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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

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Ayaka, new chapter, coming soon!^^

#ayaka #ibuki aka #ichijou ibara

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itsuki-minamy · 5 months

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"AYAKA – SIDE STORIES 05": THE WAY OF IBARA

TRANSLATION: NARU-KUN

* List of Chapters

The girl was angry.

Lying on a white hospital bed, instead of feeling sad about the reality of her parents' death, she was simply angry.

Ibuki Aka clicked his tongue. He spoke quietly so the girl couldn't hear him.

Ibara Ichijou. Second year high school student.

Just the other day, her house was burned by an Aramitama fire and she lost her parents. She escaped with minor injuries, but the large bandage on her cheek hurt.

The other day a fiery Aramitama appeared on the outskirts of Ichinoshima.

The strange shape continued to move, setting fire to private houses one after another, and the fire became a large fire that forced the evacuation of residents throughout the neighborhood.

Considering the magnitude of the fire, there were not many victims.

But there weren't many, which means it wasn't zero.

One of the injured was Ibara Ichijou.

Her injuries are not that serious. The large bandage on her cheek hurt, but she survived with only minor burns and bruises. However, Ibara's parents could not be saved.

(I didn't arrive on time.)

If Ibuki had arrived at the scene five minutes earlier, Ibara's parents could have been saved. It's an honest story.

"What was that?"

Ibara opened her mouth. It was a small but easily recognizable voice.

"An Aramitama."

At Ibuki's response, Ibara clung to the sheets.

"Aramitama... that's..."

"If you were born on the island, you've probably heard about it. The Mitama become stagnant, lose their true nature, and become a harmful monster."

"Why would something like that come to my house?"

"There is no reason. They are no better than beasts. Besides, your house was there. That's all."

He could feel the strength in Ibara's grip on the sheets. Her eyebrows and temples trembled.

"...I'm sorry."

Those were the words that just came out of his mouth.

"Why are you apologizing? You helped me."

"......"

An Aramitama is the same as a plague. It must be exterminated promptly and without hesitation. That's Ibuki's creed. He is convinced that this is the most effective way to reduce the damage caused by an Aramitama and has been implementing it. Still, there will be victims.

In his head he knows that he can't continue empathizing with every victim. Ibuki doesn't usually visit victims, but he came to see Ibara.

He only meant to check that she was okay, but when he was in front of her, he couldn't help but apologize.

Ibuki thinks that's weakness.

"Who are you? I don't even know."

"I didn't even introduce myself."

Ibuki took out a business card from the case in the inside pocket of his jacket and handed it to Ibara.

"This is what I am."

Ibara received it and stared at it.

"Uh, "Ayaka Security"...? Are you from a security company?"

"I'm actually an exterminator... I specialize in Aramitamas."

"Exterminator..."

Ibara looked at Ibuki. Her eyes were wide open.

"Tell me."

"What?"

"How to kill an Aramitama."

Ibuki let out a small sigh.

"What will you do if you know?"

"I already decided. I am going to kill the Aramitamas. I will do it with my own hands."

Ibara was serious. He could tell by the movements of her mouth and her eyes.

"Don't think about such nonsense. It is not something that the human hand can kill."

"But you got rid of him. Does that mean there's a way to kill him?"

Ibuki regretted giving her his business card.

"Do you have anyone who will accept you?"

"...An uncle. Dad's younger brother asked me to go to his house."

"In that case, live a normal life there. Think of your parents as an unfortunate accident. Forget about it, even if it's too much. That will be good for you."

Ibuki turned on his heel and left the hospital room.

"Wait! I can't forget it! There's no way I can forget it!"

Ibara's voice patted him on the back, but he ignored her.

"Boss."

As soon as he left the hospital room, his subordinate Makita called him.

Makita is a veteran member of "Ayaka Security" and is Ibuki's right-hand man.

"I heard it. She seems like a very tenacious girl."

"There is a limit to strong will. It could be dangerous."

"Are you saying that she could take revenge on the Aramitamas by herself? Anyway, that's..."

"That would be great."

In the middle of a conversation with Makita, Ibuki suddenly felt a gaze on him and turned his attention to her.

There was a girl, in a school uniform.

(She is a primary school student...no, she is a high school student.)

Even when the girl met Ibuki's eyes, she didn't try to turn her face away from him.

"Oh, um..."

She was trying to talk to him.

Ibuki looked at Makita and frowned.

Ibuki is tall and it cannot be said that he has a friendly face. Makita is even bigger.

Would a high school girl approach these two literally grown men?

"You were the one who helped Ichijou-san, right?"

Ibuki's eyebrows furrowed deeply.

"What about you?"

"Ah, I'm sorry. I'm Ichijou-san's classmate and my name is Tamase Rin."

"Are you friends with that girl?"

In response to Makita's question, the girl who introduced herself as Rin Tamase said, "Um..." with a strange expression on her face.

Ibuki stared at Rin. Her hair, tied loosely over her left and right shoulders, was black and looked as if it had never been dyed before. Coupled with the old-fashioned glasses, she gives the impression of being serious.

"I wish we could become friends... but..."

Rin looked down, unsure.

"It's true that I was the one who pulled Ibara Ichijou out of the fire, but why do you know that?"

"I was evacuated to an elementary school near this hospital the night of the fire. That's when I saw you, carrying Ichijou-san on your back."

"Was this area also an evacuation area?"

"Umm, Ichijou-san's condition..."

"It's a minor injury. It's not life-threatening."

"...Good."

Rin breathed a sigh of relief, but that wasn't all she wanted to know.

"What do you want to ask me?"

"Eh?"

"If you just want to know about Ibara Ichijou's condition, there's probably someone else you should ask."

"Oh, that's..."

He noticed. Rin moved the intertwined fingers of both hands restlessly, looking at Ibuki.

"Was an Aramitama the cause of the fire...?"

Ibuki looked back at Makita.

"I don't think that was reported."

Ibuki returned the question to Rin.

"You saw it?"

"Yes. While I was evacuating, I saw a monster jumping on the rooftops. His body was on fire, and the houses he stepped on started burning one after another. That was an Aramitama... I think it was a fire Aramitama. ''

"...You seem to know a lot about the Mitama."

"When I was a child, my grandmother taught me many things. Then, I got interested and went to the library and did a lot of research on the Mitama and Aramitama. I also learned about "Ayaka Security"."

As Rin said that, her eyes looked at Ibuki's left arm, the red cloth wrapped around his left arm.

Makita also wears the same on his left arm.

It is a bracelet that shows that you are a member of "Ayaka Security".

"......"

"Ayaka Security" is not a company that hides its existence, like giving Ibara a business card. However, it is not widely recognized by islanders. Especially for a high school girl.

"Are you an occult enthusiast?"

At Makita's question, Rin shook her head.

"I would like to study folklore. Ah, but I like to read books related to the occult..."

"I see."

Rin smiled awkwardly and then looked at Ibuki again.

She was waiting for an answer to her question.

"In fact, what you saw was an Aramitama. The Aramitama's fire went crazy and many houses were burned. Even Ibara's house."

"After all, that was an Aramitama!"

Rin put her hand on her cheek and squinted behind her glasses.

"That was a real Aramitama. It was beautiful..."

"......"

"Ah! Sorry! I wonder what I'm saying. That's disrespectful..."

Noticing Ibuki's frown, Rin quickly lowered her head, but Ibuki's frown wasn't because Rin's comment was disrespectful.

When Rin looked at the Aramitama and said, "It's beautiful", Ibuki was drawn to that feeling.

If it's a Mitama, it's understandable. It's like seeing a firefly dancing in the night sky and thinking it's beautiful. However, an Aramitama is different.

"Please believe me! I'm really worried about Ichijou-san..."

"I have no doubt. No matter what you think, it has nothing to do with me."

"Ichijou-san is my benefactor!"

"Benefactress?"

"It's hard to say this, but I don't really fit in with the class, and some people say mean things to me..."

"Oops..."

Makita stepped between Ibuki and Rin.

"I won't force you to say something that's hard to say, young lady."

Ibuki could guess what Rin was trying to say.

Rin is probably being bullied in class. Ibara saved her.

That's what it means to be a benefactor.

"Ah, that..."

"Come on, Makita."

Ibuki turned his back on Rin, who seemed to have more questions to ask, and began walking.

"I don't understand how high school girls feel these days."

Makita, who was walking next to him, said that as soon as he left the hospital.

"One wants to kill the Aramitamas and the other thinks it's beautiful."

"Normally, people are instinctively afraid of Aramitama. Even more so when it is a fire Aramitama."

"In other words, what do those girls feel?"

Ibuki turned his head and looked towards the hospital, the fourth floor where Ibara's room was located. And he carved a deep wrinkle between his eyebrows.

"It means it's not normal."

++++++++++

"Ibara. From today onwards, this is your home. My wife and I will protect you."

Ibara's uncle left the island after graduating high school and got a job on the mainland, but recently returned after getting married and changing jobs.

To Ibara, he was a relative she didn't know.

He is not a bad person. The sudden death of his brother and his wife must have been a shock to him, but he willingly took in his orphaned niece.

"Ibara-chan. If you have any problems, don't hesitate to tell me. We have become a family."

His uncle's wife is not a bad person either.

There would have been some resistance to welcoming a high school student who was not related by blood into the family. She doesn't know if it's out of conscience or concern for public appearance. Or maybe it's both, Ibara thinks.

In fact, both her uncle and her wife treated her kindly. Far from being bad people, her uncle and his wife were extremely good people.

She was really grateful to the two of them for giving her a place to live after losing her parents and her home.

Still, Ibara felt that this was not the place where she belonged.

Her uncle said he would protect her, but Ibara doesn't want to be protected.

She wants to kill the Aramitamas. An irrational thing called Aramitama.

Otherwise, Ibara will not be able to forgive herself. She couldn't do anything about her parents being burned to death.

(I'm sorry.)

While she apologized to her uncle and her wife, Ibara took action.

++++++++++

The store was located in a multi-tenant building in downtown Ichinoshima.

A restaurant, GOZ.

"Well, I heard it."

Ibuki was sitting at the counter drinking alcohol and waiting for the food he had ordered when Makita came out of the kitchen and said that while he wiped his hands on his apron.

"It is said that a suspicious high school girl has been seen in the center of the city."

"What's that?"

"She goes around randomly asking passersby if they've seen an Aramitama."

The reason Makita is wearing an apron is because he is the manager of this store. Although he was the manager of the store, he was hired and the owner was Ibuki.

"That girl?"

What appeared in Ibuki's mind was the face of Ibara Ichijou.

"I guess."

Ibuki clicked his tongue lightly.

"What are you going to do?"

Ibuki left his seat without answering that question.

"Cooking is cancelled."

"Hehe. Take care."

Ibuki left GOZ as he was seen off by Makita, who was smiling as if he could see right through him.

He soon encountered Ibara Ichijou.

"Have you seen an Aramitama? It's the ghost of a Mitama. If you have seen an Aramitama, please tell me where you saw it!"

As Makita said, she was constantly calling out to passersby.

It was already after ten at night.

"It's not a good time for high school students to be away from home."

Ibuki approached Ibara and spoke to her with a sigh.

"Ah, "Ayaka Security"...!"

"Go home quickly. You will be guided."

"I don't want any guidance. If I see a police officer, I'll run away."

Ibuki took a deep breath.

"I should have told you to stop doing stupid things."

"I'm not going to stop. It's not a stupid imitation for me. This is necessary."

Ibara looked directly into Ibuki's eyes and said that firmly.

Ibuki realized. He doesn't think he can convince that girl with words, but there's a lot to say.

"If you really encounter an Aramitama, you will die this time."

Ibara spoke without looking away.

"I'm not going to die."

The way she spoke was not just an act of bravery; It seemed like she was confident that she would not die even if she faced an Aramitama.

(This girl...)

Why isn't she afraid of the Aramitama?

"Teach me how to kill an Aramitama."

"It is not a kid's game."

"If you don't tell me, I have nothing to do with you."

Ibara turned on her heel and ran away. The figure was devoured by the crowd and soon disappeared from sight.

"Even if there is nothing to do, we will meet again. If we go after an Aramitama."

Ibuki grumbled and turned his back to the crowd.

The reunion took place in two days.

The largest shopping center in Ichinoshima. An Aramitama appeared in the parking lot.

Ibuki ran there after receiving a request to exterminate the animal, and there he heard the girl's scream.

"Yaaaaaaaaaaaa!"

Ichijou Ibara threw a metal bat and charged at the strange creature.

It's like a distorted kokeshi doll.

A spherical head rests on a cylindrical body. Both the torso and head were uneven, as if they had been roughly carved, and the red marks on the torso looked like scattered flowers or blood spatters. There is no face on the head, but one eye is wide open.

(Wooden Aramitama? It is of low quality.)

In terms of strength, Ibuki alone is enough. The problem is...

"Damn!"

A thorny bat cut the sky. It was a complete movement with all her strength, without the slightest hesitation.

The Aramitama jumped to avoid the bat and lowered its enormous head like a hammer.

"Avoid it...!"

Before Ibuki could scream, Ibara had already jumped away.

The Aramitama's head hit the asphalt ground.

It is no coincidence that Ibara survived. Ibara followed the Aramitama's movements closely.

Ibara attacked the Aramitama again after he turned around.

This time a full movement caught the strange shape. A dull impact sound resounded.

"It's useless. You can't kill them with physical force."

Ibara continued hitting the Aramitama, Ibuki wondered if she could hear his voice or not.

"Die, die, die!"

Every time she hit it, the Aramitama made an unpleasant moan-like sound.

(Is working.)

"......!"

Ibuki noticed something strange about Ibara and widened his eyes.

An aura was surging from the girl's entire body.

It's not something people can see. However, Ibuki, who learned to manipulate that energy and used it to kill the Aramitamas, can see it.

Spirit of life.

A great torrent of life flows at the bottom of the ocean, on the distant island of Ayaka.

The life force is the power that comes from that life line.

Ibara was harming the Aramitama by sucking the life force from his blood and imbuing not only herself but also the metal bat in her hand with life force.

(Maybe she has the talent after all.)

Ibuki was surprised, but agreed.

That day, Ibara was the only one in the family who survived the attack of the fierce Aramitama.

There is no doubt that it was thanks to her parents risking their lives to keep their daughter away from the strange way, but it was almost a miracle that she escaped with only minor injuries in that hellish situation.

In reality, Ibara protected himself with her life force.

And even now.

Ibara probably understands that even subconsciously. She realized that she had the power to confront the Aramitama. That is why she is not afraid of the Aramitama.

The reason why Ibara came to that place before Ibuki was probably because of her nature, she was sensitive to the presence of the Aramitama.

"Break! Crush!"

Ibara continued to swing the metal bat, but the Aramitama did not break or collapse.

It was working, but it wasn't enough to defeat him.

Ibara wasn't using her powers effectively. Most of her vitality had dissipated.

The Aramitama raised his head vigorously and Ibara, who was thrown, hit her butt.

(Until now...)

Ibuki quickly grabbed a gun in each of his hands. And...

"Freeze!"

He pulled the trigger, screaming at Ibara. At that distance, he won't make a mistake like hitting Ibara.

The night air trembled at the sound of gunshots.

You can't kill Aramitama with a bullet, any more than you can kill him with a metal bat.

However, Ibuki's bullet was specially made.

The strange head that was about to fall was hit by a bullet and shattered.

Ibuki fired more shots. The Aramitama, whose torso was crushed, disappeared as if melting into the darkness of the night.

Instead of suffocating it and bringing it back, it destroys and erases it. That's Ibuki's method.

Ibuki holstered his weapon and walked towards Ibara.

Ibara was still shaking, still sitting on her butt.

(Did it really scare you?) Ibuki swallowed those words.

"Damn! I couldn't kill him! Damn, damn!"

Ibara was not shaking from fear, but from anger and frustration.

Ibuki thought. He wonders what will happen to this girl in the future.

She will definitely do the same again. Find an Aramitama and challenge him to a battle. Ibuki was on time this time, but it won't be like that next time.

Ibuki let out a deep sigh.

"Ibara Ichijou."

Ibara's bloodshot eyes reflected on Ibuki.

Ibuki leaned down and looked directly into her dazzling pink eyes.

"I will teach you how to kill the Aramitama."

"If you are brave, they will kill you; if you are not brave, you will live."

Ibara's lips spun words.

Those are words meant to interfere with the cycle of life and force borrowed power to follow one's will.

He could feel the girl's delicate physique filling with life.

"Guh..."

Ibara closed her eyes and clasped her hands in front of her chest, but her expression twisted in pain.

She harbors and retains the power of life. There's no way it won't be painful. It's like a flame is spinning inside your body. It wouldn't be strange if they screamed and writhed. But Ibara persisted.

Ibara opened her eyes, although her eyebrows were trembling and her teeth were clenched.

"Keep moving."

Ibara nodded at Ibuki's instructions, then lowered her hips and raised her fists.

The movement itself was just a formal punch, but the girl's small fist, imbued with vitality, made the air tremble.

"Wow!"

The force of her fists was strong enough to stagger Makita, who was standing next to Ibuki.

"That's amazing. I didn't think I'd be impressed."

"Keep moving."

Ibara nodded, but she moved even more violently. She continually raised her fists and cut the air with kicks.

No matter how much she moves, the power Ibara has inside her does not dissipate. It is well controlled.

"That's a lot of progress in just half a month."

Makita's tone was more than admiration, as if he was surprised.

Two weeks have passed since then. In his free time at work, Ibuki teaches Ibara the art of connecting pulses.

The location is a training room in a building rented as an "Ayaka Security" office. Ibara spends most of the day in that place, not only when Ibuki trains her, but she continues to overwork her body.

In other words, she doesn't even go to school.

"Students are told to go to school, but they don't listen no matter how much we tell them."

Makita, who has a strong sense of ethics despite his appearance, was at a loss.

After continuing to move for about three minutes, Ibara knelt down. Her breathing was very erratic.

(It's more than I imagined.)

Ibuki murmured into his chest.

Ibuki taught Ibara how to improve and strengthen her physical abilities using the power of the life line. He had judged that this technique was more suitable for Ibara and he was right in his assumption.

She was able to maintain her technique for three minutes in just two weeks, so she was no ordinary talent.

(It's not just about talent, though.)

Ibara has will. A determined will to become stronger. That is the most necessary quality to become strong.

If she continues training for three more months, she will be able to protect herself even if she encounters an Aramitama.

"Let's do it again...!"

Ibara tried to get up, but immediately fell back to her knees.

Body strengthening techniques are techniques that directly affect the body itself, so they consume a lot of physical strength.

"That's all for today."

"I can still do it!"

"No. Follow my instructions. That's the condition."

Instead of teaching him how to use her powers, Ibuki made her swallow those conditions.

"...Yes, Boss."

Ibara nodded, although reluctantly.

"Don't call me boss."

"But everyone at "Ayaka Security" calls you boss."

"You are not an employee of "Ayaka Security"."

"Part time job?"

"It's not even my part-time job. I had no intention of hiring you."

"I want you to hire me. I will definitely be useful."

"Don't talk like a bossy brat, you're not ready for that."

"If I'm ready, I can do it!"

"The fact that you can easily say that you are ready is proof that you are not. You should go home today."

Ibuki threw the bag that had been placed next to the training equipment to its owner.

Ibara held the bag with a displeased expression on her face. A brief ringtone was heard from the cell phone that was in the pocket of her purse.

Ibara looked at the cell phone she had taken out and tilted her head slightly.

She received a message from someone named "Tamase-san" on her messaging app, but it took her a few seconds to remember who she was.

"Tamase-san...? Ah..."

"Speaking of Tamase, is she your classmate who came to visit?"

Ibuki heard Ibara's murmur and called out to her.

"Yes."

The only classmate who came to visit her while she was in the hospital was Tamase-san... Rin Tamase.

It was surprising that she came to visit her.

Ibara was an isolated figure in the class.

She was aware of that. Compared to girls her age, she doesn't smile enough.

It wasn't that she was dissatisfied with the repetitive routine of her daily school life. There were a lot of things she thought were funny. Still, Ibara couldn't laugh like other girls her age and was often mistaken for being angry.

Ibara lacked charm and kindness, so none of her classmates were willing to talk to her.

She didn't feel alone about it, but she wasn't seriously worried either.

Yes, Ibara originally floated in class.

So even if she isolated herself even more after helping Rin Tamase, it didn't matter.

(Tamase-san...)

Not long after Rin was promoted to the next grade, one of the girls in her class began to harass her.

Although it is not a direct act like violence, they curse so that Rin herself can hear them. The content of the insults is really stupid. Like for example: "she's always reading books and she's disgusting" or "Youkai Woman".

It is true that Rin, like Ibara, did not belong to any group and read books related to the occult alone during her breaks. But why is that?

In the end, the reason doesn't matter to people who bully.

People who are isolated and have no allies are easy targets.

It was an understatement because they targeted the weak-willed Rin instead of the lone wolf, Ibara.

It was also unpleasant to hear the voices of the bullying group. That's why she spoke firmly to the group that was audibly criticizing Rin.

"Don't intimidate her.", Ibara said.

From that day on, the target of bad words became Ibara. The content of the insults was so trivial that she doesn't even remember them.

She doesn't care at all what they say. Perhaps irritated by Ibara's indifference, the attacking group took more direct measures. They had several male students brought from other schools attack Ibara.

"Really, please."

Ibara defeated them easily. It's not like she has experience in martial arts. However, Ichijou Ibara was able to do it.

The girls in the bullying group panicked as they saw well-built boys being expelled one after another.

When Ibara approached them, snapping her fingers, the girls knelt and apologized, and the bullying suddenly stopped.

Rin was very grateful. Ibara simply didn't like the behavior of the people who bullied her and she had no intention of helping Rin. Still, she would have been happy if she had helped a classmate who was suffering.

Meanwhile, Ibara herself became increasingly isolated in her class. The entire class feared her and blatantly avoided her. Rin was the only one who spoke to her, but even she seemed scared and shy. It seemed like she was worrying her, so she felt sorry for her.

A message from Rin.

"I'm worried because you haven't been to school lately. How are you?"

Ibara went there wearing her uniform and pretending to go to school so as not to worry her uncle and his wife.

Aside from her uncle and his wife, she didn't believe anyone in the school community was worried about her.

(I'm sorry.)

Ibara apologized to Rin in her heart.

(I have to answer.)

Ibara typed the response with quick fingers.

"I'm fine. Don't worry too much."

After pressing the send button...

"Uh..."

Noticing the frankness of her writing, Ibara fell into a mild fit of self-hatred. The way she wrote it made it seem like her concern bothered her.

(I'm very bad at this kind of thing.)

She thought she wished she could add at least one emoji.

As she sighed inwardly, she heard the message ringtone again.

(Again, from Tamase-san.)

Ibara was puzzled when she saw the new message.

"Can we see each other...?"

Ibara suddenly looked at Ibuki, who was standing in front of her, as if asking for help.

"What?"

"A girl in my class asked me if I could see her now if it's okay. What should I do...?"

Ibuki frowned, wondering what he would do if he was asked such a thing.

"Think for yourself."

It was a valid opinion.

After some hesitation, Ibara replied:

"It's okay, let's meet. Specify the time and place."

"I decided to meet the girl from my class."

Saying that, Ibara walked out.

"Boss, what do you plan to do with that girl?"

As Ibuki sighed, Makita called him.

"I don't plan to do anything. I'm just teaching her how to protect herself."

"You have no intention of hiring her? I think she would be a great force."

"Do you want me to hire that girl?"

Makita shrugged and shook his head.

"No. She has a home to go to, a suitable guardian and she is likely to make friends. She should live a normal life, right?"

"That's right."

Makita laughed out loud.

"What happen?"

"Well, you've been making a lot of preparations. The things you ordered have already arrived."

"I see."

Ibuki stared at the place where Ibara had been a while ago and bit his teeth with a bitter expression.

He didn't plan to hire Ibara. There was no lie in those words.

However, it is Ibara herself who chooses how to live.

No one can force another person to live their life. Even if it is a family member or if they are like family.

"Makita. I'll make adjustments to that. Help me."

"Do you want to do it right now?"

Ibuki replied as he rubbed the back of his neck.

"...I have a bad feeling about it."

++++++++++

Rin specified a coffee shop in a block of office buildings.

"Ichijou-san."

Rin recognized Ibara, stood up and waved at her.

Ibara tried to return the greeting, but the act seemed so embarrassing that she simply nodded.

Ibara ordered a drink at the counter and looked around the store as she waited.

As it is an office area, there are no other students in sight. It's also quite far from Ibara's school.

She should have chosen a place where she wouldn't have to meet other classmates. Even Ibara was grateful for that.

"Customer, here is coffee with almond milk."

Ibara took the drink and sat across from Rin.

"Thanks for coming."

"It's no big deal."

"I'm glad you look good."

"Yes."

"Maybe you were busy?"

"Not precisely."

"...Um, maybe you're angry?"

"I'm not angry."

Ibara tilted her head and looked at her face reflected in the window. She had a frown on her face and her lips curled. She can't help people thinking she was angry.

As the saying goes, thorns were not angry. It's not that she's in a bad mood. To be honest, she is a little nervous, but she thinks it's a problem because even a little nervousness can make her look very serious.

"I'm sorry."

"Huh? Why are you apologizing, Ichijou-san?"

"...Because I made you worry."

Ibara responded, unable to apologize for being so cruel. It was true that she was sorry for worrying her.

"So what's the purpose?"

"Ah, um, it's not like I have anything in particular to do..."

"You called me, even though you had nothing to do?"

"D-you didn't like it?"

"......"

She didn't dislike it. Ibara doesn't dislike it, but she doesn't understand the feeling of calling someone's attention even when it's not necessary to do so.

So it's like they're friends?

A friend.

Ibara does not recognize Rin as a friend. However, that doesn't mean she doesn't consider her a friend. First of all, what constitutes a friendship? Is that a mutual agreement?

"I just wanted to meet you, Ichijou-san. I feel lonely at school without Ichijou-san."

"Yes..."

"Ah, um. If you're feeling okay, would you mind coming to school?"

Rin's eyes widened. Her voice also rose slightly.

It was normal for her to speak in a somewhat shy manner, but Ibara felt strange.

"Are you by any chance being harassed by those guys again?"

Rin's shoulders shook. Her expression was tense and even seemed pale.

Clearly, it was a surprising reaction.

"Did you call me for help?"

"N-no! That's not it!"

"Do not lie."

"I'm not lying! I just wanted to be friends with Ichijou-san..."

"Because if we become friends, can we protect each other?"

"Ah...!"

Rin quickly got up and ran out of the store.

"Tamase-san!"

She didn't even look back at Ibara's voice of restraint.

"Tamase-san..."

Ibara stared at the seat where Rin was sitting a moment ago, then lowered her head in dismay as she realized that she had insensibly stepped on Rin's landmine.

(No, no, no!)

Rin screamed in her heart as she ran.

(I wanted to be friends with Ichijou-san! That's all!)

Really? She asked herself.

(Don't you want Ichijou-san to come to school and shut them up?)

Ibara was right. When she stopped attending school, the group began to badmouth Tamase. Loud enough for the entire class to hear, mockingly.

"Hidden Bus.", "Creepy Glasses.", "The Violent Woman's Red Shark.".

Although they are really low-level insults, words spoken with malice poison the heart like poison.

She wanted me to help her. She wanted Ibara to shut them up again.

Admire Ibara. She is alone. She is different from her, who is not good at interacting with others and is alone.

She wanted to be friends with Ibara. That is unequivocally true. However, it is also true that she tried to use it to escape harassment.

She knew it.

(What a superficial person I am.)

There was no way she believed she was worthy of being Ibara's friend.

She couldn't go with Ibara anymore. She couldn't involve her. She didn't have the face to see her.

"Ah!"

Rin, who was running without looking at her feet, tripped on a sidewalk step and fell.

Tears flowed from pain and misery.

She wanted to see fire.

In Rin's mind, the vision of the houses burning that night came to life.

It was beautiful. In the darkness of the night, the blazing fire and the Aramitama leaping over the sea of fire seemed irresistibly beautiful.

She wanted to see that beautiful fire again.

Rin's breathing, which seemed like a sigh, was tinged with a strange heat.

Her body was hot.

She seemed to have a high fever, but she didn't feel any pain.

"Fufufufufu..."

Far from being painful, her heart was so excited that she could almost smile.

When Rin returned home, she ran to her room on the second floor. Her parents, who work, were not home at the time.

Without even changing her clothes, she turned on the printer and printed out some photos she had taken with her cell phone.

She replaced her school bag with an empty backpack, took the printed photographs, and left the house again.

She bought it at a local hardware store, put it in her backpack and headed to her destination.

It was a vacant lot behind the school. There was an old apartment building there a while ago, but it has been demolished and now there is nothing left there.

Until the evening, it is sometimes used as a playground for the neighborhood children, but at that time of night, there was no one but Rin.

"Hehehehehe..."

Rin laughed and pulled out of her backpack the various items she had bought at the hardware store and began to work on them.

She lined up the charcoal in a small lighter and lit it. Although Rin had no experience in the outdoors, it was easy to set it on fire.

"Fire, fire."

Her heart skipped a beat as she watched the fire flicker in the darkness.

"Hahahahahahahaha..."

There were other things she bought at the store. Four little stuffed animals that were sold at the pet supply corner. One by one, she attached to each one a photo that she had printed at home with thumbtacks.

In the photo are Rin's classmates who were bullying her.

A stuffed animal with a photo attached was thrown into the fire.

"Burn, burn, burn, burn."

Everyone who hurts her should just burn.

As the fire gained strength, Rin's breathing became heavier. Then, fueled by Rin's breath, the fire became even fiercer.

"Burn more! Spread more! Burn everything and make it beautiful!"

As if in response to Rin's voice, the fire grew and exploded.

"Ah!"

Surprised, Rin fell onto his butt, adjusted her glasses, and looked up.

"......?!"

She breathed.

She could see the flames burning violently.

No, it was a strange shape engulfed in flames.

It looks like a large beast standing up, but the shape of its front legs is similar to that of a human, and they look more like arms than legs.

The fire surrounding his head resembles a lion's mane.

One eye, wide open in the middle of his face, glowed bright red.

(An Aramitama...?)

It looks different from the one she saw before at Ibara's house, but there was no doubt about it.

An Aramitama is right in front of her.

Rin's expression brightened.

Her grandmother, who knows the Mitama, taught her that an Aramitama is the stagnation and distortion of the principles of the world. That's what was written in the local materials she read in the library.

There are several reasons why a Mitama becomes stagnant, but it is said that sometimes a Mitama becomes an Aramitama due to strong human emotions.

(Then...)

Rin understood and waited.

That Aramitama was born from Rin's emotions.

It appeared in response to Rin's despair, hatred, and pain.

"Please! Kill them! Kill each and every one who hurt me!"

Rin screamed, coming to her senses.

(No! Don't think about that!)

Her blood turned cold.

(What exactly am I saying? What am I doing in a place like this?)

The Aramitama roared.

That Aramitama has no mouth. The roar that the fire monster emitted from his entire body shook the earth and made Rin shudder.

"Ah... ah..."

The Aramitama's eyes moved slowly and captured Rin.

What those eyes contain is intense and pure killing intent.

Rin knew it. An Aramitama is not something that can be manipulated by human will. And now she felt it, she couldn't stop that monster.

"Help me..."

The Aramitama walked towards her, scattering sparks of fire.

Rin felt weak and couldn't move.

"Help me..."

The warmth in her body that she felt until now was gone. What she felt instead was coldness.

The inescapable fear of death turned into a coldness that controlled Rin.

Rin, unable to get up, could only shake like a blister.

The Aramitama moved his fiery fist.

"Help me, someone..."

There were times when she became desperate and even wanted to die.

However, faced with the absolute sign of death, there was only one thing she could think of.

(I don't want to die yet.)

Rin's throat was tight, but she still screamed desperately.

The name of Rin's hero.

"Help! Ichijou-san!"

At that moment the wind blew.

A gust of wind passed Rin and collided with the Aramitama, shaking his giant body.

The wind blew in front of Rin.

Her true identity was a girl.

The girl simply turned her head and said.

"Are you hurt? Tamase-san."

There was Ichijou Ibara, Rin's hero.

Ibara, who was left alone in the store, lowered her head until her coffee with almond milk cooled completely.

Not only is she insensitive to the feelings of others, but she is also at a loss for words.

Her weaknesses were completely exposed.

(That I have to do?)

The answer that came to Ibara after thinking about it was:

(I will find Tamase. I will meet her and apologize.)

That was it.

It took her a while to come up with such a simple answer.

Ibara sent her a message telling her that she wanted to see her again, but she never marked it as read. She wondered if she hated her so much that she didn't even want to see her face, but she had a bad feeling about it.

She had no basis or certainty. Actually, it was just a hunch, but if she stopped seeing Rin now, it would be irreversible. She couldn't help but feel that way.

Ibara stood up, drank the almond milk coffee that she had barely touched, and left the store.

Ibara doesn't know Rin's house. She couldn't even contact her. The only thing left for her to do was search on foot.

Ibara's instinct led her to school.

(Although I don't think Tamase-san is at school...)

Still, the closer she got to the school, the more bad feeling she had about it.

As she approached the school gate, she heard a strange voice.

It didn't belong to a person. The roar of something more sinister, different from that of a beast.

The moment she heard that voice, Ibara began to run.

She was on time.

Ibara launched a jumping kick with all her might that staggered his strangely large body.

"Are you hurt? Tamase-san."

Ibara asked, turning only her head as she held her body in front of him.

"Ichijou-san..."

Rin is sitting on her butt. At first glance it doesn't look like there are any major injuries, but she doesn't know what the real cause is.

"Please answer."

"No, I'm okay."

"Then stay back."

"Why are you here, Ichijou-san...?"

(I'm the one who wants to ask that.), Ibara responded in her heart.

Why did an Aramitama attack Rin in a place like that?

Ibara looked back in front of her and looked at the Aramitama in front of her.

The body is strong. The area around his face and his left and right hands became engulfed in fire.

Although it looks different from the one that burned down Ibara's house, it is definitely a fire Aramitama.

Ibara trembled.

That day had finally arrived.

All Aramitama are enemies of Ibara, but especially the fire Aramitama.

Ibuki told her to run away if she encountered an Aramitama. The techniques he taught her are not for fighting, but for protection.

(Sorry, Boss.)

However, when facing the fiery Aramitama, fleeing was not an option for Ibara.

"If you are brave, they will kill you; if you are not brave, you will live."

Clenching her fists and lowering her hips, Ibara spoke those powerful words.

The art of strengthening the body.

She used it to run from the school gate to there, but once again she was filled with life force.

"Guh...!"

The power that rages within the body becomes painful and torments Ibara.

Ibara gritted her teeth, suppressed the pain, and kicked the ground.

The Aramitama recovered from his stumble and raised his fiery fist.

Faster than she could move her fist, Ibara flew towards the Aramitama's chest.

"Yaaaaaah!"

With a piercing scream, the flying fist slammed into the Aramitama's torso, causing the giant body to stagger once more.

(What do you think...!)

There was a crack-like wound where he had been hit.

It's different from last time, when she couldn't get a single scratch no matter how hard she hit him.

"Break!"

Ibara's blows slowly but surely undermined the Aramitama.

The Aramitama, on the other hand, was not just being defeated.

He swung his fire fist and attacked Ibara.

Although her body strength had increased, it was still a weak attack if she could hit it correctly, but Ibara could clearly see the Aramitama's movements. It wasn't that hard to avoid.

Hit, dodge and hit again. The repeated rhythm was suddenly broken.

Just as she was about to dodge the burning fist and counterattack, Ibara's vision began to shake.

Her legs lost strength and her knees caved in.

"Ah...!"

Instantly she understood what had happened.

She had reached the limit. An immature rose cannot maintain the technique for long. It also consumes a lot of physical strength.

She knew that would happen if the battle dragged on. That's why she wanted to defeat him quickly, but that didn't happen.

Although the Aramitama had numerous wounds all over his body, his movements had not decreased.

"N-no... guh!"

Her body was heavy. Her breathing became irregular.

Still, Ibara looked at the Aramitama and adopted a fighting stance.

"Ichijou-san..."

Ichijou Ibara is fighting the Aramitama. Certainly she is strong. However, is it possible for her to compete against an Aramitama with bare hands? It must be different than when it comes to male students.

In fact, Ibara seemed to be cornered.

(I have to ask for help!)

Rin thought.

But who? The police?

The two men she met that day at the hospital where Ibara was admitted flashed through Rin's mind.

"Ayaka Security". Officially it is a security company, but in reality it is an Aramitamas exterminator group.

(If it's those people...!)

At this moment, an electronic sound rang near Rin.

"Ichijou-san...?!"

The source of the sound was a bag that had fallen diagonally behind Rin.

Ibara must have thrown it away when she lunged at the Aramitama for the first time.

The purse, or more precisely, the cell phone in her pocket, was emitting the ringtone.

"Listen up! It could be the boss!"

Ibara screamed.

Rin was too weak to get up, but she crawled to her bag and grabbed her cell phone.

The caller's name displayed on the screen is "Boss (Ibuki-san)".

Rin answered the call with trembling fingers.

''Ibara?''

A low, masculine voice.

"I-Ichijou-san! Help Ichijou-san! An Aramitama...!"

Rin let out a raised voice. She wanted to convey the situation accurately, but she was so impatient that she couldn't articulate the words.

"Are you Ibara's classmate?"

"Y-yes."

"Generally, I understand the situation. Tell me the place. I will head there soon."

Somehow, a voice emerged from Ibara to tell Rin the location.

"Who is it...?!"

"I-It's Ibuki-san! He's coming!"

Ibara turned her head halfway and nodded.

The boss will come.

The news gave Ibara strength.

(I will resist somehow!)

It is a fact that she did not want to admit, but right now she does not have the strength to defeat the Aramitama in front of her.

But if she holds on...

Ibara relaxed her limbs and tried to catch her breath.

Avoiding the Aramitama's fist as she descended, she did not leap back nor take a deep step, but rather she made as little movement as possible.

She won't attack from there. She will reduce consumption by focusing on avoidance.

It was not an easy task. Ibara's physical strength had already reached her limit. Her eyes were blurry and it was increasingly difficult to see the Aramitama's movements. It's almost like she's avoiding him based on her intuition.

A moment seems like minutes.

Ibara, however, did not lose focus. She didn't give up.

How long has it been?

After what seemed like an eternity of defensive battles, the time came.

"Ibara!"

Ibuki's voice rang out.

Ibara opened her narrowed eyes. Her blurry vision cleared in an instant.

Ibara was confused, but she nodded and inserted her right hand into her glove.

It covered everything from just below her elbow to the tips of her fingers, and it fit perfectly into Ibara's hand.

It is made of metal, so it is quite heavy. However, her arm moved slightly.

It's not just her right arm that wears the glove. Her left arm, both legs, and her entire body, which had been heavy due to fatigue, mysteriously became lighter.

"This will optimize the effect of the technique. It should also reduce the burden."

While dodging the Aramitama's blows, Ibara realized Ibuki's words.

"Ibara."

Ibuki's deep voice echoed.

"I taught you to flee if you encountered an Aramitama. However, you have decided to fight. In that case, I will show you how to do it to the end."

Ibuki put his hands in the pockets of his jacket, as if he had no intention of providing any further assistance.

"Aren't you going to help Ichijou-san?!"

Ibuki turned to Ibara instead of answering Rin, who let out a surprised cry.

"Hey, "Ayaka Security" doesn't need anyone who can't wipe their own asses."

Ibara responded with a deep nod.

She didn't feel like she was being rejected.

Ibara thanked Ibuki.

As he said, Ibara decided to fight instead of flee. Whether that choice is right or wrong, he knows it is wrong.

However, Ibuki respected Ibara's mistake.

He understood Ibara's desire to defeat the Aramitamas with her own hands, rather than imposing his truth on her.

And now he has prepared a place for Ibara. A place called "Ayaka Security".

Getting there is up to Ibara.

Ibara took a deep breath and caught her breath. She filled her lungs with air and prepared herself for the next battle, not the final one.

The Aramitama roared. The flames surrounding him became even more powerful.

It seems that the other party also intends to resolve the matter.

Ibara moved. At the same time, the Aramitama also moved.

The Aramitama flew in the opposite direction of Ibara, who was advancing and extending her left and right fists. The flames surrounding his fist grew to double his size and shot out a fireball. The number is more than ten.

Ibara was not afraid. She avoided fire bullets that could be avoided and shot down those that could not be avoided with her right arm protected by a glove.

The Aramitama took a step back as if frightened and shook his two fists in the air. He was going to crush Ibara who was aiming for his head.

Ibara was not afraid. She cut the scorching air with her entire body and accelerate even more.

"Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!"

With a roar, the girl raised her right fist, which surpassed the Aramitama's attack speed and hit the giant's chest.

A dull impact sound resounded.

The Aramitama's movements suddenly stopped.

A deep crack spread around the chest where Ibara hit it.

Like blood gushing from a wound, fire erupted from the crack and the Aramitama exploded.

While a large number of sparks flew, Ibara stood there like a doll whose strings had been cut.

She knelt down.

She had no strength in her legs. Even with the help of the glove, her physical strength and her energy were already beyond her limits.

Still, Ibara gathered the last of her strength and raised her right fist towards the sky.

She fell, delicately.

Aramitama.

Before her parents died, she was helpless and couldn't do anything.

Tears ran down her red, burnt cheeks.

"Mom, Dad. I did it. I'm fine now."

She was ok. She hopes she can live strong even in a world without them. That's the only way she could make a vow to her deceased parents.

That girl is Ibara Ichijou.

"Ichijou-san..."

A high school girl like her defeated an Aramitama, that terrifying monster.

She knew that Ibara wasn't normal. That's why Rin admired Ibara.

But now, upon witnessing Ibara defeat the Aramitama, Rin realized that she was much more distant than she expected.

"Ah, that."

Rin looked at Ibuki who was next to her and called out to him.

"It's my fault. I was burning the photos of my classmates... the people who were bullying me, and the Aramitama..."

"There are cases where Mitama become Aramitamas due to strong human emotions. However, these types of phenomena usually occur in places where a large number of people gather. It is not every day that a person's emotions cause the emergence of an Aramitama."

"So, that Aramitama..."

"Just by chance, unfortunately, it appeared in front of you. Think of it that way."

"Alright?"

Ibuki didn't respond anymore.

With a worried sigh, he walked towards Ibara.

"Ibara."

When Ibara heard him call her name, she wiped her tears and turned around.

"Boss..."

"Did you burn your face again?"

Ibuki touched her left cheek with his fingertips.

She doesn't know it because she can't see it for herself, but it definitely hurts.

Ibara lightly touched her cheek and, although she winced at the pain...

"It's not a unilateral wound, it's a battle wound, so it doesn't hurt."

That's what she answered.

"Don't be too strong. An injury is an injury. However, those who are cornered and cannot be strengthened are of no use. I believe you have passed the test."

Ibuki took out a long red cloth from the inside pocket of his jacket and handed it to Ibara.

It's an "Ayaka Security" bracelet. Ibuki, Makita and the other employees wear that on their wrists.

"You defeated the Aramitama. You should have achieved your goal. Think carefully if you still need this."

Ibara reached out and took the bracelet from him. Then, she immediately wrapped it around her left arm.

"I told you to think about it."

"This is the result of careful consideration."

There was no doubt.

Ibara stared at the bracelet and muttered.

"Ayakai..."

Ibuki shrugged in shock. There was a wry smile on his face.

"Well, okay. Shows how determined you are with your job."

"Yes, Boss."

Ibuki no longer said, "Don't call me boss.".

"Can you stand up?"

"I can stand up."

Ibuki came over to help, but Ibara managed to get up on her own.

Ibuki nodded and pointed at Rin with his eyes and chin.

Ibara walked unsteadily and stood in front of her classmate.

"Tamase-san, I'm sorry. I should have run away with you, but I didn't. That's why I put you in danger."

"Ah, don't apologize! If Ichijou-san hadn't come, that Aramitama would have killed me. Ichijou-san, you have always helped me..."

Ibara shook her head.

"I have to apologize to you again."

"Eh...?"

"The boss made me a member of "Ayaka Security". That's why I won't go to school anymore. I can't protect you."

"Ichijou-san..."

"I was happy when you asked me to be your friend. I'm so sorry I couldn't respond."

Ibara bowed deeply to Rin.

"Look up, Ichijou-san. I'll be fine."

Ibara looked at Rin.

"Compared to the Aramitama, those people are not scary at all."

Rin was laughing. Even an insensitive person could tell that it was not a genuine smile.

"Ibara."

Ibuki's voice came from behind.

Ibuki said to Ibara who turned around.

"Go to school. A student's duty is to study. I'm sure Makita has told you a lot."

"But, Boss..."

"This is an order."

"Yes."

Ibara nodded reluctantly. Once someone gives her an order, she cannot disobey it.

Ibara turned to Rin, extended her hand to the one who was still sitting and said:

"...That's what I mean, so I'd like to see you back at school."

+++++++++++

"Actually, what is going on?"

On the way back home after taking Rin and Ibara home, Makita, who was the driver, asked that question.

"Does Tamase have nothing to do with that Aramitama?"

Ibuki, who was sitting in the back seat, responded as he looked out the window.

"No, just like she said, that Aramitama was probably created by that girl's emotions fired up."

"That is..."

"Rin Tamase is talented."

"Are you sure you didn't have to tell her?"

"It's more dangerous to be aware of your talent if you're not good at it."

Ibuki taught Ibara the art of pulse grafting because Ibara subconsciously understood her true nature and was searching for the Aramitama more than anything else. If he had left it like this, she would have lost her life in a short time.

Regardless of talent, as long as they do not try to actively engage with the Aramitama, there is little danger.

"I don't believe it, but that girl is also the source of the Aramitama that caused the great fire..."

"That's not true. At that moment, the Aramitama was emitting intense fire energy. Its ferocity was also on another level."

"Are you saying that the Aramitama that Ibara defeated is on a different level?"

"Ah. I can't imagine they came from the same person."

Ibuki thinks that perhaps Rin and Ibara's latent qualities were awakened after witnessing that Aramitama.

"In that case, it's fine. Well, Tamase seems to be in a lot of trouble."

On the way, he hears from Rin Tamase about what she was going through at school.

"If Ibara is there, the aggressors will remain silent."

That probably wouldn't solve the root of the problem, but it had nothing to do with Ibuki.

"Boss, you just thought that bullying at school has nothing to do with you."

"I thought so, but what happened?"

"What would you do if Ibara asked you for advice?"

"I can't do anything. I'm neither a teacher nor a father."

"You thought about it for a second, right?"

"......"

"I know it's too late, but can I tell you?"

"What?"

"The boss is nice to Ibara, right?"

"Shut up and drive."

Ibuki clicked her tongue and kicked Makita's seat from behind.

+++++++++++

"Aka."

Ibuki stopped dead when his name was suddenly called from behind.

He didn't want to look back. It was obvious who that voice belonged to, and the accusatory comments tired him out before he even turned around.

"Aka!"

Being called again, Ibuki reluctantly turned around.

Center during the day. Among the casually dressed tourists coming and going, the man in the white kariginu stood out from the crowd.

Kurama Haruaki.

He is the priest of Kaizumi Shrine and, to Ibuki, he is also a brother who studied under the same master.

"Don't call me if you have nothing to do."

"I stopped you because I had something to do."

Not only in his words, but also in the way he looks at Ibuki, there is a hint of reproach.

"I heard that you hired a minor. She is still a high school student."

"What's up with that?"

"I don't think you should force her to fight the Aramitama."

Ibuki snorted.

"That girl... Ibara is a great talent. Her fighting ability is probably better than your younger brother's. I was thinking it might be time to leave her in charge of the workplace."

It has been three months since Ibara became a member of "Ayaka Security".

During that time, Ibara had already experienced more battles with Aramitamas than the fingers of one hand of hers could endure. She has performed above a certain level in all fields and has increased the number of techniques she can use.

The double life of going to school during the day and working after school must have been quite demanding, but not once did she make a sound.

"Don't you think it's shameful to use a girl as a weapon of war?"

"A girl? Don't underestimate her for being a girl. She has determination."

"I'm talking about ethics and decency!"

"The truth you speak of has no value to me."

Ibuki turned his back on Kurama.

"Wait, Aka!"

Ibuki didn't look back.

The two sides separated a long time ago.

Ibuki followed his own path.

Ibuki was walking frustrated when he saw two familiar figures in front of him.

Makita and Ibara. They were talking on the sidewalk while waiting at a traffic light. He heard a voice.

"Do you want me to tell you how to buy stickers?"

"That's right. I can't convey what I think well in writing, so I'll use emojis and stickers, just a little."

"You want to give a softer impression."

"Yes."

"Okay, leave it to me. I'll teach you while you do it. The Makita-style seal technique that will make a thousand friends."

"I want to know."

"Hey."

The faces of the two who were called turned towards Ibuki.

"Hi, Boss."

Makita has large shopping bags hanging in both hands. The contents of the bag are probably ingredients used in the store.

Ibara also carries a paper bag.

"Do they make you help with shopping?"

"Yes."

Ibara nodded disapprovingly.

Ibuki had a small smile at the corner of his mouth.

The path Ibuki has chosen is hard, but not lonely. He has quite a few companions.

The same goes for Ibara.

As the name suggests, Ibuki stands by the girl's side as he walks down a thorny path. He has comrades like Makita and "Ayaka Security".

Ibuki said, placing his hand on Ibara's head.

"That is also an important job for "Ayaka Security". I will help you."

#ayaka #ibuki aka #ichijou ibara #kurama haruaki #makita taihei #ayaka security

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itsuki-minamy · 5 months

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If anyone buys Ayaka's Blu-ray BOX, please let me know. Includes new stories that I would like to translate.

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

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itsuki-minamy · 5 months

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"AYAKA – SIDE STORIES 03": A STRANGE CUSTOMER IN GOZ

TRANSLATION: NARU-KUN

* List of Chapters

Taihei Makita, a member of "Ayaka Security" and owner of the "GOZ" restaurant, was worried.

He is a carefree boy who acts as if he has no worries, but is sensitive to the subtleties of people's hearts.

If he notices that his friends are having problems while eating, he can't leave them alone. Now that he doesn't know what the problem is, he worries what to say first.

Should he just laugh out loud and pat him on the back like he always does?

Should he let him finish him mocktail and ask, "Is something wrong?"

Or perhaps he should take another approach: for example, bring a prototype dish, ask he to try it, and wait for an opportunity through small talk.

Before he knew it, Makita had almost unconsciously poured oil into his favorite frying pan.

Ibara Ichijou, on-site supervisor of "Ayaka Security", was worried.

She is admired by her classmates for her outstanding observation skills, judgment, fighting ability and, above all, her always calm and serene personality, but her physical appearance is that of a 15-year-old girl.

(Makita's food is delicious, but it worries me about the amount of oil.)

The owner, Makita, must trust the taste of the restaurant and although she is a foodie girl, she is hesitant to say anything about the food. Above all, delicious things are delicious. If he reduces the amount of oil and the taste deteriorates, she will feel sorry for the other customers who love this restaurant.

But... that will make you fat. Definitely. Almost certainly.

"Ayaka Security" officer Ranko Kanazaki was worried.

Her respected boss, Aka Ibuki, invited her to a dinner and she came to the dinner with her younger colleague, Ibara Ichijou, but the two usually don't talk much.

She feels like he's making up a reason to eat and that there's something he really wants to talk about, but Ibuki can't bring himself to say it and just devours the meat. He's already on his third steak.

Ranko Kanazaki is a positive person. She is a strange girl on the island. She's good at saying the right things depending on the mood of the situation, but she's also good at reading the mood.

It's not her turn now. There are times when she should just rush through without worrying about such things, but at least now is not the time.

Ibuki is probably trying to tell Ibara and Ranko something. He's not the type of person to give boring lectures, so it's something more important. Temporary work, special training, or a difficult investigation... Ranko waited patiently for Ibuki to speak.

Aka Ibuki, director of "Ayaka Security", was not worried about anything in particular.

He had a nervous expression on his face, like a spider web, as if he were deep in his thought, but he wasn't thinking about anything else.

Honestly, he felt like he should add a little more pepper to the steak he was eating, but… it really wasn't worth complaining about. The quality of the meat and the cooking point are perfect.

Two of his subordinates are now sitting in front of him as he continues eating.

Although he is still young, Ibara Ichijou is a talented woman who was selected as the site's administrator because of her ability.

Ranko Kanazaki is a promising member of the team, but her skills and potential improve on her.

From Ibuki's point of view, they are both very young, especially Ibara, who can still be considered a child.

Of course, as long as they are prepared to fight Aramitamas, it does not matter whether they are adults or children, but there is no denying the fact that they are growing girls and their nutritional status is a concern.

Earlier, he was hungry and was about to go to a restaurant, when he saw Ibara in the office.

She has no expression. As always, she looked hungry.

Her gaze was cold. As usual, she seemed hungry and anxious.

Her face was pale. Maybe it was the LED lights, but she looked like she was malnourished.

Then he invited her to dinner.

He also approached Ranko Kanazaki because she was there and he had no other intentions. Honestly, he thought it would be easier to work with other coworkers than go toe-to-toe with their unfriendly boss.

By the way, Ranko Kanazaki was also working very hard, so he had a cheerful attitude and thought, "Let's treat her to lunch once in a while".

Although he is often misunderstood due to his quiet, unfriendly, and arrogant nature, Aka Ibuki actually takes good care of his subordinates.

"Do you have enough? I'll order another one."

"I'm already full."

"...Ah. I'm fine too!"

Very affectionate.

The problems that people have are difficult for others to understand.

You may simply be making assumptions or being too careful, and it's easy for misunderstandings to occur. Even if they say everything, there is no guarantee that their words are true.

Even comrades who fight together sometimes cross paths like that.

It's no laughing matter. It's not as serious as a tragedy.

If he had to say it, that's a mask.

+++++++++++

Just as Ibuki was about to order his fifth steak, Makita came out of the kitchen.

The dish he brought had an egg, bacon, and avocado gallete. It wasn't on the restaurant menu, so of course he didn't order it.

"Hey, guys. Let's try this..."

The cell phone on Ibuki's chest vibrated at the abrupt moment of interrupting Makita's words.

"...Makita, I'm sorry. It's Mizutani."

Junnosuke Mizutani, who made the call, is one of the subordinates of "Ayaka Security". Today he remains in the office as a night substitute.

"What's wrong, Mizutani?"

"Boss, excuse me for interrupting you while you're eating. I just looked on the surveillance camera, and there was a man I don't know walking up the stairs leading to the restaurant, and I think he's from off the island. It's a little strange, so be careful."

"Was he acting strange?"

"Yes. He was extremely aware of his surroundings and his face was strangely serious, as if he were deep in thought... or extremely nervous. It's the face you see before doing something."

"I understand. I'll be careful."

He doesn't think it's a useless report.

Since the cautious Mizutani had identified him as "suspicious", something was probably up, even if he had nothing to do with Ibuki.

Furthermore, "Ayaka Security" is officially a "security company" and although there are not many cases of hard feelings, there is some concern that criminals or suspicious people may hold a grudge against them.

To put it in an extreme way, if the people around them were harmed because of the Aramitama, there is a possibility that they would be hated for unreasonable reasons such as "being slow to help". For better or worse, there are all kinds of people in this world.

Just to be sure, he consulted the waiting staff.

"Is Kanda still there?"

The young man, the most skilled of his subordinates, is considered by his colleagues to be a kind of "ninja" and is a bit out of touch. It is a great way to be prepared in case something happens.

He tried to invite him to dinner before, but he didn't show up.

"He's out of commission, so he's going fishing at night. Do you want me to call him?"

"No, there's no need for that. As long as you know where he's going, it's fine. What about Furin?"

"He just took a nap. Do you want me to wake him up?"

"No, it's fine. Just let him sleep."

His subordinate, Ichita Furin, has a somewhat cheerful personality and can be a bit clumsy, but he is also a humor creator and very witty.

It's part of the job to ensure enough sleep in case of an emergency, so there's no need to have them on standby before something happens.

However, Mizutani, who should be aware of this common sense, speaks in a dark voice on the phone.

"Do you want me to wake him up? Do you want me to splash him with water? I'll be happy to do that."

"...Let him to sleep."

It seems like something happened, maybe someone ate their midnight snack from the refrigerator or something.

Immediately after Ibuki hung up the phone, the sound of footsteps began to be heard coming down the stairs and the door to the store opened.

(I see, he is blatantly suspicious.)

He is a man of medium build. He is in his late twenties or early thirties, and although his features are not particularly striking, there is a sense of urgency in his expression.

He clearly wasn't a tourist, he was wearing a cheap and inelegant suit, but he didn't look like a local either.

He looked as if he had come from the mainland on a business trip, but the way his eyes scanned his surroundings gave the impression that he was uneasy and even scared. At least he didn't have the "I came to eat at a restaurant" attitude.

The owner, Makita, works to serve customers with an innocent expression on his face.

"Welcome! Please take the seat of his choice."

"Oh, yes..."

There were no other customers in the store.

The suspicious man chose a table near Ibuki's seat.

Ibuki was no longer looking at the man, but he could feel his gaze on him.

Ibara Ichijou spoke almost silently, using only the movement of her lips.

(Do you know him?)

Ibuki silently shook his head. He didn't have any idea.

Ranko Kanazaki quickly typed text on her cell phone.

"But he's looking at you, right?"

Ibuki pretended to chew the meat and nodded.

The man's direct gaze was fixed on Ibuki.

Those are not intimidating eyes. It was the look of an observer.

Finally, the man stood up from his seat.

Ibara and Ranko were wary of the man who walked slowly, taking one or two steps, and put strength in their limbs to be able to move at any time.

Meanwhile, Ibuki gently wiped his mouth with a paper napkin.

"Do you need something from me?"

He took the initiative and spoke to him before they could get between them.

The man suddenly went still.

"Are you the director of this security company...?"

Ibuki responded coldly to that trembling voice.

"What if I was?"

Ibara and Ranko, his two subordinates, avoided looking at each other.

Makita stood at the entrance of the store, blocking any chance of escape.

He without even noticing the movements around him, the man in the suit twitched his nose and looked at Ibuki.

"My wife... Leave my wife!"

Hearing those words come out in a hoarse voice, Ibuki unusually stopped thinking... All of his subordinates had to worry inwardly.

+++++++++++

The man named Aka Ibuki generally has a good face.

It's just that he has a good face.

Although he himself is not very aware of this, all of his colleagues and islanders who know him believe this and, unless they have a very particular aesthetic sense, they usually have the same impression.

However, since he is abrupt and does not use his words well, it is difficult to say that he is "nice to women". Plus, there's a part of his life where he spends all his time dealing with Aramitamas instead of working, and there's no point in trying to casually date someone of the opposite sex.

In short, his personality is not fun.

There was no way a man like that would mess with someone else's wife, and the three subordinates present had no doubts about Ibuki's innocence.

However, there is only a slight difference in the "guess" each person has.

Ibara thought.

(It's scary to be the wrong person...)

Ranko thought.

(Making a married woman fall in love with you just by looking at her face... As expected of a boss...)

Makita thought.

(So when the other party's affair was discovered, was it possible that she was forced to falsely accuse him?)

Despite believing in her superior's innocence, Ibara suspects he is the wrong person, Ranko suspects a married woman's unrequited love, and Makita is the first to suspect a false accusation.

The two girls' ideas were quite natural, but there is a stage before Makita's thinking. That's not Ibuki's story, but an acquaintance ran into a similar problem before.

The husband found out about his wife's affair. However, the man ran away and could not be identified, and when she was questioned, the wife, to protect the real couple, invented a fake couple that the husband would find difficult to touch. That's a frustrating turn of events.

It is a superficial and improvised lie, but there are many people who find themselves cornered and resort to lying to escape.

In any case, all the subordinates present, including Makita, were convinced of Ibuki's innocence.

That's why Makita decided to intervene without hesitation.

"Client, I don't understand the situation at all, but for now, let's calm down and listen to what you have to say. My boss is a serious guy who spends his free time at work, so it's hard to imagine him having an affair."

Suspicious, Ibuki also turned his eyes and looked at the man.

"I'm the wrong person. I'm single and I have no intention of being suspected of having an affair."

The man in the suit covered his face with one hand, his shoulders and back trembled.

"You have no intention? There is no way a handsome man like you has no intention! Even now, you are seducing two young women...!"

"Ah..."

"Hey..."

Ibara and Ranko, caught in the unreasonable situation, tensed their cheeks.

"No, we are just subordinates."

"I only came here to eat at my boss's expense, but..."

The man looked at the two of them with a stern look.

"There is no way that a small security company on a remote island has two such young and beautiful employees!"

(That's true. He hit him where it hurts the most.)

(No, that is a crazy argument. For starters, these are not small businesses, but small and medium-sized businesses, and this comment would be disrespectful to remote island security companies across the country.)

However, the reality of "Ayaka Security" is that it is a private company designed to combat Aramitamas. It was true that the company simply called itself a "security company" as a cover, and what the man said was partially true.

However, they couldn't admit that and honestly say, "Actually, we are not a security company".

Ibara and Ranko, who are said to be beautiful, were also holding back headaches, frowning as if to say, "This old man is a headache". The wording is based on Makita's subjective opinion.

He should have ignored that and changed the subject.

"Okay, calm down. First of all, I'd like to hear your name. It seems like you know our boss, but we don't even know who you are."

Makita tried his best to speak warmly.

It's easy to pick on a guy, but he's clearly upset. It would be troublesome if someone pulled a knife out of his pocket, and it would be boring if they held a grudge against him.

There is no doubt that these are false accusations. The only thing left to do is how to convince him of that.

The man in the suit was sitting in a chair and everyone looked at each other again.

"And what's your name?"

"Kobayashi."

It's not a particularly rare surname. It is difficult to determine whether it is a pseudonym or a real name, but even if it is a pseudonym, as long as the person gives the name honestly, there is room for "dialogue".

"Alright, Kobayashi-san. I'm Makita. So, do you know our boss's name?"

"...He must be Ibuki-san."

The matter was probably a misunderstanding, but for now the names match. The chance of there being a "wrong person" has decreased and the chance of a "misunderstanding" has increased.

These two types look similar, but are slightly different.

Ibuki is the wrong person to think that he is "Mr. X, the person his wife is cheating on him with".

Although he is convinced that Ibuki is Ibuki, his mistake is assuming that he is the one his wife is having an affair with.

If it was a clear mistake, the man should have apologized to Ibuki and left the restaurant at that time.

However, since the names coincide, it is necessary to continue this fruitless dialogue for a while longer.

For the sake of his beloved boss, Makita put in many delicate thoughts, belying his gigantic stature.

Boss Ibuki isn't a bad conversationalist, but he also doesn't have the personality to play tricks too much.

He is not at all an idiot, he is always calm and collected, and has a quick wit, but he does not have the skill to put effort into analyzing other people's feelings and use proper speaking techniques.

However, that land was the domain of Ibuki's younger brother, Jingi Sagawa.

For the sake of his boss, whom he respects, Makita offered to serve as host.

"Well then, Kobayashi-san. Please tell me the details. His wife was having an affair with my boss. Did his wife say that?"

Kobayashi twitched the bridge of his nose and nodded.

"That's right. I heard from my wife that she was dating the director of a security company. She also told me his name at that time..."

A one-sided false accusation based on a painful lie by the wife.

He was glad he had come to that conclusion so quickly. And when that happens, the question arises: "How do we resolve that misunderstanding?"

At the same time, some problematic considerations also need to be made.

(If this lie is discovered, will that wife be okay...?)

It's easy to dismiss the situation and say that the fate of a liar is unknown, but even if it turns into a murder case, it's hard to stay calm.

Above all, if she went out of her way to mention Ibuki's name when she was questioned, there is a possibility that the wife and Ibuki knew each other.

"Kobayashi...Kobayashi-san. Boss, do you recognize that lady named Kobayashi?"

"That's right..."

Ibuki thought with a serious face.

"I don't know his name, but his last name is... he is a fisherman who has lived near the port for generations..."

Ranko lowered her head in shock.

"No, boss... that's Shizu-chan's fishing master, Kobayashi-san, right? The old lady over there is over 80 years old and her husband lives a normal life..."

Shizumaru Kanda, a member of "Ayaka Security", sometimes goes fishing in the sea.

The local fisherman who showed him places and fishing tips was an old man named Kobayashi, and his wife Momo, who, of course, has the last name Kobayashi, had nothing to do with this case.

There may be a young woman with the same last name as a relative, but there is no way to know her face or her name.

Makita has an acquaintance named Kobayashi, but he is also a man. Since the surname is not that rare, such coincidences occur.

Ibara murmured indifferently as she ate the "Egg, Bacon and Avocado Gallete" to try.

"A Kobayashi was also a classmate of mine in elementary school... Um, Kobayashi-san, you're not from this island in the first place, right? Where did you come from and how did you get here?"

Kobayashi's eyes widened for a moment.

"I'm from Tokyo... I arrived on this island yesterday..."

Ranko bowed her head at that response.

"From Tokyo? No, wait a minute. So your wife is also in Tokyo, right? Then she couldn't have had an affair with our boss on the island."

After hearing Ranko's point, Kobayashi's gaze wavered unnaturally.

"No, no, my wife is on this island... I'm the only one who lives in Tokyo for work."

There was only a small pause.

Makita understood. His colleagues are probably thinking the same thing.

(Is this guy hiding something?)

To begin with, it is an unnatural story.

Infidelity and cheating are impossible for Ibuki, and this man named Kobayashi is also extremely suspicious.

If done wrong, it could even turn into a psychological horror story where the wife is just a figment of his imagination and may not actually exist.

"Ah... Kobayashi-san, do you have any photos of your wife? Look, on your cell phone or something."

Doubting the very existence of his wife, Makita suggested that.

Now, if he shows him a picture of a celebrity or a photo with no one in it, he'll need to take a different approach. The security company cannot do anything about it and they need help from medical institutions.

"Photography..."

Kobayashi looked upset.

"Of course, you can bring her with you. That way it will be clearer. Your wife is on this island, right?"

"...No, I have a photo. It's from a while ago..."

Kobayashi took out his cell phone from the inside pocket of his suit and operated it with practical ease.

Finally, the screen showed a bride in a wedding dress and a man in a tuxedo. The man looks a little younger than he is now.

"...This is a wedding photo. Three years ago..."

"Oh..."

Apparently it really existed.

At first glance, Makita and his friends looked at the screen, somewhat relieved by that.

"Boss, do you know them?"

"No. I don't recognize them."

He had the impression that the bride's face was calm. He's not a very notable guy.

On the other hand, Ibara and Ranko's eyes became more serious.

"Excuse me, I'll come a little closer."

"Mmmm...? Mmmm..."

The two didn't just say, "I don't know". However, their memory seems vague and they kept tilting their heads to the side.

"As if I knew, as if I didn't know..."

"...No, I know. Wait a minute. I remember now."

Ranko pressed her hands hard against her temple.

Several seconds passed in silence and then she fanned herself.

"...This person is probably that one. Look, I think she looks like the part-time employee at the bakery near the post office..."

Ranko seemed a little unsure, but Ibara nodded her head.

"As Ranko-san said, they look a lot alike. Compared to the wedding photo, the hair and makeup are different, but... I think they look similar enough that they could be twin sisters."

Makita was stunned. Ibuki, unusually, also let out a surprised sound.

"A bakery employee, huh? If that's the case, I've probably shopped there before, but I don't remember her face or her name."

"Kanazaki and Ibara, you remember well, right? You were close?"

Ranko shook her head.

"Hmm, we just had a little chat or something. Plus, she didn't seem to be from the island, so it was a little unusual... I don't even know her name. I don't think she was wearing a name tag her or anything."

"I called her an employee too. Kobayashi-san, is his wife an employee at a bakery?"

Kobayashi froze unnaturally.

Yes, unnaturally.

Very unnatural.

(What is this guy...? Isn't that a question you can't answer?)

The Ibara issue is just a "confirmation".

Of course her husband should know, so there was no reason to be confused.

Makitaa put his hand on the man's shoulder.

"Kobayashi-san, what's going on? There's no way you, the husband, don't know where his wife works."

"Ah, no, I'm sorry. I got really dizzy before coming to the island... I'm still a little uneasy..."

Makita stood up from his seat.

"Oh, that's probably why you don't look good. If so, let's get some water. Boss, please help me carry the dishes."

"I understand."

"No, in that case I..."

Ibara tried to get up, but Makita stopped her by winking so Kobayashi couldn't see him.

Ibuki also knows this and is in his natural state.

"No, I'll also bring some extra food. Kobayashi-san, would you like to eat something too?"

"...No, no. I am ok..."

"It's better to eat something when you have a conversation like this. If you're dizzy and can't eat, I'll give you something light, like a snack to have a drink."

The two said casually, as if they had known each other for a long time, and quickly entered the kitchen.

Then, as soon as they were away from the audience seats and their voices could not be heard, they whispered to each other.

"...Boss. He's lying."

"It is also suspicious that he is dizzy. He said: "I arrived on the island yesterday"."

If it is severe dizziness, it is not impossible for the effects to last more than a day, but in this case, the person's face is more likely to be pale due to "nervousness" or "mental load" than due to dizziness.

When a shy person hides something, he tends to unconsciously repeat little lies as an excuse. Ibuki also nodded, his eyebrows furrowing slightly.

"I guess. And he's pretty mentally exhausted. The killing intent is gone now, but as soon as he entered the restaurant, he wanted to kill me."

Makita was also aware of that signal. That's why he showed an attitude of "seriously listening" and responded in a particularly calm manner.

He was obviously an amateur, and it was impossible for Ibuki to be on guard, but there was nothing to be gained by going out of his way to stir up resentment.

"It helped that you distracted him so well. Thanks to you, I think we can avoid any problems."

"I hope so, but... that Kobayashi guy doesn't have much reserve in his eyes, and he has the air that could explode at any moment. A move like that is a bit troublesome."

On Ayaka Island, the word "explosion" has a slightly different meaning than on the mainland.

The strong negative emotions that people have sometimes cause stagnation in those around them and become a trigger that favors the appearance of "Aramitama".

The original job of "Ayaka Security" is to control the Aramitamas that arise in this way, and it is Ibuki Aka's daily life.

Makita kept his voice even lower.

"There's no doubt he's making a fuss, but I wonder how much truth he's telling... First of all, are you serious about suspecting cheating?"

"Is that why you doubt it? It's hard to say that about someone who was falsely accused, but it's true that the reason for contacting me was to "confirm the fact that he was having an affair". Rather, what worries me is the wife who had no choice but to lie to that man."

Ibuki said with a serious face as he took a bite of the fish sausage that was in the kitchen.

"Are you still going to eat it?" Makita said, not surprised at all. It is always so.

"So she involved the head of "Ayaka Security" and lied to him?"

"Yes. If she's getting me into trouble and running away as fast as she can, that's fine..."

"It's not a good idea, but it would be bad if the lady was in a situation where I couldn't even contact her. She could be threatened, imprisoned or... should I call the police?"

He expected him to nod, but Ibuki immediately denied it.

"No. If he sees the police officer right now, he will go crazy. Life is building up, which is no longer good. Before that, I want to make sure your wife is safe. When you return to the table, please send a message to Kanazaki and Ibara telling them to leave the restaurant and head to the bakery."

Although he had no intention of opposing the instructions, Makita bowed his head.

"I understand. But you're being very cautious, aren't you? If you were a normal boss, I think he would be offended by a move like that."

"It doesn't matter if I'm dealing with Aramitamas, my opponent is an ordinary person. It's also possible that he is thinking too much. Above all, if the safety of the islanders is at stake, we must proceed with caution."

To Ibuki, even the perpetrator who has falsely accused him seems to be one of the islanders who must be protected.

Makita thinks Ibuki is too lenient, but many of the members of "Ayaka Security" have been helped by Ibuki's kindness.

That's why Makita has no intention of denying Ibuki's sweetness. Although he is easy to be misunderstood due to his intelligent appearance, the man named Ibuki Aka is very affectionate.

"So, boss, please take some nuts and go back first. I will send instructions to Kanazaki and the others and then return."

"Ah. I'll take care of this. Also, I'll order some roast beef."

For a moment, Makita couldn't believe what he heard.

In that situation, it seems like he still intends to continue eating. Once again he was surprised by the density of those nerves.

"It's a big portion."

"Yes..."

It was not necessary to ask the amount, it was something natural. Although he is encouraged by his boss's good attitude, he sometimes finds himself questioning his sanity.

Ibuki returned to the audience with a jug of water and mixed nuts in his hand, and as Ibuki saw him off, he busied himself with cutting the roast beef that had already been prepared.

+++++++++++

When Ibuki returned to the counter, Kobayashi seemed calmer than before.

Ibara and Ranko, who were sitting in front of him, were also in a bad mood, but they did not show any hostility towards Kobayashi.

"I brought some water. Kobayashi-san, please."

"Oh, thank you."

When Ibuki handed him a glass, Kobayashi was confused, but thanked him.

And he looked at Ibuki with a serious face.

"...Ibuki-san. Umm... do you really have nothing to do with my wife?"

"Ah. Excuse me, but I don't even remember her face. My subordinate seemed to know her by sight, but I only go to that bakery once in a while, so I doubt I've seen her before. How long have you been working?"

Kobayashi did not answer that question. He was thinking silently.

Ranko opened her mouth, unable to bear the silence.

"I'm really talking about the last few months. Maybe after the new year."

"If that's the case, maybe we've never really met. Kobayashi-san, did your wife say anything else about her when she mentioned my name?"

"...Oh, ah... no... that..."

Little clarity. However, that was starting to change from "hidden" to "embarrassing".

Ibuki continued to observe the other person carefully.

"During an argument, your name came up and we are dating... However, my blood also went to my head, so I don't know the details... I heard that he was the head of "Ayaka Security"..."

It seems that he has finally realized that his wife's words may have simply been a false lie.

He wished he had realized that possibility sooner, but he knew from the beginning that he was extremely confused. Mizutani, who saw the surveillance camera, did everything she could to report him.

"Anyway, does your wife know me?"

"The boss stands out, that's why everyone in this neighborhood knows him."

"We also wear bracelets, so when you see us you'll know we're from "Ayaka Security"."

A message rang on Ranko and Ibara's cell phones.

After reading the screen, the two got up from their seats.

"...Oh, no, break time is up. Boss, please excuse me first."

"Thanks for the food."

"Ah. I'll be back in a bit."

Makita's message was never conveyed to Kobayashi.

The two girls left the restaurant, leaving Ibuki and Kobayashi alone in the restaurant. Makita was still in the kitchen.

"...Well, Kobayashi-san. Continuing with what we just talked about... You just said, "My wife told me that she was dating the director of a security company".

I don't doubt you, but did your wife really tell you that they were dating? For example... Maybe it was a way of saying, "I'm in a relationship"."

Kobayashi opened his eyes in shock.

Apparently he was a star.

When it comes to relationships between men and women, the term "dating" is a bit confusing.

If you say, "I'm dating him", it's easy to associate them with a loving relationship.

If you say, "I have a relationship with him", it may just be a friendship or a business relationship.

If you say, "I'm in a relationship with him", it gives a strong impression that it's a romantic relationship.

If you say, "I go out with him sometimes", you may simply be spending time together, such as shopping or hobbies, when you meet or when it's convenient.

From that sentence alone, it's hard to tell whether or not he has romantic feelings.

Even if you say the wrong particle or auxiliary verb during an argument, or simply mishear it, misinterpretations can occur.

Kobayashi, who had suspected his wife of cheating on him from the beginning, probably reacted only to the word "date". It might have something to do with the atmosphere of the place, but Ibuki has no way of knowing from his perspective.

"Personally, I didn't know their faces or names, but "Ayaka Security" patrols the shopping district, so I have a business relationship with each store. It seems like she knew my employee to the point that she could have a small chat with her, and I also know the "owner" of that bakery. Sometimes we get calls asking for help with suspicious people or people in trouble since they don't want to draw the attention of the police."

More specifically, there are problems where an Aramitama is suspected of being involved, but they do not wish to explain the details to people outside the island.

Ibuki calmly asked Kobayashi, who was speechless.

"Now, have you cleared up your misunderstanding?"

"I'm sorry. It may have been a one-sided misunderstanding on my part."

Kobayashi tried to get up from his seat.

However, Ibuki quickly pressed his shoulder.

"Well, wait. There must be some kind of connection that involved me like this. I'm sure I also have the right to ask about the situation. And... it's worrying to say that it could have been a misunderstanding. I want you to be sure about that and there are some things that worry me."

Ibuki put pressure on his fingertips.

Kobayashi couldn't stand up. More than the use of force, psychological coercion also played a role.

Makita returned from the kitchen with a pile of roast beef and sandwiches in his hands.

"What, Ibara and the others are back to work? That's good. From now on, let's talk to each other in peace."

The huge Makita was sitting on the other side, blocking Kobayashi's escape route. It was a message from Makita that caused Ibara to move, but such a tendency does not even occur in burping.

(At this point, I can't let Kobayashi go. There are several things I need to check before doing so.)

Makita, with a friendly smile on his face, grabbed Kobayashi's shoulder. There was no smile behind his eyes.

"The nuts and sandwich are on the house. Please eat them."

Ibuki also stuck his fork into the roast beef covered with a rich sauce.

"Kobayashi-san. There are too many unnatural things in your history and attitude. Your wife is on this island and you were in Tokyo until yesterday. But it wasn't because of work circumstances... Maybe your wife ran away from you and "disappeared", hiding on this island?"

Kobayashi paled in an instant at Ibuki's point.

"I knew it! After all, you are...!"

"Calm down. Like I said, I have nothing to do with it. Anyone could guess that by watching your reaction. First of all, I know that I am innocent and I don't know anything about your wife. However, if that wife did everything possible to mention the name of the director of "Ayaka Security''... if I had to guess the reason, I can only assume that it was because she was "afraid of violence or persecution from you"."

Makita shrugged.

"That's right. When it comes to violence against islanders, the only place to turn is the police or "Ayaka Security". We are a community company. In fact, we are much more flexible than the police. It's just a business, so "we charge according to the actual work"."

"As part of our contribution to the community, we offer discounts to island residents."

Although their main job is to "kill Aramitamas", if they are called by someone they know, they can mediate fights or subdue drunk people. The money often comes from vegetables grown in the fields or fish caught in the sea, which customers use as gratitude.

Ibuki spoke in a cold voice to Kobayashi, who began to shake little by little.

"Even if it was a clear misunderstanding, I can imagine that his wife felt he was in danger when she hinted at her ''relationship'' with ''Ayaka Security''. If the police knew anyone, they would have talked about it, but it seems that our employee was a regular customer of the bakery, so the first thing that came to mind was us.''

By the way, the basic stance of the police is not to intervene in civil matters. If she fights with her husband or ex-husband, she may not always get the response she wants.

"Come on, let's hear what you have to say. I'm well aware that I'm a busybody, but it's my nature that I can't ignore."

"Ah..."

(I am not fond of getting involved in fights between men and women.)

However, Ibuki has a reason why he can't leave him alone.

In Ibuki's eyes, Kobayashi's body was covered in a dark, stagnant, and murky "life force" that clung firmly to him.

+++++++++++

"ABC" is a bakery near the "Ayaka Security" headquarters.

The shop's name is an abbreviation of "Ayakashima Bakery Camellia", and Camellia comes from the owner's name, "Tsubaki".

It was already after nine at night and most of the stores had already closed. This bakery was no exception and its shutters had long been closed. However, the second floor of the store is still used as a residence, so the owner is still there.

Ranko Kanazaki nimbly climbed the outside stairs leading to the second floor and called the intercom.

"Good evening, Tsubaki-san. I'm Kanazaki from "Ayaka Security"."

She does not know the name of the part-time worker, but she does know the name of the store owner, which is also related to the name of the store.

The bakeries prepare early in the morning. Maybe he's already asleep at nine at night.

After waiting a while, a light came on on the other side of the window.

"Kanazaki-chan...? What's going on here in the middle of the night?"

The owner, Tsubaki Ayabe, is a former Yan. Even now, at 30 years old, his hair is blonde and he is good-spirited in many ways.

Tsubaki appeared at the door wearing a casual t-shirt and tracksuit outfit, but when he came out to the store, he was only wearing that and an apron, so he looked more or less familiar to her.

Tsubaki, who was rubbing his eyes, looked at Ranko and Ibara who were standing before him, and tilted his head curiously.

"Is Ibara-chan with you? What's going on?"

Ibara nodded silently and Ranko closed one eye as she apologized with one hand.

"I'm sorry, Tsubaki-san. Are you asleep yet? Um, there's a part-time person working here, right? I'd like to ask you about her. Is he here now?"

"Ah? Miyuki-chan? I think she's...huh?"

Her name seems to be "Miyuki". Now that she thinks about it, Kobayashi called her "wife", and Ibuki and others called her "wife", so she didn't know her name until now.

In fact, something that needs to be confirmed first is that Kobayashi misinterpreted Ibuki as "his wife's unfaithful partner" and probably assumed that he knew her name. Tsubaki looked scared as he opened a private room near the entrance and looked inside.

"Miyuki-chan? Huh? I guess she hasn't come home... Today was her day off, so she went out and said she was going to go sightseeing around the island... I also arrived early in the morning, so I went to bed first..."

Ranko and Ibara looked at each other harshly.

"Miyuki-san's husband is in GOZ now. Do you know what kind of person he is?"

Tsubaki turned his head and looked at Ranko and Ibara. The sleepiness instantly disappeared from his face and his eyes were wide and trembling.

"Wait a minute... Kobayashi? He came to this island? He's on this island? That bastard! He should lower his head!"

His deep voice, mixed with clicks of his tongue, reminded him of his active days.

"...Ah. I guess, after all, he was the kind of husband who would be called "that bastard"."

"...I also got a message from Makita saying, "They're probably having problems because of the divorce"."

Ignoring the two girls' sighs, Tsubaki took out a metal bat from inside.

"He's in the restaurant, right? I'll punch him!"

"Put it away. Tsubaki-san, put it away."

"We have weapons, so calm down. Instead, please contact Miyuki-san."

"Ah. That's right... the cell phone, the telephone..."

While Tsubaki operated his cell phone, Ranko and Ibara asked questions.

"Is Miyuki-san a relative of Tsubaki-san?"

"Hmm. We are quite distant relatives, but I feel like she is like a younger sister. I am not from this island, but... This bakery was originally inherited from a deceased grandfather, and she is the granddaughter of that grandfather's brother."

"So, uh... you mean she's like your cousin?"

"It's from the heart."

Ibara quickly gave the correct answer.

"Yes, that's right. So, I filed divorce papers with her husband, since she was a victim of domestic violence, but he became violent and rejected me, so she ran away and hid for a while..."

Tsubaki's words were cut off.

An automated voice started playing from the device's speaker and he said, "The call you made..."

The situation that Ranko and Ibara associated with a lack of radio waves or a power outage was definitely not what the automated voice was saying.

A needle-like light shone in Ranko's eyes.

"Ibara-chan, please send a message to the boss. We couldn't secure the target. Her cell phone is not connected and she is gone."

"Yes."

Tsubaki gulped in front of the two whose mood had suddenly changed.

"Wait a minute. I can't believe it... Has Miyuki-chan already met that violent husband...?"

Ranko was vague in her response.

"Tsubaki-san, stay here. If Miyuki-san returns, please contact me."

"No, I won't sit still! Me too...!"

"We have already taken custody of Kobayashi-san. I understand how you feel, but we would be in trouble if Miyuki-san returned and there was a misunderstanding..."

"Why is that scum in that restaurant in the first place?"

Ibuki was suspected of having an affair with his wife... and when she was about to respond, Ranko suddenly realized something.

"Tsubaki-san. By any chance, did you tell that person, Miyuki-san, about my boss?"

"I've already talked about that. Not just about Ibuki-kun, but about everything related to the people in the neighborhood."

Ibara also asked.

"What did you tell her about the boss?"

"Well... what did I say...? Well, he is strong, and he is more affectionate than he seems, and he is a person who has a good eye for many things, so if you need help, ask him. He is the most reliable around here. Something like that?"

The epicenter was found.

Ranko relaxed and looked at Ibara.

"I knew from the beginning that it was a false accusation, but..."

"He is also a good person who can be easily trusted..."

However, it can be said that the fact that he has gained so much trust from the neighborhood is a result of Ibuki's actions so far.

"So what happened? Why did Miyuki's ex-husband go there?"

They had no choice but to explain... Ranko left Ibuki and Makita at the restaurant to deal with Kobayashi, and began to talk about what happened that night.

+++++++++++

In a corner of the "GOZ" restaurant, three men stand face to face.

Aka Ibuki, director of "Ayaka Security".

His subordinate is Taihei Makita, the owner of the restaurant.

And Kobayashi, a person who showed up suspecting that Ibuki and his wife were having an affair.

A beautiful and intelligent young man, a muscular giant and an ordinary man in a worn suit are a combination that is difficult to understand from the outside.

After receiving a message from Ibara heading to the bakery...

In front of Kobayashi, Ibuki took off his "private security company representative" mask.

"...Kobayashi-san. When you came to this store, I could feel the killing intent towards me, but I couldn't smell blood. So I waited to see what happened... but it seems like we can't get in touch with your wife. You said you got my name from your wife. What did you do to her before you came here?"

He felt very intimidating even for Makita who is used to it.

Hearing that, Kobayashi turned pale and opened and closed his mouth.

"W-what are you saying...? I didn't do anything special..."

Makita grabbed Kobayashi's shoulder.

"That excuse is impossible. I just received a call from my coworkers who were sent to the bakery. Did your wife leave the divorce papers and disappear? The cause was your violence... and you already found your wife in this island and you heard the boss's name from her mouth. It seems that the matter is completely over, but... what happened to the "chat" between you and your wife?"

Kobayashi looked down. His shoulders were shaking and the sweat dripping from his face stained his pants.

Sensing that he wouldn't speak like that, Ibuki relaxed her grip on him.

"...Kobayashi-san. I can guess what you were thinking when you came here. To be honest, you seemed completely desperate when you came here. It seemed like a no-brainer. Isn't that what you intended to do, without even thinking about it, kill the adulterous fellow of your wife, even if it means stabbing each other?"

Kobayashi did not respond. Although they cannot simply take the fact that there is no negative statement as a statement, this time it seems to be so.

Although Kobayashi suspected that Ibuki was his wife's unfaithful partner, he was not sure.

Why is that?

That may be because the wife's phrasing, like the fact that they were in a relationship, was confusing, but, although there was a misunderstanding, there is no evidence that the wife attempted to explain it.

Furthermore, "Ayaka Security" has not received any notice or apology from the wife.

(If the wife is in a state where she can no longer do any of these things, then it all makes sense.)

Ibuki asked again, also to confirm it.

"...You killed your wife, you killed your unfaithful partner, and in the end, you were going to die too... Isn't that right?"

Kobayashi stopped shaking.

"When I came here with that in mind, you turned out to be a complete stranger who didn't even know my wife's name... I lost all momentum and, as I was wondering what to do, I started to feel cold. I guess it's about time. What should we do? If you want to hand me over to the police, I will go there. Although I am not familiar with the geography of the island."

Of course, it does not mean politeness, but rather "carry". If he refused, he would have to force him, but he had a feeling that wouldn't happen now.

This is a remote island. He can't escape without a boat and he can't escape on a boat either.

He despaired precisely because he knew he was lost.

"...I didn't mean to kill her."

Without blinking, Kobayashi murmured that. It wasn't a conversation or a statement, it was just a monologue.

"I hired a detective... to find out where my wife was going. Her phone was dead, so I decided to meet her in person and talk..."

He said he arrived on the island yesterday, but didn't show up at the bakery and was probably looking for a time when his wife would be alone.

"...But then she ran away towards the cliff, took out her cell phone, gave your name, and tried to call you...Then we got into a fight...and she ended up in the sea..."

He couldn't say it was an accident.

Regardless of whether he had initial murderous intentions or not, his malicious intentions became clear when he cornered her and tried to take her phone from her. Although his original purpose was not to kill her but to bring her back, he chose violence to achieve that goal.

Immediately, Makita twitched the bridge of his nose and raised his voice.

"Hey! Didn't you help her?!"

"Oh, there's no way I'll survive if I fall from that height...! And..."

Kobayashi looked at Ibuki.

Although he denied any murderous intent, he probably no longer intended to help.

Although Ibuki cannot understand the mentality of a man who decided his wife was dead and prioritized killing the person she was having an affair with, Ibuki also knows that there are real people who are destructive and motivated by arrogance and desperation.

"She was going to die anyway..."

Makita clicked his tongue and made a phone call. He gave instructions to his colleagues who were waiting in the office to search the coastal area.

Ibuki left Makita in charge of communication and helped Kobayashi up.

"It's up to you to consider suicide, but I have no intention of releasing you like this. I'll leave the rest to the police. Come on."

Kobayashi didn't seem to have the energy to resist, so he slowly began to walk with a ghostly pace, guided by Ibuki.

Makita ended the phone call and let out a sigh as he walked behind them.

"...Hey, you. When you came to the store, you told my boss to leave your wife, right? I understand that you intended to kill him if he admitted that you were dating, but... what would you have done if he had simply said, "Then we'll break up"?"

"There's no way I can forgive someone who played with my wife."

Kobayashi responded indifferently with an emotionless voice.

"I don't think you have the right to say that since you killed your precious wife."

Kobayashi remained silent at Makita's comment.

The feelings he had for his wife were probably more possessive than loving.

Both parties misinterpreted his possessiveness as "love", which led to a wrong marriage. Over time, he took off his mask as a good husband and they started talking about divorce.

Everyone needs a mask of sociability. When that mask breaks for some reason... that person is treated like a crazy person by those around them.

After leaving the restaurant and heading to the police station, Ibuki ran into a familiar face on the street.

"Ah, boss... it's dinner."

The one who bowed deeply was Shizumaru Kanda, a young subordinate with a fishing rod in his hand.

He wasn't wearing a jacket. Next to him, a young woman wearing his jacket shook her shoulders.

Both bodies were soaked and the woman in particular was so weak that she could no longer walk alone.

Shizumaru is lending his shoulder to her now, but depending on how you look at it, it looks like they're hugging.

Makita's cheeks twisted.

"What? Hey, wait... that person..."

"Huh. When I was fishing at night in the sea, this person fell off the cliff and seemed to be swallowing some water, so I thought I'd take her to a clinic for examination, just to be safe."

The young girl looked at Ibuki and... no, she looked at Kobayashi and her face stiffened.

"Gaah...?! Ah... ah... ah...!"

She sat there without making a sound.

Meanwhile, Kobayashi's cloudy eyes widened and he forgot to blink.

"Mi-Miyuki... you... why...?!"

"D-don't come! Don't come near me!"

The reunion at that moment was completely unexpected for both of them.

Ibuki grabbed Kobayashi's shoulder and forced him to stay in place.

"Kanda, take her somewhere safe. I'll take care of this place."

"I understand."

Shizumaru Kanda quickly picked up the woman who couldn't move due to fear and jumped into a nearby alley with cat-like movements. One of his strong points is that he is intelligent enough to quickly follow instructions without interfering in the situation.

Almost at the same time, the dark and stagnant life around Kobayashi increased in concentration.

The moment Kobayashi saw his wife and Shizumaru hugging her, something in Kobayashi that kept him connected to reason broke.

In reality, it was not infidelity or adultery, but the "scene that suggested it" broke his spirit, as he was already on the verge of breaking down.

His distorted attachment to his wife, the negative thoughts that were born from that, combined with the stagnation around him, became a dangerous factor that led to the outbreak of "Aramitama" on this island.

He just got saturated.

"Take him too, Makita. It's coming."

"Eh, what?!"

At the same time Makita jumped back, Kobayashi rolled his eyes and fell.

Then, the black life force that had gathered around him spun around him, took shape, and materialized into the form of a "monster" that was visible to the human eye.

One-eyed, four-legged, human-sized, but looking like a gigantic rat-like beast, without hesitation, Ibuki took out a pistol from his pocket.

At first glance, it appears to be a modified metal gun.

However, the bullet he fires is a special life force bullet meant to be used against the Aramitama. Although its penetrating power against the human body is low, the life force contained in it has a strong effect on Aramitamas.

If it were brought to the mainland, it would violate the Firearms and Swords Law, but on the island they are considered "sacred tools used in festivals" and are used as equipment for "Ayaka Security". It is also a valuable weapon for fighting "Aramitama", and in this sense is similar to a hunting weapon for exterminating vermin.

It is also used by the members of "Ayaka Security" in times of emergency, but if Ibuki, who has a talent like connection, wields it, his power will increase dramatically.

If it hits the vital point of the Aramitama, "the first eye", that alone will destroy a weak individual and serve as a deterrent even against a strong opponent.

Ibuki's basic strategy is to close the gap while he fires his gun and eventually engage in hand-to-hand combat.

That night, there was no need to go that far against the newborn "Aramitama".

Ibuki casually pulled the trigger.

A special bullet fired at close range with a sharp crack pierced the rat-like Aramitama's first eye, dispelling the stagnant vitality from him with a single shot.

Makita, who was sitting at a distance, let out a trembling voice. He couldn't see it before since he is not connected with it. However, anyone can see the Aramitama after it has "materialized".

"...Oh, great job. Is that a hit?"

"Right after it happened, I just took advantage of the void of people who didn't even know how to protect themselves yet."

If you give it even a little time, it won't be that easy.

It was like killing a foal that could not yet stand, a cicada that could not fly after having shed its skin, or a butterfly that had just emerged and had its wings rolled up. There was nothing more surprising than that.

Kobayashi was fainting at his feet. It was not that he was surprised, but that his own life force was probably absorbed due to the outbreak of the nearby Aramitama. He will notice it over time, but there may be some consequences.

"Let's take this guy to the police. I'll inform Kanda to go directly to the clinic."

"I understand. I'll carry the luggage."

With his huge body, Makita easily carried Kobayashi as if he were a burden.

As they began to walk, Ibuki sent a message to Shizumaru with just the main points.

"I should let Ibara and Kanazaki know that we're safe... But it's been a strange night. I used to think those weapons weren't trustworthy, but..."

The idea of not disclosing anything is that "evil people will definitely receive divine punishment", but if you look at the world, this is not necessarily the case. There are evil people everywhere who sleep with their pillows raised.

Kobayashi's thoughts and actions cannot be understood or defended. However, it is easy to imagine that he found himself cornered in his own way, lost his mind and went crazy.

His mental state should not be excused, but he feels a little sorry for him for not being able to control his own heavy emotions, and cannot ridicule him.

If his life had gone a little better, including the period surrounding his character development, he might have become a normal husband.

Makita shrugged.

"I really don't understand how difficult things like this are. Tonight, two people who were supposed to die were saved thanks to the boss and Kanda. I don't think it was that bad of a night."

"This is mainly because of Kanda. If the attacker had survived and the victim had died, it would have left a very bad impression. I'll treat him to lunch sometime tomorrow."

He even made the two girls cut their dinner short. It seems like they haven't eaten much yet, so he would like to treat them to something new.

From behind, he heard footsteps running on the asphalt and a voice calling for Ibuki and the others.

"Boss, I just saw your message! Miyuki-san is safe."

"Thank you for your hard work. I'll let baker Tsubaki-san know too."

Apparently the two were returning to the restaurant. Since their shift was over, they could have gone straight home, but they were probably curious to know what had happened.

Ibuki looked at his subordinates without even smiling. Although they still seemed a little confused, he could see relief on their faces.

"Ah, you have also had difficulties. However, after fighting, I am hungry. I will report the culprit to the police, and when I return to the company, I will order a midnight snack."

Makita looked stunned.

"Huh...? Boss, did you just fire a shot...?"

"I'm just tired. Kanazaki, Ibara, and you too?"

"...No. It's a little difficult to get something to eat at this hour..."

"Um... especially the food at GOZ is very oily..."

Makita's gaze went into the air.

"Now that you mention it... I didn't really pay attention to it because I ended up eating a lot. Are you thinking about having a healthy menu in the future?"

Ibuki also groaned. That was inconsiderate.

"Lean meat? Not bad."

"No, stay away from meat. Let's eat vegetables, vegetables."

"Why doesn't the boss gain weight with that amount of food? Even though he reached 3K, which is high in protein, high in fat and high in calories..."

Ibuki ignored the two girls' tsukkomi and looked up at the night sky above the island.

Unlike the city, you can see the stars and the moon clearly.

That starry sky may be the reason why Shizumaru usually goes fishing at night, even though he doesn't catch much. When you look at the night sky, you can distance yourself from the harsh reality and feel how small you are.

That's not romanticism. Rather, being aware of one's own smallness belongs to realism.

Due to his outstanding strength, Ibuki is often thought to be individualistic and meritocratic, but he himself knows that his abilities are immature. He is also aware of his weaknesses.

That's why he created an organization called "Ayaka Security".

Taihei Makita, Ibara Ichijou, Ranko Kanazaki, Shizumaru Kanda, Junnosuke Mizutani, Ichita Furin and other members...

All of his friends probably think that "Ibuki Aka" is his greatest strength, but for Ibuki himself, he is the one who stays alive thanks to them.

Organizational power is strong.

Since he realized that, Ibuki is proud that he has become stronger.

Although he doesn't say it often because he's embarrassed, he was grateful to his co-workers.

"Ugh..."

Kobayashi, who was being carried along, groaned softly without waking up.

Ibuki lightly punched him on the shoulder.

"I can't sympathize with this man, but if he had the freedom to look at himself objectively, he wouldn't have done such a stupid thing."

He believes that everyone should have the mental space to vaguely look at the starry sky of this island.

Makita laughed heartily.

"No, no, it's probably because of the food you eat. You can tell at a glance that you haven't eaten much food."

Ranko also groaned in dissatisfaction.

"Hmm... I guess it's not just a personality thing..."

The search for Ibara is even harder.

"I don't think I'm old enough to blame anything for my misdeeds."

Ibuki Aka responded with the kind of smile he only gives his family in response to those three people's comments, and proceeded to walk under the starry sky.

That night wasn't so bad.

#ayaka #ibuki aka #makita taihei #ichijou ibara

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