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itsuki-minamy · 2 months

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"AYAKA - THE EVE OF A SPECIAL WEDDING" (Novel)

TRANSLATION: NARU-KUN

CHAPTER 6: DECISIVE BATTLE AT KISUI PALACE (Part 1)

* List of Chapters

Breakfast was buffet style.

The dining room itself was small, but the food on display was first class to anyone who looked at it. Seafood salad with lots of crab, marinated salmon, Spanish omelette with cod and avocado, creamed scallops, mussels in wine, fried sea bass, seafood paella, raw oysters, grilled prawns, etc. A beach restaurant. It's a resort, there's a lot of seafood, but it's so luxurious it's hard to believe it's breakfast. Still holding the tray, Yukito looked at the delicacies around him in confusion. He wasn't used to that kind of breakfast. While he stood there stunned, he was suddenly slapped on the back.

"Good morning! Yukito!"

"Good morning."

They were Chatarou and Yako. Yako was well dressed, but Chatarou's hair was disheveled. Feeling relieved, Yukito also returned the greeting.

"Oh, good morning to you both."

"Is this breakfast? It's amazing! It's like a resort!"

"It's extremely luxurious. Will it be profitable...?"

Surely. As Yako said, the dining room was empty, or rather, only Yukito and his friends were there. He wondered what will happen to such a large amount of food.

However, it seemed like Yukito and Yako were the only ones who cared about that. Chatarou quickly placed the plate on the tray and began to chop the food with tongs. Yukito and the others looked at each other for a moment, then laughed at the same time and followed Chatarou.

A few minutes later, the three of them came out to the terrace with a large amount of breakfast on the tray. Ibara was sitting in a seat overlooking the white beach and the blue sea.

"Oh, Ichijou! Good morning!"

Ibara, who was looking at the horizon, looked at Chatarou. Chatarou didn't care and he placed the tray in front of Ibara and settled down. Yako sat next to her. Ibara remained expressionless and narrowed her eyes.

Yukito said in panic.

"This is good?"

Ibara looked at Yukito. He felt that there was a slight smile in those eyes.

"You're already seated, right?"

"That's right. Don't hold back, Yukito."

"You should hold back a little more."

Smiling bitterly at Ibara's blunt words, Yukito placed the tray next to Ibara.

She began to look at the horizon again. Aside from Chatarou who hurriedly started eating breakfast, Yukito and Yako also turned their attention there.

Yako muttered to himself.

"That's amazing, huh?"

Yukito looked into the distance and nodded with a shudder.

A grayish-white wall appeared on the horizon.

The huge wall blocking the sky was a mass of thick clouds. The bluish-white lightning flashing inside can be seen even from a distance. He wondered if the distant roar of the sea is the sound of the angry waves there. However, the blue sky stretched over the hotel and the morning sun was shining brightly.

Grayish-white walls stretch around Gonoshima. Yukito murmured anxiously.

"I guess that's the technique of a spiritual person after all..."

"Of course."

Yukito instinctively straightened up at the voice that suddenly rang.

Ibuki placed the tray next to Yukito and sat down. What's on the plate is like meat, meat, meat, fish, fish, fish, fish. No matter how you look at it, it wasn't a breakfast menu item, but Ibuki casually took his fork out of it and threw it into his mouth along with the sauce that dripped.

Ibara looked at Ibuki and muttered in shock.

"Boss. What does that look like?"

Ibuki was wearing completely different clothes than usual. A bright red Hawaiian shirt, white shorts, and beach sandals. Coupled with his sharp and unyielding face, he looks like the leader of a group of half-grays on vacation.

Ibuki swallowed the meat and grumbled bluntly.

"I borrowed it from the manager."

Apparently, he had not brought a proper change of clothes since he planned to stay for a short period of time. Ibara didn't press any further and simply put the seafood salad in her mouth.

Ibuki said unamused as he looked at the wall of writhing clouds in the distance.

"The old man and the others certainly seem to have a powerful connection. The master is the only user I know who can manipulate nature on such a large scale."

As Yukito released the grilled fish with the tips of his chopsticks, he felt his heart swell.

He had seen the old man in Ninoshima. He just can't seem to connect that gigantic wall of clouds with the old man's cheerful smile. However, he was undoubtedly Gonoshima's strongest connection, and Tsugishima assured him that he would be no match for him even in the East.

That's why they called Kurama last night.

Yukito looked at Ibuki. Ibuki was eating meat in silence.

He had to teach him that. He had to tell Ibuki the information Kurama obtained. To help Jingi, Kurama and Ibuki's cooperation was absolutely necessary. This is not the time to disagree.

Yukito gathered his courage, took the step and opened his mouth.

"Ibuki-san. Um, we contacted Kurama-san yesterday..."

Ibuki looked at Yukito.

Seeing the look in his eyes, Yukito felt an instinctive fear. Feeling prey when a predator appears. Yukito swallowed and continued with a trembling voice.

"It seems that they have discovered the whereabouts of the "Kisuirin". It seems that it is currently kept in the Kisui Palace due to the strategy of a spiritual man."

Ibuki's eyebrows raised. Yukito continued forward with momentum.

"So, um, I explained that Ibuki-san was here, and then Kurama-san said that until I went..."

"Yukito."

There was nothing resembling temperature in the voice that murmured. Yukito's body trembled and he looked down. What little courage he had vanished into a single voice. He couldn't even look at Ibuki's face.

"You guys are free to call him whatever you want. But that has nothing to do with me. I'll do whatever I want. It's okay."

"......"

"If you understand, please answer."

Yukito nodded sheepishly.

He wondered if Ibuki was satisfied with that? Anyway, he left his empty plate where he was and left the terrace.

Once he was out of sight, they let out a collective sigh. Chatarou and Yako also seemed to have stopped breathing, as did Yukito. Yukito threw himself on the table and said in a pitiful voice.

"...Sorry. It didn't work at all."

"No, no! Yukito did a great job!"

"That's right. If it were us, we probably wouldn't have been allowed to say the first word."

Chatarou and Yako comforted Yukito. That agreement was made when they contacted Kurama last night. For Ibuki, Yukito is his younger brother. That's why they thought it would be better for Yukito, who is the one involved, to intervene in the ''family affairs''.

Ibara let out a small sigh.

"I was hoping that they would join forces to bring back Sagawa Jingi, but it seems that our expectations were naive. Well, enough is enough. Instead..."

Ibara turned her gaze towards the wall of clouds in the distance.

"Will that person really come?"

Of course, there is no one there who can answer that.

The technique of a spiritual man who can even control nature. There's no way it can seem meaningless. Perhaps yesterday's communication with Kurama was captured by the spiritual man. They don't know if the content of the conversation was leaked, but they are sure that they discovered that Yukito and his friends were at the hotel. And help will come from outside.

The barrier to that is probably that wall.

Ibara said as she poked the bacon and lettuce with a fork.

"Get organized. Our purpose is twofold."

She raised the fork in front of her and twirled it, causing the lettuce to flutter.

"One is to rescue Jingi Sagawa. This is our first objective. The other is the discovery and capture of the "Kisuirin". This is a secondary objective, but it is a high priority."

"If we take the "Kisuirin" and return it from Jingi-san's hands to Kisuinomiya Sango, the "contract" between those people will be invalidated."

"But will it really be that convenient? They are the kind of people who forcibly kidnap people one by one. Even if they fight back, aren't they ignored?"

"I have no choice but to trust Tsugishima Sakurainochi. He is the one who knows the most about the customs of spiritual people."

Chatarou groaned and fell silent. Ibara was right. Even if there are risks, you have to believe in something when you act.

Ibara twirled the fork again.

"Back to the topic. It is absolutely necessary to recover the "Kisuirin". Otherwise, Sagawa Jingi will be hunted forever. It is certain that that spiritual person has it, but I don't know where it is hidden. We have to sneak into the Kisui Palace and find it."

"Oh, us? I wonder if he's okay..."

"It's definitely not right. The other side has better connection skills, so it's better to think that they will find it first. That's why..."

Ibara pointed her fork at Yukito.

"Yukito Yanagi and I will make a distraction."

"Hey..."

Yukito is confused by the sudden nomination. Chatarou made an accusatory sound.

"Wait, why Yukito? Taking on such a dangerous role..."

"Because Yukito Yanagi can't use the "hidden technique"."

Hidden technique: It is a trick to hide yourself. Certainly, Yukito cannot use it. In fact, he did not even know that such a technique existed.

"You can use it, so you are suitable for infiltration and search. Yukito Yanagi can't use it, but he is strong. In that case, he is more suitable for the role of being violent and attracting attention."

"Ah..."

"Besides, we're not the only ones acting as a distraction. When we board the ship, the boss will be with us. So we can't say which one is more dangerous. Even if they get caught, there won't be anyone to help them."

Anxiety crossed Chatarou and Yako's expressions. It would be better if Kurama came, but with that wall of clouds blocking them, they don't know what will happen. If Kurama doesn't show up, they'll have to infiltrate Kisui Palace alone.

A shadow of suffering covered Yukito's heart. He looked at the roasted fish that had cooled and muttered to himself.

"Is it okay to ask that person for help?"

Everyone instantly knew who he was referring to.

"No! What are you talking about, Yukito-kun?"

As if involuntarily, Yako raised his hips and screamed loudly. What flashed in his eyes was a look of impatience and concern. Yukito flinched at Yako's flustered expression.

"Yako is right. Forget about her, Yukito."

The usually cheerful Chatarou's deep and low words echoed. The eyes behind the glasses looked accusingly at Yukito.

He understands what they mean. Making a deal with a witch is not something Yukito wants at all. Although it was to help Jingi, it was too high a price to pay to stop being Jingi's disciple.

But...

Yukito stared at the small black box in his hand. Sagaramurudi gave it to him when they separated.

--- If that's what you want, I'll help you right away.

She will never change her words. If Yukito wishes. And what they were about to travel was an infinitely difficult path. Under such circumstances, is it really possible that oneself does not want the help of a powerful connection?

If Kurama appears, that anxiety will disappear. But for now, all he could do was turn his gaze from him to the wall of clouds with deep anxiety.

+++++++++++

"Are you sure you're going?"

Yang's voice had a rather amused tone.

Kurama did not respond, instead he looked towards the enormous cloud rising in front of him. As he approached he realized that it was more of a storm than a cloud. The roaring wind, the rain falling like gravel, and the eerie bluish-white lightning bolts are blocking the view of him.

The two are at Shinoshima Station. The place where Yukito and his friends were sent away, and is the source of Kurama's regret.

Standing on the edge of the white platform, Kurama closed his eyes loosely.

This storm could not have been natural. The vitality is too strong. It must have been the work of someone, more precisely a spiritual being. That old man, known as the Elder, is so powerful that he can stop the sea. If so, it would be possible to cause a storm.

He doesn't know anyone other than Yanagi who has that kind of power.

"This is the end, my farewell. My life is at stake."

"Very well. From now on, it is my responsibility. Not yours."

"That's good. It would be helpful if you could convey that to the others as well. That I have done my duty properly."

Kurama looked at Yang's narrowed eyes suspiciously. Although Kurama didn't trust the man who came from that continent, it was true that he was still useful.

Yang's lips curved into a tight smile as if that thought had been conveyed to him.

"In my hometown there is a saying: "It's easy to make a lot of money, but it's hard to make friends." I want to earn the trust of other people on this island. That's all."

"I see."

There seemed to be some credibility in those words. Although he didn't know how he planned to use it, Kurama still bowed deeply to Yang.

"Thank you for your help, Yang-sensei. I hope we continue to unite for the peace and harmony of Ninoshima."

Yang waved a hand.

"Good luck, Kurama-sensei. I hope you come back alive. Trusting the dead won't help you."

Kurama narrowed his eyes, but said nothing.

Wait. The train tracks go on and on, disappearing behind the angry clouds. As if to challenge it, Kurama quickly made a seal and released a spell.

"Man, earth and sky. Between heaven and earth, it is empty and never ends, and it moves until it finally comes out."

Kurama's legs left the platform and he slid through the air. Thus, his body was submerged in the raging storm.

"......!"

The inside of the storm bothered Kurama even more than what he saw from the outside. The roar deafened his ears and the violent wind threatened to blow him away. The raindrops obscured his vision, making it impossible for him to see even a few meters ahead. Inside, the only guide was the train tracks passing below.

Railways connect all the islands. In theory, if they followed this line, they could even reach Nananoshima.

Therefore, Kurama flew just above the sea surface. The high waves hit again and again, soaking Kurama's hunting clothes from head to toe. Even so, Kurama did not close his eyes. He was now jumping into the middle of the enemy's techniques. He had to open his eyes to see what was going to attack him and what kind of glare would appear.

Finally, the end of the line was in sight.

Even in the midst of the storm, the platform stood out in white. Kurama stopped his jutsu and landed on the platform.

The station name board with the words "Gonoshima" written on it continues to sway while exposed to strong winds.

At this moment, a familiar voice rang out above the sound of the wind.

"Master!"

"Kurama-sensei, this way!"

Kurama took a breath and looked towards the voice. On the other side of the platform, Chatarou and Yako stood in the pouring rain and wind.

Without umbrellas, they were soaked, smiling and waving.

"...Chatarou. Yako."

Kurama approached them, raising his wet hair. He asked in a low voice to the two disciples, who were smiling as if their faces were glued together.

"What happened to Yukito-kun?"

The two spoke in unison while smiling.

"Yukito is dead!"

"We kill him!"

"The same thing will happen to you from now on, master!"

At the same time, their upper bodies writhed. With claws growing on all four of their hands, Chatarou and Yako... The illusion that took their form attacked Kurama from above.

Kurama made a seal at lightning speed.

"A fish must not escape from the abyss. A dishonorable ship must not be shown to anyone!"

A flash of light scattered the two approaching shadows. His final screams didn't sound like screams. The sound of the ocean could be heard in the distance, or maybe it was something like that.

Kurama calmed down and observed his surroundings.

His feet are on the platform. However, Kurama had no idea it was real. There are a wide variety of techniques to refine and manipulate life energy. He knew there were many ways to deceive and dazzle people.

Is the owner of this illusion the same one who created the storm?

Or was there another genjutsu lurking within the storm technique?

Kurama stopped thinking at that. He closed his eyes, he made the sign again with his hands and began to draw life energy from his life vein.

A voice sounded as if he wanted to interrupt that.

"Master."

"Master. Kurama-sensei..."

It sounded like it was coming from beneath Kurama's feet, like he was coming from the depths of the earth. At the same time, something grabbed his ankle.

Kurama didn't open his eyes. Illusions are nothing more than things that disturb the mind and deceive the ears and eyes. It is not enough to be afraid if you close your heart and cover your eyes and ears.

"Man, earth and sky!"

Chatarou and Yako's curses continue to echo through the spaces between the murmured spells.

"Why?"

"Why did you bring us to this place?"

"Master, it's cold."

"Master, it's dark."

"It's cold and dark."

"Master, please come with me."

The disciples shouted in anger, but Kurama's heart was not disturbed. He knew for sure that it was just an illusion, that the real Chatarou and Yako were on the real island of Gonoshima.

Kurama took a deep breath and opened his eyes, trying to complete the spell.

At this moment, another voice rang.

"Why, Haruaki...?!"

Kurama's breathing became erratic for a moment when he felt the ugly, distorted right hand that was wrapped around his feet.

The next moment, something wrapped around Kurama's neck. The platform that should have been under his feet disappeared and a tremendous force dragged him into the water. The cold seawater soaked his entire body and his breath foamed out of his mouth. The pale, shimmering surface of the sea was receding rapidly.

There was a muffled female voice in his ear.

"My order is not to allow anyone to enter the island, Kurama Haruaki-sama."

Kurama closed his eyes again as he was dragged to the bottom of the dark ocean.

+++++++++++

Yukito watched anxiously as the sun set and fell beyond the storm wall.

Two days had passed since then. Tonight, the celebration will begin in "Kerukaiden". The mission to rescue Jingi and escape from this island is about to begin.

Despite that, Kurama was nowhere to be seen.

"Master..."

Yako, who had approached him before he realized it, muttered to himself. Yukito looked at his profile. His normally gentle expression was filled with deep anxiety.

It was not surprising. Kurama is his master. The master did not come to the place he said he would come and could not contact him. His concern for his safety was probably even greater than Yukito's.

However, Yako looked at Yukito and forced a smile.

"It's okay, I'm sure he's having trouble getting through that storm. Sensei will be here soon."

Yukito blinked a few times and nodded. Yukito wished he could have said something witty, but the words never came to mind. Yako always cared about him, but he felt bad for not being able to do the same.

Chatarou and Ibara left the room almost at the same time.

"Hey. You're early, both of you."

Chatarou smiled and patted Yukito on the back. Yukito didn't miss his always cheerful manner, but for a moment he turned his gaze to the other side of the clouds. Chatarou is also afraid. He just tries not to show it.

"Come on."

He murmured and started walking, taking the lead.

He walked towards the hotel along the dock that leads to the floating cabin. Ibuki was already waiting on the beach at sunset. Instead of wearing a Hawaiian shirt and shorts, he was wearing his usual black suit. He was standing with his arms crossed, but he wasn't looking at Yukito or the others.

The person he is looking at is a vague looking man standing by the beach. A spiritual man.

If he remembers correctly, I think his name was Taro. He was the spiritual man who took Yukito and his friends to the Kisui village that day.

Employees like them were always monitoring Yukito's movements. He never gets in his way or tries to cause him any harm. But they were always there.

"I guess they'll keep an eye on us and let us know if anything happens. They're his henchmen."

Ibuki had said that at some point. Yukito thought that was true. They were enemies. And Yukito learned that there are some types of enemies that won't attack you.

"Boss. Everything ready."

Ibara called out to Ibuki, who was looking at the spiritual man. Still, Ibuki didn't turn around. Instead, he approached the spiritual man and his footsteps crunched on the sand.

Yukito and the others looked at each other.

Ibuki had also been informed of the details of the plan: Yukito and Ibara would act as a distraction, and Chatarou and Yako would take the opportunity to infiltrate. Ibuki agreed and announced that he would also participate in the detour, but he did not say anything about specific arrangements. There's no point in talking unless they get to Kisui Village first, but...

"Hey."

Ibuki spoke to Taro and Taro responded politely.

"What's up, customer?"

"Give me your car keys."

A hint of confusion appeared on Taro's impassive expression.

"The car is property of the hotel."

"I know. But lend it to me. I need it."

Taro let his gaze wander from him. He is certain that no client has ever made such an unreasonable request. When Taro realized that there was no help around him, he said in a weak voice.

"If you need help, please contact us..."

"My job is to attack your village. Do you plan to help me with that? No problem, just lend it to me."

When Taro opened his mouth, Ibuki slowly took out a gun from his pocket and pointed the barrel at him.

A minute later, Ibuki was listening to Yukito's furious protests as he inserted the car key into the tuk-tuk's key cylinder.

"It's a disaster! Why did you do that?! Is it a robbery?!"

Frowning in annoyance, Ibuki started the engine and grabbed the steering wheel.

"They kidnapped Jingi and tried to imprison you. There's no point in being polite to them."

"It's not because of that...!"

"If you have any complaints, get out of the car. You're going to walk to town."

Yukito gritted his teeth and closed his mouth.

Ibuki stepped on the accelerator.

The tuk-tuk jumped and began to run along the rugged roads of the southern country. Chatarou and Yako clung to the side bar in panic. While doing so, Chatarou asked Ibara.

"Oh, is your boss always like this...?"

"Well, mostly."

Ibara's voice was full of resignation.

The tuk-tuk moved at high speed through the trees and along the road that runs along the coast. It was already dusk and a wall of thick white clouds still separated the sky from the sea. Until the crescent moon cloak hid everything, Yukito watched the scene with a slight hope that Kurama would appear.

Finally, twice as fast as when Taro was driving, the tuk-tuk reached Kisui village.

The town was bright and deserted. There was a large path running through the center, and on either side were many bonfires that illuminated the area in orange, but the villagers who were supposed to have lit them were nowhere to be seen.

Parking the tuk-tuk on its side, Ibuki jumped out of the car first. His eyes moved left and right, his eyes alert. After that, Ibara got out of the car, followed by Yukito, Chatarou, and Yako.

"There is nobody here?"

Ibuki looked at Chatarou who muttered in a low voice.

"We will split up here. You guys will infiltrate. Me, Ibara and Yukito will go from the front."

"Hey..."

Ibuki continued to stare coldly at Chatarou, who made a confused sound. Chatarou swallowed and nodded deeply.

"Oh, I get it!"

"Please be careful."

Ibuki snorted at Yako's words and took a step forward.

They then looked at Yukito and Ibara. Chatarou lightly patted Yukito on the shoulder, frowning worriedly.

"Be careful, Yukito. And Ichijou too."

"Uh, yes. That too..."

"At best, they won't find me."

"So how to say it!"

After saying that angrily, Chatarou laughed. That laugh infected Yako and then Yukito. And also Ibara. Her mouth curved into something resembling a smile, and Chatarou smiled at her, as if to give her something.

Then, the two looked at each other, clasped their hands, and shouted at the same time.

"Man, earth and sky! I can see this, but I can't see it, so I'll give it a name and call it Yi!"

A sudden gust of wind enveloped Chatarou and Yako. The next moment, they were nowhere to be seen, as if they had been blown away by the wind.

"Come on."

Ibuki called to Yukito who was looking around and continued forward. Yukito began to walk alongside Ibara.

Yukito stared at the crackling bonfire as he walked. The bonfires that illuminated the main street, however, did not illuminate the gaps between the houses. Something could be lurking in the shadows. Spiritual beings, or perhaps they were connected to them? Every time Yukito remembered the image of them chasing him across the ocean, he felt his arms tremble. The Kisui Palace looked like a huge wall in the dark. A torch was tied to the top of the door, but it was as expected.

There was no one there. Without hesitation, Ibuki walked up the stone steps and through the door. Ibara and Yukito did the same.

After taking a few steps through the entrance hall, a sharp metallic sound echoed from behind.

Yukito instinctively turned around. An iron-barred door blocked his escape route. However, Yukito was the only one with a scared expression on his face. Both Ibuki and Ibara walked down the hallway with cold faces and finally suddenly stopped at the same time.

Before he knew it, two men were standing in the center of the hallway.

They were two contrasting people. One was a large, tanned, muscular man, with almost no expression on his face. The other is a handsome man, with light skin, with a smile on his thin lips.

Both spirits seemed familiar.

A light-skinned man named Josei stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

"We have been waiting for you, Yukito Yanagi, Ibara Ichijou and Aka Ibuki. By order of my master, Sango Kisuinomiya, I will guide you from here."

"Which one is the old one?"

Ibuki asked absently. Josei bowed his head.

"None of us are old. The one here is Uzura, and I..."

"If you're not the old man, you don't have to say your name. He's the only one I don't trust."

Ibuki didn't want to say anything else. He started walking slowly again. Josei looked at him suspiciously and raised a hand to stop him.

"Please wait, Ibuki-san."

With a gesture as natural as taking out a wallet in a store, Ibuki took the gun out of his pocket, took aim, and pulled the trigger. The water jug across the hall shattered and a light stream of blood flowed from Josei's cheek.

In an instant, the emotion disappeared from Josei's well-groomed face.

Ibuki looked at him amused and muttered to himself.

"There are still more "congratulations". Feel free to accept them."

"Uzura!"

At the same time as Josei's shout, Uzura slammed both fists. As if in response, Ibara put on her gauntlets and spirits with weapons in their hands emerged from the hallways everywhere.

Yukito gulped. He didn't expect it to start so quickly. However, he remembered that they didn't come there to argue. They came to rescue Jingi by force, so he also made a seal.

+++++++++++

#ayaka #ibuki aka #kurama haruaki #sagawa jingi #yanagi yukito #ichijou ibara #fukuwake chatarou #amano yako #sango

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itsuki-minamy · 2 months

Text

"AYAKA - THE EVE OF A SPECIAL WEDDING" (Novel)

TRANSLATION: NARU-KUN

CHAPTER 5: THE DEMON AND THE WITCH

* List of Chapters

There is a demon cave in Ichinoshima.

It is a place with a decadent atmosphere, far away from the beautifully maintained tourist areas. There are rows of dilapidated wooden buildings, with attached barracks that have obviously been expanded illegally. There were more than one or two men lying on the cardboard-covered floor, and the men chatting in front of a bonfire made of oil drums had tattoos etched all over their arms and chests.

Kurama walked past them without any expression.

Every time, the residents of the Demon Cave stared at Kurama. Currently, Kurama is not wearing the clothes of the Kaizumi Shrine priest, but rather a normal jacket and chinos pants. It was an ordinary outfit that Momoko had prepared for him, but even that was enough to attract attention in this place. If it weren't for the guide, they would have long been entangled.

Yang, who was leading the way, looked at Kurama with eyes as narrow as a thread.

"Kurama-san, this is your first time in Asumi, right?"

"Yes."

As he responded, Kurama's gaze went to the wooden sign hanging over the eaves of the stall. In the mysterious patterns written on its surface, he can see the witchcraft patterns used in South Sea islands such as Indonesia and Oceania. It is a type of curse that manipulates life force and harms people.

Unbeknownst to him, he was frowning. Yang shrugged and said casually.

"It may not be to your liking, but be patient. It is certain that the "Kisuirin" was brought here."

"Yes."

Kurama nodded, but still couldn't suppress the disgust welling up inside him.

Asumi is one of the markets where connectors who came to Ichinoshima gather.

Due to its characteristics, Ayaka Island, which is located on the line of life, has a special meaning for those who are connected to it... witches, sorcerers, magicians, hermits, etc. In particular, Ichinoshima, which is thriving as a tourist destination, has many places where people of this "flow" meet and exchange information and goods.

Among them, Asumi was famous for attracting unscrupulous people.

Although it is not an evil law, it is something that uses the life force only for its own desires. It was no secret that life would stagnate and as a result, an Aramitama would be born. Not everyone was like this, but anyone who frequented Asumi could easily become the object of Kurama's contempt.

"You come here often?"

Those feelings made the voice he spoke to Yang with harsh. Yang smiled bitterly.

"Sometimes, you know. There is information and things that can only be obtained in these places."

Yang was a descendant who came from the mainland and settled in Ninoshima without realizing it. Although he is a newcomer and works mainly in Ichinoshima, he lives in Ninoshima because the rent is cheap. Therefore, Kurama didn't trust him very much.

When they reached an intersection, Yang stopped. He seemed to be located in the center of Asumi, so there was quite a bit of foot traffic. However, he got tired of everyone looking at him strangely.

"Oh, Mr. Yang. This way."

That voice echoed from the back of the store that occupied the intersection and had a sign that said "Mujoya". Without hesitation, Yang entered the dimly lit store. Kurama followed him.

The inside of the store was packed. The walls on both sides are divided into countless squares, each containing a water bottle, soil, stones, jewelry, grass, flowers, roots, skin, feathers, tails, claws, scales, fins, gills, eyeballs, etc. It is a catalyst used as a material for cursed tools or for the spell itself.

At the back, in a place that looked like a basement, sat an old man who seemed to be the owner of the store. He smiled at Yang, contorting his mouth that had fewer teeth left.

"Hey, hey, I'm sorry about the other day. Benius hasn't arrived yet. I'll contact you when that time comes, so wait a little longer."

Kurama whispered coldly behind Yang.

"Sometimes?"

"It's something I've been busy with lately. Well, anyway..."

After a quick excuse, Yang urged the shopkeeper.

"I asked you on the phone, but let me confirm it again. Is it true that the "Kisuirin" was brought here?"

The shopkeeper scratched his bald head and looked at Kurama.

"Ah, well, that's true. I don't know if it's called that or not. I'm sure they brought shiny scales this size."

"Did Jingi come here?"

He couldn't suppress the doubt in his voice. Jingi is a man careless with money and alcohol, but he was never supposed to dabble in illegal practices. He couldn't believe that he went to Asumi.

The shopkeeper blinked in confusion and responded.

"No, it was Kumoi's husband who brought him directly. Hey, Mr. Yang. I'm sorry, but I don't want to get into trouble."

"Of course, I won't cause you any trouble. We just want information. So where is the "Kisuirin" now?"

"It's already sold out and we don't have it here."

"What kind of person bought it?"

At that, the store owner's confusion turned to irritation.

"You know, Mr. Yang, we are a materials store, not an information store. It's true that you are a good customer, but you would be in trouble if people thought that just because of that I was selling information about other customers."

That was true. Yang thought for a moment, then walked past him and Kurama stood in front of him.

"Nice to meet you. My name is Haruaki Kurama. I am the priest of the Kaizumi Shrine in Minoshima."

The merchant's mouth curved.

"I know. You're famous."

"The fate of the "Kisuirin" is very important to me. Could you tell me?"

Kurama bowed his head deeply and the shop owner blinked frequently and looked at Yang, as if he was asking for help. Yang smiled softly and added.

"Of course, I would like to thank you in some way."

Hearing those words, the color of the shopkeeper's eyes changed.

Yang had been told beforehand that money is what talks in a situation like this. Since Kurama is a stranger in such matters, he was to leave all negotiations to Yang and all negotiation costs to the Amamiya family.

"I see, I see. Well, there's no way Kurama-sensei would bow down to you like that."

Taking advantage of his softening attitude, Yang casually extended her hand and placed something in front of the shopkeeper. It is a wad of bills tied with a rubber band, much like a cut rice cake. The shopkeeper took it as casually as Yang, then showed a smile of a salesman for a good customer.

"That flake would have been sold out as soon as it arrived. Well, to tell you the truth, I have had customers asking me for that for a while now. When I contacted them, they came within three hours and bought it right away. Well, it was Good business, right?"

Kurama and Yang exchanged glances for a moment.

Then, Yang leaned over and asked the shopkeeper.

"You are the best material store in Asumi, right? From your point of view, is the "Kisuirin" really that precious?"

The merchant shook his head.

"As I said before, I've never seen anything like it. I can't feel the life force, and it's not even mentioned in the literature, so I can't put a price on it. If that customer hadn't made a reservation, we wouldn't have been able to use it as material."

Kurama nodded slightly. Since Yukito and his friends left, he has searched for as many documents as he could, but he has not been able to find any mention of the "Kisuirin" anywhere. Gonoshima... To be more specific, it is probably a material that originates from Kisui Palace. If they keep their mouths shut, the information will go nowhere.

Then a question arose.

Kurama put it in his mouth.

"Why did that customer want the "Kisuirin"?"

Mysterious glowing scales of which no written record or knowledge remains. What kind of background does the client have that wanted that beforehand?

The store owner gave a simple answer to that question.

"I don't know, that's all. I sell, the customer buys. That's all."

That made sense too. His job is to find out why the client requested the "Kisuirin".

Yang asked in quick succession.

"What kind of person was that customer?"

"He was a man. He didn't have many features, but I remember his eyes were narrowed... oh, yes."

The shopkeeper moved his hands at the back of the store and checked something. Then, he pointed above the heads of Kurama and the others.

He looked up. There seems to be nothing there. However, Kurama noticed that there was a very small hole in the cardboard placed on the shelf. It's a surveillance camera.

When he looked again, the merchant was smiling mischievously.

"If you are going to open a store in Asumi, you must take certain precautions. Ours is no exception."

After that, the teacher kept his mouth shut.

Yang turned his narrowed eyes on Kurama. When Kurama nodded, he took another rolled up bill from his pocket and placed it on the counter. The owner's mouth twitched.

"Hehe, thanks."

As he spoke, he placed a small card on the counter. SD card... probably contains the video data from the surveillance camera. He seemed to have completely forgotten that just a few minutes ago he had insisted that he would not sell customer information.

"I think the guest came three nights ago. I don't remember the exact time. Well, please investigate that for yourself."

"Yes, thanks."

"No, Mr. Yang. Thank you for your continued support."

Kurama turned his back on the two who were exchanging greetings and headed towards the exit while he grabbed the SD card.

After leaving the store, the two walked down the street in silence for a while. He no longer saw the stalls selling magical tools or the men who looked at him suspiciously.

Finally, Yang muttered as he continued walking.

"You have obtained important information."

Kurama nodded and looked at the SD card in his palm.

"Let's check the footage. We may not know who he is, but..."

"It is possible to make some conjectures."

Kurama looked back at Yang, who seemed to be saying that with some amusement. He was probably thinking the same thing as Kurama.

"Where did the client find out about ''Kisuirin'', something that no one else should know? Why was he looking for it? There are some things that arise from the actions before and after. He proposes an advance deal with a store that sells materials for cursed tools and ensures that he will eventually be able to obtain them. Then, shortly after Jingi-san sold the ''Kisuirin'', they appeared. I can't say for sure, but..."

Kurama bitterly accepted Yang's words.

"The guest must be a member of the Kisui Palace. Jingi was framed."

+++++++++++

"Jingi-sama. Are you thirsty?"

Sango said this with a smile as she sat with her knees close to Jingi.

Jingi, on the other hand, looked at Sango with an indescribable expression. Her elegant and well-groomed features make her look like a lady with a deep window. If someone who knew nothing about her looked at her, he would only see her as a gentle beauty who couldn't even kill an insect.

Of course, Jingi knows that's not the case.

If she had such a kind personality, she wouldn't have tied Jingi's body with a rope with a magic seal and made him sit on the futon.

Jingi opened his mouth carefully as he continued to sit.

"I'm not thirsty."

"I see. You drank a lot of alcohol earlier, so I thought you would like some water. So, aren't you hungry? I heard that Uzura caught a big bream. Whether grilled with salt, steamed with sake, or sashimi, we will prepare it however you like."

Sango responded happily even to the direct tone of his words. Jingi sat on the spot, wondering if they were keeping him company.

"Untie me. That's all I want you to do."

Sango tilted her head in amazement.

"Untie the rope? Why?"

"Ah, why..."

"Even if you break it, you won't be able to escape, right? The cursed rope is also wrapped around Jingi-sama's wrists. Unless you break it, you won't be able to use your life force."

Seeing Sango murmur so innocently, like a little girl, Jingi felt something horrible.

Kidnapping, restriction and confinement. What Sango does for Jingi is called that. It's hard to behave normally when someone does something like that. She should be able to glimpse guilt and regret, or a sense of superiority or a desire to control the life or death of the other person.

However, Sango doesn't have those feelings at all.

She approaches the engagement with a very relaxed attitude, as if she were enjoying afternoon tea time.

Although she is a beautiful woman on the outside, she is a completely different person inside, and Jingi feels cold fear because of that.

Sitting cross-legged on the futon, Jingi murmured:

"What happened to Yukito and the others?"

When he asked that, Sango shrugged.

"Then, he disappeared with his friends. He is Jingi-sama's younger brother, so I wanted to provide him with the warmest hospitality, but I'm sorry."

Jingi secretly felt relieved. For now, Yukito and his friends are his only hope to regain his freedom. If even they were caught, that would be the end of the story.

Sango smiled and stomped those thoughts away.

"But the Elder sent for them, so I'm sure they'll be here soon."

Jingi's face involuntarily tightened. The old man... that damn old man. He was the one who wrapped Jingi in a spell.

That night, that man came with Sango, demanding marriage, and found Jingi hiding in his hideout. Jingi is an expert in the art of pulse control, but even he was no match for the old man.

The Elder's technique is of a completely different lineage from Yanagi-ryu and other pedigree techniques of Ayaka Island. It is probably a technique for manipulating life force that is unique to spiritual people, who are of mixed blood with Mitama. Extraterrestrial, mysterious and powerful. It was impossible for the immature Yukito and the others to escape from him.

Sango's pale red eyes watched the impatience that was slowly seeping out.

"The celebration will be held in three days. The Elder promised to bring Yukito-sama by then. I'm looking forward to it, aren't you, Jingi-sama?"

"...Yukito has nothing to do with this. Leave him alone."

"He is your younger brother. There is a relationship. But..."

Sango tilted her head slightly and asked in a low voice.

"Is it really the case?"

Jingi's heart skipped a beat.

"What is it?"

"I was told that Yukito-sama is Jingi-sama's younger brother. However, I feel that something is different. That person is... instead of being Jingi-sama's younger brother..."

"We are not related by blood."

Jingi said very quickly.

"Yukito is my master's son, but he is not related by blood to Haru-nii, Aka-nii or me. But we are family."

Sango blinked in wonder.

"There is no family without blood ties."

Strangely enough, Jingi didn't dislike that answer. Because he knows that Sango doesn't have any malicious intentions. Spiritual people operate according to their logic. At least within that logic, Sango was pure, innocent, and civilized. For the first time since he arrived in Gonoshima, she smiled a real smile, not a fake one.

"That is possible. In our world."

"......"

"There's no cider here. There's no television, no cell phones, no friends drinking and making fun of people. But there is there. You know that. So it's no wonder there are things there that aren't here, right?"

Sango lives in the Kisui Palace but she is not evil. And she's not stupid either. She nodded and then smiled happily.

"Ah, I'm glad I chose you. You are a wonderful gentleman, Jingi-sama. You are intelligent and can see things clearly. In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with that."

As she did so, Sango lovingly stroked the hair that fell over Jingi's cheek. Depending on the moment and the circumstances, it would have been a touching gesture, but of course all he can do now is murmur in dissatisfaction.

"If you think so, I would like you to untie me from this rope."

Then, Sango smiled and nodded silently.

"That's fine. I'll figure it out right away."

Jingi was shocked and stared at Sango. He never thought that would be accepted.

Sango reached out and grabbed the bell that was placed on a nearby literary desk. A cool sound was heard, and after a short pause, the shoji doors opened silently. From the other side, a large, muscular man appeared: Uzura. Sango looked at him and ordered him.

"Uzura. Take Jingi-sama to the place where my mother sleeps."

"At your command."

Uzura responded in a deep voice and easily lifted Jingi onto his shoulders. Uzura is one of the four Pulse Connectors in the Kisui Palace, but he does not appear to be using any techniques. As he carried Jingi like he was luggage, Jingi muttered to himself.

"Be careful not to hit my head. Unlike yours, mine is full."

Uzura didn't respond. His face, which is rough as a rock, shows only the blank expression typical of a spiritual man. He began to walk slowly, doing his duty. As he followed, Sango laughed and touched Jingi's nose with her index finger.

"No more. Please don't bully him, Jingi-sama. Uzura is a loyal palace official. He will become your vassal one day."

Jingi huffed as he tried his best to resist.

+++++++++++

Ibuki looked at the group with cold eyes as they all stood there soaking wet.

Yukito didn't say anything, and both Chatarou and Yako just looked at Ibuki with scared looks. Ibara was the only one with the same blank expression on her face.

However, when Ibara tried to open her mouth, Ibuki stopped her with a wave of his hand.

"You can explain later. Let's go."

With that, Ibuki turned on his heel and began walking.

Yukito and the others followed him in silence. If you look to the side, you can see Kisui Village and Kisui Palace which is located in the center. Although Josei and the others had returned, that did not mean that they had stopped chasing them. They need to escape from that place as soon as possible.

Below the cape was a vast meadow. There has been no human intervention and the weeds grow freely knee-deep. And there was almost nothing to hide. The sea breeze cooled Yukito's wet body to the core.

Chatarou sneezed many times and looked back each time. It was as if they had heard the sound and thought the pulse splinters were chasing them.

Finally, they reached the forest.

Tall trees and short ferns grow thickly, and every other crevice is filled with vines and tree roots. It seems as if they are preventing people from entering. In fact, there was no path to enter the forest.

Ibuki stopped and stared into the darkness between the trees. The sky had already turned dark blue and the stars were beginning to twinkle as if they were falling. Yukito and the others looked at each other, wondering what he was going to do next.

At this moment, a voice came from the darkness.

"I'll open it now."

Yukito and the others, even Ibara, stiffened. It was a soft and calm female voice. If he had heard it on the street they wouldn't have thought anything. However, the woman's voice that echoed in the darkness of the forest filled them with fear.

In the end, she did exactly what she said.

The trees blocking their eyes bent and split into left and right. The trees opened as if a door was opening. Ibuki entered without hesitation and then disappeared into the darkness. Yukito and his friends were equally confused and scared, but they also knew that they couldn't sit still. Suddenly, they jumped into the darkness.

At that moment, the atmosphere changed.

They could no longer feel the wind blowing anywhere, and even the air that touched their cheeks felt warm. The surroundings are in complete darkness, but the breathing of Chatarou, Yako, and Ibara can be felt nearby. Someone's hand touched Yukito's finger and Yukito unconsciously squeezed it. Then, that hand also grabbed Yukito's hand. There was no shame or shyness. In the dark, people seem to do that naturally.

Suddenly, a light illuminated in front of their eyes.

"Haha. You're soaked."

He heard a voice again. It is the same voice that opened the trees. But this time he didn't feel afraid. Because the owner was right in front of them.

A woman dressed all in black and with a black pointed hat on her head, looking like a witch. Her face is hidden behind the brim of her hat and she rests in an armchair.

"...Uh, what? A room?"

Chatarou blinked behind his round glasses.

Yukito also looked around in panic. As he said, the room that was illuminated by the lamplight was about 12 tatami in size. Above you can see stucco walls, hardwood floors, and a swirling ceiling. Yukito and his friends should have been standing in front of the forest just now.

At that moment, something soft covered Yukito's vision.

"Woah!"

He heard similar voices around him. When he picked it up, it was a towel and a change of clothes. It was a soft black cloth that looked like a bathrobe worn over the head.

"Don't wet other people's rooms. Clean up quickly and change your clothes."

The black-robed woman murmured indifferently. Yukito and the others looked at her in confusion and exchanged glances. At that moment, Yukito realized for the first time that the person holding his hand was Ibara.

They both let go almost at the same time. Yukito looked down, his face getting hot, so he couldn't tell what kind of expression Ibara was making.

The woman said in shock.

"So don't be too young and get dressed quickly."

"Sagaramurudi. At least turn off the lights."

Ibuki, standing by the wall, muttered to himself. The brim of her hat changed direction and the woman... Sugaramurudi snorted. But she didn't complain and then snapped her fingers.

The lamp went out and darkness filled the room.

Yukito learned that having a 15-year-old man and woman changing clothes in the same place, even though he couldn't see them at all, caused a strange amount of tension and guilt. He did his best to block out the sound of rustling clothes next to him from his consciousness. Ibara didn't say anything, she just continued dressing in silence.

It wasn't until five minutes later that everyone was able to dry off, change clothes, and get settled.

"Don't worry. They won't be able to find you here. For a while."

When the lamp was lit again, Sagaramurudi was smoking her pipe. She raised her hat slightly and Yukito and his friends could finally see her true face.

She was a beautiful young woman, probably in her twenties. Her amber eyes blink slowly, resembling a sleepy cat. She said as she placed her cigarette between her pale blue made-up lips and exhaled the smoke.

"You said there were three people chasing you. Was the Elder there?"

Ibuki slowly shook his head. Her pale blue lips smiled wryly.

"I see. If the Elder was there, they wouldn't have tea time like this now. I'm glad they were newly appointed palace priests."

"That..."

Yukito timidly raised his hand and was about to ask a question. There were too many things he didn't understand. Who is she? Where is that place? What is the current situation? Before those questions could be uttered, Ibuki responded.

"She is Sagaramurudi. She is not an ally, but she is not an enemy either. For now."

Ibuki's explanation was brief and insufficient. Yako asked a question.

"Um... Are you a pulse connector?"

Sagaramurudi snorted.

"She's a witch."

Yukito tilted his head at the unknown words. Sagaramurudi shrugged.

"She is based in Europe. She comes to Ayaka Island once a year on vacation. Well, I don't care what her name is. There is no doubt that she is a person who draws life force, trains it, and manipulates it. That is ..."

With one hand holding a smoking pipe, she pointed to the surroundings.

"It's my magic. The main body is a box that fits in the palm of your hand, and the space inside expands and configures into a room. Well, I guess you could call it a portable private room."

Yukito, an inexperienced person, doesn't quite understand what it means to expand a space. Even so, he didn't doubt her words because he had already seen the same technique once before. When Jingi took him to Ayaka Island from Tokyo, Yukito was stored in his backpack.

"Right now, I will let my messenger take care of this room. We will probably arrive at the hotel in a while, but it is better not to go out. You are being searched. If they discover you, this time they will catch you."

Sagaramurudi took a swig from her pipe, exhaled the smoke and let the ashes fall into the ash blower. In relaxed movements there is not the slightest hint of tension. It became clear to him that she was thinking that it would be Yukito and the others who would be arrested, not her.

At that moment, Ibara looked up and saw Ibuki.

"Boss. We..."

However, Ibuki interrupted her and said.

"I understand the situation you're in. Jingi was kidnapped by the Gonoshima boys. You came to get him back. And then you failed spectacularly and were chased by the Kisui Palace. What I don't understand is the "why". Why you came to this island and then went to Kisui Palace? It doesn't matter if it's just a mission, but if they get caught you, it will be four times more troublesome. Have you predicted that?"

Ibuki's words pierced Yukito's heart like a sharp thorn, although his calm tone did not reveal any anger. Yukito came up with a strategy to play the younger brother who is worried about Jingi and somehow find out what's inside. Looking back now that it ended in failure, all he can say is that it was reckless.

However, Ibuki was not looking at Yukito. He fixed his cold and bright gaze on Ibara.

"Your predictions were too naive. So it's your fault, Ibara. Understand."

"...Yes, Boss."

Ibara looked down. Yukito saw her, who normally maintained an elegant expression, frown in pain.

Out of reflex, Yukito raised his voice.

"Um! No, that's not true! I was the one who came up with the plan, and it's not Ichijou-san's fault!"

Ibuki looked at Yukito. Just because of that, Yukito shivered, as if he was being subjected to physical pressure. Sighing, Ibuki opened his mouth to speak.

A sharp sound silenced his words.

"You don't stop preaching."

Ibuki looked at Sagaramurudi. The witch narrowed her eyes mockingly at his penetrating gaze.

"You know that a child's observations are naive. Or are you trying to tell me that the scar on your shoulder is the result of careful consideration, Ibuki?"

Ibuki's expression showed demonic anger. Even looking at that, Sagaramurudi's pale blue lips curled into a smile.

"From my point of view, you are all unruly children. There is nothing more disgusting than a fight between children. If you make any more noise, I will throw you out mercilessly, so don't worry about it."

Ibuki kept his mouth shut.

There was silence for a while. Sagaramurudi was putting new cigarettes into her pipe. It was then that Yukito first noticed that she had an extra arm. Although it is difficult to see clearly under the loose black robe, it is clear that she has three hands and they move deftly to light the pipe.

Yukito had no idea who Sagaramurudi is.

But there was still something left to say.

"Um... thank you very much."

Seeing Yukito tilt his head, Sagaramurudi's amber eyes widened in surprise.

"Sagaramurudi-san and Ibuki-san. Thanks to all of you, we were saved. Thank you very much."

After saying that, he bowed deeply once more. Chatarou, Yako and Ibara did the same. No matter who she was or what her intentions were, it was certain that she was hiding them at that moment. That's why he felt that she had to express his gratitude.

Sagaramurudi looked at Yukito with a disappointed expression on her face. Then she pouted and turned around. Just when Yukito was starting to worry that he had lost his temper, she suddenly said:

"Come here, Yukito."

"Ah..."

Yukito was confused when his name was called. Sagaramurudi smiled.

"What? Can't you hear what your lifeguard is saying?"

Yukito slowly got up, walked around the table with the lit lamp, and approached Sagaramurudi. The anxious glances of Chatarou and the others passed across his face, but he himself was not anxious. He couldn't say it well, but he couldn't sense any malice on Sagaramurudi's part.

When he was close, Sagaramurudi pointed to the ground. Sitting there straight, her right hand touched Yukito's cheek, her left hand brushed his hair, and her third hand caressed Yukito's chin. Her third hand had six fingers.

Ibuki warned her sharply.

"Hey. You know."

"That's right. I should have explained to you beforehand that this was my purpose."

Sagaramurudi brought her face closer to him. Her amber eyes filled his field of vision and her breath touched the tip of his nose. Yukito became nervous and stopped breathing.

About five seconds passed.

"Eh?"

Sagaramurudi let out a suspicious voice and let go of Yukito. Still sitting up straight, Yukito looked at her.

"What...?"

"Oh, that's enough. You can kneel."

Yukito blinked, then did as he was told and fell to his knees. He had no idea what she wanted to do.

As if she read Yukito's question, Sagaramurudi's lips twitched.

"What, I just wanted to confirm. If you really are Makoto's son or not."

Makoto...Yanagi Makoto. It was the name of Yukito's father.

Sagaramurudi asked, bringing her face closer again.

"What do you mean? Are you really that guy's son?"

Even if she asks him that.

"Well, I don't remember much about my father, so even if you ask me if it's true..."

"Hmm. Well, I guess so."

"I assume you called Yukito to confirm that."

"Unlike you, my eyes don't have holes. I thought you would understand if you saw it yourself..."

Sagaramurudi clicked her tongue in disgust.

"I don't know anything. He seems like a normal kid. I don't know if he's his son or not."

"I'm sorry..."

Seeing her irritation, Yukito reflexively apologized. Sagaramurudi took off her hat and ruffled her hair in a worried manner. Up close, her hair was as red as it was black.

"Don't apologize... Oh, now. You really don't look like him. I wonder what kind of farm he was on to grow up to be such a good boy."

"That's enough. It's time you told me. What kind of relationship do you have with my master?"

Sagaramurudi puffed on her pipe and then...

"Makoto Yanagi is my disciple."

Yukito's mouth dropped open.

She supposed that silly side was really interesting. Sagaramurudi cleared her white throat and gave a deep laugh.

"Of course, he originally was. There was a time when he was studying with me when he traveled the world. He had no discipline, so I don't think he studied with me alone."

"......"

"He was trying to do my own magic, senjutsu, and pulse binding techniques. He wasn't doing it out of ambition or anything, he was just curious. Normally, someone trying to do something like that would get beat up at some point, but that guy was different."

Sagaramurudi narrowed her eyes and then muttered as if she regretted it from the bottom of her heart.

"It was a big waste to die at the age of thirty, actually."

There was no lie in that voice.

At least that's what Yukito felt. He barely remembers Makoto Yanagi. To him, his father was nothing more than a middle-aged man smiling wildly in a photograph. Therefore, he could only speculate about his father based on the reactions of those around him.

He felt that Sagaramurudi's reaction was similar to that of the people who told him about his father in Ninoshima. He felt deeply missed and saddened. It might be wrong to say something like that to someone who was a user of terrifying magic and was called a witch, but Yukito felt something similar to a sense of kinship.

"That..."

Just as Yukito opened his mouth and was about to ask, a low sound echoed and the room shook.

Sagaramurudi looked up and murmured.

"Ah. Looks like we've arrived."

Ibuki moved away from the wall and approached the door. After knocking on the door and taking a breath, he asked Sagaramurudi.

"They are there?"

"Wait a minute."

Sagaramurudi's amber eyes closed. Just like that, she wouldn't move at all. Five or ten seconds later, just as Yukito was starting to feel uncomfortable, she opened her eyelids. A slight smile appeared on her lips.

"The old man is coming. He's talking to Tsugishima. They probably came here to demand they let you out."

Ibuki's gaze became sharp.

"Tsugishima... the hotel manager? Where will he come from?"

"Tsugushima is on the hotel's side. There's no doubt that he was Makoto's disciple, and he still respects him, but the hotel is probably more important to him than you. His mission is to protect it."

"And you? Sagaramurudi."

Ibara, who had been deep in thought about her, muttered to herself. Sagaramurudi looked at Ibuki and Ibara. Ibara met the witch's fearless gaze again.

"You helped us. Do you plan to continue doing so?"

"Ibara."

Ibuki called her name as if to stop her. Sagaramurudi laughed at the sound of the reprimand.

"You are a brave young woman who wants to make a deal with a witch. Can you pay the price?"

"......"

Ibara kept her mouth shut and looked at Sagaramurudi and then at Ibuki. Ibuki shook his head with a grim expression. As if to say, don't talk.

Ibuki probably distrusts Sagaramurudi. He doesn't know why, but it's a great connection. There must be some kind of inevitability.

But...

"What kind of compensation will you receive?"

Yukito asked.

Ibuki's gaze felt like the muzzle of a gun. Cold sweat ran down his back. Even so, Yukito did not take back his words. It is clear that she is a connection with power equal to or greater than Ibuki. If he can make her an ally, his chances of helping Jingi will increase dramatically.

Sagaramurudi gave a slight smile. It was a smile that had no trace of the human touch that had been there before. Ibuki leaned over and tried to intervene. However, the witch used a plate of fire to stop him.

"Shut up, Ibuki. This is a deal between me and the boy."

A faint gnashing of teeth was heard coming from Ibuki's mouth. Yukito felt sorry for him. However, no matter the price, he was willing to pay whatever he could if it would help the cause. Sagaramurudi's hand moved. Her fingers touched Yukito's cheek.

"That's right. Makoto's son. In that case..."

The witch narrowed her amber eyes seductively.

"How about you become my disciple?"

+++++++++++

Uzura and Sango, who were carrying Jingi, move through the labyrinthine corridors without getting lost.

The residence of the Kisuinomiya family, the so-called "Palace", has approximately half of its towers submerged under the sea. Despite the thick humidity and salt air, the wooden hallways remained intact and shone like new under the light of the andon lights. Are they replaced every time or is some type of preservation technique used? Jingi speculates that it's probably the latter.

Finally, they arrived in front of a large door.

It was a double door made of rock. In front of him were two spirits, upright and motionless. When they recognized Sango, they silently retreated to both sides. The surfaces of the two doors are engraved with patterns that Jingi has seen before. Two dragons surround each other like twin wheels: a dragon of fire and a dragon of water.

"...It's here too."

Legend has it that the pair of dragons are the ones who created Ayaka Island. They were also the enshrined deity at the Kaizumi Shrine, where Kurama serves as a priest. He was a little surprised to discover that that belief also has its roots in Gonoshima.

Sango looked at the sculpture and said indifferently.

"Yes. The Dragon God is our ancestor."

"Eh?"

Uzura opened the door with one hand. Beyond was a long, dark staircase leading downward. Following Uzura down the stairs, Sango looked Jingi in the eyes and explained.

"We are descendants of Mitama and humans who once mixed. At that time, Mitama were descendants of the Water Dragon."

"You mean there is such a tradition?"

Sango replied as she laughed.

"No. In fact, it is."

Jingi frowned. Even if she is not a dragon herself, if she is a follower of one, she is a pretty powerful Mitama. It wasn't a story he could suddenly believe, but Sango's words were filled with conviction, as if she had seen it with her own eyes.

Sango narrowed her eyes and added, as if she read Jingi's thoughts.

"It's okay. You'll understand soon."

She added, nudging Jingi in the nose.

The stairs were long and dark. Stones that emit a faint glow are placed on both sides of the stairs at equal intervals. Sango's pale red eyes glistened wetly in response.

Jingi asked.

"Hey. Why me?"

Sango blinked slowly. Anyway, she continued talking to Jingi.

"You and I were only together for a few hours. I'm sorry, but I completely forgot about you the next week. That's how kids are. New things are happening one after another, so you can't remember the old things. But why are you so attached to me, someone you only met once, twelve years ago?"

Sango smiled mysteriously. Her eyes shone in the light and seemed to exude an inhuman color.

"As long as I can remember, my mother and the Elder have always said that I am the heir to the blood of Kisui Palace and that I will pass it on to the next generation. They taught me that my most important role is to find a mate and lead this village as village chief."

Sango slowly raised her hand. Flexible, fish-like fingers touched Jingi's earlobe.

"It was by chance that I entered Ninoshima. While playing in the water, I was caught by an unexpected current and was swept there. However, it was inevitable that I would find you there. Jingi-sama, we were destined to meet one day."

"Ha.", Jingi scoffed.

"Cider and games? It was a cheap destination."

Sango's smile, however, did not falter.

"My mother said that you can tell when a couple is together as soon as you see them. That's what "Shinusuirinko" will teach you. And that day, it certainly happened. It was not my will that chose you, it was the "Kisuirin" that chose you, it was destiny."

It was Jingi who stopped laughing.

If you hear the idea that the scale can tell you who your soulmate is, it's crazy. However, spiritual people are not decent in the first place. They are a hybrid of humans and Mitama, and are a race that operates by their own logic and rules. They probably have their own inevitability, although it's not worth it for the sake of your relationship.

"Are you saying my intentions don't matter?"

When he spat those words at her, the smile disappeared from Sango's lips. Her pale red eyes were downcast with sadness. As she did so, she looked like a heartbroken young woman.

"My love for Jingi-sama comes from the bottom of my heart. How happy I would be if Jingi-sama felt the same. But my mother said: It's hard for people outside the island to accept this, because they have a lot of feelings."

Her sad gaze flickered. She looked at the back of the head of the man responsible for that.

"Spirituals are made of weak thoughts. The old man says it's because of the Mitama mix. The reason my feelings are so strong is because I'm special. Everyone else: the Elder, Josei, Ruazusa, and even Uzura. No, It's like me."

Uzura's head moved slightly. Did he try to turn around? However, he did not turn around and continued down the stairs in silence. He prioritized the orders.

Sango gave a small laugh. It was a sad smile.

"I don't think Jingi-sama understands my feelings. You're surrounded by a lot of thoughts. Yukito-san, Kurama-san, your other brother, and I'm sure your friends. I'm sure there are a lot of them too, but... "

Her voice became quiet and her last words were so weak that they were almost inaudible.

"I've always been alone."

He really couldn't say anything.

Since he was taken to Gonoshima, he was able to understand the characteristics of the spirits. They are more like social insects than humans. They have almost no free will and faithfully follow orders. If they were told to do so, they would probably waste their lives without hesitation.

This is no different for the elders and the other "priests." They laugh. They can make facial expressions in the form of laughter. But it's not about emotion, it's about learning. Their essence is that they are made of inorganic matter, like anything else.

But Sango is different.

She laughs. She is surprised. She may be sad and depressed. It was a sincere reaction, much like Jingi's. It's true that the weight of the twenty years Sango has spent in this dark, dank "village" is something no one knows.

If Jingi had more compassion, he might have thought that living with Sango wouldn't be a bad idea.

"I..."

While he was thinking, Jingi opened his mouth.

"Still, I can't be with you. Sango."

Sango bit her lip hard.

Before he knew it, the mask of a young woman full of composure had fallen from her face. Beneath it was the expression of a hurt girl.

However, that quickly turned into a fake smile.

"I know. People outside won't accept my feelings."

"......"

Jingi pursed his lips tightly.

Jingi was confused by the feelings welling up within him. Maybe that's a type of emotion called pity. It was weird. The woman in front of him is trying to stop Jingi, kidnap him, imprison him, and force him into an unwanted marriage. He shouldn't feel sorry for such a person. Although that is true in theory, the phenomenon of feeling is not logical.

Jingi said with a sigh.

"I have something to do, Sango. That's why I can't do it. It's not your fault."

Sango shook her head.

"You can't do that anymore. You're going to be with me."

"......"

For a moment, Jingi was conflicted.

He has a secret. A secret that he has never revealed to anyone.

If he confides that in Sango, he might be able to handle that stalemate. At the very least, Sango would have been able to get by better than trying to convince the spirits, including the old man.

But...

Sango smiled again and sang.

"Also, if you have something to do, you can do it here, Jingi-sama. Yukito-san should be here soon, and maybe your brothers too. So, let's all have fun and live together in harmony."

Jingi mentally shook his head.

As expected, no. He doesn't know what she will do if he tells her. Sango was close to them among the spirits, but she was still innocent and pure, and because of that, she was dangerous. He couldn't take that risk yet.

Finally, the long staircase came to an end.

Jingi, who was being carried by Uzura, felt his steps become softer.

It feels like stepping on dirt or sand. Before he knew it, his surroundings had changed to a roughly hollowed rock wall. It seems that the basement of the Kisui Palace is connected to a cave somewhere.

Suddenly, Jingi's vision was enveloped in darkness.

The cool, moist air touched his cheek. It seemed as if they had arrived at an open area, but in the lightless darkness, they could not see anything. As Jingi squinted, Uzura whispered something. Probably, it is a technique from a different system than Jingi.

The light slowly began to illuminate the space.

Jingi gasped involuntarily.

That place was at the bottom of the sea. From the hemispherical roof he could see the black, stagnant water. The white bellies of fish swimming around the edges and the blue-black shadows of swaying seaweed. That place was an underwater dome, protected by magic instead of glass.

"This is the place where my mother sleeps."

Sango said softly and started walking in front of Uzura. Footprints dot the white sand. Finally, when they reached the center of the dome, Uzura lowered Jingi's body and sat him down. Sango sat next to him.

"......"

Sango opened her mouth and screamed something. It wasn't a word; it wasn't even a voice. He felt like vibrations in the air, like some kind of sound wave that made his eardrums vibrate.

Nothing happened for a while.

About a minute had passed, and just as Jingi was about to open his mouth, it suddenly appeared.

Something came from behind the transparent wall, from the depths of the sea.

Something big, long and blue.

Due to the depths of the ocean, where light cannot reach, it was not possible to see everything clearly. However, upon closer inspection, he realized that it was a gigantic sea serpent with blue scales and a blue-black dorsal fin. It's bigger than he's ever seen, let alone imagined. Even after going around that underwater dome, there was still more.

Sango whispered softly in Jingi's ear, who was left speechless.

"This is my mother, Kisuinomiya Yatsuchi-sama."

In response, a roar shook the entire dome.

Ekkkkkkkkkkk...

"She said it's a pleasure to meet her son-in-law."

Swallowing, breathing deeply and drenched in cold sweat, Jingi forced a smile.

"Well, I haven't decided yet."

"No. It was decided that way. Since you received my "Kisuirin"."

"The sea serpent, or rather, Sango's mother, was slowly spinning around the dome. He couldn't even make out where her head was.

Sango explained calmly as she sat next to Jingi with her knees together.

“As I said before, our ancestors are the Water Dragon God and the descendants of him. Those who inherit that blood will have the appearance of humans when they are young, but as they grow, they will become dragon-like beings.”

At this moment, Sango suddenly looked up and said in a bright voice, "Ah."

"This is my father."

What she was pointing to was the flank of a sea serpent, or, rather, it was a black shadow protruding from the blue-black body of it. A rectangular shadow is attached to a round shadow. And within the rectangular shadow, there were four more elongated shadows.

It looks like a human form.

Jingi couldn't help but look at Sango's profile and asked.

"Hey. We're getting married, right?"

Sango smiled at Jingi like a shy maid.

"Yes. We will be together, Jingi-sama."

+++++++++++

After confirming that the old man was gone, Tsugishima Sakurainochi, the manager of the "Archipelago Resort Hotel", breathed a deep sigh of relief.

When he was asked to take custody of Yukito Yanagi and his group, he thought his heart would stop. However, he was the manager of this hotel and had the responsibility of ensuring the safety of the guests. When he explained that to him, the old man was convinced, at least apparently.

However, this only applies to the hotel grounds. Tsugishima cannot interfere with what happens outside the hotel. This is the island of spirits.

"Verify."

Suddenly, the words echoed in his head, and Tsugishima picked up his tired body and headed towards the reception. A thin gray shadow was huddled in front of the counter. Tsugishima carried out the prescribed procedures with a professional smile on his face. Tsugishima doesn't know the shadow's identity: is he some kind of hermit, a wizard, or a connection? That espionage is not his job.

As the shadow faded, the next customer appeared at the counter. Tsugishima looked at the person and his professional smile turned into genuine surprise.

"Sagaramurudi-sama. Are you leaving yet?"

The black-robed witch smiled meaningfully. She was a high-ranking guest of the hotel and usually stayed for at least a month. However, this time she has only spent a week.

"No, it seems his client got lost, so I came to drop him off."

Before he knew it, he looked and saw a group of children. Seeing the boy in front, who looked uncomfortable, Tsugishima let out an even bigger cry of surprise.

"Yukito-kun! Are you okay?"

"No, well... yes..."

Tsugishima quickly looked around the hallway. There were no other customers in sight. The others already returned to the village after the scheduled time. The fact that "Yanagi Yukito has not returned to the hotel" has not yet been revealed.

"Well, for now, come here! Come on, hurry up!"

He invited the children, including Yukito, and a tall stranger to the manager's room. Sagaramurudi did not try to enter from the counter. She looked at Yukito and muttered in a low voice.

"Remember the deal, Yukito. If that's what you want, I'll help you right away."

Yukito's shoulders shook. When he looked back, there was an expression of disbelief in his eyes. Still, Yukito bowed his head and entered the room, guided by Tsugishima.

"What the hell did you do in Kisui Village?! Why did the old man come to look for you?!"

When he closed the door behind him, he couldn't help but raise his voice. Yukito shrugged and the tall man looked at Tsugishima. Tsugishima was a little scared and looked at him demanding an explanation.

"Oh, and who is this person? It seems like you guys know each other..."

That question was answered by the person in question.

"Ibuki Aka. I work as a connector in Ichinoshima. I am also a disciple of Yanagi Makoto."

Tsugishima's eyes widened. Ibuki stepped forward and looked at the children.

"Let me explain. What did these guys do?"

Then Ibuki began to explain why they had come to Gonoshima in the first place.

"I see."

Sitting deeply in his office chair, Tsugishima said with a sigh.

There was probably a hint of disapproval in his gaze as he looked at Yukito, who was sitting on the reception couch. He and his friends Chatarou and Yako looked down, uneasy. He knew that he shouldn't scold the boy more than necessary, but he still had to nudge him.

"In that case, you should have consulted me from the beginning! It would be unreasonable for you two to enter the village alone!"

"Yanagi Yukito tried to do that. But I stopped him."

Ibara Ichijou, the only girl who looked up, said that without a care in the world. She looked at Tsugishima.

"Because I couldn't trust you enough."

She is an honest girl.

Tsugishima let out a sigh through his nose and leaned back against the backrest. He murmured as he rubbed the area between his eyes.

"Is it different now?"

"Sagaramurudi said that you were on the hotel's side. If that is the case, at least you are not our enemy."

Ibuki responded calmly. Tsugishima nodded. The mission that Yanagi gave him was to preserve that hotel and, by extension, the "Meisen". Tsugishima's position is to maintain a neutral effect on all other matters. However, is that also okay for Makoto Yanagi's son?

Or even if he is a disciple whom he has raised as his own son?

"......"

A wrinkle of agony was etched between Tsugishima's eyebrows. He knew very well that he should not settle things with the spirits. The "Archipelago Resort Hotel", which is a foreign object on the island, cannot survive without his approval. It was none other than Makoto Yanagi himself who advised Tsugishima not to stand in their way. Then they won't bother you.

"That spiritual person..."

After a long silence, Tsugishima broke his request.

"Most of them lack willpower and emotion. People like Taro and Kiriji are called kaite. They will faithfully follow the orders of the elder and the high priests. They are not related to each other. No, that is a problematic group if we must make our way."

Ibuki looked at Tsugishima, a little surprised. Tsugishima rested his elbows on the desk and continued.

"Among them, those who are connected to the palace are called palace priests. I have only met the old man, but it seems that there are three others; those are the ones who came after you. They will be a big obstacle to helping Jingi-kun."

"Ibara."

Ibuki turned to Ibara. Ibara turned to him and explained.

"I also fought one of his connectors. He is stronger than me, but weaker than the boss."

"There are at least four people like that."

Muttering in disgust, Ibuki looked at Yukito and the others.

"What are your skills?"

"Chatarou Fukuwake and Yako Amano are more or less the same as the two of them combined. Yukito Yanagi... well, I don't know. He doesn't have many techniques that he can use, but his strength is stronger than mine."

At that, Chatarou and Yako expressed their agreement.

"Oh, that's right! Yukito is amazing!"

"Yukito-kun saved us when we were surrounded by spirits in the Kisui Palace. We were able to escape by using a large ball of water and manipulating it."

"Were you the one controlling that?"

Ibuki's expression, which had been stern until then, suddenly softened. There's a slight warmth in the way he looks at Yukito, as if he's caring for his younger brother.

"I see. As expected of my master's son."

"No, uh... I was just desperate..."

Ibuki reached out and stroked Yukito's head as he grumbled.

However, that was the extent of Ibuki's warmth. As soon as he withdrew his hand, his expression returned to the coldness of reality.

"On the other side, there are four people who are related to each other. I don't know the ability of the head of Kisui Palace or Sango of Kisui Palace herself. On the other hand, besides Ibara and me, there were two half-humans and maybe one unknown person. We definitely don't have enough strength."

"Ah..."

Chatarou dropped his shoulders pathetically, but Yako calmly stated.

"Yes. Also, there is another problem. Even if we want to help Jingi-san, we don't know where he is. Even if we go to visit him, they won't let us see him."

"It's full of problems."

Ibuki said that, but Tsugishima raised his hand.

"If that's the problem, we can solve it."

Ignoring Ibuki's doubts, Tsugishima opened a drawer in his office desk and took out a book. It was a work diary that he had kept since he started working at that hotel.

He opened one of those pages and gave it to Ibuki.

"I have lived on this island for many years, so I am familiar with the customs of the spirits. They hold important ceremonies in a place called "Kerukaiden" at the top of the palace."

Ibuki looked over there. A look of understanding crossed his face.

"The marriage of the next head of the family is definitely the most important ceremony among them. The question is when will it take place."

"Ah! I heard that! I think it will be the night three days later!"

Yukito suddenly looked up and shouted. Ibara, Chatarou and others agree one after another. That's what they said when they found Jingi and Sango.

"It is already decided."

Ibuki looked at them and muttered to himself.

"We will move the night of three days later. It will be a celebration. Security will be tight, but we cannot miss this opportunity."

The children, except Ibara, looked pale. It is not surprising. They are planning to wage war against four people linked to a village.

Tsugishima cleared his throat, partly out of pity for them, but also because he knew another solution. Catching Ibuki's gaze, he suggested it.

"There is still a problem. Even if we manage to rescue Jingi-kun, they will still chase you. Even to Ninoshima."

"It's too late now. They were the ones who took action first. I'm not going to lie down and cry after they kidnapped my brother."

"The spirits do not consider it "kidnapped". Kisuinomiya Sango handed over the "Kisuirin", which was a proof of commitment, and Sagawa Jingi accepted it. Then the commitment has already occurred. They will never allow it to be unilaterally abolished. That is why..."

After taking a breath, Tsugishima continued.

"The most reliable way is to return the ''Kisuirin''. Spiritual people who place importance on "contracts" will no longer have any reason to restrict Jingi-kun once the proof of commitment is returned to them. He will be returned to us in peace."

"I guess that's why we're having so much trouble because that idiot sold that ''Kisuirin''."

"And I heard that Ninoshima's connections are currently looking for him. How has that progressed? Is there a way to contact them?"

Chatarou timidly raised his hand.

"Ah, there is. Or, rather, I have it. Before we came here, our master gave us a magic tool. He said it was for emergency use."

"This is an emergency. I think we should use it right away."

He thought it was a fair opinion, but for some reason the atmosphere in the room became heavy and dark.

Chatarou held his breath and cast furtive glances at Ibuki. And Ibuki's expression showed strong anger and irritation. Tsugishima had no idea why he was making that face in this situation.

Ibuki clicked his tongue and turned his back away from the wall. That alone made Chatarou's body tremble, and Ibuki bluntly said goodbye.

"I'm going to take a look around."

"Huh? No, but..."

Before Tsugishima could tell him that the hotel was safe, Ibuki left the manager's room.

Tsugishima looked at the children, confused. Ibuki is the most powerful and senior connection there. He doesn't know why he acted like that.

Upon receiving his gaze, Yukito also shook his head in confusion.

"Well... there are many things."

"Fukuwake Chatarou. It's okay, just contact him."

"Oh, yes."

Chatarou was confused by Ibara's request, but he nodded. He took out a ceremonial note from his pocket and closed his eyes.

"Man, earth and sky! Each of us is a gifted art returning to our roots!"

The ceremonial etiquette emitted a golden light.

Trembling, he broke free of Chatarou's grasp. It spun in the air again and again and then charged toward the window in a straight line. Before Tsugishima could say anything, the ceremonial etiquette slipped through the window gap and flew into the distant sky.

All that was left behind was everyone who stood there dumbfounded.

"...Ah. That."

Suddenly, Yukito pointed out.

A line of light appeared in the room. The light reflected across the room like a thin golden thread and continued beyond the window. After a while, Tsugishima realized that this was a sign that the ceremonial etiquette had moved.

After a while, the beam of light began to shake.

"Ro... cha..."

At first, the voice was full of static, like a satellite call from the other side of the world. But that was only so at the beginning; As the tremor of the light rays decreased, the sound became clearer.

"Chatarou. Can you hear me? What's going on there?"

"Ah, Kurama-sensei! Okay, okay, I can hear you!"

"That's good. How is the situation now?"

Chatarou blinked behind his glasses and Yako stepped forward to respond in his place.

"Master, I am Yako. We are now in a safe situation. There is a hotel in Gonoshima, and the manager is an acquaintance of Master Yanagi. His name is Tsugishima Sakurainochi."

"An acquaintance of the master?!"

The beam of light... Kurama's voice was tinged with surprise. Tsugishima stepped forward and greeted him.

"Nice to meet you, Kurama-Sensei. My name is Tsugishima Sakurainochi, and I am the manager of the "Archipelago Resort Hotel". I am indebted to your master, Yanagi-Sensei, for saving my life. Personally, I would like to help the Yanagi clan as much as possible."

"Nice to meet you, Tsugishima-san. Thank you. As Chatarou and his friends, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you."

Tsugishima nodded and looked at Yukito.

"Now then, Yukito-kun. Please explain the situation immediately."

"Oh, yes!"

Then, Yukito began to speak. For the most part, it was the same thing he told Tsugishima earlier. Arriving in Gonoshima, they found Tsugishima, stayed at the hotel and visited Kisui Palace, it was at this stage that he helped them.

"Aka. Really...?"

The murmured voice was so cold that Tsugishima couldn't help but look at Yukito and the others. Ibara reacted to that and silently shook her head. Since Ibuki left, it seems like these two Yanagi disciples don't get along with each other.

Finally, Yukito spoke about the current situation.

"Right now we are stuck in the hotel. It seems that there is a "contract" that says that the spirits will not touch us as long as we stay inside. So, Tsugishima-san said that, if we can return the "Kisuirin", that people would free Jingi-san...''

"I see."

Tsugishima thinks that's the important point.

Will they be able to find the "Kisuirin"? Everything depends on that. If they don't find it and still try to get Sagawa Jingi back, it could lead to an all-out war between Ninoshima and Gonoshima. The spirits never forgive anyone who violates their rules.

At that moment, the beam of light changed shape.

The light particles came together to form a rough image. The video shows a man receiving something from a counter inside a small store.

Kurama's voice rang out.

"In conclusion, the "Kisuirin" has not yet been found. However, it was discovered that this man had purchased the "Kisuirin". Considering the circumstances, we believe that he may be one of the spirits."

Tsugishima frowned.

"Does that mean that a spiritual man bought the "Kisuirin"?"

"That's what I guess."

"However, I think it's difficult to think about that. Spiritual people are not the type of people who come up with such plans."

For example, it is possible to cast some sort of spell on the "Kisuirin" so that it is recognized the moment it leaves Jingi's hands. If you hide the newly obtained "Kisuirin" somewhere, a marriage relationship will be established that you can never refuse. However, as Tsugishima saw it, such an elaborate method was not at all typical of a spiritual person. They are an inflexible race, but they are also simple people.

On the other end of the line, Kurama was silent. He knew what he was thinking. If that person was not a spiritual person, it would be almost impossible to recover the "Kisuirin". If that happens, all that will be left will be a full-scale confrontation.

"Ah, that!"

At this moment, Yukito raised his voice.

Tsugishima opened his eyes and looked at Yukito. It wasn't just him, Chatarou, Yako and Ibara were staring at the image.

Yukito pointed at the man and shouted again.

"I've seen that person before at Kisui Palace! His name is Josei and he's the high priest who showed us around!"

+++++++++++

Inhale and exhale.

The air we breathe contains life force. Because vitality resides in all things. The exhaled life force travels through the universe and returns to the vital vein, and is then expelled from the vital vein again and resides in the air again.

Every time you breathe, you feel it. The air, the ocean, the trees and the land are all aspects of circulating vitality, and he is also included in that.

"Hmm..."

His body was now on a small hill in the northwestern part of Gonoshima. He was sitting cross-legged at the top of a tree that only grew at the top. When he opens his eyes, he can see the resplendent "Archipelago Resort Hotel" below. There was no need to do so, as his mind was connected to the life line and covered the northern part of the island like a network of nerves. The hotel was something strange on that island... even now for him.

When he tried to make a "contract" with that place, the Elder strongly objected. They knew they needed to interact with the outside world, but that didn't mean they needed to build a facility where people from the outside could stay. They thought they should manage the "Meisen" themselves.

However, his master, Kisuinomiya Yatsuchi, rejected him. That man signed a "contract" with Makoto Yanagi and chose to have the "Spring of Life" managed by a stranger.

He had no complaints about that. He has known Kisuimiya Yatsuchi since she was still in human form, even when she was a baby, but now she is the old man's superior. Obeying that order was the beginning of the spiritual man.

But now.

"Hmm..."

The Elder's eyes filled with strength as he meditated.

Another strange object appeared from outside the island.

He broke the old man's technique, which stretched like skin, and pierced a point in the hotel. Something like a thread or a ray of light. The Elder assumes that this is some kind of communication or link.

The old man's face, covered in scars, was grimly distorted.

"Tsugishima. You're a fox."

Tsugishima said that Yukito Yanagi was not at the hotel at the time and that he would let him know when he returned. Even if it's just a verbal promise, it's still a "contract". That man trampled him. In the end he would have to pay the price.

But he has other things to do now.

"Josei."

"Yes!"

A voice echoed under the tree. Josei, a court lord under the Elder, is sitting at the foot of a tree with his eyes closed, as is the Elder.

"As expected, they are hot. Their tails stick out."

Pure blue eyes looked at the old man.

"Are you going to attack them?"

"Good. We have to keep him safe there. It's a "contract" made by the Lord."

"Yes."

While he exchanged words with Josei, the Elder attempted to decipher the enemy's techniques. If it were a message, if they could grasp its content, their advantage would be even greater.

But...

"Ok, I will do it."

The old man spat.

The techniques used by the spirits of Gonoshima and the others are very different systems. The old man realized that when he saw the technique of Makoto Yanagi, who once appeared on this island. They don't know how to deal with that technique. The same thing happened with the elderly.

Just when he was halfway to deciphering the tightly organized technique, he suddenly stopped. He suddenly disappeared, as if a needle was being pulled out of his skin without a sound, and he couldn't feel anything for the rest of the time.

At that moment, the old man opened his eyes for the first time.

After blinking the horizontally divided pupils several times, they returned to human eyes. The old man asked as he touched his white beard.

"What about Ryuzusa and Uzura?"

"They are protecting Sango-sama at the sanctuary."

"Have Ryuzusa protect the north. Anyone who leaves the island is free. However, no one can enter the island before congratulations."

"Yes!"

Josei stood up and was about to walk slowly when he stopped. He looked back at the old man.

"Elder, will you stay here?"

"Hmm..."

"How about a congratulatory message?"

The old man stared at Josei.

Josei has a cool expression on his face. Spiritual people have little individuality. But that doesn't mean there aren't any. Although Josei was the youngest judicial official, he often made such comments. The old man felt a fine mist-like sensation.

The old man only murmured.

"Go away."

Josei bowed and disappeared.

"Hmph.", he snorted. The slight feeling, he had of being unfit to be a spiritual person disappeared with just that. Afterwards, his thoughts returned to how they usually were.

The congratulations will be done in three days, no, the date has already changed, so it will be in two days. It's a full moon night.

On that day a new owner of Kisui Palace will be born. From Kisuinomiya Yatsuchi to Kisuinomiya Sango. She will create a new clan by mating with that man named Jingi Sagawa. That was decided twelve years ago. He never expected that the person to whom Sango gave the "Kisuirin" was Makoto Yanagi's disciple.

It was the right choice. The moment he saw that man; the old man knew.

Sagawa Jingi is excellent and pure. He has a pure soul that is completely free of laws and regulations that humans have. With it, Sango will be able to better guide the village. That's why the "Kisuirin" chose him.

Give the "Kisuirin" to the person you have chosen as a partner. If the prospective spouse does not return it, the marriage ceremony is considered to have concluded.

That was the rule of Kisui village and the principle of spiritual people.

The old man has been alive for a long time. Rules and principles are the meaning of his existence. He does not tolerate anyone who violates that. And in his experience, it was always strange objects that violated rules and reason.

"I won't let you get in my way."

Muttering to himself, the old man's eyes opened again. While he meditated, he made a sign with both hands and looked at the sky.

Kudo perturbation method.

The wind began to blow. The trees swayed and a fallen leaf brushed the old man's cheek. Looking at the sky, which had begun to ripple, the old man continued developing his technique.

#ayaka #sagawa jingi #kurama haruaki #ibuki aka #yanagi yukito #fukuwake chatarou #amano yako #ichijou ibara #sango

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itsuki-minamy · 4 months

Text

"AYAKA - THE EVE OF A SPECIAL WEDDING" (Novel)

TRANSLATION: NARU-KUN

CHAPTER 4: IN GONOSHIMA

* List of Chapters

The witch's third arm gently lifted the pipe.

Purple smoke billowed from the pipe. Smoke seemed to fill the darkened room with the curtains closed.

Or maybe it was some kind of curse. Ibuki Aka looked straight into her eyes, warning himself of that.

"Kinasa. That's a nostalgic name."

A soft voice echoed in the room. Holding her mouthpiece between her red lips, she slowly inhaled and exhaled the purple smoke. The room became even more smoky and Ibuki frowned.

"There are not many opportunities to come to Gonoshima. Now is the time to pay your debt, Sugaramurudi."

"Hehehe."

Her black robe swayed with the sound of laughter and the giant pointed hat hid the face of the witch Sagaramurudi. The appearance of an "evil witch" is exactly like something out of a fairy tale. The right side of her normal arm was raised and pointed directly at Ibuki's face.

"Don't be so arrogant, boy. It's not you I owe."

There was not the slightest hint of malice in her calm voice. Despite that, Ibuki was aware of the gun in her pocket. If Sugaramurudi wanted to do that, she could do everything she could to escape.

Then, the fingers of her right hand suddenly pointed upwards. She continued to twist her fingers.

"And I don't remember which one I owe. I must have owed something to Kinasa. In general, what do you mean?"

"2011. Misurata."

When he said it simply, her fingers stopped moving.

The witch cast a sidelong glance at Ibuki. Bright amber eyes. Feeling a little dizzy, Ibuki focused on the pointed hat. Ibuki knew that he should not let his guard down even for a moment against the evil master. Because he himself is like that.

"That is certainly a large debt."

Muttering, Sugaramurudi tapped the ash dropper with her pipe. Poom, poom. Each time, the collar of the hat catches the light of the lamp and shines.

Finally, she sighed and sank deeply into her chair.

"Okay. What do you want?"

"The "Star of Galilee"."

When he responded vaguely, Sugaramurudi snorted. Her original arm, the left side of it, extended. Her eerily white fingers slid between the stacks of books, past the medicine bottles filled with mysterious creatures, and touched the handle of an old dresser.

Her arm extended several meters. Ibuki didn't move an eyebrow. What the witch does with her body is up to her.

Finally, Sugaramurudi's hand extended a box in front of Ibuki. When he received it and opened it, he found a regular dodecahedral crystal inside. Countless stars shine inside the crystal. After confirming that, Ibuki quickly closed the box.

Ibuki said briefly as he put the box into his bag.

"I certainly received it."

Just when he was about to turn around after saying that, Sugaramurudi murmured.

"Yes? That's all?"

"......?"

Ibuki stopped and looked over his shoulder. Sugaramurudi's amber eyes stared at Ibuki. Buried in the couch, she murmured.

"Don't you care about your younger brother? You are a heartless person."

"Younger brother?"

Ibuki has two younger brothers. Among them, he called out the name of the one who would most likely cause trouble.

"What's wrong with Jingi?"

Sugaramurudi rolled her eyes as if she was bewildered.

"Are you slow? You should train your eyes and ears a little more."

Ibuki turned to Sugaramurudi. Her eyes glared fiercely at the witch.

"What did you do to Jingi?"

Sugaramurudi twisted her face in disgust. Even so, she did not face Ibuki's tense hostility head-on. Waving her white hand, she said in a careless tone.

"I haven't done anything. I only know that Yanagi's third disciple was brought to this island."

"Did they bring him in? Kidnapped? By who and why?"

"Do you wish me to provide you with information?"

The witch's eyes narrowed in amusement and Ibuki fell silent.

There is no direct interest between Sugaramurudi and Ibuki. Ibuki came to Gonoshima at the request of Rika Kinari, the woman who had taught him her bad habits. She wanted a magical tool called "Star of Galilee" that belonged to Sugaramurudi.

Sugaramurudi traveled all over the world and it was difficult to track her whereabouts, but she occasionally visited Gonoshima during her vacations. However, Gonoshima is always protected by a barrier, and only those authorized by the island's owner can easily cross. That's why Kinari was always watching Gonoshima.

That barrier was loosened the other day. Kinari notified Ibuki about that matter. The witch Sugaramurudi gave him the "Star of Galilee".

Although he was irritated by his work as his servant, he owed her a considerable debt of gratitude. Ibuki traveled to Gonoshima just to fulfill his duty.

The success was excellent. All that's left to do is return to Ichinoshima and hand over the cursed tool.

It was supposed to be like this.

"......"

Ibuki frowned and thought.

Sugaramurudi is a witch, or even called a magician. They are similar and different to pulse connectors, and although they are still people who create techniques from their life energy, their systems are different.

What is clear is that the magician, at least Sugaramurudi, is not good enough to grant wishes for free. If you want your wishes to come true, you must also make her wishes come true. After thinking like this, Ibuki opened his mouth.

"What do you want?"

There's not much he can offer. It would be a different story if he returned to the "Ayaka Security" headquarters, but the only magic tool he has now is a bullet that has been treated with a spell. Although it is doubtful that they have information about the witch...

Sugaramurudi was silent for a while.

The visor of her pointed hat hides her eyes. Sugaramurudi slowly let out purple smoke and said in a low voice:

"Yanagi Yukito."

Ibuki's gaze became sharp.

Did Sugaramurudi realize that? She continued in a calm tone.

"Is it true that he is Makoto Yanagi's biological son?"

He had to choose his words carefully.

He had no idea why the witch wanted information about Yukito. The only thing he had to avoid was what Ibuki thinks could cause Yukito harm. Ibuki gave her precise information that she can find by doing a little research.

"That's what I heard."

"Where is her mother? Who is she?"

"I don't know."

The tip of the pipe tapped the bowl of ashes in irritation.

"You don't know anything. You're useless."

"I don't care if my information is useful to you or not. I answered what you asked me and you must answer what I asked you."

Then, Ibuki lowered his voice and said:

"If you do anything to Yukito, I will kill you."

Sugaramurudi stared at Ibuki. There was a look in her eyes that he didn't like. It's like she's trying not to laugh.

Finally, the witch put down her pipe and opened her arms freely.

"Don't get me wrong. I'm not planning on doing anything. I just want to know. Does he really have a son?"

"......"

"Okay. I'll tell you. What you want to know is about the third disciple."

Then, the witch slowly began to tell the story.

+++++++++++

The Gonoshima Station platform was built directly on the sandy beach.

Blue skies, blue sea, white sand beaches. The sun is soft, the air is warm, and a soft sea breeze gently sways the leaves of the palm trees that grow along the coast.

When the group got off the sea train, they looked around cautiously and then whispered to each other in low voices.

"It's more normal than I thought."

"It's not just an ordinary place, but it's a really beautiful place. I thought it would be a darker, damper island."

Yukito felt the same. Since there was almost no information available, he was left imagining things. Even during the day, huge and ferocious beasts roamed among the dark, trembling lava and thorny mountains. However, as far as he could see, he could see a luxury resort that looked like the one seen in travel agency brochures.

"It's better not to let your guard down."

Ibara scolded the three of them. She opened her bag and put a glove on her right arm. That is the weapon mainly used by Ibara, the head of "Ayaka Security" at the location.

"Even if it seems peaceful at first glance, you don't know what's going on. Until we can confirm it's safe, please be aware of your surroundings."

"Uh, yes. That's right."

Yukito nodded again, then opened his eyes suddenly.

"Something is coming...!"

At the end of the stone steps that descended from the platform to the sandy beach was a primitive, unpaved path that could only be traveled on foot. The path winds through the palm trees, and from the other side, something was approaching with a roar.

The group nervously prepared. Was it a demonic beast that lived in Gonoshima or was it an attack from a spiritual being? Yukito felt his hands start to sweat and he thought of a defensive spell on his head.

He approached, made a slight engine noise, and then slowly stopped.

It was a car.

It has three wheels and no doors, allowing direct access to the second row of seats. It is a simple taxi-like car that is sometimes seen on television specials about tropical countries.

"Just in time."

In front of everyone who was frozen in place, someone got up from the driver's seat. He is a man in his 40s, wearing a polo shirt and shorts, with a friendly smile on his tanned face. He extended his arms towards Yukito and the others and shouted with a smile.

"Hello, nice to meet you! Welcome to Gonoshima!"

"......"

Nobody could answer anything.

The man looked around. Then, with a strange expression on his face, he asked Ibara who was getting ready.

"Um... I guess it's just you guys? What about the parents?"

"......"

Ibara looked at Yukito as she held the glove. Clearly confused. Yukito wasn't good at this kind of communication either, but he decided to get closer and...

"Yes, uh, just us."

"Ah, that's right! Although you're still young, that's a big deal! Well, first, let's take care of your luggage. It may not fit four people, but if they use the roof..."

"Hey, wait a minute!"

Yukito quickly stopped the man as he grabbed the luggage that had been left on the platform. The man blinked and then let out a sound of understanding: "Ah!"

"Sorry, sorry! It's been a while since I heard about the arrival of the sea train, so I moved on. I have to change that. Well, then..."

The man cleared his throat and took several cards from the pocket of his shorts.

"My name is Tsugishima, the manager. Please feel free to ask me anything during your stay."

It was a business card. Yukito and his friends took it while looking at each other. In fact, the business card had the same title and name written on it: Tsugishima Sakurainochi, "Archipelago Resort Hotel", Manager.

Tourist hotel.

Chatarou was the first to speak, to everyone's surprise.

"No, is there a hotel?"

Tsugishima looked a little taken aback.

"Well, I have one, but... I wonder if it's okay?"

"No, no, do you mean...?"

Chatarou looked at Yako as if asking for help, and Yako asked him calmly.

"Sorry. We don't know much about Gonoshima. Could you tell us what kind of things there are and what kind of people live here?"

Tsugishima nodded as if he was satisfied.

"Sure! But let's load the suitcases first. We can explain it while we're on the move."

"Ah, yes, then..."

As they led him away, Yukito handed his backpack to Tsugishima. He skillfully carried each item on the roof of the tricycle. Ibara looked at Yukito as if she wanted to say something, but he stacked her backpack on the roof with his bare hands.

"Is this island dangerous? That's so strange! So I am the guardian of this dangerous island!"

Laughing happily, Tsugishima gently turned the wheel.

The three-wheeled vehicle, apparently called a tuk-tuk, spun slowly along the coastal road, kicking up gravel. Chatarou, who was sitting in the back seat, cheered as he saw the endless white sand beach. Yako and Ibara, who are sitting on either side of him, also look at the beautiful scenery as if fascinated.

Yukito, sitting in the passenger seat, shyly opened his mouth.

"I don't have any information about this island... I'm sorry."

"No, no, you have nothing to apologize for. Besides, it is true that it is dangerous in a sense."

As he spoke in a slow tone, Tsugishima looked to the right of the road. There is a pristine virgin forest.

"This side of Shinoshima is not originally a place for ordinary people to live. The only people who come here are people who have contracts with Kisui Palace, hermits, and wizards. Our hotel is a resort hotel for people like that."

"Contract...?"

"I don't know the details either. It seems that the spirits of Kisui Palace sometimes go out to the outside world and make contracts with them. Gonoshima is a spirit island, so you can't enter without their permission. Except that sea train, because it's been a long time that doesn't move."

"Can you do that?"

In response to Chatarou's question, Tsugishima turned with only his head.

"Well, to a certain extent. People who come to Gonoshima for tourism purposes are not very interested in worldly possessions. That's why it's better to pay money... Oops, that's a bad way to put it! In any case, I haven't problems managing the business."

"Are you related to that too, Tsugishima-san?"

Tsugishima smiled a little sadly at Yako's question.

"I used to want to do that. I had no talent for connection. But when I said that because I wanted to get involved, even a little in this world, someone entrusted me with the management of that hotel."

With that, Tsugishima raised his chin and pointed into the distance.

At the end of the gently curving sandy beach you can see a building at the tip of the cape. It is a small hotel with an elegant white design that can be seen even from afar. That must be the "Archipelago Resort Hotel" where Tsugishima is the manager.

Ibara tilted her head.

"Alright?"

"It was difficult at first, but if you keep at it you'll get there. I'm sure that person was anticipating that too and entrusted me with this hotel."

Tsugishima narrowed his eyes wistfully. Yukito looked at his profile and asked.

"What kind of person was he who entrusted you with the hotel?"

"Ah, if you're from Ayakashima, you may have heard of him. His name was Makoto Yanagi, and he was a great sage who was called the "Great Hermit.""

"......"

Yukito was speechless and stared at Tsugishima.

Similarly, the members behind him looked at Tsugishima and Yukito with wide eyes. Tsugishima seemed confused by the sudden silence.

"What's wrong? Did I say something strange?"

"No, no, no! Are you serious, Yanagi Dai-sensei?!"

"We are from the Yanagi clan. Our master is a disciple of Yanagi Dai-sensei."

While Chatarou and Yako were talking to each other, Tsugishima yelled, "Huh?!" while he continued holding the steering wheel.

"Really?! So that girl too?"

"Yes."

Tsugishima still smiled happily at Ibara's unfriendly response.

"I see, children from the same school! That makes me happy, Yanagi-san's teachings are still alive on that island."

Chatarou smiled and poked his head between the driver and passenger seats.

"It's easy to be surprised! Who do you think is by your side?"

Tsugishima looked at Yukito, and Yukito instinctively shrugged. What could he say about that situation? It wasn't a good thing. But, unable to remain silent, he timidly introduced himself.

"Huh? My name is Yukito Yanagi. I am the son of Makoto Yanagi."

Tsugishima's expression hardened.

Not only his facial expressions, but also his actions and thoughts seemed to have frozen in place. The tuk-tuk travels along the tropical coast. The front has a gentle curve. However, Tsugishima still gripped the steering wheel, motionless as if time had stopped. The tall palm trees were getting closer and closer.

"Hey, Tsugishima-san, look ahead!"

"Oh?!"

Hearing Chatarou's shout, Tsugishima quickly turned the wheel. The tuk-tuk, which until then had traveled without problems, began to shake and in the rearview mirror he could see Ibara, who was sitting in the back seat, sticking out about four inches.

Shaking violently, the car snaked from left to right until it crashed into the sand and came to a stop. Yukito raised his arms and listened to his heartbeat. Chatarou and Yako also looked like their souls had been taken from them, and Ibara was holding the top of her head and looking down. She apparently was hit.

"I'm sorry! Are you okay?"

"...I'm fine."

Ibara responded with a trembling voice. Tsugishima then apologized several times and then grabbed Yukito by the shoulders again.

"Oh, is that true?! Yanagi-san's son!"

"Ah, yes... maybe."

"What do you mean maybe?!"

With their backs turned, Yako and Chatarou give an explanation.

"Yukito-kun has been away from the island for about ten years. He only recently returned here."

"But it is true that he is Yanagi Dai-sensei's son! The people of Ninoshima and our teacher remember Yukito well!"

"I see. I see. That person had a son..."

Tsugishima murmured wistfully and looked at Yukito's face. The expression on his affectionate face was one he had seen many times before. That was the same reaction Momoko and Inou had when greeting him when he arrived at Ayaka Island. Yukito was both happy and embarrassed about that.

Tsugishima nodded a few times and then shouted encouragement with his voice.

"Okay! You guys are staying at my hotel, right? In that case, let's get the best suite! We can't afford to lend our benefactor's son miserable accommodations!"

"What?! No, that's..."

"Are you serious?! That's it!"

Chatarou quickly lowered his head, suppressing Yukito who was trying to hold back. Yako and Ibara did the same one after another. Yukito was completely stumped, but then thanked him with a small "Ah, thank you...".

+++++++++++

"Ooooooooooh! This is amazing!"

The moment Chatarou entered the entrance of the "Archipelago Resort Hotel", he let out a cry of joy.

It was a spacious hall reminiscent of a chalk palace. Part of the wall is an atrium that offers a panoramic view of the resort's white beach. Tall tropical plants reaching up to the glass ceiling swayed in the gentle sea breeze.

The most striking thing is the enormous fountain in the center. There is a sculpture of two dragons intertwined and water continues to gush around them. As he approached, he noticed that the surface of the water seemed to emit a golden light every time it swayed.

As Yukito looked on in shock, Tsugishima said in a confident tone.

"This is the life spring that our hotel is proud of. The spring water here is influenced by the nearby life line and is rich in vitality."

Yukito's eyes widened. He has seen the presence of strong vitality several times before, but this is the first time he has seen water containing such different colors. Yukito brought his face closer and stared.

"It's not dangerous?"

It was Ibara who asked him calmly. She was the only one who did not approach the fountain, looking at the gushing water with a cautious look.

Instead of answering, Tsugishima walked over to the fountain and placed his hand on it. Something like waves floated in the air, blocking Tsugishima's palm. He withdrew his hand and shrugged slightly.

"Indeed, the "Source of Life" attracts all kinds of mysterious life forms. Mitama, Aramitama and even more troublesome things. To avoid this danger, a barrier has been placed around this fountain. The one who did that was..."

Tsugishima looked at Yukito fondly.

"Yukito-kun, that was your father."

Yukito blinked.

"However, even with Yanagi-san's power, it was not possible to completely seal the life force leaking from the "Source of Life". Therefore, a place and a person were needed to manage it. This is the origin of "Archipelago Resort Hotel" and my story. Look.''

When Tsugishima looked at the point he was pointing with his hand, before he knew it, a shadow appeared beyond the "Meisen". Yukito instinctively took a step back. The confusing shadow, a mix of black and gray, looked like a figure with arms that were too long and legs that were too short. He sways as if he is looking at the "Source of Life".

"That person is one of our clients. He appears about once every six months and likes to be close to the "Source of Life". I guess you could call it "Bath of Life", but surprisingly there are a lot of people who want that kind of thing."

"That..."

He was about to ask if it was a person, but he felt that he was rude so he couldn't help but bite his tongue. However, Tsugishima seemed to have read that and said with a big smile.

"No matter who he is, he won't cause a commotion here. We have a contract like that. So it's fine."

Although he didn't answer the question, Tsugishima waved his hand anyway.

"Then I will prepare to search them. Wait a moment."

After saying that, he loaded Yukito's luggage and his group into the cart and headed to the counter.

Yukito and his friends who were left behind looked at each other. Chatarou and Yako looked with indescribable expressions at the number of people gathered around the ''Meisen''.

Yukito asked Ibara next to him.

"Maybe I should talk to that person about Jingi-san?"

Ibara looked at Yukito. She crossed her arms and thought. The glove is still attached to her right arm.

"I don't know."

Ibara muttered as she thought about it. Her knowing gaze turned toward the reception.

"Even if that person was your father's disciple, his current position is still unclear. As soon as you mention Sagawa Jingi, he might become our enemy."

"No, that's..."

"You should take all the precautions you can."

There was no hesitation in Ibara's words, and as Yukito listened to them, he had the feeling that "that might be the case". It may be true that Tsugishima feels close and longing for Yukito, but it may be too early to reveal everything.

At this moment, a figure slowly walked out of the reception.

"Welcome, customers. Please come here."

Yukito froze.

A flat face and a voice without inflections. Although he was wearing the same hotel uniform as Tsugishima, he was definitely the spiritual man who came to Ninoshima with Sango and his friends that day.

"......!"

Seeing Yukito speechless, the spiritual person repeated the same words without seeming confused.

"Welcome, customer. Please come here."

"What's wrong, Yukito Yanagi?"

Ibara made a strange sound. She has never seen a spiritual person directly. The person in front of him is definitely one of the gang members who took Jingi away, but he is wearing a hotel uniform and trying to work as a bellhop.

"Ah, Kiriji! Sorry, please carry his luggage first."

Tsugishima left the reception and called the spiritual person. He turned his face flat and said in a flat voice.

"Understood, Manager."

He responded, pushing the cart to the side of the counter and walking out towards the back of the hotel.

"Yukito-kun, could you write your name here?"

Yukito headed to the counter when he was called. He timidly asked Tsugishima as he wrote his name in the accommodation book.

"Um, who is that person just now?"

"Hmm? Oh, what about Kiriji? He's from Kisui Village, he lives near here and helps with a lot of work at the hotel."

"Oh, are you hiring him? Um..."

He could barely swallow the word "spiritual person". However, it seems that it was still transmitted to Tsugishima. He looked back, smiling bitterly.

"I don't know what kind of knowledge you have about spiritual people, but they are not that bad. There are many things that are different from us, but you don't have to be scared just because of that."

Yukito suddenly blushed, as if he had guessed the inner feelings of him.

At that moment, Ibara appeared next to Yukito. She said in a calm tone.

"Tsugishima-san. There are two things I would like to ask you."

"Yes, what?"

"First. Where is Kisui Village you were talking about before? We have something to do there."

"Hm?"

Tsugishima cocked his head. She looked like she was asking him what she wanted, but he didn't say anything and instead he pulled out a piece of paper from the counter drawer. That says "Gonoshima Tourist Map" in a pop font.

"Kisui Village is just on the other side of the island from here. It might be a little difficult to walk there, so if you need it, I'll send you a car."

Yukito thanked him as he received the map.

"Ah, thanks. I could ask you to do it later."

"Okay. So what's the second thing you want to ask?"

Ibara looked towards the entrance hall that stretched to the side. However, in the spacious lobby there was not a single customer apart from them.

"Is someone named Aka Ibuki staying at this hotel?"

Tsugishima frowned in confusion.

"I'm sorry. It is against service rules to give information about guests to other people."

"That's right. So if you meet someone named Ibuki, tell him, "Ichijou Ibara is here". You can also tell him our room number, okay?"

"Oh, yes!"

Ibara confirmed that and Yukito hurriedly nodded. Finding Ibuki is Ibara's purpose for coming to the island, and he could become a powerful ally for them. Even Yukito wanted to contact him once.

"I see. I understand. Are you done with your questions? Well, then, let me show you to your room."

Tsugishima said cheerfully as he left the counter and began walking through the entrance hall. Yako and Chatarou, who were having fun, also began to walk away.

When Yukito came out, he couldn't help but let out a voice of admiration.

"Wow..."

The view of the beach from the complex is spectacular. Umbrellas and sun loungers are scattered along the rolling white sand beach. The emerald green sea that stretched as far as the eye could see was so clear that schools of fish could be seen even from the shore.

Chatarou and his friends also stopped and admired the color of the sea.

"Wow... I've never seen the sea like that before."

"Although it's not that far from Ninoshima, I feel like I've come to a completely different place..."

At that impression, Tsugishima laughed happily.

"The sea around here is especially beautiful. I don't know the details either, but it seems to be due to the power of the Kisuigu Yatsuchi Shrine."

Yukito's heart skipped a beat.

Kisuiguu. Coral name. And, the night Jingi was kidnapped, the figures in the circle on the barge were chanting that name.

Ibara asked casually.

"Is that person a connector?"

Tsugishima cocked his head, unsure of the answer.

"I don't know. I have never met him either. However, I have heard that Kisui-sama is the chief of the spirits of the Kisui village and rules the Gonoshima sea."

"Out of control."

Chatarou said with a touch of tsukkomi. However, Tsugishima was still smiling.

"Sure, it sounds like a joke. But this is Gonoshima. I wouldn't be surprised if something like that existed."

"......"

Chatarou kept his mouth closed, then looked towards the beautiful tropical sea with eyes of a different color than before.

Yukito and his friends followed Tsugishima. Bright tropical flowers bloomed along the boardwalk along the beach. Red, yellow, orange, white, purple: various colors sway in the sea breeze, matching the sound of the waves. Pushing through the flowers, Tsugishima turned right and approached the beach.

There were several cabins lined up on both sides of the pier that extended from the beach. The stark white walls of the hotel had been exposed to waves and sea breezes for many years, but did not appear to have suffered any damage. There are stairs on the opposite side of the entrance, allowing you to jump directly into the sea from your room.

Halfway down the pier, Tsugishima stopped and looked at Yukito and the others.

"Well, this is where you will be staying. Your luggage is packed in this room. Now, each of you can choose the room of your choice."

"Hey, one room per person!"

Chatarou's voice is fascinating. Tsugishima nodded naturally.

"He is my master's son and his friends! I am going to treat him as warmly as I can."

"No, but that's..."

"I'm in this room."

Walking away from the confused Yukito and the others, Ibara confidently stepped forward and pointed to the cabin on the right. Tsugishima took out a set of keys from the bag on his waist and handed one of them to Ibara.

Before long, Chatarou, and then Yako, sheepishly specified their own cabin. Each person received a key and finally Yukito was given the key to the cabin where the luggage was brought.

After finishing his work, Tsugishima opened his arms with a smile.

"Then I'll go back to work. If you want to eat, please use the restaurant in the main building or call room service from extension number 1. I hope you enjoy your stay at the "Archipelago Resort Hotel"."

After saying that, he slowly walked along the pier and headed back to the main building.

"......"

Everyone watched without saying a word until his back disappeared behind the flowers by the sea. Of course, the first to come to her senses was Ibara, who pointed at Yukito's cabin with her chin.

"For now, strategy meeting."

Yukito and the others nodded at the same time at her calm words.

The interior of the cabin was spacious, and every corner was well maintained.

Immediately after entering, there is a large hall. Next door was the bedroom, and when he looked in, he saw a king-sized four-poster bed.

When he returned to the room in fear, he found a large piece of glass placed on the floor in the center of the room. It seems like the idea is that you can look at the ocean from the comfort of your room. Brightly colored tropical fish swim happily between the blue water surface and the sandy bottom. Yukito couldn't help but kneel down and watch the scene carefully.

Similarly, Chatarou looked towards the sea beyond the glass and thought:

"Hey, Yako. Did you bring your swimsuit?"

Yako frowned as expected.

"I didn't come here to play, Chatarou!"

"I know, I'm just kidding! But come on, I've never stayed in a room this nice before, so I'm excited!"

Ibara let out an exasperated sigh at Chatarou's casual words, and Yukito smiled bitterly.

An L-shaped couch was placed near the sea-facing window, offering a view of the endless ocean. Yukito and his friends sat there and decided to have what Ibara called a "strategy meeting". Spread on the low table is the "Gonoshima Tourist Map" that she received from Tsugishima.

"It's a tourist map. Although tourists don't come."

Chatarou unexpectedly attacked, but Ibara shook her head.

"There is a hotel, so it's no wonder there are tourists."

"Tsugishima-san said that this is the hotel where their relatives come to stay. They probably come from somewhere other than Ayaka Island."

Yukito also agreed with Yako's words. The people connected with Ayaka Island knew almost nothing about Gonoshima. When he searched the Kaizumi Shrine's archives, all he found was an outdated document, and even there, there was little mention of Gonoshima.

However, Yukito has doubts. What are people looking for when they come to this island? The scenery in Gonoshima was spectacular, but there are many other tourist destinations. Is there something that can only be found on this island?

"As for other connections, it's fine for the moment. For now, our destination is here."

Hearing Ibara's words, Yukito came to his senses.

She pointed out a place on a tourist map. About a quarter of the way around the island from the hotel, there is a cove with several private houses painted in it. The words "③Kisui-ri" are written there. Chatarou read the description of the place written at the bottom of the map.

"Umm... "Kisui-ri is a place where spiritual people live. If you want to visit, request a tour"."

"I wonder if Jingi-san is here."

"The one who kidnapped Jingi was the daughter of Kisui Village, right? If that's the case, it's natural to think that he was brought here."

"So, does that mean this is our next destination? But... is it okay if we enter from the front?"

Yukito also tilted his head to the side at Yako's question.

The reason Yukito and others, half-human so to speak, were sent to Gonoshima, not Kurama or any of the other connections, was to explore Gonoshima without being alerted by the ghosts. They need to gather as much information as possible in case Kurama appears one day. But that doesn't mean they can be reckless. He had promised Momoko that he wouldn't do anything dangerous.

At this moment, Ibara opened her mouth.

"If it's dangerous to board from the front, why not try to sneak in?"

"Uh... no, but how...?"

Yukito couldn't help but ask, and Ibara responded casually.

"If we use the Hidden Form, we can probably sneak in. Can you guys use it?"

"Hm."

Chatarou nodded and Yako made a bitter face.

"I can use it, but I'm not good at it. I don't know if I can do it well..."

"Yes. Yukito Yanagi, what about you?"

Yukito was confused as everyone focused on him. He had nothing that could be used.

"What's that...?"

Ibara looked at Yukito seriously and then spoke in a professional tone.

"The hidden way is a technique for hiding. If you are going to sneak in, it won't work unless everyone can use it."

"I'm sorry."

Yukito muttered a little and lowered his head.

He felt embarrassed. He's the one who came here to rescue Jingi, but he's the one who stops them. All he could do was cringe in shame.

Chatarou loudly defended Yukito.

"It hasn't even been a month since Yukito returned to Ayaka Island. It's only been a while since he found out about the pulse connection, so it can't be helped if he can't use the technique."

Ibara pursed her lips.

"I don't blame you. But I think you have no choice but to go there."

"What should we do, Yukito-kun?"

Yako asked in a low voice.

They all agreed that Yukito was the leader of that group. It was both ironic and unfortunate to have to make a decision even though he was the least experienced of them all.

However, the eyes of Ibara, Chatarou and Yako looking at Yukito certainly did not have any signs of condemnation. There is a positive sense of confidence that they will do what he says.

Had they ever looked at him like that before?

For a brief moment, Yukito felt as if the inside of his lungs were being squeezed tightly. Maybe it's a kind of feeling called a sense of responsibility. Depending on Yukito's decision, they could be in danger; The more he thought about it, the more his lungs contracted painfully.

Yukito clenched his fist and then said loudly.

"Come on."

Yako breathed lightly and Chatarou nodded slightly. Ibara... has no expression. Still, Yukito perked up and continued.

"If we had just waited, we could have made it to Ninoshima. If we've made it this far, there's no point unless we get to where Jingi is, but what do you think...?"

The reason he stopped in the end was because he remembered Momoko's words about never doing anything dangerous. However, if you come to Gonoshima and stay at a resort hotel, you have no idea why you came. At the very least, they need to find out exactly where Jingi is being held and how the spirits are treating him.

Still, Chatarou slammed his fist into the palm of his hand as if to keep his spirits up.

"Ok! Well then let's go right now!"

"How do we get there? Walking? Or..."

It was Ibara who answered Yako's question. Holding the tourist map of Gonoshima, she pointed to the explanatory text below with her fingertips and said.

"..."If you want to visit Kisui-ri, please contact the hotel reception". Whatever you can use, you should use."

Hearing that opinion, Yukito and the others couldn't help but look at each other.

+++++++++++

A tuk-tuk travels on a tropical road.

The white sand beach had long since disappeared and what now stretched to the right was a shallow reef. Every time a wave gently breaks, a bank of white foam rises, and a black seabird sinks its legs into it and sinks its beak into a crevice in the rocks. When you look at it this way, it seems that the landscape is almost the same as the other Ayaka islands.

Yukito, who was sitting in the passenger seat, looked at his neighbor.

It wasn't Tsugishima who was driving. He is an employee named Taro, one of the spirits who works at the hotel.

It seems that he will be in charge of the activity service that Yukito and his friends have requested: the "Kisui Palace Tour".

Taro turned the wheel and stepped on the accelerator, keeping his calm face looking forward. Taro hadn't said a word since he got into the car. According to Tsugishima, this seems to be a characteristic of a spiritual person. He is extremely taciturn and expressionless, and rarely talks about anything other than business matters.

Yukito turned his confused eyes towards the back seat.

Chatarou and his friends looked at Yukito as if they wanted to say something. Kisui is, so to speak, the enemy's stronghold. They need to get as much information as possible as soon as possible.

Yukito cleared his throat and spoke to Taro.

"Hm, Taro-san. Can I ask you a question?"

"Yes, what is that?"

Taro responded with a voice without intonation, like a mechanical voice, as he looked forward. Yukito was a little scared, but he continued anyway.

"What kind of place is Kisui?"

"It's our hometown."

Taro's words were short and empty. Yukito instinctively looked back.

The eyes of the three people were the same as before.

Yukito looked at Taro's profile once more. Yukito waited a moment and asked again, forcing himself to do so.

"How many people live there?"

There was a brief pause. The tuk-tuk took a gentle curve and braked. Taro responded as he slowly turned the handle.

"I think it's 160 or 170. I don't know the exact number. I'm sorry."

"Ah, no! You don't have to apologize for that..."

"Besides, there are only a few people living in the village now and we don't know much about the people living in the palace."

Palace.

It was a word he wasn't used to hearing. Yukito didn't know what it meant, so he asked it as a genuine question, not to get information.

"What do you mean by palace?"

"I'm talking about Kisui Palace."

Yukito was a little confused and just let go.

"Hm, isn't Kisuinomiya your last name?"

"The shrine in Kisui village where the ladies live is the Kisui Palace. As rowers, we are not allowed to enter, so we cannot know the details."

Yukito remained silent and continued to speculate based on the information he had obtained.

"Osama" probably refers to Kisuinomiya Sango or his family. Kirisui-ri is a village ruled by the "Kisuinomiya family", and the word also refers to the house and place where they live.

If there is a purpose, it must be there.

"That is..."

Just as he was about to ask where it was, a long curve came to an end and the road in front of them suddenly opened.

It was a cove shaped like a crescent moon. The terrain is almost the same as what he saw on the tourist map. Between two capes stretches a long, curved sandy beach, inside which wooden houses are built here and there.

In the center of the bay was a huge stone palace.

Although it was surrounded by dilapidated wooden houses, it had a majestic appearance. Several buildings stand side by side, half submerged in the sea. Beyond the vermilion and white painted walls and bronze tiled roof stood a majestic tower.

The question he was about to ask lost its meaning halfway through. Even without asking Taro, he knew it at first glance. That's all...

"Kisui Village..."

Taro nodded slightly at Yukito's murmur.

Taro parked the tuk-tuk in the parking lot of a wooden building that seemed to be the entrance to the town.

Can you also call that parking? It was a space that could only be considered an emergency stop, made up of four stakes connected with a yellow rope. As far as he looked around the town, he couldn't see any cars anywhere, or maybe the "Archipelago Resort Hotel" was the only one on this island that had cars.

"Here it is."

Taro turned around once and began to lead the way. Yukito and his friends observed his surroundings as they walked.

That reminds him of an old photo from a history book. A valuable but low quality photograph of a modern fishing village. Such a scene unfolds before his eyes. People dressed in simple clothes you would never see in Ninoshima were carrying baskets full of fish and chopping firewood. Some people walked around wearing only a loincloth.

Suddenly, Taro, who was in the lead, opened his mouth.

"Fishing is our main occupation for the people of Kisui village. Most of the fish we catch is consumed within the village. Some people work as loggers or farmers, but everyone does it to meet the needs of the village. "

"I see..."

"It is rare to find someone like me who works in a hotel. However, this is also work for the people. The only point of contact for people coming from outside is the "Archipelago Resort Hotel", where they can get objects of value that cannot be obtained in the town."

Taro's tone, in which he spoke without hesitation about what he would probably hear before someone asked him something, reminded him of audio guides heard in art museums. Or maybe he's just speaking from some manual.

"The valuables include fine clothing, alcoholic beverages, candy, magic tools, etc., and most of them are presented to the people of the shrine. Furthermore, it seems that customers who participate in this tour will be able to do business with the members of the sanctuary."

"......"

Yukito exchanged glances with his friends.

That was the most important reason why he requested the "study trip".

This is because the tour includes contact with the Kisui Palace. If you use it, you will think that your sense of identity will be imprisoned.

They can enter Kisui Palace without being suspicious. Or maybe they could even find out where Jingi is. Ibara's view was that if there was little that could be done, information should be gathered.

Yako asked Taro a question.

"Palace, are you doing business with the people of Kisui Palace through a connection?"

"In addition to pulse connectors, there are also people who work in magic and senjutsu. Although most of them are hotel users..."

At that, Taro's words suddenly stopped.

Up ahead there was a man standing on the road.

His hair was black, his skin white, his lips red and his half-lidded eyes smiling with a hint of amusement. He is clearly different from Taro and Kiriji. His clothing was an old-fashioned but dignified kimono, unlike the other villagers, who only wore crude pieces of cloth.

Taro stood still and bowed his head.

"They are customers."

"Ah. I'll guide you from here."

When the man announced in a high-pitched voice, Taro bowed to Yukito and the others and began to return the way they had come. Yukito asked confused.

"Hm, what about you...?"

"Oops, I'm late. My name is Josei. I am a high priest. Thank you for your understanding."

Another word came up that he didn't know. However, his assumption is that he is probably a spiritual person who serves the "temple". His way of speaking and his facial expressions were completely different from other spirits and he was filled with excitement.

Josei bowed with an exaggerated gesture and began to speak calmly.

"Shinoshima's customers are you."

"...Yes. My name is Yukito Yanagi."

"Yanagi."

His smile suddenly disappeared and his narrowed eyes looked at Yukito seriously. On Ayaka Island, the name Yanagi is...

It has a special meaning, especially between people related to each other. Yukito is starting to understand that. Without fear, he looked directly into Josei's eyes.

"Oh, I see."

As if satisfied, Josei nodded. He looked at Yukito, then at the other classmates, and tilted his head in confusion.

"Did you come to rescue Jingi-sama? Just you?"

"......"

This is it, Yukito strengthened his heart.

He had never acted before. However, he must not allow others to understand his true intentions. He must make them fully understand his position and feelings, and make them lower their guard.

"No. It's not about that!"

It wasn't his performance that turned his voice upside down. Impatience, fear and desperation to overcome it. Yukito stepped forward and looked at Josei.

"I think it was inevitable that you guys would take Jingi-san. It's true that they were engaged, and it's also true that he lost the proof of that. But...Jingi-san is my master and I'm his brother-in-law."

Josei looked at Yukito without blinking. No doubt. At least, he can't confirm it from Yukito's eyes.

Yukito said encouragingly, trying to keep his voice from shaking.

"Ever since I came to Ayaka Island, I have been indebted to Jingi-san. That's why I would like to at least say goodbye. That's why we came here."

"Farewell..."

Josei crossed his arms. With a blank expression on his face, he thought of something.

Yukito swallowed. If that were his ultimate goal, he could easily lie and deceive others, but Yukito hardly has that ability. However, to obtain information, he had to continue pretending to be a poor disciple who had his master taken away from him, or a poor younger brother who had his elder brother taken away from him.

Finally, Josei suddenly turned his gaze towards Yukito and the others.

"Follow me please."

He pointed back with his chin. On the other side of the way, stands the Kisui Palace.

"I can't make a decision on my own. Please come to the shrine. I will discuss it with the other shrine priests there."

"Oh, many thanks!"

Yukito's face suddenly lit up. He followed Josei as he began to walk. When he looked back at Chatarou and the others, they also gave him a slight nod.

First they passed the first barrier.

The only thing left to do is see if they can locate Jingi's whereabouts.

+++++++++++

Jingi was drinking alcohol.

"Ahahahahaha! Okay, great! This is exactly like the dance of a bream or a flounder!"

At the back of the large tatami room, about 30 tatami in size, with his back to a huge folding screen with an ink painting, Jingi was doing his usual cheerful voice.

In the center of the room, beautifully dressed dancers danced fluently to elegant music. Its uninterrupted rhythm is like that of a colonial creature.

When the music finally stopped, the dancers bowed respectfully. Jingi clapped his hands in good spirits.

"Hmm, okay! Come here, have a drink!"

Following the beckoning spirit, the dancers approached quietly and knelt. Everyone received the cup from Jingi and drank it in one go. Then they bowed again and retreated left and right.

The beautiful woman sitting next to Jingi, Kisuinomiya Sango, carefully placed the sake bottle on the table and picked it up.

"Jingi-sama, please make a toast."

"Oh, Sango, you've become more attentive! Look, you should drink too!"

"Well. Thank you, Jingi-sama."

After receiving the cup, Sango smiled solemnly and rested her head on Jingi's shoulder.

Yukito and his friends watched the scene with cold eyes.

Josei, who had been guiding them, discreetly moved to the side of the room and leaned next to Jingi. After that, Jingi finally seemed to notice Yukito and the others. With his drunken eyes wide open, Jingi shouted loudly.

"Oh! Yukito! And those two idiots of Haru-nii!"

"......"

"What's that? Is the unfriendly person with you too? I'm glad, Yukito, even though you have a communication disorder, you've made some great friends! It's all because I tried my best to help you! Hey, Sango?"

"Yes. As expected of Jingi-sama!"

Sango said, sounding deeply moved, and poured sake into the empty cup again.

"Yukito."

Chatarou, who was right behind him, muttered to himself.

"Are you guys going home yet?"

Ibara and Yako nodded at the same time. His eyes, like Chatarou's, have a coldness of absolute zero.

The person they came to save, voluntarily risking their lives, enjoys a party with good wine and beautiful women. Seeing such a scene, he doesn't believe that there is anyone who doesn't have zero motivation.

Whether he was aware of Yukito's temperature or not, Jingi clapped his hands and shouted.

"Hey guys, my little brother brought his friends here. Make a seat for him! A seat!"

The spirits playing musical instruments all stood up at once, brought four new plates, and placed them in front of Jingi. Among the hesitant group, Yukito was the only one who left first and reached the food.

When he looked at Jingi closely, he noticed that he hadn't changed much since before he was kidnapped. His face was flushed, probably because he was drunk, and his eyes were smiling happily.

"Well, you've made it this far, Yukito. Do you want to drink too?"

Yukito gave an awkward smile as Jingi snatched the sake bottle from Sango and raised it slightly. Meanwhile, Chatarou, Yako, and Ibara reluctantly began to take their seats.

"Jingi-san seems fine, which is fantastic."

"That's great, because even if I don't have to work, I can get sake and delicious food on my own. And I even have such a beautiful fiancée!"

Sango blushed and lowered her eyes.

"Well, Jingi-sama. I have asked you to call me your wife many times."

"...Well, what about that? Of course I plan on doing that once we're officially married, right?"

"But if you were to disappear from Ninoshima, wouldn't it have been better if you just said something?"

Sango answers Yako without any remorse.

"Yes, I'm sorry. However, since Jingi-sama accepted my feelings, I would like to hurry up. I'm thinking about greeting everyone again at the celebration."

"...Jingi, are you seriously getting married?"

Chatarou opened his mouth as if he couldn't take it anymore. He looked at Jingi, who was laughing out loud, and said, slapping him.

"Hey, I guess you didn't like it at first. Why did you change your mind?"

"Well, I guess it was decided because when I came here, it was heaven. Free food, free drinks, free game. If I come here, the things I like will be served the way I like them. Do you think I'd pass up that opportunity?"

"...I don't think so. That's the kind of person you are."

Hearing Chatarou's muttered words, Jingi raised his glass high.

"So that's it! Say hello to Haru-nii and tell him that Jingi is living a happier life in Gonoshima!"

He said that and laughed out loud.

"Let's go home, Yukito."

Chatarou repeated in a low voice. His tone was stronger than before, probably because he had looked down on Jingi from the bottom of his heart. But before he could respond, Jingi called out to him.

"Yes, Yukito, are you training properly?"

"Eh?"

Yukito was confused by the sudden change of topic. Sango held up a new bottle of sake and offered it to him, while Jingi said...

"If you are going to stay here for a while, it would be a good idea to have the palace priests train you. They are all very talented. The same goes for Josei over there, but the most surprising one is that old man. Isn't he the one who stopped the sea, Sango?"

"Yes. Yes, he is also the father who raised me. He is the oldest and most skillful connection between spirits."

"Oh, yeah. And... um, how many other people are there?"

Josei, who was standing by the wall, turned his gaze towards Sango with a cold smile on his face. When Sango nodded slightly, he finally opened his mouth.

"Aside from Elder-sama and me, the only other connections are Uzura and Ruazusa."

He could hear Ibara gasp slightly. Yukito also slowly understood the meaning of those words.

There are four people in Kisui Village.

It was important information. What brought that to light was none other than Jingi's guidance. Is he speaking without thinking or is he trying to teach him that?

Ignoring Yukito, who was deep in thought about him, Jingi continued speaking.

"Well, you're already in contact with me. You can manage without me, right? You know, remember that time? When I was asked to do something about an Aramitama that appeared on the channel."

He doesn't remember much about it, but it happened just ten days ago. It's harder to forget.

"That must have been tough. You rarely see fish as big as that in Ninoshima. However, thanks to me bravely facing the Aramitama to protect you, my pretty disciple, I was able to quell it somehow. As expected of me! Sango, what do you think?”

"That's wonderful, Jingi-sama!"

Jingi swallowed the served sake with a smile and cast a wistful look into the air.

"I wish I could do something like that again. There's nothing I can do now that things are like this. I'm sure you're going through a hard time, you feel lonely and anxious, but please hold on and do the best you can. If you do that, you too, like me, can one day become a great connection!"

Yukito stopped his breathing and stared at Jingi, who was pointing at himself.

He understood from what he had just said.

It's a lie to say that Jingi has changed his mind.

The first thing Jingi did when he faced the Aramitama in the canal was run away.

He neither protected Yukito nor bravely confronted, but instead ran away without saying a word. Rather than getting angry, he understood. Ten days ago, Yukito didn't know much about Jingi to the point of wondering how that man's head worked.

But now he knows. Although he is a fool, he is not stupid; He often does stupid things, but deep down, he's not stupid at all.

No one except Jingi and Yukito know what happened to that Aramitama in the channel. When he said, "I want to do something like that again", he meant that he wanted to escape from that place.

"I understand. Jingi-san."

After thinking quickly, Yukito responded.

Jingi's chin rose and fell slightly. For a moment, a look of despair appeared in his eyes, which were red with intoxication. He is also trying to get the spirits to let their guard down. If that's the case, he has no choice but to accept it. Thinking like this, Yukito lowered his head.

"Thank you for your help so far. I wish you and Sango a long time of happiness."

When he looked at Sango, he saw a calm smile on her handsome face. She is dignified and elegant. However, he had no idea what she was thinking as she smiled easily and her eyes turned pale red.

"Please don't be so afraid, Yukito-san. If you are a younger brother to Jingi-sama, you are also a younger brother to me. Please take it easy."

"Yes."

Normally, he should have laughed and responded, but Yukito's reaction was awkward. That night, the image of the Japanese ship gliding down the river and the circle of figures dancing above it remained in his mind like an irresistible fear. The woman in front of him was at the center of everything.

At that moment, Sango clapped her hands.

"That's right. Yukito-san, why don't you stay at Kisui Palace for a while?"

"Eh?"

Yukito rolled his eyes and Sango smiled. It was a smile as innocent as that of a little girl, different from the smile before.

"We are planning to have a formal congratulation in three days. If possible, I would like Yukito and his friends to attend. We will become a family, so I would like you to stay here to deepen our friendship."

"Not that..."

"Yeah, okay. Let's do it."

Sango clapped her hands twice.

The multiple spirits that had been waiting near the wall all rose at once at the sound.

They approached Yukito and his friends. Without expression and without emotions. The scene resembles a swarm of robots faithfully following orders. Yukito was impatient and he didn't know what to say...

"This is a great offer, but I have to decline."

A cheerful voice echoed from behind.

It was Yako. He stared at Sango with clear rejection in his narrowed eyes.

"We came here to check on Jingi-san. Other people are also worried about Jingi-san. We need to tell those people what has happened so far. I don't have time to stay here."

However, Sango didn't miss her smile. As if she was looking at a cute little animal, she looked at Yako with a loving look and said:

"In that case, let's invite those people to come too."

"Eh?"

As expected, Yako couldn't understand the meaning and asked with a puzzled look, and Sango spread her arms.

"There are many unused rooms in Kisui Palace, and we can also create new rooms using Kai-te. I hope that all of you who are worried about Jingi-sama and don't want to be separated from him can come. ...No..."

The coral eyes suddenly shone. she said, raising her voice like a girl with a great idea.

"You and those people should live in Kisui Palace! Oh, why didn't I come up with something so simple? If Jingi-sama's family, friends, and everyone else could live happily in Kisui Palace, would everything be resolved?"

Yukito and his friends were speechless and could only watch as Sango spoke happily.

Their common sense is different from that of spiritual people.

He thought he knew, but when she unfolded in front of him, he had no idea how to react. But, anyway, he knew that he wasn't going to be as good as he seemed.

Yukito opened his mouth. What he's saying makes sense, but he had to contact them for now, so he'll leave it for today. As he rehearsed that line, Sango continued in a cheerful tone.

"I'm sure so. Jingi-sama thinks so too, right?"

"Eh, me?!"

When they told him the story, Jingi's face became as stiff as he could make it. He looked back and forth between Sango's pale red eyes that looked at him, Yukito, and the others who were all stiff. Then, as he subtly looked away...

"Well, if they want to go home, wouldn't it be better to let them do it?"

Sango's smile disappeared for the first time.

A shiver ran down Yukito's spine.

Sango's impassive face looked like a beautiful fake. Although they were completely different from the spirits he had seen, they had the same face.

"Yes."

Sango's head moved. She looked at Yukito and the others. A smile appeared on her face. It wasn't the elegant, graceful or innocent smile she had before.

A cold smile that seemed fake.

"But I think it's better that he doesn't come home. Isn't that right? Josei."

"At your service."

A voice from behind made him turn around.

Josei was standing there, blocking the exit. He was laughing too. It wasn't fun or joy, just his red lips forming a smile.

The first to react was Ibara. She got on her knees and stared at Josei. His voice was as cold and hard as steel.

"Does that mean you have to do your best?"

Josei's smile deepened.

"We don't want you to come back."

As soon as he murmured that, the spirits that had been waiting by the wall rose all at once. They moved silently on the tatami and stood behind Yukito and the others.

Surrounding them.

His head turns white with confusion. Momoko's words, telling him not to do anything dangerous, echoed in his mind.

Even so, he ended up heading to the opponent's base, which was a mistake in his opinion.

Josei kept his right palm facing down and gently pointed at Yukito and the others with the tips of his nails. He sang in a whisper-like voice.

"Moth, moth, I follow the life of the ocean dragon and collect all my thoughts."

At that moment, something like a swarm of snakes emerged from under Josei's feet.

When he looked closely, he saw that it was water. It's a water snake. Countless water snakes undulated, tangled, and stretched towards Yukito and his friends. Nobody could react to that. He had imagined something like this could happen, but imagining it and responding are two completely different things.

Except for one person, Ichijou Ibara.

"Man, earth and sky! The place of the master is where thorns arise!"

The glove glowed faintly. Ibara swung it to the side to crush the water snake that attacked them. The snakes shattered and turned into foam, scattering around the room and, at Josei's feet, they took the form of snakes again.

The spirits ran out and tried to arrest Yukito and his friends.

However, at that moment, Yukito and his friends had come to their senses. He crossed his fingers and repeated the spell.

"Man, earth and sky!"

"The softest and the most solid in the world are conquered and nothingness enters nothingness!"

Chatarou completed the spell faster than Yukito. The plate of food that was kicked directly hit one of the spirits in the face and instead of falling, he began to spin. The life force refined through the pulse connection technique created a supernatural tornado above the hall.

The tornado continues without a trace, destroying several spirits. They crashed into the ceiling, were thrown against the wall, and crashed to the floor... and still, the spirits rose with no expression on their faces. They are like zombies. Although Yukito was horrified, he continued the spell himself.

"A fish must not escape from the depths, and a dishonorable ship must not be shown to anyone!"

The moisture contained on the table and in the sake containers suddenly rose, writhed like a snake, and lunged towards Jingi. A barrier spell that uses water. However, his plan to use this technique to protect and recapture Jingi was crushed in an instant. Just before reaching Jingi, the dampness shattered, as if it had been hit by an invisible wall.

"What...?!"

Seeing Yukito astonished, Sango put her hand to her mouth and laughed.

"Oh, my. You are a naughty person despite your appearance, Yukito-san."

She wasn't making fun of him. Her tone was full of compassion, like that of an older sister caring for her younger brother. Yukito was more scared by that than by the fact that his technique had been nullified.

Jingi kicked the table, stood up and screamed.

"A barrier has been placed around Sango! Magic won't work!"

"Oh, darling."

Sango looked at Jingi, who was desperately trying to warn them, with a bit of resentment.

"Just like I thought. It was a lie when you said you would be with me. Don't be mean to me..."

"Come on, Jingi! If you plan on coming home, hurry up and help!"

Chatarou and Yako are busy trying to avoid the swarm of ghosts. Meanwhile, Ibara was engaged in a fierce battle with Josei. She attacked with her gauntlet that glowed a dull color, but Josei fluttered and dodged it with a thin line. A relaxed smile was plastered on her red lips.

Jingi gritted his teeth and raised his right hand. On his wrist there is an ornament on her arm woven with black and white thread.

"If I could escape, I would have already! It's sealed with a Jutsu!"

Disgusting.

Yukito reflexively thought so. This is the home of the spirits. Although it would be too much for Josei alone, the other spiritual beings and their connections would soon hear about the commotion and come. If that happens, there is no chance of winning. Because of him, everyone is trapped.

(What I have to do? What I have to do? What I have to do?)

Yukito was on the verge of panic when Jingi's scream rang in his ears.

"Run! Yukito!"

Yukito suddenly looked up and looked at Jingi. Jingi was aiming directly at Yukito while Sango grabbed his arm and pulled him back.

"Just run away from here and come back! Listen! You're coming back! You'll definitely have to come help me!"

"Jingi-sama. Shut up."

Sango's fingertips gently reached out and touched Jingi's lips.

With just that, Jingi's lips closed on their own. He was still mumbling something into his mouth, but his words didn't make any sense. Sango narrowed her eyes and turned to Yukito.

"Yukito-san too. Could you calm down now?"

A few murmurs made Yukito make a final decision.

Do what Jingi told him to do.

Assemble the stamps and perfect the image.

"Water benefits all things and does not fight for it."

In Yukito's eyes, the situation was getting worse and worse. The spirit people like a swarm of zombies surrounded Chatarou and Yako. Josei skillfully used the water snake technique to catch Ibara who was flying across the room.

The small amount of moisture that was there was consumed by the previous technique. They had to create water from nothing. Yako said that it was an advanced technique. Can Yukito, who was struggling even with the water of a flowing river, really be able to do such a thing?

But they had no choice but to do it.

"I will punish people for their misdeeds!"

As soon as the spell was completed, a small ball of water appeared in front of Yukito.

Yukito gasped.

He did it.

That doesn't change anything. The only amount that could be produced was a small amount, about the size of a glass of water. It won't do any good here.

Then there is more.

An image, at his feet, under the living room. At the bottom of the shining sea, flowing deep underground, the shining river of life. The life line. He pours all the life force he extracted into the water in front of him. The life force that inhabits all things turns into water and the water ball expands rapidly. The water, which was about the size of a glass, swelled to the size of a head, a soccer ball, a balance ball, and eventually grew to a size that could envelop a person's body.

Of course, Yukito didn't notice that his eyes were glowing bright blue.

Sango realized that. For the first time, a hint of caution oozed across her calm features. She stood up on the spot and shouted loudly.

"Josei, stop Yukito!"

Josei looked at Yukito. The water ropes that were trying to trap Ibara all turned towards Yukito at once.

Yukito couldn't move. If he does not clench his teeth and concentrate all his concentration, he will not be able to maintain the technique. A swarm of water like a writhing snake attacked Yukito from above...

"Man, earth and sky, it's like bowing!"

Sparks emitted from the side swept across the water all at once. It was Ibara. The moment she escaped from Josei's pursuit, she initiated a counterattack.

The ball of water that Yukito had created had swelled enough to reach the ceiling of the room. The spirits that had surrounded Chatarou and his friends were being swept away by the water and scattered.

Yukito shouted loudly towards the gap in the collapsed fence.

"Everyone, come in!"

Chatarou and his friends immediately understood Yukito's intentions. He pinched his nose, held his breath, and jumped into the water. Yukito manipulated the inside of the water to create enough space for them to breathe, before finally entering the water himself.

The bubbles that had swelled to a gigantic size flattened according to Yukito's will and began to move. At first it was slow, then faster, and it wasn't long before the current changed from the intensity of a mountain stream. The "moving river" that flowed out of the tatami room swallowed the spirits that tried to block his path and then spat them out, breaking the sliding doors, shoji, and handrails as he left the Kisui Palace.

The orange sunset was melting on the horizon.

"Yukito?! Hey, what should we do about this?"

Chatarou's confused cries turned into screams halfway. This is because the "moving river" that jumped from the Kisui Palace tower began to fall towards the sea surface about 20 meters below.

"Hold your breath!"

Yukito shouted at them and extended his hand directly below.

The "moving river" was now part of Yukito's body. The water stretched in response to his movements and landed, raising the water column.

Having found a foothold to hold on to, Yukito tried to slow his fall as much as possible. Within the “moving river”, Chatarou and his friends were shaken like snow falling into a snowball. Water may have entered the nose or ears, but no life-threatening accidents will occur. It should be like that.

The "moving river" floating in the sea began to move again at the speed of a mountain stream. Yukito did not return to land, but continued running steadily over the sea. Kisui village has now become enemy territory. The landing would be dangerous. Ibara's voice broke his thoughts of detouring around the sea and returning to the "Archipelago Resort Hotel".

"Yukito, they're coming after you."

Although soaked from head to toe, Ibara was still inside the moving river, looking cautiously behind her. Yukito was also fooled by that and couldn't help but turn around.

It was pure blue. Chasing Yukito and his friends as he jumped fast and low over the sea like a flying fish.

It's not even clear what kind of technique he is using. However, at least it was far superior to the inexperienced Yukito's "water drawing technique". The distance between them was rapidly shortening, and Yukito felt as if lead had been shoved deep into his stomach.

Yako and Chatarou quickened the mood even more.

"Y-Yukito-kun! He's on the left too!"

"They're coming from the right!"

That was true. To the left was a tall woman, and to the right was a large, muscular man, each moving in a wide circle to block Yukito's front.

If this continues, they will be trapped in a pincer attack.

However, there is no way to fix it.

Sensing Yukito's agitation, the "moving river" trembled. It is not because of fear of the spirit. He was afraid of endangering his friends and the people who had believed in him. His own ignorance and helplessness will hurt them. Just thinking about it made him faint and he almost lost concentration on the technique.

The spiritual people were approaching. Ibara skillfully turned her body in the water and prepared her glove.

Chatarou and his friends also made their own seals, as if they had already made up their minds. Seeing that, Yukito closed his eyes tightly, feeling guilty.

At that moment, the sea exploded.

"......?!"

He was so surprised that he almost made a mistake in the operation. Meanwhile, the explosions followed one after another. A huge column of water rose above the surface of the sea, and first the woman on the left, then the burly man on the right, were hit by the aftermath and slowed down.

"W-what...?! What's going on?!"

Chatarou spoke for the feelings of everyone present. The explosions followed one after another. Right, left, right, back... Finally, Yukito began to understand. No matter who does it, that is not an enemy attack. It seems they are helping them escape.

Finally, the man and woman on the left and right slowed down further and merged with Josei. The pure blue was also slowing down as if it was afraid of a water explosion. The spirit figures gradually receded, and finally, as if they had given up chasing them, they turned around and began running in the direction of Kisui Palace.

"Are we safe...?"

Yukito couldn't respond to Yako's murmurs. He really didn't understand what was going on. But at least the immediate crisis seemed to be over.

Suddenly, Ibara looked up. Her eyes widened and her gloved finger pointed at a single point.

"Over there."

At the end of a crescent-shaped bay, on a cape that jutted out into the sea, there was a man. He was wearing a black suit that was not suitable for a tropical country and a slightly loose red tie. In his right hand, hanging loosely, he still held a smoking pistol. Between his red hair, he was looking at Yukito and the others with an exasperated look.

With a sigh of relief, Yukito said his name.

"...Ibuki-san."

#ayaka #yanagi yukito #sagawa jingi #ibuki aka #ichijou ibara #fukuwake chatarou #amano yako #sango

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itsuki-minamy · 5 months

Text

"AYAKA – SIDE STORIES 04": AFTER THE RAIN

TRANSLATION: NARU-KUN

* List of Chapters

Amano Yako moved for the first time in his life in the summer when he was seven years old.

Previously, he and his parents lived in Ichinoshima. However, due to the volcanic eruption that occurred in Shinoshima, the area where the Amano family house was located was especially damaged. As a result, they were forced to move into temporary housing provided by the city.

At that time, or rather, even now, construction work was carried out daily on the island of Ichinoshima in order to achieve early reconstruction. Frequent noise and dust. And it seemed that Yako, who was born with a weak body, would not be able to bear it. The mild fever and cough continued for more than two months.

Concerned about the health of their only child, his parents decided to move to an old house in Ninoshima where Yako's grandparents once lived. They have been there many times and are sure that Yako knows it, it's quiet and the air is clear. His parents thought that perhaps his condition would improve.

And today is moving day. Unfortunately, has been raining since morning.

Despite having trouble walking, his parents carefully moved furniture and other items. Fortunately, the surrounding residents, who had already greeted them previously, lent their support, so the work went smoothly.

Yako also wanted to help, but they wouldn't let him do anything because they didn't want to make him sick. He thought that at least he would have some of his personal belongings, especially the cardboard box that contained his favorite adventure novel, but even that didn't come true. A boy of about the same age who had come to help him quickly took it away.

He couldn't do anything; they wouldn't let him do anything.

Yako felt so pathetic that he hugged his knees alone on the porch. When he looked outside, he can see his parents and neighbors working hard in the rain.

"Ah..."

He doesn't know how many times he sighed. When Yako dropped it...

"Hey..."

A boy was sitting on the terrace. He was the one who went ahead of him carrying cardboard.

"Your name is Yako, right? I'm Chatarou. Fukuwake Chatarou."

"Thank you."

When he suddenly called out to Yako and was nervous, Chatarou immediately extended his hand.

"Let's be friends."

Honestly, Yako was happy to hear Chatarou's words. Because he is physically weak and cannot play actively, he was unable to make friends in Ichinoshima.

However, Yako was unable to take Chatarou's hand. The reason was the four people standing at the front door, beyond Chatarou sitting next to him. Yako's parents and probably Chatarou's parents. They looked at him as if they were waiting for something.

The clever Yako understood that. A boy who was standing in front of him asking for a handshake was approached by adults who asked him to do it.

"If you have any problems, tell me. I'll be a great help."

Chatarou smiled, showing his white teeth.

They probably told him about Yako's situation.

--- He has a weak body.

--- He has no friends.

--- So please be nice to him.

--- Please help him.

No wonder his parents asked Chatarou to do it. They had been watching his only son look lonely for a long time.

However, that wasn't the kind of friend Yako wanted.

"No..."

"Eh?"

"I don't want to!"

Yako glared at him and forcefully pushed Chatarou's hand away.

It can't be helped that he can't make friends because of his physical weakness. However, asking someone to befriend them out of sympathy is different. Yako was still young and his budding self-esteem did not allow it.

"Hey!"

Chatarou's eyes narrowed and he pushed Yako's chest. The strength of the pusher's arms and the lightness of the pushed. As a result of their confrontation, Yako fell backwards and received a severe blow to the back.

He was choking and felt like coughing.

However...

--- Is it okay to give up?

Yako swallowed it and stood up, colliding with Chatarou with his entire body.

"Aaaaaaaaaaaah!"

"Speaks!"

The two tangled ones ran off the porch and fell into the Amano family's garden, which was muddy with rain.

"I don't need friends like that!"

"I don't even want people like you!"

In the rain, they hit each other, ripped each other, bit each other and pulled each other's hair. Both parents ran in and intervened, but it took more than five minutes to completely separate them.

The next day.

Yako had a fever and was in bed. That was a reaction to the big fight the day before. The day after he overexerts himself, his body usually asks for rest.

"Cough, cough..."

Coughing, Yako looked out the window. His eyelids were puffy and what he could see in his reduced field of vision was the perfect blue sky. The rain that had continued since yesterday stopped an hour ago.

"...The weather has been pleasant."

Yako felt resentful of his body. He was sure that he... that active boy would already be running around the slightly humid beaches and forests of Ninoshima. It was easy to imagine what he would look like.

"You are very clever..."

When Yako murmured that with envy...

"Are you still sleeping? It's already noon."

The window burst open and a boy looked out from there. It's Chatarou.

Due to yesterday's fierce battle, he has therapeutic gauze stuck all over his face and arms.

"You... cough, cough..."

"I really hope you get better soon."

Looking at Yako who was coughing, Chatarou said that with admiration. Strictly speaking, Yako's symptoms were different from a cold, but Chatarou's parents may have explained it in an easy-to-understand way.

"What do you want...?"

"This. Mom asked me to bring it to you. It's an apology gift."

Chatarou threw a rectangular box into the room. When Yako sat down and opened the lid, the contents were dorayaki. The number is three. The number of pieces is extremely small considering the size of the box.

"Eh?"

"Your family is a family of three, right?"

Chatarou laughed without a trace of guilt. If you look closely, you can see the skin of an azuki bean on his lips.

"Hurry up and get over your cold. Then, let's get back to finishing yesterday."

"Eh...?"

Yako's eyes widened at Chatarou's statement.

He was very surprised that he was still trying to get involved with him after all the mud and wrestling they had been doing.

"Yesterday my father and the others stood in my way, but next time I will win."

Chatarou moved his fists from left to right as he exhaled. It's probably an imitation of boxing. He may be good at working out, but he looks pretty good.

"I'm in a bad mood. Just like you."

"Eh...?"

When Yako asked him, Chatarou began to roll up his sleeves. There is a tooth-shaped scar around the exposed shoulder.

"Of course. You were crying next to me, and even when I hit you, you didn't let go."

"I'm sorry too..."

At that moment, Yako knew it for the first time. The identity of the mysterious energy that gave Chatarou a good fight because of his superior physical strength. That something like that was swirling inside him.

The Ichinoshima children, who were similar in age, treated him as if they were treating with a boil, or did not want to get involved with Yako in the first place because they thought it would be a hindrance to their playtime. As a result, Yako has never had the chance to show his competitiveness.

In a sense, Yako may have become the "real Yako" after having a serious fight with Chatarou.

"Then I'll be off like a frog. See you later."

"Tomorrow everything will be better."

Chatarou waved and started to leave the window, but Yako called him to stop him.

"So it will finally be tomorrow. This time I will win again."

"You didn't win yesterday either! I mean, if they hadn't stopped us, it would have been me!"

The two boys stared at each other through the window.

But soon they began to laugh.

"See you tomorrow, Yako."

"Yes. See you tomorrow, Chatarou."

That's what they promised.

+++++++++++

The rivalry between Amano Yako and Fukuwake Chatarou began after a childhood fight. That continued even after they entered elementary and middle school.

Their daily life is to compete in everything and go through joys and sorrows.

"Damn! I lost to Yako again because of the number "5" on my report card!"

"It doesn't matter, Chatarou."

Yako gave Chatarou a sarcastic smile as he stomped to the ground.

The two were walking home from high school under the scorching summer sun. That day was the closing ceremony and they were playing with the report cards that had just arrived.

By the way, Chatarou's report card had only a "5" in health and physical education, while Yako had five in Japanese, social studies, mathematics, science and foreign language.

"I will pay this debt at the table tennis tournament at the neighborhood association next week! Wash your neck and wait!"

Chatarou stuffed his report card into his bag with one hand and pointed at Yako with the other.

"Huh... table tennis."

Yako groaned with a slightly pale face.

Seeing this, Chatarou smiled and showed his white teeth.

In that short time, his expressions had completely changed.

"Can you stop my slice serve, Yako-kun? Well, do your best not to fall asleep the day after the tournament."

Chatarou patted Yako on the shoulder as if to provoke him.

"Uh, ah. That room for maneuver is the key to survival."

After saying that, Yako pointed back. Chatarou... or rather, the glasses he started wearing last year.

"You don't know if my strong smash breaks your glasses again like it did in the last badminton tournament, right?"

"What's with the "hard hit"? It wasn't the ball that broke the glasses, it was your racket that got away!"

"Is that so? That day Chatarou made me run so much that my consciousness and memory were confused..."

Cough-cough, Yako coughed deliberately.

"Aren't you suddenly sickly and weak? Not only your body but also your head has become weak?!"

"It's loud, idiot. You just know how to exercise."

"Shut up, Yako. All you can do is study."

The two landed light blows on the other's shoulder while uttering childish curses. These skirmishes were also part of their daily life.

The two have been competing against each other since childhood, but now that they are in the second year of high school, it has become clear that the other has strengths and weaknesses.

Yako is good at using his head and bad at exercising.

Chatarou, on the other hand, is good at moving his body and weak with his brain.

Therefore, if you want to win for sure, you only need to compete on your own field. But they didn't do that. Like today, they compete based on qualifications, and that time they competed based on exercise.

If they get the chance, they will compete by solving puzzles and, of course, they will compete by eating lunch boxes too fast. Neither Yako nor Chatarou had the option of "I won't do it because I don't think I'll win".

--- I don't want to lose to this guy.

Compete driven by that feeling. That's the rivalry between two people who hate to lose.

"If you say so."

Chatarou's hand, which had already been about to launch a counterattack blow an unknown number of times, stopped.

"Have you heard the rumors about the ruined cabin? It's said to be haunted."

"Yes. I've heard about that several times."

Yako nodded to Chatarou's question.

A ghost appears in a ruined cabin that stands peacefully deep in the forest.

The current hot topic at the high school Yako and Chatarou attend is a ghost story that has been told a million times before. The cabin had been used as a residence and studio by a painter, but was now intact and in ruins.

"Let's get rid of the ghost."

"Do you believe in such a common ghost story?"

Yako frowned, as if saying it was nonsense. So...

"Hey, Yako. If you're scared, tell me honestly that you're scared, okay?"

Chatarou raised his glasses and the corners of his mouth and smiled provocatively.

"If not, let's go now to the old cabin. It's a test of courage."

Apparently, whether ghosts appear or not is secondary, and Chatarou's intention is to have a match before the next table tennis tournament.

If that is the case, Yako's answer is already decided.

"Let's follow the results and win two games in a row."

Yako said a brave line. However, contrary to his words, his expression was full of joy as he went out with his friend.

The rumored dilapidated cabin was located in the forest at the foot of the mountain on the southwest side of Ninoshima. The thick branches and leaves of the trees block the intense sunlight and a fresh air floats that doesn't feel like summer. However, at the same time, visibility is extremely poor because light no longer reaches the area.

In conclusion, there were no ghosts in the ramshackle cabin. However, he appeared right after Yako and Chatarou left after completing their quest.

A monster made entirely of wood that can only be described as a "giant walking tree".

At the sudden encounter, both Yako and Chatarou couldn't help but let out a stupid voice, "Huh?". What glared at them was a large eye that opened in the center of the monster's body.

And the monster raised high his green arms that looked like trunks...

"Yako!"

Chatarou quickly regained consciousness, grabbed Yako by the neck, and fell into the cabin behind them. Immediately afterwards, a roar and impact hit the two of them.

"The cabin..."

Yako's voice shook as he hovered over his butt. The body that should have escaped into the cabin was now exposed to the outside air. A loud bang crushed it from the ceiling and the entrance itself disappeared.

"If he had hit me, I would have died..."

Chatarou, who had been lying on his back, suddenly sat up.

Then, through the smoke of dirt and dust that had filled the area, he saw the shape of that monster.

Furthermore, he once again waved his arms in the air.

"Run away quickly!"

"Yes!"

Yako and Chatarou immediately got up and ran towards the back of the cabin. They stepped on the easel and drawing table on the floor, kicked down the back door, and ran.

The next moment, a loud noise and wind pressure that was not comparable to before reached the two from behind. They were able to imagine it without looking back. The monster's second attack destroyed the cabin.

"Chatarou, that monster could be..."

"Ah. This is the first time I've seen one so close, but I think it's an Aramitama."

The two looked at each other as they fled through the forest.

Aramitama.

A mysterious creature called Mitama floats around Ayaka Island and is invisible and harmless to ordinary humans. However, the story changes when strong emotions are absorbed and stagnated. It acquires a body by absorbing surrounding matter and goes crazy without orbit. This kind of thing is called Aramitama on this island.

How many people must have visited that cabin after hearing ghost stories before Yako and Chatarou? Although it varies from person to person, they brought a strong emotion of fear to the place.

The two children acted as the final trigger, and the Mitama around the cabin transformed into Aramitama.

"There's nothing we can do about the Aramitama. Is there something about the pulse connector boy?!"

"Chatarou?!"

At this moment, Chatarou, who was running beside him, stopped. When he looked, he saw that a thick vine was wrapped around his neck, and was growing from the Aramitama of the great tree behind him. Apparently, that arm was shaped like a long swirl of vines.

"Let go!"

Yako picked up a fist-sized stone from the ground and smashed it against the vines that trapped Chatarou. However, that did not cause them to drop it, as it only caused small scratches on the surface. As he did so, the vines dug deep into Chatarou's neck.

"Ah... gah... ugh...!"

"Please wait! I'm definitely going to... cough, cough!"

At that moment, Yako's body began to scream, as if he paid the price for the quick exercise. He tried to hit him with another rock, but he couldn't get enough force.

That is not the case now.

The life of his dear friend is at stake.

"I don't care how bad it gets later, just for now...!"

With tears in his eyes, Yako tried to scream, but his body did not listen to him.

However, his most sincere wish had definitely come true.

A pure wind blew from beyond.

"The softest thing in the world, the most solid thing in the world are conquered and nothingness enters nothingness."

The moment a clear voice echoed around them, a tornado was born between the Aramitama and Yako. And he broke the vine that had captured Chatarou into thousands of pieces.

"Kuh... haa... haa...!"

Chatarou was finally allowed to breathe and crawled on all fours, desperately trying to get oxygen. Yako sat next to him and said, "Okay..." as he coughed and his expression fell.

There...

"It's okay now, guys."

He could hear the clear voice from before. This time he was close. Before he knew it, there was a young man in a hunting uniform standing right next to Yako and Chatarou. He must be in his twenties. Not only is he beautiful in profile, but the way he stands there is already beautiful.

"Leave the rest to me."

When he said that to the two children, the young man extended the tip of his unfurled fan ("Heaven") in front of him. At the end of this line was the Aramitama, who has had one of his arms cut off along with the vine.

"Furious Mitama, return to the great flow."

"......!"

As if resisting the young man's words, the giant tree monster trembled silently. Then he pointed his uninjured arm forward.

Frush!

The vines grew again. The thick and flexible whip attacked the youths at high speed while cutting through the air.

"Ugh...!"

Yako instinctively turned his head.

However, no matter how much time passes, Aramitama's vines do not appear.

Instead, a singing voice reached his ears.

"Those who do not lose their place are long gone; those who do not die live a long time."

When Yako cautiously looked up, the wind swirled around him, Chatarou, and the young man. It became a wall that protected them and prevented the vines released by the Aramitama from reaching them.

"It must have been hard. Getting carried away by the emotions caused by humans."

The young man made a sad face as the Aramitama hit the vines against the wind wall again and again. Then, he gently extended his hand.

"...Now, let's rest."

The next moment, the Aramitama flew into the sky with a booming sound. His height was greater than the surrounding trees. It seemed like he had decided that a half-hearted attack wouldn't work and he was planning to crush the young man with his weight.

If he could destroy a hut with a single swing of his arm, what would happen if his entire body crashed into it?

Yako and Chatarou imagined the "end" in a few seconds and were terrified.

However, such a desperate future did not come.

"Nothing is called the beginning of heaven and earth, and being is called the mother of all things."

The young man sang three times.

The soft voice spread across the wind and enveloped the Aramitama in flight. Before long, the once strong tree began to crumble and rot, and all that was left in the air was a large, extravagant eye. However, it turned into pale particles of light and finally turned into a bright rain that fell on the forest.

"Ah, that's very strange..."

"Yes... it's ayakai..."

Yako and Chatarou spoke with their eyes and mouths wide open, speaking only in the exclusive language of Ayaka Island.

A young man approached the two with a smile. It's hard to believe that he has just defeated Aramitama's threat, and his steps are light, as if he had just arrived in the neighborhood to do some shopping.

"Are you hurt? Yako-kun, Chatarou-kun."

"Ah, thank you, Kurama-sensei."

"Thanks to you I saved my life..."

Taking a hand from the young Kurama, Yako and Chatarou staggered to their feet.

His name is Haruaki Kurama. He is the priest of the Kaizumi Shrine in Minoshima and is one of the rare "pulse connectors" who can pacify the Aramitama. He is famous for being a person of character who lends his wisdom not only to cases involving Aramitama, but also to the problems of the island's residents. Therefore, both Yako and Chatarou knew Kurama since they were children. However, it's the first time they've had a face-to-face conversation like that without an adult involved.

"I've been worried about the stagnation around here for some time. I came to see if the Aramitama was about to leave..."

"Does that mean we were in big trouble?"

Chatarou took Kurama's explanation with a wry smile. Despite being almost suffocated by the vines of the Aramitama, the boy with glasses had already recovered his usual vigor.

In comparison, Yako spoke less. Unlike Chatarou, he had not received any direct damage, but the fact that he had forced his body to flee and try to save Chatarou had left a trail behind him. He tried to keep the noise down so as not to disturb Chatarou and Kurama's conversation, but he continued coughing.

"Yako-kun. I guess you're not okay."

Kurama noticed Yako's state and called out to him.

"I heard from your parents that you were born with a weak body. But now that I've seen you up close, I can see it. It seems that's not the only reason for your condition."

"What do you mean?"

Yako asked confused. Meanwhile, Kurama was watching the sickly boy alternately from the front and back.

"There are places where the flow of life energy is stagnant. If we can successfully resolve it..."

As he muttered to himself, Kurama put his hand in front of Yako's chest. When he closed his eyes, Kurama's palm took on a faint white glow.

"It's warm..."

Yako surrendered to the comfort of the light shining in Kurama's hands. The shortness of breath that ate away at his throat and lungs after overexerting his body gradually subsided.

"What about now?"

"Breathing feels so easy... it's like magic..."

Kurama was looking at his face and Yako responded in shock. Hearing that, the young connector nodded in satisfaction and said, "That's good."

"Kurama-sensei is amazing! You did it, Yako!"

Chatarou got excited and jumped while he shouted hurrah. He has seen up close his friend go through difficult times due to a physical illness. As a result, he was filled with joy as if it were his own.

"Ah, that! Thank you very much!"

Looking directly at Kurama, Yako bowed his head so deeply that his forehead almost touched the ground. Not only did he save him from a crisis, but he also broke the chains that had bound him since he was born. The depth of his gratitude was also reflected in the angle of his bow.

"Even if you're no longer short of breath, that doesn't mean your body has gotten stronger, right? Please don't overexert yourself."

Poof-poof. Kurama patted Yako's chest as if he were going to hit him gently. Then, he looked up at the roof of the forest, where a large hole had been left by the flight of the great Aramitama tree, and beyond it the sky was beginning to turn blonde.

"You two, it's time to go home. Regardless of whether there are ghosts or not, the dark forest is dangerous."

After saying that, he turned to the two children and said with a smile, "I'll take you home.".

That night, Yako looked out the window, excited.

If his body had been exhausted from spending time in the forest after school, at that moment he would have started to have a fever and cough if everything had continued as usual. However, perhaps because he was able to regain a normal flow of vitality, he only felt a little lazy and not enough to fall asleep.

All that too...

"Thanks to Kurama-sensei...!"

Yako spoke the name of his benefactor with great regret. His gratitude for Kurama grows stronger every time he thinks about it, and now it's starting to turn into admiration.

"I want to be like you. Someone who can save lives and hearts."

Yako spoke forcefully of the dream that had just been born that day. At the same time, the image of Chatarou suffering in agony as the Aramitama nearly suffocated him returned to his mind.

He felt frustrated and helpless because he could only watch his friend approach death. If he could be like Kurama, he's sure he'd never have to feel this way again.

"Tomorrow I will ask Kurama-sensei to make me his apprentice."

One night later, Yako set out to make his dream come true. He was so nervous and excited that he couldn't sleep well that day.

The next day, Yako left home early in the morning. He wanted to become Kurama's disciple as soon as possible, so he planned to board the first sea train bound for Sannoshima.

But...

"Ah..."

In the center of the platform at Ninoshima Station, which was thought to be deserted, Yako saw a boy with familiar glasses. This is Chatarou. He noticed his presence immediately and made a "Hm." sound with the mouth.

When the train arrived, the two boarded without saying a word. Although they sat opposite each other during the trip, they only stared at each other and there was no conversation. As soon as the door of the train that arrived in Minoshima opened, they began walking side by side towards the Kaizumi Shrine on the top of a small mountain.

Yako stepped forward with an indifferent look on his face, and Chatarou quickly passed him as he whistled. Clicking his tongue, Yako took the lead in a short race, and Chatarou, not to be left behind, increased his speed as well.

As they repeated that, they started running as fast as they could while trying to push each other with their shoulders. Immediately after arriving at the area filled with morning fog, they were in such a tie that they had to sit down on the spot.

"Haa... haa... haa..."

Yako and Chatarou continued to look at each other in silence, both out of breath.

At that moment, Kurama appeared from beyond the mist, holding a bamboo broom. When he saw the children, he narrowed his eyes and said, "Hello.".

"Are you coming to visit so early in the morning?"

At the same time Kurama asked that, Yako and Chatarou, who had been sitting on their butts, quickly moved to sit up straight. Then, they straightened their backs and bowed their heads at the same time, as if they had practiced beforehand.

"Take me as your disciple."

"I guess that's impossible."

Kurama said with a bright laugh.

On the other hand, Yako and Chatarou, who were rejected while expressing their wishes, both made faces that said, "Why?".

"What you want to be is a close disciple, right? I'm sorry, but I have no intention of accepting disciples."

Turning his back on the boys, Kurama began to sweep the floor with his broom. Although it was not a clear rejection, it was as if he had no intention of discussing the matter further.

Still, Yako did not give up. That is a newborn but important dream. There is no way for him to give up easily.

"Do something about it! I really want to become your disciple!"

"Yako..."

Yako tried his best to appeal to Kurama's back. Chatarou smiled when he saw it, because he felt the same way.

"I will not move from here until my master makes me his disciple!"

Pashin. Chatarou patted his thigh and declared that. Immediately, Yako became competitive and said, "I won't move either!".

"No matter what you do, my opinion will not change."

Saying that with a sigh, Kurama entered the office without even looking at the boys. There doesn't seem to be any island to reach at that time.

"If this happens, it's a matter of patience."

"Yes."

Yako nodded at Chatarou's words.

Waiting will be a tough battle, but they are not alone. As long as there is a rival at your side, the feeling of not wanting to lose will continue to increase. It seems like they can last forever with just that. Both Yako and Chatarou felt that way, although they wouldn't say it out loud.

"Is it already noon?"

Kurama looked at the clock on the wall and muttered that. After finishing the morning cleaning, he took refuge in the office at the back of the shrine, where he had been sitting at his desk and writing on the amulets with a brush.

"......"

Suddenly, Kurama looked over his shoulder. There is nothing special in that direction in the room. But...

"Wow, Haru-nii."

The sliding door opened with a languid voice. The person who entered was a young man in his twenties who exuded a calm aura. This is Kurama's youngest disciple, who is actually like a younger brother to him.

"Hey, don't you have some pocket money? I was playing cards with my friends and for some reason I ran out of money."

Jingi said, sitting cross-legged on the tatami.

"Jingi. I can't spend my pocket money if you're going to use it for gambling."

Kurama said with a surprised expression, and Jingi held his head in a theatrical tone and said, "That's very true.". However, he immediately raised his index finger as if to say, "I have an idea!".

"Okay, I'll stop asking for pocket money! So lend me the money! I'm sure I'll pay it back eventually!"

"Isn't that how people say things when they don't return something?"

With a sigh and a wry smile, Kurama put down his pen and said, "You're right.". He then took out the wallet that he was carrying in his fist.

Kurama thinks it's sweet even for him. However, perhaps because he has been taking care of him since he was a child, he can't help but want to help him. He is like a grandfather with a grandson.

"Hehehe, thanks."

Jingi smiled widely as he put the money Kurama had lent him into his pants pocket. Looking to the side, Kurama picked up the brush again and began writing on the amulet.

"By the way, Haru-nii. There were two kids sitting outside, what was that? Are you punishing them for stealing money?"

"......"

When Jingi asked, Kurama's neat writing became slightly messy. It seems that neither Yako nor Chatarou have given up yet.

"It seems that they want to become my apprentices."

"Be a disciple of a priest?"

"...That would have been nice."

Kurama laughed, looking worried. With just that, Jingi understood the situation.

"Hey, are you hoping to hook up with someone? There are strange people out there too."

Although he spoke in a mocking manner, Jingi's expression seemed somehow happy.

"And then? You made them your disciples?"

"That's not my intention. I told you so."

"So they're just sitting around complaining? Ha, they're doing a good job in this damn hot weather."

Jingi laughed and blew a breeze around his neck with a fan.

At that, Kurama made a surprised face.

Looking closely, he could see beads of sweat on Jingi's forehead and neck. He didn't know it because he had been locked in the office the whole time, but maybe the temperature and sunlight outside were not comfortable.

"Jingi."

"Eh?"

When Jingi turned at the call, he saw Kurama rummaging through his desk drawer.

"It would be a disaster if they collapsed from the heat. Could you pass the umbrella to them both?"

Kurama said as he handed Jingi a folding umbrella.

"Why would I do something like that?"

For a moment, Jingi refused, but then he remembered what was in his pants pocket and reluctantly accepted the umbrella.

"Plus, they're probably thirsty, so bring some water and a towel to wipe off the sweat. Plus, it must be hard to sit up straight all the time, so they'd have to sit in a chair and, oh, maybe they're hungry. Could you make them some rice balls?"

"If you're going to get this far, accept them as your apprentices."

Jingi looked at Kurama, who was doing his best to take care of the children, his eyes narrowed in shock.

"Okay, you can make them your disciples. I think Haru-nii is suitable for teaching someone, right?"

It was a sincere and honest feeling. He is sure that his elder brother will teach and guide his disciples with kindness and patience.

But the person in question doesn't seem to believe it. Kurama silently shook his head.

"I couldn't stop my brother and friend from going astray... even though he was the closest to me. There is no way he can guide others in the right direction."

Kurama looked down sadly.

The person he mentioned was Aka Ibuki, who studied and grew up with the "great hermit" Makoto Yanagi. Currently, Ibuki has deviated from Yanagi's teachings and has become an evil follower. Even now, several years later, Kurama still regrets not being able to stop him beforehand.

Of course, Jingi was well aware of the circumstances around him. After all, when Yanagi was alive, he, Kurama, Ibuki, and Yanagi's son Yukito lived under the same roof. In other words, just as Kurama is an older brother, Ibuki is an older brother to Jingi as well. That's why he can painfully understand Kurama's regret towards Ibuki and his hesitation in becoming a mentor because of it.

However, Jingi deliberately ignored him. There are times when a certain kind of callousness is necessary. His deep intuition told him that now was the time.

"No, it's Aka-nii's fault for becoming like this. He's always been reluctant to listen to what others have to say, he's an ultra-stubborn person."

After happily criticizing Ibuki, who was not there, Jingi sat on the corner of the desk. Kurama tried to warn him about his bad manners, but missed the opportune moment when Jingi pointed his finger at the tip of his nose a second earlier.

"Aka-nii doesn't care about that. But doesn't Haru-nii have an obligation?"

"Obligation?"

"Okay. Isn't it the role of Haru-nii, the greatest disciple of the "great hermit" Makoto Yanagi, to pass on the teachings of Yanagi-ryu to the next generation?"

"Passing the teachings of Yanagi-ryu to the next generation..."

Kurama repeated his words carefully.

Then, Jingi brought his face closer to him.

"If Haru-ni doesn't accept disciples, the future of Yanagi-ryu will be completely dark, right? After all, the only ones left are the one who has gone astray, the one who is only interested in living freely, and the one who doesn't even has trained yet.''

"You still have a mouth that turns a lot."

Although Kurama had a worried expression on his face, he let out a sigh of admiration. Instead of being persuaded logically, he was overwhelmed by an avalanche of verbal attacks.

"I can't compete with Haru-nii in terms of ability as a connector, but I don't think I lose when it comes to talking."

Jingi proudly rubbed his finger under his nose. He then asked Kurama again.

"And? In the end, will you accept the disciples, yes or no?"

"......"

Kurama didn't respond.

However, his gaze, which he used to look downwards due to regret and hesitation, was now looking straight ahead.

The heat of the sun falling directly from above. As a result, Yako felt like his neck was slowly being burned.

Several hours had passed since the early morning sit-in began and it was almost noon.

His legs, which have been sitting straight for so long, have overcome the numbness and pain and have lost all feeling.

"Haa... haa..."

Very hot, thirsty. They were hungry too.

(Let's just give up.)

He could hear that whisper inside his ear.

To be honest, Yako almost gave in to that voice many times. But every time she did that, he directed his attention to his neighbor. He looked at Chatarou, who was also sweating and continued sitting.

When he noticed Yako's gaze, he laughed.

(What's with that relaxed look on your face?)

At that moment he felt as if his feelings, which had been on the verge of falling apart, had found their core again. He looked like he could give his best again.

So there...

"Oh. You're still sitting there with stupid honesty."

Jingi approached with a flirtatious smile. He then stood behind the children and pushed their feet with his fingers.

"It's not like anyone is watching you, so you should just stand at attention or retreat into the shadows."

"Aaaaaaaaahhh!"

"Ah, the feet! Don't touch my feet!"

The lost sensation of pain was restored and Yako and Chatarou fainted from the pain, as if they were receiving an electric shock. Seeming to find his reactions very amusing, Jingi continued to move their legs rhythmically, as if he were playing a musical instrument.

"P-please take it easy!"

"Go away! Shhh!"

The boys sat up and waved their arms, trying to shoo Jingi behind them.

But...

"Is it okay for you to talk to me like that? I'm your benefactor, benefactor."

A significant statement made by someone who was thought to be a nuisance. As a result, Yako and Chatarou's attacks were temporarily stopped.

"You were in trouble because Haru-nii refused to make you his apprentices, right? You should be grateful, the great Jingi-san sincerely asked him to accept you. "Please accept them as your disciples", that's what I said."

Jingi made a supplication with many parts expressed. The performance is strangely detailed, with slurping and choking on the words in between. He seems to be good not only at speaking but also at acting.

"Then we...!"

"Can we be his disciples?"

Yako and Chatarou twisted their upper bodies to the limit and looked at Jingi behind them. Perhaps in reaction to the difficulties they have had so far, the two were filled with joy.

"I'm glad your wish came true. Well, then, 5,000 yen per person, including the persuasion fee and brokerage fee..."

He extended his left and right palms to the children and prepared to collect money. But soon, a hand came out from the side and grabbed his wrist, squeezing his joints.

The older brother even criticized the younger brother's problematic behavior.

"I thought it was taking you too long to call them both, but you ended up doing unnecessary things, right, Jingi?"

"It's painful! It's a light joke, Haru-nii!"

Although he groaned in pain, Jingi smiled and insisted that he was joking. Kurama let out a sigh at his lack of remorse. He then approached the boys who were sitting, bent his knees and looked them in the eyes.

"They both worked hard for a long time."

Kurama gently touched Yako and Chatarou's heads. And...

"First of all, eat and rest. After that, let's talk about turning you into apprentices."

Kurama then took Yako and Chatarou to a residence next to the main shrine where they ate.

Surprisingly, the one who cooked the food was Jingi, and his skill was at the level of a small restaurant. The boys were about to reconsider Jingi, but witnessed Kurama lecture him in the kitchen after dinner. Apparently, he was secretly trying to charge Yako and Chatarou for the food. Therefore, the evaluation remained negative.

"Well, let's go now."

About an hour after eating, Kurama called Yako and Chatarou. The three moved to a forest a little further away. The trees lined up are peach trees. Right now it's all green, but in the spring, one corner of the sanctuary will be painted bright pink.

"I can sense your desire to be a pulse connector. However, I would like you to try one more thing."

Kurama stopped at the edge of the forest, right where the row of peach trees ended.

"Will you be able to connect to the life line?"

Kurama took a seed out of his pocket and let it fall to the ground. He folded his hands, closed his eyes and sang.

"Everything is created with the blessing of the great way."

The next moment, a small sprout emerged from the ground. It continued to grow and in less than a minute became as splendid as the surrounding trees.

"Wow, that's amazing..."

Yako muttered as he blinked repeatedly at the magical phenomenon that occurred nearby. Chatarou and Yako opened their mouths and ran their palms along the trunks of the newly grown tree, as if to confirm that it was not an illusion.

"What I just showed you is Yanagi-ryu, the basic training at the school where I learned. It cultivates the sense and power to connect with the life line."

When Kurama said that, Yako and Chatarou's faces became even more surprised. Both boys looked nervously at the surrounding trees.

"No way..."

"The peach tree here is..."

Kurama responded with a slight smile at the boys' question, which seemed to be a soliloquy.

"Of course not all of them, right? But at least the trees around you were grown by Yanagi-ryu members through training."

It is said that miracles like the one Kurama performed previously have been performed as many times as there are peach trees in that area. Both Yako and Chatarou were so amazed by that fact that they both trembled and at the same time their hearts warmed with admiration.

"Someday we will too..."

Yako and Chatarou looked at each other and nodded.

Kurama stared dazzlingly at the two, whose eyes shone like those of little children. But soon his expression tightened.

"I will ask you both to do this training as well. Of course, I will not ask you to grow a tree from the beginning."

Kurama raised three fingers again.

"Grow the seed in three days. If you can do it, I will accept you as my disciples."

"Yes!"

Yako and Chatarou nodded without hesitation at Kurama's conditions. It's not about whether it's possible or not. A strong will to "do it" overflowed from their bodies.

"You seem to be in a good mood."

As he said that, Kurama took out two seeds. Then he placed them in Yako and Chatarou's palms.

"Once you have planted the seed, chant: "Everything is created with the blessing of the great way". If you are successful, you will be able to encourage the seed to germinate. But don't forget this."

Kurama leaned his tall body to meet the boys' eyes.

"The most important thing is not the words. It is connecting with the life line that flows deep underground."

"Connect with the life line..."

When Yako repeated his words, Kurama agreed with a satisfied "Yes.". Then, he straightened his back and spoke in a clear voice.

"So, now we will begin the learning exam. The deadline is until sunset the day after tomorrow."

Kurama clapped his hands loudly as a signal to begin.

Immediately afterwards, Yako and Chatarou stood side by side and dropped the seeds on the ground. Then they placed their fingers in the shape of a cross and sang.

"Everything is created with the blessing of the great path!"

The boys' voices overlapped.

Kurama heard that in the background as he left Jingi. Then, he suddenly stopped and opened his mouth, looking ahead where no one was looking.

"Sometimes it's okay. Can you check on them?"

"I don't have enough free time to protect those children."

Diagonally behind Kurama, leaning against a tree, Jingi frowned in annoyance.

"Once a day, I'll give you some pocket money whenever you see how they're doing."

"I'm bored! I'm such a lazy person that I'm going to protect those children!"

Jingi smiled and ran away. The destination is where Yako and Chatarou are training.

Kurama smiled bitterly at the actions of his younger brother, concerned about money. And...

"In my case, if I saw two people in trouble, I would help them."

He muttered with a hint of self-mockery.

"Haa... haa... haa..."

It was Yako who was crawling on all fours and breathing heavily.

Beside him, Chatarou was breathing on his shoulder.

The setting sun illuminated them and the forest where they were.

The two of them had been chanting spells relentlessly since the beginning of the exam. However, the seeds planted in the ground remained silent.

"Danm..."

Muttering in frustration, Yako dug his nails into the dirt floor.

The life line Kurama mentioned runs deep underground. To connect with that, Yako has continued to focus his attention on his feet. However, he still doesn't have an idea what the omen will be.

"That I have to do?"

Chatarou also moaned as he scratched his curly-haired head. The rivals seemed to be equally eager.

"Looks like you're in trouble."

Among the peach trees, among the deep shadows cast by the setting sun, Jingi appeared. Slimy like a monster. He doesn't know how long he had been waiting, but he was definitely waiting for the right moment when he appeared during a lull in the boys' conversation.

"Jingi!"

"Add the "san", brats."

Jingi lightly tapped Yako and Chatarou's foreheads.

"Well, how do you know my name if you haven't told me yours? Are you my fan?"

"I don't know anything about it, but you are a famous person in Ninoshima... no, on Ayaka Island."

Yako said as he pressed his forehead against Jingi who looked at him suspiciously.

"Am I really that famous? Well, recently I started doing connector-like things."

Upon learning that his name is known throughout the island, Jingi ruffled his hair. He is in a very good mood.

But...

"You are famous for being the problem child of Ayaka Island.", Chatarou said, and Yako continued, "All the adults say you are a bad example."

"Who is the problem child and the bad example, idiots!"

Exploding with dissatisfaction, Jingi held Yako and Chatarou's heads in his arms and squeezed them.

"It wasn't us who said that, Jingi!"

"That's right, Jingi! It's a false accusation!"

"I told you to add the "san", right?"

Since the boys didn't change his name, Jingi strengthened his strength even more. However, the guys not only received one-sided treatment.

"Stop!''

"Please let go of me!"

They counterattacked Jingi with their fists and feet.

When that fight lasted about three minutes...

"This is not the time to do this!"

With a particularly loud voice, Yako forcefully slipped out of Jingi's arms. He then turned to him with a penetrating and determined look.

"We are taking the exam to become Kurama-sensei's disciples! Please don't bother us!"

"Exam?"

Jingi looked stunned for a moment.

"That's right, it's an exam! That's why I called you!"

As he laughed out loud, he let go of Chatarou, who was still pinned down.

"Shall I help you with the exam?"

"You?"

Chatarou asked with a frown. The expression on his face was not only caused by the pain in his head, but also by disbelief.

"Okay. I look like this, but I am the third disciple of the "great hermit", right?"

Jingi dropped a seed at his feet, crossed his right and left fingers, and said, "Everything is created with the blessing of the great path!"

Finally, a bud appeared from the ground, and after a while, it turned into a peach tree with splendid branches.

"It's more or less like this."

Jingi put his hands on his hips, puffed out his chest as if he were going to back away, and laughed.

"Oh, I will. There's nothing to be proud of..."

Lifting his glasses, Chatarou honestly spoke words of praise. He was able to easily complete the task he was having trouble with. He couldn't help but admit it.

"If you leave it to me, this test will be over in seconds."

Saying that with confidence, Jingi extended his left and right palms towards Yako and Chatarou, respectively.

"Well, the helper fee is 5,000 yen per person. What do you think? Huh?"

"After all, the purpose is to make money."

Chatarou sighed with an exasperated look on his face.

However, Yako's reaction was different.

"If you can do this difficult task for 5,000 yen, it could be a good deal."

"You..."

Seeing Yako nod in admiration, Chatarou's face turned into a mixture of surprise and anger. Then, Yako noticed the look in his friend's eyes and let out a small laugh.

"If you think it is impossible to pass, let me know at any time. I will lend you 5,000 yen."

"Who's going to borrow it from you? Don't be stupid!"

Even when he raised his voice, the corners of Chatarou's mouth raised.

"It's a shame. If you had asked, I could have told Kurama-sensei that Chatarou cheated."

"You really have a bad personality."

The two began to move slowly while chatting lightly. Then, as before, they lined up side by side. They were still going to do the test.

"Hey, don't you need help? If you don't have much money for out-of-pocket expenses, you can split the fee."

Jingi opened his doors again. But...

"Please stay back!"

"Get out of the way!"

The boys looked over their shoulders and refused in unison. They then began to recite the spell they had repeated many times that day.

In the end, although they persevered until the last train, Yako and Chatarou were unable to advance on the first day of the exam.

Still, the two never looked down.

On the second day they were in high spirits and arrived at Minoshima on the first train.

"Everything is created with the blessing of the great path!"

The boys' voices echoed through the morning fog. They look a little blurry compared to usual. It is definitely the result of yesterday's fight.

However, they don't have the luxury of worrying about whether or not their throat hurts. If the sprouts do not sprout before sunset tomorrow, they will not be able to become Kurama's apprentices.

(Connect! Connect, connect, connect!)

It was Yako who echoed the voice of impatience in his heart.

Kurama said: "The most important thing is to connect with the life line.". And it is said to flow deep underground.

Therefore, Yako has been focused on his feet since the beginning of the exam. However, there was still no tangible response.

He may simply not have the talent to connect the threads and he simply does not realize that the thread of life flows beneath his feet. Such a faint thought crossed his mind.

But...

"Come out noooooooooow!"

Yako suddenly came back to his senses when he heard the powerful voice that echoed. When he looked next to him, he saw his rival, who was thinking about the peach seed, without even taking the time to wipe the sweat.

He can't stand losing.

When Yako demonstrated the competitiveness he had known since childhood, he returned his attention to his feet.

"It" happened on the second day of the exam, just as night began to fall.

"What?"

It was Yako who let out his stupid voice. But it was understandable. He felt a sense of crisis, as if he had been swallowed by a torrent, and a sense of security, as if he were being huddled against a large tree. He experienced a strange mix of those sensations in less than a second.

"Right now..."

Blinking, Yako looked at his feet.

Deep, deep, deep.

As a result of sinking his consciousness underground, Yako was able to connect, even if momentarily.

Yes, it was the life line.

"Yako, maybe you..."

Pushing up his glasses, Chatarou looked closely at Yako's face. Then the thin boy suddenly smiled back.

"It's a shame, Chatarou. It looks like I'll be Kurama-sensei's number one disciple."

"Guh...!"

Chatarou gritted his teeth in frustration, sensing from Yako's attitude that something had been accomplished.

"It seems that the connection has not been established yet. Ah, the life line is deeper than I thought."

"Loud, loud! I'll connect right now too!"

Chatarou turned his head and returned to his usual position.

After saying goodbye to that, Yako also headed to the place where his seed would be buried.

(I will try to connect again.)

Taking a long, thin breath, Yako once again regained consciousness…

"Cough, cough."

A cough escaped his mouth. That sound, the impact hitting his lungs, broke Yako's concentration.

And as if that were a sign, all the strength left his entire body.

Yako's body, which had been overworked for two days in a row, seemed to have already reached its limit.

"Just a little more... just a little more..."

As he fell to his knees, Yako grumbled sadly.

"Why am I so fragile...? Why...?"

Yako dropped his fist on his thigh as if questioning his own body. But even that power was already weak.

"Yako..."

Chatarou tried to call Yako, but stopped talking just before doing so. He didn't know what to say at that moment.

So he had no choice but to look at the sky. The moon shone faintly in the night sky. However, thick clouds were slowly approaching.

Third day. The last day of the exam.

Clouds completely covered the entire island of Ayaka, bringing rain to the island since midnight.

And that continued in Minoshima as noon approached.

"Everything is created with the blessing of the great path!"

Chatarou was the one who cast the spell. Along with the surrounding trees and the ground, it was bathed in gently falling raindrops.

Actually, he was wearing a raincoat when he left home, but perhaps because it was cheap, he got so hot that he started sweating while taking the exam. So he decided to take the plunge and get rid of it.

"...It feels spacious."

Chatarou turned to the empty space next to him and let out a sigh.

That morning Yako did not appear on the first sea train. He has contacted him but has not yet received a response. Judging by his appearance yesterday, there is a good chance that he is already in bed at home.

Yako didn't come.

However, somewhere in Chatarou's heart, he was waiting for his rival to arrive, even though he wasn't supposed to.

At that moment, he heard the faint sound of shoes walking on the muddy ground.

Step by step he approached.

"......!"

When Chatarou turned around with a confused look on his face...

"Ugh. How are you?"

What appeared was an umbrella. What he could see underneath were mud-spattered pants and shoes.

He couldn't see his face because his upper body was completely covered by an umbrella, but judging from his tone and voice, there is no doubt that it is Jingi.

"What's wrong, Jingi?"

"Hello, listen."

Jingi let out a voice of dissatisfaction at Chatarou's clearly unwelcoming attitude. But soon after he said in his usual tone: "Here we are!"

Not Chatarou.

Jingi spoke to someone who was under his umbrella.

"Thank you."

Accompanied by a weak voice that seemed drowned out by the sound of rain, someone landed on the ground from Jingi's back.

"Sorry... I'm a little late."

"Yako..."

Chatarou said his name with a smile on his pale face, an expression between crying and laughing.

"Can you pay the transportation fare from the station to here now?"

When Jingi called him, Yako nodded timidly. He began to walk with hesitant steps and arrived at Chatarou's side.

"I will not lose... Chatarou. I will become Kurama-sensei's number one disciple..."

Yako spoke to Chatarou looking forward and he made a seal. And...

"Everything is created... with the blessing... of the great way..."

As he said the spell, Yako's body slowly leaned back. But he didn't fall and was covered in mud.

That's because Chatarou supported him.

"Ah, you just collapsed. I was planning to start working as an assistant from now on."

Jingi let out a sigh, as if he was wrong. But he immediately smiled at Chatarou and said, "It's okay, I still have you.".

"Why aren't you doing well on the exam? Hmm? How about a reliable helper...?"

In the middle of speaking at a good pace, Jingi clicked his tongue loudly.

"No, it's already out."

"Eh...?"

For a moment, Chatarou couldn't understand the meaning of Jingi's irritating words. However, he quickly realized that and looked down, still holding Yako.

All he could see was the black, wet ground. However, there was only a small green spot there.

The buds of the peach tree peeked out slightly.

"Why...?"

Questions left Chatarou's mouth in joy. That couldn't be helped either.

After all, Chatarou still hasn't felt as connected to the life line as Yako felt last night.

However, that is something that Chatarou himself did not realize.

From early in the morning until this time today, Chatarou dedicated himself to the exam with even more zeal than the first or second day.

It was partly to forget the loneliness of not having a rival at his side, but the environment sharpened his concentration.

"The path of life is deeper than I expected." He continued to chant the spell innocently and honestly, keeping in mind the words of Yako, who had just connected to the life line.

As expected, Chatarou managed to connect with the life line.

However, it was so thin that he couldn't even notice that he was gaining life force.

That's why he had doubts about the outbreak.

"I don't care why, do you? You passed the test anyway."

Jingi secured the center pole of the umbrella between his neck and shoulders and used his free hands to say "Congratulations." and give a slow applause.

Passing the exam is the result of hard work. However, there was no smile on Chatarou's face. On the contrary, he was looking at Yako in his arms with a confused look in his eyes.

Chatarou soon looked up. Then, with a determined expression on his face, he focused on the mission.

"I have a favor to ask of you."

"......!"

Yako jumped up. The first thing that caught his attention was an unfamiliar Japanese-style room.

"Where I am...?"

His head, still dull and sore, began to think.

If he remembers correctly, he had been feeling unwell since last night and could barely move in the morning. But he couldn't just sleep like that under the futon.

He would make a peach tree sprout and become Kurama's disciple.

With that in mind, Yako crawled out of the house and boarded the sea train, dragging his heavy body.

Then, dazed, he somehow makes it to Minoshima... and doesn't remember anything after that.

"Are you awake?"

Suddenly, he heard a voice nearby. When he turned his attention away from him, Chatarou was sitting cross-legged.

"What? How so?"

Yako frowned. Chatarou was not wearing his usual clothes, but rather a white Shinto priest's robe.

"I got soaked from the rain. I asked Kurama-sensei to lend me a change of clothes. Just like you."

Yako finally realized it after Chatarou told him. He was also wearing a white coat.

"Thank you, okay? I was the one who carried you here after you collapsed, right?"

Chatarou nudged him on the shoulder condescendingly. Accepting that, Yako asked him what was worrying him.

"Collapse... where?"

"Training ground. You looked shaky, chanted a spell, and then collapsed. Well, I wanted to show you. That wonderful fall..."

"That... caused problems."

Yako apologized sincerely, which was rare. A headache different from his physical condition was coming.

"Ugh..."

"Do you still feel bad?"

It must have been because Yako let out a sigh, Chatarou looked at his face with a worried expression on his face.

"It's not like I'm going to collapse anymore. But if I collapsed, I thought I probably didn't do well on the exam."

Smiling weakly, Yako looked at Chatarou.

"How was it, Chatarou? The exam."

"I..."

Just when Chatarou started to open his mouth...

"How is Yako-kun?"

A soft voice came from behind the shoji screen.

"Ah. He just woke up."

When Chatarou responded, the shoji door opened silently. The person who appeared was Kurama. Behind him you can see a black and rainy sky. The deadline for sunset had already passed and night had arrived.

The reason why he could immediately see what was happening outside was because Kurama was standing on the terrace, and the room where Yako and the others were was adjacent to it.

"Your complexion has improved a lot."

"I'm sorry. I borrowed your clothes and bedding."

When Yako lowered his head, Kurama stopped him with his hand.

"I'm the one who should apologize. I purposely avoided visiting the training grounds for the past three days, so as not to disrupt the exam. But as a result, I couldn't do so because I was worried about your health."

Kurama bowed deeply and said, "I'm so sorry.".

"I promise that from now on, as your master, I will take careful care of you, my apprentice."

"Master... apprentice...?"

Yako bowed his head.

Seeing that, Kurama asked Chatarou, "Didn't you tell him?".

"I thought Yako would be happier if Kurama-sensei told him."

"I see..."

With a small nod, Kurama cleared his throat. He then bent his knees and looked directly at Yako on the bed.

"I accept you as my disciple. Together, let us protect and defend the Yanagi-ryu."

"Eh, yes?!"

Yako was shocked by Kurama's words and unconsciously kicked the quilt that covered his waist.

"Oh, did I pass? I don't remember anything..."

"Look this."

Chatarou held out his cell phone. The image of a small cocoon appeared on the screen.

"Didn't I just tell you that you collapsed while chanting the spell? That's when the seeds sprouted."

"I also went to the training ground and looked at it. I can be sure that the sprouts have sprouted correctly."

Kurama's testimony was added to Chatarou's photographic evidence. At this moment, Yako finally clenched his fists tightly as if he felt happy.

"I... will be Kurama-sensei's disciple...!"

"Good for you, Yako."

"Yes!"

Chatarou's blessing came to his side and Yako responded with a relieved face. But suddenly a question came to his mind.

"What about Chatarou? What happened to Chatarou's exam?"

"You can tell by this face, right?"

Chatarou laughed and shrugged, looking embarrassed.

"So..."

In a normal match, it is normal for the winner to provoke the loser a lot. However, perhaps because he had seen his rival sweating up close, Yako did not feel that way this time.

"You also worked hard for three days."

"Ah..."

Chatarou scratched his head at Kurama's praise. At that moment, he noticed that Yako was giving him a complicated expression.

"You won't be happy if I'm here. I'll go home first."

Chatarou stood up.

"That's right, I..."

"Say it's okay. Losers just leave."

Chatarou greeted and left the room. "I'll take you to the entrance." Kurama said, following him.

In the end, only Yako was left in the room.

"Kurama-sensei's disciple, huh?"

Yako whispered softly.

It's a dream come true and he's happy, but something is missing.

He knew why. There is no rival.

That doesn't mean his relationship with Chatarou will change. However, as Kurama's disciple, they would not compete. Thinking about it that way made him sad.

While he was immersed in that feeling, he heard the sound of heavy footsteps approaching the room.

"Phew, that was a nice bath."

It was Jingi who appeared with a towel around his neck and covered in steam.

"Oh. Did you wake up?"

When Jingi found Yako, he formed a circle with his thumb and index finger.

"Don't forget, okay? The fare for the "Jingi Taxi" that took you from the station to the training ground."

"What do you mean?"

"Are you trying to take me down?! What a villain!"

"I'm sorry, but my memory of today is very vague. I remember until the moment I arrived in Minoshima, but..."

"After that! After that, I, the great Jingi-san, carried you to the training ground on my back!"

"Hmm..."

"Seriously, this guy! This is the height of ingratitude!"

Jingi shook his head in disbelief.

"Hey, the guy with glasses! He saw me carrying you! So what's going on? Where's the guy with glasses?"

"Chatarou? He just came back, but..."

"What?! I'm sure that guy is trying to lower the price too!"

"Why does Chatarou need to pay you?"

"Well, I gave you a hand, so..."

When Jingi was about to say that, he let out a soft murmur of "Oh, no!".

"What do you mean?! Chatarou paid you to help him?!"

"How noisy! I can't answer that for reasons such as protecting the client's privacy! It's a secret! It's a secret!"

Jingi covered his ears with both hands, blocking Yako's questions.

However, a hand reached out from behind and grabbed his head. In contrast to his kind expression, he asked in a cold voice.

"I would like to hear more details too, Jingi?"

Under pressure from Kurama, Jingi easily revealed the situation.

The truth is that Chatarou was the one who took out the buds. And at his request, he replaced it with Yako's seed.

"Guh...!"

Immediately after learning the truth, Yako ran away.

The destination is the maritime train station. No, he can't just go back to his friend.

"Haa... haa... haa...!"

Under the pouring rain, Yako ran as fast as he could, forgetting about his physical condition.

"Chatarou!"

It was just after running down the stone steps and a long straight line that Yako saw the open umbrella. That's the area where food stalls line up during the festival held four times a year at Kaizumi Shrine.

"Yako...?"

Surprised by his friend suddenly approaching from behind, Chatarou turned around.

"Your body is already..."

"What do you mean, Chatarou?"

The umbrella rolled on the ground.

That was because Yako grabbed Chatarou's chest so hard that it seemed like he was going to push him away.

"Jingi has confessed everything! I heard that you replaced the seeds that sprouted with mine?!"

"......"

Chatarou looked uncomfortable, but he remained silent.

Frustrated by his attitude, Yako asked more questions.

"Why would you do that?"

"Because you wanted to be Kurama-sensei's disciple, right? So..."

"Did you take the exam with such a cheerful mentality that you could easily hand over your position as a disciple?"

"Do you feel light?"

Chatarou, who had been blamed for so long, could see the anger in his eyes.

"I wanted to be Kurama-sensei's disciple! I wanted you to give up!"

Chatarou began the conversation with a regretful expression on his face. Then, he screamed, letting out his pent-up emotions.

"But today, when I saw you trying to continue with the exam despite your habit of getting dizzy, I thought to myself...!"

Regretful and satisfied. Chatarou made a complicated expression that shows the two of them living together.

"I don't mind losing to this guy who's working so hard!"

"I..."

Only a little. A murmur escaped Yako's mouth.

A complete change from his fiery energy from before, he lowered his head helplessly.

"They've always made it easy for me. Even after I moved to Ichinoshima and Ninoshima, they told me that I shouldn't try too hard because I'm weak. Everyone gave me priority. But..."

Yako doesn't look up. Still, he said, "You were different.", and he squeezed Chatarou's neck tightly.

What goes through Yako's mind at that moment is that meeting on that rainy day.

"You were serious from the first time we met. You didn't hold back. You didn't treat me any differently."

The voice that spoke wistfully of his memories slowly became hoarse.

"Please don't say, "I don't care if I lose". Don't take pity on me and give up your victory."

It was raining.

Not only from the sky, but also from Yako's eyes, which were still downcast.

"I want to be the same, only with you...!"

"Yako..."

After hearing Yako's complaint, Chatarou regretted his actions. If he had used a little imagination, he should have figured it out.

If the situation had been reversed, he is sure that Yako would not have wanted to lose the victory in that way. He might have spread his anger even further than the night before.

"I will apologize to Kurama-sensei for exchanging seeds."

As he spoke, Chatarou patted Yako on the shoulder.

Then, Yako seemed to have calmed down and slowly loosened his grip on Chatarou's neck.

"I'll go with you. I'm the reason Chatarou cheated."

Yako laughed as he said that, but Chatarou frowned and asked, "Is this cheating?".

"Well, are you sure? I cheated. However, I passed the test by my own ability, so it's strange to say that I cheated, right?"

"But fraud is fraud, right? It's a fact."

"That's it! You know who I paid to do that dishonest thing!"

It was just a smile, but this time Chatarou grabbed Yako's chest and lifted him up.

Then, Yako seemed to get caught up in Chatarou's condescending comment and reached out to touch Chatarou's neck again, saying, "Even though I didn't ask you to do that?"

"What's that?!"

"What did you say?!"

Will there be a fight in the rain for the first time in several years?

"That's all."

It was Kurama who spoke to stop him. Under an open Japanese umbrella, he seemed as relaxed as ever.

"You two, please follow me."

After saying that, Kurama turned on his heel and started walking.

Yako and Chatarou were stunned for a moment when he stopped them just as they were about to warm up. However, they quickly looked at each other, nodded, and followed the young priest.

Kurama took Yako and Chatarou to a training field lined with peach trees.

That is exactly the place where the children had been sweating in line for three days.

And there, still, a cute little cocoon peeked out of the ground. The number is two.

"Ah, the cocoon!"

"Hey, there are two?!"

Yako and Chatarou's eyes widened and their bodies arched even further in surprise.

"It is possible that Yako-kun put his life force into the soil. Then, he gradually transmitted himself to the seed, causing it to sprout late."

"But I didn't arrive in time for sunset..."

Yako had a depressed expression on his face.

Kurama then scratched his head in embarrassment.

"Part of the reason you collapsed was because I wasn't supervising you properly. With that in mind, I'll give you a lenient score on this exam."

"What's happen?"

Chatarou and Yako held their breath as they looked at Kurama.

Immediately after, he smiled deeply.

"You two passed."

"Yahoooooooooooo!"

The boys hugged each other and rolled happily on the muddy ground. If they get so dirty, it wouldn't be enough to change their clothes. It looks like they'll have to wash off the mud in the hot springs at the back of the main shrine.

Kurama narrowed his eyes as the boys were having fun. Jingi then approached him, holding an umbrella.

"It's not just a lenient score, it's super lenient, right?"

"What do you mean?"

Kurama tilted his head.

Seeing his brother's innocent attitude, Jingi smiled and shrugged.

"Well, when I dug up the seeds, I felt like I was just one step away from germination. He has enough talent."

While saying that to himself, Jingi looked at Kurama with an unusually serious expression on his face.

"Anyway, are you okay? This is your first disciple, and suddenly there are two."

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried."

Kurama made a worried smile. But right after that, he said, "But...", and turned his gaze directly towards Yako and Chatarou.

"I thought it would be better for the two of them to be together, although it might be a little difficult for me. The environment where you have your rivals by your side is what helps you grow more than anything."

"Don't speak like someone experienced."

When he said that jokingly, Jingi started to walk away. He got some money and could see that his older brother became more positive. His mission had already been accomplished.

"Don't get too excited and catch a cold, idiots."

On the way home, Jingi called out to Yako and Chatarou, who were throwing their bodies on the ground, exhausted with joy. However, he suddenly noticed something and decided to look over his shoulder and make a slight correction.

"No, from now on, you're my stupid little brothers!"

"......!"

Hearing Jingi's words, Yako and Chatarou jumped up.

That's all.

They have now become disciples of Kurama Haruaki, a pulse connector.

Then, as if he sensed their conscience, Kurama approached the boys.

"From now on, if you want to receive training, please come to the shrine. However, Yanagi-ryu training is not easy, understand?"

The young master made a stern expression and asked.

"Are you ready? Chatarou, Yako."

"Yes, Master!"

The newborn disciples sat upright and responded loudly.

Before he knew it, the rain had stopped and there were only stars in the night sky.

+++++++++++

"I cannot follow you."

"What?"

Yako, who was walking next to Chatarou, asked as he let out a deep sigh.

They are both in Minoshima. Under the gray and rainy sky, they walked along the long path that led to Kaizumi Shrine.

"It's the first day of our memorable training and it's raining, isn't it? Not a good omen, right?"

Waving his umbrella vertically as if to get in the way, Chatarou sighed again.

On the contrary, Yako was not depressed. In fact, he seemed to be in a good mood.

"It is just a thought."

"But you will get wet, the ground will be muddy and it will be difficult to walk, the bottom of your pants will get dirty, the visibility will be bad, it will be wet and your hands will be blocked by the umbrella, right?"

Chatarou listed all the negative points of the rainy days that he could think of.

"That's right." Yako agreed with a wry smile on that point. But he quickly continued: "But...".

"I don't hate it. Wonderful things always come after the rain."

The reason he was able to form a bond with his only rival, was able to become an apprentice to his long-awaited master, was after the rain.

He doesn't know if there will be a third time, but after the rain there may be an encounter or event that will change his life.

There was no way Yako could hate the rain at the point where he was able to make that dream come true.

"Did anything good happen after the rain? The other day we were covered in mud to the point that even if we took a hot spring bath, we couldn't get rid of it."

Chatarou tilted his head in disbelief.

Yako looked at him out of the corner of his eye and smiled.

At that moment, a light shone through his feet.

"Oh. It finally stopped!"

Chatarou took his hand out of the umbrella and checked if the rain had passed. Then, he excitedly began to fold his umbrella.

Following his example, Yako also lowered his umbrella.

Immediately afterwards, his blocked field of vision suddenly opened and a perfect blue sky caught his attention.

And in the background, a young man in a hunting uniform waved in the distance. He is Kurama. The boys were greeted at the bottom of the long stone steps.

"Come on!"

When Yako said that, Chatarou also responded with a strong nod.

Then the disciples began to run up the stairs.

They were aiming for a much higher place where his master was waiting.

#ayaka #amano yako #fukuwake chatarou #kurama haruaki #sagawa jingi

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