the 'Guardian Deity of the Forest' and develop the so-called 'Natural Purification School'..." Undisguised contempt flashed in Keiko Onuma's eyes. That self-proclaimed "Fujiwara Shrine Master," and the cosmic plant behind him, the "Gagira Mother Tree," which had developed a faint consciousness, were nothing more than dust that had accidentally fallen onto a chessboard, not even worthy of being considered an opponent.
However, dust also has its uses.
When the Kirieloids plan a large-scale operation and need to attract the attention of TPC and Ultraman, or when they need to find a plausible culprit for some "excessive" incidents afterward, such a colleague with superhuman abilities and sneaky behavior is simply the perfect scapegoat.