Book 13 Chapter 08 夜魔十王の法

From Chinese translations by Hinako.

Draft: Version 1 - final
Notes: final chapter of Book 13; 金剛岩/金刚岩 Kongouiwa; 片濑 Katase
PS: do not distribute this without my permission

---

Ayako rang Takaya's room in the morning.
He heard from Ayako that Suga Natsuo had left an SMS for the latter which said 'Please come immediately', explaining that her father's symptoms had rapidly worsened, he was having a high fever, behaving deliriously while calling out the Enma's name. As this was truly extremely unusual, Natsuo, in distress and believing in what Ayako had said the other day about 'managing demons', had contacted Ayako to request help.

--There's a high possibility that he has been cursed with a jusatsu.

After having heard of Gotou's case from Reiko, Ayako mentioned in an urgent tone.

--Anyway, I'm going to Enoshima right now. If it's really a jusatsu, it'll get worse if it isn't stopped as soon as possible.

Takaya said that he wanted to go as well, but Ayako refused.

--It'd be better if we don't move together for the time being.

When asked why, Ayako replied that she was saddled with a troublesome individual at the moment.

--Troublesome individual?

Ayako briefly explained to Takaya about Nikaido Reiko over the phone. Reiko and the others seemed to be targeting Takaya in particular, thus it would be better not to come into contact with them, in order to avoid wasting time on unnecessary inconveniences.

Although he was not entirely clear about what had happened, Takaya decided to follow Ayako's advice.

--But I want to go to Enoshima. The investigation of the cave was left unfinished.

--Now that you mention it, you've got a point there. But don't let yourself be found out, do your utmost to not let them recognize you.


Thus Ayako and the others headed to Enoshima before Takaya. Chiaki had contacted the receptionist at about 7 A.M., but he only mentioned that he was safe, informing them not to worry, without reporting his whereabouts. Was it because the situation was urgent? Or was it because he did not want the hassle of Takaya's rigorous questioning about something that had happened?

He did not receive any other message after that.

The situation seems to be becoming more and more strange.

Takaya tightened his face as he went down the large staircase, coming to a hall on the first level that resembled a movie set. The hall stretched up to the sky, the glass elevator behind the staircase moved efficiently up and down.

Heeding Ayako's cautioning, even though it had not reached the stage where he needed to disguise himself, Takaya still wore a pair of sunglasses to conceal his face, on his lowered head he wore a fur hat. Next, in order to change his image, he was completely attired in black. After a moment's hesitation, Takaya had given up the leather jacket that he usually wore, and changed into that Cashmere overcoat. But by dressing in this way, he did not know whether he appeared like a film star, every single cleaner and passerby turned to take another glance at him, apparently it made him even more conspicuous. This caused Takaya to feel ill at ease.

Following beside him was a man above 190 centimeters in height, wearing a black suit and beige windbreaker, additionally, his long hair was tied to the back in a bundle, this appeared to be another feature that drew the attention of other people. (But the tall man did not seem bothered by the watchful eyes of the humans)

"Special investigator from the committee of National Public Security...?"

Are they connected to the police? It seemed like the national public institutions have finally begun to actively investigate the happenings related to Yami Sengoku. His troubles were increased by one yet again, Takaya felt extremely frustrated. All sorts of disturbances arose in various parts of the country, this was probably the reason why he was being targeted.

...It should be okay I guess.

"I will bring the car over here." Kotarou said to Takaya at the entrance. "Please wait here for a moment."

Takaya did not say anything, he only observed Kotarou's business-like actions.
'Naoe' did not seem bothered about the matter of the previous night either. In order to not let that sort of Naoe cause injury to himself, Takaya had unconsciously begun to train himself to shut out his own emotions.
Takaya replied with a 'Mmm', Kotarou headed to the car park. At this moment, a man who was standing by the doorway, as though he was waiting for someone, turned and headed this way.

Takaya nearly cried out 'Ah'. Takaya had seen that man before.

"You..."

The man lowered his head quietly. It appeared that he recognized Takaya. The person who had been waiting for Takaya was the man he had met yesterday in the cave - the onshou: Miura Yoshimoto.


"The Satomi clan?"

Seated in the lobby of the first-storey coffeehouse overlooking the harbor, Takaya and Kotarou were surprised by Yoshimoto's words. Initially, Takaya still exercised caution against this man due to the events of the previous day, but Yoshimoto's manner was very respectful from the start, furthermore he made it clear that he did not mean them any harm.

After Yoshimoto stated his identity honorably, he spoke.

"Yes. Those men I put to sleep in the cave were all subordinates of the Satomi."

Apparently, Yoshimoto was a man who still retained the old mannerisms of a general. He sat on the stool like how a warrior would sit on a chair in a camp, resting lightly on the chair with his legs wide apart, with a perfectly straight back he faced Takaya directly. As his way of sitting was really unnatural, the waiter looked at him with a puzzled expression.

Even though Takaya had sent a gohou douji to pursue this man yesterday, he had fled into a powerful kekkai, thus it could not continue to chase him. Takaya was considerably surprised because he absolutely did not expect for him to show up in public.

"Please accept my apologies for yesterday's matter. I mistook you for comrades of the Satomi. Later on, I heard from a retainer that you had crushed an accomplice of the Satomi? The incident with Nagano Narimori. For me to have been ignorant about this matter, to the extent of behaving with disrespect..."

Although Yoshimoto was not hostile, Takaya had heard that he was of the Miura, he could not help but keep his guard up. The Miura was a clan that the Hojo had eliminated very early on. Even though Kagetora was one of their children, fortunately Yoshimoto did not seem to notice it. Avoiding this matter, Takaya spoke.

"Let's not dwell on that anymore. Why did you come here? What does the Satomi intend to do with that cave?"

Yoshimoto tightened his jaw and broad cheeks, he pursed his thick lips with a solemn expression and said.

"Do you know that there's a fuuketsu leading to Mt. Fuji inside that cave?"

"Fuuketsu?"

"Yes. That fuuketsu is said to be the 'Passage of the Gods'. The Gods pass through the fuuketsu, journeying back and forth between the spiritual peak of Mt. Fuji and Enoshima. However there is another myth about this that has been passed down."

Yoshimoto lowered his voice and said.

"It's not really the Gods whom have been traveling through the fuuketsu, but the dead."

Takaya widened his eyes. "The dead?"

"Yes. The legend that Koubou Daishi - Kukai - was the person who opened the fuuketsu. Do you know of this?"

This legend was about the time when Koubou Daishi went into seclusion in this cave for religious practices. It was said that there used to be a skillful and brilliant flute player on the shores of Katase. The name of that youth was Inagi. All the tunes that he played with his flute were pleasant to the ears as though they were the music of the heavens, whenever the youth played the flute, the turbulent sea would be calmed, the withering flowers would bloom once again, foul thoughts would be cleansed, evil humans would shed tears and make amends.

Inagi had a lover called Nami. But one day, Nami was stricken with a disease and died.
Inagi was extremely sorrowful. To lament his grief, he played the flute for seven days and seven nights. The sound of the flute was incomparably sorrowful, the seas grew violent because of this, torrential rain poured down, all the crops on the ground withered away. For this reason, the baffled residents requested for assistance from Koubou Daishi. A plan arose in the great master's heart.

The great master and the Enma Daio of the underworld negotiated to open the path leading to 'the other world' in the cave of Enoshima on the night of the full moon, allowing Inagi to meet with the dead Nami one last time. The condition for Inagi to meet with Nami was to never play his flute ever again. Inagi agreed to the terms, feeling an unparalleled happiness for he could see Nami again.

On the night of the full moon, the path leading to 'the other world' opened on Enoshima. Seeing this, Inagi ran down what was called the 'Path of the Night Devil' and eventually met with Nami once more.
However, something terrible happened after that. Inagi was unwilling to part with Nami, he pulled Nami's hand wanting both of them to return to the human world together.
The dead were exulted over this 'opportunity to return to the human world', and grasped onto Nami's hand firmly without letting go. Behind Nami, several hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands of the dead were dragged along, like prayer beads the length was unceasing. In the end, Inagi was running back to Enoshima pulling Nami along together with the dead.

Koubou Daishi, who was extremely shocked by this, had no choice but to blockade the exit of the fuuketsu with the Kongouiwa in order to not let the dead return to the human world. Inagi was shut in the fuuketsu, furthermore the Enma Daio was infuriated by his misdeed and separated him from Nami, locking him up in the rock prison of Hell for all eternity.
Thus the fuuketsu was sealed in this way. But it was said that thereafter, on the night of every full moon, one could hear the sound of Inagi's flute calling out to Nami from the cave.

"'The other world' is said to be located under Fuji in this legend. Later myths also state that a priest together with the Nichiren holy priest had once opened the 'Path of the Night Devil' and sealed it back again, but this is not certain. Right now, there isn't any place in the cave that looks like a fuuketsu."

"..."

Takaya was drinking a cup of coffee that had a little too much milk added, after he finished listening to Yoshimoto, he placed the cup in his hand, and revealed a complex expression.

"It sounds similar to the legend of Izanami..."

This legend tells of Izanami who, in order to take back his wife, went to Izanagi who was in Hell. Although there were certain differences between the contents of the two stories, by examining the names of Inagi and Nami, it was possible that this myth originated from the legend of Izanagi, although one could not be entirely certain.

But the flute-playing aspect of Inagi resembled the legend of Orpheus in Greek mythology. In order to revive his dead wife, Eurydice, Orpheus journeyed to the underworld. Although the endings are different, this myth appeared to be created by combining elements from these two legends.

The myth blended aspects from Buddhist and Shinto beliefs, this was also in keeping with the influence of Buddhism on these islands, there was an extremely wonderful texture about it.

"I never knew there was such a story." Takaya said, then his face grew serious again. "So what does the Satomi intend to do with the fuuketsu? It can't be that they want to re-open the closed passage and connect the path leading to the other world?"

"Exactly that, 'it can't be'. Uesugi-dono." Yoshimoto said with a tough intonation. "The Satomi want to reopen the 'Path of the Night Devil', and summon the dead to return from the other world."

"What...!"

Takaya and Kotarou were speechless.

"What is going on? The path leading to the other world, this sort of matter..."

Takaya, wanting to say 'How can this possibly be achieved', suddenly recalled Natsuo's words.

--The Enma Daio appeared in our dreams to warn us. Saying that Enma Daio wants to buy Enoshima, thus the way to protect ourselves was to leave immediately.

--After a month, the cave's fuuketsu will open, the dead will emerge from Hell.

Is that what this is about...!

As expected, the Satomi had caused all of them to have this dream. In that case, the workers of Kyoutake real estate must all be related to the Satomi.

"Why would the Satomi want to do this..."

"I don't know. Moreover, this opening a path to the other world, in all honesty I don't believe it is possible to do so."

Yoshimoto argued firmly.

"Whatever is mentioned in a legend is merely a myth, even if it were that Koubou Daishi, I don't believe it's possible to do so. But the Satomi now want to put into effect the 'Method of Connecting to Hell' that Koubou Daishi had carried out."

"'Method of Connecting to Hell'...?"

"Yes. They want to recreate that curse, and open up a way to the realm of the dead. If this can really be done, the situation would be terrible. Perhaps the Satomi want to use the power of the dead from the other world to make up for the deficiencies of their own military strength."

As he was overly astonished, Takaya was speechless for a while.

"If this is true, they can't be allowed to succeed. Enoshima would become the most important stronghold of the dead for the Satomi. They can't be allowed to do this... Uesugi-dono. Can you lend us your assistance? To stop the 'Method of Connecting to Hell', we can't rely on our power as it is insufficient. I hope that you will help us."

Takaya widened his eyes as he listened to Yoshimoto's fervent words.

How is that possible...

The path leading to the other world, could it be really opened? But, if it could really be done. If the dead could really be brought back from the other world.
Based on the various ideas of everyone, it would collectively lead to a disastrous situation. Souls that were once proceeding to the other world, would be able to return to this earth. If the soul could return again, there was a strong possibility that this would negate the significance behind the 'power of exorcism'.

Is it really possible...

"..."

Takaya pondered with a dignified expression.
But after a while, Takaya restored his calm, he lifted his face suddenly.

"Kagetora-sama...?" Kotarou, who was beside him, voiced out, Takaya spoke with a cold expression.

"...I understand. I will assist you all."

"Really! Uesugi-dono!"

"What do you have in exchange?"

"?"

"We are lending you our strength, then what will you offer us? The Uesugi doesn't act in the interest of any particular onshou. We won't assist you all unconditionally."

Yoshimoto grew silent. Even though he had given thought to the fact that the other party would not just plainly help him, Yoshimoto had not prepared a possible answer.

"...I see. Then may I ask Uesugi-dono's opinion, what would be the best trade to make?"

"Information on the Takeda."

Takaya replied immediately, alarming Yoshimoto.
Takaya continued to speak without any change in his expression.

"I hear the Miura and Takeda have become allies. What is the Takeda doing at the moment? This is a problem in their own territory, they can't be just standing by like spectators now can they?"

"..."

Perhaps the Takeda had some reason for being incapable of doing anything even if they wanted to find a countermeasure.
It seemed like Shingen showed respect to Ujiyasu from a distance. For that reason, even though Enoshima was under his domain, he did not interfere as he pleased. Hence it was possible that he merely shoved this problem to Miura Yoshimoto. Yoshimoto's relationship with the Takeda was partly that of a subordinate. Yoshimoto was in a disadvantageous position and thus could not refuse the Takeda. If he refused, the alliance with the Takeda would be broken, worse still the Takeda could dispatch its forces to extinguish the Miura. Furthermore, if Enoshima became the stronghold of the Satomi, Yoshimoto's territory of the Miura Peninsula would be in danger.
In order for a small and weak power to survive, there was no choice but to take risks. Even if the risk was considerable, they still needed the power of the Uesugi.

"I can help you guys." Takaya had seen through the weakness of the opposite party, he urged. "But you must tell us about the Takeda. As long as you do this little bit..."

"... I understand." Yoshimoto replied with slight unwillingness. "I accept this condition. Then, let's go to the cave together. To stop the Satomi's curse."

***

When Ayako's car reached Enoshima, it was broad daylight. The reflection of the morning sun flickered between the waves of the Shounan sea.

"Kadowaki-san!"

Natsuo, seeing Ayako and the other arrive, rushed over hurriedly, as though she wanted to roll down the hill road.

"Please come to my house quickly! Father... Father is going to die!"

"I know, I know!"

Ayako's hand was yanked along by Natsuo, as they ran towards Natsuo's home. Natsuo's father was inside the room on the second storey of the house, painfully rolling about and wailing. His hands and legs were being held down by the neighbors.

"Arghhhh-----!"

Howling like a ferocious beast, Natsuo's father struggled in agony. He had torn apart his pajamas, roaring loudly that 'It's burning, it's burning' however he could not do anything about it. In fact, his skin was indeed issuing an incredibly high heat, the people holding on to him could not touch him with their bare hands, rather they were using a cloth or other kinds of materials to buffer the heat.

"! ...This is!"

On the chest of Natsuo's father was the distinct appearance of the Sanskrit character 'En'.

No...!

Ayako understood. This was clearly some kind of curse. Someone from somewhere had placed Natsuo's father under a curse. She could sense the unceasingly crushing force of the waveform. This particular sensation hovered above the Sanskrit character on his chest as well...

There's no mistake.

"Kadowaki-san!"

Reiko, who came bursting into the room, felt the energy of the curse that permeated entire the room, she could not help but contort her face.

"This spiritual waveform...!"

Ayako took notice of her, she turned her head. "What's the matter? What happened!"

"It's the same as what remained in the house of the Gotou city councilor. That place had the remnants of a similar sort of curse energy. There's no mistake, it's the same curse!"

The 'Method of the Juuou Night Devil'...!

Ayako was now well-aware. This was also known as the external method of killing in ten days. A curse where every night, the ten Kings of Hell would appear in sequence, and the vitality of the cursed victim would be drained away drop by drop. She had not seen the use of this curse in nearly ten, no, hundreds of years. The main foundation for the capacity of this curse came from the Enma Daio, the power of this Tenbu, following the various methods of administration, it could display an extraordinary lethal power. People who have been dealt with this curse would suffer the pain of the eight circles of Hell. This was a curse that could not be implemented unless the executor possessed a considerable amount of strength.

"Yarrghhh!"

Hearing Natsuo shrieking, Ayako lifted her head. The figure of a person had appeared in mid-air in the center of the room, very much like a projection. It was riding a water buffalo, like a Buddha. Among the lotus petals it held in its hand, there was another small face. At first instance, it looked like the Goddess of Mercy, but Ayako knew what it was.

Enma-ou...!

The curse had almost reached its final stage. If she did not hurry, Natsuo's father would really die.

"Kadowaki-san! Please save Father, save Father! I beg you...!"

Can I do this...

In a split second, an uneasiness stirred within her thoughts. If she failed, there was the chance that she would suffer the counterattack of the curse. This would depend on how powerful the opposite party was. But this was not the time to hesitate.

Is there any Tenbu here that can lend me some power...

Ayako pondered for a while, then it suddenly occurred to her.

Enoshima... That's right. Benzaiten!

This was extremely powerful. As long as she could apply the 'Vitality of the Land', she might be able to smoothly deflect the curse. But she could not do this on her own. She had to carry this out from two different positions for it to work. Someone who could do this...

Ayako turned towards Reiko.
"Nikaido-san. I have something to request of you. Can you use a shingon?"

"Shingon? ...Mmm. I can."

Although Nikaido was a religious consultant by profession, she came from a bloodline of Shingon temple priests, she had gone through all sorts of religious practices as a child, she was particularly expert in the Shingon system.

Ayako took out something resembling a koppa shin from her handbag, but it was a pair of puppets that were smaller than a koppa shin. Ayako traced out the Sanskrit characters of a shingon onto it with an oil brush, she gave one of them to Reiko.

"Take this to the Houanden. Offer it before Benzaiten, then chant the shingon continuously."

"I just have to chant the shingon right?"

"Yeah. Anyway, don't let anyone into the main hall. Pray to Benzaiten with full concentration. Until this curse douji cracks open."

"Can he be saved in this way? Can the curse be stopped?"

"We have to deflect the curse." Ayako glared at the figure hovering in mid-air. "This will be a wrestle with the enemy who delivered this curse. We have no other alternative. Go quickly. Start when you're ready."

"I understand!"

"I'll take you there! Follow me!" Natsuo stood up courageously, she lead Reiko, running towards the outside. Ayako sat cross-legged in a Buddhist manner and placed the puppet known as the curse douji in front of Natsuo's father.

"Hold him securely, until this ends!"

Ayako's compelling impulse overwhelmed all of them, everybody nodded. In order to disperse the 'Method of the Juuou Night Devil', Ayako herself began to recite a curse. The power of a curse had to be deflected by another curse. Ayako knotted her fingers in a mudra, she began to concentrate her spirit.


Reiko was shown the way by Natsuo, they rushed down the slope of the Omotesandou, eventually coming to the Hetsunomiya. Natsuo hurried into the society's office, took the keys for the Houanden and opened the door.

"I beg you! I beg you to save my father!"

"I understand. I'll put forth my utmost efforts."

Reiko replied, she entered the octagonal hall and closed the door. Positioned in front of her was the wooden eight-armed Benzaiten and the beautifully-colored nude Benzaiten constructed by Yoritomo. Reiko placed the curse douji that Ayako had given her between the two figurines, setting herself on the floor at the same time. But it seemed as though the eyes of the Benzaiten reflected Gotou, causing Reiko to feel uneasy all of a sudden.

Want to deflect the curse.

Even though Kadowaki Ayako had said this, could this really be done? She resigned herself to the fact that she had better knowledge of curses than the ordinary person, moreover she knew how to deliver several counter-curses. But she had never encountered such a distinct and violently strong waveform of a curse.

If this fails, we would be affected by the curse as well.

Was it really okay? Could she really believe that woman? But...

I can't just sit here and ignore it.

Reiko inhaled deeply, she secured her consciousness and knotted her fingers in the mudra of Benzaiten. After she exhaled, she centralized her spirit.

Until the puppet cracks open.

She began to chant the shingon.


Outside the Houanden, Natsuo peered inside anxiously. A voice that sounded like a reading of the scriptures could be heard. She had been warned not to open the door.

...What are they doing?

Natsuo did not understand at all. But they were indeed trying to save her father.

Goddess Benten, I beg you...

Natsuo brought her palms together in the Benten prayer that she was accustomed to ever since she was a child.

I beg you to save Father...

At this point in time, a group of men emerged from behind the society's office. They were attired in Western-styled suits. One of them, who looked like the chief, followed behind the rest of them, he gave out instructions to his subordinates wordlessly. The Kyoutake real estate badge was pinned to the collar of their suits. The men did not head for the society's office, instead they proceeded to the Houanden. Then they approached Natsuo, who was praying in front of the hall.

"?"

Natsuo suddenly felt a murderous energy near her back, she lifted her head.

"What!"

Natsuo wanted to turn around but her mouth was unexpectedly covered with something like a moist cloth that came from behind.

"!"

She was startled, she wanted to yell but in that moment the strength in the lower part of her body left her.

Huh...!

Natsuo fell towards the front. The man held onto her body from behind. Natsuo's vision grew dark, she lost her consciousness.
Someone was looking down at her from above--.

Kaizaki Makoto slowly knelt down, and carefully allowed her lie on the ground. Then he turned to his subordinate and said.

"Take her away."

His subordinates beside him approached, they carried the drugged Natsuo, taking her down the stone steps away from that place. Kaizaki stood up, facing the Houanden. Even though he looked as if nothing had happened, he had seen what was happening inside.

"..."

But Kaizaki turned his face away, he turned his back towards the Houanden and ordered his remaining subordinates.

"To the cave, follow me."

Moving in a perfectly agile manner, Kaizaki turned and walked towards the front. His subordinates followed behind him.

***

Takaya, Yoshimoto and Kotarou had reached the southern cave of Enoshima by electric boat.

The sky was bright and cloudless, there was a deep shade of green on the horizon, the reflection of the Miura Peninsula could be seen clearly. Even though the sky was sunny, the sea breeze was stronger than yesterday, the waves were also discernibly less calm.

Takaya got off the tiny boat, he faced the towering cliff on the left side with resolution. By walking along the wall of the cliff from this place to the western side, they ought to be able to reach the cave.
Removal works should be currently underway in the cave due to the incident of falling rocks yesterday, but judging from the peaceful and quiet atmosphere, the operation had yet to begin.

"Please look at this, Uesugi-dono."

Yoshimoto, who followed behind him, gave Takaya the Mikkyou hougu. It was a fairly heavy and ancient dokkosho. It should originally be golden in color, but it had lost its radiance, it had become a dull, clay-yellow. However, on careful inspection, there were some marks engraved onto its surface.

It was the Fudoumyouou shingon.

"This is..."

"This is the legendary dokkosho that was inserted into the deepest level of the cave, used by Koubou Daishi when he blockaded the 'Path of the Night Devil'. I heard that it resulted from the transformation of the sword grasped by Fudoumyouou underground. It was discovered in the deepest section of the cave, it could really be considered as evidence that this legend is not merely a legend. It is said that as long as this dokkosho is buried underground, the 'Path of the Night Devil' won't be opened ever again."

It was like a safety device. As long as this dokkosho remained underground, the road leading to Hell would definitely not open. However, if the dokkosho was here then...

"...Are you the one who pulled this out?"

"It wasn't me. It was the subordinates of the Satomi."

When the Satomi had the cave in their hands, they found this dokkosho and had pulled it out.

"I spent quite a lot of time and effort in order to get hold of this."

"So you were here yesterday to bury it back?"

Yoshimoto nodded.
"To prevent the 'Path of the Night Devil' from opening again, this dokkosho must be inserted back into the cave. Then, before they begin the 'Method of Connecting to Hell', we should bury this cave."

"Bury the cave?"

"Yes. Legend has it that Koubou Daishi sealed up the fuuketsu completely with a certain mass of rock. That is the Kongouiwa, born from Fudoumyouou's superhuman strength, no matter how strong an excavator or explosive is used, it can't be dug out. However, it can be destroyed by the employment of the 'Method of Connecting to Hell'."

"..."

"We must insert this dokkosho and take the extra measure of burying the cave so that the Satomi won't be able to execute this curse. It won't be good enough to just plug it with falling rocks, we have to let the entire bedrock collapse. To make the cave impossible to open again."

"Together with the wall of the cliff...?" Takaya's expression grew solemn, he turned back towards the wall of the cliff. "It will require a considerable amount of power. Additionally, if this isn't handled properly, it will cause the buildings on top of the cliff to collapse as well."

"But apart from this there's no other way of sealing the conjuration. It won't be enough until we let the cave disappear."

Takaya was continuously gazing at the floor of the cave.
From the looks of the current situation, there appeared to be no other method.

"After all the money spent on reopening the cave, now..."

Although this was an immense undertaking, there was no other way.
Takaya turned towards to Kotarou.

"Wait here. Naoe."

"But, Kagetora-sama..."

"We don't know what can happen. Prepare the boat so that we can leave at anytime, in case the need arises we can withdraw immediately. Also, watch for any activity on the sea. Alright."

After he finished speaking, Takaya proceeded ahead. But once he reached the cliff, he turned around once again, looking at him as though he wanted to say something.

"..."

Kotarou quietly looked back at Takaya. Takaya pursed his lips together, he walked ahead once again, disappearing behind the side of the cliff. Kotarou gazed after Takaya with a solemn expression.

Takaya and Yoshimoto came to the rear end of the cave rocks. There was no sign of anyone. Only the sound of the waves that tossed about repeatedly, bringing about a strange calm.
It was gusty, the winds ruffled their hair.

"A kekkai has been set up." Takaya surveyed the surrounding environment, muttering. "I keep having a bad feeling about this. It'd be better to avoid any direct conflict."

"Then what should we do?"

"..."

Takaya calmly pondered. Just when he was starting to think of any measures they could carry out.

"What are you two doing in this place?"

All of a sudden, someone called out from the front, both Takaya and Yoshimoto got a fright, they lifted their faces. As they turned around, the figure of a man appeared from behind the rocks in front.

"!" Takaya's shoulders jerked violently. "You are...!"

"Entry here has been prohibited. Where did you people enter from? There should have been a signboard stating the danger of falling rocks, and that you should not approach, right? There should have been a rope surrounding the stairs as well."

He articulated in a deep and low voice that caused one to feel at ease, the other stepped down the staircase like a model.
The man who had appeared was Kaizaki.

"You...!"

"Uesugi-dono!"

Takaya heard Yoshimoto's voice and spun around. They did not know how long they had remained hidden, about ten men appeared from behind the rocks. Every single one of them had been possessed. They were the 'Yachou'.

"...What did you all plan to do by coming this cave?" Smoothly stepping in their direction, Kaizaki said in a low voice. "Would you please return the vajra to us? Miura-dono."

"!" Yoshimoto was startled, he widened his eyes. "How do you know who I am...!"

"We've already seen through your actions. Yes, just like how the Enma Daio of Hell is completely aware of all the sins the dead have committed during their lifetime."

"What did you say...!"

"Do you know of the jouhari?" Kaizaki folded his arms, he looked at them as he spoke. "That is the remarkable mirror that the Enma possesses. Capable of reflecting the accounts of all the merits and sins accumulated in a person's life, an object that resembles a video tape."

"..."

"We, the Satomi, are the Enma's emissaries. The jouhari mirror can tell us about you whenever we wish."

The Satomi...!

The other boldly stated his name. Yoshimoto retreated behind Takaya in fear as though he wanted to hide. Standing face to face, Takaya revealed his caution and regarded the other party fiercely.

"Kaizaki, you... who are you exactly!"

"My overcoat... I see you're wearing it for me."

Seeing Takaya wearing the overcoat, Kaizaki smiled. Takaya exclaimed 'Ah' in surprise, he clutched the lapels of the overcoat. Feeling as though his weakness had been exposed by the other party, Takaya's face flushed red in anger, as though he was resisting, he stared at the other ferociously.

"Seems a bit too big. But it really suits you."

"...You..."

"You are the Uesugi general, no? Uesugi Kagetora-dono, I trust. --Ougi Takaya."

"...!"

Not expecting the other to know him, Takaya was startled. He did not expect the other to be familiar with his present name as well. He felt as though he had really be reflected in the jouhari, Takaya's sense of wariness grew even more intense.

"Who are you exactly? Kaizaki."

Kaizaki looked directly at Takaya with a firm expression in his eyes. Takaya's eyes brimmed with power, he conducted a spiritual examination of Kaizaki. But, as expected, he did not detect the sense of a hyoui rei. He did not resemble a kanshousha either.

"How do you know my name? How are you related to the Satomi?"

"I am a descendant of the Satomi clan." Kaizaki replied without any fear. "When my ancestors were resurrected, I offered the strength my body inherited through the generations. If you people obstruct our Satomi clan..."

Kaizaki slowly unfolded his arms, stepping closer towards them.
"I would have to crush you people at all costs."

"...Crush us?"

"The people who possess the 'power', are not restricted to those of the previous eras. Do you wish to test the 'power' of a modern user? Kagetora-dono."

An orange-red radiance arose in Kaizaki's hand. The sea wind howled in his ears. Takaya concentrated on the movements of the other party, like a beast he tensed his body in a vigilant manner.

"I heard that you're a very strong person, Kagetora-dono."

"You..."

"I'm rather interested in the power of a kanshousha, I really wish to spar with you once. I truly want to understand the sort of object that is the power of a kanshousha who has undergone possession over the course of 400 years. In the end, I wonder which side is stronger?"

"!"

There was a brief smashing sound around his feet. A crack appeared on the rock beside Kaizaki's feet. Like sharp arrows, disc-shaped pieces broke away from the rock and floated in mid-air.

"Please be mindful. If you underestimate the power of a modern person, you will get injured."

Kaizaki squinted, Takaya felt like he had seen the will to fight burning in the depths of his eyes. In an instance, Takaya's body was filled with power.

"Come!"

Kaizaki yelled, his narrowed eyes suddenly widened. The fragments of the rock immediately charged towards Takaya. Takaya clenched his teeth, releasing an incantation against the splinters, pulverizing a good portion of them.

"Damn it!"

Yoshimoto shouted out. He had attacked Kaizaki by releasing a Nen Nami one step before Takaya. But Kaizaki did not even have to open a Goshinha, after hindering Yoshimoto's spell with his right palm, he waved his arm strongly.

"Wahhh!"

Yoshimoto covered his face, his body was thrown backwards in a huge arc and struck against the rocks behind him.

"Yoshimoto!"

Takaya shouted, Kaizaki immediately attacked with an incantation. Takaya deflected it by enacting a Goshinha wanting to scatter the spell, but his Goshinha was suddenly overwhelmed by a suppressive power that emitted a buzzing sound.

"Nnnh!"

Intense plasma like fireworks sprouted out into the air. In that crucial moment, Takaya had smashed through the other's spell, but as a result of this reverse force his body grew unstable. Taking advantage of this opportunity, the 'Yachou' moved into action. Seeing the 'Yachou' beginning to make their move, Kaizaki unexpectedly shouted.

"Don't interfere!"

As he yelled, Kaizaki released an incantation to threaten the 'Yachou'. Takaya, who had finally re-stabilized his body, felt apprehensive.

This man...!

Was really strong. He had a strength several times more powerful than the ordinary onshou. His power was nearly on the same level as a kanshousha.

This brat...!

"How about we take things a little more seriously?"

Not a trace of Kaizaki's breath was chaotic, a highly dense incantation was concentrated in his palm. What surprised Takaya was the fact that Kaizaki's spell gradually morphed into a real sword.

"!"

Just like the katana of Bishamon. Takaya looked at the other with an incredulous expression on his face.

"You... that is...!"

"Prepare yourself, Uesugi!"

Kaizaki brandished the physical sword and charged towards Takaya. Takaya raised his eyes fiercely. He wanted to release his stored 'power' in one go. But at this very moment.

Takaya's shoulders trembled, his power had slipped out of his hands again. He felt that familiar sensation of losing control. Thinking 'Shoot', in that instant a break was exposed in Takaya's actions. Kaizaki did not let the opportunity provided by his [Takaya] hesitation escape.

"...!"

Kaizaki's Nen Nami grazed past an unguarded Takaya. Protecting his body, Takaya was startled, he lifted his head and looked at Kaizaki. The turquoise sword in Kaizaki's hand was approaching. There was no way of evading it...!

!

Striking straight into the brain. As though he had been struck by lightning, Takaya sustained an intense hit His consciousness grew foggy as a result of the impact, a sheet of darkness appeared before his eyes, Takaya collapsed to the rock ground in this way.

"..."

Kaizaki let the sword vanish in his hand, he approached the fallen Takaya.
Kaizaki had not used his sword. Kaizaki had used an inductive attack - that is, impacting Takaya's brain directly with a spell to cause him to faint.
Takaya was unconscious, he lied there without any signs of movement. Kaizaki crouched down beside him, his arms circled around Takaya's back and held up his upper body.
Kaizaki let Takaya's head roll upwards by itself and lean against his chest, embracing his limp body with both his arms.
Takaya's lips were slightly opened, his closed eyes did not stir.
Kaizaki carried his body gently as though he was sheltering Takaya from the sea breeze.

"How should we deal with this person? Kaizaki-sama."

A 'Yachou' standing in front of the fallen Yoshimoto asked, Kaizaki looked over there.

"Take him back. Bring him onboard the ship."

"Kaizaki-sama, allow me to..."

Another subordinate extended his hands towards Kaizaki who was carrying Takaya, Kaizaki declined by shaking his head.

"That's not necessary. I can carry him."

After that, Kaizaki walked towards Chigo fuchi. A man walked down from the aforementioned stairs.

"Looks like it has been settled. Kaizaki."

Kaizaki lifted his head silently. Standing there was the son of Satomi Yoshitaka, who was at the Tatsumi mansion in Kamakurayama a few days ago: Yoshiyori. Yoshiyori, still maintaining his disrespectful demeanor, looked at him and said.

"I was worried about how things might turn out so I came here to take a look, but seems like I was just over-anxious. Now this is how a descendant of our clan should act. Worthy of praise!"

"..."

Kaizaki quietly returned Yoshiyori's gaze, after saluting briefly, he carried Takaya towards the harbor.

---

Original fiction © Kuwabara Mizuna.