Volume 3
Chapter 12
Part 3
Intentions
Collide, Schemes Spark and Scatter 3
Translator : PolterGlast
―At the main shrine of Mt. Kugatachi, Central Province.
The swirling waves of
vermilion gold spread out from the main shrine of Mt. Kugatachi all the way
down to the foot of the mountain.
Shuka's divine spirit
is the essence of fire, the purifying flame itself.
The waves of vermilion
gold that are the embodiment of Shuka's divine energy do not allow even the
slightest trace of the miasma to linger.
As the waves swept
past, sparks scattered everywhere on the mountain.
The miasma that had
been condensed was purified without leaving any trace of it. That was the
proof.
The vermilion-gold
radiance originating from Mt. Kugatachi dazzled a corner of the Five Elements
and eventually spread to the entire Central Capital, centering on the sacred
path connecting the Cornerstone Mountains.
"Fufu~. I tried
to make a name for myself,
―but well, I guess this is as far as I can go."
"The fire Qi is
the epitome of cheerfulness. Although Nurarihyon is rather clever and cunning,
he would have used defiled beasts or miasma if he wanted to set up a trap.
So, if all of them
disappear, then the trap in the Central Capital will be no different than dust
in the air."
Tsuguho was lost in
thought as she responded to Shuka, who chuckled in a mutter.
Fortunately, the
current sun has reached midday.
This is the time of
day when fire Qi is at its most powerful.
Even though only the
fire Qi is prominent, it would still be difficult for the other party to even
maintain the miasma just at the present time.
For defiled beasts, it
is like a scorching hell composed of the fire element's divine energy. Even if
one were a great demon, as long as one is a being that lives and breathes in
miasma, one could not escape a drastic decline in one's abilities.
In the current Central
Capital, only the righteous are granted the right to wield their full power.
"Good. At least
this would buy us some time.
Once the rest of the
five elements align by evening, it will be impossible for anyone to trespass,
even if they are a fallen Divine Pillar."
"The Hyakki Yagyo
is not something that can be maintained indefinitely.
If we can pinpoint the
mastermind, Nurarihyon, we can consider that we have eliminated this
disturbance from its very roots."
The Hyakki Yagyo is an
outbreak of a powerful group led by an apparition, so naturally, it requires a
huge amount of miasma to sustain it.
The standard battle
strategy in Hyakki Yagyo is to concentrate on eliminating the apparition which
is the source of the miasma, while simultaneously targeting the remaining
swarms so that they will disappear naturally when the miasma runs out.
Fufu~. Shuka chuckled
with glee and leaned back on her sidearm.
"―Now, I wonder
how far our scheme has progressed?"
"The last time I
met with Saki-san, I saw traces of a connection.
She seemed to accept
it, but not fully understand it yet."
"It's been more
than half a month.
What is making her so hesitant?"
"It connects to a
Divine Pillar in a faraway foreign land after all.
Hearing the words
alone may hinder her understanding, and even if she was hesitant, I judged that
we should keep observing the current situation."
Communicating with a
Divine Pillar. That was the true purpose of entrusting Parrijata to Saki.
To awaken the Pillar
of Salvation (Sita), who is wandering far away in Baratush.
If this plan, which
they had not even told Saki about, succeeded, it would be a trump card in this
battle.
This role could not be
filled by Akira (Kanna-no-Mikura) or Tsuguho (Miko), who have already served
Shuka.
Therefore, the only
remaining candidate would be Saki, who was the most compatible and generally
strong.
"Perhaps, she's
still a bit weak now.
―When Nurarihyon finds out, he will surely move to take
it back."
"Yes, perhaps. As
a woman, Saki-san is often forced to act individually, even if it is
unintentional. .......That's why I prepared an insurance for her."
"Hm?"
Smiling thinly,
Tsuguho looked back at Shuka.
Taken by surprise, the
Divine Pillar blinked her eyes.
Divine Pillars are
honest in their emotions. -Shuka could not read Tsuguho's intention because of
this.
After all, this plan
is established by inciting human emotions in the exact opposite direction.
Hate, rage, and
....... It is precisely because emotions can be suppressed that human behavior
is difficult to read.
―But also easy to manipulate.
"Just like we
chose Saki as the first consort, it is clear that Gioin's first consort is
Dōgyou Sonomi.
―Therefore, during our meeting with Gioin, I
intentionally introduced Saki-san by emphasizing that she was his mentor."
Undoubtedly, Gioin
will probe into this vulnerable spot in order to weaken Kihoin's position.
If so, the other party
must have noticed right away that Saki's surroundings were thin enough to be
poked into.
While Tsuguho's
perimeter was fortified, she deliberately left Saki's perimeter loose.
Naturally, Gioin would
set their sights on Saki, who was the most valuable and least protected.
"If Saki-san
acted independently, Sonomi-san and others would take advantage of the
situation and approach her.
―Though, they will probably quarrel a little bit, but
if things go well, they will join forces against Nurarihyon's intervention."
"If Saki found
out about this, even she would hate you, you know?
―Why did you carry out a plan that would make Akira
angry?"
She incited Gioin to
unknowingly set Sonomi up as Saki's bodyguard.
Although it was only
an insurance, it was also a measure to raise the level of their forces while
maintaining the upper hand in their relationship with Gioin.
However, as Tsuguho
admitted, this strategy is upsetting the feelings of others.
It is a measure
fraught with paper-thin dangers that could disrupt good relationships.
Tsuguho is well aware
of this as well.
―But still.
"......I can't
help it. Isn't she a bit unfair?"
Tsuguho opened her
mouth after a while in response to Shuka's question.
The words came from a
rather childish emotion that was probably tinged with a hint of jealousy.
"Saki-san is with
Akira-san 24/7 as his mentor, and yet I don't get to see him unless I have the
chance.
I want to be mean to
her, even if it's just a little bit."
Jealousy spilled from
her pouting lips.
In the end, everyone
entangled in Tsuguho's scheme might be oblivious to her true feelings.
♢
―At the same time. Central Capital, back alley.
―Yamamoto Gorozaemon.
The moment she heard
the name, all that remained in Saki's mind was a feeling of disbelief.
It was not an
unfamiliar name.
It was a name that
anyone who wielded a sword would find familiar.
It is the name of a
great swordsman who, despite being from a commoner's background, called himself
a warrior and survived many battles.
There are many stories
passed down through the generations, many of which have become popular themes
in theatrical performances.
―But for him to appear in front of Saki's eyes was a
phenomenon that she would never have imagined.
After all, the time of the swordsman's life
and the present day are separated by several hundred years at least.
It would also be
unlikely to meet a person with the same name.
Because a name that is
too well known is often avoided for fear of not living up to that very name.
"What a shameless
person you are for using that name.
―I can't wait to see the look on your face when I beat
you to a pulp."
Sonomi, displeased at
having her fight with Saki interrupted, grimly turned the tip of her sword
toward him.
Her gesture did not
show any sign of hesitation in facing the ancient master swordsman.
Sonomi found it hard
to imagine being defeated by the man standing in front of her.
After all, his
spiritual power was so weak that she could barely sense it.
Aside from his
swordsmanship skills, there was no doubt that the man who called himself
Yamamoto Gorozaemon possessed a low-ranked spirit.
However, the man, who
should have been nothing more than a small, insignificant figure, sheathed his
katana.
There were many
openings. And yet, these very openings made Saki and Sonomi hesitant to attack.
The man's teeth were
all bared, and he boasted loudly to Sonomi while sneering.
"Even if you call
me shameless......
It's a fact that my
name is Gorozaemon."
"―But there's no
way you're the same person."
Saki crept closer with
her naginata at the ready and opened her mouth to conceal it.
"How so?
Certainly, my original body has decayed.
―But my Lord said. If a perfectly replicated soul is
placed in a perfectly replicated body, what difference can there be between it
and a counterfeit?"
"That's!!"
The power of the
sacred artifact possessed by Nurarihyon is said to allow him to impersonate
others to the extent of swapping the boundaries of the Divine Pillars.
―That's the truth. Nurarihyon's power to bring the dead
back to life, even if only an imitation is an extraordinary power.
"Sonomi-san. This
guy is the real deal!!"
"!?"
Sonomi's reaction to
the warning that came from Saki was slightly delayed.
Yamamoto Gorozaemon
closed the gap to Sonomi by slipping in from a low posture.
The swordsman's sword
was drawn, and barely at the same time, Sonomi swung her tachi downward.
*Clang*. Sonomi's
well-trained physique twisted, and this powerful blow sent her flying backward.
"Kuh."
"―I won't let
you!"
The swordsman closed
the gap to Sonomi, who was still in anguish, not giving her any time to regain
her stance.
The back of Sonomi's
body was defenseless, but Saki's Enga bared its fangs at him.
The flaming flying
slash was unleashed so close that it was certain to hit the target,
―However, it was easily extinguished by the turned
white blade accompanied by a fragile shattering sound.
"No way."
"It's
so-so."
It was a mere slash,
without any spirit power.
And yet, it could cut
through the raging fire head-on and leave a dull sheen on the blade as if it
were nothing.
Saki was surprised to
see the outcome, which was beyond her expectations, however, she kept moving
forward without stopping.
In the stories,
Yamamoto Gorozaemon had fought in many battles.
The topic that
particularly attracted people was not the battlefield, but his many stories of
duels with guardians.
Even facing veteran
guardians, he never knew defeat. This is a historical fact.
Since her opponent was
an ancient master swordsman, it was only natural that he would be able to
surpass the inexperienced Saki's Enga.
Saki, too, knew that
she would not be able to reach him, but she unleashed a blow anyway.
―A card to be discarded in order to stop the opponent's
steps, even if only for a moment.
As long as she could
earn enough room, Sonomi would be able to defend herself in time!
The tip of the blade
that shattered Enga turned into a sharp thrust and aimed at Sonomi.
Without hesitation, it
went straight for Sonomi's throat. However, water entangled around the blade.
Gioin-style
Spirit Technique, Chuden, ―Tagaekaigetsu
"Hmm."
The vortex of water
caught the thrust and applied pressure to twist it apart.
A whirlpool of spiritual
power bared its fangs at the man's body, who claimed to be the master
swordsman. Then, Saki's slash closed in from behind.
In the midst of this
deadly combination, Gorozaemon took a deep breath,
―without hesitation, he let go of his sword.
"Wha!?"
Losing resistance, the
sword flew high into the air.
―For a guardian, a weapon is a spirit vessel itself,
the very foundation that supports one's own fighting ability.
Naturally, the idea of
giving up one's weapon is out of the question, and one will subconsciously
cling to one's weapon regardless of what it is.
It is a pitfall that
only a guardian can fall into. It was a natural outcome even for Saki and
Sonomi.
With Sonomi taken
aback, Gorozaemon brandished his knife-hand at Saki.
"―*Swish*"
"Kuh"
The knife-hand,
supported by his strong physique and flexible muscles, was met with Saki's
naginata.
―Clang.
Producing a sound that
sounded nothing like flesh, Saki's body was sent flying backward.
At about the same
time, Sonomi was hit by a palm strike and, unable to breathe, crashed into a
wooden wall.
"Ka-hah~"
"Stand up, girls.
If you rely on the
spirits, it should be easy for you to utilize it to that extent."
As Saki and Sonomi
fell to their knees in anguish, Yamamoto Gorozaemon picked up his katana with
ease.
He leaned his katana
over his shoulder and looked down at them, his intimidation showing the fact
that an ancient master swordsman was standing right in front of them.
"Don't you dare
underestimate me..."
On the other side of
Saki, who was desperately trying to get her staggering legs to move, Sonomi's
curses were echoing through the air.
"Even if you're
the real deal, you're just an old man stuck in an obsession from hundreds of
years ago.
You should quietly
return to the underworld!"
With a fierce
explosion of spirit power, Sonomi readied her sword in chūdan-no-kamae stance.
She stepped forward
from her slightly slumped hips and closed the gap to the swordsman as if she
were gliding.
Gioin-style
Spirit Technique, Chuden, ―Minamodzuki
Just like
Kihoin-style's Hayabusa-gake, this is a spirit technique that drastically
increases the speed of one's legs.
As gushing water was
etched into her running trail, Sonomi jumped into the opponent's bosom in an
instant.
Gioin-style
Spirit Technique, Consecutive Technique―
"―Kurogasane!"
The refined gait
connected with a spirit technique.
The water blades,
backed by the immense spirit power possessed by the Eight Families, caught
Yamamoto Gorozaemon within its attack range without a pause.
"Nnnn!"
Facing the raging
blades that filled his field of vision, the swordsman let out a loud
exhalation.
The blade flashed from
his hand, and with each sharp slashing sound, the blade of water vapor was
crushed.
"!!"
"I have learned
one truth from crossing swords with the guardians."
Saki and Sonomi
carefully measured the distance between them, while Yamamoto Gorozaemon, on the
other hand, still spoke in a rather relaxed manner.
"Spirit power may
be omnipotent, but human beings have their limits. Spirit techniques also
cannot escape that limits."
―In other words.
*Shiver*. The
swordsman's mouth twisted into a sneer. Feeling chills that lick her spine,
Sonomi kicked the ground without hesitation and moved away from him.
Too slow.
"It may be a
spirit technique, but in the end, the one who uses it is merely human!"
A horizontal slash was
released from Yamamoto Gorozaemon's hand.
Surpassing Sonomi's
full speed, the flash aimed at her throat.
"Haa~!"
Saki's naginata,
caught up by using Hayabusa-gake (falcon rush), diverted the trajectory of the
blade approaching Sonomi with a flame Qi.
*Clang*. The result of
the sparking impact forced them both to retreat.
"Hou~"
"―Ranguri."
Saki's pursuit
attacked Yamamoto Gorozaemon, who exclaimed in admiration.
Kihoin-style
Spirit Technique, Consecutive Technique―.
"Itoguruma!"
Slashes continued like
a dance, and the sound of overlapping slashes turned into sparks that scorched
the air.
Asogi Genji's
specialty is a series of slashes with an unreadable trajectory, created by
applying a special twist to the offensive gait.
No matter how skilled
a swordsman he may be, it should be extremely difficult for him to read through
this spirit technique.
―But.
"I remember this
trajectory. Indeed, this is a rather troublesome trick."
Even after blocking
this raging attack, the sneer on the swordsman's mouth showed no sign of
wavering.
"―but its final
blow will always be a big swing. It's not that hard to predict!"
"Kuh."
The naginata's small
thrusting attack was parried, and a direct strike went right toward Saki.
A precise blow.
However, caught by Saki's naginata, the trajectory sprang up upon impact.
The sparks flying in
the air drew a trajectory and pierced through the void, grazing Saki's
shoulder.
Leaving only a grunt,
Saki rolled away out of the opponent's range,
―and found that her shoulders had become lighter.
"Crap!"
"Hmm?"
His wandering gaze
caught sight of Saki's bag dancing in the air, trailed by Yamamoto Gorozaemon's
thrust.
The sacred artifact of
Baratush, was tied there.
"Give it
back!"
While blocking Saki's
attempt to rush to retrieve it with his blade, the swordsman's stout fingers
seize the small stake.
"I won't. ......I
guess this is the sacred artifact (pārijāta)?"
The swordsmith's face
broke into a wide grin as he realized what it was.
"Good grief, I
was having so much fun that I forgot to follow my Lord's orders.
It seems that even in
death, the habit of indulging in the fever of battle cannot be cured."
As Saki and Sonomi
bent their legs to launch a suicide attack, Yamamoto Gorozaemon took a large
distance away from them.
It was not a distance
for fighting. It was,
"Forgive me. I
would have liked to play with you a little longer, but in this situation, I
have to fulfill my Lord's orders first.
―a distance to escape.
""Wait!""
Ignoring the girls'
overlapping voices, the ancient swordsman without hesitation kicked the wall
and moved to the roof of the one-story house.
"I am very
reluctant to put my sword down.
―but my Lord specifically asked me to run away. So I'll
excuse myself here."
Leaving behind a
sneer, Yamamoto Gorozaemon disappeared behind the roof.
Although he dominated
the battle from start to finish, he exited easily as soon as he had obtained
his objective.
""Fu,
fu.......""
Saki and Sonomi's
shoulders trembled greatly at the other party's attitude, which seemed to be
mocking them.
""Don't mess
with me, you fake swordsman!!""
They definitely won't
let him get away with it.
With a burst of
determination, the two rather like-minded individuals stood up vigorously.
They still do not know
that Hyakki Yagyo has made a full-fledged move.
But this is the true
opening battle of the Hyakki Yagyo.
The battle had only
just begun.
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