From Chinese translations by Hinako.
Draft: Version 1 - final
Notes:
PS: do not distribute this without my permission
"Sensei----! Chiaki-sensei!"
Hearing the girl's voice pierce through the staff lounge, the teachers reacted with weary expressions of 'Here we go again'. Chiaki, who was just about to open his delivered bento turned his armchair in that direction, looking extremely exasperated.
"Not-- you again."
Koganezawa Kyouko smiled, paying no attention to it. For the past few days, she had taken advantage of her role as the manager of the rugby society, alternatively contriving pointless excuses just to be with Chiaki. Chiaki was nearing the limits of his patience.
"You, stop running here every rest period."
"I just wanted you to teach me some math."
"It's lunchtime now. I won't be answering any questions. Now, go back, shoo."
"I thought so."
Kyouko placed the bento she had been hiding behind her on the table, Chiaki retreated backwards in shock. It seemed like she intended to have lunch with Chiaki.
"Eh? Are you having takeout bento, Chiaki-sensei? It's sad being single. Do you have a girlfriend?"
"What does that have anything to do with you? If you keep running here all the time, you won't have any friends you know."
"Right, sensei! I'll prepare homemade bento for you okay! I'll be sure to put in a lot of effort into making it everyday. Don't you underestimate me now, I'm quite the expert in cooking. I'll make some for you okay? Okay? Okay?"
"Ah--- Shut it---! You're such an annoying brat."
"I'll make a homemade bento that's as good as the takeout ones. Then seal it with an 'I LOVE SHUUHEI' label, like a bento from a wife. Hahaha."
Yamaguchi, seated at the adjacent desk, looked at Chiaki sympathetically. Having been bothered by Kyouko the entire day, Chiaki was now at a loss at how to handle her. If he had foreseen this in the beginning, he would much rather be a student, Chiaki thought as he picked at the cooked beans with his chopsticks. Kyouko pulled a chair up from behind, occupied the space beside Chiaki, and opened her bento.
"Let's eat, sensei!"
"Yeah~~~ sheesh!"
At this moment, the door opened and a male student walked into the lounge. All of the teachers appeared to grow a little nervous, Chiaki turned around in surprise. The one who had entered was from Takaya's class - Miike Tetsuya. Kyouko was startled as well.
"Huh...? Miike. What are you doing here? Strange..."
Miike gnawed his tongue with a 'ch'.
"So it's the new teacher this time? This woman seriously never learns."
"What did you say-!"
"Ah. Miike, you're finally here."
Chiaki said. Miike nodded unhappily.
"Is there something wrong?"
"Something wrong? Didn't you ask to see me?"
"Yeah. Miike, I've some teaching materials for you since you missed the previous class."
Chiaki took out a worksheet from his ring folder and gave it to Tetsuya. Tetsuya looked at the worksheet indifferently, opening his eyes a little as though it was a chore to do so.
"Aside from your other subjects, you're doing quite well in maths. Keep it up. If you attend every lesson, your performance will be impeccable."
"..."
"There's a transfer student in your class by the name of Ougi right."
Tetsuya, who had a completely apathetic face thus far, immediately reacted to his mention of Takaya.
"That guy has the worst grades in math. If possible, could you coach him a little?"
"...Why should I be so friendly to that guy?"
Oh!
Chiaki looked surprised; a retort from the oddest of places. Tetsuya's eyes were raised, glinting. Chiaki flattened his lips into a smile with an 'Oh dear, oh dear'.
As expected of Kagetora, antagonizing people immediately.
"Mmm. This is a good way of bolstering familiarity between classmates. After all, it seems like he was once a difficult juvenile as well. What was that called again, something about people with similar personalities getting along with each other?"
"..."
Tetsuya was intensely vigilant to Chiaki's every word. Chiaki almost felt like he was speaking to the former Takaya.
Perhaps Tetsuya's repugnance was an example of how like poles repelled each other. Even so, Takaya thought nothing of him...
It was as if Tetsuya was giving a soliloquy.
Chiaki closed the student register for class 2B, restored a somewhat serious expression on his face and looked at Tetsuya.
I see...
As Takaya mentioned, there was indeed no mixed spirits attached to Tetsuya's body. Even Kyouko had two or three, while Tetsuya had none. He could not detect the magnetic energy which attracted spirits in his body either. He did not have any. Apart from Nezu and his company, Tetsuya was another individual who had not been hypnotized by Mikuriya. This was definitely the reason for the discrepancy in the attachment of spirits.
But, why him alone...?
What was the reason? Takaya wanted Chiaki to investigate him. If he could find the reason, they would then be able to utilize this knowledge to free the students from Mikuriya's brainwashing. It seemed like Takaya intended to hinder Mikuriya's brainwashing activities in the school, and subsequently gather all of the mixed spirits to exorcise them at one go.
This venture feels very unrewarding.
However there would be no meaning if they did not eliminate the source that was attracting the spirits. Takaya had stated that he wanted a thorough investigation into the 'Head of the Orochi' and Chiaki was willing to render assistance. Chiaki had specially summoned him for the sole purpose of questioning him.
"I've heard quite a lot about you from the other teachers. It seems like you're quite a difficult student. How's it going? This constant defiance doesn't really make you feel that much better right."
Tetsuya widened his eyes in anger. Chiaki smoothly proceeded to the next query.
"I heard that you have a twin sister."
"...!"
"Is it true that she went missing a year ago and stirred up quite an uproar? What happened?"
"...Did you hear that from Ougi?"
Tetsuya's expression was full of guardedness. This appeared to be the subject he was most unwilling to discuss. It was too late by the time Chiaki realized it. It seemed like Tetsuya had set down a limit against Chiaki's unreserved questioning.
"Sensei," Tetsuya began in a hoarse, downcast voice; he stared at Chiaki with a fierce expression. "Are you related to Ougi?"
"?"
"I saw you yesterday. Both of you had dinner together at Shinshigai yesterday right? Sensei, how is Ougi related to you? You guys know each other right?"
Chiaki was really startled.
Oh crap, we were seen...
He began to scratch his head; a complex look appeared on his face. What Tetsuya had said was the truth. Chiaki had indeed been out with Takaya yesterday evening. He had sensed that Takaya was slightly depressed, and found out that Kotarou had stopped by earlier in the day. Chiaki had advised Kotarou against coming to Kumamoto since it would be dangerous for him as he was not a kanshousha, and yet... Coming in spite of the danger, was there a reason that necessitated this action? ...Takaya had not revealed anything, thus Chiaki had no way of finding out. But there must have been some quarrel between them because Takaya's mood had sunk to the bottom. Chiaki felt as though he too would degenerate if they were to remain locked in the same room together, hence persuaded Takaya to go out.
But then we got spotted somewhere.
Kyouko's eyes widened enormously in amazement.
"Yes? Sensei."
Tetsuya bluntly pressed for an answer. Chiaki replied evasively as a result of this prodding.
"That's... umm... Just a small friendship."
"That Ougi guy has been secretly exploring every part of the school, what's he up to? Did you tell him to do that, sensei? For the sake of his grades or whatever?"
"..."
Chiaki sighed, thinking, "Man, he's sharp". Apparently, Tetsuya had been observing Takaya's every move since he found the latter to be unpleasant.
"Sensei, is that true? Are you acquainted with that transfer student called Ougi?"
Kyouko was now involved as well.
"How are you related to each other? How is it that you know each other! I mind that, don't you know! Why! Why!"
"What do you mean 'why', you little..."
Right at that moment, the door suddenly flung open, a male student dashed in. He was in a state of panic, panting with an intense expression on his face. He cried out, "Yamada-sensei!" He was a student from Yamada's class.
"What's the matter? Kimura."
"Sensei. It's bad! Please come quickly! Satou and Kogure... Miyamoto too!"
"What's going on? What happened? Calm down."
"T..They collapsed! Suddenly! And not just our class but the others too! All of them just suddenly collapsed!"
Everyone in the lounge was shocked. Yamada stood up, kicking back his chair. Chiaki's eyes widened.
"What!"
***
It happened right before Takaya and the others.
During the midday break, there was an unprecedented occurrence. Without any warning, several students were suddenly in pain, then collapsed to the floor one after another.
What...!
There were screams. Desks and chairs toppled over as the classroom plunged into turmoil. Friends rushed to their collapsed companions. Takaya immediately stood up as well.
"Hey...! What happened!"
"Ahhhhh, warggghhh!"
"Hey!"
The male student shouted out as though possessed, squirming and tossing about. Takaya wanted to support the male student struggling in pain.
"!"
He was startled. On his neck, right on the position of his neck artery was a blob of pale light. Furthermore, it wriggled incessantly like a living organism.
What is this...!
It looked as if there was an earthworm or a lizard beneath his skin. The male student grasped his own throat as he rolled about in pain, before he finally foamed at the mouth and fainted. Takaya looked around the classroom anxiously. There were five or six other students who had experienced the same effects.
"Hey... hey! Pull yourself together!"
Nezu Kouichi shouted. Then Takaya realized it. The fallen students. All of them were...
Nezu's subordinates...!
[Die...]
Takaya was startled and looked around. He had heard a voice. It was a chilling female voice that made the hair stand on one's back. It was not a delusion. He had indeed heard it.
[Death to those who oppose me...]
"!"
Takaya had heard this voice before. Nezu's reaction was similar to Takaya's. The woman's voice came from the speaker. The music usually played at noon, the Gregorian hymn, was still being broadcast. However it seemed like the rest of the students could not hear it. The message delivered by that female voice seemed to be camouflaged by the male voices of the chorus.
[Death to those who hinder the construction of my kingdom...]
"Damn you, Ootomo!" Nezu yelled, rushing out.
"Nezu!" Takaya immediately gave chase, running after him out of the classroom.
Pursuing Nezu, Takaya came to the broadcasting room. Nezu burst into the room almost as if he wanted to break down the door, frightening the members of the broadcasting club.
"Wh... What are you doing!"
Nezu shoved them aside and darted inside, firmly stopped the audio tape of the Gregorian hymn that was being played and took it out of the cassette holder. The name of the song was written on the tape.
"Where did this tape come from! It should be different from usual! Who told you to play this!"
"Ah...Th...This..."
The students of the broadcasting club were trembling in fear as they replied.
"The cassettes that have to be played everyday are all designated by the executive committee..."
"That's correct. I was the one who told them to play it."
"!"
Both Takaya and Nezu turned around in shock at the voice that came from the doorway. Standing there was the vice-president Ozaki.
"You...!"
"So both of you are really confederates. Nezu Kouichi, Ougi Takaya. Seems like it wasn't effective on you guys. How does it feel to see your subordinates killed?"
Killed...?
He was referring to the extermination of Nezu's subordinates, the 'Yachou' who had possessed the bodies of those students. Takaya looked at Nezu. His hand was gripping the cassette so tightly that it was trembling and his knuckles had turned white.
"Your farce shall end here, Yokoteno Gorou." Nezu addressed Ozaki in this manner. "I've long unraveled your true objectives! You scoundrel, I never thought you'd rely on help from Ootomo! Are you so eager for me to slaughter you!"
Yokoteno Gorou?
The name was familiar to him. It seemed like they were mutually aware of each other's motives. Takaya saw an arrogant smile emerge on Ozaki's face.
"Hmph. Did you believe that building a memorial hall would be enough to appease me? You used me as a human pillar to build the castle, it is ridiculous of you to think that this will remain unchanged for long."
"Human pillar...!"
"Shall I lay out the facts for you? My lord. That large fire, which destroyed Kumamoto castle in the first year of the Meiji era, was not started by a spy from the Satsuma army, rather it was my grudge. Unfortunately, the well that you specifically used, which was even capable of sealing away a grudge, was excavated by the loyalist army. The one who burned down Kumamoto castle was I, Yokoteno Gorou!"
I remember now...!
Yokoteno Gorou. He was a famous figure in the legends of Kumamoto. In order to exact revenge for his father's death as a result of a duel with Katou Kiyomasa in the Tenkura insurrection during the Tenshou era, Yokoteno Gorou requested Bishamonten to grant him the strength of 75 men. Subsequently, he infiltrated the castle as a housekeeper to kill Kiyomasa, however he was ultimately discovered by Kiyomasa and buried alive inside the well.
Is he that Yokoteno Gorou!
"If you want to kill me, how about fighting me one-on-one like your father did? Gorou!" Nezu bellowed loudly despite the stares of the other students. "To think that you would become a subordinate of Ootomo Sourin, that foolish daimyo who sheltered the Catholics...! Or is it that you have no guts to challenge me without any support! Are you that afraid of me? Spineless idiot!"
"You... what did you say!"
Noticing the swift increase of Ozaki's fury, Nezu's expression changed. A powerful spiritual air swelled within Nezu's body, spherical flames of scarlet arose in his hand, Takaya was surprised.
"!...Stop, Nezu!"
"I can no longer tolerate this! Don't assume that you can go on flaunting your power in someone else's city! I will drive all of you out!"
The mass of fire in Nezu's hand expanded outwards, transforming into a long spear. The rest of the students at the scene cried out. A large, robust spear had appeared in Nezu's hand. A smaller, sickle-shaped blade was attached to the large broad edge, this spear was known as the Katakama yari. On the handle of the spear were seven characters meaning 'Hail the Lotus Sutra', which shone with a golden radiance.
"Yokoteno Gorou, prepare yourself! If you can't be at peace because I didn't personally behead you, I shall sever your neck this instant!"
"Stop, Kiyomasa!"
Takaya's yell was muffled by the shattering sound of the glass. Gorou had released a Nen Nami to demolish the glass panel that divided the room.
"Wahhh!" The members of the broadcasting society cried out in misery.
"Damn it...!" Nezu brandished his large spear and charged at Gorou. Gorou was assembling his incantation once again...! In the instant that both sides clashed...!
"!"
Intense sparks broke out, the two of them were simultaneously flung backwards. Takaya had established a wall between them. He grabbed hold of Nezu who had been cast back and shouted.
"You idiot! Are you trying to get the students caught in the crossfire...!"
"...!"
The countless patter of running footsteps heading over in a frenzy could be heard. Due to the sudden interruption of the broadcast and the present chaos, the members of the inspection team had arrived to investigate the situation. The inspection team were like the police, blowing whistles as they ran over. Seeing Ozaki crumpled on the floor, they grew serious.
"This...!"
"Damn it...! Ougi Takaya, Nezu Kouichi!"
Shit...!
Nezu ran out with a "tsk."
"Nezu!"
"Don't let him get away! Capture him!"
Crackle!
Intense sparks flew all over. The students crowded at the front covered their faces and crouched down. Nezu and Takaya took advantage of their cowering to make a dash for the stairs.
"Damn it... Kiyomasa! I won't let you escape!" Yokoteno Gorou, crawling up, roared angrily. "Don't let them get away! Don't let those two escape the school compounds! Capture them at once!"
"Out of the way!"
Nezu repelled the students with his huge spear as he hurried to the entrance. The cries of the students resounded. The surroundings immediately fell into disorder. As though wanting to hack through the chaotic shouting all over the place, the whistle of the inspection team sounded hysterically.
"Students! Arrest them!"
"What...!"
With just one order from the inspection team, the students acclimatized themselves immediately, taking Takaya by surprise.
"!"
The students attacked them together. They disregarded Nezu's large spear and obstructed their path, a few lunged at them from behind. There was no way out. Nezu's eyes were bloodshot.
"Damn it, do all you want to be impaled on this spear!"
"No, Nezu! You mustn't injure them!"
Takaya restrained Nezu, using a Nen Nami he threw a series of blasts at the students' feet. The two of them pushed forward at the retreating students, running out from the porch.
"Don't let them escape! Capture Ougi and Nezu!"
Takaya and Nezu ran to the school's courtyard; the inspection team members continued to chase after them. Just when they were about to run out of the inner gate, Takaya turned around.
"...!"
The inspection team members shrunk back. Takaya gathered his full power in his palm and attacked the soldiers pursuing them. The students protected their bodies. At the same time, ear-piercing electric sparks and blue plasma exploded before them. His Nen Nami was dispersed.
"What..!" Takaya looked at them in shock.
They can use a Goshinha?
The students had powers despite not being possessed by any onshou.
How can that be...!
"Ougi...!"
Nezu's call brought Takaya's senses back to the situation at hand. The students had amassed their spells for another attack. Within an instant, their assault launched a shower of rock-like incantations at Takaya's body. Takaya immediately set up a Goshinha.
"Damn it...!"
If they could use spells, then there was no need to hold back. Takaya's entire body filled with power. At the same time, Nezu swung his Katakama spear. The seven characters which meant 'Hail the Lotus Sutra', carved into the hilt of the spear, emitted a golden radiance.
Incantation and spear attacked the students together.
A violent noise resulted from the impact on the Goshinha. Explosive winds swirled furiously, the asphalt road was cracked, pulverized into fragments of various sizes that dispersed everywhere. Earth and debris were hurled into the sky, clouding the view as far as the eye could see, eventually raining down on the bodies of the defeated students.
"Damn it... Nezu! Ougi!"
Once the dust had settled on the other side, Takaya and Nezu were nowhere to be found.
***
"What were you doing! Didn't I warn you against creating such a commotion!"
Upon hearing Yokoteno Gorou's report when he returned to the committee room, Mikuriya Juri fiercely denounced him.
"I am truly sorry, my lady!"
"Address me as President when in school. I can't believe you've instigated this sort of trouble for me. I have told you many times before, don't act without authorization and never on the basis of your personal grudges...!"
Yokoteno Gorou gave a flat apology. Mikuriya Juri bit her red lips. Furrows appeared on that pale, mask-like face, deeply etched between her eyebrows.
"Nothing can be done now that this has happened. I will say this again, Gorou. You are forbidden from stirring up any tumult in front of the students on your own volition. The egg is still in the breeding stage. If it's destroyed as a result of recklessness, then the gains will not make up for the losses."
Gorou lowered his head in a bow, to the point of almost touching his knees.
"Gorou is truly, extremely sorry. From now on, I shall exercise more prudence in my actions!"
"However... As expected, the hypnosis was not effective on Nezu and Ougi." Mikuriya sat on the leather president's chair, and sighed. "It can't be helped. There's no egg implanted in Ougi's body, and Kiyomasa is yet another kanshousha. Hence it would be fairly easy for him to eliminate the parasite lodged in the body. ...Let it be. After all, Kiyomasa's subordinates in this school have all been cleared in one sweep."
Mikuriya slowly crossed her legs, turning to the suited man seated on the sofa and spoke.
"As you can see, our school's holy soldiers are smoothly undergoing training. Doutsetsu-dono."
The man attired in a dark-colored suit was not among the group of people who appeared yesterday. However the man of medium-built seated across him had indeed been with Kaizaki; he was the member of the prefectural legislative assembly known as Umehara. To be more precise, he was Takahashi Jouun, the former lord of Iwaya castle and an accomplice of Ootomo.
The man in the dark suit seemed to be close to 40 years of age. Considering how old he appeared to be, his bearing and movements were overly calm. His vision was sharp, full of the aggressiveness and spirit of a seasoned warrior from the Warring States era. It was obvious at one glance that he was one of the best. The man's name was Tachibana Dousetsu.
"With the smooth implementation of your undertakings, Dousetsu feels at ease. I will convey Lady Julia's efforts to oyakata-sama at Kyuukan."
Mikuriya nodded with a smile.
Tachibana Dousetsu. As one of Ootomo Sourin's 'Three Elders of Hoshu', he was known as Sourin's collaborative tactician. During his lifetime, Dousetsu would always be brought to the frontline of battle by his retainers despite suffering a certain degree of paralysis in the lower part of his body as a result of having been struck by lightning when he was young, to powerfully and courageously boosting the morale of his soldiers. He experienced 37 battles in his life and not once did he withdraw from the fight. Word of his excellent character and the brilliance of his military strategies had crossed seas, spreading to the capital and Toukai, so much that even the famous Takeda Shingen sent him a letter 'requesting parley'. In Sourin's later years, Dousetsu became active as the mainstay for the declining Ootomo, relying on his position to give him power as he rallied with the retainers who wanted to forsake the Ootomo. He was hailed as the God of Thunder manifested as a brave and fierce general. In the Yami Sengoku, Tachibana Dousetsu had now been resurrected and was presently in Kumamoto.
"Please convey this to oyakata-sama. Dousetsu-dono." Mikuriya said calmly. "His eminence has been resurrected for this. His eminence shall fight. Oyakata-sama will fight in order to establish the Catholic kingdom that he had hoped for. The students of this school shall mature into the soldiers required for the construction of this paradise. Very soon they will all be warriors equipped for battle."
"Lady Julia."
"The ideal paradise shall be realized on Kyushu island."
Mikuriya took out the rosary before her chest and held it with both hands. It was a necklace with a crucifix made of silver that Sourin had given her.
"We are Catholics. We have endured that nightmarish age, so many of the Catholic souls who suffered persecution and execution still remain on this land, this Kyushu island. This earth is stained with their blood. Can you hear it? The lament, sorrow and tears of those who were buried alive as a sacrifice for having a proper faith."
"...My lady."
"How did that dreadful age come to pass? It was all because of the evil incurred from politics of the subsequent feudal lords." Mikuriya's eyes grew sharp. "History chose the wrong feudal lord. It should have been oyakata-sama. Oyakata-sama is going to construct a paradise for us, to rescue the Catholic souls. A peaceful country whereby everyone can remain beside the Lord of Heaven. This was oyakata-sama's dream when he was alive. At present, his eminence still dreams of the same utopia."
Mikuriya said with the naive expression of a small, young maiden, gripping the rosary tightly.
"However this paradise can't be achieved by dreams alone. His eminence must invest a good deal of effort to realize it. For this reason, he is prepared to be a martyr. I want to send forth my own army by using this school's students. As the wife of the 'Overlord of the West' Ootomo Sourin, I too am a warrior for the creation of this paradise. I hope everyone remembers that deep in their hearts."
Dousetsu and Jouun listened in silence. Only Mikuriya was speaking elatedly.
"You also believe in oyakata-sama's dream of the ideal nation. Let us fight together."
"... That is so."
Dousetsu replied, lowering his eyes slightly. Wanting to say something, Jouun was just about to open his mouth when Dousetsu stopped him and said with a smile.
"Lady Julia. I, Dousetsu, shall always follow oyakata-sama."
Takahashi Jouun widened his eyes, looking at the side of Dousetsu's face. Dousetsu nodded at Jouun earnestly. Mikuriya, extremely moved, looked at Jouun with trust.
"Jouun. How is the 'skull of the orochi'? It should soon be excavated, no?"
"Yes. It is indeed below the gymnasium. From Aso-dono's records, there should be no mistake that Sasa Narimasa buried it there."
"This school will be protected by Ootomo's young soldiers. Please continue with your task."
"Katou Kiyomasa..." Jouun asked. "What should we do about him? Kiyomasa is a general of the Oda. I don't believe he will just lay idle and do nothing."
"I shall crush Kiyomasa." Yokoteno Gorou replied with brimming confidence. "I won't let him obstruct us. Pleave leave this to Gorou."
"That's right. Dousetsu-dono, Jouun-dono, leave Kiyomasa to us." Mikuriya stated confidently. "Kiyomasa was one of those vile men who persecuted us Catholics. I definitely won't let that sort of person hinder the construction of our paradise. And those two kanshousha,"
"..."
"I will immediately expel them."
She was referring to Chiaki and Takaya. They were still unaware of the fact that they were from the Uesugi, and regarded them as Kiyomasa's accomplices. Tachibana Dousetsu lowered his eyes and smiled, nodding once again.
"Lady Julia, you are truly reliable. As expected of the lady chosen by Sourin-sama. With how things are going, the 'skull of the orochi' shall soon be in our hands."
"Dousetsu-dono as well. The construct of the 'Destroyed Kingdom' is a necessary item for our battle. I shall rely on you for that."
"As long as the construct of the 'Destroyed Kingdom' is completed, Shimazu and Ryuuzouji will no longer be threats. Please leave that to me." Dousetsu's voice had a profound calm, not to mention utterly resounding. "For the reign of the Ootomo."
"For the Catholic disciples' kingdom." Mikuriya said, she stood up in a steady manner. "Dousetsu-dono, I presume you will be meeting with that person from the Satomi shortly. The one called Kaizaki who fled to the Ootomo."
"Yes. We have accepted the reasons for his predicament."
"It should be fine right?" From the tone of her voice, it seemed like she did not fully approve of it. "I hear that he is a staunch Buddhist, completely incompatible with us Catholics."
"It is necessary for our battle strategies. By maintaining a flexible stance, we can exploit the exploitable, and triumph in the end. The Ootomo is currently surrounded by powerful enemies such as the Shimazu and Ryuuzouji. In order to surpass them, we have to take advantage of every means available to us."
"But..."
"Please have faith in Dousetsu." Dousetsu urged in a firm tone. "I have already obtained permission from oyakata-sama. Dousetsu will do everything in my power to see that the Ootomo does not fall into any unfavorable situation."
"...I understand. I will believe in you, Dousetsu-dono."
Finishing in this way, the bell rang, indicating that there was only five minutes left before the start of the fifth lesson. Mikuriya slipped the rosary back into her clothes.
"I shall count on you." Mikuriya's company and Yokoteno Gorou walked out of the committee room together.
"..."
Tachibana Dousetsu and Takahashi Jouun remained in silence for a long while as they watched the two figures disappear to the other side of the door.
***
Classes had started and the students were in their classrooms; the corridors had become endlessly idle. Dousetsu and Jouun were about to enter the car waiting at the entrance.
"? ...Dousetsu-sama?"
Just before boarding the vehicle, Dousetsu stopped in his tracks and looked up at the school building. The glass windows reflected the sunlight, making them extremely dazzling. Dousetsu squinted.
"Warriors for the construction of the paradise huh..."
After muttering in this way, Dousetsu grew silent. Jouun peered at his face from the side, asking in a low voice.
"Dousetsu-sama, is this really the best thing to do? The lady is really intent on building the Catholic disciples' kingdom. Is oyakata-sama serious? Is it really acceptable for us to continue serving him regardless of the consequences?"
"..."
"Doesn't Dousetsu-sama mind at all! That we were only resurrected from the earth for the sake of the Ootomo..., the Ootomo...!"
"I know. But don't say anymore, Jouun." Dousetsu's dry lips sputtered the words out. "Right now we have to rally our forces to protect Bungo. This will be different from the previous time, Taigou-dono will not be helping us. I understand your feelings, but you should direct those emotions towards the Shimazu aggressors."
"Dousetsu-sama...!"
"I understand your frame of mind very well. But we are the retainers of the Ootomo clan. When Ootomo was alive, I was alive; when he died, I died... Only after death did I acquire these two feet to tread on this earth." Dousetsu smiled, turning towards Jouun. "This time I can to run on the great plains of Kyushu island by relying on my own strength."
"Dousetsu-sama..."
"Wherever oyakata's faith lies is none of my concern. Right? The retainer's only duty is to remain loyal to his master no matter what happens... That is the proper way of a retainer. Isn't that so? Jouun."
"..."
Jouun nodded quietly. Dousetsu continued as he got into the car.
"Whatever the situation, the fact that oyakata-sama is the overlord of the west will never change. Let's go, Jouun... Kaizaki-dono is waiting for us."
"We are finally closing in on an alliance." Jouun's cheeks were slightly stiff. Dousetsu nodded deeply. "Yes, we will form an alliance with him."
"With Kaizaki-dono as the intermediary, we will be able to meet the representative of the other faction."
"He can be trusted right. Does Dousetsu-dono trust that Satomi escapee?"
"For safety's sake, I have looked into his background. In short, we can only be sure once we've personally seen him and listened to what he has to say." Dousetsu said. "If that incident proves to be true, perhaps it will cause a huge shock to the Yami Sengoku. But let us first use our own eyes to ascertain it, Jouun. There is nothing to be afraid of. An alliance between the best of the east and west. This is a historic alliance that will surely shake the Yami Sengoku. Let's go, Jouun."
"Understood!"
Boarding the car, Dousetsu told the chauffeur the name of the hotel, the place of their destination. The vehicle waited for Jouun to enter before zooming out the school gates.
Original fiction © Kuwabara Mizuna.
Draft: Version 1 - final
Notes:
PS: do not distribute this without my permission
"Sensei----! Chiaki-sensei!"
Hearing the girl's voice pierce through the staff lounge, the teachers reacted with weary expressions of 'Here we go again'. Chiaki, who was just about to open his delivered bento turned his armchair in that direction, looking extremely exasperated.
"Not-- you again."
Koganezawa Kyouko smiled, paying no attention to it. For the past few days, she had taken advantage of her role as the manager of the rugby society, alternatively contriving pointless excuses just to be with Chiaki. Chiaki was nearing the limits of his patience.
"You, stop running here every rest period."
"I just wanted you to teach me some math."
"It's lunchtime now. I won't be answering any questions. Now, go back, shoo."
"I thought so."
Kyouko placed the bento she had been hiding behind her on the table, Chiaki retreated backwards in shock. It seemed like she intended to have lunch with Chiaki.
"Eh? Are you having takeout bento, Chiaki-sensei? It's sad being single. Do you have a girlfriend?"
"What does that have anything to do with you? If you keep running here all the time, you won't have any friends you know."
"Right, sensei! I'll prepare homemade bento for you okay! I'll be sure to put in a lot of effort into making it everyday. Don't you underestimate me now, I'm quite the expert in cooking. I'll make some for you okay? Okay? Okay?"
"Ah--- Shut it---! You're such an annoying brat."
"I'll make a homemade bento that's as good as the takeout ones. Then seal it with an 'I LOVE SHUUHEI' label, like a bento from a wife. Hahaha."
Yamaguchi, seated at the adjacent desk, looked at Chiaki sympathetically. Having been bothered by Kyouko the entire day, Chiaki was now at a loss at how to handle her. If he had foreseen this in the beginning, he would much rather be a student, Chiaki thought as he picked at the cooked beans with his chopsticks. Kyouko pulled a chair up from behind, occupied the space beside Chiaki, and opened her bento.
"Let's eat, sensei!"
"Yeah~~~ sheesh!"
At this moment, the door opened and a male student walked into the lounge. All of the teachers appeared to grow a little nervous, Chiaki turned around in surprise. The one who had entered was from Takaya's class - Miike Tetsuya. Kyouko was startled as well.
"Huh...? Miike. What are you doing here? Strange..."
Miike gnawed his tongue with a 'ch'.
"So it's the new teacher this time? This woman seriously never learns."
"What did you say-!"
"Ah. Miike, you're finally here."
Chiaki said. Miike nodded unhappily.
"Is there something wrong?"
"Something wrong? Didn't you ask to see me?"
"Yeah. Miike, I've some teaching materials for you since you missed the previous class."
Chiaki took out a worksheet from his ring folder and gave it to Tetsuya. Tetsuya looked at the worksheet indifferently, opening his eyes a little as though it was a chore to do so.
"Aside from your other subjects, you're doing quite well in maths. Keep it up. If you attend every lesson, your performance will be impeccable."
"..."
"There's a transfer student in your class by the name of Ougi right."
Tetsuya, who had a completely apathetic face thus far, immediately reacted to his mention of Takaya.
"That guy has the worst grades in math. If possible, could you coach him a little?"
"...Why should I be so friendly to that guy?"
Oh!
Chiaki looked surprised; a retort from the oddest of places. Tetsuya's eyes were raised, glinting. Chiaki flattened his lips into a smile with an 'Oh dear, oh dear'.
As expected of Kagetora, antagonizing people immediately.
"Mmm. This is a good way of bolstering familiarity between classmates. After all, it seems like he was once a difficult juvenile as well. What was that called again, something about people with similar personalities getting along with each other?"
"..."
Tetsuya was intensely vigilant to Chiaki's every word. Chiaki almost felt like he was speaking to the former Takaya.
Perhaps Tetsuya's repugnance was an example of how like poles repelled each other. Even so, Takaya thought nothing of him...
It was as if Tetsuya was giving a soliloquy.
Chiaki closed the student register for class 2B, restored a somewhat serious expression on his face and looked at Tetsuya.
I see...
As Takaya mentioned, there was indeed no mixed spirits attached to Tetsuya's body. Even Kyouko had two or three, while Tetsuya had none. He could not detect the magnetic energy which attracted spirits in his body either. He did not have any. Apart from Nezu and his company, Tetsuya was another individual who had not been hypnotized by Mikuriya. This was definitely the reason for the discrepancy in the attachment of spirits.
But, why him alone...?
What was the reason? Takaya wanted Chiaki to investigate him. If he could find the reason, they would then be able to utilize this knowledge to free the students from Mikuriya's brainwashing. It seemed like Takaya intended to hinder Mikuriya's brainwashing activities in the school, and subsequently gather all of the mixed spirits to exorcise them at one go.
This venture feels very unrewarding.
However there would be no meaning if they did not eliminate the source that was attracting the spirits. Takaya had stated that he wanted a thorough investigation into the 'Head of the Orochi' and Chiaki was willing to render assistance. Chiaki had specially summoned him for the sole purpose of questioning him.
"I've heard quite a lot about you from the other teachers. It seems like you're quite a difficult student. How's it going? This constant defiance doesn't really make you feel that much better right."
Tetsuya widened his eyes in anger. Chiaki smoothly proceeded to the next query.
"I heard that you have a twin sister."
"...!"
"Is it true that she went missing a year ago and stirred up quite an uproar? What happened?"
"...Did you hear that from Ougi?"
Tetsuya's expression was full of guardedness. This appeared to be the subject he was most unwilling to discuss. It was too late by the time Chiaki realized it. It seemed like Tetsuya had set down a limit against Chiaki's unreserved questioning.
"Sensei," Tetsuya began in a hoarse, downcast voice; he stared at Chiaki with a fierce expression. "Are you related to Ougi?"
"?"
"I saw you yesterday. Both of you had dinner together at Shinshigai yesterday right? Sensei, how is Ougi related to you? You guys know each other right?"
Chiaki was really startled.
Oh crap, we were seen...
He began to scratch his head; a complex look appeared on his face. What Tetsuya had said was the truth. Chiaki had indeed been out with Takaya yesterday evening. He had sensed that Takaya was slightly depressed, and found out that Kotarou had stopped by earlier in the day. Chiaki had advised Kotarou against coming to Kumamoto since it would be dangerous for him as he was not a kanshousha, and yet... Coming in spite of the danger, was there a reason that necessitated this action? ...Takaya had not revealed anything, thus Chiaki had no way of finding out. But there must have been some quarrel between them because Takaya's mood had sunk to the bottom. Chiaki felt as though he too would degenerate if they were to remain locked in the same room together, hence persuaded Takaya to go out.
But then we got spotted somewhere.
Kyouko's eyes widened enormously in amazement.
"Yes? Sensei."
Tetsuya bluntly pressed for an answer. Chiaki replied evasively as a result of this prodding.
"That's... umm... Just a small friendship."
"That Ougi guy has been secretly exploring every part of the school, what's he up to? Did you tell him to do that, sensei? For the sake of his grades or whatever?"
"..."
Chiaki sighed, thinking, "Man, he's sharp". Apparently, Tetsuya had been observing Takaya's every move since he found the latter to be unpleasant.
"Sensei, is that true? Are you acquainted with that transfer student called Ougi?"
Kyouko was now involved as well.
"How are you related to each other? How is it that you know each other! I mind that, don't you know! Why! Why!"
"What do you mean 'why', you little..."
Right at that moment, the door suddenly flung open, a male student dashed in. He was in a state of panic, panting with an intense expression on his face. He cried out, "Yamada-sensei!" He was a student from Yamada's class.
"What's the matter? Kimura."
"Sensei. It's bad! Please come quickly! Satou and Kogure... Miyamoto too!"
"What's going on? What happened? Calm down."
"T..They collapsed! Suddenly! And not just our class but the others too! All of them just suddenly collapsed!"
Everyone in the lounge was shocked. Yamada stood up, kicking back his chair. Chiaki's eyes widened.
"What!"
***
It happened right before Takaya and the others.
During the midday break, there was an unprecedented occurrence. Without any warning, several students were suddenly in pain, then collapsed to the floor one after another.
What...!
There were screams. Desks and chairs toppled over as the classroom plunged into turmoil. Friends rushed to their collapsed companions. Takaya immediately stood up as well.
"Hey...! What happened!"
"Ahhhhh, warggghhh!"
"Hey!"
The male student shouted out as though possessed, squirming and tossing about. Takaya wanted to support the male student struggling in pain.
"!"
He was startled. On his neck, right on the position of his neck artery was a blob of pale light. Furthermore, it wriggled incessantly like a living organism.
What is this...!
It looked as if there was an earthworm or a lizard beneath his skin. The male student grasped his own throat as he rolled about in pain, before he finally foamed at the mouth and fainted. Takaya looked around the classroom anxiously. There were five or six other students who had experienced the same effects.
"Hey... hey! Pull yourself together!"
Nezu Kouichi shouted. Then Takaya realized it. The fallen students. All of them were...
Nezu's subordinates...!
[Die...]
Takaya was startled and looked around. He had heard a voice. It was a chilling female voice that made the hair stand on one's back. It was not a delusion. He had indeed heard it.
[Death to those who oppose me...]
"!"
Takaya had heard this voice before. Nezu's reaction was similar to Takaya's. The woman's voice came from the speaker. The music usually played at noon, the Gregorian hymn, was still being broadcast. However it seemed like the rest of the students could not hear it. The message delivered by that female voice seemed to be camouflaged by the male voices of the chorus.
[Death to those who hinder the construction of my kingdom...]
"Damn you, Ootomo!" Nezu yelled, rushing out.
"Nezu!" Takaya immediately gave chase, running after him out of the classroom.
Pursuing Nezu, Takaya came to the broadcasting room. Nezu burst into the room almost as if he wanted to break down the door, frightening the members of the broadcasting club.
"Wh... What are you doing!"
Nezu shoved them aside and darted inside, firmly stopped the audio tape of the Gregorian hymn that was being played and took it out of the cassette holder. The name of the song was written on the tape.
"Where did this tape come from! It should be different from usual! Who told you to play this!"
"Ah...Th...This..."
The students of the broadcasting club were trembling in fear as they replied.
"The cassettes that have to be played everyday are all designated by the executive committee..."
"That's correct. I was the one who told them to play it."
"!"
Both Takaya and Nezu turned around in shock at the voice that came from the doorway. Standing there was the vice-president Ozaki.
"You...!"
"So both of you are really confederates. Nezu Kouichi, Ougi Takaya. Seems like it wasn't effective on you guys. How does it feel to see your subordinates killed?"
Killed...?
He was referring to the extermination of Nezu's subordinates, the 'Yachou' who had possessed the bodies of those students. Takaya looked at Nezu. His hand was gripping the cassette so tightly that it was trembling and his knuckles had turned white.
"Your farce shall end here, Yokoteno Gorou." Nezu addressed Ozaki in this manner. "I've long unraveled your true objectives! You scoundrel, I never thought you'd rely on help from Ootomo! Are you so eager for me to slaughter you!"
Yokoteno Gorou?
The name was familiar to him. It seemed like they were mutually aware of each other's motives. Takaya saw an arrogant smile emerge on Ozaki's face.
"Hmph. Did you believe that building a memorial hall would be enough to appease me? You used me as a human pillar to build the castle, it is ridiculous of you to think that this will remain unchanged for long."
"Human pillar...!"
"Shall I lay out the facts for you? My lord. That large fire, which destroyed Kumamoto castle in the first year of the Meiji era, was not started by a spy from the Satsuma army, rather it was my grudge. Unfortunately, the well that you specifically used, which was even capable of sealing away a grudge, was excavated by the loyalist army. The one who burned down Kumamoto castle was I, Yokoteno Gorou!"
I remember now...!
Yokoteno Gorou. He was a famous figure in the legends of Kumamoto. In order to exact revenge for his father's death as a result of a duel with Katou Kiyomasa in the Tenkura insurrection during the Tenshou era, Yokoteno Gorou requested Bishamonten to grant him the strength of 75 men. Subsequently, he infiltrated the castle as a housekeeper to kill Kiyomasa, however he was ultimately discovered by Kiyomasa and buried alive inside the well.
Is he that Yokoteno Gorou!
"If you want to kill me, how about fighting me one-on-one like your father did? Gorou!" Nezu bellowed loudly despite the stares of the other students. "To think that you would become a subordinate of Ootomo Sourin, that foolish daimyo who sheltered the Catholics...! Or is it that you have no guts to challenge me without any support! Are you that afraid of me? Spineless idiot!"
"You... what did you say!"
Noticing the swift increase of Ozaki's fury, Nezu's expression changed. A powerful spiritual air swelled within Nezu's body, spherical flames of scarlet arose in his hand, Takaya was surprised.
"!...Stop, Nezu!"
"I can no longer tolerate this! Don't assume that you can go on flaunting your power in someone else's city! I will drive all of you out!"
The mass of fire in Nezu's hand expanded outwards, transforming into a long spear. The rest of the students at the scene cried out. A large, robust spear had appeared in Nezu's hand. A smaller, sickle-shaped blade was attached to the large broad edge, this spear was known as the Katakama yari. On the handle of the spear were seven characters meaning 'Hail the Lotus Sutra', which shone with a golden radiance.
"Yokoteno Gorou, prepare yourself! If you can't be at peace because I didn't personally behead you, I shall sever your neck this instant!"
"Stop, Kiyomasa!"
Takaya's yell was muffled by the shattering sound of the glass. Gorou had released a Nen Nami to demolish the glass panel that divided the room.
"Wahhh!" The members of the broadcasting society cried out in misery.
"Damn it...!" Nezu brandished his large spear and charged at Gorou. Gorou was assembling his incantation once again...! In the instant that both sides clashed...!
"!"
Intense sparks broke out, the two of them were simultaneously flung backwards. Takaya had established a wall between them. He grabbed hold of Nezu who had been cast back and shouted.
"You idiot! Are you trying to get the students caught in the crossfire...!"
"...!"
The countless patter of running footsteps heading over in a frenzy could be heard. Due to the sudden interruption of the broadcast and the present chaos, the members of the inspection team had arrived to investigate the situation. The inspection team were like the police, blowing whistles as they ran over. Seeing Ozaki crumpled on the floor, they grew serious.
"This...!"
"Damn it...! Ougi Takaya, Nezu Kouichi!"
Shit...!
Nezu ran out with a "tsk."
"Nezu!"
"Don't let him get away! Capture him!"
Crackle!
Intense sparks flew all over. The students crowded at the front covered their faces and crouched down. Nezu and Takaya took advantage of their cowering to make a dash for the stairs.
"Damn it... Kiyomasa! I won't let you escape!" Yokoteno Gorou, crawling up, roared angrily. "Don't let them get away! Don't let those two escape the school compounds! Capture them at once!"
"Out of the way!"
Nezu repelled the students with his huge spear as he hurried to the entrance. The cries of the students resounded. The surroundings immediately fell into disorder. As though wanting to hack through the chaotic shouting all over the place, the whistle of the inspection team sounded hysterically.
"Students! Arrest them!"
"What...!"
With just one order from the inspection team, the students acclimatized themselves immediately, taking Takaya by surprise.
"!"
The students attacked them together. They disregarded Nezu's large spear and obstructed their path, a few lunged at them from behind. There was no way out. Nezu's eyes were bloodshot.
"Damn it, do all you want to be impaled on this spear!"
"No, Nezu! You mustn't injure them!"
Takaya restrained Nezu, using a Nen Nami he threw a series of blasts at the students' feet. The two of them pushed forward at the retreating students, running out from the porch.
"Don't let them escape! Capture Ougi and Nezu!"
Takaya and Nezu ran to the school's courtyard; the inspection team members continued to chase after them. Just when they were about to run out of the inner gate, Takaya turned around.
"...!"
The inspection team members shrunk back. Takaya gathered his full power in his palm and attacked the soldiers pursuing them. The students protected their bodies. At the same time, ear-piercing electric sparks and blue plasma exploded before them. His Nen Nami was dispersed.
"What..!" Takaya looked at them in shock.
They can use a Goshinha?
The students had powers despite not being possessed by any onshou.
How can that be...!
"Ougi...!"
Nezu's call brought Takaya's senses back to the situation at hand. The students had amassed their spells for another attack. Within an instant, their assault launched a shower of rock-like incantations at Takaya's body. Takaya immediately set up a Goshinha.
"Damn it...!"
If they could use spells, then there was no need to hold back. Takaya's entire body filled with power. At the same time, Nezu swung his Katakama spear. The seven characters which meant 'Hail the Lotus Sutra', carved into the hilt of the spear, emitted a golden radiance.
Incantation and spear attacked the students together.
A violent noise resulted from the impact on the Goshinha. Explosive winds swirled furiously, the asphalt road was cracked, pulverized into fragments of various sizes that dispersed everywhere. Earth and debris were hurled into the sky, clouding the view as far as the eye could see, eventually raining down on the bodies of the defeated students.
"Damn it... Nezu! Ougi!"
Once the dust had settled on the other side, Takaya and Nezu were nowhere to be found.
***
"What were you doing! Didn't I warn you against creating such a commotion!"
Upon hearing Yokoteno Gorou's report when he returned to the committee room, Mikuriya Juri fiercely denounced him.
"I am truly sorry, my lady!"
"Address me as President when in school. I can't believe you've instigated this sort of trouble for me. I have told you many times before, don't act without authorization and never on the basis of your personal grudges...!"
Yokoteno Gorou gave a flat apology. Mikuriya Juri bit her red lips. Furrows appeared on that pale, mask-like face, deeply etched between her eyebrows.
"Nothing can be done now that this has happened. I will say this again, Gorou. You are forbidden from stirring up any tumult in front of the students on your own volition. The egg is still in the breeding stage. If it's destroyed as a result of recklessness, then the gains will not make up for the losses."
Gorou lowered his head in a bow, to the point of almost touching his knees.
"Gorou is truly, extremely sorry. From now on, I shall exercise more prudence in my actions!"
"However... As expected, the hypnosis was not effective on Nezu and Ougi." Mikuriya sat on the leather president's chair, and sighed. "It can't be helped. There's no egg implanted in Ougi's body, and Kiyomasa is yet another kanshousha. Hence it would be fairly easy for him to eliminate the parasite lodged in the body. ...Let it be. After all, Kiyomasa's subordinates in this school have all been cleared in one sweep."
Mikuriya slowly crossed her legs, turning to the suited man seated on the sofa and spoke.
"As you can see, our school's holy soldiers are smoothly undergoing training. Doutsetsu-dono."
The man attired in a dark-colored suit was not among the group of people who appeared yesterday. However the man of medium-built seated across him had indeed been with Kaizaki; he was the member of the prefectural legislative assembly known as Umehara. To be more precise, he was Takahashi Jouun, the former lord of Iwaya castle and an accomplice of Ootomo.
The man in the dark suit seemed to be close to 40 years of age. Considering how old he appeared to be, his bearing and movements were overly calm. His vision was sharp, full of the aggressiveness and spirit of a seasoned warrior from the Warring States era. It was obvious at one glance that he was one of the best. The man's name was Tachibana Dousetsu.
"With the smooth implementation of your undertakings, Dousetsu feels at ease. I will convey Lady Julia's efforts to oyakata-sama at Kyuukan."
Mikuriya nodded with a smile.
Tachibana Dousetsu. As one of Ootomo Sourin's 'Three Elders of Hoshu', he was known as Sourin's collaborative tactician. During his lifetime, Dousetsu would always be brought to the frontline of battle by his retainers despite suffering a certain degree of paralysis in the lower part of his body as a result of having been struck by lightning when he was young, to powerfully and courageously boosting the morale of his soldiers. He experienced 37 battles in his life and not once did he withdraw from the fight. Word of his excellent character and the brilliance of his military strategies had crossed seas, spreading to the capital and Toukai, so much that even the famous Takeda Shingen sent him a letter 'requesting parley'. In Sourin's later years, Dousetsu became active as the mainstay for the declining Ootomo, relying on his position to give him power as he rallied with the retainers who wanted to forsake the Ootomo. He was hailed as the God of Thunder manifested as a brave and fierce general. In the Yami Sengoku, Tachibana Dousetsu had now been resurrected and was presently in Kumamoto.
"Please convey this to oyakata-sama. Dousetsu-dono." Mikuriya said calmly. "His eminence has been resurrected for this. His eminence shall fight. Oyakata-sama will fight in order to establish the Catholic kingdom that he had hoped for. The students of this school shall mature into the soldiers required for the construction of this paradise. Very soon they will all be warriors equipped for battle."
"Lady Julia."
"The ideal paradise shall be realized on Kyushu island."
Mikuriya took out the rosary before her chest and held it with both hands. It was a necklace with a crucifix made of silver that Sourin had given her.
"We are Catholics. We have endured that nightmarish age, so many of the Catholic souls who suffered persecution and execution still remain on this land, this Kyushu island. This earth is stained with their blood. Can you hear it? The lament, sorrow and tears of those who were buried alive as a sacrifice for having a proper faith."
"...My lady."
"How did that dreadful age come to pass? It was all because of the evil incurred from politics of the subsequent feudal lords." Mikuriya's eyes grew sharp. "History chose the wrong feudal lord. It should have been oyakata-sama. Oyakata-sama is going to construct a paradise for us, to rescue the Catholic souls. A peaceful country whereby everyone can remain beside the Lord of Heaven. This was oyakata-sama's dream when he was alive. At present, his eminence still dreams of the same utopia."
Mikuriya said with the naive expression of a small, young maiden, gripping the rosary tightly.
"However this paradise can't be achieved by dreams alone. His eminence must invest a good deal of effort to realize it. For this reason, he is prepared to be a martyr. I want to send forth my own army by using this school's students. As the wife of the 'Overlord of the West' Ootomo Sourin, I too am a warrior for the creation of this paradise. I hope everyone remembers that deep in their hearts."
Dousetsu and Jouun listened in silence. Only Mikuriya was speaking elatedly.
"You also believe in oyakata-sama's dream of the ideal nation. Let us fight together."
"... That is so."
Dousetsu replied, lowering his eyes slightly. Wanting to say something, Jouun was just about to open his mouth when Dousetsu stopped him and said with a smile.
"Lady Julia. I, Dousetsu, shall always follow oyakata-sama."
Takahashi Jouun widened his eyes, looking at the side of Dousetsu's face. Dousetsu nodded at Jouun earnestly. Mikuriya, extremely moved, looked at Jouun with trust.
"Jouun. How is the 'skull of the orochi'? It should soon be excavated, no?"
"Yes. It is indeed below the gymnasium. From Aso-dono's records, there should be no mistake that Sasa Narimasa buried it there."
"This school will be protected by Ootomo's young soldiers. Please continue with your task."
"Katou Kiyomasa..." Jouun asked. "What should we do about him? Kiyomasa is a general of the Oda. I don't believe he will just lay idle and do nothing."
"I shall crush Kiyomasa." Yokoteno Gorou replied with brimming confidence. "I won't let him obstruct us. Pleave leave this to Gorou."
"That's right. Dousetsu-dono, Jouun-dono, leave Kiyomasa to us." Mikuriya stated confidently. "Kiyomasa was one of those vile men who persecuted us Catholics. I definitely won't let that sort of person hinder the construction of our paradise. And those two kanshousha,"
"..."
"I will immediately expel them."
She was referring to Chiaki and Takaya. They were still unaware of the fact that they were from the Uesugi, and regarded them as Kiyomasa's accomplices. Tachibana Dousetsu lowered his eyes and smiled, nodding once again.
"Lady Julia, you are truly reliable. As expected of the lady chosen by Sourin-sama. With how things are going, the 'skull of the orochi' shall soon be in our hands."
"Dousetsu-dono as well. The construct of the 'Destroyed Kingdom' is a necessary item for our battle. I shall rely on you for that."
"As long as the construct of the 'Destroyed Kingdom' is completed, Shimazu and Ryuuzouji will no longer be threats. Please leave that to me." Dousetsu's voice had a profound calm, not to mention utterly resounding. "For the reign of the Ootomo."
"For the Catholic disciples' kingdom." Mikuriya said, she stood up in a steady manner. "Dousetsu-dono, I presume you will be meeting with that person from the Satomi shortly. The one called Kaizaki who fled to the Ootomo."
"Yes. We have accepted the reasons for his predicament."
"It should be fine right?" From the tone of her voice, it seemed like she did not fully approve of it. "I hear that he is a staunch Buddhist, completely incompatible with us Catholics."
"It is necessary for our battle strategies. By maintaining a flexible stance, we can exploit the exploitable, and triumph in the end. The Ootomo is currently surrounded by powerful enemies such as the Shimazu and Ryuuzouji. In order to surpass them, we have to take advantage of every means available to us."
"But..."
"Please have faith in Dousetsu." Dousetsu urged in a firm tone. "I have already obtained permission from oyakata-sama. Dousetsu will do everything in my power to see that the Ootomo does not fall into any unfavorable situation."
"...I understand. I will believe in you, Dousetsu-dono."
Finishing in this way, the bell rang, indicating that there was only five minutes left before the start of the fifth lesson. Mikuriya slipped the rosary back into her clothes.
"I shall count on you." Mikuriya's company and Yokoteno Gorou walked out of the committee room together.
"..."
Tachibana Dousetsu and Takahashi Jouun remained in silence for a long while as they watched the two figures disappear to the other side of the door.
***
Classes had started and the students were in their classrooms; the corridors had become endlessly idle. Dousetsu and Jouun were about to enter the car waiting at the entrance.
"? ...Dousetsu-sama?"
Just before boarding the vehicle, Dousetsu stopped in his tracks and looked up at the school building. The glass windows reflected the sunlight, making them extremely dazzling. Dousetsu squinted.
"Warriors for the construction of the paradise huh..."
After muttering in this way, Dousetsu grew silent. Jouun peered at his face from the side, asking in a low voice.
"Dousetsu-sama, is this really the best thing to do? The lady is really intent on building the Catholic disciples' kingdom. Is oyakata-sama serious? Is it really acceptable for us to continue serving him regardless of the consequences?"
"..."
"Doesn't Dousetsu-sama mind at all! That we were only resurrected from the earth for the sake of the Ootomo..., the Ootomo...!"
"I know. But don't say anymore, Jouun." Dousetsu's dry lips sputtered the words out. "Right now we have to rally our forces to protect Bungo. This will be different from the previous time, Taigou-dono will not be helping us. I understand your feelings, but you should direct those emotions towards the Shimazu aggressors."
"Dousetsu-sama...!"
"I understand your frame of mind very well. But we are the retainers of the Ootomo clan. When Ootomo was alive, I was alive; when he died, I died... Only after death did I acquire these two feet to tread on this earth." Dousetsu smiled, turning towards Jouun. "This time I can to run on the great plains of Kyushu island by relying on my own strength."
"Dousetsu-sama..."
"Wherever oyakata's faith lies is none of my concern. Right? The retainer's only duty is to remain loyal to his master no matter what happens... That is the proper way of a retainer. Isn't that so? Jouun."
"..."
Jouun nodded quietly. Dousetsu continued as he got into the car.
"Whatever the situation, the fact that oyakata-sama is the overlord of the west will never change. Let's go, Jouun... Kaizaki-dono is waiting for us."
"We are finally closing in on an alliance." Jouun's cheeks were slightly stiff. Dousetsu nodded deeply. "Yes, we will form an alliance with him."
"With Kaizaki-dono as the intermediary, we will be able to meet the representative of the other faction."
"He can be trusted right. Does Dousetsu-dono trust that Satomi escapee?"
"For safety's sake, I have looked into his background. In short, we can only be sure once we've personally seen him and listened to what he has to say." Dousetsu said. "If that incident proves to be true, perhaps it will cause a huge shock to the Yami Sengoku. But let us first use our own eyes to ascertain it, Jouun. There is nothing to be afraid of. An alliance between the best of the east and west. This is a historic alliance that will surely shake the Yami Sengoku. Let's go, Jouun."
"Understood!"
Boarding the car, Dousetsu told the chauffeur the name of the hotel, the place of their destination. The vehicle waited for Jouun to enter before zooming out the school gates.
Original fiction © Kuwabara Mizuna.
