Book 12 Chapter 22 逆まく波 怒れる海

From Chinese translations by Hinako.

Draft: Version 1 - final
Notes: refer to glossary
PS: do not distribute this without my permission

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"What! Hagi city is lost!"

Kikkawa Motoharu's younger brother, Kobayakawa Takakage, bellowed loudly upon hearing of this news.

"Then is Brother alright! What about Terumoto!"

"Motoharu-kou escaped on the 'Yamato'. Terumoto-kou died in battle in the city!"

"Terumoto... is dead..."

Takakage wore a benumbed expression.

"No, even if the physical body is dead his soul should still be present. Haven't you located his whereabouts yet...!"

"Takakage-sama."

Takakage's aide Ankokuji Ekei called out. This man was formerly an arbitrator of the Mouri and was an enterprising monk. Ekei, endowed with the gift of eloquence in speech, had effectively associated with Hideyoshi. He had bustled about all over the place for the Mouri clan after losing Motoharu's sovereign during the peace under the Hideyoshi regime, so much that he was the strange monk who was given a fiefdom of 60,000 koku in the Iyo province. After Hideyoshi passed away, Ankokuji Ekei, in order to resist Ieyasu, conspired with Ishida Mitsunari, and at the Battle of Sekigahara was elected by Mouri Terumoto as chief general of the Western forces. After the Battle of Sekigahara, he was beheaded at Rokujou Gawara in Kyoto.

With the insurgence of 'Yami Sengoku' Ankokuji has since been resurrected, holding a governmental post and duty as Takakage's advisor all this while. This man was in fact the one who had proposed the 'Yamato' project.

"Perhaps Terumoto-sama is no longer in this world."

"What are you saying?"

"He has reached his limit. As you have observed, Terumoto-sama's spirit is extremely weak. Maybe he no longer has the strength to linger in this world."

Ekei wore a white Western-styled suit, his slender and ice-like eyes squinted as he spoke.

"Abandon your concern with Terumoto-sama. Even if Terumoto-sama is no more, the Mouri can still continue to exist."

"Even so..."

"This matter of preserving Mouri's ensign was not necessary from the beginning. Motoharu-sama is clinging onto Mouri's lineage too much. Both Motoharu-sama or Takakage-sama also have the right to claim yourselves as sons of the Mouri. The 'two rivers' have returned, as long as you still uphold your identity as a Mouri that is good enough."

"To Brother, it is essential to be principled in one's obligations, duty and respect. He is this sort of person."

Takakage sighed heavily, and leaned back against the sofa.

"Anyway, it's fine as long as Brother is safe."

"Looks like the 'Yamato' proved to be more successful than anticipated."

Ekei smiled with satisfaction.

"Kure has nearly 10,000 dead souls, impatiently awaiting the arrival of the 'Yamato'. Of course, among them are also souls who wish to seize the 'Yamato' for themselves. Still. Perhaps it is more reassuring that they have this sort of urge."

"Can we attack Itsukushima?"

"Of course."

Ekei smiled with brimming confidence.

"So long as we have the 'Yamato', there is nothing that is capable of intimidating us."

"... As you say."

At this moment there was a knock on the door, Murakami Takeyoshi entered.

"Takeyoshi-dono."

"Have you still not convened a war council to discuss about the naval assault on Itsukushima? Takakage-dono."

"War council? Oh I see, the war council."

Ekei answered.

"Headed by the 'Yamato', and with the Tsukumogami ship in our hands. Takeyoshi-dono, this time the Murakami suigun are simply serving as our adjunct. Our battleships only need to open fire and we can win without a fight, before your small military vessels can even prepare to attack."

Takeyoshi retorted angrily.

"You don't want us to fight, is that it? Don't tell me you only decided to exploit us in the invasion of those ships just to kidnap those people who are to become fuel for the 'Yamato'!"

"Exploit you all? I wouldn't dare. Just using the materials I've considered."

Ekei said with an air of arrogance.

"I'm just letting true pirates carry out what pirates usually do."

"What did you say!"

"Be quiet both of you!"

Takakage interjected.

"There's no need to argue amongst ourselves. Takeyoshi, do assist us with some of your forces. We Mouri need the strength of the Murakami suigun."

"..."

Takakage's words allowed Takeyoshi to finally suppress his fury, but he was still not fully convinced.
He and Ekei's temperament were not in line with each other. Ekei was obviously just a monk, yet in all respects he directed the experts in naval warfare, such as himself (Takeyoshi), behind the scenes. In particular, the way Ekei ingratiated himself with Takakage was similar to how he had flattered Hideyoshi previously, it appeared as though he would eventually be able to seize command over the Mouri, which caused greater frustration to Takeyoshi. Ekei could also be resourceful and scheming, leaving Takeyoshi even more disgruntled. Takeyoshi's first impression of them was not a favorable one, now that matters had reached this stage, his strong dislike for Ekei had only grown more intense.

This sort of person, he would even flatter Nobunaga if he served under him.

Takeyoshi displayed his displeasure.

"We are not Mouri's retainers. We are only lending our strength to help one another because we are all subjects of Motonari-kou. Ekei, do not be mistaken. If you dare ridicule us Murakami suigun again, we will immediately sever all ties with the Mouri. Remember that well."

Takeyoshi left the room after he finished speaking. Ekei looked as if nothing had happened. Takakage frowned although he remained silent.

***

The narrow prison was located in the lowest level of the underground Suigun Castle. Yasuda Nagahide, namely Chiaki Shuuhei, was held captive here.
Chiaki's palms were pierced by a large nail, hanging down from the wall were chains that were secured to the end of the nail. The front of his chest was widely exposed, with a few visible slash wounds.

"What do you think about Murakami's employment of torture methods in their questioning sessions? Yasuda Nagahide."

Kousaka Danjou asked. Chiaki lifted his head. Even though his face was languished, there was still strength to spare for a smile.

"Hey, too bad I never had any interest in sadomasochistic methods, unlike some people."

"It appears that the Mouri have decided to make you their hostage. How do you feel about that?"

"Hmph. Do you believe that brat won't act now that I've been taken hostage? He's not the type to save someone who's in trouble, idiot. Come back again when you've thought over who your opponent is."

Kousaka laughed, but his expression suddenly became serious, he grew silent.

"?"

Chiaki noticed Kousaka's unusual change in expression as well. Kousaka uttered.

"... Naoe is dead. Yasuda."

Chiaki's expression changed.

"What did you say?"

"..."

"What did you... just say?"

"I said Naoe Nobutsuna is dead. He died at Hagi. He is no longer in this world."

"..."

The color of Chiaki's face changed suddenly. He managed with difficulty to move his stiff lips, and coarsely shouted uncontrollably.

"How can that be! Be a bit more specific! You said Naoe is dead? How can that be!"

"Even if you wanted me to go into details, I did not see it with my own eyes. Didn't you hear Kagetora's voice?"

"Kagetora's... voice?"

"Hmph. I guess a slow-witted person such as yourself probably wouldn't be able to hear it. Kagetora went mad because Naoe was killed. That brat was also responsible for causing Hagi city to fall into ruin. As a result of his madness, his powers probably went out of control. You could even hear the sound of his lament over here. It was truly monstrous."

"Kagetora... how is he? Is he still alive?"

"Hmph. Who knows. If he followed Naoe in suicide then wouldn't this affair become really meaningful. So, want me to convey your grief for you?"

Kousaka was silent for a moment, he looked down slightly, then smiled again.

"He alone suffered a premature death. What a foolish thing. And here I was wanting to exploit him a little more for the Takeda... When all is said and done, he's just rubbish. Really an idiot. An ignorant man."

"..."

"If you want to express your condolences, wait until you've restructured the ending then we'll talk again. Yasuda."

Kousaka faced Chiaki who was staring at him in hatred, yet he still spoke with a high-handed attitude.

"If Kagetora is dead, you will be the succeeding general of the Uesugi, Yasuda. I will brainwash you and make you one of Takeda's servants. Thereafter, your exorcism powers will be unleashed in the name of the Takeda. Including Kagetora's and Naoe's divisions. I will look forward to it."

Kousaka turned and left, leaving the prison.
Chiaki still stared ahead of him.

Naoe...

Chiaki groaned, enduring his pain by clenching his teeth. At that time Naoe could no longer employ his 'strength'. Consequently, he would not be able to possess another body.
Even if that was not the case, his spiritual lifespan had already reached its maximum limit. If his physical body was lost, his soul would have no way of staying in this world. It did not have that sort of strength.

Is he really dead?

Chiaki closed his eyes, and clenched his teeth forcefully.

Are you really dead? Naoe!

(Chiaki...!)

Chiaki was stunned by the sudden transmission of that voice, he lifted his head. That was a certain person's wave of thought.

(Chiaki.)

The second time he was called, Chiaki immediately knew who it was.

Is that you, Kagetora...!

Startled, he wanted to search out that wave of thought to reply when the air before him suddenly dazzled like the blaze of a Sun, materializing into a human form that appeared.

"You...!"

It was Takaya.
Takaya looked like he had leaped to this location by simply transcending through space, emerging before Chiaki from out of nowhere. Takaya was partly kneeling, purposefully.

"Kagetora...! You're still alive!"

"You seem alright."

After speaking Takaya skilfully stood up, with a reckless energy he pulled out the large nail that pierced through both of Chiaki's hands.

"Hn...!"

Takaya removed the nail from Chiaki's palms with hardly any consideration, blood spurted out. Due to the sharp pain, Chiaki scrunched up his face, enduring the ache that rushed to the top of his head, and clenched his jaw so as to not make any sound. Takaya pressed his hands against Chiaki's palms, his mouth chanted an incantation to stop the bleeding, then he tore off the hem of his shirt to use as a bandage and wrapped his hands.

"How did you do that just now? Where did you learn that sort of technique?"

"The Dragon of Hakone lent me his strength. It isn't my own."

Takaya said as he hastily used his powers to free Chiaki of the chains that locked his feet to the ground.

"Chiaki, do you know the way around this Suigun Castle? We first need to save the passengers who have been taken captive. Kobayakawa Takakage should be here. We must remove him."

"Kagetora. The news of Naoe's death, is that true?"

"We should demolish and bury this Suigun Castle. Before that the passengers need a refuge. How much of the Yamato's equipment is stored here?"

"Is Naoe really dead! Kagetora!"

Chiaki grabbed Takaya's shoulders, forcing him to face himself. Takaya answered Chiaki straightforwardly.

"...It is true."

"Kagetora."

"Naoe died at Hagi city. He's no longer in this world. But we have to finish our battle. We have to leave immediately."

"Don't you feel anything?"

Seeing Takaya's emotionless face, Chiaki could not help but question him.

"How can you be so calm? Didn't Naoe die? It's Naoe who has died!"

"I don't have time to argue with you. Head outside."

"What do you mean by argue! You brat!"

Chiaki snarled, grabbing Takaya's collar.

"What happened at Hagi, Kagetora! Didn't you go mad! Why did he die? You didn't kill him did you, Kagetora!"

"Let go of me, Chiaki."

"Did you kill him, Kagetora!"

Takaya turned away, his face still emotionless, tearing away Chiaki's hands.

"Lead the way. There's no time to waste. Let's go."

Saying this, Takaya burned the iron locks of the door with his powers, and went out.

***

"What? Takakage-dono summoned for me?"

Called by his subordinate, Murakami Takeyoshi displayed a surprised expression and turned his head.

"Apparently there is some confidential matter he wishes to consult with you. He mentioned that he will wait for you at West Cape."

"Confidential matter..."

Takeyoshi pondered for a while.

"Hmph, in any case it must be that Ekei isn't done with his verbosity. That Takakage-dono, I never expected that he would pay attention to Ekei's sort of slanderous talk. You tell him, it's useless if he wants to ask for my favor. What I said before are my real intentions. If Ekei were to do anything to indicate his contempt for the Murakami suigun again, I will really completely sever all ties with the Mouri."

"It's not like that, Takeyoshi-sama."

The man muttered in a low voice.

"Takakage-sama wants to consult with you about an important matter that can't be let known to Ekei-sama. He instructed me to only inform Takeyoshi-sama."

"What?"

Takeyoshi thought over it until he got a migraine. Since this was an issue that could only be discussed with him, then it must be a very important matter.

Perhaps Takakage-sama is finally clear-headed?

"Understood. I'll go immediately."

After Takeyoshi left, a small white dragon crawled out of the man's mouth. The man suddenly recovered himself, he turned his head.

"What did I just..."

***

Takeyoshi arrived at the appointed place. This was the Western cape of the Suigun Castle. But there was no sign of Takakage.

He isn't here yet?

Hearing someone call 'Takeyoshi', he turned around to look.

You are...!

Takeyoshi was no doubt startled. Emerging before him was not Takakage but a spiritual body. It was the spiritual body of an extremely familiar person.

"Terumoto-sama!"

Takeyoshi could not help but exclaim.

"Are you alright! Everyone was worried that you had perished at Hagi!"

[I have come to convey Motonari-kou's words.]

The spiritual body of Mouri Terumoto uttered.

"Words? Motonari-kou's! Has Motonari-kou been resurrected! I've always thought that Motonari-sama can never be resurrected again!"

[Do not fall into Ekei's trap.]

Terumoto said solemnly.

[That person is attempting to make use of the 'Yamato' to suppress the entire country. He has decided to usurp the Mouri, and set himself as the master of the Mouri. That is the true motive of that man.]

"What!"

The color of Takeyoshi's face changed greatly, he came forward.

"Is this true! From the start, Ekei has been planning to take over the Mouri...!"

[Heed my words. Takeyoshi.]

Terumoto said this in a dignified manner.

[I am the master of the Mouri clan, fulfilling Motonari-kou's dying wish. Other than I Terumoto, there is no second person. Ekei is only using the Murakami suigun as a means of support. Uncle Takakage is just a puppet designated by Ekei to manipulate. Just like how he controlled me when I was alive, now he wants to control Uncle and the rest. Do not assist the 'Yamato'. Takeyoshi. Become my comrade. I can only rely on you!]

"Teru... Terumoto-kou..."

Takeyoshi knelt on the rock.

"Understood! Terumoto-kou! Henceforth the Murakami suigun shall always follow Terumoto-kou... No, Motonari-kou's dying wish! Would Terumoto-kou dictate orders!"

Terumoto voiced 'Good', nodding his head with satisfaction.

[Leave Suigun Castle.]

"Ah...?"

[Command the entire Murakami army to head out for the open sea.]

"Are you ordering us to abandon Suigun Castle!"

[This castle has already had a hand in Ekei's conspiracy. Right from the very beginning, the honorable and proud Murakami suigun has disapproved of this 'Yamato' project didn't they? You were all very unwilling to be exploited for the sake of that huge battleship as well, isn't that correct?]

Takeyoshi listened bluntly to Terumoto, who seemed to completely understand his own (Takeyoshi) intentions.

[You should protect Murakami's honor, Takeyoshi.]

"Thank you! Terumoto-sama!"

Takeyoshi nodded with a beaming look in his eyes.

"Takeyoshi will obey your commands!"

Then Takeyoshi, like a fish to water, hurried into the castle. A man appeared from behind the rock, and gazed at the form of his back leaving.
He was Fuuma Kotarou.
The spiritual body of Terumoto gradually shrank, contorted and was whisked away. Kotarou took out a small golden pot, he easily replaced the lid after Terumoto's spiritual body was sucked into the pot. This was a 'soul caging pot' that could seal up spiritual bodies. Kotarou had caught Terumoto's soul while it roamed Hagi city after his death, additionally he now manipulated it. All of Terumoto's words were Kotarou's.
Kotarou laughed softly and left the rocks.

***

"What is the meaning of this! What are you trying to do, Takeyoshi!"

Takakage, taken by surprise, shouted out in the harbor where the ships were concealed inside the Castle. It was not surprising. All of the soldiers of the Murakami suigun had hastily made preparations to sail out all of a sudden. They were obviously not setting out to capture people. They piled their ships with weapons and materials, planning to leave port.

"Takeyoshi! Where are you going! What are you doing!"

Among the few hundred soldiers bustling about to and fro, Takakage finally found Takeyoshi. Even Ekei was startled, desperately shouting 'Stop', but the men of the Murakami suigun that had rallied together, would not listen to anyone other than Takeyoshi himself. Takeyoshi did not explain anything, he did not pay any attention to the two of them, conducting the preparations to set sail without a moment's delay.

"Takeyoshi!"

Of the ships that were loaded some had already set out to sea. Takakage grabbed Takeyoshi who was about to board his own Atake ship, shouting.

"What are you trying to do! Are you betraying us! Takeyoshi!"

"If you want to kill me then go ahead, Takakage-dono."

Takeyoshi said fearlessly.

"Our decision will not change."

"Decision? Are you betraying us! Do you think we'll just let you go!"

"Even if we are to go to battle with you, we still have to leave. We only obey Motonari-kou's will. It's about time you wake up to reality."

"Motonari...! Are you referring to Father? Father has already been purified, he shouldn't be involved in the wars of 'Yami Sengoku'! What have you all...!"

***

"There's considerable chaos."

Chiaki looked over from behind the rocks, witnessing the situation at the harbor below, he opened his mouth to say.

"Manipulating Terumoto's soul suddenly caused Murakami Takeyoshi to forsake..."

"I expected that as long as Motonari's name is mentioned, Takeyoshi will act. He's quite a heavily principled man. In this way, we have grasped control over Murakami's command. The soldiers of Suigun Castle are now reduced by a third. This is our chance. Let the passengers escape, and destroy the power source of the 'Yamato'."

"What should we do with Takakage? Exorcise him?"

"I don't want the Mouri to know that the Uesugi are responsible for this. Let other people handle him."

"Shikanosuke?"

"Let Ekei live, only deal with Takakage. It's vital to let them believe this to be a conflict between the Mouri and the Amako."

"You..."

Chiaki knitted his brows.

"What are you planning?"

"..."

Takaya did not answer.

"Kotarou should've prepared a ship. Take the passengers there. Let's go."

Takaya said, then ran ahead.

***

Yamanaka Shikanosuke was confined in a different prison.
Seeing the guard suddenly fall to the ground groaning, Shikanosuke was startled. The iron door opened, an unfamiliar man with a long bundle of hair down his back appeared.

"You must be Yamanaka Shikanosuke-dono."

"Who are you?"

"I am Shikanosuke-dono's comrade. I have come to help you."

"What! Are you one of Oda's men!"

"Please hurry."

Fuuma Kotarou rapidly unfastened Shikanosuke's locks when he finished speaking.

"Murakami Takeyoshi has betrayed them. This is a good opportunity. Uesugi's men have gone ahead to destroy the power source of the 'Yamato'. It won't be long before Suigun Castle falls. This..."

Kotarou handed a previously concealed Japanese katana to Shikanosuke.

"Takakage and Ankokuji Ekei are at the dock below."

"What! That bastard Ekei is here too!"

"If Takakage is killed, the Mouri suigun will be finished. Come, dispose of this hateful Mouri at once!"

"Shikanosuke owes you a favor!"

Shikanosuke stood up.

"I will personally settle the Mouri without fail!"

Shikanosuke shouted in this way, and dashed out as though he was flying. Kotarou also ran out as he was to have a meeting with Takaya subsequently.

***

Takaya wielded the katana of Bishamon, continuously driving back the soldiers of the Mouri that fought against him in front. Chiaki, in a similar manner, performed 'Saku Retsu Exorcism' to the solders all around.

"Bai!"

The soldiers continuously disappeared from the surprise attacks. Takaya shouted as he ran on the narrow signal channel.

"Don't let any of them escape unpunished! Chiaki!"

"Next, to the right! The signal channel on your right!"

The two of them rushed towards the large cave where the passengers were held. The skeletal soldiers were beheaded one after another. The pale luminous rays from the katana of Bishamon burned incandescent marks into the rocks.
A dead end lay ahead, previously there was a one-leafed door. A large group of soldiers had barricaded the front!

"Chiaki...!"

"Noumakusamanda　Bodanan　Baishiramanndaya　Sowaka! Namotobatsu Bishamonten!"

He concentrated all his spells in his fist.

"To subjugate the demons! Grant me thy power!"

Takaya commanded the katana of Bishamon. Chiaki released the rays of light concentrated in his hands...!

"Exorcise!"

A white radiance surrounded the soldiers. The road block crumbled. Takaya promptly thrust the katana of Bishamon into the radiance.

"Arghhhhh!!!"

The insertion of the katana of Bishamon elicited a response from the koppa-shin, leading to a huge explosion.
A booming sound, the spiritual door that surrounded the large cave fragmented all over. Takaya and Chiaki, unable to withstand the explosive winds, plunged into the cave.

"This is...!"

Dancing about madly inside the immense cave were the many people that had been captured. There was an intense chaotic beating of a Taiko drum. Different types of steam blew past, if one did not pay attention to it, one's consciousness would be snatched away. No one took notice of Takaya and Chiaki. The Murakami suigun was responsible for watching over this place but they were no longer here.

"That is it, Kagetora!"

"!"

To his right was a white altar made of shirabe. Squarely placed in the center of the altar adorned with pearls strung together and offerings, was what seemed to be the clay funagata of a goshintai. The funagata seemed alive, glimmering with a tangerine radiance.

"That is the heart of the 'Yamato'...!"

The intense spiritual energy that enclosed the funagata was considerably sturdy. Perhaps just incantations alone were not good enough to destroy it.

"Saburou-dono!"

Kotarou shouted in a high voice, rushing in from the destroyed gate.

"Is this the system that extracts vitality?"

"Hmm. This indicates that the Murakami suigun hypnotized them into a dance. If the funagata isn't destroyed, there won't be any other way to stop them."

Takaya thought for a while, then immediately turned towards Chiaki.

"Is there any remaining koppa-shin?"

"There is one left."

Chiaki said, taking out the slender koppa-shin from his waist pocket.

"It's the Raijin. If you want to demolish it in one breath, this is the most effective one."

"Good. Destroy the funagata. Chiaki, form a barrier by the altar with a Goshinha to protect the passengers. Ward off any assault. Leave the rest to me."

"Did you all believe that circumstances would run that smoothly? Uesugi!"

"!"

Hearing a familiar voice, Takaya and the others turned their heads. From the other side of the destroyed gate, the man who appeared was...!

"Kousaka!"

"Looks like you barely managed to linger on with your feeble condition, Kagetora."

A cryptic smile floated on Kousaka Danjou's face as he leered at them. Apparently he had seen through the actions of Takaya and the others.
Many men appeared from the opposite side of the door, and surrounded the cave.

"...!"

They were Takeda's subordinates, holding machine guns in their hands obtained from someplace.

"What do you intend to do, Kousaka!"

"I just can't let you all stop the 'Yamato'."

Kousaka revealed a cold smile.

"Go ahead and try to lay your hands on the funagata. I'll kill everyone here with these machine guns."

"You...!"

"Hmph. You transcended the death of your trusted subordinate to continue fighting? How beautifully touching, Kagetora. Even though the man who constantly followed you for 400 years has died, you still prioritize the completion of this mission? I'm really moved to the point of admiration by your perseverance."

"Is that all you have to say!"

Takaya restrained his indignation and called Chiaki. He coldly gazed at the other.

"Are you going to stand in our way? Takeda."

"Looks like it's time we decided over a victor."

Kousaka smiled, he calmly swelled with power. Chiaki wanted to be his opponent, but Takaya once again stopped him.

"Leave this bastard to me."

"Kagetora...!"

"Prepare the koppa-shin. Hurry!"

"It's useless! Uesugi!"

Kousaka amplified his incantations, and made a surprise attack.

"Stay here in eternal sleep, Kagetora!"

Takaya's eyes twinkled with a sharp radiance. Countless dark-blue arrows shot out from Kousaka's body, aimed at Takaya. Takaya crossed both arms in front of him, blocking the arrows with a Goshinha.

"Haahh...!"

The conjured incantations Takaya centralized in his right hand, transformed into a light spear. He swung in one huge motion, with the strength of his entire body he hurled the light spear at Kousaka.

"Nnnh!"

Kousaka's Goshinha was pierced, causing a strong spray of plasma to spurt out. In this critical moment, Takaya haphazardly fired away his spells like a machine gun. At the same time, the shadow extended from Kousaka's foot, transforming into several dozens of snakes that coiled around Takaya's body.

"Nnnh!"

To the side, Chiaki was directly facing the koppa-shin. Behind him, Kotarou had also moved into action. He took out several protective reijuu crystal spheres from his garment.

"Awaken, reijuu!"

The few crystals released cracked, the endless forms of reijuu that appeared in succession charged towards the retainers of the Takeda. There were cries of pain. In this space of time, Chiaki concentrated his spirit on the koppa-shin and delivered a mantra.

"Naumaku Sanmanda Bodanan Indoraya Sowaka, Naumaku Sanmanda Bodanan Indoraya Sowaka..."

"Hn...nnhh!"

Kousaka's shadow clasped around Takaya's neck with an astonishing strength. If this were to continue, he would not only suffocate but his neck would be crushed...!

"Go to hell! Kagetora!"

"Nnnnh.... Nnnnh!"

Takaya, struggling in pain, concentrated his spell in his hand, the katana of Bishamon that was about to disappear filled with power. Brilliant rays of light began to radiate from the katana of Bishamon.

"Ahhh!"

Takaya shouted, brandishing the blade.

"!"

The shadow was broken. Takaya attacked Kousaka, who was retreating backwards, with all of his strength of his incantation.

"Arghh!"

Although Kousaka enacted a Goshinha, he still could not completely ward off the might of the incantation. His body was blown backwards, crashing into the wall behind before sliding to the ground. Not knowing if his bones had fractured, Kousaka threw up blood, ceasing to move.

"Chiaki!"

"Naumaku Sanmanda Bodanan Indoraya Sowaka!"

Chiaki suddenly widened his eyes, holding onto the koppa-shin that was emitting a blue light, he rapidly tossed it towards the altar...!

"I'll leave the rest to you, Kagetora!"

A character was traced in the air...!

Bai!

With a booming noise, a massive Raijin appeared from the koppa-shin, a large tall body, with huge prominent eyes...!

"On Beishiramandaya Sowaka!"

Takaya chanted, commanding the katana of Bishamon in one breath and pierced it into the center of the Raijin's chest...!

"What!"

The men firing away with the guns, had their necks bitten by the reijuu. Seeing the blood gush out of the men's necks, Kotarou turned his head.

"Saburou-dono!"

"Hargghh!"

The katana of Bishamon pierced through the center of the chest of the Raijin. The body of the Raijin discharged an immense flash, and easily triggered a huge explosion in the very next instant!

"!"

Chiaki and Kotarou used their utmost strength to set up a Goshinha. Pieces of the altar that had been fragmented by the explosion flew past. Takaya took this opportunity to puncture the funagata with the katana of Bishamon!

A heterogeneous energy exceeding all limits poured into the funagata, causing it to expand bit by bit. The radiance flickered like a heartbeat that throbbed at a progressively increasing rate, finally arriving at the summit.
A sound similar to the shattering of glass came from the funagata, as it burst into pieces.

"Nnnh!"

Takaya, unable to withstand the force of the blast, was blown backwards. Chiaki clenched his teeth and held onto him.
The funagata had been completely destroyed.
Together with the rumbling clangor, the pounding of the Taiko drums ended. The passengers fell to the ground in quick succession like broken dolls.

"We did it, Kagetora!"

"Wake all of them up, then take the ship out and leave this island. Kotarou, I presume the ship is well-prepared."

"Yes. It is located at the pier to the south."

"I'll leave the task of guiding the passengers there to you. Once that is done, immediately destroy Suigun Castle. Chiaki, after 20 minutes unseal every single one of the collocated koppa-shin."

"Where are you going, Kagetora!"

"I'm going to verify the fate of Takakage and the others. After all the passengers have boarded, set sail! There's no need to wait for my return!"

After he finished speaking, Takaya simply ran out. Chiaki was left speechless, he turned his head around at the passengers on the ground.

"Hey hey hey, if any of you brats don't want to die, get up this instant! Even if you have to crawl I will definitely get all of you out!"

***

Because Kobayakawa Takakage did not know the reason for Murakami Takeyoshi's betrayal he was lost in a state of confusion when he received word of an enemy invasion.

"What did you say! That won't do...! Don't let them near the funagata! Send all of the men! I'm heading over as well!"

"Takakage-sama!"

"Ekei! Command the slaves of the Keigo community to pursue Takeyoshi! Use whatever means to bring him back!"

Suigun Castle had fallen into a state of massive chaos. Yamanaka Shikanosuke ran down towards the dock.

"Found it...!"

Shikanosuke rushed to the berth where the ships were anchored in the large cave, there he saw Takakage and Ekei.

"Kobayakawa Takakage!"

"!"

Takakage, hearing a sturdy bellow, turned around. Shikanosuke unsheathed his long sword, with an extremely sudden swiftness he rushed towards them, decapitating three soldiers as he cut his way through.

Takakage's aides shielded him.

"Shikanosuke...! How did you get here!"

"The emissary of the moon granted me help, allowing me to escape from prison. In order to kill you!"

Shikanosuke positioned the long sword in front of his eyes. Takakage, perturbed by Shikanosuke compulsion, retreated backwards.

"Be prepared, son of the Mouri. I of the house of Amako, will hereby erase our clan's enmity."

"Amako's enmity? Foolish man, still wishing to reinstate your clan even after its extinction... That is fundamentally impossible to achieve. Where in this world are there still people of Amako in existence? Perhaps you are trying to install some ignorant distant descendant of the Amako as the new master? Or desperately trying to grab an onryou of the Amako bloodline to appoint as the new head? This is reminiscent of all your past defeats!"

"...!"

"You're only indulging in a vain hope. Wrongly believing this vain hope to be your will."

"Shut up!"

"At this point in time, what good would the restoration of your clan bring? Who will be contented by this? You are only fighting for your own self-satisfaction, isn't that right!"

Shikanosuke had no words of refute.
At this moment Takaya came running in. Seeing the mutual confrontation between Shikanosuke and the others, he immediately hid behind a rock and quietly observed the situation.

"Shikanosuke, everything that you have done... all the things you've been doing are a waste. You are only conducting a meaningless war! Isn't that correct? You can stop already. It's time to cease your futile acts. A warrior like you, should unleash your strength for a more beneficial cause!"

"It is not a futile act!"

Shikanosuke bellowed.

"All the things that I've done are not futile acts! Even if they can never be realized they're not fruitless efforts! As long as my conviction exists to this very day, this will never be a futile act!"

Shikanosuke...

Takaya widened his eyes.

"Even if it were futile I will never abandon it! Now my one and only desire is about to be realized. Kobayakawa, I want to kill you with my own hands. Yamanaka Shikanosuke will fight against you in the name of the goryo of the clan! Prepare yourself, Takakage!"

"Ch...!"

"Guardian deity of the Cresent Moon!"

Shikanosuke stiffened his fingers and drew out a half-moon on his forehead.

"Grant me thy power! To preach down on the enemy!"

"!"

Shikanosuke attacked, tossing flares shaped like a half-moon at him. The two aides who shielded Takakage howled, throwing up blood before slumping to the ground. Takakage's entire body erupted with fighting energy.

"Come!"

"Nnnhh... ahhh!"

"This will be your second place of death, Shikanosuke!"

The fierce burst of plasma broke out between them.
Both men released 'Nen Nami' at the same time, clashing directly.

"Nnnhh... ahhh!"

"Takakage-sama!"

At the moment that Ekei wanted to issue incantations, he was attacked by Takaya's spell.

"Ahhh!"

Ekei, who was sent flying from the attack, distracted Takakage's attention for a second.

"Ekei...!"

Shikanosuke grabbed the opportunity offered in that moment. In spite of the fierce plasma before him, he charged towards Takakage, wielding the long sword.

"Harghhhh!!!"

Takakage turned, widening his eyes. His field of vision was dyed red in an instant.
The long sword that came down on his head cut through Takakage's forehead.
Blood sprayed out. Takakage did not make a single sound of agony, and just fell in that way.

"Takakage-sama...!"

The spiritual body of Takakage escaped from his physical torso. It had an indignant face that was distorted; releasing a growl, it transformed into an onryou and charged towards Shikanosuke. Shikanosuke once again drew a half-moon on his forehead, and tossed it with all his concentrated energy.

"Harghh!!"

Pa!

Like the sound of clay being smashed, the incandescent form of the half-moon shot through Takakage's body, breaking it into pieces that scattered all over the place. Takakage, sustaining Shikanosuke's assault, died.

"Damn you, Shikanosuke...!"

An angered Ekei picked up a long sword with the intention to kill, as he chanted incantations. Shikanosuke, whose eye capillaries were dilated from wanting to slaughter Ekei, moved once again...

"This is the end, Shikanosuke!"

Takaya intercepted the half-moon thrown at Ekei by Shikanosuke.

"What...!"

A barrier of a wall materialized before Ekei's eyes, scattering the intense plasma. At the moment when Shikanosuke, startled, turned his head, Takaya delivered an 'External Bind' on him.

"Wha-!"

As a result of the restraint, Shikanosuke's body had no way of moving. At the same time, Ekei was flung backwards by Takaya's spell.

"Wahh!!"

Takaya continued to strike Ekei, who had fallen to the ground. Unable to bear it, Ekei fled.

"Wait, Ekei! Damn... Damn it!"

His feet could not move, as though they were fixed in cement. Shikanosuke, not resigned to his situation, was left speechless again. Moreover Ekei's form had disappeared to the other side of the cave.
The sound of collapsing rocks came from a distant location. Takaya, standing behind the boulder, turned and faced the depths of the cave.

It has started...

It appeared that Chiaki had activated the koppa-shin. Takaya untied Shikanosuke from the 'external bind'.

"W-What was that sound?"

It sounded like the tremors that occurred before a volcanic eruption, shaking the cave. The rocks began to crumble. They had decided to bury Suigun Castle.
Takaya still had another matter to attend to. He had to exorcise the soldiers that had escaped before they were buried by the gravel. If he did not do this, they would become earth-bound spirits.

Takaya once again ran into the depths of the cave that was beginning to collapse. Shikanosuke dashed out towards the sea to escape.

***

"Right! Everyone settle down!"

Chiaki shouted from the deck of the Atake. This was the southern side of the underground wharf. They allowed the rescued passengers to distribute themselves on the Atake ships that Kotarou had seized.

"The cave is collapsing...! It will be dangerous to remain here, set sail Yasuda-dono!"

"Kagetora..."

Takaya was still inside the castle. But they could not wait any longer.

A stubborn person like you definitely won't die right, Kagetora!

"Alright! Set sail!"

The Atake began to move. The ships left the pier, heading out to sea slowly. The cave of the underground pier began to disintegrate. At this crucial moment, the two Atake ships finally departed from Suigun Castle.

After approximately one hour, the Murakami's Suigun Castle had been completely destroyed.
From the sea, Chiaki and Kotarou watched the change in the island's terrain as a result of the demolition.
Concealed by the clouds in the high skies, a large silver dragon regarded the scene.
On the back of the dragon, was the form of Takaya.
Takaya silently looked down at the islands and sea from a bird's eye view, then turned his gaze towards Itsukushima.

---

Original fiction © Kuwabara Mizuna.