From Chinese translations by Hinako.
Draft: Version 1 - final
Notes: 鎌倉/镰仓 Kamakura; 鶴岡八幡宮/鹤冈八幡宫境 Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine (Tsurugaokahachimanguu); 源公曉/源公晓 Minamoto Kugyo; 源實朝/源实朝 Minamoto Sanetomo; 淺間大社 Asama Grand Shrine; 大臣山 Daijin-yama
PS: do not distribute this without my permission
"He's not in... really?"
Hearing this from the hotel clerk, Narita Yuzuru sighed in disappointment. Yuzuru had asked Ayako for the name of the hotel they were staying at, and wanted to return Takaya's newly-washed clothes to him. It was barely ten o'clock in the morning. Yuzuru initially thought that Takaya would still be at the hotel in the morning, but he had already gone out.
"Can't be helped I guess..."
Looking at the paper bag beside his feet, Yuzuru slumped his shoulders.
"Then I'll head back. Could you please hand this over to him? It's a change of clothes. Just tell him that I sent them over after washing them."
"I understand. If you've any messages, we can convey them to him on your behalf."
"Messages..."
Yuzuru thought for a while, he fished out a green envelope from the pocket of his jacket. This was the ticket to the concert that Takaya had recently promised to go with him. Yuzuru had wanted to personally hand it to him, but judging from the circumstances, he did not know when he would be able to see Takaya.
"Could you give this to him as well? It's the ticket to a concert next Sunday. Please tell him that I'll wait for him at the seats."
"I understand. May I know your name?"
"I'm Narita. He'll know once you mention this. Thanks."
Yuzuru placed the paper bag containing the clothes on the front desk. Returning to the car park, Yuzuru's beloved used car was waiting for him. It was a Serve that had the sign 'Novice Driver' pasted on the front and back of the vehicle. This car was given to him by a friend of his parents, the Matsumoto car license number was clearly indicated on the number plate.
Yuzuru got into the driver's seat, he looked back at the hotel once again. Although he was hoping to be lucky enough to have breakfast with Takaya, it seemed like Takaya did not even have the leisure of sleeping until this hour.
I always feel like I'm Takaya's maid helping him to wash his clothes...
Yuzuru sighed. He decided that at the very least this was better than not being of any use, Yuzuru felt himself to be inferior as well as pitiful.
Yuzuru placed his personal letter and concert ticket into the envelope, the contents of the letter read like a mother who was worried about her son beginning to live on his own, in retrospect he felt a little humiliated.
Now that I think about it, we haven't cruised in this car together yet...
Imagining Takaya sitting in the adjacent seat desperately nitpicking on Yuzuru's novice driving skills, Yuzuru felt that it would be fun and smiled, but his smile immediately faded away without a trace.
If you could hitch a ride in this car, we could return to Matsumoto together.
He always felt that Takaya and him were not suited for Tokyo. If they return to Matsumoto, would Takaya revert to his former self? Yuzuru had gone to the extent of pondering over this matter.
Yuzuru recalled the blue sky by the side of the main cement street. At this time of the year, the Northern Alps in Matsumoto would be covered in white snow, brightly reflecting the blue, cloudless sky of winter.
Have those mountain ranges changed now? Was that wintry air still blowing through the streets of Matsumoto...? Even if the cold nearly froze the skin, that intolerable, freezing mountain wind from the Alps that caused one's legs to jitter, it still gave Yuzuru a feeling of nostalgia. In this thick and sluggish atmosphere saturated with exhaust fumes from the vehicles and dust, Yuzuru reminisced about the city he grew up in.
Far away from this Yokohama,
Matsumoto is more fun...
"...!"
Suddenly, there was a severe pain in the center of his forehead, Yuzuru nearly bent over.
What...!
He was invaded by a loathsome pain stirring up within him. Yuzuru pressed his hands against the spot of the pain, his complexion had been 'painted' with a pale color.
The 'Seed of Evil Kings'...
It had never been like this previously. What on earth was this pain? Shouldn't it be frozen? Could it be that the freezing bind had weakened?
Shit...
Yuzuru grew anxious. Wanting to stop the churning he concentrated on his consciousness. There was a sense of foreboding which caused one to feel nauseated, Yuzuru suddenly felt uneasy. Could this be some kind of omen? Yuzuru clenched his teeth and looked up.
Takaya...!
***
"On Sorasabataei Sowaka, On Sorasabataei Sowaka---..."
Inside the hall, the shingon of Benzaiten was being chanted continuously. Nikaido Reiko had sealed herself inside the hall for three hours. The Houanden was presently suffused with a strange, highly dense spiritual atmosphere.
In order to save Suga Natsuo's father, who had been struck with the 'Method of the Juuou Night Devil', Reiko and Kadowaki Ayako had combined their strength to challenge it with a counter-curse. That puppet known as a curse douji, which Ayako had given Reiko, served as an antenna. Once Reiko's prayer has assembled a sufficiently enormous amount of magical power in this Shinto shrine dedicated to Benzaiten, this energy would be transported to Ayako's side via the pair of curse douji. Ayako would receive a portion of that power, consolidating both of their capacities to strike down the curse of the enemy. It would be fairly difficult for one person to manage this, but as long as it was carried out via this particular method, they should be able to succeed.
The surface of the curse douji placed in front of Reiko had begun to turn a shade of copper, it was approaching the critical point. The 'vitality of the land' had a marked response to Reiko and Ayako's prayer mainly because Enoshima was a group of islands that was under the influence of Benten's conviction. It was necessary for them to make use of this as a protective screen, in addition to protecting Natsuo's father from the curse, they had to further repel the curse to the other party.
Reiko prayed to Benzaiten with full concentration.
"On Sorasabataei Sowaka...!"
There was a 'splitting' sound, much like the cracking of tree branches, the head of the curse douji had fractured. The surface of the curse douji emitted an extremely high heat, becoming mottled as the cracking sounds spread throughout its entire body.
"!"
The curse douji finally burst apart.
As the stored energy resulting from the prayer reached the threshold, it transformed into a huge nodule of power, and was delivered to Ayako from Reiko's side.
We did it...!
Sensing the genuine response, Reiko opened her eyes.
At the same time, Benzaiten's 'power' flew to Ayako who was with Natsuo's father. The curse douji beside her knee received that share of formidable energy, issuing a golden radiance.
"!"
Ayako suddenly opened her eyes.
This is it...!
Ayako grabbed the golden curse douji and threw it at the figure of the Enma-ou who was causing Natsuo's father to suffer.
"Black arts of violence and evil, shatter!"
The curse douji transformed into a golden arrow, piercing directly into the body of the Enma-ou seated on the water buffalo. Then, an acute spray of turquoise flames emanated from the curse douji intermixed with the Enma-ou, encircling the entire area.
"Ohhhhh!"
Everyone at the scene witnessed this feat. As the turquoise flames sprouted out of the Enma-ou, starting from its head it began to blacken as it melted away, like a piece of paper burning into ashes. At the same time that the Enma-ou was amalgamated, the body temperature of Natsuo's father, which had been burning like a piece of heated iron, gradually began to subside, the black ink-like Sanskrit character that had appeared his chest gradually faded away as well.
Natsuo's father, who had been writhing in pain all this while, was finally liberated. He fell back onto the bed as though his energy had been snatched away. It appeared that they had succeeded without trouble.
"Hu...."
Ayako sighed deeply, she wiped away the sweat on her forehead, she turned towards the people who were present at the scene.
"That was close. But despite the danger, we managed to save a life. It's all right now."
"W...Wonderful, he's saved!"
"What was that just now? The deity who was floating there is..."
"..."
There was a somber grimace on Ayako's face.
There was no mistake. The one who had cursed Natsuo's father, was the same person who had cursed the city councilor, Gotou. Furthermore, there was a 80 to 90% chance that he was an associate of Kyoutake real estate. Was it because of the tourism reconstruction plans? ...No.
Was it to obtain Enoshima...?
It must be related to the onshou they had encountered in the cave yesterday. There was obviously something behind this jusatsu that was related to Yami Sengoku.
But why are they doing this?
At this point in time, Ayako was still unaware of the matter regarding the Satomi and the fuuketsu. After several minutes, Reiko returned from the Hetsunomiya. At first, she thought that she would be in a happy mood due to their success, however Reiko had an desperate look on her face as though she had no time to be getting excited over this. Ayako was startled.
"What's the matter?"
"Natsuo-san hasn't returned yet?"
Ayako and the rest of the people present merely went 'Huh'. Reiko showed them the red, flat-bottomed, leather shoe she was holding, she said urgently.
"This shoe was found around the area of the Hetsunomiya. Natsuo-san was wearing it. Where is Natsuo-san? She didn't return?"
Now that she mentioned it, Natsuo had not return. All of them had believed that she was with Reiko, but this was not the case. Furthermore, she had left her shoe behind, this was unusual.
"Don't tell me..." Ayako gulped. "She was captured by someone...?"
"Perhaps so." Reiko's face was solemn. "Perhaps Natsuo-san met with some accident. Let's look for her! If we don't hurry, the situation might become irremediable."
Alarmed, people began to bustle about in a frenzied manner. Ayako felt a sense of forewarning, she asked Reiko.
"Don't tell me the workers of Kyoutake real estate are responsible for this..."
"I'll go to the police to request for backup. She might still be somewhere nearby."
Ayako and Reiko had no time for rest, they hurried out once again.
***
The sunshine of winter shone into the red Shinto shrine backed by Daijin-yama.
Tourists had been continuously streaming into the Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine of Kamakura since morning. Numerous white doves were pecking away at the feed scattered by the tourists on the sandou. At present, a group of tourists were taking pictures for keepsake. They looked like a touring party of elderly people from somewhere.
Chiaki looked about from the top of the stone steps at the extremely excited grandfathers and grandmothers before glancing at his watch.
"It's already 11 o'clock, Oji."
Chiaki sat on the stone steps, he casually looked at Irobe Katsunaga who was standing beside him.
"You haven't said a word since, isn't it about time you explain this to me?"
"..."
Irobe Katsunaga resembled a much elder brother placating his headstrong younger brother as he looked at Chiaki. By Chiaki's reckoning, the body Irobe had taken was probably more than ten years older than his. His height was roughly around Takaya's, perhaps a little shorter. His tanned skin and somewhat bony face type gave one the impression of reliability. Those eyes bore a strong resemblance to a certain famous professional golf player. Irobe narrowed those kindly eyes, he started to talk.
"If you want an explanation, didn't I do that just now?"
"'There's someone I'd like you to meet'. Is that considered an explanation? Oji."
The Gingko tree in Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine was the agreed place of their rendezvous. This large Gingko tree was rumored to be the place where Minamoto Kugyo hid when he assassinated his uncle Minamoto Sanetomo, the third shogun of the Kamakura shogunate.
After meeting with Irobe Katsunaga for the first time in over 30 years, Chiaki was taken to Kamakura by Irobe. Irobe had mentioned that he wanted him to meet with a certain person.
However, four hours had passed since their arrival, the person they were supposed to convene with had yet to appear.
Chiaki had grown tired of feeding the pigeons. The pigeons hopped onto his shoulders and head pestering him for grains, but once the hungry pigeons were sprinkled with rays, they did not go near him again. Chiaki licked at the pigeon feed that had moistened in his palm, he wrinkled his face as it tasted terrible.
"Can't you just explain the current situation to me?" Chiaki, his face still in a grimace, stared at Irobe in that way. "What's going on with you? What have you been doing all this while? Why didn't you contact Kagetora? Didn't you perform kanshou five, six years ago? Is this the body you possessed then?"
"No. I've changed bodies once." Irobe shook his head. "My possession of this body took place one year ago."
"One year ago? Then what were you doing before that?"
"I was an infant."
"Infant? So you performed kanshou again from the body of the infant?"
"Because I had to let my soul rest for a while." Irobe said, he sat two steps above Chiaki and hugged his knees. "After the battle with Nobunaga, I was the only one whose body was still alive. I handled everything that followed by myself. The only period of recuperation for us kanshousha is when we're an infant. ...During that time, Naoe's body had grown to adulthood, I felt that I could leave matters to him, hence I didn't possess an adult but an infant body."
"What happened to that body?"
"It died a year ago."
"Accidental death?"
"Not accidental. It was deliberate."
Chiaki stared at him in shock. Irobe looked at Chiaki with a serious expression in his eyes, his hands were folded under his chin.
"I deliberately let the body die, and possessed another body."
"Deliberately..."
Chiaki could not probe into his true intention, he frowned for a while, he lowered his voice and asked menacingly.
"What do you mean by deliberate? You performed kanshou once again according to you own will? For what reason?"
"It was necessary for me to possess the body of an adult."
"Necessary?" Chiaki's expression grew serious. "Who necessitated it? You yourself? Or..."
"..."
Whose instructions did he receive?
Irobe did not reply, he merely said that Chiaki would naturally understand it later. The outline of Irobe's distinct eyebrows lowered slightly, from then on he gazed at the trunk of the large Gingko tree, he shaded his beautiful double eyelids from the glare.
"What about you, didn't you mention wanting to break away from the Uesugi? If you no longer want to do this, why don't you stop performing kanshou and be purified?"
"No particular reason. The reason I performed kanshou is merely because I don't intend to be purified. No matter what, I want to continue to live on this earth, in any case, isn't reincarnation and undergoing kanshou the same thing?"
"A reply that's truly like you. But why do you still stay by Kagetora-dono's side? Didn't you want to sever diplomatic relations with the Uesugi?"
"...Because I'm too kind a person to do so." Chiaki gnawed his tongue, he pulled back his fringe. "If nobody helped him, that sort of weak brat would simply become a problem to society."
"... You're still the same, a good-hearted person."
Chiaki was displeased.
"Think whatever you will about me. But I was asking you a question."
Irobe only smiled, he did not give any answers.
"The Takeda's Atake ship during that time, how did you know about it? The mermaids and stuff, where did you get that information from? Don't tell me you investigated this by yourself? Do you know what's going on with those mermaids?"
"Those mermaids are soldiers of the Satomi."
"What?"
"The mermaids that have been stirring up endless disturbances in society at the moment, they are in fact the 'Yachou' of the Satomi. Are you aware of the special forces of the Satomi suigun? They are the souls of the soldiers who died in the waters during the naval battles. Now it's not just the periphery of Enoshima, the mermaids have emerged in the coastal areas of the Miura Peninsula as well. They have been charged with the task of holding Enoshima from any enemies that may come from the sea. The Takeda's operation to transport the elemental stone had also been anticipated by the Satomi."
"How do you know of these matters?" Chiaki's interrogation grew intensely guarded.
"You mentioned that the Satomi wanted to acquire Enoshima, isn't this related to the issue regarding the fuuketsu? How did you figure this out? Are you aware of the Satomi's movements? If you knew about it, why didn't you immediately inform Kagetora?"
"Because I still haven't obtained reliable data."
"Reliable data? What data?"
"Data about the Satomi's true motives. Whether the fuuketsu can indeed negate the 'power of exorcism'."
"Are you referring to the myth about the dead returning?"
Irobe nodded.
"The Satomi have the Oda behind them. If this operation was merely dependent on the strength of the Satomi it may be impossible, but as long as they have the strength of the Oda, it could actually be achieved."
"..."
Chiaki hugged his knees, he looked up at Irobe.
"When did you start investigating this matter? You speak as though you've infiltrated the Satomi in your investigation. ...I really don't understand you. If you performed kanshou one year ago, why didn't you contact us? What the hell have you been doing all this while?"
Irobe looked back at Chiaki quietly. Although Irobe was not the intelligent or capable type, he was honest and an extremely talented individual. Irobe's expression remained calm and steady throughout even though Chiaki had raised a question and wanted answers, his innermost thoughts could not be read at all.
"...Anyway let us first meet 'him'." Irobe said to Chiaki calmly. "Our first priority is to decipher the Satomi's plot."
Although Chiaki had revealed all of his mistrust on his face, he was not so impatient as to force the other party to spill out all the words that 'cannot be said at present'.
Chiaki decided to first moderate the circumstances.
The two of them waited for another 30 minutes or so. Could it be that the other party had met with some mishap? But Irobe was not the least bit anxious. If he really wanted to wait, he could probably wait until tomorrow.
The pigeons flew off together, a man approached from the front. The man wore a hooded overcoat, intermingled amongst the tourists, he walked from the Noh stage up the stone steps.
"Looks like he's here."
"..."
Seeing the man, Chiaki stood up slowly. The man looked at Chiaki as he ascended the steps, then saluted Chiaki as he came face to face with him.
Chiaki was stunned.
There was no mistake. This was a face that he knew. Chiaki could not help but widen his eyes in surprise, muttering that man's name.
"Hakkai..."
The man came before Chiaki and greeted him formally.
"My respects after this long period of absence. Yasuda-sama."
The man whose whereabouts had been unknown since the events of Hiroshima was now standing before Chiaki. This man was formerly the 'leader of the Ken En'.
The last person who had seen Hakkai was Ayako, after they went their separate ways at the entrance of Akiyoshi-do. Hakkai had gone after Kagetora who had been held captive by the Mouri, he should have driven to Hagi city, but they had not been able to contact him ever since. If he was safe, he should have been able to inform them via the 'Ken En', for this reason, Chiaki and the others finally concluded that 'Hakkai had been destroyed by the Mouri'. However, seeing Hakkai again when he least expected it, Chiaki could not hide his puzzlement.
"You're still alive? So the Mouri didn't kill you?"
"Hakkai is all right. My apologies for having given Kagetora-sama and my lord trouble."
"If you were safe why didn't you contact us immediately? It's been two years...!"
Chiaki looked at Hakkai and Irobe in turn. Why were they together? He grew increasingly confused.
"What's going on?"
"..."
"What are you two hiding?"
"We're not hiding anything."
Irobe firmly replied, but there was definitely something between the two of them that Chiaki was not aware of. Chiaki's expression grew more and more vicious.
"Hakkai, you're the leader of the 'Ken En', no? What the hell is the leader doing by leaving his subordinates? What have you been doing all this while?"
After Hakkai went missing, another person had been put in charge of commanding the 'Ken En'. He was originally Hakkai's assistant, he was appointed as the new 'Ken En leader' by Kagetora, an individual by the name of 'Yagami'.
"Hakkai is truly sorry. Because of certain reasons..."
Reasons? Chiaki stared.
"Yes. Since the events of Itsukushima, Hakkai has been operating under the direct orders of Kenshin-kou."
"Direct orders?"
Chiaki could not help but question him in a stern voice, he immediately pressed his hand against his mouth.
"What do you mean? Are you saying Kenshin personally..."
Leaving the question half-complete, Chiaki suddenly remembered. The one who had cast a Touketsu Nami on Nobunaga's 'Seed of Evil Kings' at Itsukushima shrine. Had that been really Kenshin himself? ...Additionally, their loss of communication with Hakkai had occurred during that battle in Itsukushima.
"So you've been following Kenshin all this while?"
"...Yes."
"So you've been acting according to Kenshin's personal orders? Don't tell me that includes you?" Chiaki turned towards Irobe. "The same goes for you I assume? You've left the Yashashuu and become Kenshin's personal subordinate?"
"I did not leave the Yashashuu. Nagahide." Irobe said in a deep, resonant voice. "My identity as a Yashashuu has never changed. This is just temporary. Due to a certain reason, I've received Kenshin-kou's orders and acted as accordingly."
"Certain reason?" Chiaki did not understand. "What is that about? Isn't this getting stranger as we speak?"
Since Kenshin's appearance at Itsukushima shrine, he had not once appeared before Kagetora. Not a single communication had been made. If there was any special command, Kenshin would usually issue his orders to the Yashashuu via Kagetora. This had always been the case in the past. But what was currently going on behind these 'direct orders' that they spoke of?
"It's only natural for you to feel suspicious. But this undertaking is the foundation work for the complete annihilation of Yami Sengoku in the long run."
Irobe could see Chiaki's query, and uttered.
"Kenshin-kou has this idea in mind, for this reason he called upon the two of us for assistance."
"Foundation work? Wouldn't it good enough to relay orders to Kagetora for that?"
"Kenshin-kou has a need for Kagetora-sama to continue to concentrate his strength in settling the onshou disturbances that have been occurring unceasingly. Kenshin-kou does not wish to interfere with Kagetora-sama's task, thus did this to allow both operations to proceed simultaneously."
"...Unbelievable..." Standing on the stone steps, Chiaki folded his arms. "So Kagetora doesn't know about this, right?"
Hakkai nodded.
"Kagetora-sama is not aware."
"Why isn't this mentioned to Kagetora? There's no need to keep this a secret, is there?"
"There's no need to. But I would like you to not mention this to him for the time being."
Irobe's unusually cautious words caused Chiaki to feel even more suspicious.
"Don't mention this?"
"You don't wish for Kagetora-dono to think too much of other matters at this moment, right?"
Does he know of Kagetora's situation...?
Was Irobe referring to Takaya's weakened spirit because of Kotarou?
"Anyway, the first thing we have to do is to thwart the plans of the Satomi. Nagahide."
Irobe restored an expression that excluded all personal emotions, he said tersely.
"The fuuketsu of Enoshima is not the only place where the 'Method of Connecting to Hell' will be carried out."
"Not only Enoshima?"
"That's right. The Satomi are planning to conduct the curse at two other places. The Satomi will definitely show up over there."
"Where?"
"Fujinomiya." Irobe replied firmly. "The Satomi will probably carry out the 'Method of Connecting to Hell' at Fujinomiya's Asama Grand Shrine in the Shizuoka Prefecture. There would be no meaning to their actions if they don't execute this in that place. They definitely can't be allowed to do this. We have to crush the Satomi."
"Please go to Fujinomiya, Yasuda-sama. Hakkai will investigate the Satomi's movements and -- convey the information to you."
Once Chiaki turned, Hakkai said.
"Compared to the Satomi, the Oda behind them is even more dangerous. Nobunaga is slowly beginning to make his move."
"Do you know Nobunaga's location?"
"This matter is still under investigation. The Satomi will most certainly contact Nobunaga. If Nobunaga were to exploit the 'Method of Connecting to Hell', it would be extremely dangerous."
Hakkai took out a yellow protective talisman from his clothes and gave it to Chiaki.
"As a preventive measure, please take this Yasuda-sama, just in case. The Satomi have men capable of delivering the 'Method of the Juuou Night Devil'. This talisman will protect you. If you are attacked by any chance, no harm should come to you."
"...Thanks." Chiaki glanced at Hakkai. "Send my regards to our lord Kenshin will you."
"..."
After he finished, Chiaki headed down the stone steps with a disgruntled expression. Irobe and Hakkai exchanged glances, after nodding to each other as though they were verifying something, Irobe followed after Chiaki.
Under the large apricot tree, Hakkai lightly pulled the lapels of his coat together as the cold winds of Daijin-yama blew.
***
Several hours later, Ayako received word from the 'Ken En Leader', Yagami, and met up with him. Apparently, Yagami had contacted Kotarou before this. Ayako was informed of Takaya's kidnapping by Yagami, they eventually pinpointed Kotarou's location and headed to the small peninsula of Inamura in order to meet him.
It was close to evening. Seeing Kotarou's car - a black GTO - parked at the public park of Inamura peninsula, Ayako immediately got out of her car and ran towards the place.
"Kotarou!"
Kotarou, attired in a black Western suit, was leaning against the car. Hearing Ayako's voice, he turned around.
"Kakizaki-dono."
"Have you found Kagetora!"
"No, not yet."
"What happened! Was Kagetora kidnapped by the Satomi? Aren't you always together with him! What were you doing!"
"...My subordinates are currently doing their best to gather information. His whereabouts should be determined soon."
Kotarou was extremely calm. Should it be said that his bearing was worthy of a ninja? Despite the fact that his master had been taken captive, he did not look the least bit shaken. Instead of growing indecisive, he had already taken the proper measures.
"The Satomi had anticipated our presence at the cave and had laid an ambush over there. They were definitely planning to kidnap Saburo-dono."
"What are you acting so calm about! You couldn't even protect one master, could you? Do you still consider yourself a ninja in that way?"
Kotarou trembled slightly, he looked at Ayako with an inorganic expression in his eyes.
"It is useless to grow agitated. When caught in an unfavorable situation, we only need to have correct judgment."
"I'm asking you what the hell were you doing! You didn't just quietly watch them take Kagetora away did you!"
"..."
Kotarou did not explain himself.
Without a doubt, if Kotarou had been at the scene, he certainly would not have just watched as Kagetora was taken away. However the Satomi were extremely shrewd. After Kotarou and Takaya separated, the Satomi had seized that opportunity to attack Kotarou, who was left by himself, by sending ten of their 'Yachou'.
He had immediately noticed that something unexpected had happened to Takaya. However the Satomi had focused their strength on Kotarou from the very beginning. While Kotarou was being hindered by the soldiers of the Satomi on the beach, Takaya had been taken away. By the time Kotarou had defeated all of the 'Yachou' and proceeded to Chigo fuchi, even Miura Yoshimoto had carried away by the ship. Kotarou immediately thought of using the small boat to pursue them, but it could not be done. The small boat had been completely wrecked by the Satomi's mermaids.
Although the situation had been beyond his control, the fact that he could not protect his master remained. But instead of finding excuses to justify himself or wallow in regret, Kotarou's thoughts were wholly concentrated on how to rescue Kagetora.
"The Fuuma ninja are doing their best to track down his whereabouts. Now is not the time for us to get distraught, we should calmly wait for information before formulating a plan."
"Do you understand the seriousness of the situation? Don't you feel a tiny bit of guilt?"
Ayako felt extremely sick of Kotarou's rationalism.
"How about you do a little bit of soul-searching! Why are you following Kagetora! Shouldn't it be an easy matter for a ninja to protect his master! Should anything happen to Kagetora because of this...!"
"Even if Kakizaki-dono were to become infuriated, it will not save Saburo-dono, will it?"
Kotarou looked at Ayako with a contemptuous expression.
"If they were planning to kill him, the Satomi would have killed Saburo-dono on the spot. If they did not, they had the intention of taking him captive from the start, they do not wish to kill him. As long as we respond to this calmly, we can save Saburo-dono."
"...!"
Ayako was at a loss for words. Kotarou's expression did not change at all. Like a machine. He was like a computer which processed information in a discreet and rational manner in order to handle a situation. She could not see any sign of him worrying about Takaya at all.
This man caused one to feel that he was intolerably deficient in emotions.
"That's why you won't do..."
Her agitation had reached the summit, Ayako groaned. Kotarou heard her words, he reacted to it slightly.
"What?"
"It's impossible for a person like you to imitate anyone in the first place! Saying that you want to become Naoe, what a big joke that is! We simply shouldn't have let someone like you stay by Kagetora's side!"
For the first time, Kotarou's expression faltered. He somberly widened his eyes as he stared at Ayako.
"What do you mean by that...?"
"It's all because of the expendable matters you've done that Kagetora has become more and more depressed! Even if he were to go mad and die, even if he were to accept Naoe's death, it would be several thousands, several tens of thousand times better than this! We should have let him see the fact that Naoe is no longer here from the start! Even if he were to die, it would be much better than being in this current situation!"
"...!"
"You honestly don't understand what it feels like to lose someone important!"
Kotarou gasped as he looked at Ayako. Was Ayako overlapping Takaya's silhouette with her feelings when Shintarou was parted from her by death? She wiped the corners of her eyes fiercely and turned towards Yagami.
"I want all of the 'Ken En' to find out where Kagetora has been taken to."
"Kakizaki-sama."
"Also, locate Natsuo-san's whereabouts. I'll take charge. Don't borrow the strength of the Fuuma." Ayako turned toward Kotarou, she said coldly. "I won't allow you to continue with your pretense of Naoe in front of Kagetora!"
After Ayako finished, she stomped back to the two-seater Civic Yagami had driven to this place. Yagami, who was left behind, looked at Kotarou with a serious face, he lowered his voice and said.
"As the pillar of the Fuuma, there will come a day when you'll be defeated."
"..."
Kotarou restored an expressionless face and looked at Yagami. Yagami sneered as though he was flaunting his victory.
"We 'Ken En' will protect Kagetora-sama. If you want to be Kagetora-sama's personal escort, come again when you're able to do this much."
After that, Yagami ran after Ayako and left. The cold sea breeze blew past the Inamura peninsula. Kotarou resumed his plastic-like, inorganic expression, he pursed his lips together lightly as he watched the car depart. The shape of Enoshima sat to one side of the glinting great waves, against the sunset.
Was it really possible to create a path leading to Hell over there?
Kotarou pondered over it. If there was really a way for the dead to return... if the dead could really return to the human plane...
Isn't Saburo-dono the one who needs it the most?
Kotarou was confused. If the dead could return from the other world, that would also mean that the 'power of exorcism' held by Takaya and the others would be rendered insignificant. It was precisely because of the fact that the dead could not return that made the 'power of exorcism' absolute, a strength that instilled fear in the onshou. But, even if this should negate his own 'power of exorcism'...
Wasn't Takaya also seeking for return of the dead? If there was a path that could allow Naoe to return, even if he had to abandon his mission and duty - to the extent of disregarding his morals - wouldn't Takaya choose it?
If he could really have this miracle of calling back the eternally lost, the person whom he needed more than anyone else.
Even if Takaya had to give up everything, wouldn't he intensely hope for the realization of this miracle?
"..."
Kotarou was at a loss. He was still not aware that, despite his rationale of prioritizing his mission and strategy, he had developed personal feelings for Takaya and was thus confused. As though he wanted to bury his emotions into the depths, he put on a pair of sunglasses and got into his car.
Original fiction © Kuwabara Mizuna.
Draft: Version 1 - final
Notes: 鎌倉/镰仓 Kamakura; 鶴岡八幡宮/鹤冈八幡宫境 Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine (Tsurugaokahachimanguu); 源公曉/源公晓 Minamoto Kugyo; 源實朝/源实朝 Minamoto Sanetomo; 淺間大社 Asama Grand Shrine; 大臣山 Daijin-yama
PS: do not distribute this without my permission
"He's not in... really?"
Hearing this from the hotel clerk, Narita Yuzuru sighed in disappointment. Yuzuru had asked Ayako for the name of the hotel they were staying at, and wanted to return Takaya's newly-washed clothes to him. It was barely ten o'clock in the morning. Yuzuru initially thought that Takaya would still be at the hotel in the morning, but he had already gone out.
"Can't be helped I guess..."
Looking at the paper bag beside his feet, Yuzuru slumped his shoulders.
"Then I'll head back. Could you please hand this over to him? It's a change of clothes. Just tell him that I sent them over after washing them."
"I understand. If you've any messages, we can convey them to him on your behalf."
"Messages..."
Yuzuru thought for a while, he fished out a green envelope from the pocket of his jacket. This was the ticket to the concert that Takaya had recently promised to go with him. Yuzuru had wanted to personally hand it to him, but judging from the circumstances, he did not know when he would be able to see Takaya.
"Could you give this to him as well? It's the ticket to a concert next Sunday. Please tell him that I'll wait for him at the seats."
"I understand. May I know your name?"
"I'm Narita. He'll know once you mention this. Thanks."
Yuzuru placed the paper bag containing the clothes on the front desk. Returning to the car park, Yuzuru's beloved used car was waiting for him. It was a Serve that had the sign 'Novice Driver' pasted on the front and back of the vehicle. This car was given to him by a friend of his parents, the Matsumoto car license number was clearly indicated on the number plate.
Yuzuru got into the driver's seat, he looked back at the hotel once again. Although he was hoping to be lucky enough to have breakfast with Takaya, it seemed like Takaya did not even have the leisure of sleeping until this hour.
I always feel like I'm Takaya's maid helping him to wash his clothes...
Yuzuru sighed. He decided that at the very least this was better than not being of any use, Yuzuru felt himself to be inferior as well as pitiful.
Yuzuru placed his personal letter and concert ticket into the envelope, the contents of the letter read like a mother who was worried about her son beginning to live on his own, in retrospect he felt a little humiliated.
Now that I think about it, we haven't cruised in this car together yet...
Imagining Takaya sitting in the adjacent seat desperately nitpicking on Yuzuru's novice driving skills, Yuzuru felt that it would be fun and smiled, but his smile immediately faded away without a trace.
If you could hitch a ride in this car, we could return to Matsumoto together.
He always felt that Takaya and him were not suited for Tokyo. If they return to Matsumoto, would Takaya revert to his former self? Yuzuru had gone to the extent of pondering over this matter.
Yuzuru recalled the blue sky by the side of the main cement street. At this time of the year, the Northern Alps in Matsumoto would be covered in white snow, brightly reflecting the blue, cloudless sky of winter.
Have those mountain ranges changed now? Was that wintry air still blowing through the streets of Matsumoto...? Even if the cold nearly froze the skin, that intolerable, freezing mountain wind from the Alps that caused one's legs to jitter, it still gave Yuzuru a feeling of nostalgia. In this thick and sluggish atmosphere saturated with exhaust fumes from the vehicles and dust, Yuzuru reminisced about the city he grew up in.
Far away from this Yokohama,
Matsumoto is more fun...
"...!"
Suddenly, there was a severe pain in the center of his forehead, Yuzuru nearly bent over.
What...!
He was invaded by a loathsome pain stirring up within him. Yuzuru pressed his hands against the spot of the pain, his complexion had been 'painted' with a pale color.
The 'Seed of Evil Kings'...
It had never been like this previously. What on earth was this pain? Shouldn't it be frozen? Could it be that the freezing bind had weakened?
Shit...
Yuzuru grew anxious. Wanting to stop the churning he concentrated on his consciousness. There was a sense of foreboding which caused one to feel nauseated, Yuzuru suddenly felt uneasy. Could this be some kind of omen? Yuzuru clenched his teeth and looked up.
Takaya...!
***
"On Sorasabataei Sowaka, On Sorasabataei Sowaka---..."
Inside the hall, the shingon of Benzaiten was being chanted continuously. Nikaido Reiko had sealed herself inside the hall for three hours. The Houanden was presently suffused with a strange, highly dense spiritual atmosphere.
In order to save Suga Natsuo's father, who had been struck with the 'Method of the Juuou Night Devil', Reiko and Kadowaki Ayako had combined their strength to challenge it with a counter-curse. That puppet known as a curse douji, which Ayako had given Reiko, served as an antenna. Once Reiko's prayer has assembled a sufficiently enormous amount of magical power in this Shinto shrine dedicated to Benzaiten, this energy would be transported to Ayako's side via the pair of curse douji. Ayako would receive a portion of that power, consolidating both of their capacities to strike down the curse of the enemy. It would be fairly difficult for one person to manage this, but as long as it was carried out via this particular method, they should be able to succeed.
The surface of the curse douji placed in front of Reiko had begun to turn a shade of copper, it was approaching the critical point. The 'vitality of the land' had a marked response to Reiko and Ayako's prayer mainly because Enoshima was a group of islands that was under the influence of Benten's conviction. It was necessary for them to make use of this as a protective screen, in addition to protecting Natsuo's father from the curse, they had to further repel the curse to the other party.
Reiko prayed to Benzaiten with full concentration.
"On Sorasabataei Sowaka...!"
There was a 'splitting' sound, much like the cracking of tree branches, the head of the curse douji had fractured. The surface of the curse douji emitted an extremely high heat, becoming mottled as the cracking sounds spread throughout its entire body.
"!"
The curse douji finally burst apart.
As the stored energy resulting from the prayer reached the threshold, it transformed into a huge nodule of power, and was delivered to Ayako from Reiko's side.
We did it...!
Sensing the genuine response, Reiko opened her eyes.
At the same time, Benzaiten's 'power' flew to Ayako who was with Natsuo's father. The curse douji beside her knee received that share of formidable energy, issuing a golden radiance.
"!"
Ayako suddenly opened her eyes.
This is it...!
Ayako grabbed the golden curse douji and threw it at the figure of the Enma-ou who was causing Natsuo's father to suffer.
"Black arts of violence and evil, shatter!"
The curse douji transformed into a golden arrow, piercing directly into the body of the Enma-ou seated on the water buffalo. Then, an acute spray of turquoise flames emanated from the curse douji intermixed with the Enma-ou, encircling the entire area.
"Ohhhhh!"
Everyone at the scene witnessed this feat. As the turquoise flames sprouted out of the Enma-ou, starting from its head it began to blacken as it melted away, like a piece of paper burning into ashes. At the same time that the Enma-ou was amalgamated, the body temperature of Natsuo's father, which had been burning like a piece of heated iron, gradually began to subside, the black ink-like Sanskrit character that had appeared his chest gradually faded away as well.
Natsuo's father, who had been writhing in pain all this while, was finally liberated. He fell back onto the bed as though his energy had been snatched away. It appeared that they had succeeded without trouble.
"Hu...."
Ayako sighed deeply, she wiped away the sweat on her forehead, she turned towards the people who were present at the scene.
"That was close. But despite the danger, we managed to save a life. It's all right now."
"W...Wonderful, he's saved!"
"What was that just now? The deity who was floating there is..."
"..."
There was a somber grimace on Ayako's face.
There was no mistake. The one who had cursed Natsuo's father, was the same person who had cursed the city councilor, Gotou. Furthermore, there was a 80 to 90% chance that he was an associate of Kyoutake real estate. Was it because of the tourism reconstruction plans? ...No.
Was it to obtain Enoshima...?
It must be related to the onshou they had encountered in the cave yesterday. There was obviously something behind this jusatsu that was related to Yami Sengoku.
But why are they doing this?
At this point in time, Ayako was still unaware of the matter regarding the Satomi and the fuuketsu. After several minutes, Reiko returned from the Hetsunomiya. At first, she thought that she would be in a happy mood due to their success, however Reiko had an desperate look on her face as though she had no time to be getting excited over this. Ayako was startled.
"What's the matter?"
"Natsuo-san hasn't returned yet?"
Ayako and the rest of the people present merely went 'Huh'. Reiko showed them the red, flat-bottomed, leather shoe she was holding, she said urgently.
"This shoe was found around the area of the Hetsunomiya. Natsuo-san was wearing it. Where is Natsuo-san? She didn't return?"
Now that she mentioned it, Natsuo had not return. All of them had believed that she was with Reiko, but this was not the case. Furthermore, she had left her shoe behind, this was unusual.
"Don't tell me..." Ayako gulped. "She was captured by someone...?"
"Perhaps so." Reiko's face was solemn. "Perhaps Natsuo-san met with some accident. Let's look for her! If we don't hurry, the situation might become irremediable."
Alarmed, people began to bustle about in a frenzied manner. Ayako felt a sense of forewarning, she asked Reiko.
"Don't tell me the workers of Kyoutake real estate are responsible for this..."
"I'll go to the police to request for backup. She might still be somewhere nearby."
Ayako and Reiko had no time for rest, they hurried out once again.
***
The sunshine of winter shone into the red Shinto shrine backed by Daijin-yama.
Tourists had been continuously streaming into the Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine of Kamakura since morning. Numerous white doves were pecking away at the feed scattered by the tourists on the sandou. At present, a group of tourists were taking pictures for keepsake. They looked like a touring party of elderly people from somewhere.
Chiaki looked about from the top of the stone steps at the extremely excited grandfathers and grandmothers before glancing at his watch.
"It's already 11 o'clock, Oji."
Chiaki sat on the stone steps, he casually looked at Irobe Katsunaga who was standing beside him.
"You haven't said a word since, isn't it about time you explain this to me?"
"..."
Irobe Katsunaga resembled a much elder brother placating his headstrong younger brother as he looked at Chiaki. By Chiaki's reckoning, the body Irobe had taken was probably more than ten years older than his. His height was roughly around Takaya's, perhaps a little shorter. His tanned skin and somewhat bony face type gave one the impression of reliability. Those eyes bore a strong resemblance to a certain famous professional golf player. Irobe narrowed those kindly eyes, he started to talk.
"If you want an explanation, didn't I do that just now?"
"'There's someone I'd like you to meet'. Is that considered an explanation? Oji."
The Gingko tree in Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine was the agreed place of their rendezvous. This large Gingko tree was rumored to be the place where Minamoto Kugyo hid when he assassinated his uncle Minamoto Sanetomo, the third shogun of the Kamakura shogunate.
After meeting with Irobe Katsunaga for the first time in over 30 years, Chiaki was taken to Kamakura by Irobe. Irobe had mentioned that he wanted him to meet with a certain person.
However, four hours had passed since their arrival, the person they were supposed to convene with had yet to appear.
Chiaki had grown tired of feeding the pigeons. The pigeons hopped onto his shoulders and head pestering him for grains, but once the hungry pigeons were sprinkled with rays, they did not go near him again. Chiaki licked at the pigeon feed that had moistened in his palm, he wrinkled his face as it tasted terrible.
"Can't you just explain the current situation to me?" Chiaki, his face still in a grimace, stared at Irobe in that way. "What's going on with you? What have you been doing all this while? Why didn't you contact Kagetora? Didn't you perform kanshou five, six years ago? Is this the body you possessed then?"
"No. I've changed bodies once." Irobe shook his head. "My possession of this body took place one year ago."
"One year ago? Then what were you doing before that?"
"I was an infant."
"Infant? So you performed kanshou again from the body of the infant?"
"Because I had to let my soul rest for a while." Irobe said, he sat two steps above Chiaki and hugged his knees. "After the battle with Nobunaga, I was the only one whose body was still alive. I handled everything that followed by myself. The only period of recuperation for us kanshousha is when we're an infant. ...During that time, Naoe's body had grown to adulthood, I felt that I could leave matters to him, hence I didn't possess an adult but an infant body."
"What happened to that body?"
"It died a year ago."
"Accidental death?"
"Not accidental. It was deliberate."
Chiaki stared at him in shock. Irobe looked at Chiaki with a serious expression in his eyes, his hands were folded under his chin.
"I deliberately let the body die, and possessed another body."
"Deliberately..."
Chiaki could not probe into his true intention, he frowned for a while, he lowered his voice and asked menacingly.
"What do you mean by deliberate? You performed kanshou once again according to you own will? For what reason?"
"It was necessary for me to possess the body of an adult."
"Necessary?" Chiaki's expression grew serious. "Who necessitated it? You yourself? Or..."
"..."
Whose instructions did he receive?
Irobe did not reply, he merely said that Chiaki would naturally understand it later. The outline of Irobe's distinct eyebrows lowered slightly, from then on he gazed at the trunk of the large Gingko tree, he shaded his beautiful double eyelids from the glare.
"What about you, didn't you mention wanting to break away from the Uesugi? If you no longer want to do this, why don't you stop performing kanshou and be purified?"
"No particular reason. The reason I performed kanshou is merely because I don't intend to be purified. No matter what, I want to continue to live on this earth, in any case, isn't reincarnation and undergoing kanshou the same thing?"
"A reply that's truly like you. But why do you still stay by Kagetora-dono's side? Didn't you want to sever diplomatic relations with the Uesugi?"
"...Because I'm too kind a person to do so." Chiaki gnawed his tongue, he pulled back his fringe. "If nobody helped him, that sort of weak brat would simply become a problem to society."
"... You're still the same, a good-hearted person."
Chiaki was displeased.
"Think whatever you will about me. But I was asking you a question."
Irobe only smiled, he did not give any answers.
"The Takeda's Atake ship during that time, how did you know about it? The mermaids and stuff, where did you get that information from? Don't tell me you investigated this by yourself? Do you know what's going on with those mermaids?"
"Those mermaids are soldiers of the Satomi."
"What?"
"The mermaids that have been stirring up endless disturbances in society at the moment, they are in fact the 'Yachou' of the Satomi. Are you aware of the special forces of the Satomi suigun? They are the souls of the soldiers who died in the waters during the naval battles. Now it's not just the periphery of Enoshima, the mermaids have emerged in the coastal areas of the Miura Peninsula as well. They have been charged with the task of holding Enoshima from any enemies that may come from the sea. The Takeda's operation to transport the elemental stone had also been anticipated by the Satomi."
"How do you know of these matters?" Chiaki's interrogation grew intensely guarded.
"You mentioned that the Satomi wanted to acquire Enoshima, isn't this related to the issue regarding the fuuketsu? How did you figure this out? Are you aware of the Satomi's movements? If you knew about it, why didn't you immediately inform Kagetora?"
"Because I still haven't obtained reliable data."
"Reliable data? What data?"
"Data about the Satomi's true motives. Whether the fuuketsu can indeed negate the 'power of exorcism'."
"Are you referring to the myth about the dead returning?"
Irobe nodded.
"The Satomi have the Oda behind them. If this operation was merely dependent on the strength of the Satomi it may be impossible, but as long as they have the strength of the Oda, it could actually be achieved."
"..."
Chiaki hugged his knees, he looked up at Irobe.
"When did you start investigating this matter? You speak as though you've infiltrated the Satomi in your investigation. ...I really don't understand you. If you performed kanshou one year ago, why didn't you contact us? What the hell have you been doing all this while?"
Irobe looked back at Chiaki quietly. Although Irobe was not the intelligent or capable type, he was honest and an extremely talented individual. Irobe's expression remained calm and steady throughout even though Chiaki had raised a question and wanted answers, his innermost thoughts could not be read at all.
"...Anyway let us first meet 'him'." Irobe said to Chiaki calmly. "Our first priority is to decipher the Satomi's plot."
Although Chiaki had revealed all of his mistrust on his face, he was not so impatient as to force the other party to spill out all the words that 'cannot be said at present'.
Chiaki decided to first moderate the circumstances.
The two of them waited for another 30 minutes or so. Could it be that the other party had met with some mishap? But Irobe was not the least bit anxious. If he really wanted to wait, he could probably wait until tomorrow.
The pigeons flew off together, a man approached from the front. The man wore a hooded overcoat, intermingled amongst the tourists, he walked from the Noh stage up the stone steps.
"Looks like he's here."
"..."
Seeing the man, Chiaki stood up slowly. The man looked at Chiaki as he ascended the steps, then saluted Chiaki as he came face to face with him.
Chiaki was stunned.
There was no mistake. This was a face that he knew. Chiaki could not help but widen his eyes in surprise, muttering that man's name.
"Hakkai..."
The man came before Chiaki and greeted him formally.
"My respects after this long period of absence. Yasuda-sama."
The man whose whereabouts had been unknown since the events of Hiroshima was now standing before Chiaki. This man was formerly the 'leader of the Ken En'.
The last person who had seen Hakkai was Ayako, after they went their separate ways at the entrance of Akiyoshi-do. Hakkai had gone after Kagetora who had been held captive by the Mouri, he should have driven to Hagi city, but they had not been able to contact him ever since. If he was safe, he should have been able to inform them via the 'Ken En', for this reason, Chiaki and the others finally concluded that 'Hakkai had been destroyed by the Mouri'. However, seeing Hakkai again when he least expected it, Chiaki could not hide his puzzlement.
"You're still alive? So the Mouri didn't kill you?"
"Hakkai is all right. My apologies for having given Kagetora-sama and my lord trouble."
"If you were safe why didn't you contact us immediately? It's been two years...!"
Chiaki looked at Hakkai and Irobe in turn. Why were they together? He grew increasingly confused.
"What's going on?"
"..."
"What are you two hiding?"
"We're not hiding anything."
Irobe firmly replied, but there was definitely something between the two of them that Chiaki was not aware of. Chiaki's expression grew more and more vicious.
"Hakkai, you're the leader of the 'Ken En', no? What the hell is the leader doing by leaving his subordinates? What have you been doing all this while?"
After Hakkai went missing, another person had been put in charge of commanding the 'Ken En'. He was originally Hakkai's assistant, he was appointed as the new 'Ken En leader' by Kagetora, an individual by the name of 'Yagami'.
"Hakkai is truly sorry. Because of certain reasons..."
Reasons? Chiaki stared.
"Yes. Since the events of Itsukushima, Hakkai has been operating under the direct orders of Kenshin-kou."
"Direct orders?"
Chiaki could not help but question him in a stern voice, he immediately pressed his hand against his mouth.
"What do you mean? Are you saying Kenshin personally..."
Leaving the question half-complete, Chiaki suddenly remembered. The one who had cast a Touketsu Nami on Nobunaga's 'Seed of Evil Kings' at Itsukushima shrine. Had that been really Kenshin himself? ...Additionally, their loss of communication with Hakkai had occurred during that battle in Itsukushima.
"So you've been following Kenshin all this while?"
"...Yes."
"So you've been acting according to Kenshin's personal orders? Don't tell me that includes you?" Chiaki turned towards Irobe. "The same goes for you I assume? You've left the Yashashuu and become Kenshin's personal subordinate?"
"I did not leave the Yashashuu. Nagahide." Irobe said in a deep, resonant voice. "My identity as a Yashashuu has never changed. This is just temporary. Due to a certain reason, I've received Kenshin-kou's orders and acted as accordingly."
"Certain reason?" Chiaki did not understand. "What is that about? Isn't this getting stranger as we speak?"
Since Kenshin's appearance at Itsukushima shrine, he had not once appeared before Kagetora. Not a single communication had been made. If there was any special command, Kenshin would usually issue his orders to the Yashashuu via Kagetora. This had always been the case in the past. But what was currently going on behind these 'direct orders' that they spoke of?
"It's only natural for you to feel suspicious. But this undertaking is the foundation work for the complete annihilation of Yami Sengoku in the long run."
Irobe could see Chiaki's query, and uttered.
"Kenshin-kou has this idea in mind, for this reason he called upon the two of us for assistance."
"Foundation work? Wouldn't it good enough to relay orders to Kagetora for that?"
"Kenshin-kou has a need for Kagetora-sama to continue to concentrate his strength in settling the onshou disturbances that have been occurring unceasingly. Kenshin-kou does not wish to interfere with Kagetora-sama's task, thus did this to allow both operations to proceed simultaneously."
"...Unbelievable..." Standing on the stone steps, Chiaki folded his arms. "So Kagetora doesn't know about this, right?"
Hakkai nodded.
"Kagetora-sama is not aware."
"Why isn't this mentioned to Kagetora? There's no need to keep this a secret, is there?"
"There's no need to. But I would like you to not mention this to him for the time being."
Irobe's unusually cautious words caused Chiaki to feel even more suspicious.
"Don't mention this?"
"You don't wish for Kagetora-dono to think too much of other matters at this moment, right?"
Does he know of Kagetora's situation...?
Was Irobe referring to Takaya's weakened spirit because of Kotarou?
"Anyway, the first thing we have to do is to thwart the plans of the Satomi. Nagahide."
Irobe restored an expression that excluded all personal emotions, he said tersely.
"The fuuketsu of Enoshima is not the only place where the 'Method of Connecting to Hell' will be carried out."
"Not only Enoshima?"
"That's right. The Satomi are planning to conduct the curse at two other places. The Satomi will definitely show up over there."
"Where?"
"Fujinomiya." Irobe replied firmly. "The Satomi will probably carry out the 'Method of Connecting to Hell' at Fujinomiya's Asama Grand Shrine in the Shizuoka Prefecture. There would be no meaning to their actions if they don't execute this in that place. They definitely can't be allowed to do this. We have to crush the Satomi."
"Please go to Fujinomiya, Yasuda-sama. Hakkai will investigate the Satomi's movements and -- convey the information to you."
Once Chiaki turned, Hakkai said.
"Compared to the Satomi, the Oda behind them is even more dangerous. Nobunaga is slowly beginning to make his move."
"Do you know Nobunaga's location?"
"This matter is still under investigation. The Satomi will most certainly contact Nobunaga. If Nobunaga were to exploit the 'Method of Connecting to Hell', it would be extremely dangerous."
Hakkai took out a yellow protective talisman from his clothes and gave it to Chiaki.
"As a preventive measure, please take this Yasuda-sama, just in case. The Satomi have men capable of delivering the 'Method of the Juuou Night Devil'. This talisman will protect you. If you are attacked by any chance, no harm should come to you."
"...Thanks." Chiaki glanced at Hakkai. "Send my regards to our lord Kenshin will you."
"..."
After he finished, Chiaki headed down the stone steps with a disgruntled expression. Irobe and Hakkai exchanged glances, after nodding to each other as though they were verifying something, Irobe followed after Chiaki.
Under the large apricot tree, Hakkai lightly pulled the lapels of his coat together as the cold winds of Daijin-yama blew.
***
Several hours later, Ayako received word from the 'Ken En Leader', Yagami, and met up with him. Apparently, Yagami had contacted Kotarou before this. Ayako was informed of Takaya's kidnapping by Yagami, they eventually pinpointed Kotarou's location and headed to the small peninsula of Inamura in order to meet him.
It was close to evening. Seeing Kotarou's car - a black GTO - parked at the public park of Inamura peninsula, Ayako immediately got out of her car and ran towards the place.
"Kotarou!"
Kotarou, attired in a black Western suit, was leaning against the car. Hearing Ayako's voice, he turned around.
"Kakizaki-dono."
"Have you found Kagetora!"
"No, not yet."
"What happened! Was Kagetora kidnapped by the Satomi? Aren't you always together with him! What were you doing!"
"...My subordinates are currently doing their best to gather information. His whereabouts should be determined soon."
Kotarou was extremely calm. Should it be said that his bearing was worthy of a ninja? Despite the fact that his master had been taken captive, he did not look the least bit shaken. Instead of growing indecisive, he had already taken the proper measures.
"The Satomi had anticipated our presence at the cave and had laid an ambush over there. They were definitely planning to kidnap Saburo-dono."
"What are you acting so calm about! You couldn't even protect one master, could you? Do you still consider yourself a ninja in that way?"
Kotarou trembled slightly, he looked at Ayako with an inorganic expression in his eyes.
"It is useless to grow agitated. When caught in an unfavorable situation, we only need to have correct judgment."
"I'm asking you what the hell were you doing! You didn't just quietly watch them take Kagetora away did you!"
"..."
Kotarou did not explain himself.
Without a doubt, if Kotarou had been at the scene, he certainly would not have just watched as Kagetora was taken away. However the Satomi were extremely shrewd. After Kotarou and Takaya separated, the Satomi had seized that opportunity to attack Kotarou, who was left by himself, by sending ten of their 'Yachou'.
He had immediately noticed that something unexpected had happened to Takaya. However the Satomi had focused their strength on Kotarou from the very beginning. While Kotarou was being hindered by the soldiers of the Satomi on the beach, Takaya had been taken away. By the time Kotarou had defeated all of the 'Yachou' and proceeded to Chigo fuchi, even Miura Yoshimoto had carried away by the ship. Kotarou immediately thought of using the small boat to pursue them, but it could not be done. The small boat had been completely wrecked by the Satomi's mermaids.
Although the situation had been beyond his control, the fact that he could not protect his master remained. But instead of finding excuses to justify himself or wallow in regret, Kotarou's thoughts were wholly concentrated on how to rescue Kagetora.
"The Fuuma ninja are doing their best to track down his whereabouts. Now is not the time for us to get distraught, we should calmly wait for information before formulating a plan."
"Do you understand the seriousness of the situation? Don't you feel a tiny bit of guilt?"
Ayako felt extremely sick of Kotarou's rationalism.
"How about you do a little bit of soul-searching! Why are you following Kagetora! Shouldn't it be an easy matter for a ninja to protect his master! Should anything happen to Kagetora because of this...!"
"Even if Kakizaki-dono were to become infuriated, it will not save Saburo-dono, will it?"
Kotarou looked at Ayako with a contemptuous expression.
"If they were planning to kill him, the Satomi would have killed Saburo-dono on the spot. If they did not, they had the intention of taking him captive from the start, they do not wish to kill him. As long as we respond to this calmly, we can save Saburo-dono."
"...!"
Ayako was at a loss for words. Kotarou's expression did not change at all. Like a machine. He was like a computer which processed information in a discreet and rational manner in order to handle a situation. She could not see any sign of him worrying about Takaya at all.
This man caused one to feel that he was intolerably deficient in emotions.
"That's why you won't do..."
Her agitation had reached the summit, Ayako groaned. Kotarou heard her words, he reacted to it slightly.
"What?"
"It's impossible for a person like you to imitate anyone in the first place! Saying that you want to become Naoe, what a big joke that is! We simply shouldn't have let someone like you stay by Kagetora's side!"
For the first time, Kotarou's expression faltered. He somberly widened his eyes as he stared at Ayako.
"What do you mean by that...?"
"It's all because of the expendable matters you've done that Kagetora has become more and more depressed! Even if he were to go mad and die, even if he were to accept Naoe's death, it would be several thousands, several tens of thousand times better than this! We should have let him see the fact that Naoe is no longer here from the start! Even if he were to die, it would be much better than being in this current situation!"
"...!"
"You honestly don't understand what it feels like to lose someone important!"
Kotarou gasped as he looked at Ayako. Was Ayako overlapping Takaya's silhouette with her feelings when Shintarou was parted from her by death? She wiped the corners of her eyes fiercely and turned towards Yagami.
"I want all of the 'Ken En' to find out where Kagetora has been taken to."
"Kakizaki-sama."
"Also, locate Natsuo-san's whereabouts. I'll take charge. Don't borrow the strength of the Fuuma." Ayako turned toward Kotarou, she said coldly. "I won't allow you to continue with your pretense of Naoe in front of Kagetora!"
After Ayako finished, she stomped back to the two-seater Civic Yagami had driven to this place. Yagami, who was left behind, looked at Kotarou with a serious face, he lowered his voice and said.
"As the pillar of the Fuuma, there will come a day when you'll be defeated."
"..."
Kotarou restored an expressionless face and looked at Yagami. Yagami sneered as though he was flaunting his victory.
"We 'Ken En' will protect Kagetora-sama. If you want to be Kagetora-sama's personal escort, come again when you're able to do this much."
After that, Yagami ran after Ayako and left. The cold sea breeze blew past the Inamura peninsula. Kotarou resumed his plastic-like, inorganic expression, he pursed his lips together lightly as he watched the car depart. The shape of Enoshima sat to one side of the glinting great waves, against the sunset.
Was it really possible to create a path leading to Hell over there?
Kotarou pondered over it. If there was really a way for the dead to return... if the dead could really return to the human plane...
Isn't Saburo-dono the one who needs it the most?
Kotarou was confused. If the dead could return from the other world, that would also mean that the 'power of exorcism' held by Takaya and the others would be rendered insignificant. It was precisely because of the fact that the dead could not return that made the 'power of exorcism' absolute, a strength that instilled fear in the onshou. But, even if this should negate his own 'power of exorcism'...
Wasn't Takaya also seeking for return of the dead? If there was a path that could allow Naoe to return, even if he had to abandon his mission and duty - to the extent of disregarding his morals - wouldn't Takaya choose it?
If he could really have this miracle of calling back the eternally lost, the person whom he needed more than anyone else.
Even if Takaya had to give up everything, wouldn't he intensely hope for the realization of this miracle?
"..."
Kotarou was at a loss. He was still not aware that, despite his rationale of prioritizing his mission and strategy, he had developed personal feelings for Takaya and was thus confused. As though he wanted to bury his emotions into the depths, he put on a pair of sunglasses and got into his car.
Original fiction © Kuwabara Mizuna.
