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Kaze no Stigma:Ignition Volume1 Chapter 2

2010-10-06T02:40:36Z

Yozora no Amante:

Kaze no Stigma Ignition 1 Chapter 2
Meeting upon a dream

“I have always loved you.”

Kazuma said gently, hugging Ayano strongly at the same time.

“In this entire world, you are the only one I love------ I will never let you go again.”

“Kazuma……”

Ayano who was choking from the hug, used wet eyes to look at Kazuma.

“Me too, I have always------”

Half way through her sentence, Ayano instead used eyes filled with emotions to transmit her feelings across.

There is no need for words any further. In response to Kazuma who is closing in towards her, Ayano closes her eyes gently.

Then------

“Wahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!”

Ayano flipped her blankets over quickly and jumps up as if she was struck by lightning, a powerful scream coming out from her mouth.

The shriek that came with dawn spread across every corner of the Kannagi residence.

The Kannagi clan is a clan of En-jutsushis that are allied with the flame spirits, and are capable of controlling flames freely. For a thousand years, they have relied on their cleansing flames to eliminate all kinds of ghouls and demons, protecting people from harm.

The job they took on this time is just like one of the countless missions they have had in the past. But------

“------Oh?”

“Good morning, Nii-sama.”

With the appearance of an unexpected guest, Kazuma Yagami seems a little surprised. Kannagi Ren on the other hand greets him.

Kazuma shifted his glance towards the other girl. She is the one who brought Ren along.

“Why is Ren here, Ayano?”

“It doesn’t matter.”

The girl------ Ayano Kannagi says immediately.

“It is about time for Ren to learn to take on jobs.”

“-------Even though that is true……”

“Since you agree, just shut up.”

After Kazuma nodded, Ayano responds coldly, and then turns her head away in disdain.

Seeing that rejecting attitude, Kazuma and Ren throw a glance at each other.

Even though their surnames are different, they are brothers after all. Kazuma was exiled from their family four years ago, and after a series of events, he is now employed under the Kannagi, assisting the clan in their work.

On a side note, this pair of brothers are distant relatives of Ayano, but that is not important.

“Ayano seems to be in a bad mood today------ Is it because of that period?”

Kazuma whispers quietly like a bad kid making horny jokes by his twelve year old brother. But, his voice is a little too loud. After hearing that, a big green nerve bursts out at Ayano's temple.

“------ I don’t know about that.”

Ren watches all this with a glance at the side of his eyes, replying calmly. He did it so as to not get dragged into their quarrels, yet Kazuma seems even more enthusiastic:

“Or to say, because it didn’t come, that is why she is throwing a tantrum?”

“Nii-sama!”

Ren shouts painfully, but no matter what, this fatal speech cannot be taken back. This sorrowful sighing boy's collar seemed to be grabbed by someone, and forcefully pulled him away from Kazuma.

Shortly after that------

“Go to hell!!”

Ayano used her left hand to pull Ren over, and with the counter-force that came with it, she reaches her right hand out. Her right hand quickly reaches beyond the original distance it is capable of, and continues to stretch forward.

Its color being bright red.

“Hey hey!”

That is a forward going crimson red blade that is engulfed in golden flames. Just as the strike was about to pierce through between his eyebrows, Kazuma shifts his head slightly and dodges it easily.

This sword is the prized treasure of the Kannagi clan “Enraiha”------ the one and only exorcising sword that is said to be bestowed upon by the Spirit Lord of Flames himself. Definitely not a weapon to be used against a guy making perverse jokes.

“Isn’t that too dangerous?”

Kazuma complains naturally. But, Ayano would not accept any of it.

“Ren is still just a primary school kid, what the hell are you teaching him!?”

“No, I am just emphasizing on the importance of contraceptives, and using a failed example on it while at it.”

“Who the hell failed!? How dare you slander a pure girl!”

Ayano shouts out loudly, while waving the Enraiha in her hand. Faced against the fierce, deadly, and rough attacks that would burn one to a crisp accidentally, Kazuma simply dodged with ease.

“Don’t run!”

Ayano raised Enraiha high, and swung it down with force. Yet, Kazuma dodges this strike easily, and takes the opportunity to stick close to the opponent, grabbing Ayano’s wrist at one go.

“------------!”

Seeing Kazuma’s face so close, Ayano can’t help but recall her nightmare just this morning.

Tightly holding her arms, the sweet whispers that spreads into her ears, and, those lips that closes in slowly------

“……Wahhhhhhhhh!!”

The volume of sound that came out from the girl’s mouth was enough to make a building under construction collapse.

Ayano looks at Kazuma angrily with a blush on her face, using all the might she can muster to grab onto Enraiha. The flames that wrap around the blade now shines even more brightly.

“Don’t…… Don’t come near me! Get away from me! Pervert!!”

Even though she said that, Ayano is waving Enraiha all around, preventing Kazuma from getting away.

Seeing Ayano enter an insane state, Kazuma was surprised.

“What is going on?”

He dodges as he asks Ren at the side. However, the young boy is currently facing them with his back, his elbow on the window ledge, looking at the sunset with a sorrowful look on his face.

<nowiki>------</nowiki>Seems like he has set his mind up to treat us as strangers.

“Where are you looking at! Knowing that your brother is in trouble, yet to turn a deaf ear to me, is that okay with you!? Hey!”

Even though Kazuma is yelling for help, Ren still continues to ignore the argument between the two.

“Ahh, the sun is about to set…… But, just what am I doing here……”

Looking at the distant sunset, Ren grumbled sorrowfully.

<nowiki>---------</nowiki>After three minutes.

“……huu……huu…….” [Sound of panting]

The breathless Ayano places her entire body weight onto the ground and sits down. As for the similarly breathless Kazuma, he is looking at this scene with a surprised look on his face.

Despite all the training for becoming the next soshu, after consistently engaging in vigorous anaerobic exercises in her fury, even Ayano can't keep on.. If she even has thirty percent of her strength left, that would really be something.

“------Gee, to be this tired even before we start our work.”

“This…… is nothing…… Will…… Recover immediately……”

“Is it------”

Hearing Ayano’s broken up reply, Kazuma answers without thinking.

“I say…… Just what the hell is wrong with you?”

“……Nii-sama should take half or more of the responsibility for it.”

“Ohh?”

He looks at Ren who was murmuring to himself, showing a smile on his face that makes one get a nasty premonition. Seeing this, Ren tries to run away, but it is already too late.

“Uuuuuuug--------Uuuuuuugg------!”

A cute cry came out from the mouth of the boy whose cheeks are being pinched. Even so, Kazuma did not stop, but continued to pull his brother’s cheeks.

“Do you have the right to say such things? When your beloved Nii-sama is in a crisis, who was it that pretended to see nothing, and then talk to me as though such a thing never happened? You really are something.”

“That…… That is not even considered a crisis!”

Ren who was finally released from the evil clutches acts unlike his usual self, and rebuts.

“You obviously dodged so easily------ ugh……”

But, his glory lasted no longer than a few seconds------ When the boy’s eyes met Ayano’s scary stare, he shut up instantly.

A voice that seemed as though it came from the depths of hell said:

“…… I am so sorry. They were all so easily dodged by him.”

“Ah…… Erm…… I……”

Ren doesn’t know how to explain at all, cold sweat running all over his body.

(That is why I didn’t want to be involved in this……)

His eager wish was not heard by the heavens. No, even if the deities heard it, just how effective would it be against the two that are just like stars of death------

(I am such an unfortunate child……)

Shrouded under the gaze of the two, Ren sighs deeply.

“------ Okay.”

After the nonsensical conversation ended, Kazuma put on a serious look on his face again.

“While the little shrewd recovers, explain the details of this job to me. I am still unsure of what we have to do.”

“Ah, okay.”

Ren hurriedly says before Ayano can make any noise. If the two of them continue arguing, then there will probably be no work done today.

“This building halted it's construction due to an economic crisis. Someone else took it over, intending to demolish it and rebuild it, but------”

“Ghosts appeared?”

“No, it is not something so distinct, instead, it is the gradual increase of unconscious people. Five people died in this manner, and out of those that woke up, two of them suicide thereafter. All the rest seems weak, at this rate------”

“Hmmm------”

Kazuma responds in accordance. Ren quickly asked:

“Did Nii-sama sense any youki?”

“Ahh.”

Kazuma nods in confession, he is a fuujutsushi that can control the winds and air, where there is air, there is practically nothing that he cannot find.

“But, I can’t pinpoint the actual location.”

He gave an ambiguous answer, and then looked coldly at Ayano who’s sitting on the ground.

“You can walk now right? Let’s start quickly, as long as we roam around, maybe the opponent will take the initiative.”

“Do as you please……”

Ayano murmured as she stood up. Even though she is not too willing, given that there are no other plans, she can only do as Kazuma says.

“So then, let us set off!”

Even so, Ayano makes the commands as if she’s leader, walking off before the other two.

“Hey------”

In less than ten minutes, Ayano who couldn't stand it turned back. She continued to move forward in this position, as she looks at Kazuma that does not show any signs of tension.

“Found it yet?”

“No point rushing me------”

Kazuma shrugs in helplessness.

“Because I haven't even started looking.”

“Huh?”

Ayano can’t help but suspect her ears. Kazuma emphasizes once more:

“Didn’t I mention that we will wait for it to strike first?”

“But, at least try! Do you even want to work!?”

Ayano stared with an angry look. But even under such conditions, Kazuma was still being cheeky.

“Well then, let me give you some advice.”

“What?”

“You should look forward when you walk.”

“------Huh?”

Ayano who was just about to turn her head around had her neck suddenly hooked by an arm stretching out from the wall. The arm tugged Ayano strongly, not giving her any time to resist, and pulled her into the wall directly.

The cement showed ripples as if on a lake surface, and Ayano disappeared into the wall just like that.

“Nee……Nee-sama……?”

Ren was in a daze, and raised his head to look at Kazuma with a despaired look on his face.

His brother’s face showed no signs of panic. He looked dumbly at the wall where Ayano disappeared into for a long while, and then said something:

“Okay------ Let’s go on.”

“No…… No we can’t, how can we just leave like this!”

Seeing Kazuma’s intentions to leave casually, Ren rushed before him and stop him in his tracks.

“Are you going to just leave Nee-sama like that!?”

The wall that swallowed Ayano was currently still undulating like a liquid. The diameter was around two metres, just big enough to let one man through------ and it seems deliberate.

Kazuma’s reaction seems as though he is feeling unhappy from the bottom of his heart.

“Anyone can tell that it’s a trap. Asking me to save that kind of fool------”

“No!”

“How about this, we go have a search around this building, and if we don’t find------”

“No!”

Ren refused to give in. He tugged Kazuma’s hand, and forcefully dragged him towards the wall, as if he is forcing a kid that doesn’t want to go to school.

“Ren------”

“No means no!”

Ren refuses Kazuma’s request. The boy that even the most superior Fuujitsushi, Kazuma, has to listen to------ In a way, he may perhaps be the strongest.

“Hey? Ayano? Wake up.”

“Mmm……”

Feeling the gentle shake on her body, Ayano’s consciousness gradually recovered.

(I…… was dragged in by hands stretching out from the walls, and then……)

And then, she has no recollection of what happened next. She opens her heavy eyelids, and is shocked to see Kazuma’s face.

“Wah------”

Ayano instinctively wants to jump up, but Kazuma was one step faster than her, and hugged her, preventing any kind of resistance.

“Huh? Ah……”

“Don’t make me so worried ever again……”

Beside the ear of the surprised Ayano, came Kazuma’s slightly coarse voice.

“I thought you were dead.”

''His voice is filled with relief. This suffocating hug, could it be because he is afraid to lose her?
''
“------ I am sorry, I was too careless.”

Perhaps due to his frankness, Ayano changes her usual defiant attitude, and apologized to Kazuma.

“Good that you are okay. Can you stand up?”

“Ah, yeah. Thanks.”

Ayano holds onto Kazuma’s hand and stand up. She wanted to let go of his hand after thanking him, but she was unable to.

“Kazuma?”

“Don’t leave me again.”

Kazuma said as he held tightly onto Ayano’s hand.

“Stay by me forever, I will protect you.”

“Ka…… Kazuma------?”

Ayano cannot believe what is going on, and stares at Kazuma. To think this man would actually say such undisguised sweet words to her, it's like a dream.

Unsure of what to do, Ayano’s eyes wander around------ Suddenly, she noticed something.

“What happened to Ren?”

“Huh? Ahhh------”

For some reason Kazuma hesitated, and then shrugged his shoulders as if it is unimportant.

“We got separated. But, I was more worried about you.”

“---------------------------------”

“Ayano?”

The stunned Ayano, recovers upon Kazuma’s call. She shows a shy smile, and lifted her eyes to look at Kazuma.

“Thank you for being worried about me……”

“That goes without words.”

Kazuma answered, caressing Ayano’s hand gently while he did. Ayano holds onto Kazuma’s hand, but her actions seem rather stiff.

“But, its about time we set off to go find Ren. Can you walk?”

“Yes, no problem. Let’s go.”

And so, the two marched off.

While holding each other’s hands tightly.

“------Nii-sama?”

Just as they submerged into the wall, Kazuma who was originally holding his hand suddenly vanished without a trace.

“Nii-sama? Where are you------”

He looks around, but there is only darkness surrounding him.

“Nii-sama------?”

There was not a single reply, Ren’s voice was swallowed by the darkness, the entire world was filled with silence.

(Just where is this place------?)

Judging from the fact that his voice never echoed back, this should not be the interior of the building. Could they have been sucked into an alternate dimension------ Suppressing the anxiety in his heart, Ren looks behind himself subconsciously.

“Woah!?”

Not long after the suppression, a cry of shock came out from his mouth. He hurriedly retreated backwards, staring at “that thing” with widened eyes.

It was a white shadow floating amidst the darkness. That thing------ “She” showed no forewarnings, and just appeared at the place before him suddenly.

That was a girl wearing a white one-piece dress. Her age seems to be around the same as Ren, yet she was a little taller than Ren, and her curly hair extended all the way to her waist.

“You are……?”

This is the first time that they have met, there is no doubt about it, because if they have ever met before, Ren would definitely not forget it, he would never forget such a lonely smile------

“-----------------------”

The girl opened her mouth, but her voice could not reach Ren’s ears, so he is unable to hear anything.

“What did you say? I can’t hear you at all.”

“-----------------------”

The girl seemed to ignore Ren’s question, and continued on with her silent words. Following that, she lowered her head sadly, and raises her head once more several seconds later.

“------Huh?”

The girl’s expression changed as though it's someone else, her eyes look cold, a sinister smile at the side of her mouth. She wields a dagger that came out from nowhere in her right hand, and then without hesitation, she slashed at Ren.

“Wait…… Wait a minute------”

The girl’s attack was relentless, but her actions were clearly those of an untrained personal. Just as Ren dodges easily, he voiced out to try to stop her:

“Stop it! Why are you doing this------”

Suddenly, the girl’s movements sped up. The tension of her muscles and the flexibility of her body did not change, it was just an increase of speed. Just like a tape that was being fast forwarded, it looked extremely unnatural.

“Waah!?”

Ren’s leg hit something, and he stumbled onto the floor. Facing the boy who was lying on the ground, the girl lunged at him with a deep murderous intent. The sharp blade was aimed at the position of his heart.

“Mmm------”

Even at this stage, Ren does not want to harm the girl. He began to focus his consciousness, intending to let the dagger------ let that steel dagger that was shining with great brilliance within the darkness melt away.

------Swish!

The girl stopped in mid-air, her body is suddenly cut into half. The body that was sliced into two from her left shoulder to the right side of her waist, is then swallowed into the darkness and disappeared.

“Huh? What…… What was that……”

“Are you okay?”

The puzzled Ren hears an extremely calm enquiring voice at this moment. He sat up instantly, and searched for the source of the voice.

“Nii-sama!?”

“Yeah.”

Kazuma nods calmly. Ren who finally sets his mind at rest, starts to observe his surroundings.

It is no longer pitch black. This is probably some room in the building, it looks dark and desolate. The concrete floor is cold and hard, Ren stands up quickly.

He asks Kazuma who was right before him:

“Did Nii-sama save me?”

“Yeah.”

Kazuma gave a very short reply, he didn’t seem to be in a good mood.

“What was that just now?”

“Its your dream. I am not too sure of the contents.”

“Dream?”

“It's a ‘Nightmare’.”

“------Hmm.”

Hearing the term, Ren more or less understood. In other words, it’s a psychological attack by the enemy.

There is a youma that is called “Nightmare”. Just as the name implies, it would give its host nightmares.

There is a “sacred area” in everyone’s heart. Their loved ones, precious memories, or mental wounds that cannot be healed------ hidden deep in their heart, a forbidden zone that does not allow others to come into contact with it.

Nightmare would intrude into this sacred area, and distort it.

Memories of time spent with your loved ones, would turn into a nightmare where you are being murdered by them.

When assaulted by the one you love so dearly, just how many people would bear to fight back? And so, people are forced into the fear and despair of being killed by their lovers, parents, or even children------ The purpose of Nightmare is to consume these negative emotions.

“Did Nii-sama have a nightmare too?”

Ren asked casually. Kazuma frowns slightly, and after keeping quiet for quite a while, he uses a bitter tone to say softly:

“……Yeah. A past I don’t want to recall.”

“Is…… Is it……”

After realizing that he asked a question he shouldn’t have, Ren starts to ponder on ways to change the topic. He wanted to go through what he just went through, and suddenly realized something strange.

Ren’s dream did not turn into a nightmare.

Just as previously mentioned, Nightmare would distort important memories, and turn them into nightmares.

Yet, in Ren’s dream, he met a girl he doesn’t know. Even though he is about to be killed by her, but he was merely shocked, and was not to the extent of feeling scared or despaired.

“……How strange.”

“What’s strange?”

”Hmmm, frankly speaking……”

After Kazuma who felt strange began to enquire further, Ren described his dream.

“------Oh?”

“What does Nii-sama think?”

“About that…… From Nightmare’s usual tricks, it is definitely your memories alright. But if you didn’t forget it, then perhaps it predicted your ‘memories from the future’?”

“Memories from the future? Can Nightmares really do that?”

Ren cries out in surprise.

“Who knows.”

Kazuma’s reply sounds like perfunctory remarks.

“I am merely stating my assumption, just let it go. Anyway let’s meet up with Ayano.”

“------You’re right.”

Ren does not think that the future is something that is fixed. Even if Nightmare really can predict the future, it is just but one of the possibilities.

Matters regarding the future, there is no point in thinking about it now. Ren shifted his attention towards the problem at hand.

(Is Nee-sama also having a nightmare now……?)

He is not unconfident about Ayano’s strength. A trap that even he was able to escape from, Ayano would never fall for it.

Yet even so, it is still worrying.

“Let’s hurry up and go, Nii-sama.”

Grabbing onto Kazuma’s hand, Ren started walking off quickly.

Speak of the devil.

It was such a coincidental meeting.

As they were moving along the outer walls of the building, just when they were about to take a turn, they met at an extremely close range.

“Nee-sama!”

After recognizing the girl before him, Ren’s eyes brighten up instantly. And yet, in the next moment he changed into a shocked expression.

“……And…… Nii-sama……?”

He stares blankly at the man standing beside Ayano, and then he turns his head around, and looks to his side once more.

They look exactly identical.

“There are two…… Nii-sama……?”

“Oh……”

“Hmm……”

The “two Kazumas” stares at each other, showing the exact same cold smile at the same time.

“…………”

And Ayano on the other hand is watching from the side. On a side-note, the moment she saw Ren, the hand originally holding onto Kazuma’s was drawn back forcefully.

“Nee…… Nee-sama…… What’s this about……?”

“Even if you ask me, I too------”

Towards Ren’s question, Ayano shook her head as if she had no part in this.

“One of them must be an imposter right?”

“Bu…… But……”

Ren seems hesitant, and looks at the Kazuma beside him.

“But, Nii-sama------ this Nii-sama saved me.”

“What a coincidence. It’s the same for me.”

Ayano answered calmly. Seeing Ayano’s strange attitude, Ren can’t help but show a troubled look.

“Nee-sama, why do you seem so calm?”

“That’s because------”

Ayano compares the two Kazumas, and then makes a conclusion:

“We can’t tell which is the real one.”

“……So?”

“In that case, let’s not waste time. Let them prove themselves.”

“Prove themselves……”

Ren does not know what Ayano was trying to say at all.

He doesn't think that they can prove anything just by talking. Besides, the imposter won’t admit that he is the fake.

Leaving the puzzled Ren at one side, Ayano turned to the two Kazumas and said:

“So to speak------ Both of you go over there and have a good fight.”

“Nee-sama!?”

Ignoring Ren's shock, she continued to say:

“The surviving one will be the real deal, got it?”

“This is too reckless! The winner might not be the real Nii-sama!”

“------What are you talking about?”

Seeing Ren’s violent reaction, Ayano blinks, surprised.

“How can Kazuma lose.”

“------Huh?”

This was not a taunt. Her tone was so calm and peaceful, it is as if she was stating the obvious truth.

“Kazuma would never lose to an imposter.”

“That…… though its true……”

Even though there are a lot of problems with his personality, but as a Jutsushi, Kazuma’s abilities can be fully trusted. Faced against an unwavering argument, Ren can only swallow his own words.

“So------”

Ayano raises her finger with force, pointing at the two before her, and announces loudly:

“The two of you don’t have to go easy, just fight it out quickly!”

“…………”

Both Kazumas both glanced at Ayano, and then stared at each other, and finally sighed at the same time.

Their actions were an exact mirror image, without the slightest difference at all. Even a pair of artists that have partnered for a long period of time might not be as harmonious as them.

“What’s up with this girl.”

“Doing things so arbitrarily-------”

“So violent------”

“Just like a tomboy……”

After finishing their final sentence at the same time, they both sigh together once more. Seeing this collaborative scene, Ayano’s temple twitches slightly.

“You……”

She grabbed a piece of concrete the size of her palm.

“Why are you having a twosome performance with the imposter! You idiot!”

And threw it out with all her might. Seeing the concrete piece that is entirely offtrack, the two Kazumas did not dodge, but only watched quietly.

“How dangerous.”

“That’s right.”

“Shut up!”

Ayano shouts out with a sinister look on her face:

“Hurry up and start! Or else I will slaughter the both of you!”

Both Kazumas widen their eyes instantly, with an astonishing look on their faces. Following that, once again, they spoke together harmoniously to ask the question in their hearts:

“How will you slaughter me?”

“------!!”

In her fury, Ayano drew out her Enraiha. But, just as she was about to swing it, Ren stops her.

“Nee-sama, calm down!”

“I can’t calm down anymore!”

Ayano struggles, trying to break free from the boy who was hugging her tightly.

“How can I accept two Kazumas in this world! Just one makes me mad, having two will drive me nuts!!”

“Nee…… Nee-sama……”

Ren tries to pacify Ayano, and turn to Kazuma with begging eyes at the same time------ As he does not know which is the real one, his eyes can only shift between the both of them.

“Nii-sama, please think of something. Nee-sama can’t take much more of this.”

“………..”

The two Kazumas look at each other, and shrug helplessly.

“We don’t have much choice I guess, let’s begin.”

“------You’re right.”

Kazuma------ the one that appeared with Ayano------ reached out, and caressed the head of Ayano who was beginning to ease her anger.

“So, I am going.”

“------Have a nice trip.”

Ayano replied, a bit of her unhappiness still lingering in her tone. Yet, when Kazuma turned around with a bitter smile on his face, her voice turned freezing cold suddenly.

“I meant to hell.”

Poosh! [Sound of something splattering?]

With the sound of one’s body being pierced through, Enraiha stabbed into Kazuma’s body. The blade tip engulfed in flames, it entered from his back, and came out from the center of his chest.

This was a strike that accurately pierced the heart. As if time stopped, everyone seemed to have forgotten to breathe. At this moment, Kazuma turned around to look at Ayano.

“A……Ayano……?”

“Shut your trap.”

His coarse voice was cut off coldly by Ayano.

“Even though I have no idea who you are, but please don’t call my name out so casually.”

“Wha……What------”

“Quit the acting. If you didn't die instantly the moment Enraiha pierced through your heart, it doesn’t matter what you say anymore.”

“----------------”

Perhaps admitting its failure, “Kazuma”’s painful expression disappeared suddenly, and in exchange an evil smile revealed itself.

“When did you find out?”

“Since the beginning.”

“……Why?”

“Why? Need you ask! How is it possible for Kazuma to leave Ren behind, and come rescue me alone? That is physically impossible no matter how you look at it!” [Actual translation would be “That is impossible in physics terms.” But I don’t understand why use physics here. Correct it if you do]

“……Nee-sama……”

Seeing how confident Ayano is when saying that, Ren can’t help but feel sad for her.

“So that’s the reason…… Seems like I let an unwanted girl have a nice dream…… Argh!”

Enraiha suddenly shone brightly, “Kazuma”’s body was completely swallowed by flames.

“Shut your trap and go and die! I will eliminate you! I will burn you till you won’t even have ashes left!”

Ayano shouts, while igniting the “furies of justice”. As if responding towards her will, the flames give out an angry roar too, slowly eroding “Kazuma” off.

“Hey hey------”

Even after “Kazuma” was all burnt off, the flames show no signs of subsiding, instead, it spread out swiftly. Avoiding Kazuma who has set up a wind barrier and Ren’s surrounding area, the flames start to burn the entire building, streets, and even the entire world.

Shortly after that------

“Aaaaaarrrrrrhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!”

A dying cry came out from somewhere.

“------Strange?”

The feeling in her hand vanished suddenly, Ayano took a step forward quickly to prevent herself from falling over.

She looks around, this seemed to be a certain room in the building, which was obviously all burnt down just now, yet there were no burnt marks anywhere.

“What’s going on?”

“------Could it all have been a dream?”

Ren who understood the situation more clearly than Ayano, turned towards Kazuma and asked.

“Perhaps.”

“That is to say------”

“Its all over.”

Before the question is finished, Kazuma gave a short answer.

Just as “Kazuma was burnt, Ayano burnt everything else as well------ The entire world that Nightmare created. Of course, the Nightmare that has been hiding naturally failed to escape its fate.

After hearing this explanation, Ayano raises her chest high up, and puts on an arrogant front:

“Hmm hmm. How was that? Shocked right!”

“Mmm------ So you won with brute force.”

“What! Does it matter------”

Ayano tried to rebut, but then changes to the smile of a victor, and looks at Kazuma with an expression of mockery.

“You didn’t do anything this time round. Even so you still want to get paid?”

She interrogated this “Money thief” with her eyes. Of course, Kazuma will definitely not push the reward at hand off just because of a slight mockery from someone else.

“Yup, there was no room for me this time round. You really became stronger.”

Kazuma hugged Ayano gently, and whispered softly by her ear. Faced with this sudden development, Ayano’s face turned beet red instantly, her entire body stiffened.

“Wha……What……”

(''What…… What is this……? Could it be that I am still dreaming……'')

As she could never imagine that Kazuma would praise her, Ayano can’t feel happy at all. Kazuma continues to input more sweet whispers into Ayano’s frozen consciousness.

“Work harder from now on, and let my wallet earn even more.”

(''---------------------Hah?-'')

Ayano raised her head reflectively. Kazuma looked into her eyes and said:

“Just standing there and getting paid for it, how can I give up on such a job? So, I will be relying on you from now on.”

“……You……”

Ayano who was so angry her body is trembling, gets kissed on the forehead at this moment. The sound of the kiss became the sound of the detonation switch being pressed at the same time.

Kaboom!

The moment Kazuma turned around, golden flames burst out Ayano’s entire body. Feeling the amazing heat behind him, Kazuma quickly grabs Ren’s hand and starts running.

“Time to run.”

“……Nii-sama.”

Ren cried out in a painful voice.

“Can’t you use a more normal way to encourage Nee-sama?”

“------Hmm, actually, that is not impossible, but……”

“But?”

“It's more fun this way.”

Dodging the plasma ball that came flying at a high speed, Kazuma hummed as he spoke.

“-------Sigh……”

Thinking about the fact that Ayano will probably still be toyed around by Kazuma from now on, and he would still get dragged into it, Ren can’t help but sigh with mixed feelings.

Kaze no Stigma:Ignition Volume1 Chapter 2

2010-10-06T02:05:33Z

Yozora no Amante:

Kaze no Stigma Ignition 1 Chapter 2
Meeting upon a dream

“I have always loved you.”

Kazuma said gently, hugging Ayano strongly at the same time.

“In this entire world, you are the only one I love------ I will never let you go again.”

“Kazuma……”

Ayano who was choking from the hug, used wet eyes to look at Kazuma.

“Me too, I have always------”

Half way through her sentence, Ayano instead used eyes filled with emotions to transmit her feelings across.

There is no need for words any further. In response to Kazuma who is closing in towards her, Ayano closes her eyes gently.

Then------

“Wahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!”

Ayano flipped her blankets over quickly and jumps up as if she was struck by lightning, a powerful scream coming out from her mouth.

The shriek that came with dawn spread across every corner of the Kannagi residence.

The Kannagi clan is a clan of En-jutsushis that are allied with the flame spirits, and are capable of controlling flames freely. For a thousand years, they have relied on their cleansing flames to eliminate all kinds of ghouls and demons, protecting people from harm.

The job they took on this time is just like one of the countless missions they have had in the past. But------

“------Oh?”

“Good morning, Nii-sama.”

With the appearance of an unexpected guest, Kazuma Yagami seems a little surprised. Kannagi Ren on the other hand greets him.

Kazuma shifted his glance towards the other girl. She is the one who brought Ren along.

“Why is Ren here, Ayano?”

“It doesn’t matter.”

The girl------ Ayano Kannagi says immediately.

“It is about time for Ren to learn to take on jobs.”

“-------Even though that is true……”

“Since you agree, just shut up.”

After Kazuma nodded, Ayano responds coldly, and then turns her head away in disdain.

Seeing that rejecting attitude, Kazuma and Ren throw a glance at each other.

Even though their surnames are different, they are brothers after all. Kazuma was exiled from their family four years ago, and after a series of events, he is now employed under the Kannagi, assisting the clan in their work.

On a side note, this pair of brothers are distant relatives of Ayano, but that is not important.

“Ayano seems to be in a bad mood today------ Is it because of that period?”

Kazuma whispers quietly like a bad kid making horny jokes by his twelve year old brother. But, his voice is a little too loud. After hearing that, a big green nerve bursts out at Ayano's temple.

“------ I don’t know about that.”

Ren watches all this with a glance at the side of his eyes, replying calmly. He did it so as to not get dragged into their quarrels, yet Kazuma seems even more enthusiastic:

“Or to say, because it didn’t come, that is why she is throwing a tantrum?”

“Nii-sama!”

Ren shouts painfully, but no matter what, this fatal speech cannot be taken back. This sorrowful sighing boy's collar seemed to be grabbed by someone, and forcefully pulled him away from Kazuma.

Shortly after that------

“Go to hell!!”

Ayano used her left hand to pull Ren over, and with the counter-force that came with it, she reaches her right hand out. Her right hand quickly reaches beyond the original distance it is capable of, and continues to stretch forward.

Its color being bright red.

“Hey hey!”

That is a forward going crimson red blade that is engulfed in golden flames. Just as the strike was about to pierce through between his eyebrows, Kazuma shifts his head slightly and dodges it easily.

This sword is the prized treasure of the Kannagi clan “Enraiha”------ the one and only exorcising sword that is said to be bestowed upon by the Spirit Lord of Flames himself. Definitely not a weapon to be used against a guy making perverse jokes.

“Isn’t that too dangerous?”

Kazuma complains naturally. But, Ayano would not accept any of it.

“Ren is still just a primary school kid, what the hell are you teaching him!?”

“No, I am just emphasizing on the importance of contraceptives, and using a failed example on it while at it.”

“Who the hell failed!? How dare you slander a pure girl!”

Ayano shouts out loudly, while waving the Enraiha in her hand. Faced against the fierce, deadly, and rough attacks that would burn one to a crisp accidentally, Kazuma simply dodged with ease.

“Don’t run!”

Ayano raised Enraiha high, and swung it down with force. Yet, Kazuma dodges this strike easily, and takes the opportunity to stick close to the opponent, grabbing Ayano’s wrist at one go.

“------------!”

Seeing Kazuma’s face so close, Ayano can’t help but recall her nightmare just this morning.

Tightly holding her arms, the sweet whispers that spreads into her ears, and, those lips that closes in slowly------

“……Wahhhhhhhhh!!”

The volume of sound that came out from the girl’s mouth was enough to make a building under construction collapse.

Ayano looks at Kazuma angrily with a blush on her face, using all the might she can muster to grab onto Enraiha. The flames that wrap around the blade now shines even more brightly.

“Don’t…… Don’t come near me! Get away from me! Pervert!!”

Even though she said that, Ayano is waving Enraiha all around, preventing Kazuma from getting away.

Seeing Ayano enter an insane state, Kazuma was surprised.

“What is going on?”

He dodges as he asks Ren at the side. However, the young boy is currently facing them with his back, his elbow on the window ledge, looking at the sunset with a sorrowful look on his face.

<nowiki>------</nowiki>Seems like he has set his mind up to treat us as strangers.

“Where are you looking at! Knowing that your brother is in trouble, yet to turn a deaf ear to me, is that okay with you!? Hey!”

Even though Kazuma is yelling for help, Ren still continues to ignore the argument between the two.

“Ahh, the sun is about to set…… But, just what am I doing here……”

Looking at the distant sunset, Ren grumbled sorrowfully.

<nowiki>---------</nowiki>After three minutes.

“……huu……huu…….” [Sound of panting]

The breathless Ayano places her entire body weight onto the ground and sits down. As for the similarly breathless Kazuma, he is looking at this scene with a surprised look on his face.

Despite all the training for becoming the next soshu, after consistently engaging in vigorous anaerobic exercises in her fury, even Ayano can't keep on.. If she even has thirty percent of her strength left, that would really be something.

“------Gee, to be this tired even before we start our work.”

“This…… is nothing…… Will…… Recover immediately……”

“Is it------”

Hearing Ayano’s broken up reply, Kazuma answers without thinking.

“I say…… Just what the hell is wrong with you?”

“……Nii-sama should take half or more of the responsibility for it.”

“Ohh?”

He looks at Ren who was murmuring to himself, showing a smile on his face that makes one get a nasty premonition. Seeing this, Ren tries to run away, but it is already too late.

“Uuuuuuug--------Uuuuuuugg------!”

A cute cry came out from the mouth of the boy whose cheeks are being pinched. Even so, Kazuma did not stop, but continued to pull his brother’s cheeks.

“Do you have the right to say such things? When your beloved Nii-sama is in a crisis, who was it that pretended to see nothing, and then talk to me as though such a thing never happened? You really are something.”

“That…… That is not even considered a crisis!”

Ren who was finally released from the evil clutches acts unlike his usual self, and rebuts.

“You obviously dodged so easily------ ugh……”

But, his glory lasted no longer than a few seconds------ When the boy’s eyes met Ayano’s scary stare, he shut up instantly.

A voice that seemed as though it came from the depths of hell said:

“…… I am so sorry. They were all so easily dodged by him.”

“Ah…… Erm…… I……”

Ren doesn’t know how to explain at all, cold sweat running all over his body.

(That is why I don’t want to be involved in this……)

His eager wish was not heard by the heavens. No, even if the deities heard it, just how effective would it be against the two that are just like stars of death------

(I am such an unfortunate child……)

Shrouded under the gaze of the two, Ren sighs deeply.

“------ Okay.”

After the nonsensical conversation ended, Kazuma put on a serious look on his face again.

“While the little shrewd recovers, explain the details of this job to me. I am still unsure of what we have to do.”

“Ah, okay.”

Ren hurriedly says before Ayano can make any noise. If the two of them continues arguing, then there will probably be no work done today.

“This building halted its construction due to an economic crisis. Someone else took it over, intending to demolish it and rebuild it, but------”

“Ghosts appeared?”

“No, it is not something so distinct, instead, it is the gradual increase of unconscious people. Five people died in this manner, and out of those that woke up, two of them suicide thereafter. All the rest seems weak, at this rate------”

“Hmmm------”

Kazuma responds in accordance. Ren quickly asked:

“Did Nii-sama sense any youki?”

“Ahh.”

Kazuma nods in confession, he is a fuujutsushi that can control the winds and air, where there is air, there is practically nothing that he cannot find.

“But, I can’t pinpoint the actual location.”

He gave an ambiguous answer, and then looked coldly at Ayano who’s sitting on the ground.

“You can walk now right? Let’s start quickly, as long as we roam around, maybe the opponent will take the initiative.”

“Do as you please……”

Ayano murmur as she stood up. Even though she is not too willingly, but given that there are no other plans, she can only do as Kazuma says.

“So then, let us set off!”

Even so, Ayano makes the commands as if she’s leader, walking off before the other two.

“Hey------”

In less than ten minutes, Ayano who couldn't stand it turned back. She continued to move forward in this position, as she looks at Kazuma that does not show any signs of tension.

“Found it yet?”

“No point rushing me------”

Kazuma shrugs in helplessness.

“Because I have not even started looking.”

“Huh?”

Ayano can’t help but suspect her ears. Kazuma emphasizes once more:

“Didn’t I mention that we will wait for it to strike first?”

“But, at least try! Do you even want to work!?”

Ayano stared with an angry look. But even under such conditions, Kazuma was still being cheeky.

“Well then, let me give you some advice.”

“What?”

“You should look forward when you walk.”

“------Huh?”

Ayano who was just about to turn her head around had her neck suddenly hooked by an arm stretching out from the wall. The arm tugged Ayano strongly, not giving her any time to resist, and pulled her into the wall directly.

The cement showed ripples as if on a lake surface, and Ayano disappeared into the wall just like that.

“Nee……Nee-sama……?”

Ren was in a daze, and raised his head to look at Kazuma with a despaired look on his face.

His brother’s face showed no signs of panic. He looked dumbly at the wall where Ayano disappeared into for a long while, and then said something:

“Okay------ Let’s go on.”

“No…… No we can’t, how can we just leave like this!”

Seeing Kazuma’s intentions to leave casually, Ren rushed before him and stop him in his tracks.

“Are you going to just leave Nee-sama like that!?”

The wall that swallowed Ayano was currently still undulating like a liquid. The diameter was around two metres, just big enough to let one man through------ and it seems deliberate.

Kazuma’s reaction seems as though he is feeling unhappy from the bottom of his heart.

“Anyone can tell that it’s a trap. Asking me to save that kind of fool------”

“No!”

“How about this, we go have a search around this building, and if we don’t find------”

“No!”

Ren refused to give in. He tugged Kazuma’s hand, and forcefully dragged him towards the wall, as if he is forcing a kid that doesn’t want to go to school.

“Ren------”

“No means no!”

Ren refuses Kazuma’s request. The boy that even the most superior Fuujitsushi, Kazuma, has to listen to------ In a way, he may perhaps be the strongest.

“Hey? Ayano? Wake up.”

“Mmm……”

Feeling the gentle shake on her body, Ayano’s consciousness gradually recovered.

(I…… was dragged in by hands stretching out from the walls, and then……)

And then, she has no recollections of what happened next. She opens her heavy eyelids, and is shocked to see Kazuma’s face.

“Wah------”

Ayano instinctively wants to jump up, but Kazuma was one step faster than her, and hugged her, preventing any kind of resistance.

“Huh? Ah……”

“Don’t make me so worried ever again……”

Beside the ear of the surprised Ayano, came Kazuma’s slightly coarse voice.

“I thought you were dead.”

''His voice is filled with relief. This suffocating hug, could it be because he is afraid to lose her?
''
“------ I am sorry, I was too careless.”

Perhaps due to his frankness, Ayano changes her usual defiant attitude, and apologized to Kazuma.

“Good that you are okay. Can you stand up?”

“Ah, yeah. Thanks.”

Ayano holds onto Kazuma’s hand and stand up. She wanted to let go of his hand after thanking him, but she was unable to.

“Kazuma?”

“Don’t leave me again.”

Kazuma said as he held tightly onto Ayano’s hand.

“Stay by me forever, I will protect you.”

“Ka…… Kazuma------?”

Ayano cannot believe what is going on, and stares at Kazuma. To think this man would actually say such undisguised sweet mutters to her, it is like a dream.

Unsure of what to do, Ayano’s eyes wander around------ Suddenly, she noticed something.

“What happened to Ren?”

“Huh? Ahhh------”

For some reason Kazuma hesitated, and then shrugged his shoulders as if it is unimportant.

“We got separated. But, I was most worried about you.”

“---------------------------------”

“Ayano?”

The stunned Ayano, recovers upon Kazuma’s call. She shows a shy smile, and lifted her eyes to look at Kazuma.

“Thank you for being worried about me……”

“That goes without words.”

Kazuma answered, caressing Ayano’s hand gently while at it. Ayano holds onto Kazuma’s hand, but her actions seem rather stiff.

“But, its about time we set off to go find Ren. Can you walk?”

“Yes, no problem. Let’s go.”

And so, the two marched off.

While holding each other’s hands tightly.

“------Nii-sama?”

Just as they submerged into the wall, Kazuma who was originally holding his hand suddenly vanished without a trace.

“Nii-sama? Where are you------”

He looks around, but there is only darkness surrounding him.

“Nii-sama------?”

There was not a single reply, Ren’s voice was swallowed by the darkness, the entire world was filled with silence.

(Just where is this place------?)

Judging from the fact that his voice never echoed back, this should not be the interior of the building. Could they have been sucked into an alternate dimension------ Suppressing the anxiety in his heart, Ren looks behind subconsciously.

“Woah!?”

Not long after the suppression, a cry of shock came out from his mouth. He hurriedly retreated backwards, staring at “that thing” with widened eyes.

It was a white shadow floating amidst the darkness. That thing------ “She” showed no forewarnings, and just appeared at the place before him suddenly.

That was a girl wearing a white one-piece dress. Her age seems to be around the same as Ren, yet she was a little taller than Ren, and her curly hair extended all the way to her waist.

“You are……?”

This is the first time that they have met, there is no doubt about it, because if they have ever met before, Ren would definitely not forget it, he would never forget such a lonely smile------

“-----------------------”

The girl opened her mouth, but her voice could not reach Ren’s ears, so he is unable to hear anything.

“What did you say? I can’t hear you at all.”

“-----------------------”

The girl seemd to ignore Ren’s question, and continued on with her silent words. Following that, she lowered her head sadly, and raises her head once more several seconds later.

“------Huh?”

The girl’s expression changed as though it's someone else, her eyes look cold, a sinister smile at the side of her mouth. She wields a dagger that came out from nowhere in her right hand, and then without hesitation, she slashed at Ren.

“Wait…… Wait a minute------”

The girl’s attack was relentless, but her actions were clearly those of an untrained personal. Just as Ren dodges easily, he voiced out to try to stop her:

“Stop it! Why are you doing this------”

Suddenly, the girl’s movements sped up. The tension of her muscles and the flexibility of her body did not change, it was just an increase of speed. Just like a tape that was being fast forwarded, it looked extremely unnatural.

“Waah!?”

Ren’s leg hit something, and he stumbled onto the floor. Facing the boy who was lying on the ground, the girl lunged at him with a deep murderous intent. The sharp blade was aimed at the position of his heart.

“Mmm------”

Even at this stage, Ren does not want to harm the girl. He began to focus his consciousness, intending to let the dagger------ let that steel dagger that was shining with great brilliance within the darkness melt away.

------Swish!

The girl stopped in mid-air, her body is suddenly cut into half. The body that was sliced into two from her left shoulder to the right side of her waist, is then swallowed into the darkness and disappeared.

“Huh? What…… What was that……”

“Are you okay?”

The puzzled Ren hears an extremely calm enquiring voice at this moment. He sat up instantly, and searched for the source of the voice.

“Nii-sama!?”

“Yeah.”

Kazuma nods calmly. Ren who finally sets his mind at rest, start to observe his surroundings.

It is no longer pitch black. This is probably some room in the building, it looks dark and desolate. The concrete floor is cold and hard, Ren stands up quickly.

He asks Kazuma who was right before him:

“Did Nii-sama save me?”

“Yeah.”

Kazuma gave a very short reply, he didn’t seem to be in a good mood.

“What was that just now?”

“Its your dream. I am not too sure of the contents.”

“Dream?”

“Its ‘Nightmare’.”

“------Hmm.”

Hearing the term, Ren more or less understood. In other words, it’s a psychological attack by the enemy.

There is a youma that is called “Nightmare”. Just as the name implies, it would give its host nightmares.

There is a “sacred area” in everyone’s heart. Their loved ones, precious memories, or mental wounds that cannot be healed------ hidden deep in his heart, a forbidden zone that does not allow others to come into contact with.

Nightmare would intrude into this sacred area, and distort it.

Memories of time spent with your loved ones, would turn into a nightmare where you are being murdered by them.

When assaulted by the one you love so dearly, just how many people would bear to fight back? And so, people are forced into the fear and despair of being killed by their lovers, parents or even children------ The purpose of Nightmare is to consume these negative emotions.

“Did Nii-sama have a nightmare too?”

Ren asked casually. Kazuma frowns slightly, and after keeping quiet for quite a while, he uses a bitter tone to say softly:

“……Yeah. A past I don’t want to recall.”

“Is…… Is it……”

After realizing that he asked a question he shouldn’t have, Ren starts to ponder on ways to change the topic. He wanted to go through what he just went through, and suddenly realized something strange.

Ren’s dream did not turn into a nightmare.

Just as previously mentioned, Nightmare would distort important memories, and turn them into nightmares.

Yet, in Ren’s dream, he met a girl he doesn’t know. Even though he is about to be killed by her, but he was merely shocked, and was not to the extent of feeling scared or despaired.

“……How strange.”

“What’s strange?”

”Hmmm, frankly speaking……”

After Kazuma who felt strange began to enquire further, Ren described his dream.

“------Oh?”

“What does Nii-sama think?”

“About that…… From Nightmare’s usual tricks, it is definitely your memories alright. But if you didn’t forget it, then perhaps it predicted your ‘memories from the future’?”

“Memories from the future? Can Nightmares really do that?”

Ren cries out in surprise.

“Who knows.”

Kazuma’s reply sounds like perfunctory remarks.

“I am merely stating my assumption, just let it go. Anyway let’s meet up with Ayano.”

“------You’re right.”

Ren does not think that the future is something that is fixed. Even if Nightmare really can predict the future, it is but just one of the possibilities.

Matters regarding the future, there is no point in thinking about it now. Ren shifted his attention towards the problem at hand.

(Is Nee-sama also having a nightmare now……)

He is not unconfident about Ayano’s strength. A trap that even he would be able to escape from, Ayano would never fall for it.

Yet even so, it is still worrying.

“Let’s hurry up and go, Nii-sama.”

Grabbing onto Kazuma’s hand, Ren started walking off quickly.

Speak of the devil.

It was such a coincidental meeting.

As they were moving along the outer walls of the building, just when they were about to take a turn, they met at an extremely close range.

“Nee-sama!”

After recognizing the girl before him, Ren’s eyes brighten up instantly. And yet, in the next moment he changed into a shocked expression.

“……And…… Nii-sama……?”

He stares blankly at the man standing beside Ayano, and then he turns his head around, and looks to his side once more.

They look exactly identical.

“There are two…… Nii-sama……?”

“Oh……”

“Hmm……”

The “two Kazumas” stares at each other, showing the exact same cold smile at the same time.

“…………”

And Ayano on the other hand is watching from the side. On a side-note, the moment she saw Ren, the hand originally holding onto Kazuma’s was drawn back forcefully.

“Nee…… Nee-sama…… What’s this about……?”

“Even if you ask me, I too------”

Towards Ren’s question, Ayano shook her head as if she had no part in this.

“One of them must be an imposter right?”

“Bu…… But……”

Ren seems hesitant, and looks at the Kazuma beside him.

“But, Nii-sama------ this Nii-sama saved me.”

“What a coincidence. It’s the same for me.”

Ayano answered calmly. Seeing Ayano’s strange attitude, Ren can’t help but show a troubled look.

“Nee-sama, why do you seem so calm?”

“That’s because------”

Ayano compares the two Kazumas, and then makes a conclusion:

“We can’t tell which is the real one.”

“……So?”

“In that case, let’s not waste time. Let them prove themselves.”

“Prove themselves……”

Ren does not know what Ayano was trying to say at all.

He doesn't think that they can prove anything just by talking. Besides, the imposter won’t admit that he is the fake.

Leaving the puzzled Ren at one side, Ayano turned to the two Kazumas and said:

“So to speak------ Both of you go over there and have a good fight.”

“Nee-sama!?”

Ignoring Ren's shock, she continued to say:

“The surviving one will be the real deal, got it?”

“This is too reckless! The winner might not be the real Nii-sama!”

“------What are you talking about?”

Seeing Ren’s violent reaction, Ayano blinks, surprised.

“How can Kazuma lose.”

“------Huh?”

This was not a taunt. Her tone was so calm and peaceful, it is as if she was stating the obvious truth.

“Kazuma would never lose to an imposter.”

“That…… though its true……”

Even though there are a lot of problems with his personality, but as a Jutsushi, Kazuma’s abilities can be fully trusted. Faced against an unwavering argument, Ren can only swallow his own words.

“So------”

Ayano raises her finger with force, pointing at the two before her, and announces loudly:

“The two of you don’t have to go easy, just fight it out quickly!”

“…………”

Both Kazumas both glanced at Ayano, and then stared at each other, and finally sighed at the same time.

Their actions were an exact mirror image, without the slightest difference at all. Even a pair of artists that have partnered for a long period of time might not be as harmonious as them.

“What’s up with this girl.”

“Doing things so arbitrarily-------”

“So violent------”

“Just like a tomboy……”

After finishing their final sentence at the same time, they both sigh together once more. Seeing this collaborative scene, Ayano’s temple twitches slightly.

“You……”

She grabbed a piece of concrete the size of her palm.

“Why are you having a twosome performance with the imposter! You idiot!”

And threw it out with all her might. Seeing the concrete piece that is entirely offtrack, the two Kazumas did not dodge, but only watched quietly.

“How dangerous.”

“That’s right.”

“Shut up!”

Ayano shouts out with a sinister look on her face:

“Hurry up and start! Or else I will slaughter the both of you!”

Both Kazumas widen their eyes instantly, with an astonishing look on their face. Following that, once again, they spoke together harmoniously to ask the question in their hearts:

“How will you slaughter me?”

“------!!”

In her fury, Ayano drew out her Enraiha. But, just as she was about to swing it, Ren stops her.

“Nee-sama, calm down!”

“I can’t calm down anymore!”

Ayano struggles, trying to break free from the boy who was hugging her tightly.

“How can I accept two Kazumas in this world! Just one makes me mad, having two will drive me nuts!!”

“Nee…… Nee-sama……”

Ren tries to pacify Ayano, and turn to Kazuma with begging eyes at the same time------ As he does not know which is the real one, his eyes can only shift between the both of them.

“Nii-sama, please think of something. Nee-sama can’t take much more of this.”

“………..”

The two Kazumas look at each other, and shrug helplessly.

“We don’t have much choice I guess, let’s begin.”

“------You’re right.”

Kazuma------ the one that appeared with Ayano------ reached out, and caressed the head of Ayano who was beginning to ease her anger.

“So, I am going.”

“------Have a nice trip.”

Ayano replied, a bit of her unhappiness still lingering in her tone. Yet, when Kazuma turned around with a bitter smile on his face, her voice turned freezing cold suddenly.

“I meant to hell.”

Poosh! [Sound of something splattering?]

With the sound of one’s body being pierced through, Enraiha stabbed into Kazuma’s body. The blade tip engulfed in flames, entered from his back, and came out from the center of his chest.

This was a strike that accurately pierced the heart. As if time stopped, everyone seemed to have forgotten to breathe. At this moment, Kazuma turned around to look at Ayano.

“A……Ayano……?”

“Shut your trap.”

His coarse voice was cut off coldly by Ayano.

“Even though I have no idea who you are, but please don’t call my name out so casually.”

“Wha……What------”

“Quit the acting. If you didn't die instantly the moment Enraiha pierced through your heart, it doesn’t matter what you say anymore.”

“----------------”

Perhaps admitting its failure, “Kazuma”’s painful expression disappeared suddenly, and in exchange an evil smile revealed itself.

“When did you find out?”

“Since the beginning.”

“……Why?”

“Why? Need you ask! How is it possible for Kazuma to leave Ren behind, and come rescue me alone? That is not possible no matter how you look at it!” [Actual translation would be “That is impossible in physics terms.” But I don’t understand why use physics here. Correct it if you do]

“……Nee-sama……”

Seeing how confident Ayano is when saying that, Ren can’t help but feel sad for her.

“So that’s the reason…… Seems like I let an unwanted girl have a nice dream…… Argh!”

Enraiha suddenly shone brightly, “Kazuma”’s body was completely swallowed by flames.

“Shut your trap and go and die! I will eliminate you! I will burn you till you won’t even have ashes left!”

Ayano shouts, while igniting the “furies of justice”. As if responding towards her will, the flames give out an angry roar too, slowly eroding “Kazuma” off.

“Hey hey------”

Even after “Kazuma” was all burnt off, the flames show no signs of subsiding, instead, it spread out swiftly. Avoiding Kazuma who has set up a wind barrier and Ren’s surrounding area, the flames start to burn the entire building, streets, and even the entire world.

Shortly after that------

“Aaaaaarrrrrrhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!”

A dying cry came out from somewhere.

“------Strange?”

The feeling in her hand vanished suddenly, Ayano took a step forward quickly to prevent herself from falling over.

She looks around, this seemed to be a certain room in the building, which was obviously all burnt down just now, yet there were no burnt marks anywhere.

“What’s going on?”

“------Could it all have been a dream?”

Ren who understood the situation more clearly than Ayano, turned towards Kazuma and asked.

“Perhaps.”

“That is to say------”

“Its all over.”

Before the question is finished, Kazuma gave a short answer.

Just as “Kazuma was burnt, Ayano burnt everything else as well------ The entire world that Nightmare created. Of course, the Nightmare that has been hiding naturally failed to escape its fate.

After hearing this explanation, Ayano raises her chest high up, and puts on an arrogant front:

“Hmm hmm. How was that? Shocked right!”

“Mmm------ So you won with brute force.”

“What! Does it matter------”

Ayano tried to rebut, but then changes to the smile of a victor, and looks at Kazuma with an expression of mockery.

“You didn’t do anything this time round. Even so you still want to get paid?”

She interrogated this “Money thief” with her eyes. Of course, Kazuma will definitely not push the reward at hand off just because of a slight mockery from someone else.

“Yup, there was no room for me this time round. You really became stronger.”

Kazuma hugged Ayano gently, and whispered softly by her ear. Faced with this sudden development, Ayano’s face turned beet red instantly, her entire body stiffened.

“Wha……What……”

(''What…… What is this……? Could it be that I am still dreaming……'')

As she could never imagine that Kazuma would praise her, Ayano can’t feel happy at all. Kazuma continues to input more sweet whispers into Ayano’s frozen consciousness.

“Work harder from now on, and let my wallet earn even more.”

(''---------------------Hah?-'')

Ayano raised her head reflectively. Kazuma looked into her eyes and said:

“Just standing there and getting paid for it, how can I give up on such a job? So, I will be relying on you from now on.”

“……You……”

Ayano who was so angry her body is trembling, gets kissed on the forehead at this moment. The sound of the kiss became the sound of the detonation switch being pressed at the same time.

Kaboom!

The moment Kazuma turned around, golden flames burst out Ayano’s entire body. Feeling the amazing heat behind him, Kazuma quickly grabs Ren’s hand and starts running.

“Time to run.”

“……Nii-sama.”

Ren cried out in a painful voice.

“Can’t you use a more normal way to encourage Nee-sama?”

“------Hmm, actually, that is not impossible, but……”

“But?”

“It is more fun this way.”

Dodging the plasma ball that came flying at a high speed, Kazuma hummed as he spoke.

“-------Sigh……”

Thinking about the fact that Ayano will probably still be toyed around by Kazuma from now on, and he would still get dragged into it, Ren can’t help but sigh with mixed feelings.

Talk:Monogatari Series/Bakemonogatari/Mayoi Snail/002

2010-09-22T02:50:19Z

Yozora no Amante: Nvm

Error on line 43

"inasmuch". That needs fixed. You could probably just change it to "as much".

Edit: Nvm. Changed it myself, didn't see the edit tab above.

Talk:Monogatari Series/Bakemonogatari/Mayoi Snail/002

2010-09-22T02:47:40Z

Yozora no Amante: Error

Error on line 43

"inasmuch". That needs fixed. You could probably just change it to "as much".

Love★You:Volume 1 Chapter 1

2010-09-06T00:18:04Z

Yozora no Amante: /* Part 3 */

== Chapter 1 ==
=== Part 1===

A girl was emerging out from the television.

In Kanda Shun’s room, there was a girl that was gradually coming out from his 25 inch TV.

[[image:LoveYou v01 013.jpg|thumb]]
She was about to come out from the game screen to the “real world”.

“…………”

Shun sat with his legs crossed on the carpet, and looked dumbly at what was happening before him.

The television was like the shining ripples of a watery surface, the screen shined with white light.

Ripples were made across the screen, and from within, a living girl gradually appeared…… At this moment the area above her shoulder had already emerged from the television screen.

Shun subconsciously retreated backwards, and that resulted in his leg accidentally kicking onto the box of a game card.

“DRAGON BREATH III The Hero Princess of Eterna”

This was the best selling national RPG that was released last month in Japan.

The cover of the box illustrated “Hero Princess Rosalie”, she was a pure and elegant beautiful heroine that would feel great joy in helping and saving people.

The girl that was appearing from the television screen before his very eyes------ Looks almost exactly the same as Rosalie.

Be it her golden colored hair, the cape for traveling, even the red sacred stone that is hanging from her neck, the Lia Fáil……

As if floating above the water surface, the girl bent her body over and floated above Shun’s head, her fringes and cape wavering non-stop.

She seemed as though she was asleep.

Her tightly closed eyelids were very slender, as if telling others how beautiful the eyes hidden within were, that sweet face gave off a pure and innocent presence.

Anyway, she was a very cute girl.

The girl’s face continued to close in on him, her shadow falling onto Shun’s face.

The distance between them was so close they could feel each other breathing, just stretching their necks slightly and they would be able to kiss each other.

……This, this……!

Shun felt as though his heart was about to explode.

He couldn't understand what was causing this situation to happen at all.

No.

A minute ago, Shun was “imagining” this situation. Suddenly while playing the game……

It would be great if Rosalie really existed.

But, how could this possibly be……!

Just at this moment, the girl’s feet had passed through the television screen as well.

And then, she fell directly from above.

“Wha……”

Shun was immediately pushed backwards by the body falling from above.

Bang!

The back of his head was knocked heavily against the ground.

Even though there was a carpet, but it was still very painful, and just as he was dizzy from the knock and his nose was filled with the smell of metal……

He realized the soft object that was being pressed onto his body.

The body heat that was sent over gradually, the thin and weak shoulder and the texture of pelvis, the flowery scent from the golden silky hair, and the cape that was draping over Shun’s leg.

These were all textures in “reality”.

Shun is still unable to comprehend what is going on.

He is unable to think at all.

Because he was kissed.

That’s right…… He was kissed.

The slightly moist pink lips of the girl pressed onto Shun’s cheek, and very close to his lips, with a hard to describe bounciness to it, the breathe that was being blown out lightly was warm and fragrant.

To Shun who had never had a girlfriend in sixteen years, this gave him quite a shock.

The game controller dropped from Shun’s right hand onto the floor.

The television screen turned pitch black, and following that silence spread to every corner of this room that was six tatami big.

…………

Shun finally knew, that humans can really be unable to feel the flow of time due to too much shock.

After that, he realized that he is wondering if he is dreaming from the bottom of his heart.

And then after that, he felt his mind slowly recovering.

He looked to the side, all he saw was a golden colored hairline.

Shun who was still unable to forget the texture of those lips slowly turned around, and saw that the girl still had her eyes closed.

……Is this some april fool trick……?

Shun first thought of a very old and classical explanation, but precisely because it is classical, it is reasonable.

Even though he had witnessed the moment the girl went from the television screen, he still believed that there must be some trick to it.

“…………Mmmm……”

At this moment, the girl suddenly gave a moan.

Then…… Slowly opened her eyes.

Her eyes looked exactly the same as on the game screen.

No, they were even more clear and beautiful, a clear azure like the sea of southern countries, these were incomparable with those when in game.

Shun’s face was reflected in her eyes.

Shun realized she was staring at himself, and so……

“Wahhhhhh!”

Jumped up reflexively. He stumbles onto the floor, and then uses an amazing speed to retreat to the side of the wall.

At this moment, the girl stood up.

The cape that went below knee level spreaded out naturally, the necklace that locked the cape in place wavered left and right with it.

The girl that looked just like the hero Rosalie seemed surprised as she looked at Shun and the interior of the room, as if coming into some unfamiliar place without knowing it.

Her vacillating eyes suddenly stopped at a certain something.

And then, she took action.

The first thing to do after entering a new room was not to talk to Shun……

Kachunk.

But to open the closet.

She looked into the closet very seriously, and then reached out to move the clothes inside, even though the owner of the room was just beside her, she didn't seem to care.

…… A hero……

Shun couldn’t help but believe that.

Because opening cabinets and closets are the basic actions of a hero.

In order to find important items, the hero will sometimes have to barge into other people’s homes to open their closets, break open jars and bottles, and the items they find will unconditionally become the hero’s possessions, this is also a solid law in the game world.

However, Shun suddenly felt that just accepting this was a little strange, so he struggled to hold this extraordinary train of thought back.

At this moment, the girl walked straight before him.

Shun recovered from his thinking, still having a slightly nervous expression.

Just as his heart beated for the fifth time, the girl faced Shun and stops.

Her face was sweet like a strawberry, her expression on the other hand was lively and imposing, the entire face gave off an unexplained solemn feeling.

But, she didn't seem very pleased, probably because there was nothing in the closet.

The evening sun of this holiday shone into the room from outside the window.

The girl’s face was stained with some of that orange reddish color, and she opened the lips that were pressed against Shun’s cheek earlier.

“I have something to ask you.”

She gave off a clear voice that matched her outer appearance very well.

“What is this place?”

She continued to ask.

“What is the name of this town? Is this the Earth Realm or the Heaven Realm?”

Even though her tone when she spoke was calm, but Shun was really unable to catch up with the speed at which she was asking her questions.

His thoughts were all tangled, each time the girl said something, it made things even worse.

Is this girl really…… “her” whom I have admired for so long?

“…………”

Shun was unable to say anything.

The girl seemed to have taken this silence to be Shun’s reply, and so she decided to end the speech by herself.

Following that, she faced the room door, and then walked past Shun.

Shun suddenly regained his senses.

He tried to call out to the girl, and so he turned his head around hurriedly, as if trying to confirm something, he shouted out.

“Ro……Rosalie!”

The girl stopped in her steps.

Then she turned around. Puzzled, she raised her eyebrows and said.

“Why do you know my name?”

=== Part 2 ===

“You really love Rosalie a lot.”


Shun’s friend Uehara just said that to him two days ago.

The national RPG “DRAGON BREATH”.

Shun bought the latest “III” the very morning it was released, and then got completely mesmerized by the heroine “Hero Princess Rosalie”.

“That’s not true.”

He used that line to deny Uehara’s comment.

In the story, this girl inherits her father’s duty to become a hero that saves the world.

She possesses a soul pure and elegant like a holy maiden. So long as she can save others and bring people happiness, she would feel immense joy to the fact that “the world became better”.

“Did I make you happy?”

She would always ask the people she saved.

“Then, I would feel very happy as well.”

In the end, with a charming smile, that is her fixed speech.

And so Shun liked Rosalie very much.

There were even times when Shun was worried for her due to her destiny in the story, and was very touched by her noble sentiments and how she strived to accomplish her duties.

Be it when she, as the child of a hero, felt self-abased due to her being a female, and so looked and acted like a guy, and in the end was adulated by others as the “Hero Princess”.

And when she was released from the shadows of her past, and then softly muttered her father’s name towards the sky, crying, Shun couldn’t help but grow red in his eyes.

It was as if he was journeying together with Rosalie.

This is the first time Shun had had so much feelings towards a character in the game.

Shun admired this noble, pure, seemingly perfect hero princess Rosalie…… So much that it was an emotion that was like love.

In the end he couldn't bear to complete the game, and continuously raise her level up before defeating the last Maou.

In the end, Rosalie’s level finally reached level 99.

Just to mention, even though all the other stats were around 300, only “intelligence” for some reason did not increase, and was only at 40.

In order words, all Shun could do was to complete the game.

Shun let the controller down, and sub-consciously……

Sub-consciously looked towards his side.

He looked at the carpet, and blankly imagined “the way Rosalie would be sitting beside him”.

If Rosalie really existed, and was sitting right here, and to be able to chat with her……

How nice that would be.

Such “imagination” suddenly appeared in Shun’s mind.

Shun hadn't been able to imagine things that were beyond reality since birth, this was the first time he had successfully imagined the picture of “Rosalie existing here”.

And then……

=== Part 3 ===

“Why do you know my name?”

The girl asked.

Her puzzled expression was overly natural, and had deeply touched Shun’s heart.

Shun saw her slowly turning around to face him.

She seemed real from head to toe, and was no different from “Rosalie” ’s image at all.

No, to have appeared in that manner, won’t it be even stranger to suspect her?

This girl must be the real Rosalie.

She came out from the game.

“…………”

Shun suddenly felt hard to breathe.

His fingers kept trembling, his mind a total blank as well.

Because his blood was flowing too quickly, he was gradually becoming numb.

Rosalie was standing right before his eyes.

But, he didn't know what to do next.

Even his thoughts were frozen entirely.

Shun could only think secretly in his heart: Meeting with a scenario that has never happened before in the history of mankind, just what is the most logical thing to do?

He closed his eyes, and then shaked his head.

I should be a little happier at a time like this!

Thinking that, Shun decided to look at her once more.

Yet there was no one before him.

“Where, where did she go!?”

Just as Shun nervously looked around, and realized that the door was open……

Clang!

The sound of something being smashed could be heard from the first storey.

Shun walked out of the room, and standed at the stairway looking down…… and saw Rosalie squatting at the door, inspecting whether there was any items amidst the broken pieces of the vase.

She was a hero after all.

Rosalie stood up, and left the wet doorway with an unhappy expression, walking into the living room on her own.

“Paula! Gande! Nite! Are you around?”

She seemed to be looking for her companions.

Shun hurriedly dashed down the stairs, and then turned at the door.

Then, he spotted Rosalie at the entrance of the living room.

At this moment, there were some words right at the center of his vision.

[[image:LoveYou v01 025.jpg]]

“…… Huh……?”

Just like captions appearing on television, instead of saying those were words…… they should be said to be just like the command window in the game.

Rosalie on the other hand was staring intensely at the table in the kitchen.

On the table was a box of cream puffs that have been taken out from the fridge but was left there, forgotten.

And Rosalie was staring at that box, motionless.

…… Could it be……

Shun was a big fan of video gaming originally, so he understood the relationship between the current situation and the command window instantly.

But, how do I input commands without a controller?

Rosalie stared at the pastry box that was giving off aromatic fragrance, her eyes seemed a little sad, and just as Shun couldn’t bear it and thought to himself “I wish I can let her eat the cream puffs”……

The command window suddenly vanished.

Even though there was no sound effect that can usually be heard when you input a command, but there was that kind of feeling there.

Following that, Rosalie as if released, walked towards the table, and then with a little force opened the box, and grabbed one of the puffs with her hand.

She then placed the puff to her nose and sniffed it, and after staring at the puff for some time…… opened her mouth to take a bit.

She then suddenly stopped moving, as if time froze.

And her body began trembling.

At that moment, it was as though jagged edges appeared at her body.

What a fateful encounter.

She blinked her round eyes twice, and then the cheeks, stuffed with puff, reddened slowly.

And so, Rosalie began indulging herself in the puffs.

[[image:LoveYou v01 027.jpg|thumb]]
She opened her eyes wide, with a puff in each of her hands, she bites into them one by one. Each time she bit into a puff, she would shiver continuously, and show a blissful expression.

At this moment, Shun suddenly thought of something.

For the characters of “DRAGON BLESS”------ “DB” in short, there was no such action as “eat” in the game.

So, this was the first time that Rosalie had “eat” in the real world.

This was also a very incredible thing.

Even so……

Rosalie was still wolfing the puffs……

Her mouth was stuffed with puffs like a scene from a manga, the extremely relaxed expression was like a certain Alps girl who was always running on plains.

There was sticky cream all around her mouth.

“…………”

……Huh…….?

Shun suddenly felt that something was not right.

No matter how he looked at her, she seemed a little different from the elegant “Hero Princess” in the game.

Shun took another look at Rosalie who was taking big bites, munching on the puffs.

…… Weird…………?

After a while, she had already finished eating one box of puffs.

She looked at the empty box, depressed, and then……

Turned back to look at Shun silently.

“Sorry…… There is no more.”

Shun got the message from Rosalie’s eyes, and stuttered in response.

Rosalie showed a very disappointed expression immediately.

“What is this?”

She pointed at the box and asked.

“Hmm……”

Shun seemed hesitant on how to reply.

“That is a cream puff.”

“Cream puff?”

She looked at the empty box with an unwilling look, as if unsure of how to express her feelings, she said softly.

“Mmm…… How powerful.”

…… How powerful……?

“By the way……”

Shun had no chance of interrupting her.

“……Who are you?”

She looked at Shun with a very serious expression, completely different from just now.

“I feel as though we are bonded in some way, even if it is just for an instant…… But, I am sure I felt something.”

Could it be that she was talking about that command window just now?

“How should I say this…… It is not an unfamiliar feeling, even though I am not very sure, but I have always had that kind of feeling. Tell me, you…… No, please tell me, who are you?”

What an instant that went beyond normal logic.

The heroine of the game felt the link with the player, and asked the question “Who are you?”

The feelings that kept emerging made his temple a little numb, and just as Shun intended to say his name……

He suddenly thought of a certain coincidence that could make people misunderstand very easily.

“Please tell me your name.”

“Ermm…… Mmm……”

As he was hesitating, the mobile phone in his pocket gave off the ring tone of having received a text message.

Rosalie showed a very tense expression instantly, and then gave a violent reaction.

Because Shun liked the game “DRAGON BREATH” very much, and so the ring tone he used was “the sound effect of activation of a spell”.

“Danger!!”

“Woah!?”

Shun was knocked onto the floor by Rosalie.

Rosalie used her right hand to hold onto her necklace, and at this moment, the necklace gave off light particles, and from it appeared the handle of a sword.

She reached out to grab the handle, and then drew her sword, waving it.

Sssss~~ ~~!

Rosalie gave off a strong shockwave, the wallpaper on the wall was cut instantly, the calendar on the wall was sliced into two, the glass of the bowl cabinet were all shattered, the whole house wavered non-stop as though a typhoon was passing by.

Crack……

There was glass shards all over the kitchen, within a short moment, it looked just like the scene of an action movie (The scene after the shoot).

“…… Did it escape?”

She hugged Shun tightly, and looked around.

Only now did Shun realize one thing.

If she goes outside, or if other people gets to know her existence, things could become very serious.

But, right now Shun couldn't think of anything more complicated than that.

Because his face was currently buried right into Rosalie’s chest.

“…….!”

Rosalie’s chest was more well-developed than it looked, and Shun could feel her body temperature directly, and that unbelievable devil…… No, angel-like bounciness.

……D, damn! This is not good!

The situation, especially at the lower half of his body, was very a very critical state.

Shun wanted to leave immediately, but Rosalie was hugging the back of his head, and had him secured tightly at her chest, the incredible force was so strong even a high school guy like him couldn't escape, and he could hardly breathe.

“Mm~~! Mmm~~! Mmm~~!”

Just at this moment, the sound of the door opening came from the doorway.

And the footsteps of someone hurriedly running into the house.

“Shun-kun! What happened!?”

That voice belonged to Shun’s cousin Mikoto, as she lived just next door, she probably heard that loud noise just now?

…… Don’t come here! Don’t!!

But, the door still opened mercilessly.

“Shun-kun!”

Opening the door was his delicate and beautiful cousin Mikoto nee-san------ Kobato Mikoto.

All she saw was the kitchen in ruins and the strangely dressed Rosalie, and the scene of her younger cousin being buried in Rosalie’s chest.

Mikoto’s entire body froze, as if struck by lightning, the focal point of her eyes fluttered off somewhere, and…...

“Shun-kun became a good-for-nothing!”

After saying that, with a Kadong, Mikoto fainted right at the scene

Even though Shun saw his cousin drop before him, he did not become panicky and make a lot of noise, as she fainted frequently.

At this moment, Rosalie suddenly let go, and Shun successfully escaped from her hug.

“…………”

Then, she went into a daze for some reason.

Shun hurriedly changed the ring tone of his phone, and took a look at the message he received just now.

It was a message sent by his friend Uehara, and the content said……

'''<<Did Rosalie at your side disappear as well?>>'''

=== Part 4 ===

“Uehara, what is this about?”

Shun went to the corridor outside the living room, and then called Uehara.

“What are you asking, haven’t you played DB today?”

Even though he sounded calm like usual, but Shun had known him for some time, and so Shun knew that he was rarely this agitated. (But, he would still send a message to see if the other party is convenient to chat on the phone, he is that kind of people who would pay attention to details.)

“Yeah…… I played……”

“So your Rosalie disappeared right?”

Suddenly he increased the speed at which he talked.

“Right now there is a big scene on the internet, don’t you find it strange? All the players in the world have hanged all at the same time, and this is a game on individual domestic consoles!”

“Hanged……”

“Rosalie suddenly disappeared in the middle of the game, and then it hanged instantly. After that, no matter how you reset, the game will hang at the starting screen, all the save files are gone. I have already completed the game, so I did not see the instant when the character disappeared, but I have already tried with my console. It seems everyone has the same situation.”

“…………”

Shun of course had witnessed the instant which Uehara had spoken of.

Shun found it strange when Rosalie disappeared as well.

Just as he imagined how it would be like with “Rosalie sitting beside him”, she vanished from the screen.

If there was anything different from others, it would be his personal experience after that……

“There are discussion threads all over 2ch, some discussion threads even said that it is the omen of terrorists from some countries preparing to attack Japan, the entire forum is flooded. There are even people who called the company and showed the contents of their chat. There are even some threads that are gossiping things like “This is the terrorist action from some country!!”……”

Uehara as a big game maniac, went on and on saying things like 2chan.net or “VIPPER”  which Shun cannot understand at all.

…… So it is true……

Shun secretly thought to himself. This problem that the whole globe was experiencing made him even more certain that the person in the living room was the real Rosalie.

…… So Rosalie came out from the game……

“Hey, Kanda, are you listening to what I am saying?”

“Ah…… Sorry.”

“Never mind, you must be having a great shock from Rosalie’s disappearance, you were about to complete the game weren’t you?”

“Ah, I still haven’t……”

“Shun.”

Rosalie had been standing behind Shun since who knew when.

“Woah!?”

“Hey, what happened…… Wait, was that a girl’s voice just now……”

“S, sorry! I will call you again later!!”

Shun ended the call, and then switched the phone off quickly.

“Shun.”

“W, what is it?”

Shun answered nervously, but realized that Rosalie’s expression seemed much more cheerful than before.

“…… So you really are “Shun”……”

Rosalie lifted her head to look at Shun, who was half a head taller than her, with respectful eyes.

Shun realized that the thing he was most worried about earlier had happened.

Which was that easily misunderstood coincidence.

Rosalie kneeled down instantly, and then used her clear eyes and voice to declare to Shun:

“I am your bride.”

…… The coincidence lies as follow.

In order to defeat the last maou, a new power must be obtained------“The blessing of spirit of the dragon god (Dragon Breath)”.

And so, the hero princess Rosalie must form a marriage by ritual with the sacred spirit of the dragon god.

And the name of that spirit of the dragon god is------ “Shun”.

But, in the game there would be the message “Once the ritual is held you will get transported to the final battleground directly and you will not be able to return, so Shun had yet to undergo the ritual.

“I finally understand.”

Rosalie said.

“This is another world, and is a completely different place from where I was earlier.”

Shun nodded.

“This is the world of the spirit of the dragon god.”

She had not understood anything.

“No, that is not right!”

Shun intended to use this opportunity to try explaining everything to Rosalie.

“I am not the spirit of the dragon god! This is indeed another world, but it is a little different from the world you spoke of…… I hope you will calm down and listen carefully to what I say, firstly……”

“So then, let us exchange oaths immediately.”

She was not listening at all.

“That is not it! What…… What oaths?”

Rosalie stood up suddenly.

“Huh!?”

She continued to close in, gradually forcing Shun back to the side of the wall.

“Please bestow me with the power of the blessing.”

Rosalie looked passionately at Shun.

Shun couldn’t help but be scared by this earnest resolution so much so that his legs went weak, yet Rosalie followed suit and squatted down, her body almost pressed against Shun.

“Please marry me.”

Rosalie who lies on top continues to say:

“Please exchange oaths with me.”

…… Exchange oaths…… Could it be to……!

At this moment, another command window appeared before Shun’s eyes.

[[image:LoveYou v01 039.jpg]]

Shun felt as though his heart was about to burst.

Rosalie stared motionlessly at Shun. She blinked at times, it seemed she was still conscious, but if Shun didn't decide on the command, she seemed to be unable to perform the next action.

Shun’s hands began to sweat, the command window appeared coincidentally before Rosalie’s breasts.

So, he looked at those breasts that were being drawn by gravity and the white slender legs under the skirt.

I actually get to be with Rosalie and do……

…… Wahhhhhhhhh!!

Shun’s mind and instincts battled within his brain, he felt as though he was about to suffer internal injuries.

“No exchanging! I will not exchange!!”

Shun escaped from under Rosalie, the command window vanished with that.

And Rosalie regained her motion instantly as well.

“Why?”

“No why! To exchange oaths or to wed, these aren’t things that can be done that easily!!”

“…… I get it, you are right.”

Rosalie seemed to have recalled something, and so looked as if enlightened.

“Before males and females undergo “marriage”, they must first go through many tests.”

“Wha……?”

“I once helped in the marriage of a prince and a princess of opposing countries.”

Rosalie put on an expression that she knew everything, and nodded.

“First they must “communicate through letters”.”

She bore a solemn expression and continued to say.

“After exchanging letters like “I have been in love with you for a long time” “Me too” several times, then they have to go on “dates”. Let them have a secret meeting by the lake at night, then they will hug each other, and the female would cry: “Why must you be Henry?” and lastly would be “elope”, thinking of a way to let them escape from the castle, and then at this moment the male would say: “Let us be together forever”. The two would then elope far away, and finally get “married” in a small certain in some town.”

Rosalie confidently talked about the scenario in the game.

“Shun, so……”

She bore a serious expression as she said.

“Let us communicate through letters immediately.”

“…………”

Intelligence 40.

Rosalie’s stats flashed across Shun’s mind at that instant.

“We have to prepare pen and paper first.”

Rosalie suddenly began walking.

“I wrote letters before, to write letters, you need pen and paper.”

She wandered around on the corridor, it was one of the hero’s habits to go around searching without the consent of the owner of the house.

“Hey!”

Shun followed closely behind.

Rosalie stood before the closest door, and then turned the door handle immediately.

“Ah…… That is the……”

Toilet.

“……?”

Rosalie looked puzzled as she looked at the western toilet with the toilet bowl closed, and at this moment……

[[image:LoveYou v01 042.jpg]]

……She needed to go to toilet!?

And this thought that appeared in Shun’s mind was automatically decided as “Use the toilet”.

“Ah……”

Then Rosalie walked into the toilet and lifted the toilet bowl cover, and then reached her hand under her skirt, and without hesitation pulled down her panties.

“Wahhh~~!?”

Shun hurriedly shutted the door with a bang.

Shun leaned his back against the wall, trying hard to control the rampaging heart, the pure white object that he saw for an instant was clearly burned into his eyes.

When he heard the sound of a flush, his cheeks was even redder, so much so that even his ears were red.

Not long later, Rosalie opened the door and walked out of the toilet, her expression seemed refreshed as though little flowers had blossomed all around her.

But, she changed back to that impressive look instantly, and headed in the direction of the living room.

Shun came back to himself suddenly, because he remembered that Mikoto nee was still in there.

“Y, you don’t have to rush…… You can write later, it doesn’t matter……”

“No.”

Rosalie used a tone filled with her sense of duty to reply, and following that she walked into the living room.

The inside was naturally still in a pathetic state, Mikoto was still lying on the floor, unconscious.

……I must get Rosalie out before Mikoto nee regains consciousness……

Just as Shun nervously planned to do so……

“ “Quagga”!”

Rosalie suddenly chanted an awakening spell.

“What are you doing!?”

Shun couldn’t help but grab Rosalie’s shoulders and shook with force.

“W, why are you angry?”

At this moment, Mikoto’s body gave off a weak glow.

“…… Mmm……”

She gave off a weak moan, and slowly opened her eyes.

~39% completed

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Kaze no Stigma:Volume2 Chapter 6

2010-08-23T03:53:04Z

Yozora no Amante: /* 4 */

== Chapter Six - Finale - The Brave and Selfless Rescuer ==

=== 1 ===

“He” who observed all from the sky, had done so from the very beginning.

For humans, the area directly above them has always been a blind spot. The presence of "he" who lurked among dimensional intervals was undetectable even by the greatest Fuu-Jutsushi.

“He” was content. Everything was proceeding as planned, everyone moving as “he” had expected them to. They were completely unaware that they were pawns, believing that they were acting according to their own will.

Looking down like a god, "he" drank in this feeling of superiority.

(How lucky of me to have picked up such a useful tool.)

Oogami Misao - the first pawn “he” obtained. Blind with hatred, a pawn that bore a special meaning to that man.

"He" thanked the stars - "they" worshiped neither gods nor devils, after all - for guiding such a convenient pawn into his grasp.

From the start, it had never been much more than an amusing game. Assisting that silly child's naive plans for revenge------ and at such little cost. Such charitable actions were a favorite hobby of "his". After "he" named his price - a small one, really - an amusing expression that "he" could never get bored of appeared on her face.

Nonetheless, these were all but pointless amusements, because now Misao had already become a sharp blade capable of killing that man.

(Yagami Kazuma------ I must eliminate that unforgivable sinner with my own hands. Just what can be more glorious than that……)

Having such a prestigious record, “he” may be bestowed with an extremely high position. Receiving continuous praises, envies and admirations------ A future filled with glory.

That is neither a fantasy or a dream, that “tomorrow” that will definitely come about is right before his very eyes.

Of course, the power he has now is not enough, there is no way he can beat that monster head-on. But, he is very confident in his victory.

Even though he is powerful enough to do so, Kazuma can’t bring himself to kill Misao. Furthermore, Misao has yet to reach the stage of completion.

(Come on, Misao------ Just a little more.)

“He” reveals a smile filled with gentle love at the girl who is walking down the road of destruction.

“……Finally……”

Those red lips give off an agitated voice of happiness.

“This moment has finally arrived……”

“I don’t know which moment it is you are referring to, but it is indeed time to settle things.”

Kazuma nods, saying this meaningful line.

“I don’t really care------ But must you kill “that person”?”

“Ahh, you mean “this person”?”

Misao lowers her head to look at her father’s head that she is hugging.

“It is only right for the father to avenge his son right? But, not only did otou-san not agree to help me, he even intended to kill his very own daughter, me. So, I decided to just borrow his powers------ like this.”

Something similar to a powerful current flowered into Misao’s hand from Masayuki’s head. The skin of the head dries up rapidly, the hair that turned white begins falling off.

In a matter of seconds, the chopped off head became a dried mummy.

“Foolish otou-san.”

Misao grapples hard at her father’s head. At the same time as it is giving off irritating squeaking sounds, Masayuki’s head was crushed into pieces. The pieces were all disintegrated and blown off by the wind before reaching the floor.

“Come on, otou-san------ Become one with me, and let’s take revenge for onii-san together?”

Absorbing her father------ The life of the head of the Ogami, Misao’s youki shows an explosive increase.

“Woah!”

“Mmm……”

The remaining Jutsushis moans. Even Ayano stretches her arms before her, taking on a defensive stance.

An abnormally strong youki. Its strength is so, its quality is very ominous as well. This is the power she obtained from draining the lives of over a hundred, countless grudges from the souls are mixed within, it can be considered reasonable in some way.

“The few of you can just get back now!”

Ayano hurriedly warns the Jutsushis. Having evolved to such an immense youki, the powers of the branch family cannot handle it at all.

“B…… But……”

“Get back!”

Ayano shouts at those hesitant Jutsushis. The Jutsushis look towards each other.

“------Got it, we will obey Ayano-sama’s order.”

They discreetly stated that they are obeying orders, and then rushed off the scene.

Following that, Misao’s youki began to gather into a bundle. Basked in the youki that seemed as though one would be able to hear the voices of hatred from the victims, the fire spirits manifested in the form of pitch black flames.

(Oh…… That is rather quick……)

Looking at the black fireball created above Misao’s head, Ayano is secretly impressed.

Misao stretches her right hand out swiftly, pointing at Kazuma alone. Following that action, the fireball whistles off and closes in at Kazuma.

“…………”

Kazuma does not move an inch, staring silently at the fireball that is coming straight at him. Following that------ The sound of an explosion can be heard, Kazuma’s body is surrounded by pitch black flames.

Misao shows a hearty smile. But, seeing Kazuma covered in flames, there is no change on Ayano and Ren’s faces.

The flames disperses slowly. Appearing within is------

“------!”

Even though it may be unsuitable to say this, but it is naturally Kazuma, without a scratch.

“------ And then?”

“Grr------”

As if being pushed back by his presence, Misao bites hard at her teeth as she moves backwards, but after that she began gathering youki once more.

“Then------ How about this!?”

A black fireball is created above Misao’s head once more. Not just one. Two, three------ fireballs kept on appearing, each of the fireballs is twice as hot as one just now.

“Wow……” Ren exclaims. “Misao is really talented.”

“Yeah. If anyone would still dare to say her personality is not suitable for training now, that would be a joke. If she accumulates experience properly, she would probably have been the strongest Jutsushi among the branch families by now.”

Ayano praises Misao’s talent without any conservation. Yet, that calm expression is just opposite to what she has just said, she does not see Misao’s powers as a threat at all.

Up to ten fireballs came to Kazuma’s side one by one. The group of fireballs that has their heat and kinetic energy completely under control, surrounds Kazuma in a hemispherical manner and explodes.

Misao adjusts the direction of the explosion, causing all the energy to be focused within the hemisphere. Being scorched by the great heat, with the merciless pressure from explosion waves from all directions, a normal Jutsushi will probably be completely destroyed, leaving not a single piece of meat behind.

(That is really something. But……)

Needless to say, Kazuma is of course, not a normal Jutsushi. He stands in the interior of the explosion that is gradually dispersing, blocking off the black flames’ attack without a sweat.

“How can that be……”

“I say------”

Ayano informs Misao who is dumbstruck there with an impatient tone.

“If Kazuma would die under flames of that level, he would have been killed by me long ago.”

“Nee-san…… That is a little……”

“The way you handle your attacks is very flexible, but just looking at power alone it is way weaker than Ren. To use that kind of warm flames to kill Kazuma, it will not even be considered a joke to others.”

“How can that be…… This kind of thing should not happen!”

Faced with those heartless comments, Misao with a great change in her expression tries hard to rebut:

“I have become even stronger than Kazuma-san! I can definitely beat him now, Angel-sama guaranteed that!”

“Angel-sama?”

Ayano stares straight and hard at Misao.

These words sound a little mad, but she does not seem to be joking either.

(It seems something is helping her from behind the scenes------ and it is the kind that is not too decent.)

Ayano grumbles in her heart.

“Angel”------ What a shameful name. That should not be a real angel, but no matter whether it is a name he gave himself or by others, the moment that person accepts that name readily, he is not decent already.

“Just what kind of pervert is that?”

“It is insulting to call me a pervert.”

This answer that bears laughter within came from the sky suddenly.

“....!!”

Ayano raises her head abruptly to look up into the sky. About five meters in the air------ There he is.

Ayano stares closely at the youth that is gradually descending from the sky.

“So that’s it…… An “Angel”……”

His age appears to be around ten. Golden curly hair, round emerald eyes, and a smile filled with benevolence.

That appearance with gentle light coming out from all over his boy, it is just like the angel that is drawn on the pictures of religions. If there is background music and songs of praises now, then this would certainly be filled with a solemn atmosphere.

“Angel-sama!”

Misao runs to the youth’s side, looking very touched. She does not seem to mind if her kimono is dirtied, she kneels right by his feet entirely.

“Angel-sama, please guide me on what to do, please bestow upon me the way to successfully take revenge.”

Like a lost child yearning for his mother, Misao relies on the youth whole-heartedly.

The youth reveals a gentle smile, caressing Misao’s head gently, and says:

“There is no such method.”

Misao slowly blinks her eyes.

“…… Huh?”

“For you to defeat Kazuma Yagami, that is an impossible task.”

The youth said every word out very clearly. Everyone else besides Misao begins to notice, that that seemingly loving smile, is actually a joyful expression of torment.

“B…… But…… Angel-sama told me that I have already obtained enough power for revenge------”

“Oh, you mean that.”

The youth nods seriously, then lowers his head to look at Misao. Misao still seem as though she can’t believe that the youth betrayed her, her eyes shine with uneasiness.

“That is a lie.”

Misao is so shocked she is at a loss for words, and simply widens her eyes. The youth looks at the expression happily, and then uses an exaggerated tone to ask:

“Why do you seem so surprised? Didn’t you not even trust me from the very beginning?”

<nowiki>------</nowiki>For our mutual benefit, let us work together from now on-------

Misao suddenly remembers this line. It was undoubtedly spoken from her very lips. In less than a week’s time, she has completely forgotten all about it------

“That’s right, we were just using each other, that was the relationship between us. But now you believe in me unconditionally, just what made you that way?”

“T……That is……”

Misao tries hard to recollect her memories, but------

“…………”

“It seems you noticed, nothing. But you trust me, why?”

The youth’s smile is very gentle all along, the name “Angel” suits it very well.

“You…… What did you…… do to me……”

“Nothing special, just a little hypnosis. Don’t worry, it is dispelled now. And------ You have something with me, I shall return it to you as well!”

“------ Ahhh!”

Misao uses a very exaggerated motion to dodge the fingers that the youth stretched out at her, as though there is lethal poison at his fingertips.

The youth uses gentle eyes to look at Misao who collapsed to the floor and is unable to get up, moving her hips to try to get away, yet at the same time he raises his stretched out hand up towards the sky.

“Actually there is no need for direct contact.”

Snap, the youth’s fingers gave off a sound.

“Come, recall. All your actions before today.”

“Huh……?”

(All my actions……)

In order to take revenge for my brothers, I killed over a hundred innocent civilians to obtain their vigor------

(But, that was for revenge, it was for a justified cause, so……)

Just as she thought so naturally, her brain seems to have received an impact suddenly.

“So” what?

Because it is for a justified cause, so all those people who were killed would forgive her? And to willingly give their lives up?

That is impossible.

No matter the reason, taking away the lives of others is an undeniable sin, it is an unacceptable action------

<nowiki>------</nowiki> I don’t recall hiring dead people------

“No……”

<nowiki>------</nowiki> As long as I continue taking in the vigor of hundreds, thousands of people like this------

“No way……”

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Foolish otou-san------

“No…… No way……”

“Angel” made a merciless declaration at Misao who is trying to run away from reality.

“That is right, they were all killed by you.”

“Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!”

Misao screams out.

“No way! No way! No way! It’s not me! I didn’t want to do that kind of thing!!”

“But you still did. In order to obtain power, so you manipulated youma and took away the lives of hundreds, and you won’t even spare your very own father.”

“------!”

Misao eyes expands to their limit. She raises her head to look at that gentle smile directed at her with extreme fear.

“Ah…… Ahh…… Ahhhh……”

She thought she was very cautious, and to use him instead. The result from such reckless actions------ Is this.

To not realize at all that she is the one being manipulated instead, and killed over a hundred innocent people, and even killing her own father in the end.

Originally intending to take revenge for her family, yet she killed her very family in the process. This can only be described as an extreme irony.

“You worked hard all this time, Misao. By the way------“

The youth asks Misao, who is at a loss thinking about her own sins, with a cheerful smile:

“Your father’s vigor, how did it taste?”

“----------------!!”

Her pupils shrink instantly, sweat coming out from her forehead. The mouth that opened subconsciously gave off a choking moan:

“…… Ah…… Ah……”

A great power that is way beyond her actual strength residing in her chest. The sound of that beating power became that of an attack, constantly blaming Misao.

The evidence of her sin is so obvious, there is no way she can escape the sound of those grudges coming from within her body.

“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!”

Misao stretches her five fingers, stabbing them into the centre of her chest. As if trying to use her fingers to pierce through the ribs, digging that dreadful power out together with her heart.

“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!”

Misao rolls around on the floor with red eyes as she continued screaming madly.

=== 2 ===

“What did you do……”

Ayano’s eyes shift away from the frantic Misao, and in turn stares at the youth.

“What did you do to Misao!?”

“I can’t believe someone would complain about me doing that.”

Ignoring her fierce eyes, the youth smiles to say:

“Didn’t I say that earlier? I am just returning what I held onto back to her.”

“What you held onto------?”

“This girl, Misao, is way too soft-hearted, even for revenge, she is unwilling to harm anyone that is not related in any way.”

Hearing Ayano’s question, the youth cheerfully explains:

“So I took away some obstructing emotions from Misao’s heart. Like how to respect others, worries as not hoping to cause trouble for others------ Meaning what most would call conscience or ethics?”

“What……”

Such malicious methods left Ayano speechless.

Precisely because of that, Misao took the lives of others without hesitation, and used the reason “for revenge” to justify it.

And then, when Misao’s hands are tainted with blood, the emotions that were taken away earlier is put in once more. Converting her back to the kind and gentle Misao who would rather get injured than to hurt others.

All just to mock the way she crumples due to guilt.

“You actually……”

“It is really too interesting.”

The youth uses a smile to reply to those blaming eyes, then shifts his eyes slightly.

“So? Are you pleased?”

“……What is it that you want to do?”

Kazuma uses an emotionless tone to ask:

“To put in so much effort, and ruin a person just for fun?”

“That is one of my purposes as well, because I enjoy seeing how people get ruined. Even though very few people would make me put in this much effort, but------”

The youth’s smile becomes even more magnificent.

“Yagami Kazuma, to ruin someone that is special to you, won’t it be rude if I don’t put in more effort?”

The youth’s smile is very eerie. Ayano can’t help but retreat backwards, Ren on the other hand hides behind Kazuma.

There aren’t any changes in his tone and expression at all, but the hatred shown amidst his words, made the two who have no resistance against this kind of eccentric characters feel very scared.

Kazuma knits his brows slightly.

“……Have we met somewhere before?”

“This is the first time we met face to face. But I------ We did not forget you even for a second. You must understand, you standing here, alive, are in itself an unforgivable taboo.”

The youth voices out to scold him, yet he is unable to move Kazuma in any way.

“And here I was wondering what you wanted to say------”

Kazuma says with an obvious mockery:

“I offended way too many people, so I can’t really recall. Ahh, but you don’t need to explain any further, I won’t recall anyway.”

“You won’t recall? That is a good thing. The noble name of our master is not something that someone like you should remember, it is best that you have forgotten it.”

The youth fights back, taunting Kazuma.

“But as I am benevolent, I shall tell you my name!

My name is Mikaeru! Mikaeru Hari!! In the name of the stars and wisdom, I shall now eliminate our enemy Yagami Kazuma!”

“----------------!”

Kazuma’s expression vanished instantly. He bears that blank expression, as if wearing a mask, and stares at Mikaeru who announced his name with resolution.

<nowiki>------ </nowiki> In the name of the stars and wisdom------

Kazuma shut his eyes while facing the youth for a second.

In a certain way, this sentence made Kazuma who he is now. Four years ago------ That day, when he experienced for himself that the lack of power can sometimes be equivalent to a sin, “That man” melodiously declared that sentence before him.

<nowiki> ------ </nowiki> I only seek the truth ------

In his hand, he holds the girl whom Kazuma wanted to protect, yet failed to do so, her heart.

When he opens his eyes once more, Kazuma’s usual arrogant smile is back. But------

“…………”

Ren who stuck behind Kazuma, suddenly let go of his hand that is grabbing the lower part of his jacket, and backs off. Ayano turns her body, switching it to an angle that can see both Kazuma and Mikaeru at the same time.

“Ahh------ So that’s it.”

Silently------ Kazuma smiles silently.

“I got it, so you wanted to follow in your master’s footsteps?”

At the next moment, Kazuma’s “ki” exploded.

“Ahhhh!”

“Wahhhh!”

Multiplied, expanded------ it is not such a simple phenomenon. Basked in the pressure of the “ki” that is equivalent to a shockwave, Ren’s body began to float.

“Wait……Wait a minite…… This is……”

Ayano’s expression is very tense. Power of such intensity, she has not seen anything like it even when Kazuma is fighting against Ryuya.

(Just what is this about------!?)

A “ki” that is responding towards his furious roar, the wind begins to spin fiercely. All the energy that is being collected in a bundle is compressed to a scary intensity------

“Fine then------ Let me help you. Pray to the demon lord, to bless you such that you would follow your master to hell!”

The wind is released, a supersonic speed wind blade strikes towards Mikaeru rapidly.

“How naïve.”

The youth reveals a cold smile, and disappears the moment before he is cut by the wind blade.

“Che! Teleported?”

As if answering Kazuma, Mikaeru’s conscious echoed emptily.

''“I did not run away, because there is no such need. Why did you think I appeared before you? That is because I am not afraid of you------ Because I have obtained enough power to kill you!”''

As he makes his declaration loudly, countless goo pieces emerge from the ground surface.

''“As you have seen just now, that is not Misao’s true power. She is unable to completely control that great power------The method to use that power as one pleases lies within my hands.”''

“Misao------?”

Without realizing it, Misao’s screams had vanished. Ayano looks around, and finds Misao lying on the floor as if dead.

Her chest rises up slightly, but other than that there is no indication of life. The body with sand all over lies motionless, there is nothing reflected in those open, but empty eyes.

The goo pieces quietly crawls forward, pressing onto Misao’s body. In the blink of an eye, Misao is wrapped by a small semi-transparent mountain.

“Ah……”

First, the color changed.

The transparency disappeared, the surface began to bear the shine of a metallic surface. That wavering, seemingly soft appearance, with that ironic texture that can reflect light, makes one associate with gigantic mercury.

Then, the shape changed.

The goo pieces that sat still like a bun grew four legs, and lifted its gigantic body, then a head, tail reached out, and its back even grew wings.

The shape-shifting continued to progress.

Its appearance that is rough like the clay product made by a child, slowly and continuously adjusts its shape, gradually possessing a clear outline.

Joints appeared in those legs that were originally but four sticks, and sharp claws grew out of them. The surface of the body is covered closely by scales, a set of skeleton appeared in the interior of the head, tail and wings, evolving into a structure that is very logical in biology.

These changes took no longer than thirty seconds. Within such a short period of time, the semi-transparent slime changed into a huge silvery white dragon.

Ayano grumbles unknowingly:

“…… Why does a slime become a dragon upon job changing?”

“You play too many games, idiot.”

Kazuma rebuts bluntly.

“That is just changing into a form suited for combat, it is not a real dragon.”

In the end it is just an imitation. The shape of a dragon does not possess much meaning. Compared to its appearance, the main point lies in that all the slimes combined into one.

A single slime is just like trash, but when a number of them gathered, they can form a magical circuit. And, by connecting the different circuits with each other, a more complicated, bigger system can be formed.

A system so big that it can control the massive power that Misao has gathered.

“Hahahahahaha! How’s that, Yagami Kazuma! Can you defeat this “Vritra” that I created!?”

Mikaeru’s voice came from the gigantic dragon------ It seems its name is Vritra------ ’s back region. That puny body is more than half submerged into Vritra’s body.

“But then, by defeating it, Misao would die.”

After tossing this vicious sentence, the youth is completely merged with Vritra. The statue-like Vritra began to move.

“GRRRR……”

Vritra’s gigantic mouth gave off a low groan. Its wings spread out completely, the lowered head is raised upwards, looking at the sky proudly.

“WRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR-----------------------------!”

As if challenging the skies, the gigantic dragon roars loudly.

The coarse roar that is like a broken bell slowly becomes clear.

This may be proof that Mikaeru has began controlling Vritra. That clear sound that is like striking against crystal, reminds one of his high pitch voice.

To kill him before he takes action------ Normally Kazuma may just do so without hesitation, yet this is one of those rare exceptions. He looks up at the silvery white dragon. From the way he looks, there doesn’t seem to be any signs of him wanting to attack it.

“So, what to do……”

Ayano voices out to question Kazuma who is talking to himself:

“You still intend to save Misao?”

“Yes.”

Kazuma replies without any hesitation.

Ayano frowns and looks at Kazuma. After understanding all the truth behind it, she does not have any unpleasant emotions against Misao anymore, but------

“Listen, even though you may not want to heed what I say…… But, judging from Misao’s current situation, won’t she be happier if she dies?”

She has nothing now. Everything has been taken away by Hyoue, Mikaeru, and------ Kazuma.

Just remembering her scream then, Ayano’s chest felt as though it is being squeezed tightly.

Maybe it really is possible to save Misao from the clutches of Mikaeru. But, would that be the result that she would want?

Even if she survived, all that awaits her in the future, won’t it be only days tormented by guilt?

“…… Perhaps so!”

She had originally expected Kazuma to be angered, but he agreed unexpectedly.

“But, even so……”

There is soil in his mouth, as he raises his head to look up at that back.

That tiny body can’t stop trembling.

But the girl still spread her arms courageously, determined to stand before him.

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Please stop! This is really too much! ------

The girl uses a tone that is close to bursting in tears to beg. Even if she is right------ No, Precisely because it is right, that is why it would not be accepted by others, this was such a sentence.

Even if she is stared at, even if she is blamed, the girl still did not back off.

Her entire body trembled, a tiny back.

Burned into his blurred eyes, the one single time ten years ago that------

“Even so, I still hope that she will live on……”

“…………”

“…………”

Hearing Kazuma murmur to himself as if praying, Ayano and Ren can’t help but wonder if they had heard right.

Especially Ren. He had even forgotten to hide his shocked expression, and stares at Kazuma dumbly with his mouth wide open.

Kazuma stares at his dumbfounded brother.

“What? Is there something strange?”

“Huh……? Ah, no, there is nothing strange at all.”

Ren shakes his head hurriedly. At the same time as his tiny head wavers, his eyes also stares straight at the silent Ayano who bears a complicated expression.

“------What?”

Sensing Ren’s stare, Ayano asks impolitely.

“N…… Nothing…… Nothing at all.”

Ayano turns her back against the stuttering Ren, looks at Kazuma and says calmly:

“There is nothing wrong with that. Let’s go save her! I will act according to your instructions.”

“Is that so.”

Kazuma acts almighty, and nods his head as if that is how things should be. Ayano did not feel angry towards his attitude, but calmly listens to his plans.

“So then what should we do? If we do not know where Misao is, I cannot burn that thing up at one go. Should I start burning it slowly from the sides?”

“Why go to such trouble…… The purifying flames are used at times like this. If you just burn off all the youki, all that remains would be the living Misao. Simple right?”

“I can’t perform such a high level trick.”

“------------------------------------------ Ah?”

Kazuma stares straight at Ayano who replied instantly. He seems to be really shocked, his eyes shifted away from Vritra.

“What did you say?”

“I said, I do not know that kind of high level technique that can burn youki only.”

“……………………………”

After staring at Ayano blankly for some time, Kazuma looks towards Ren for a shred of hope. Ren shakes his head hurriedly in denial.

Kazuma sighs out deeply, grumbling in his mouth:

“……Good-for-nothing……”

“Sorry for that.”

Ayano humphs and flicks the hair that is stuck on her cheek towards the back.

“Damn! If my old man is here, this could be done so easily…… Why is it that he is not around at crucial times like this?”

“What do you mean by why------ You were the one to beat him up remember? He is still in the hospital now.”

“…… Nii-sama, that is really willful for you to say that.”

The two’s simultaneous rebuts were completely ignored by Kazuma.

“Oh well, There is no point in wishing for things that just isn’t there. It is better to have something than none, you can start burning from the side then!”

Just as those words left his mouth.

“Is your little discussion finally over?”

A laughter suddenly sounded off from above them. Raising their heads, they see the gigantic dragon using that big face that is of the size of a small lorry to look at them.

Those eyes are a bright emerald green------ Just like Mikaeru’s. That emerald luster that is reflected on that large silvery white body is undoubtedly the proof that the gigantic dragon’s body is under complete control of the dark mage.

“It should be about time that we begin.””

“It has begun long ago, you idiot.”

Faced with that will that can’t wait to start the fight, a mocking voice and a wind blade responded to it at the same time. The wind blade did not let Vritra have any time to react, and sliced off both its wings entirely.

The sliced off wings changed back into the transparent slimes upon leaving the dragon’s body. The slimes crawled forward on the ground surface, and then stuck onto the dragon’s legs, combining with the dragon directly from that spot.

After several seconds, wings sprouted from Vritra’s back once more.

“That was mean.”

With a meaning completely different from what he said, Mikaeru announces unhurriedly:

“And I was waiting so patiently for you guys. Yet to sneak attack without even shouting start, how despicable. You really have no sportsmanship.”

“Oh really, you flatter me.”

Kazuma acts humble, looking serious. The word “despicable” is but a praise to his ears.

“Next it shall be my turn!”

Vritra draws in one deep breathe. As if it really possesses lungs, its chest area begins to inflate.

After the crystal-like transparent teeth bite against each other, hot sparks were flared out in its mouth. All the air that filled the entire chest was blown out at the same time.

Dragon’s breath.

Pitch black flames stretched out in a straight line, passing through where the three were just now.

“Dragons can breathe fire. This guy really faithfully acts as how a dragon should be.”

Kazuma murmurs as he flies backwards. Vritra turns its head in pursuit of Kazuma, the shining black flames burns the air, following closely behind Kazuma.

“How persistent!”

Kazuma waves his right hand horizontally, the wind generated by this action blows the flames that are closing in at him off. At the same time, an upward wind strikes at Vritra’s chin like an uppercut.

Kachunk, the dragon’s mouth is closed up, the dragon’s breathe naturally stops as well. Kazuma lands onto the ground unhurriedly.

“Did you expect something like that can defeat me? If so, you are really underestimating me too much!”

“We were just getting to the good part!”

Vritra roars as a strike from its front legs rushes at Kazuma.

The five hooked claws at its feet, each of them possesses a length and sharpness similar to a katana. There is perhaps no organism on earth that can get hit by such a strike and still possess a full corpse!

Faced with the attack coming in horizontally, Kazuma calmly calculates the distance and dodges it easily. Having its full-scale attack dodged by the opponent, Vritra’s body began wavering, having lost balance.

“You fell for it.”

With its back towards Kazuma, Vritra bears its teeth and smirks. With the centrifugal force that comes with making a semi-circular rotation, its tail was flung out with a devastating force.

Kazuma originally intended to use wind blades to cut the tail off, but at the last moment he decided not to.

That tail that is like a log, its size is enough to contain a person within, and he cannot be certain that Misao is not inside.

“-------Che!”

He jumps up to evade, but he was just a little too late. The tail swept past the tip of his feet, Kazuma who was in the air, his body began rotating vigorously.

“Nii-sama!”

Ren releases fire pellets at Vritra who intends to follow up on its attack. The golden flames hit the neck portion of the gigantic dragon------but are reflected off by the silvery white scales.

“Huh!?”

“Quit meddling around!!”

Ren jumps backwards, attempting to dodge the backhand claws. However, pitch black fireballs were released from the tip of Vritra’s claws.

“-------!!”

Ren who is in mid-air is unable to dodge at all. Seeing Ren who hurriedly intends to use his hands to defend, Kazuma who regained his posture shouts out loudly:

[[Image:Kaze no Stigma vol 02 263.jpg|thumb]]
“Don’t block it! Get away!”

This is an impossible request, the black flames mercilessly wraps around Ren’s arms.

That filthy thing that bears youki can no longer be associated with the word fire, it is just a boiling hot mass of filthy particles.

Having its properties changed to such an extent, the spirit’s blessings are unable to take effect. The black flames mercilessly erode the body that can originally resist against fire.

“Wahhh!”

“Ren!!”

Vritra uses its huge body to stand before Kazuma who is rushing to his brother’s side.

“Get lost------------!!”

“GRRRRYYYYYYYWWWWW!!”

The shockwave met the dragon’s breathe head-on. Though the wind sliced the black flames apart, the weakened shockwave is insufficient to send Vritra’s huge body off.

“Don’t block my way------”

Kazuma waves his hand out once more. However, Vritra takes in a huge breath as well, preparing to spit fire. Ignoring the opponent’s actions entirely, Kazuma acts on his own and begins to gather wind blades.

Yet, just before the conflict happens again, a plasma ball from the side sent Vritra flying. The huge body that has a weight greater than a blue whale, is now flying in the air like a stray cat being knocked down by a car.

“------ Ayano?”

“Leave this to me.”

Ayano uses a monotonous voice to say, and then began closing in onto Vritra. She does not even look at Kazuma, and waves Enraiha calmly.

“……?”

Though Kazuma is very puzzled by that cold behaviour, but right now Ren’s situation is more important. He leaves Vritra to Ayano, and runs to the side of Ren who is sitting on the floor.

“Are you still alive, Ren!?”

“Ah, yes…… I survived somehow. But, my flames actually bounced off……”

“Well, since it is using Misao as its core, so its fire resistance probably increased as well.”

In fact, it is too humble to say that it “probably increased as well”. Having taken that attack from Ayano earlier, there is not even a trace of burnt mark on those silvery white scales. Just looking at its fire resistance, Vritra is comparable to a member of the Kannagi main family.

(…… That is to say, I cannot expect much from the two of them, and that I must take care of this myself? And to add on to that, this is free service.)

Kazuma indulges in depressing thoughts as he checks Ren’s injuries.

He was burnt from the back of his hand to his elbow, but it will not place his life in danger. Ren seems to have used his own flames to nullify the attack.

“Hmm------ It looks fine. This should not leave a scar.”

Seeing that the injury is lighter than what he had expected, he relaxes and caresses Ren’s tiny head.

“You can back off now, just leave everything else to Ayano and me.”

“I still can fight!”

Ren shouts out instantly. He raises his head and uses determined eyes to look at the surprised Kazuma.

“I still can fight, I cannot back off just because of a small injury like this.”

“----------------”

Kazuma looks straight at his brother, who possesses a strong will to fight, for some time------ and then places his hand on Ren’s head once more.

“I want to save Misao, lend me your strength!”

“Yes!”

Ren nods with pride. At this moment------

“GRRRRLLLLYYYY------------!!”

Vritra’s roar shook the air. Ren looks towards that direction, and subconsciously widens his eyes.

A glowing magical formation suddenly appeared on the ground surface, and began to wrap by the side of the gigantic dragon that is giving off a silvery white glow.

The hexagonal formation that has two circles of different diameters at the center slowly begins to spin. As the volume of the roar increases, the glow becomes more glaring, lightning running at the surface.

The lightning that is rampaging on the ground surface created countless lightning balls, floating around Vritra. The lightning balls that are connected to each other by thin lightning, is just like an electric prison trapping a gigantic dragon.

“GYYYR!”

With its short cry as a signal, all the lightning balls shot off at the same time. There were no fixed targets, just a bunch of lightning balls being shot off in a wide area, following an unpredictable route to strike at Ayano.

“Onee-sama!”

Ren cries out loudly. At this moment, Ayano uses a speed faster than the speed of sound to sprint out.

Up against the lightning balls that are falling down like rain, the tiny body speeds within their gaps at a godly speed.

An emergency stop that brings down her speed in an instant, a sharp directional change that goes against the law of inertia, and an amazing acceleration to speed up to her limit in an instant, Ayano illustrates such a body motion that can be called a miracle. The countless lightning balls are unable to touch their target at all, and begins to lose their energy like that.

After passing through the torrent of lightning, Ayano buries herself into the chest of Vritra. She dodges the claws and tail that strike at her with ease, and jumps onto Vritra’s back at the same time, using the entire weight of her body to stab Enraiha downwards.

Kachun!

A solid sound sounded off, the tip of Enraiha pierced through the silvery white scale.

Damage of this level, is nothing but a needle prick to Vritra. This is not Ayano’s real intention.

“------ Huuu!”

As she breathes out, fire spirits are injected into the gigantic dragon’s body from the tip of Enraiha. And then, ignited.

“GWYYYYYYYYYY!”

Even the sturdy scales seems fragile under the explosion from within the body. A gap big enough to contain a person within was made on the back of the dragon by the explosion.

“GRRRRWWWWWWWWWW!!”

Vritra gives off an angry roar as it twists its body. Ayano dodges the randomly waving claws and tail calmly, and pulls a distance from Vritra once more.

“------ Onee-sama is so powerful……”

After witnessing Ayano’s astonishing strength in battle, Ren gasps. Yet, Kazuma beside him seems to look displeased.

“That girl…… What the hell is she thinking?”

Ren thought that he was commenting on Ayano, and speaks in her aid hurriedly:

“B……But! Misao is also a Jutsushi of the Kannagi, she will probably not be killed by that hit earlier------”

“I don’t mean that, that kind of fighting style is too reckless. She has completely given up on defense------ Does she want to die?”

Kazuma’s voice did not carry any joke or mockery. Ren shivers, and looks at Ayano who consistently performs kamikaze style attacks.

“Onee-sama……!”

=== 3 ===

Ayano did not have anything else on her mind, focusing solely on waving the Enraiha.

Not thinking about anything at all, not hesitating, just focusing on fighting alone. She had had thoughts of showing some mercy, but she forgot about that instantly. Besides, if she goes easy against Vritra which possesses superb fire resistance, she won’t be able to do so much as to scratch it.

Wielding the divine blade that is shining with brilliance, Ayano became a weapon.

Perhaps due to this, her mental capabilities were raised to a level beyond any before. So much so that she can accurately predict the movement of those thunderballs almost at the speed of light.

Ayano dodges the furious waves of attacks by her agile movements alone. She did not have any efforts to spare to defend, and instead transfers all her energy into Enraiha’s blade.

To run even further.

To move even faster.

Without any considerations at all regarding how to protect herself, just viciously and calmly attacking the enemy. The way she is now is no different from a fighting machine.

She dodged the claws and teeth by several millimeters, and thrusts the Enraiha at the root of Vritra’s tail. The fire spirits that entered through the sharp tip, materializes into its golden flame form.

“GRRRYYYYWWWWWWW!!”

Dragging its tail that has more than half of it blown off, the giant dragon roars loudly. Ayano attacks once more fearlessly, and slices off the tail that is as big as two people hugging together entirely.

The severed tail loses its silvery white shine, turning back into a semi transparent goo piece. But that was for just a moment------ The goo piece that attaches itself with Vritra, transforms back into the shape of a tail as if nothing has happened.

The gigantic dragon bares its crystal teeth to smirk. The body that has completed its regeneration shines with a silvery white glow, there is no trace of the damage done to it earlier.

“------------”

Ayano silently brings up her Enraiha. Even after witnessing the seemingly infinite regeneration capabilities, her will to fight has not wavered one bit.

That is of course. A machine does not fear, a weapon does not hesitate, nor think at all------

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Why are you so concerned about Misao? Is it because…… You like her?

That kind of thing does not matter anymore. No matter who is in Kazuma’s heart, a machine would not be bothered by it at all.

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Even so, I still hope that she will live on……

A fighting machine that will neither waver, nor feel at a loss, does not require a heart that would be disturbed by a mere sentence.

Ayano steps onto the ground with force, plunging at Vritra’s chest.

Vritra’s hooked claws strike at Ayano at the same time, sandwiching from both directions, left and right. For that massive size, such an action may be considered very swift, but to Ayano now, it was as if it is still.

Ayano slices the middle and ring finger of the right hooked claw off, passing through the gap that she has just created, and took a detour, getting to Vritra’s back.

Yet, this is a miscalculation that cannot be any more obvious. Because Ayano still does not know, that Vritra is a combination of magical beings, and that this dragon outer appearance is but a form it took up.

Something like a tentacle grew out from somewhere around dragon’s right elbow suddenly. The sharp tip did not have a moment of hesitation, as it flies straight towards Ayano.

Her accelerated senses can already feel this gradually stretching tentacle, its distance is less than one meter away.

(...It's unavoidable.)

Ayano calmly admits this fact.

Even though her senses are accelerated, her motion will not be accelerated along with it. In this air that is sticky and gluey like tar, Ayano’s movements are slower than that of the tentacle.

The tentacle aims directly and accurate at the dead centre of Ayano’s body, causing Ayano to be unable to dodge by merely twisting her body around. At this rate, the tentacle will clearly and surely pierce through Ayano, and dealing her a fatal injury.

Ayano closes her eyes gently, quietly accepting the unavoidable “death”.

“...Ugh!?”

Padong!

This is definitely not the feeling of a murderous weapon stabbing into the body. It felt just like someone’s body come crashing into her---

“Are ya still sleeping!? Wake up! You dumb girl!”

“Ahh!?”

The angry shout by her ear pulled Ayano back to reality. She opens her eyes, Kazuma’s angry expression appears ten centimeters before her eyes.

“Ka……Kazuma!?”

The negative feelings she had ten seconds ago vanished without a trace.

This is the shocking reality, her conscience was drawn in by the glow in those eyes before her, the throbbing in her heart cannot be suppressed.

(Was he the one who saved me……?)

On that expression that is tense with nervousness, he lost his usual smile. Seeing the sweat that is coming out from his forehead, Ayano showed a smile.

Looking at the smiling Ayano, Kazuma------

“Argh!?”

Pinches her nose.

“What are you staring blankly at? Didn’t I tell you to wake up?”

“Who…… Who said I was sleeping!”

Ayano flings that hand away, but did not let go of the hand that Kazuma is hugging tightly. Their bodies are flying several tens of meters in the air. In the sky that is even higher and further up than Vritra’s head.

(I don't have a choice.)

Ayano finds an excuse for herself, and then hugs Kazuma’s body even more tightly. She subconsciously look towards Kazuma’s back.

“...Behind you!”

Before Ayano shouted, Kazuma had already turned his body agilely in mid-air. Following that, he saw countless tentacles stretching towards the two of them from all over Vritra’s body.

“Che------”

Kazuma raises his right hand at the tentacles------ but his body tenses up suddenly for some unknown reason. The wind spirits that had originally gathered at his right hand disperses immediately after going out of control.

He summons the wind once more. Yet------ The tentacles was quicker.

(Doomed!)

Right before the eyes of Ayano who once again prepared herself death, golden flames burnt off the countless tentacles.

“Great job. Ren, you did us a great favor.”

Kazuma shows a bitter smile, his mouth not forgetting to praise Ren. Looking downwards, Ren is standing on the floor with his hands high up with a prideful smile.

Kazuma reduces the speed of descent, landing cautiously. But at the moment before the landing, he was unable to support Ayano’s body weight and lost balance.

“Yoshh------“

“What’s the matter?”

Witnessing Kazuma’s rare stumble, Ayano gives off a simplistic smile. However, at the moment when she landed, she accidentally felt that warm texture at her lateral abdomen, her expression changes entirely.

She raises her hand hurriedly. Just as she thought, her entire palm is stained red.

“Wait…… Wait a minute, you're injured……”

“I'm fine, this is nothing.”

Kazuma uses his hand to press against the wound, then says with a calm expression on his face.

But Ayano does not believe one bit of what he just said. If it is just a minor wound, it would be impossible that Kazuma failed to control the wind, and it would make even less sense that he is unable to even support Ayano's weight.

With his back facing Ayano who seems to still want to ask some questions, Kazuma confronts Vritra. Obviously, he shows no signs of backing off. His determined resolve to “definitely save Misao” can be seen from the shadow emitted by his back.

And thus, her tone became very unfriendly naturally.

“Why did you save me? You even got yourself injured for that.”

“You didn’t want me to save you?”

Needless to say, that is not the answer Ayano was hoping for. Ayano thought that he was trying to change the topic, so her attitude became even more willful.

“No one asked for your help, I did not want someone like you to save me at all!”

Hearing such an ungrateful speech, even Kazuma can’t help but be a little enraged. Yet the still angry Ayano failed to notice Kazuma’s expression.

“You are the one who wanted to be a busybody, yet you still want to look as though you are the savior! You only have Misao in your mind, then don’t come bothering me, just think about how to save Misao!”

“Even if Misao is saved, it would be pointless if you died.”

“……Huh?”

Ayano ponders about what that sentence means------ No matter the conclusion, she flushes red completely.

“Wha……What! You want to be a two-timer!? I will absolutely not allow this kind of thing!”

(Chinese text used is “You want to step on two boats at the same time!?”)

“Ahh, two-timing, three-timing, they are all the same! Because I have enough power to protect them all!”

(Chinese text used is “Be it two boats, three boats, they are all the same!”)

“…………………….……………..Huh? Protect……………………………..?”

(Wait…… This means……)

Up to this point, Ayano finally realized that she has misunderstood completely. But Kazuma has yet to finish what he wants to say.

“It is not because I am chosen that I was given power! But to not lose again, to not let others take everything away------ I have already decided on that! I will not give up on anyone! I will save Misao! And I won't let you and Ren die either! I'm gonna kill that arrogant kid! Total perfection! That is the only result I will accept! You got a problem with that?!”

“Ah…… No…… Not at all.”

Faced with that imposing aura that doesn’t even allow the slightest of doubts, Ayano unknowingly replies politely. And as she was replying, she felt her expression loosen up gradually.

“Let’s forget about whether it has reached the level of love, but anyway you have created him to have a liking towards you. So there is still a chance!”

Ayano suddenly recalls what Nanase said then, her sixth sense has always been so accurate.

Kazuma sees her as “someone that he must protect”. Just this alone, all the negative feelings that has been stuck up in her heart disappeared.

She lifts her head to see Vritra who is fighting against Ren. Maybe it is just her imagination, but the opponent looks so much smaller as compared to just now. She does not even think that she would lose.

Placing her eyes back onto Kazuma, Ayano smiles and says:

“Come, let’s finish this quickly and then go home. Kazuma------ Kazuma!?”

Her voice raised by an entire scale. In the few seconds that her eyes left Kazuma, Kazuma------ That almighty Kazuma actually kneeled onto the floor entirely. She looks at the incredible sight with a pale look on her face.

“Kazuma! Ka------”

Ayano who panicked for a moment, finally recovers upon seeing that pool of blood at her feet.

There is no time to be shocked. This amount of blood loss------ Not good at all.

Even though he commands overwhelming power, he is still mortal. He will still die when faced with dying situations, a critical amount of blood loss cannot be compensated by mental strength.

Ayano doesn’t mind getting blood onto her clothes at all, and goes up to kneel by Kazuma’s side.

“Kazuma?”

“I'm fine.”

“What do you mean by fine------”

Ayano swallows the words that almost spilled out from her mouth.

Within those quiet eyes looking upwards, a strong and undying determination can be seen within. Those eyes beats any language or words, and stops any refutes.

(It won’t work……)

There is no need to even ask, Ayano understood in an instant. Just looking into those eyes, anyone would have had thought the same thing!

<nowiki>------</nowiki>Nothing can stop him.

“Move aside.”

Kazuma seems to feel impatient towards the motionless Ayano, and began to take action. He grabs Ayano by her shoulder, wanting to force her aside------ Yet that strength is pathetically weak.

Ayano breathes out lightly, and then gently removes the hand pressing against her shoulder. Instead she grabs Kazuma by his arm, who’s about to collapse, and pulls him to her side.

“You------”

“Stop your bleeding first!”

Ayano says to Kazuma who is staring at her with a fierce look.

“------Ahh?”

“I said “Stop your bleeding”! At the rate it is going, you would die within five seconds of the battle. At least cover that wound on the outside, then try to think of some way to recover your energy. Ren and I will support buy you the time to recover.”

“What the hell are you talking about, how can I leave it to you two.”

Kazuma ignores Ayano’s kind suggestion, and tries to force his legs to stand up. At this moment------

“You idiot! That is enough!”

Ayano finally got angry. She grabs Kazuma’s collar, then pulls him back with force. Kazuma’s knee loses strength once more, and falls into the pool of blood.

“What can you achieve by dragging that dying body! To just say you did your best when you lost every ounce of energy, so as to satisfy yourself, and then die just like that? Don’t make me laugh!”

Ayano continues to grab his collar, shaking Kazuma continuously. This is way too vigorous for someone who is badly wounded, but Ayano in her anger is not in the mood to care about such things.

“You want to save Misao right? You want to protect me and Ren right? Since you dare say “to protect everything”, then do what you said you would! Don’t you dare use death to run away! I will definitely not let you get away so easily! We will both leaving you your share, so back off until you can move with ease!”

“…………”

For a while, Kazuma stares dumbfounded at Ayano who is so angry she is about to cry------

“Wai……Wait……What are you doing……!?”

And then hugs her tightly.

Ayano’s ears turn red completely, her body tenses up entirely. She opens her mouth wanting to say something, but due to the sudden shock, her thoughts cannot be conveyed into words.

“……Kazuma?”

While she was being hugged, Ayano notices that Kazuma’s body trembles from time to time. She originally thought that it was due to the pain from the wound, but it seems slightly different.

It would be quite a while later that she realizes that this was him laughing to himself.

“------Kazuma?”

Hearing that low and threatening questioning, Kazuma answers, still with a bit of that laughter left on his face:

“No, I was just thinking------ You might become a fine woman in the future.”

Hearing such sudden words of flattery, the temperature of Ayano’s face went even higher. But to be able to express her joy frankly, Ayano still lacks some experience.

“Might? A fine woman? What a joke! I will definitely become a top class beauty! When that time comes, it would be too late for you to regret not having realized my potential!”

“That is hard to say, there are a lot of people who are younger than you that are already women. This has nothing to do with virgin or not, but as long as you keep thinking “someday”, you will never be a grown up.”

“……You sure are talkative for a dying man.”

Kazuma smiles against that weak rebuttal, and makes a declaration:

“Five minutes.”

“------Huh?”

“Five minutes, buy me some time.”

“Is five minutes enough? Ten minutes, or maybe twenty would be easier------”

“Five minutes.”

Kazuma holds his ground, repeating himself once more. This is not the minimum time required, but probably that the maximum amount of time he is willing to suppress his pride is five minutes?

“Fine, fine.”

Ayano replies simply, as if hoaxing a child, and then stands up. She walks straight at Vritra, but turns around again after a few steps.

She lowers her head to look at Kazuma who is placing “ki” into his palm and began healing his wound.

“------What?”

“I just wanted to ask you------ You have never thought about sacrificing yourself to save Misao, did you?”

As if trying to seek the true meaning to her words, Kazuma stares at Ayano, the side of his lips rises up suddenly.

“I------”

That originally frowning, serious look that doesn’t befit Kazuma is gone. He uses an arrogant, invincible and easy smile------ the one Ayano is most familiar with, the expression that suits Kazuma the most, to reply:

“------I don’t like dying.”

“Great!”

Ayano smiles happily, and runs off without turning her head.

Running towards the battlefield.

=== 4 ===

“GRRYYWWWWWW!!”

Ren jumps to avoid Vritra’s dragon breathe. Without a care for his pride, he runs away everywhere, and timing it to release flames when the breathe pauses from time to time.

Perhaps to try to imitate Kazuma’s wind blade, the sharp and tiny golden flames he gathered, move into Vritra’s mouth in a manner leaving a laser-like trail behind.

In the blink of an eye, the golden brilliance explodes within Vritra’s mouth. Seeing the huge dragon that tries hard to shake its head in order to put out the flames, Ren begins to adjust his irregular breathing.

Seeing that, the impressed Ayano praises:

“My, you are quite good at fighting.”

Hearing the voice behind him, Ren turns his entire body vigorous to the back.

“Nee-sama!”

But that originally bright and delightful expression soon changed to worry. Seeing the blood stains at Ayano’s feet and clothes, Ren asked in a trembling voice:

“Nii-sama, he……?”

“He is off the scene for now, but he will be back very soon.”

Even hearing Ayano’s ascertained explanation, Ren’s expression did not ease up. Ayano imitates Kazuma, and uses a slightly rough motion to caress Ren’s head.

“Believe in him, your brother is a very strong guy.”

This is definitely not a consoling sentence that is said without basis. Kazuma will be back within this period of time, regarding this, Ayano has no doubt about it.

“You are right……”

Perhaps due to that sentence, Ren’s tense expression loosens up gradually, Ayano nods her head naturally.

“That’s right, that guy won’t die even if you kill him.”

“Isn’t that going a little overboard……?”

Ignoring Ren’s objections as always, Ayano continues to say:

“So to say, our mission is to buy time and weaken the enemy’s strength------ Let’s do it!”

Ayano imbues all her strength as she waves Enraiha. The flames that burst out from the blade spills out like a flood, surrounding the silvery white dragon.

Vritra’s body which possesses outstanding fire resistance will not suffer fatal damage if it suffers a direct hit from Enraiha. To use a flame that spill out widely, without concentrating at any point, it should be unable to beat through its defenses. Yet------

“GYYYYYYYWWWWWWWW!!”

The golden flames ruthlessly invades Vritra’s body. The silvery white scales and crystal teeth are caught in the flames, and slowly drop onto the floor one by one.

“Phew------”

Placing the swung Enraiha at her shoulder, Ayano breathes out in satisfaction. Seeing that gesture, Ren laughs out, with a slight intention of making fun of her amidst his joy.

“You are finally back to your normal self?”

“Guess you can say that. Sorry, for making you guys worried.”

The reason Ayano can wield Enraiha is not because of her father, and she is certainly worthy of wielding it. Because she is undoubtedly the Jutsushi with the purest Kannagi blood in this generation.

Before such power, one cannot relax no matter how strong one’s flame resistance capabilities may be. As long as she removed jealousy and machine-like ruthlessness, and uses her power in the most natural state, it is very easy to break through Vritra’s defenses.

“Okay, one more time! Follow my timing.”

“Got it!”

Just as the two co-operate and prepare to follow up with another attack on Vritra.

“You two…… don’t seem to know your own places?”

Mikaeru’s consciousness sounds off in their minds.

“Watch this!”

With that said, a horn protrudes from the inside of the dragon’s forehead. That impressive sharp horn that matches its gigantic body very well------ On its surface, there is a female figure like those statues at the front of a ship.

After recognizing who this female is, Ren cries out loud:

“It’s Misao!”

The change does not end there.

“Woah……”

Misao’s face continues to emerge like bamboo shoots after the rain, gradually covering the entire outer surface of Vritra. Seeing such an eerie sight that would one find it hard to look at directly, Ayano and Ren shifted their eyes away at the same time.
(“Bamboo shoots after the rain” is a saying in Japan, this is because the rain will wash away the soil, revealing the bamboo shoots. It implies the appearance of something after an event. Please ask Japanese translators to give a better explanation if required.)

“See------ now you guys won’t be able to attack can you? You might as well just get killed by Vritra, I will place your heads right before Yagami’s eyes!”

“GRRRRRYYYYYYWWWWW!!”

While dodging the black flames that fall down like rain, Ayano seems to be out of ideas, and asks Ren:

“What do you think? Which one do you think is the real one?”

“Normally speaking it should be that horn…… But I don’t want to push my luck.”

“Yeah, I agree. It feels as though it is placed there on purpose, as if luring us to it.”

“GRRRRLLLLYYYY------!!”

A magical formation appears below the dragon’s feet. In resonance with its roar, lighting emerges from the gaps in the patterns.

(Lightning strike------!)

Ayano shouts out immediately:

“Hide behind me!”

“O……Okay!”

Enraiha is swung out horizontally. A wide area of fire forms a protective shield, blocking countless fireballs.
(Chinese translation error? I think it should be lightning balls…)

Withstanding the impact of hundreds of lightning balls, Ayano curses angrily:

“He seems to be getting a little arrogant thinking that we cannot retaliate……”

“Nee-sama! In front!”

“------!”

As Ayano is focusing on maintaining the kekkai, Vritra quietly snuck towards them, its vicious hooked claws are now closing in right at them..

Ayano wanted to chop its entire arm off at first, but she saw Misao’s face within the dragon’s palm. She was smiling.

“Argh------”

Ayano changes the path of her sword in an instant, and finally managed to only cut the hooked claws. She hurriedly pulls her distance away and gets back into her battle stance, but is completely out of ideas on what to do.

“Nee-sama, what should we do?”

“------What do you think we should do?”

Ayano smiles and shrugs her shoulders as she thought to herself:

(Luckily he didn’t ask for twenty minutes.)

The promised five minutes is almost up, at this rate, they will probably pull through.

(Come back quickly, Kazuma. If you dare say “give me another five more minutes”, I will not let you off.)

“WRRRRRRYYYYYYYYYY!!”

“Damn------ How annoying!”

Just as Ayano is using Enraiha to reflect the who-knows-what-number wave of attack.

Suddenly, a certain feeling emerges from the back.

Even though there is someone at the back, Ayano shows no sign of wavering, and instead accepted this feeling.

Clear with a sense of stability within. Basking in this feeling, she adapted to it without even realizing it, as if she had been fighting like this for years now.

The two stands at the most effective, and most comforting position there is.

To click together as one. That is the kind of feeling.

Ayano asks without even turning her head:

“Isn’t this a little too quick?”

“Because a boastful someone was chased everywhere. I don’t have a choice, but to return sooner. Be grateful!”

Hearing the usual sarcastic reply, Ayano laughs. This guy, he will probably talk like this to his very last breath before his death?

The surrounding winds begin to glow with a faint blue shine. Ayano grabs Enraiha tightly once more, gathering energy for this moment. Like a bow pulled back fully, all the energy is gathered at a single point------

“Go!”

Together with that angry shout, Ayano waves Enraiha down with all the strength she can muster.

Ren and Ayano separated while they were running around evading Vritra’s attacks.

“Nee…… Nee-sama……?”

As Ren is intending to confirm his nee-sama’s safety, an exceptionally powerful energy wave flew into his consciousness all of a sudden. As he is too close to it, there is no way for him to judge where it originated from. This feeling that seems as though the surrounding space shook, caused all his hair to stand up.

The impact came from the right side. An azure flame bursts out, and uses its cleansing light to surround Vritra’s huge body. The cleansing power burns off more than half of that silvery white body, Vritra loses its dragon appearance in an instant.

“Otou-san?”

Even though he knows its impossible, Ren still called out without thinking. A crystal clear azure glow, an incomparably powerful cleansing power. Without a doubt, that is the ultimate flame that Kannagi Genma controls------“The Azure Flame”.

But, Genma is still in the hospital, and he must definitely get some quiet rest, there is no way that he can appear in a place like this.

Ren follows the path of the flame, and saw that……

“Ah……”

He sighs out in relief, as if a great burden has just been lifted, and sits down onto the floor entirely. Just as he relaxes, he is also completely drained, but it doesn’t matter. Because his mission is over, all that is left is to cheer for those two.

“Go on! Nii-sama, Nee-sama!”

Ren roots for them softly.

“Wow……”

Ayano opens her eyes wide, staring at the flame that she is releasing.

The azure wind------ winds in a spiraling motion stained with the color of Kazuma’s “ki”, revolving around the golden flames that are bursting out. The two powers combine together very naturally, and boost each other.

Even hotter, even clearer------ a holy flame that pushes “cleansing” to its extreme, achieving the goal of vanquishing evil, and perhaps even through dimension, it might even be called a divine flame. Even though it feels like she is being treated like a living kerosene gun, but Ayano still continues to release flames.

Kazuma stands up to the front.

“------ Kazuma?”

“Continue.”

Kazuma gives a short command, and then rides the wind, flying up into the sky. As if the synchronized feeling just now is just an illusion, Kazuma leaves Ayano’s side without a care, flying towards the remains of Vritra.

“…………”

What he is there for, there is no need to even ask. Because the reason is so obvious, yet even though she knows the reason------

“Ahhhh! This is infuriating!”

In response to Ayano’s fury, the flame burns even more vigorously.

How can this be!?

Within Vritra’s gradually collapsing body, Mikaeru’s face becomes stiff from fear.

(How can this…… Impossible…… This has collected several hundreds------ almost one thousand people’s vigor! But, how is it possible that it lost against a mere three people? Just who the hell are they? Are there really anyone that can accommodate such an immense power among humans?)

In the end he is still unable to understand. But in reality, he is being beaten. Vritra has been destroyed beyond recovery, all the vigor collected through Misao has all been used up as well.

Defeated.

He can only admit it. There is no way to turn this around, this is failure.

Mikaeru decides to retreat instantly.

(Remember this------ Yagami Kazuma! One day I will definitely------)

He separates himself from the remains of Vritra------ the area which had been the head, that place is already a sea of flames. The azure flames mercilessly rip off the layers of youki.

The corroding horn stands tall before his eyes, Mikaeru uses eyes of hatred to stare at the girl sealed within.

“Useless thing.”

He can’t help but curse, yet he never expected anyone to reply.

“I believe you don’t have the right to say that!”

Mikaeru turns around, as if struck by lightning.

“Ya……Yagami Kazuma!”

A pathetic voice can be heard with it. Kazuma has no intentions of mocking his pathetic state, and just lowers his head to looks at Mikaeru silently.

“I knew it, just as things doesn’t seem right, you will definitely run off. Because a kid like you, don’t have the determination or will to fight to your death.”

That is a plain tone that bears no emotions, as if the other party does not even deserve to be humiliated.

This reaction hurts Mikaeru’s pride deeply, but he still forces a smile.

“Just take it that you won this time. But, don’t think this is over, I will come back again!”

With that, Mikaeru activates teleportation. Even though a kekkai that prevents teleportation has been set in this area, but that is specially designed against Misao, and is insufficient to seal Mikaeru’s teleportation. If it is just a short distance teleportation, there should be no problem------

“Wha------What?”

“What’s wrong?”

Seeing the shocked Mikaeru, Kazuma asks with an uninterested expression.

Mikaeru stares at his dreaded enemy that bears an easy expression on his face, and tries to activate teleportation once more.

<nowiki>------</nowiki>Failure.

No matter how many times he try, the result is still the same. The distorted space created to link two points up, gets destroyed immediately after it is created.

“How…… How can that……”

Mikaeru stares blankly at Kazuma. There is no doubt, this must be Kazuma’s doing. But------

“You…… You can see it? Could it be that you can see through the distorted space I created amidst this rampaging space!?”

“You can take it that way.”

“…………”

Kazuma nods as if its only natural, Mikaeru looks as though he is about to go mad as he stares at Kazuma.

The azure flames release such a massive energy that even space has begun to be distorted. Under such conditions, a small distortion created for teleportation should not even be noticed.

To put it simply, it is just like locking onto a ripple made by a small fish amidst the sea surface being rampaged by a storm. It is not humanly possible.

“You…… Just “what” the hell are you?”

Watching the murmuring Mikaeru, Kazuma smiles proudly.

“------ To not even know this, you dare to challenge me?”

Mikaeru uses fearful eyes to look up at Kazuma, looking into those blue eyes that bears a clear and deep luster within.

“A contractor……”

Someone under a contract with the spirit lord of the winds, to control all winds. To form a contract with an extraordinary existence, the world’s only “Contractor”.

Those blue eyes can be seen as proof of being a saint. A messiah that represents a spirit lord on this Earth, the mark of a saint------Stigma.

“The winds will tell me everything. Where there is air, nothing can hide from me.”

“Damn…… Dammit…… You monster……!”

Mikaeru murmurs unhappily, then draws a dagger out and jumps out. Not towards Kazuma, but to that standing sharp horn at the back------ Misao who is sealed within.

“Don’t move!”

Placing the dagger at Misao’s throat, Mikaeru shouts:

“I know. I know very well, you will not stand to watch this girl die, so I still have one last trump card. It is still to early for you to get cocky! Yagami Kazuma!”

He shows a sinister smile, and uses a sharp voice to say.

That face no longer has any of that innocent look that a child would have. A young appearance matched with an ugly, greedy expression, that unsuitable feeling made him look even uglier.

Kazuma seems uninterested as he listened to Mikaeru’s threat, and grumbles in his mouth:

“------ What an unworthy death.”

“Don’t move!”

Kazuma ignores his warning, and stretches his hand into his chest to get a cigarette. The way he lighted the cigarette looks very lazy as well, drawing the smoke deeply to fill his lungs.

“You……You think I am kidding you!? If you want this girl to live------”

“Enough.”

Kazuma stops Mikaeru in his speech.

“Wha…… What------?”

I have seen this already. If you don’t have any other tricks, then die!”

From a high altitude far away, Kazuma says that. As if saying, if you can perform some interesting new trick to please him, then for this period Kazuma will “let him live temporarily”.

“You bastard……”

Against this unbearable humiliation, Mikaeru’s voice and the hand he uses to hold the dagger begins to tremble. His bloodshot emerald eyes gradually loses rationality.

“You bastard…… You bastard…… You bastard------------!!”

Mikaeru gives off a scream at a frequency beyond what humans can hear, then thrusts the dagger in his hand. Just as the sharp blade is about to slit Misao’s throat.

<nowiki>------</nowiki>Swish!

Mikaeru’s right arm is severed from his elbow on, fresh blood gushes out like a fountain.

“Ah……Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!”

Following that, the remaining two legs and left arm were sliced apart from their roots. Mikaeru’s caterpillar-like body, then rolls into the pool of his own blood.

Kazuma steps onto Mikaeru’s stomach with force. His stomach seems to have been broken by the step, but at this point in time there is no point in caring about that.

“I had originally intended to slowly torture you, but I don’t have that much time either------ so bear with it.”

Kazuma kicks Mikaeru like a soccer ball and sends him flying. The tiny body flew off in an instant, and falls into the fiercely burning azure flames in the end.

This body that has suffered heavy injuries, no longer has any power to withstand the power of the purifying flames. The blue flames burns away the the youki that has soaked into the cells, purifying them together with the body. There is no time to even scream, the existence of Mikaeru Hari disappeared from this world entirely.

Kazuma sighs out lightly, and adjusts his breath.

“I wasted too much time, I must hurry……”

A contract with the spirit lord means to borrow the rights of the lord under limitations.

The human body can withstand the power of an extraordinary existence for some time, but this burden is beyond measure.

For example, it is like a person trying to block off an upcoming tsunami alone, to withstand such a massive force based on mental strength alone, there is no way it can last.

Needless to say that his body condition now is very bad, and is at its limit.

Kazuma urges his tired body, and walks towards that sharp horn with Misao sealed within.

To say that she is sealed is actually not accurate enough. Most of the sharp horn has already been burnt away, all that is left is the portion covering Misao’s waist and below. There is no constraint on her upper body.

Kazuma stands right before Misao, and places his hand on her forehand, forcing “ki” into her, and then gives a simple command:

“Get up.”

”……Mm……”

Misao murmurs softly, her eyelids twitches, and slowly opens.

“……Ah……?”

She doesn’t seem to be able to apprehend the current situation, and gives off a puzzled sound. The opened empty eyes gradually regains focus------ and at the instant she recognized Kazuma, she opens her eyes wide.

“Kazuma……san……”

She uses a coarse voice to call out his name, there is not a shred of hatred within that expression and voice.

“Yup. Has mind control been completely released? Let’s go back then!”

Kazuma announces calmly, then reaches out to her. Yet, Misao turns her face around, her hands placed before her chest.

“------?”

“Please, just let me…… die……”

Misao says with a trembling voice.

Kazuma stares at Misao closely, as if trying to look through Misao’s expression, with her head lowered and is covered by her hair.

“Why?”

“Because…… I am a sinner.”

“Oh? So?”

Kazuma seems to find this unbelievable, and asks once more. Misao stares at Kazuma with slanted eyes, probably thinking that he is teasing her on purpose.

“I have committed an unforgivable sin…… So…… I can only redeem myself through death……”

Kazuma looks coldly at Misao who is seeking atonement continuously.

“You are really important aren’t you.”

“……Huh?”

Kazuma stands up before the puzzled Misao, and uses the tip of his feet to kick below his feet.

“This guy, it was a really big dragon just now------ Did you know what energy did it use to move?”

“Yes…… It uses……”

Towards the pale Misao, Kazuma announces the truth mercilessly:

“It is all the people you killed, their vigor.”

“------!”

“There is probably a few hundred people------ Energy capable of moving that massive thing, I guess it would take more than just a hundred or two people!”

Misao is at a loss for words, she feels grieved over her deep sins and trembles over it.

“Using your “precious” one life, you can redeem the sin of killing several hundred people?”

Kazuma uses an extremely unnatural gentle tone to question her, and then grabs Misao’s hair, pulling her lowered face up forcefully.

“Quit joking! Are you some religious chief of some new religion!? Did you think pinning you on a cross can save all the people in this world? Don’t be so naïve! You are just trying to run away. Unwilling to face the deep sins you have committed, and unwilling to seek any method of atonement, to just try to escape through death, isn’t that right!”

“Ah…… Ahhh……”

The weakness within her heart being revealed, Misao’s tears fall down like rain.

“Even so…… Even so, what do you think I should do? With such deep sins, could there possibly be some way to redeem myself?”

She urges Kazuma for an answer. However, the answer was cruel.

“How would I know.”

“You…… You……!”

Misao can’t help but show an angry expression.

“You are really full of yourself!”

“No matter what others say, I don’t know what I don’t know. I killed plenty of people too, but let’s not mention atonement, I did not even review myself even once.”

What a completely self-centered guy. If anyone is to ask for a way to redeem himself, he is probably the most unsuitable person in the world to ask.

“Besides, aren’t you getting the sequence wrong?”

“…… What do you mean?”

Not understanding what this sentence means, the puzzled Misao questions Kazuma back.

“Who are the ones you must compensate to first? Is it those people whom we do not even know their names? Or that dumb father that wanted to kill his own daughter but got killed instead?”

Kazuma pauses for a second, then continues to say:

“No! Of course not! The one whom you created the most trouble for, the one who needs compensation most is me! It is me! So before you think about dying or to live, you should repay me first! To put it more bluntly, you have to repay with your body!”

“…………Ah?”

Misao realizes that Kazuma is not looking at her face, but staring at the location around a distance of one head below her eyes------ around her chest.

She follows Kazuma’s eyes towards her chest. Perhaps due to her clothes being dissolved by slimes, Misao is naked, and revealing her natural figure.

At the end of Kazuma’s glance, there are two soft bloated objects------

“------------!”

Misao senses an unknown danger, and uses her hands to cover her exposed breasts immediately. At the very same time, a large plasma bullet is shot from the ground.

“------Ahh?”

Kazuma uses the back of his hand to deflect the plasma shot without even turning his head around.

“Please…… Please calm down, nee-sama!”

“Let me go, Ren! I am going to vaporize that lowdown thing right here!”

Seeing the ruckus on the ground, Kazuma complains with an irritated look:

“What an annoying person, there is no way to calm down and talk about the serious stuff like this.”

(------ Serious stuff?)

Misao can’t help but stare at Kazuma’s face.

“What’s up?”

“------Ha!”

Kazuma asks seriously. The moment she saw that expression, Misao suddenly burst out in laughter.

Misao continues to bend over and laugh, Kazuma on the other hand looks at her with a puzzled look on his face.

“------Have you gone mad?”

“N……No…… I am fine.”

Misao finally suppresses the urge to laugh, and reaches out to wipe her tears.

Even though so saddened, people can still laugh. What a new discovery.

“I…… I must first compensate Kazuma-san right?”

“Ahhh, yes.”

Kazuma nods in response, and Misao nods lightly in agreement.

“I got it. Please let me compensate you with all my heart. While I make my compensation to you, I will continue to find ways to compensate the others.”

“------Is that so?”

“That is to say------ Please help me. I do not wish to die yet.”

Misao’s lower body is still connected to Vritra’s remains. At this rate, she will face the same fate as Mikaeru.

“Understood. These remains, and the youki left in your body, I will purify them altogether. It may waver a little, be careful.”

“Okay.”

Misao nods lightly, then closes her eyes.

Kazuma rides the wind flying up to the sky, pulling away the distance. Following that, he raises his right hand in the air------ and waves down at one go.

The blue wind comes tumbling down from the directly above Misao. The wind blows away all surrounding flames, and purifies all that can be considered “evil” completely.

Kazuma returns to the ground. Ayano and Ren come up to receive him.

“Where’s Misao?”

Towards Ayano’s question, Kazuma only shifts his eyes slightly upwards.

In the space where the blue light slowly grows faint, there is something that is descending from the skies slowly. The naked female covered in the light seems pure and beautiful, anyone that sees this would be deeply mesmerized.

Kazuma removes his jacket, and places it on the girl that descended from heaven.

As Ayano sees this scene, her eyebrow raised upwards. Perhaps she is reminded of the previous incident------ Kazuma completely unwilling to remove his jacket to cover her last time, until she had to strip it off him herself.

“Still alive?”

Ayano observes Misao who is being carried by Kazuma. She is unconscious, but still breathing.

“Yeah, you better go get a car, we are heading back.”

“Ah, yeah------ By the way, how’s your injury?”

“The bleeding stopped, I should be fine as long as I don’t move around too much.”

Even though he sounds relaxed, but he looks really bad, obviously having lost too much blood.

Ayano says worriedly:

“Should we go to the hospital first? You seem even weaker than Misao.”

“I must hand Misao to Suzerain personally first.”

“Yeah------ you are really gentle aren’t you.”

“You jealous?”

Ayano reflexively pulls out Enraiha.

“What…… What are you talking about! Look at your body condition, you really think you can still fight leisurely? I am definitely stronger than you now!”

“Oh? You want to kill someone that got hurt because of you? Kids these days don’t even know basic courtesy.”

Raising his head to look at the two staring at each other, Ren sighs out painfully. Once again verifying that these adults before him cannot be relied upon, he decides to contact their family by himself.

“Ah, is it Suou? We are done here, please come to get us. Try to make it quick------ Huh? Yes, someone is injured, but if we don’t try to put a stop to this, the surrounding areas…… Yes, I leave it to you.”

Keeping his cell phone, Ren’s focus shifts back to the two. There is no need to even see them to feel that their “ki” is rising.

He really didn’t expect the two to be so childish, but just in case, round two may start.

(Suou…… Come quick……)

Ren sighs once more, and praying that this calamity can be avoided at the same time.

<noinclude>
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| Return to [[Kaze_no_Stigma|Main Page]]
| Back to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume2_Chapter_5|Chapter 5]]
| Forward to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume2_Epilogue|Epilogue]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Kaze no Stigma:Volume2 Chapter 5

2010-08-23T03:03:19Z

Yozora no Amante: /* 2 */

== Fall part two – The price of Soul- ==

=== 1 ===

“…………!”

A man reading a horse racing paper while leaning against a wall noticed a woman passing through the edge of his field of view.

Wearing a tidy blue silk kimono, she looked to be in her early twenties. The man inconspicuously raised the newspaper to hide his face, but did not take his eyes off the girl.

The woman, seemingly oblivious to her observer, continued walking at the same pace. The man folded the paper under his armpit, and drew a cell phone from his belt holster.

“I see her. Tailing the target.”

(Meanwhile...)

A middle-aged man dangled a silver chain over an opened map. There is a platinum ring at the chain that forms a loop, wavering at a height that almost touches the map.

“Hmm.....”

Suddenly, the chain began to shift in a certain direction, jerking unnaturally as if pulled by some invisible force.

The man traced the direction of the chain's motion. Realizing he had gone too far, he moved back to his starting point, and after some trial and error he finally stopped at the point where the invisible force has led him.

“....Is this the place?”

The dowsing ring spun over a point on the map. The man noted the name of the location and reached for the phone on the table.

A young woman is stared attentively at a crystal ball. The beauty dressed up as a fortune teller that can be seen anywhere on the streets gave off a mysterious aura, even though it would be inappropriate to describe her this way.

The crystal ball of twenty centimeters is carved and polished flawlessly, yet for some reason there was a white mist at the its center.

In order to see through the mist, the woman glared intensely at the crystal ball, almost popping a nerve at her temple.

“....!”

Perhaps because of her effort, the white mist gradually dispersed, and an image resembling a building began to emerge.

The entire structure looked thin and long, and a black cross was set in the upper half of the white wall.

Zooming the image in on the entrance, the "fortune teller" carefully wrote down the words carved on the door.

“Speaking of which, how daring. This is indeed a blind spot.”

Smiling in praise at the unknown enemy, she walked out of the room to make her report.

(An hour later...)

The ten jutsu-shi led by Oogami Masayuki all gathered near a certain church at Ikebukuro. The purpose, needless to say, is to hunt down Misao, whom they have finally found.

The operation was a little rushed, as there was no time to hesitate. Although the hunters had failed to locate Misao's hiding place up to this point, they suddenly managed to find her through a few sources.

It was so easy as to almost be too suspicious... or rather, a trap that couldn't be any more obvious, akin to Misao waving her hand before their very eyes. One could say that she hid herself during a game of hide-and-seek, and then purposely stuck her head out, as if deliberately wanting Kazuma to catch her.

Nonetheless, Misao’s power should still be insufficient to defeat Kazuma. Precisely because of this, Masayuki acted with haste in order to put an end to this himself before Misao was defeated by someone else...

“Listen up people, there may even be a few among you that are on good terms with Misao, but such misconceptions end now. She is an unforgivable evil that has been corrupted into a demon, so do not hold back against her. In order to uphold the name and honor of the Kannagi, we must eradicate her with all of our might so that not even a single cell of her being remains!”

Standing before his gathered subordinates, Masayuki gave an emphatic speech. No one failed to understand that he really meant that “The survival of the Oogami family depends on this battle!”

Or rather, he meant nothing other than this. Emotions such as love, pity, and the pain of having to end his own daughter by his very hands were all but absent from the man. Perhaps he hardened his heart simply because the target is his own daughter - that would be a reasonable explanation, but it would certainly take a stretch of the imagination to believe that Masayuki truly meant those words from the bottom of his heart. His attitude was just like that.

As Ayano left the group, she pondered while watching Masayuki's back, "Maybe it was because of her father's insensitivity that Misao couldn't stand losing her brothers..."

Even so, the unpleasant feelings lingered in her heart. Perhaps it was merely the wishful thinking of a child, but Ayano felt that this was not the right way to raise a family.

Ren seemed to have the same thoughts, as his unease was plain.

“So then...“

After finishing his speech, Masayuki turned in their direction, a flattering smile on his face.

“If Kazuma comes over, please deal with him.”

“...Hmm.”

Under no obligation to put Masayuki at ease, Ayano blankly nodded in reply. Unsure of her answer, Masayuki frowned and asked again, “Are you sure it'll be fine?”

“What do you mean?”

”Are you confident you can win against Kazuma?”

“How could I possibly be confident about something like that?” Ayano said frankly. Instead of trying to scare him, she simply stated her true opinion.

However, Masayuki's expression immediately changed following those words.

“How.. how can that be!? Then why did you promise to take care of Kazuma!?”

“Do you even need to ask? It's because I am the only who can do it.”

Ayano looks coldly at the shocked Masayuki, and brusquely added, “No matter what your thoughts may be, Misao must be eliminated - not by the hands of others, but by us, the Kannagi clan, so I will not let Kazuma make trouble regarding this matter. If was up to you guys, you would all be killed within three seconds. But, I can buy you people up to three minutes, so figure something out during this period of time!”

The whole area became quiet instantly. Again, Ayano was not trying to be an alarmist; the number she gave, three minutes, was already a very optimistic estimate.

To think that they naively believed they could relax simply because Ayano would be facing Kazuma for them... perhaps the image of the "weak Kannagi Kazuma" is still buried deep in their hearts after all!

“So, what is the battle strategy?”

Ignoring the tension, Ayano cut to the chase and confronted Masayuki. If they had intended to fight a prolonged battle, it was time for a change of plans.

“Y-Yes. We intend to lure Misao out from the church, and then chase her to the opposite park. This entire area has been secured, so there is no worry that other people may get involved in this. After that we are going to set up spiritual wards in the park. Misao will be like a fish caught in a net. The plan is absolutely foolproof.”

“Oh...”

This actually wasn't a bad plan. In terms of battle strength, Misao is not much of a threat, so by sealing off all possible escape routes they shouldn't lose even with ten people.

“But, who is blocking the area off? And, the ward is...”

Ayano's voice trailed off when she recognized a female figure walking towards the area. The woman is wearing a tall and slim outfit with trousers. Though her face was partially obscured by sunglasses, Ayano somehow felt that she had seen this person before.

“The barrier is ready. We can start any time.”

After a routine report, the woman took off her sunglasses. Ayano's eyes widened instantly.

“A-..Ahhhhhh.....!!”

Without thinking, she pointed and cried out. That is undoubtedly the woman from before, that Kirika holding hands with Kazuma at the love hotel street.

“Hi, Ayano.”

Kirika smiles faintly, looking at Ayano expectantly.

“...You know each other?”

“We've met,” Kirika replied nonchalantly. Masayuki glared at her with a grave expression.

“I hope you mind your tone. Ayano-sama has the bloodline of the main family, so she should not be spoken to directly like this...“

“Oh, excuse my rudeness.”

Kirika apologizes respectfully, gracefully cutting off Masayuki's inevitable lecture, and saluted Ayano formally.

“I am Superintendent Tachibana Kirika from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

“Police..? The surname Tachibana, could it be that...“

"I am from a branch family,” Kirika smiled as she shrugged her shoulders.

Ayano only got more confused. The Tachibana name belonged to a famous Onmyouji clan. Even for a branch family, how is it possible for a member of the Tachibana clan became a police officer?

("Prepare a ward"------?)

Ayano instantly shifted her strict gaze to Masayuki.

“You sought the help of police?”

The duty of the Kannagi clan is to eradicate demons through direct combat, and the nature of their work requires cooperation from governmental agencies such as the police. Because of the clan's close relationship with the authorities and their astounding efforts at protecting society for the past millenium, some unreasonable requests are still accepted.

But in this case, unrelated personnel like the police should never have been involved from the start. The criminal they are hunting down is from their own family, a Kannagi jutsu-shi descended into a demon. Moreover, that particular woman's murders of over a hundred have left a great stain on the clan's reputation. Such a fact should not be revealed to outsiders.

“N-No... This is because...”

Masayuki cowered at Ayano's interrogation, but Kirika maintained her relaxed attitude.

“Please calm down, we are helping in response to Juugo-san’s request.”

“Father...?” Ayano asks in doubt. Masayuki who is hiding behind Kirika hurriedly nodded in agreement

“That's right, Oogami Misao’s hiding spot was also investigated and located by us.”

Even so, Ayano still didn't understand. Why would her overly cautious father do something that even she thought was dumb?

[[Image:Kaze no Stigma vol 02 195.jpg|thumb]]
Ignoring Ayano’s hostile eyes, Kirika defenselessly approached the girl. Then, she leaned in by the the threatening Ayano's ear, and said softly so that only she could hear, ”Be mindful of what we know.”

Ayano trembled lightly. Kirika continued speaking, looking as if though she was stifling laughter, “Those things that you 'do not want others to know', we already know very well. For example, what Oogami Misao did.... But, we have still not yet confirmed actual number of victims.”

(Should I kill her...?)

Ayano mulled it over. Although she would really rather not do so, there was no ignoring what Kirika said.

“You intend to threaten the Kannagi?” Ayano asked to confirm it one last time. If the other party nodded, there would be no turning back.

But Kirika calmly shook her head.

“Now, now, I am not so ignorant. Besides, a minor issue like this is not enough to use as a threat.”

“...What do you mean?”

“Ultimately the 'value' of the Kannagi will not be shaken by this minor scandal. The higher-ups might use it as a bargaining chip if they knew of it, but this information will be kept safely with me.”

Ayano raised an eyebrow.

“Did you just say you won't threaten us?”

“Don't you get it? I'm trying to show my sincerity.”

“...?”

“What I mean is that you can kill me now... and nobody will ever know.”

“...! Why are you...?”

“This is a small price to pay for the trust of the clan head. Besides, we will also be on record as having helped the Kannagi.”

“....”

Ayano had a strange hunch. The "we" that had appeared several times in Kirika’s speech did not seem to refer to the entire police organization. There is only one explanation that she can think of - something bridging the unrelated powers of the police and jutsu-shi.

“Could you be that...? That...unit called Information Consolidation Department or something...?”

“To be more accurate, it would be the Special Investigation Unit. I am the chief of that department,” Kirika nodded proudly.

The Special Investigation Unit of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, a department that was only recently established. As if trying to hide from the others, the nameplate of this department lurks quietly in a corner of the basement of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. Everyone knows of the existence of this department, but the actual number of people that know what they do is very few, to the extent that hardly anybody within the entire police department even knows what the "Special Investigation" means at all.

In other words, no such department exists. Such an obscure department name could only have been created to conceal the nature of its operations.

For over a century after the ancient Bureau of Onmyou was disbanded, Japan passed on most of the spiritual protecting jobs to its people. In order to gain a foothold in the modern era, the SIU was established - the only government-run exorcising organization.

As they are unable to label themselves as exorcists in broad daylight, the department picked a general name implying that it 'does odd jobs'. It is even rumored that the name of the organization is even derived from the same pronunciation as 'dead spirits'.

Leaving the etymology of government agencies, its establishment made a considerable impact in the field of exorcism.

“Oh, so there really is such a department. I hadn't heard of any of its activities, so I just figured it for some kind of urban legend.”

From Ayano’s current understanding, it is something like that.

“Hmph.”

Kirika looked hurt by such a harsh comment.

“O-Of course we have been active! Restoring distorted spiritual fields, suppressing land-bound spirits and the like... it's only because we've yet to obtain jutsu-shis with combat abilities that we've been unable to plan large scale exorcisms.”

“Ah, so you are a bunch of people that works in the shadows. That sure is befitting of a government function.

Ayano put on a smug grin that was so arrogantly "cute" to the point that it made one want slap her.

But Kirika was an adult, after all. Instead of showing her anger, she kindly smiled, “Well, the higher-ups are always unable to understand our unnoticeable activities. Ayano, do you want to come over and work in the SIU? Even as part-time job?”

“I refuse.”

Ayano's reply was firm. Yet, as if she just thought of something, looked questioningly at Kirika.

“Ah... could it be that, that one time you were trying to persuade Kazuma to join?”

“Huh? Ah, you meant the last time we met?” Kirika simply smirked.

Their positions were switched instantly. Ayano, now at a disadvantage, refused to give in and replied with a scowl, but her eyes revealed nothing but empty threats.

“Deep down, you really hope that I met with Kazuma only because of work, right?”

“N-No, I don’t...”

Despite her denying it with her mouth, Ayano couldn’t help but ask again:

“...So, what was it for?”

Seeing Ayano's cowed look, Kirika replied, "I'm not telling."

“...!”

“Be it for private reasons or work, I am under no obligations to tell you anything. Isn’t that right?”

(This.. This woman..!)

Ayano’s eyes burned with murderous intent. Even against such a menacing glare, Kirika still maintained her relaxed smile.

As the two continued their battle of egos, a hand tugged at Ayano’s sleeve. She glanced down before promptly turning back to face Kirika.

“Don’t interrupt me, Ren. I must settle things with this woman...“

“But everyone is waiting for us.”

“Huh...?”

Ayano followed Ren's gaze, noticing ten very disgruntled jutsu-shi's observing their catfight.

Masayuki seemed especially impatient. Despite his best attempts to control his temper and anxiety, he was unable to hide a very obvious nerve pulsing at his temple. It was almost as if he was using all of his will to hold back the impulse to scream “Hurry up, you two brats!!!"

Instead of roaring, Masayuki asked with insincere calm, “It is about time to head for the church... Are the both of you ready?”

But of course, these two were not mere brats who would be afraid of someone like Masayuki. They turned to the man with the fake smile on his face, and icily replied,

“Then shall we?”

“Feel free to go now.”

Masayuki’s smile froze. He looked dumbly at the two with an expression that was neither laughing nor crying.

“I believe I said earlier that 'we can start anytime'. Or are you implying that there is some reason that we must go together with you?”

“Mm...”

“You better hurry and move along. If she escapes, are you going to take responsibility?”

“Mmm...”

After being blasted by the two’s words continuously, Masayuki’s face flushed red, unable to say any more. Facing the old man cursing her with his eyes, Ayano waved him away with the indifference one would shoo a dog away with.

“Mmmgghh... Everyone, let’s go!”

After shouting out as if venting his anger, Masayuki stormed off with loud and clear footsteps, pausing to angrily reprimand the jutsu-shi who were looking at each other curiously.

“Will you hurry up!”

“G-Got it!”

Watching Masayaki and company retreat in a huff, Ayano let out a sigh.

“Finally gone.”

At such a frank reaction, Kirika asked, smiling, “You seem to hate that old man a lot, don't you, Ayano-chan?”

“Do you need even need to ask! Someone who intends to harden his heart and kill his daughter "for the survival of his clan"... There is no need to put up with him!”

“Well in my case, it doesn’t matter as long as the Soushu is happy. Besides, do you really see a future for that guy?”

Ayano could only shrug her shoulders with a bitter smile.

“All I can say is that Father has no intention of destroying the Oogami family.”

Even so, as the head of the clan he can't push all the responsibility onto someone else! Masayuki should know this is the head of his own family!

“'The one who is to take responsibility exists precisely to take up the responsibility'... I'm rather fond of that saying. By the way, do you really intend to fight with Kazuma?”

Kirika nodded as if deep in thought, and then suddenly changed the subject. Despite being slightly at a loss, Ayano still replied honestly, “Yeah, there is no one else after all. Though I may not be able to win, I can try to buy time.”

“...You don’t have to push yourself so hard. There is no shame in losing to that man.”

“I know. I don’t intend to put my life on the line for it. Besides, I have this kid with me.”

She patted Ren’s head, who had been silently standing beside her. He looked at Ayano in surprise.

“Huh..? Me too..?”

Without answering, Ayano changed her kind hand on Ren's head into a wicked claw. A sharp pain shot through Ren.

“O-Ouch! That hurts Onee-sama!”

“Let’s work hard together, Ren! ♥”

“O-Okay...”

Ren could only give in to the fear and pain, nodding with tears in his eyes.

=== 2 ===

“Thank you for your hard work.”

Kirika smiled sweetly in gratitude, eliciting an instant greeting from the police officers.

The police roadblock shift slightly, opening a small gap large enough for a single person. Passing through that small gap, Kirika, Ayano and Ren entered into the secured zone.

“……What a thorough job,” Ayano conceded with shock, looking with wonder at their surroundings.

The normally bustling city corner had been transformed into a literal ghost town. Not only were there no pedestrians, even the people inside the buildings seemed to have been all cleared away.

Kirika shrugged her shoulders lightly.

“Actually we only evacuated a few people. Most of the people sensed an abnormality and escaped before we did anything.”

“An abnormality...?”

Catching what seemed link the odor of rotten fish in the wind, Ayano frowned. The asphalt road surface felt strangely gooey. With every step, her sole seemed to be glued to the ground by a thin, sticky thread. Perhaps because of the earth's corruption, the trees in the park tilted at a dangerous angle under the wind’s blow, as if they would topple any moment.

“It is rather common nowadays to hear others say that humans are a type of animal that has lost its basic instincts. But judging from this, it seems we have not completely lost them after all. Just think about it, isn’t it strange that no civilians or reporters have come to investigate the inspection area?”

“------Now that you mention it, it seems to be that way.”

Ayano recalled the scene when they were passing through the checkpoints. The manpower present for this operation almost seems excessive for the empty streets, which would definitely arouse suspicion. Normally, Ikebukuro would never be so quiet with a police cordon set up.

(Normally, huh...)

Faced with a meaningless imagination, Ayano couldn't help but reveal a bitter smile. In a situation where youki causes the wind and earth to be corroded, it isn't even appropriate to think of the word "normal."

It was convenient of the civilians to notice the unnaturalness and escape. This way they wouldn't have to worry about witnesses or casualties, and fight as they wished.

She grinned inwardly, and walked towards the center of the secured zone. The small church here was perhaps the farthest away from the word “Holy” in the world!

The preparations for battle were ready at the target area. Ten jutsu-shi surrounded the church, not letting even an ant through.

Sensing Ayano's approach, Masayuki turned around.

“Ayano-sama and Ren-sama, please do not take part in this operation.

“I know.”

Ayano impatiently waves her hand towards Masayuki who reminded them once more.

The jutsu-shi are concentrating, waiting for Masayuki’s signal. He knows that Misao is waiting inside, and at this stage he does not intend to spend more time searching the interior.

He plans to burn down the entire church.

If ten Kannagi jutsus-shi were to release flames all at the same time, this kind of building would be destroyed before it even began burning.

It would be best if the matter could be settled just with this. In the case that she survived, they would follow the plan and force her into the park and eradicate her.

There exists no element nor chance of failure. Everyone believed firmly in their victory.

“Okay, begi……”

Right before Masayuki gave the go signal, the door of the church opened slowly. Masayuki quickly stopped his hand, and stared closely at the door.

Following a sharp squeaking sound, the door opened gradually. They were unable to see the interior at all, the darkness within rejecting the entry of all light.

On top of that, the darkness even began infesting the light. A certain black object passed through the front door, and appeared in the space filled with light.

It is someone dressed in a pitch black kimono - a black-haired girl wearing funeral robes. The human-shaped darkness eyed the group of people.

“…… Are you…… Misao……?”

Masayuki called his daughter’s name, as if moaning. The immense youki surrounding Misao continued to spread and corrupt the area around her.

“I welcome everyone’s arrival. Father as well, I am glad to see that you are still so healthy.”

Misao elegantly greeted them, announcing her sincere welcome with a gentle smile.

But anyone who knew Misao would have noticed that something was wrong. In the last ten years or so, Misao had never smiled like this towards Masayuki.

Of course, Masayuki did not even realize this. To him, Misao, who as a woman was not fit to become a fighter, was nothing more than a worthless existence to him.

Staring angrily at the daughter who is smiling innocently, Masayuki shouted from the bottom of his heart, “Silence! A dirty and despicable thing like you is not qualified to call me its Father!”

For a moment moment, the smile in Misao’s eyes vanished. But remembering her facade, she returned to her original expression.

“Sorry to have been so rude then. By the way------“

Misao looked around, verifying the faces of everyone at the scene.

“Where is Kazuma-san?”

“That guy has already been dismissed!”

Ayano answered at an astonishing speed.

“Whether he is capable enough is only secondary. We have no intention of hiring someone who does not plan to cooperate with us. This is not charity work.”

Looking down on the girl who seemed to have been waiting to say this, Misao's lips curled up in a smile.

Ayano's eyebrows jump up in an instant. Even if it was just for a moment, she saw the meaning behind that smile.

It was a mockery, an expression of contempt that one would only use to look down on others. It was an intolerable expression for a jutsushi from a branch family to make, especially one that has been corrupted into a demon.

“What is so funny……?”

Ayano questions in a suppressed tone.

“The attitude of Ayano-sama is too ugly,” Misao replied, still smiling.

*swoosh* Ayano stepped out, leaning her right body into a battle stance. A terrified Masayuki could only jump out of the way.

Ignoring the killing intent directed at her, Misao smiled and said, “Does Kazuma-san caring only for me make you that jealous?”

“------!”

The uprising murderous aura shakes the area, but Misao shows no signs of backing off. Unsure whether she was confident in winning, or had lost her sense of judgement-----

“Very well…… Speaking of which, we have yet to settle the score from last time.”

“Is that so…… I can’t recall such a thing.”

The face-off was like one of clashing swords. Their exchanged looks alone gave off sparks, building the tension until it seemed ready to explode.

Ayano quietly drew her Enraiha, its golden brilliance exorcising the nearby youki.

Faced with a sudden battle of femme fatales, the jutsushi from the branch families began trembling.

“A…… Ayano-sama. Leave Misao to us……”

Masayuki hurriedly tried to halt Ayano, but was silenced by her murderous aura. After all, the level between the two was completely different.

No one can stop them. Just as everyone at the scene is thinking this way------

“Excuse me, sorry to disturb when the two of you are so busy.”

With her ear at the mobile phone that is switched to vibration mode, Kirika made a routine announcement.

“Yagami Kazuma has appeared. He is closing in from the direction of the main road.”

Ayano’s body shook suddenly.

(I'm saved------)

Seeing this reaction, Masayuki sighs in relief.

“Ayano-sama------“

“I know.”

Keeping Enraiha raised, Ayano glared at Misao once more. The woman only lifted her chin in a smug grin of victory, noticing Ayano's furrowed brow.

(There should still be time after killing her first……)

For a moment, Ayano considered this seriously. But now that she was calm, her personal feelings came second to the mission.

“Masayuki-san, please act as we have originally planned. Superintendent Tachibana, I will not ask you to fight with Kazuma, but please maintain the spiritual boundary. Okay?”

Ayano gives off commands one by one, and finally shifts her eyes to Ren.

“Let’s go stall Kazuma!”

“…… Yes……”

Ren droops his eyes, and nods to reply with a helpless tone. Ignoring Ren’s attitude, Ayano forcefully dragged him off.

=== 3 ===

“Looks like I'm late, has it already begun?”

Sprinting on the empty streets, Kazuma grumbles, swerving as he turns a corner.

He saw Misao’s 'invitation', but noticed it an hour later than Kannagi and the police. There was no special reason for it; he just happened to have fallen asleep.

Even though he leapt out of bed immediately when he sensed the rising youki, he could not deny the fact that he came late. The only good thing about this was that it was happening next to the hotel he was using as a base in his search for Misao.

(Speaking of which, to be located so close…… Even though I am not sure who it may be, but he's good.)

Thinking about the real enemy who has yet to reveal himself, Kazuma speeds up. Perhaps due to all his wrong-doings most of the time, he did not reach the destination that easily.

Two shadows stood before Kazuma, stopping him. After identifying them with sharp eyes, he eventually let out a bored sigh.

“Oh, it’s you.”

“Well, SORRY for being me.”

Hearing his disappointed voice, Ayano retorted impolitely in the same manner. She held Enraiha in her hand, her intentions as plain as day.

Leaving that aside...

“Why is Ren here as well?”

“Well, what do you think?”

Ayano opened her palm and slaped onto the bitterly smiling Ren’s head. A loud smack echoed through the street

“Obviously, we're working together to beat you up!” Ayano exclaimed enthusiastically, but Ren backed off slightly, shaking his head vigorously from a place that Ayano couldn't see.

Kazuma decided to leave Ren aside for now. Looking straight at Ayano who seemed ready to fight anytime, Kazuma grinned confidently.

“...Are you sure you came prepared?”

A fierce ki enveloped Ayano.

“Argh……”

It's frightening. Kazuma is only standing there, but even that was scary enough already. She was completely unprepared, as there was not a single hope of victory.

“Even so, I must do this! Because only I can!”

As if trying to throw away her fears and hesitations, she raises the Enraiha with everything she has. She swings down the blade with all her strength.

“Take this..!! KAZUMA!”

A massive plasma body burned the air and sped off. Looking at that object closing in at a high speed, Kazuma effortlessly waved his hand.

The fist entangled with wind sent the plasma bullet flying. The scorching flames veered off at a 90-degree angle, tearing a huge hole in a building caught in the fireball's path.

(As expected, ranged attacks are useless...)

Ayano holds the Enraiha tightly, determined to go into melee combat.

As she gradually reduced the distance between them, intending to jump straight at Kazuma, he suddenly relaxed and took a step back.

“...?”

“I'm sorry to do this when you're all fired up, but I'm in a hurry. I'll play with you next time!”

Leaving this selfish remark, Kazuma rode the wind, flew into the sky... and disappeared. This was done by manipulating the density of air and causing a change in the refraction of light to create an effect of invisibility.

“Huhhh!?”

Ren who is standing further back gives off a sound of surprise. But Ayano has already seen this kind of trick before, and has come up with a method against it.

“Hmph...“

She raises Enraiha slowly.

“Did you think the same trick....“

Just as Fuu-jutsushi observe air flow, En-Jutsushi use fire- heat to see the world. Ayano cannot possibly miss a heat source with more than twice the temperature of the air.

“...would work on me twice?!”

A high-speed plasma bullet fired off, and accurately shot past the invisible Kazuma. Fortunately, for Kazuma, the layer of wind kekkai around him repelled the blast.

“Whoa!?”

Kazuma suddenly appeared in the sky. Having lost the protection of the wind, Fuu-Jutsushi are naturally unable to fly in the air------ and will of course fall down.

“Here we go...!”

Just before falling onto the ground, Kazuma regained control of the wind. His body flipped upright as his feet landed softly on the ground.

Looking at the proud Ayano, Kazuma sighed and lectured her, “Didn’t I tell you before? If you have time to study small tricks like this, you should go practice your sword skills.”

“It doesn't matter. It's pretty useful, after all.” Ayano shouldered Enraiha, laughing proudly.

“Are you disappointed that your technique was exposed?”

“...Not really. That aside... what are you going to do now?”

Ayano has already dragged Kazuma onto the ground, so she can use Enraiha to attack directly.

<nowiki>------</nowiki>That is, if she can hit him.

With Ayano's abilities, she can't even touch Kazuma. The difference in power is too great to be bridged by hard work or determination.

However, Ayano's composed smile doesn't fade.

“Did you really think I would go against you without thinking of anything?”

“Yup. After all, you're an animal that moves on instinct,” Kazuma replied instantly. A vein rose in Ayano's temple.

“Why, you..! Then, watch this!”

Ayano stretched her hand behind her, thrusting out the 'thing' she grabbed towards Kazuma.

“Ultimate technique! (Ren) Barrier!!”

<nowiki>------</nowiki>(Please wait a moment...)

The stopped time started to flow again.

Kazuma sighs as if emptying his lungs. He looked at Ayano with pity.

“Anyway, explain to me just what on earth you're doing.”

“Heh heh heh, no matter how wicked and inhuman you are, I doubt you'd be able to hurt Ren! As long as I have this Ren Barrier, even if I can't win, I definitely won't lose either!”

Hiding behind Ren whose entire body was lifted up by the collar, Ayano declared her stalemate with confidence.

While looking at this scene with a pained expression, Kazuma muttered, “...how should I say this, don’t you feel any shame as the next Soushu of the Kannagi?”

“I, for one, am embarrassed...” Hung like a doll that had just been washed, Ren quietly mumbled.

“Shut up! I'll do whatever it takes to win!” Ayano shouted, flustered.

“No, you still can't win. You just won’t lose.”

“Ah...that's... anyway. If you think you can break through this Ren Barrier, just try it!”

“Sure.”

Kazuma effortlessly released blades of wind that, arcing like boomerangs, sliced at both of Ayano's arms from behind.

“Kya!”

Although they didnt't reach the skin, both of Ayano's sleeves were completely shredded, surprising her enough to drop <s>Ren</s> the Barrier.

Ren quickly escapes to a place where Ayano's hands couldnt't reach him. He naturally didn't want to keep working with her.

“Hey, stop right there!”

Ayano tries to chase after Ren, but

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Swoosh!

A blade of wind flying right before the tip of her nose made her stop in her steps.

She happens to look below her feet, and noticed that the surface of the asphalt was smoothly sliced through like butter.

A cold sweat ran down Ayano's back.

“Well, I understand somewhat. Basically, you're just trying to buy some time, right?”

Ayano was frozen, her intentions exposed. Kazuma pronounced coldly, “I think I told you already, but I'm in a hurry to get there. If you keep fooling around... you'll die.”

“....!”

As if being pushed by a massive intent to kill, Ayano uses all her strength to move to the side. A blade of wind flew through the place where she had just stood.

This wasn't a threat or an attack meant to disable someone. It was clearly aimed to slice a person in two.

(He's gotten serious...?)

A shiver ran down her back. Ayano prepared to aim for the eyes, and focused every nerve in her body on the enemy in front of her.

Kazuma's attacks don't have any setup time or movements. He can release a lethal strike without even moving a finger. In comparison to dodging attacks like these, dodging bullets is much easier.

Ayano tossed aside her useless defense, prayed to God that she wouldn't suffer fatal injuries, and thrust in a straight line.

Relentlessly striking wind blades continued to extinguish the flames surrounding her entire body. Ayano gave up on meaningless dodging attempts, and closed in on Kazuma in the shortest distance possible.

(...I reached him!)

Within striking distance, the sword is faster than jutsu.

Jutsu is the substantiation of one’s will. And so, when one uses jutsu, one must think; that means the signal must cycle through the brain. In comparison, when the body is using every muscle, sometimes even the most basic will of to 'make the body move' may be left out entirely. For someone whose fighting skills have been trained to a certain extent, they have experienced the feeling of 'striking before thinking'. This speed cannot be surpassed by jutsu. No matter how much one trains, it is logically impossible to active jutsu subconsciously.

Ayano swung Enraiha down forcefully. It would be an understatement to describe the destructive might of the sword as merely "overwhelming." If a human was hit...no, even lightly grazed by it, he would become a piece of charcoal.

Kazuma moved to the left to dodge the slice. Ayano pulled the blade back, reversing her grip, and cut diagonally upwards.

Kazuma dodged left again, simultaneously dashing inside Ayano's guard, who had exposed her torso for the upward slice. Targeting Ayano's right wrist, Kazuma's disarm succeeded and Enraiha dropped from Ayano's hand. If this had been a competition, the judge would have probably announced Kazuma’s victory by now. But, this is an actual battle... and the blade that Ayano wields is Enraiha.

After dodging the palm strike aimed at her chin by twisting her body, Ayano focused her consciousness onto Enraiha. At the same time, the Enraiha that was flying in midair disappeared. Following that, she began collect energy in her chest area. Gripping her empty right hand tightly and focusing that burning, throbbing power within, Ayano once again formed Enraiha in her right hand within the blink of an eye.

She went for a vicious and sudden attack. Even though Ayano thought that her surprise attack was successful, this seemed to be within the opponent’s expectations as well. Kazuma bends backwards slightly, the tip of the blade swept by his body by a mere 4 millimeters.

Kazuma leisurely put distance between them once more, a smile appearing on his face. It was undoubtedly a smile of praise, though Ayano failed to realize it.

(Smile all you want!)

Determined to close the distance, Ayano leapt right at Kazuma. She slashed horizontally at Kazuma's body, and continued to swing as he dodged backwards.

Kazuma eventually backed up against the wall of a building, unable to retreat any further. The joy of having forced the enemy to his end brought a sinister smile to Ayano's face.

(I've got him....!)

All the muscles in her body tensed up, and her condensed power was all released at a single point. The sword tip struck straight at Kazuma’s face at the shortest distance possible. There was no way to dodge or defend against the scorching blade; Ayano firmly believed she had won.

A full-powered attack at that detestable face that is always laughing and joking around...

“Wha-“

Ayano's eyes widened as Enraiha stopped dead before Kazuma’s face, as if halted by an invisible wall. No matter how much strength she used, the remaining distance of ten centimeters could not be shortened any further.

(A wind kekkai...?)

The truth was before her eyes, but Ayano still couldn't believe believe it. A high level spirit jutsu can surpass physical phenomena------ she understood this common knowledge very well. But, just how much willpower must be concentrated to be able to make an air ward that is strong enough to withstand Enraiha? It was utterly incomprehensible to Ayano.

“Well, that's just how it is,” Kazuma mumbled as if it were only natural, and the wind kekkai disappeared at the same time. Walking past Ayano who fell forward as was unable to draw her strength back in time, Kazuma used an intolerably arrogant tone to say, “Let’s stop here for today.”

Ayano was, of course, very agitated.

“Wha..What do you mean by 'stop here for today'!? This is not a practice!”

“I accompanied you for some time already, what else do you have to complain about?”

"This isn't over.”

Ayano quickly regained her calm and pointed Enraiha at Kazuma.

“You must stay with me until Misao’s punishment is over. Because this problem must be taken care of by our own people.”

“You don’t have to worry about that, that side can hardly fend for themselves.”

“...what do you mean?”

To Ayano’s question, Kazuma silently raised three fingers.

“Three? What..?”

Kazuma didn't answer, but instead he retracted his ring finger.

“Two.”

Following that, he retracted his middle finger.

“One.”

The last one. Kazuma retracts his index finger, showing a faint grin on his face.

“Bang!”

Accompanied by an explosion, a pitch black pillar of fire erupted into the sky.

=== 4 ===

“Wha……”

Ayano stared in awe at the pillar of fire.

Black flames.

Unlike the black smoke created from burning of heavy oil, the flames themselves were black in color.

“Is that…… Misao……?”

“Is there anyone else that can use flames that are full of youki like this? Then it seems that the battle style of the Kannagi must have changed quite a bit ever since I left.”

Kazuma questioned her seriously. Perhaps he really wanted to know the answer to this question?

“We don't have anyone like that!” Ayano answered rudely. Of course, Kazuma didn't take offense and merely put an indifferent expression, shrugging as he walked off.

“H-hold it!”

Kazuma obediently stopped.

“What's the matter? Is there someone among those people there that you hope will die? Then I don’t mind waiting a bit longer; after all there are only three minutes left.”

Ayano took a while to truly understand the meaning behind that sentence. Ren, comprehending his brother, fearfully asked, “Is Misao really that strong? That even ten people working together are still unable to defeat her?"

“Six.”

Kazuma corrects truthfully.

“------Huh?”

“After that blast earlier, the presence of four people disappeared.”

Ren was struck speechless, and in turn Ayano roared, “You should've said something like that sooner!”

“You should've realized it much sooner.”

“Y...you...”

“Calm down, Onee-san.”

Ren tried in vain to pacify the near-exploding Ayano as he looked at his brother with blaming eyes.

“Onii-san, why can’t you just get along with onee-san?”

“What do you mean by "get along?" Our goals this time are entirely different. She's no friend of mine."

“Don’t tell me you still intend to defend Misao!?”

“Yup.”

Kazuma nods naturally at Ayano, who stared at him wide-eyed.

“……What are you thinking? Do you know how many people that girl killed!?”

“How would I know? I am not so kind as to pity a bunch of dead strangers.”

Kazuma spits this line out easily, and following that walks off without waiting for their reactions. Ayano hurriedly chased after him until she eventually overtook Kazuma.

The park wasn't very far. Even though she ran, she was only faster by around ten seconds. But, that was more than enough.

(Find her, and settle it in one blow!)

She was confident. No matter how strong Misao may have become, compared to herself of the main family, their levels of power were entirely different. Just one strike from Enraiha should be able to eliminate Misao.

Ayano reached the park. She jumped over the fence at the entrance, and ran into the square.

There was no need to search for her, as Misao stood at the centre of the square. Despite being surrounded by jutsushi of the branch families, there was not a single trace of anxiety on her face; on the contrary, it was the jutsushi that seemed to be trembling in fear.

The time to worry over the face of the Oogami was long past. Planning to finish Misao off in one go, Ayano pushed the Jutsushis surrounding Misao aside------ and was shocked herself.

[[Image:Kaze no Stigma vol 02 227.jpg|thumb]]
Misao did not even notice Ayano’s appearance as she happily played with a rubber ball. She wore an innocent smile, and gently dribbled the rubber ball at waist height. The group gaped at this simple repetition without any notion of boredom.

At a second glance, the rubber ball looked very old and tattered, its surface yellowish like the earth. The fading grayish black threads were spread around in great volumes, just like a bamboo curtain falling off continuously. Those wavering black threads, looked just like hair------

(Just like------?)

The instant she realized what that rubber ball was, Ayano felt goosebumps all over her body. Her hand clenched over her mouth, trying hard to keep from vomiting.

The messy black threads------ those were the hair of a man just over fifty years of age.

The red threads spread over the soil-yellow surface------ those were blood stains splattered on the victim’s skin.

The object that Misao was bouncing like a rubber ball was the head of a dead person. The face of the man who is planning to slay his own daughter for the survival of the family, now rebounded up and down between the ground and the white, tender hand.

Dum...dum...dum...

The sound of the bouncing “rubber ball” was abnormally heavy. Every time it hit the solid ground, more wounds gradually appeared on Masayuki’s painful and distorted expression.

Common sense dictates that it is impossible for a human head to bounce like a rubber ball. This may have been caused by psychic powers or something similar to move the head……

“…… Misao……”

Ayano was unable to say a word. What could she say to a girl happily playing with her father's head?

Before the eyes of Ayano and company who were staring with their breaths held, Misao bounced the “rubber ball” diligently. If there was any purpose behind this action, that could still have been seen in a more optimistic manner. Like venting her anger on the body, scaring the enemy with her power, or a part of a jutsu ritual------ anything else would have been fine. But this is different. Anyone could tell that this action was meaningless.

She treated it like a child's game. Like a kid using a crumpled piece of paper as a ball, Misao simply treated her father's head as a simple ball.

“…………”

Misao suddenly hit the “rubber ball” with force. Jumping higher than before, the “ball” bounced to her chest area, and Misao stretched her hands out to catch it.

“What have you been doing since just now?”

No one understood her murmuring.

Yet, a voice answered in reply.

“It's hard to explain so quickly, but I still rushed here.”

Like an avalanche, everyone’s eyes gathered at the same direction.

That relaxed expression without any tension did not waver at all under the stare of everyone in the area. Even though he possesses power that surpasses anyone, his demeanor was calmer and firmer than anyone.

Just that cheeky presence was enough to dispel the abnormal demonic aura given off by Misao.

Possessing the power to accept everything, Yagami Kazuma stood before the gathering as if his "right" to power was as natural as the air.

“Looks like I made it in time for the climax.”

<noinclude>
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| Return to [[Kaze_no_Stigma|Main Page]]
| Back to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume2_Chapter_4|Chapter 4]]
| Forward to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume2_Chapter_6|Chapter 6]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Kaze no Stigma:Volume2 Chapter 5

2010-08-23T02:51:21Z

Yozora no Amante: /* 2 */

Kaze no Stigma:Volume2 Chapter 5

2010-08-23T02:14:38Z

Yozora no Amante: /* 1 */

== Fall part two – The price of Soul- ==

=== 1 ===

“…………!”

A man reading a horse racing paper while leaning against a wall noticed a woman passing through the edge of his field of view.

Wearing a tidy blue silk kimono, she looked to be in her early twenties. The man inconspicuously raised the newspaper to hide his face, but did not take his eyes off the girl.

The woman, seemingly oblivious to her observer, continued walking at the same pace. The man folded the paper under his armpit, and drew a cell phone from his belt holster.

“I see her. Tailing the target.”

(Meanwhile...)

A middle-aged man dangled a silver chain over an opened map. There is a platinum ring at the chain that forms a loop, wavering at a height that almost touches the map.

“Hmm.....”

Suddenly, the chain began to shift in a certain direction, jerking unnaturally as if pulled by some invisible force.

The man traced the direction of the chain's motion. Realizing he had gone too far, he moved back to his starting point, and after some trial and error he finally stopped at the point where the invisible force has led him.

“....Is this the place?”

The dowsing ring spun over a point on the map. The man noted the name of the location and reached for the phone on the table.

A young woman is stared attentively at a crystal ball. The beauty dressed up as a fortune teller that can be seen anywhere on the streets gave off a mysterious aura, even though it would be inappropriate to describe her this way.

The crystal ball of twenty centimeters is carved and polished flawlessly, yet for some reason there was a white mist at the its center.

In order to see through the mist, the woman glared intensely at the crystal ball, almost popping a nerve at her temple.

“....!”

Perhaps because of her effort, the white mist gradually dispersed, and an image resembling a building began to emerge.

The entire structure looked thin and long, and a black cross was set in the upper half of the white wall.

Zooming the image in on the entrance, the "fortune teller" carefully wrote down the words carved on the door.

“Speaking of which, how daring. This is indeed a blind spot.”

Smiling in praise at the unknown enemy, she walked out of the room to make her report.

(An hour later...)

The ten jutsu-shi led by Oogami Masayuki all gathered near a certain church at Ikebukuro. The purpose, needless to say, is to hunt down Misao, whom they have finally found.

The operation was a little rushed, as there was no time to hesitate. Although the hunters had failed to locate Misao's hiding place up to this point, they suddenly managed to find her through a few sources.

It was so easy as to almost be too suspicious... or rather, a trap that couldn't be any more obvious, akin to Misao waving her hand before their very eyes. One could say that she hid herself during a game of hide-and-seek, and then purposely stuck her head out, as if deliberately wanting Kazuma to catch her.

Nonetheless, Misao’s power should still be insufficient to defeat Kazuma. Precisely because of this, Masayuki acted with haste in order to put an end to this himself before Misao was defeated by someone else...

“Listen up people, there may even be a few among you that are on good terms with Misao, but such misconceptions end now. She is an unforgivable evil that has been corrupted into a demon, so do not hold back against her. In order to uphold the name and honor of the Kannagi, we must eradicate her with all of our might so that not even a single cell of her being remains!”

Standing before his gathered subordinates, Masayuki gave an emphatic speech. No one failed to understand that he really meant that “The survival of the Oogami family depends on this battle!”

Or rather, he meant nothing other than this. Emotions such as love, pity, and the pain of having to end his own daughter by his very hands were all but absent from the man. Perhaps he hardened his heart simply because the target is his own daughter - that would be a reasonable explanation, but it would certainly take a stretch of the imagination to believe that Masayuki truly meant those words from the bottom of his heart. His attitude was just like that.

As Ayano left the group, she pondered while watching Masayuki's back, "Maybe it was because of her father's insensitivity that Misao couldn't stand losing her brothers..."

Even so, the unpleasant feelings lingered in her heart. Perhaps it was merely the wishful thinking of a child, but Ayano felt that this was not the right way to raise a family.

Ren seemed to have the same thoughts, as his unease was plain.

“So then...“

After finishing his speech, Masayuki turned in their direction, a flattering smile on his face.

“If Kazuma comes over, please deal with him.”

“...Hmm.”

Under no obligation to put Masayuki at ease, Ayano blankly nodded in reply. Unsure of her answer, Masayuki frowned and asked again, “Are you sure it'll be fine?”

“What do you mean?”

”Are you confident you can win against Kazuma?”

“How could I possibly be confident about something like that?” Ayano said frankly. Instead of trying to scare him, she simply stated her true opinion.

However, Masayuki's expression immediately changed following those words.

“How.. how can that be!? Then why did you promise to take care of Kazuma!?”

“Do you even need to ask? It's because I am the only who can do it.”

Ayano looks coldly at the shocked Masayuki, and brusquely added, “No matter what your thoughts may be, Misao must be eliminated - not by the hands of others, but by us, the Kannagi clan, so I will not let Kazuma make trouble regarding this matter. If was up to you guys, you would all be killed within three seconds. But, I can buy you people up to three minutes, so figure something out during this period of time!”

The whole area became quiet instantly. Again, Ayano was not trying to be an alarmist; the number she gave, three minutes, was already a very optimistic estimate.

To think that they naively believed they could relax simply because Ayano would be facing Kazuma for them... perhaps the image of the "weak Kannagi Kazuma" is still buried deep in their hearts after all!

“So, what is the battle strategy?”

Ignoring the tension, Ayano cut to the chase and confronted Masayuki. If they had intended to fight a prolonged battle, it was time for a change of plans.

“Y-Yes. We intend to lure Misao out from the church, and then chase her to the opposite park. This entire area has been secured, so there is no worry that other people may get involved in this. After that we are going to set up spiritual wards in the park. Misao will be like a fish caught in a net. The plan is absolutely foolproof.”

“Oh...”

This actually wasn't a bad plan. In terms of battle strength, Misao is not much of a threat, so by sealing off all possible escape routes they shouldn't lose even with ten people.

“But, who is blocking the area off? And, the ward is...”

Ayano's voice trailed off when she recognized a female figure walking towards the area. The woman is wearing a tall and slim outfit with trousers. Though her face was partially obscured by sunglasses, Ayano somehow felt that she had seen this person before.

“The barrier is ready. We can start any time.”

After a routine report, the woman took off her sunglasses. Ayano's eyes widened instantly.

“A-..Ahhhhhh.....!!”

Without thinking, she pointed and cried out. That is undoubtedly the woman from before, that Kirika holding hands with Kazuma at the love hotel street.

“Hi, Ayano.”

Kirika smiles faintly, looking at Ayano expectantly.

“...You know each other?”

“We've met,” Kirika replied nonchalantly. Masayuki glared at her with a grave expression.

“I hope you mind your tone. Ayano-sama has the bloodline of the main family, so she should not be spoken to directly like this...“

“Oh, excuse my rudeness.”

Kirika apologizes respectfully, gracefully cutting off Masayuki's inevitable lecture, and saluted Ayano formally.

“I am Superintendent Tachibana Kirika from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

“Police..? The surname Tachibana, could it be that...“

"I am from a branch family,” Kirika smiled as she shrugged her shoulders.

Ayano only got more confused. The Tachibana name belonged to a famous Onmyouji clan. Even for a branch family, how is it possible for a member of the Tachibana clan became a police officer?

("Prepare a ward"------?)

Ayano instantly shifted her strict gaze to Masayuki.

“You sought the help of police?”

The duty of the Kannagi clan is to eradicate demons through direct combat, and the nature of their work requires cooperation from governmental agencies such as the police. Because of the clan's close relationship with the authorities and their astounding efforts at protecting society for the past millenium, some unreasonable requests are still accepted.

But in this case, unrelated personnel like the police should never have been involved from the start. The criminal they are hunting down is from their own family, a Kannagi jutsu-shi descended into a demon. Moreover, that particular woman's murders of over a hundred have left a great stain on the clan's reputation. Such a fact should not be revealed to outsiders.

“N-No... This is because...”

Masayuki cowered at Ayano's interrogation, but Kirika maintained her relaxed attitude.

“Please calm down, we are helping in response to Juugo-san’s request.”

“Father...?” Ayano asks in doubt. Masayuki who is hiding behind Kirika hurriedly nodded in agreement

“That's right, Oogami Misao’s hiding spot was also investigated and located by us.”

Even so, Ayano still didn't understand. Why would her overly cautious father do something that even she thought was dumb?

[[Image:Kaze no Stigma vol 02 195.jpg|thumb]]
Ignoring Ayano’s hostile eyes, Kirika defenselessly approached the girl. Then, she leaned in by the the threatening Ayano's ear, and said softly so that only she could hear, ”Be mindful of what we know.”

Ayano trembled lightly. Kirika continued speaking, looking as if though she was stifling laughter, “Those things that you 'do not want others to know', we already know very well. For example, what Oogami Misao did.... But, we have still not yet confirmed actual number of victims.”

(Should I kill her...?)

Ayano mulled it over. Although she would really rather not do so, there was no ignoring what Kirika said.

“You intend to threaten the Kannagi?” Ayano asked to confirm it one last time. If the other party nodded, there would be no turning back.

But Kirika calmly shook her head.

“Now, now, I am not so ignorant. Besides, a minor issue like this is not enough to use as a threat.”

“...What do you mean?”

“Ultimately the 'value' of the Kannagi will not be shaken by this minor scandal. The higher-ups might use it as a bargaining chip if they knew of it, but this information will be kept safely with me.”

Ayano raised an eyebrow.

“Did you just say you won't threaten us?”

“Don't you get it? I'm trying to show my sincerity.”

“...?”

“What I mean is that you can kill me now... and nobody will ever know.”

“...! Why are you...?”

“This is a small price to pay for the trust of the clan head. Besides, we will also be on record as having helped the Kannagi.”

“....”

Ayano had a strange hunch. The "we" that had appeared several times in Kirika’s speech did not seem to refer to the entire police organization. There is only one explanation that she can think of - something bridging the unrelated powers of the police and jutsu-shi.

“Could you be that...? That...unit called Information Consolidation Department or something...?”

“To be more accurate, it would be the Special Investigation Unit. I am the chief of that department,” Kirika nodded proudly.

The Special Investigation Unit of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, a department that was only recently established. As if trying to hide from the others, the nameplate of this department lurks quietly in a corner of the basement of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. Everyone knows of the existence of this department, but the actual number of people that know what they do is very few, to the extent that hardly anybody within the entire police department even knows what the "Special Investigation" means at all.

In other words, no such department exists. Such an obscure department name could only have been created to conceal the nature of its operations.

For over a century after the ancient Bureau of Onmyou was disbanded, Japan passed on most of the spiritual protecting jobs to its people. In order to gain a foothold in the modern era, the SIU was established - the only government-run exorcising organization.

As they are unable to label themselves as exorcists in broad daylight, the department picked a general name implying that it 'does odd jobs'. It is even rumored that the name of the organization is even derived from the same pronunciation as 'dead spirits'.

Leaving the etymology of government agencies, its establishment made a considerable impact in the field of exorcism.

“Oh, so there really is such a department. I hadn't heard of any of its activities, so I just figured it for some kind of urban legend.”

From Ayano’s current understanding, it is something like that.

“Hmph.”

Kirika looked hurt by such a harsh comment.

“O-Of course we have been active! Restoring distorted spiritual fields, suppressing land-bound spirits and the like... it's only because we've yet to obtain jutsu-shis with combat abilities that we've been unable to plan large scale exorcisms.”

“Ah, so you are a bunch of people that works in the shadows. That sure is befitting of a government function.

Ayano put on a smug grin that was so arrogantly "cute" to the point that it made one want slap her.

But Kirika was an adult, after all. Instead of showing her anger, she kindly smiled, “Well, the higher-ups are always unable to understand our unnoticeable activities. Ayano, do you want to come over and work in the SIU? Even as part-time job?”

“I refuse.”

Ayano's reply was firm. Yet, as if she just thought of something, looked questioningly at Kirika.

“Ah... could it be that, that one time you were trying to persuade Kazuma to join?”

“Huh? Ah, you meant the last time we met?” Kirika simply smirked.

Their positions were switched instantly. Ayano, now at a disadvantage, refused to give in and replied with a scowl, but her eyes revealed nothing but empty threats.

“Deep down, you really hope that I met with Kazuma only because of work, right?”

“N-No, I don’t...”

Despite her denying it with her mouth, Ayano couldn’t help but ask again:

“...So, what was it for?”

Seeing Ayano's cowed look, Kirika replied, "I'm not telling."

“...!”

“Be it for private reasons or work, I am under no obligations to tell you anything. Isn’t that right?”

(This.. This woman..!)

Ayano’s eyes burned with murderous intent. Even against such a menacing glare, Kirika still maintained her relaxed smile.

As the two continued their battle of egos, a hand tugged at Ayano’s sleeve. She glanced down before promptly turning back to face Kirika.

“Don’t interrupt me, Ren. I must settle things with this woman...“

“But everyone is waiting for us.”

“Huh...?”

Ayano followed Ren's gaze, noticing ten very disgruntled jutsu-shi's observing their catfight.

Masayuki seemed especially impatient. Despite his best attempts to control his temper and anxiety, he was unable to hide a very obvious nerve pulsing at his temple. It was almost as if he was using all of his will to hold back the impulse to scream “Hurry up, you two brats!!!"

Instead of roaring, Masayuki asked with insincere calm, “It is about time to head for the church... Are the both of you ready?”

But of course, these two were not mere brats who would be afraid of someone like Masayuki. They turned to the man with the fake smile on his face, and icily replied,

“Then shall we?”

“Feel free to go now.”

Masayuki’s smile froze. He looked dumbly at the two with an expression that was neither laughing nor crying.

“I believe I said earlier that 'we can start anytime'. Or are you implying that there is some reason that we must go together with you?”

“Mm...”

“You better hurry and move along. If she escapes, are you going to take responsibility?”

“Mmm...”

After being blasted by the two’s words continuously, Masayuki’s face flushed red, unable to say any more. Facing the old man cursing her with his eyes, Ayano waved him away with the indifference one would shoo a dog away with.

“Mmmgghh... Everyone, let’s go!”

After shouting out as if venting his anger, Masayuki stormed off with loud and clear footsteps, pausing to angrily reprimand the jutsu-shi who were looking at each other curiously.

“Will you hurry up!”

“G-Got it!”

Watching Masayaki and company retreat in a huff, Ayano let out a sigh.

“Finally gone.”

At such a frank reaction, Kirika asked, smiling, “You seem to hate that old man a lot, don't you, Ayano-chan?”

“Do you need even need to ask! Someone who intends to harden his heart and kill his daughter "for the survival of his clan"... There is no need to put up with him!”

“Well in my case, it doesn’t matter as long as the Soushu is happy. Besides, do you really see a future for that guy?”

Ayano could only shrug her shoulders with a bitter smile.

“All I can say is that Father has no intention of destroying the Oogami family.”

Even so, as the head of the clan he can't push all the responsibility onto someone else! Masayuki should know this is the head of his own family!

“'The one who is to take responsibility exists precisely to take up the responsibility'... I'm rather fond of that saying. By the way, do you really intend to fight with Kazuma?”

Kirika nodded as if deep in thought, and then suddenly changed the subject. Despite being slightly at a loss, Ayano still replied honestly, “Yeah, there is no one else after all. Though I may not be able to win, I can try to buy time.”

“...You don’t have to push yourself so hard. There is no shame in losing to that man.”

“I know. I don’t intend to put my life on the line for it. Besides, I have this kid with me.”

She patted Ren’s head, who had been silently standing beside her. He looked at Ayano in surprise.

“Huh..? Me too..?”

Without answering, Ayano changed her kind hand on Ren's head into a wicked claw. A sharp pain shot through Ren.

“O-Ouch! That hurts Onee-sama!”

“Let’s work hard together, Ren! ♥”

“O-Okay...”

Ren could only give in to the fear and pain, nodding with tears in his eyes.

=== 2 ===

“Thank you for your hard work.”

Kirika smiled sweetly in gratitude, eliciting an instant greeting from the police officers.

The police roadblock shift slightly, opening a small gap large enough for a single person. Passing through that small gap, Kirika, Ayano and Ren entered into the secured zone.

“……What a thorough job,” Ayano conceded with shock, looking with wonder at their surroundings.

The normally bustling city corner had been transformed into a literal ghost town. Not only were there no pedestrians, even the people inside the buildings seemed to have been all cleared away.

Kirika shrugged her shoulders lightly.

“Actually we only evacuated a few people. Most of the people sensed an abnormality and escaped before we did anything.”

“An abnormality...?”

Catching what seemed link the odor of rotten fish in the wind, Ayano frowned. The asphalt road surface felt strangely gooey. With every step, her sole seemed to be glued to the ground by a thin, sticky thread. Perhaps because of the earth's corruption, the trees in the park tilted at a dangerous angle under the wind’s blow, as if they would topple any moment.

“It is rather common nowadays to hear others say that humans are a type of animal that has lost its basic instincts. But judging from this, it seems we have not completely lost them after all. Just think about it, isn’t it strange that no civilians or reporters have come to investigate the inspection area?”

“------Now that you mention it, it seems to be that way.”

Ayano recalled the scene when they were passing through the checkpoints. The manpower present for this operation almost seems excessive for the empty streets, which would definitely arouse suspicion. Normally, Ikebukuro would never so quiet with a police cordon set up.

(Normally, huh...)

Faced with a meaningless imagination, Ayano couldn't help but reveal a bitter smile. In a situation where youki causes the wind and earth to be corroded, it isn't even appropriate to think of the word "normal."

It was convenient of the civilians to notice the unnaturalness and escape. This way they wouldn't have to worry about witnesses or casualties, and fight as they wished.

She grinned inwardly, and walked towards the center of the secured zone. The small church here was perhaps the farthest away from the word “Holy” in the world!

The preparations for battle were ready at the target area. Ten jutsu-shi surrounded the church, not letting even an ant through.

Sensing Ayano's approach, Masayuki turned around.

“Ayano-sama and Ren-sama, please do not take part in this operation.

“I know.”

Ayano impatiently waves her hand towards Masayuki who reminded them once more.

The jutsu-shi are concentrating, waiting for Masayuki’s signal. He knows that Misao is waiting inside, and at this stage he does not intend to spend more time searching the interior.

He plans to burn down the entire church.

If ten Kannagi jutsus-shi were to release flames all at the same time, this kind of building would be destroyed before it even began burning.

It would be best if the matter could be settled just with this. In the case that she survived, they would follow the plan and force her into the park and eradicate her.

There exists no element nor chance of failure. Everyone believed firmly in their victory.

“Okay, begi……”

Right before Masayuki gave the go signal, the door of the church opened slowly. Masayuki quickly stopped his hand, and stared closely at the door.

Following a sharp squeaking sound, the door opened gradually. They were unable to see the interior at all, the darkness within rejecting the entry of all light.

On top of that, the darkness even began infesting the light. A certain black object passed through the front door, and appeared in the space filled with light.

It is someone dressed in a pitch black kimono - a black-haired girl wearing funeral robes. The human-shaped darkness eyed the group of people.

“…… Are you…… Misao……?”

Masayuki called his daughter’s name, as if moaning. The immense youki surrounding Misao continued to spread and corrupt the area around her.

“I welcome everyone’s arrival. Father as well, I am glad to see that you are still so healthy.”

Misao elegantly greeted them, announcing her sincere welcome with a gentle smile.

But anyone who knew Misao would have noticed that something was wrong. In the last ten years or so, Misao had never smiled like this towards Masayuki.

Of course, Masayuki did not even realize this. To him, Misao, who as a woman was not fit to become a fighter, was nothing more than a worthless existence to him.

Staring angrily at the daughter who is smiling innocently, Masayuki shouted from the bottom of his heart, “Silence! A dirty and despicable thing like you is not qualified to call me its Father!”

For a moment moment, the smile in Misao’s eyes vanished. But remembering her facade, she returned to her original expression.

“Sorry to have been so rude then. By the way------“

Misao looked around, verifying the faces of everyone at the scene.

“Where is Kazuma-san?”

“That guy has already been dismissed!”

Ayano answered at an astonishing speed.

“Whether he is capable enough is only secondary. We have no intention of hiring someone who does not plan to cooperate with us. This is not charity work.”

Looking down on the girl who seemed to have been waiting to say this, Misao's lips curled up in a smile.

Ayano's eyebrows jump up in an instant. Even if it was just for a moment, she saw the meaning behind that smile.

It was a mockery, an expression of contempt that one would only use to look down on others. It was an intolerable expression for a jutsushi from a branch family to make, especially one that has been corrupted into a demon.

“What is so funny……?”

Ayano questions in a suppressed tone.

“The attitude of Ayano-sama is too ugly,” Misao replied, still smiling.

*swoosh* Ayano stepped out, leaning her right body into a battle stance. A terrified Masayuki could only jump out of the way.

Ignoring the killing intent directed at her, Misao smiled and said, “Does Kazuma-san caring only for me make you that jealous?”

“------!”

The uprising murderous aura shakes the area, but Misao shows no signs of backing off. Unsure whether she was confident in winning, or had lost her sense of judgement-----

“Very well…… Speaking of which, we have yet to settle the score from last time.”

“Is that so…… I can’t recall such a thing.”

The face-off was like one of clashing swords. Their exchanged looks alone gave off sparks, building the tension until it seemed ready to explode.

Ayano quietly drew her Enraiha, its golden brilliance exorcising the nearby youki.

Faced with a sudden battle of femme fatales, the jutsushi from the branch families began trembling.

“A…… Ayano-sama. Leave Misao to us……”

Masayuki hurriedly tried to halt Ayano, but was silenced by her murderous aura. After all, the level between the two was completely different.

No one can stop them. Just as everyone at the scene is thinking this way------

“Excuse me, sorry to disturb when the two of you are so busy.”

With her ear at the mobile phone that is switched to vibration mode, Kirika made a routine announcement.

“Yagami Kazuma has appeared. He is closing in from the direction of the main road.”

Ayano’s body shook suddenly.

(I'm saved------)

Seeing this reaction, Masayuki sighs in relief.

“Ayano-sama------“

“I know.”

Keeping Enraiha raised, Ayano glared at Misao once more. The woman only lifted her chin in a smug grin of victory, noticing Ayano's furrowed brow.

(There should still be time after killing her first……)

For a moment, Ayano considered this seriously. But now that she was calm, her personal feelings came second to the mission.

“Masayuki-san, please act as we have originally planned. Superintendent Tachibana, I will not ask you to fight with Kazuma, but please maintain the spiritual boundary. Okay?”

Ayano gives off commands one by one, and finally shifts her eyes to Ren.

“Let’s go stall Kazuma!”

“…… Yes……”

Ren droops his eyes, and nods to reply with a helpless tone. Ignoring Ren’s attitude, Ayano forcefully dragged him off.

=== 3 ===

“Looks like I'm late, has it already begun?”

Sprinting on the empty streets, Kazuma grumbles, swerving as he turns a corner.

He saw Misao’s 'invitation', but noticed it an hour later than Kannagi and the police. There was no special reason for it; he just happened to have fallen asleep.

Even though he leapt out of bed immediately when he sensed the rising youki, he could not deny the fact that he came late. The only good thing about this was that it was happening next to the hotel he was using as a base in his search for Misao.

(Speaking of which, to be located so close…… Even though I am not sure who it may be, but he's good.)

Thinking about the real enemy who has yet to reveal himself, Kazuma speeds up. Perhaps due to all his wrong-doings most of the time, he did not reach the destination that easily.

Two shadows stood before Kazuma, stopping him. After identifying them with sharp eyes, he eventually let out a bored sigh.

“Oh, it’s you.”

“Well, SORRY for being me.”

Hearing his disappointed voice, Ayano retorted impolitely in the same manner. She held Enraiha in her hand, her intentions as plain as day.

Leaving that aside...

“Why is Ren here as well?”

“Well, what do you think?”

Ayano opened her palm and slaped onto the bitterly smiling Ren’s head. A loud smack echoed through the street

“Obviously, we're working together to beat you up!” Ayano exclaimed enthusiastically, but Ren backed off slightly, shaking his head vigorously from a place that Ayano couldn't see.

Kazuma decided to leave Ren aside for now. Looking straight at Ayano who seemed ready to fight anytime, Kazuma grinned confidently.

“...Are you sure you came prepared?”

A fierce ki enveloped Ayano.

“Argh……”

It's frightening. Kazuma is only standing there, but even that was scary enough already. She was completely unprepared, as there was not a single hope of victory.

“Even so, I must do this! Because only I can!”

As if trying to throw away her fears and hesitations, she raises the Enraiha with everything she has. She swings down the blade with all her strength.

“Take this..!! KAZUMA!”

A massive plasma body burned the air and sped off. Looking at that object closing in at a high speed, Kazuma effortlessly waved his hand.

The fist entangled with wind sent the plasma bullet flying. The scorching flames veered off at a 90-degree angle, tearing a huge hole in a building caught in the fireball's path.

(As expected, ranged attacks are useless...)

Ayano holds the Enraiha tightly, determined to go into melee combat.

As she gradually reduced the distance between them, intending to jump straight at Kazuma, he suddenly relaxed and took a step back.

“...?”

“I'm sorry to do this when you're all fired up, but I'm in a hurry. I'll play with you next time!”

Leaving this selfish remark, Kazuma rode the wind, flew into the sky... and disappeared. This was done by manipulating the density of air and causing a change in the refraction of light to create an effect of invisibility.

“Huhhh!?”

Ren who is standing further back gives off a sound of surprise. But Ayano has already seen this kind of trick before, and has come up with a method against it.

“Hmph...“

She raises Enraiha slowly.

“Did you think the same trick....“

Just as Fuu-jutsushi observe air flow, En-Jutsushi use fire- heat to see the world. Ayano cannot possibly miss a heat source with more than twice the temperature of the air.

“...would work on me twice?!”

A high-speed plasma bullet fired off, and accurately shot past the invisible Kazuma. Fortunately, for Kazuma, the layer of wind kekkai around him repelled the blast.

“Whoa!?”

Kazuma suddenly appeared in the sky. Having lost the protection of the wind, Fuu-Jutsushi are naturally unable to fly in the air------ and will of course fall down.

“Here we go...!”

Just before falling onto the ground, Kazuma regained control of the wind. His body flipped upright as his feet landed softly on the ground.

Looking at the proud Ayano, Kazuma sighed and lectured her, “Didn’t I tell you before? If you have time to study small tricks like this, you should go practice your sword skills.”

“It doesn't matter. It's pretty useful, after all.” Ayano shouldered Enraiha, laughing proudly.

“Are you disappointed that your technique was exposed?”

“...Not really. That aside... what are you going to do now?”

Ayano has already dragged Kazuma onto the ground, so she can use Enraiha to attack directly.

<nowiki>------</nowiki>That is, if she can hit him.

With Ayano's abilities, she can't even touch Kazuma. The difference in power is too great to be bridged by hard work or determination.

However, Ayano's composed smile doesn't fade.

“Did you really think I would go against you without thinking of anything?”

“Yup. After all, you're an animal that moves on instinct,” Kazuma replied instantly. A vein rose in Ayano's temple.

“Why, you..! Then, watch this!”

Ayano stretched her hand behind her, thrusting out the 'thing' she grabbed towards Kazuma.

“Ultimate technique! (Ren) Barrier!!”

<nowiki>------</nowiki>(Please wait a moment...)

The stopped time started to flow again.

Kazuma sighs as if emptying his lungs. He looked at Ayano with pity.

“Anyway, explain to me just what on earth you're doing.”

“Heh heh heh, no matter how wicked and inhuman you are, I doubt you'd be able to hurt Ren! As long as I have this Ren Barrier, even if I can't win, I definitely won't lose either!”

Hiding behind Ren whose entire body was lifted up by the collar, Ayano declared her stalemate with confidence.

While looking at this scene with a pained expression, Kazuma muttered, “...how should I say this, don’t you feel any shame as the next Soushu of the Kannagi?”

“I, for one, am embarrassed...” Hung like a doll that had just been washed, Ren quietly mumbled.

“Shut up! I'll do whatever it takes to win!” Ayano shouted, flustered.

“No, you still can't win. You just won’t lose.”

“Ah...that's... anyway. If you think you can break through this Ren Barrier, just try it!”

“Sure.”

Kazuma effortlessly released blades of wind that, arcing like boomerangs, sliced at both of Ayano's arms from behind.

“Kya!”

Although they didnt't reach the skin, both of Ayano's sleeves were completely shredded, surprising her enough to drop <s>Ren</s> the Barrier.

Ren quickly escapes to a place where Ayano's hands couldnt't reach him. He naturally didn't want to keep working with her.

“Hey, stop right there!”

Ayano tries to chase after Ren, but

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Swoosh!

A blade of wind flying right before the tip of her nose made her stop in her steps.

She happens to look below her feet, and noticed that the surface of the asphalt was smoothly sliced through like butter.

A cold sweat ran down Ayano's back.

“Well, I understand somewhat. Basically, you're just trying to buy some time, right?”

Ayano was frozen, her intentions exposed. Kazuma pronounced coldly, “I think I told you already, but I'm in a hurry to get there. If you keep fooling around... you'll die.”

“....!”

As if being pushed by a massive intent to kill, Ayano uses all her strength to move to the side. A blade of wind flew through the place where she had just stood.

This wasn't a threat or an attack meant to disable someone. It was clearly aimed to slice a person in two.

(He's gotten serious...?)

A shiver ran down her back. Ayano prepared to aim for the eyes, and focused every nerve in her body on the enemy in front of her.

Kazuma's attacks don't have any setup time or movements. He can release a lethal strike without even moving a finger. In comparison to dodging attacks like these, dodging bullets is much easier.

Ayano tossed aside her useless defense, prayed to God that she wouldn't suffer fatal injuries, and thrust in a straight line.

Relentlessly striking wind blades continued to extinguish the flames surrounding her entire body. Ayano gave up on meaningless dodging attempts, and closed in on Kazuma in the shortest distance possible.

(...I reached him!)

Within striking distance, the sword is faster than jutsu.

Jutsu is the substantiation of one’s will. And so, when one uses jutsu, one must think; that means the signal must cycle through the brain. In comparison, when the body is using every muscle, sometimes even the most basic will of to 'make the body move' may be left out entirely. For someone whose fighting skills have been trained to a certain extent, they have experienced the feeling of 'striking before thinking'. This speed cannot be surpassed by jutsu. No matter how much one trains, it is logically impossible to active jutsu subconsciously.

Ayano swung Enraiha down forcefully. It would be an understatement to describe the destructive might of the sword as merely "overwhelming." If a human was hit...no, even lightly grazed by it, he would become a piece of charcoal.

Kazuma moved to the left to dodge the slice. Ayano pulled the blade back, reversing her grip, and cut diagonally upwards.

Kazuma dodged left again, simultaneously dashing inside Ayano's guard, who had exposed her torso for the upward slice. Targeting Ayano's right wrist, Kazuma's disarm succeeded and Enraiha dropped from Ayano's hand. If this had been a competition, the judge would have probably announced Kazuma’s victory by now. But, this is an actual battle... and the blade that Ayano wields is Enraiha.

After dodging the palm strike aimed at her chin by twisting her body, Ayano focused her consciousness onto Enraiha. At the same time, the Enraiha that was flying in midair disappeared. Following that, she began collect energy in her chest area. Gripping her empty right hand tightly and focusing that burning, throbbing power within, Ayano once again formed Enraiha in her right hand within the blink of an eye.

She went for a vicious and sudden attack. Even though Ayano thought that her surprise attack was successful, this seemed to be within the opponent’s expectations as well. Kazuma bends backwards slightly, the tip of the blade swept by his body by a mere 4 millimeters.

Kazuma leisurely put distance between them once more, a smile appearing on his face. It was undoubtedly a smile of praise, though Ayano failed to realize it.

(Smile all you want!)

Determined to close the distance, Ayano leapt right at Kazuma. She slashed horizontally at Kazuma's body, and continued to swing as he dodged backwards.

Kazuma eventually backed up against the wall of a building, unable to retreat any further. The joy of having forced the enemy to his end brought a sinister smile to Ayano's face.

(I've got him....!)

All the muscles in her body tensed up, and her condensed power was all released at a single point. The sword tip struck straight at Kazuma’s face at the shortest distance possible. There was no way to dodge or defend against the scorching blade; Ayano firmly believed she had won.

A full-powered attack at that detestable face that is always laughing and joking around...

“Wha-“

Ayano's eyes widened as Enraiha stopped dead before Kazuma’s face, as if halted by an invisible wall. No matter how much strength she used, the remaining distance of ten centimeters could not be shortened any further.

(A wind kekkai...?)

The truth was before her eyes, but Ayano still couldn't believe believe it. A high level spirit jutsu can surpass physical phenomena------ she understood this common knowledge very well. But, just how much willpower must be concentrated to be able to make an air ward that is strong enough to withstand Enraiha? It was utterly incomprehensible to Ayano.

“Well, that's just how it is,” Kazuma mumbled as if it were only natural, and the wind kekkai disappeared at the same time. Walking past Ayano who fell forward as was unable to draw her strength back in time, Kazuma used an intolerably arrogant tone to say, “Let’s stop here for today.”

Ayano was, of course, very agitated.

“Wha..What do you mean by 'stop here for today'!? This is not a practice!”

“I accompanied you for some time already, what else do you have to complain about?”

"This isn't over.”

Ayano quickly regained her calm and pointed Enraiha at Kazuma.

“You must stay with me until Misao’s punishment is over. Because this problem must be taken care of by our own people.”

“You don’t have to worry about that, that side can hardly fend for themselves.”

“...what do you mean?”

To Ayano’s question, Kazuma silently raised three fingers.

“Three? What..?”

Kazuma didn't answer, but instead he retracted his ring finger.

“Two.”

Following that, he retracted his middle finger.

“One.”

The last one. Kazuma retracts his index finger, showing a faint grin on his face.

“Bang!”

Accompanied by an explosion, a pitch black pillar of fire erupted into the sky.

=== 4 ===

“Wha……”

Ayano stared in awe at the pillar of fire.

Black flames.

Unlike the black smoke created from burning of heavy oil, the flames themselves were black in color.

“Is that…… Misao……?”

“Is there anyone else that can use flames that are full of youki like this? Then it seems that the battle style of the Kannagi must have changed quite a bit ever since I left.”

Kazuma questioned her seriously. Perhaps he really wanted to know the answer to this question?

“We don't have anyone like that!” Ayano answered rudely. Of course, Kazuma didn't take offense and merely put an indifferent expression, shrugging as he walked off.

“H-hold it!”

Kazuma obediently stopped.

“What's the matter? Is there someone among those people there that you hope will die? Then I don’t mind waiting a bit longer; after all there are only three minutes left.”

Ayano took a while to truly understand the meaning behind that sentence. Ren, comprehending his brother, fearfully asked, “Is Misao really that strong? That even ten people working together are still unable to defeat her?"

“Six.”

Kazuma corrects truthfully.

“------Huh?”

“After that blast earlier, the presence of four people disappeared.”

Ren was struck speechless, and in turn Ayano roared, “You should've said something like that sooner!”

“You should've realized it much sooner.”

“Y...you...”

“Calm down, Onee-san.”

Ren tried in vain to pacify the near-exploding Ayano as he looked at his brother with blaming eyes.

“Onii-san, why can’t you just get along with onee-san?”

“What do you mean by "get along?" Our goals this time are entirely different. She's no friend of mine."

“Don’t tell me you still intend to defend Misao!?”

“Yup.”

Kazuma nods naturally at Ayano, who stared at him wide-eyed.

“……What are you thinking? Do you know how many people that girl killed!?”

“How would I know? I am not so kind as to pity a bunch of dead strangers.”

Kazuma spits this line out easily, and following that walks off without waiting for their reactions. Ayano hurriedly chased after him until she eventually overtook Kazuma.

The park wasn't very far. Even though she ran, she was only faster by around ten seconds. But, that was more than enough.

(Find her, and settle it in one blow!)

She was confident. No matter how strong Misao may have become, compared to herself of the main family, their levels of power were entirely different. Just one strike from Enraiha should be able to eliminate Misao.

Ayano reached the park. She jumped over the fence at the entrance, and ran into the square.

There was no need to search for her, as Misao stood at the centre of the square. Despite being surrounded by jutsushi of the branch families, there was not a single trace of anxiety on her face; on the contrary, it was the jutsushi that seemed to be trembling in fear.

The time to worry over the face of the Oogami was long past. Planning to finish Misao off in one go, Ayano pushed the Jutsushis surrounding Misao aside------ and was shocked herself.

[[Image:Kaze no Stigma vol 02 227.jpg|thumb]]
Misao did not even notice Ayano’s appearance as she happily played with a rubber ball. She wore an innocent smile, and gently dribbled the rubber ball at waist height. The group gaped at this simple repetition without any notion of boredom.

At a second glance, the rubber ball looked very old and tattered, its surface yellowish like the earth. The fading grayish black threads were spread around in great volumes, just like a bamboo curtain falling off continuously. Those wavering black threads, looked just like hair------

(Just like------?)

The instant she realized what that rubber ball was, Ayano felt goosebumps all over her body. Her hand clenched over her mouth, trying hard to keep from vomiting.

The messy black threads------ those were the hair of a man just over fifty years of age.

The red threads spread over the soil-yellow surface------ those were blood stains splattered on the victim’s skin.

The object that Misao was bouncing like a rubber ball was the head of a dead person. The face of the man who is planning to slay his own daughter for the survival of the family, now rebounded up and down between the ground and the white, tender hand.

Dum...dum...dum...

The sound of the bouncing “rubber ball” was abnormally heavy. Every time it hit the solid ground, more wounds gradually appeared on Masayuki’s painful and distorted expression.

Common sense dictates that it is impossible for a human head to bounce like a rubber ball. This may have been caused by psychic powers or something similar to move the head……

“…… Misao……”

Ayano was unable to say a word. What could she say to a girl happily playing with her father's head?

Before the eyes of Ayano and company who were staring with their breaths held, Misao bounced the “rubber ball” diligently. If there was any purpose behind this action, that could still have been seen in a more optimistic manner. Like venting her anger on the body, scaring the enemy with her power, or a part of a jutsu ritual------ anything else would have been fine. But this is different. Anyone could tell that this action was meaningless.

She treated it like a child's game. Like a kid using a crumpled piece of paper as a ball, Misao simply treated her father's head as a simple ball.

“…………”

Misao suddenly hit the “rubber ball” with force. Jumping higher than before, the “ball” bounced to her chest area, and Misao stretched her hands out to catch it.

“What have you been doing since just now?”

No one understood her murmuring.

Yet, a voice answered in reply.

“It's hard to explain so quickly, but I still rushed here.”

Like an avalanche, everyone’s eyes gathered at the same direction.

That relaxed expression without any tension did not waver at all under the stare of everyone in the area. Even though he possesses power that surpasses anyone, his demeanor was calmer and firmer than anyone.

Just that cheeky presence was enough to dispel the abnormal demonic aura given off by Misao.

Possessing the power to accept everything, Yagami Kazuma stood before the gathering as if his "right" to power was as natural as the air.

“Looks like I made it in time for the climax.”

<noinclude>
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|-
| Return to [[Kaze_no_Stigma|Main Page]]
| Back to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume2_Chapter_4|Chapter 4]]
| Forward to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume2_Chapter_6|Chapter 6]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Kaze no Stigma:Volume2 Chapter 5

2010-08-23T02:08:44Z

Yozora no Amante: /* 1 */

== Fall part two – The price of Soul- ==

=== 1 ===

“…………!”

A man reading a horse racing paper while leaning against a wall noticed a woman passing through the edge of his field of view.

Wearing a tidy blue silk kimono, she looked to be in her early twenties. The man inconspicuously raised the newspaper to hide his face, but did not take his eyes off the girl.

The woman, seemingly oblivious to her observer, continued walking at the same pace. The man folded the paper under his armpit, and drew a cell phone from his belt holster.

“I see her. Tailing the target.”

(Meanwhile...)

A middle-aged man dangled a silver chain over an opened map. There is a platinum ring at the chain that forms a loop, wavering at a height that almost touches the map.

“Hmm.....”

Suddenly, the chain began to shift in a certain direction, jerking unnaturally as if pulled by some invisible force.

The man traced the direction of the chain's motion. Realizing he had gone too far, he moved back to his starting point, and after some trial and error he finally stopped at the point where the invisible force has led him.

“....Is this the place?”

The dowsing ring spun over a point on the map. The man noted the name of the location and reached for the phone on the table.

A young woman is stared attentively at a crystal ball. The beauty dressed up as a fortune teller that can be seen anywhere on the streets gave off a mysterious aura, even though it would be inappropriate to describe her this way.

The crystal ball of twenty centimeters is carved and polished flawlessly, yet for some reason there was a white mist at the its center.

In order to see through the mist, the woman glared intensely at the crystal ball, almost popping a nerve at her temple.

“....!”

Perhaps because of her effort, the white mist gradually dispersed, and an image resembling a building began to emerge.

The entire structure looked thin and long, and a black cross was set in the upper half of the white wall.

Zooming the image in on the entrance, the "fortune teller" carefully wrote down the words carved on the door.

“Speaking of which, how daring. This is indeed a blind spot.”

Smiling in praise at the unknown enemy, she walked out of the room to make her report.

(An hour later...)

The ten jutsu-shi led by Oogami Masayuki all gathered near a certain church at Ikebukuro. The purpose, needless to say, is to hunt down Misao, whom they have finally found.

The operation was a little rushed, as there was no time to hesitate. Although the hunters had failed to locate Misao's hiding place up to this point, they suddenly managed to find her through a few sources.

It was so easy as to almost be too suspicious... or rather, a trap that couldn't be any more obvious, akin to Misao waving her hand before their very eyes. One could say that she hid herself during a game of hide-and-seek, and then purposely stuck her head out, as if deliberately wanting Kazuma to catch her.

Nonetheless, Misao’s power should still be insufficient to defeat Kazuma. Precisely because of this, Masayuki acted with haste in order to put an end to this himself before Misao was defeated by someone else...

“Listen up people, there may even be a few among you that are on good terms with Misao, but such misconceptions end now. She is an unforgivable evil that has been corrupted into a demon, so do not hold back against her. In order to uphold the name and honor of the Kannagi, we must eradicate her with all of our might so that not even a single cell of her being remains!”

Standing before his gathered subordinates, Masayuki gave an emphatic speech. No one failed to understand that he really meant that “The survival of the Oogami family depends on this battle!”

Or rather, he meant nothing other than this. Emotions such as love, pity, and the pain of having to end his own daughter by his very hands were all but absent from the man. Perhaps he hardened his heart simply because the target is his own daughter - that would be a reasonable explanation, but it would certainly take a stretch of the imagination to believe that Masayuki truly meant those words from the bottom of his heart. His attitude was just like that.

As Ayano left the group, she pondered while watching Masayuki's back, "Maybe it was because of her father's insensitivity that Misao couldn't stand losing her brothers..."

Even so, the unpleasant feelings lingered in her heart. Perhaps it was merely the wishful thinking of a child, but Ayano felt that this was not the right way to raise a family.

Ren seemed to have the same thoughts, as his unease was plain.

“So then...“

After finishing his speech, Masayuki turned in their direction, a flattering smile on his face.

“If Kazuma comes over, please deal with him.”

“...Hmm.”

Under no obligation to put Masayuki at ease, Ayano blankly nodded in reply. Unsure of her answer, Masayuki frowned and asked again, “Are you sure it'll be fine?”

“What do you mean?”

”Are you confident you can win against Kazuma?”

“How could I possibly be confident about something like that?” Ayano said frankly. Instead of trying to scare him, she simply stated her true opinion.

However, Masayuki's expression immediately changed following those words.

“How.. how can that be!? Then why did you promise to take care of Kazuma!?”

“Do you even need to ask? It's because I am the only who can do it.”

Ayano looks coldly at the shocked Masayuki, and brusquely added, “No matter what your thoughts may be, Misao must be eliminated - not by the hands of others, but by us, the Kannagi clan, so I will not let Kazuma make trouble regarding this matter. If was up to you guys, you would all be killed within three seconds. But, I can buy you people up to three minutes, so figure something out during this period of time!”

The whole area became quiet instantly. Again, Ayano was not trying to be an alarmist; the number she gave, three minutes, was already a very optimistic estimate.

To think that they naively believed they could relax simply because Ayano would be facing Kazuma for them... perhaps the image of the "weak Kannagi Kazuma" is still buried deep in their hearts after all!

“So, what is the battle strategy?”

Ignoring the tension, Ayano cut to the chase and confronted Masayuki. If they had intended to fight a prolonged battle, it was time for a change of plans.

“Y-Yes. We intend to lure Misao out from the church, and then chase her to the opposite park. This entire area has been secured, so there is no worry that other people may get involved in this. After that we are going to set up spiritual wards in the park. Misao will be like a fish caught in a net. The plan is absolutely foolproof.”

“Oh...”

This actually wasn't a bad plan. In terms of battle strength, Misao is not much of a threat, so by sealing off all possible escape routes they shouldn't lose even with ten people.

“But, who is blocking the area off? And, the ward is...”

Ayano's voice trailed off when she recognized a female figure walking towards the area. The woman is wearing a tall and slim outfit with trousers. Though her face was partially obscured by sunglasses, Ayano somehow felt that she had seen this person before.

“The barrier is ready. We can start any time.”

After a routine report, the woman took off her sunglasses. Ayano's eyes widened instantly.

“A-..Ahhhhhh.....!!”

Without thinking, she pointed and cried out. That is undoubtedly the woman from before, that Kirika holding hands with Kazuma at the love hotel street.

“Hi, Ayano.”

Kirika smiles faintly, looking at Ayano expectantly.

“...You know each other?”

“We've met,” Kirika replied nonchalantly. Masayuki glared at her with a grave expression.

“I hope you mind your tone. Ayano-sama has the bloodline of the main family, so she should not be spoken to directly like this...“

“Oh, excuse my rudeness.”

Kirika apologizes respectfully, gracefully cutting off Masayuki's inevitable lecture, and saluted Ayano formally.

“I am Superintendent Tachibana Kirika from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

“Police..? The surname Tachibana, could it be that...“

"I am from a branch family,” Kirika smiled as she shrugged her shoulders.

Ayano only got more confused. The Tachibana name belonged to a famous Onmyouji clan. Even for a branch family, how is it possible for a member of the Tachibana clan became a police officer?

("Prepare a ward"------?)

Ayano instantly shifted her strict gaze to Masayuki.

“You sought the help of police?”

The duty of the Kannagi clan is to eradicate demons through direct combat, and the nature of their work requires cooperation from governmental agencies such as the police. Because of the clan's close relationship with the authorities and their astounding efforts at protecting society for the past millenium, some unreasonable requests are still accepted.

But in this case, unrelated personnel like the police should never have been involved from the start. The criminal they are hunting down is from their own family, a Kannagi jutsu-shi descended into a demon. Moreover, that particular woman's murders of over a hundred have left a great stain on the clan's reputation. Such a fact should not be revealed to outsiders.

“N-No... This is because...”

Masayuki cowered at Ayano's interrogation, but Kirika maintained her relaxed attitude.

“Please calm down, we are helping in response to Juugo-san’s request.”

“Father...?” Ayano asks in doubt. Masayuki who is hiding behind Kirika hurriedly nodded in agreement

“That's right, Oogami Misao’s hiding spot was also investigated and located by us.”

Even so, Ayano still didn't understand. Why would her overly cautious father do something that even she thought was dumb?

[[Image:Kaze no Stigma vol 02 195.jpg|thumb]]
Ignoring Ayano’s hostile eyes, Kirika defenselessly approached the girl. Then, she leaned in by the the threatening Ayano's ear, and said softly so that only she could hear, ”Be mindful of what we know.”

Ayano trembled lightly. Kirika continued speaking, looking as if though she was stifling laughter, “Those things that you 'do not want others to know', we already know very well. For example, what Oogami Misao did.... But, we have still not yet confirmed actual number of victims.”

(Should I kill her...?)

Ayano mulled it over. Although she would really rather not do so, there was no ignoring what Kirika said.

“You intend to threaten the Kannagi?” Ayano asked to confirm it one last time. If the other party nodded, there would be no turning back.

But Kirika calmly shook her head.

“Now, now, I am not so ignorant. Besides, a minor issue like this is not enough to use as a threat.”

“...What do you mean?”

“Ultimately the 'value' of the Kannagi will not be shaken by this minor scandal. The higher-ups might use it as a bargaining chip if they knew of it, but this information will be kept safely with me.”

Ayano raised an eyebrow.

“Did you just say you won't threaten us?”

“Don't you get it? I'm trying to show my sincerity.”

“...?”

“What I mean is that you can kill me now... and nobody will ever know.”

“...! Why are you...?”

“This is a small price to pay for the trust of the clan head. Besides, we will also be on record as having helped the Kannagi.”

“....”

Ayano had a strange hunch. The "we" that had appeared several times in Kirika’s speech did not seem to refer to the entire police organization. There is only one explanation that she can think of - something bridging the unrelated powers of the police and jutsu-shi.

“Could you be that...? That...unit called Information Consolidation Department or something...?”

“To be more accurate, it would be the Special Investigation Unit. I am the chief of that department,” Kirika nodded proudly.

The Special Investigation Unit of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, a department that was only recently established. As if trying to hide from the others, the nameplate of this department lurks quietly in a corner of the basement of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. Everyone knows of the existence of this department, but the actual number of people that know what they do is very few, to the extent that hardly anybody within the entire police department even knows what the "Special Investigation" means at all.

In other words, no such department exists. Such an obscure department name could only have been created to conceal the nature of its operations.

For over a century after the ancient Bureau of Onmyou was disbanded, Japan passed on most of the spiritual protecting jobs to its people. In order to gain a foothold in the modern era, the SIU was established - the only government-run exorcising organization.

As they are unable to label themselves as exorcists in broad daylight, the department picked a general name implying that it 'does odd jobs'. It is even rumored that the name of the organization is even derived from the same pronunciation as 'dead spirits'.

Leaving the etymology of government agencies, its establishment made a considerable impact in the field of exorcism.

“Oh, so there really is such a department. I hadn't heard of any of its activities, so I just figured it for some kind of urban legend.”

From Ayano’s current understanding, it is something like that.

“Hmph.”

Kirika looked hurt by such a harsh comment.

“O-Of course we have been active! Restoring distorted spiritual fields, suppressing land-bound spirits and the like... it's only because we've yet to obtain jutsu-shis with combat abilities that we've been unable to plan large scale exorcisms.”

“Ah, so you are a bunch of people that works in the shadows. That sure is befitting of a government function.

Ayano put on a smug grin that was so arrogantly "cute" to the point that it made one want slap her.

But Kirika was an adult, after all. Instead of showing her anger, she kindly smiled, “Well, the higher-ups are always unable to understand our unnoticeable activities. Ayano, do you want to come over and work in the SIU? Even as part-time job?”

“I refuse.”

Ayano's reply was firm. Yet, as if she just thought of something, looked questioningly at Kirika.

“Ah... could it be that, that one time you were trying to persuade Kazuma to join?”

“Huh? Ah, you meant the last time we met?” Kirika simply smirked.

Their positions were switched instantly. Ayano, now at a disadvantage, refused to give in and replied with a scowl, but her eyes revealed nothing but empty threats.

“Deep down, you really hope that I met with Kazuma only because of work, right?”

“N-No, I don’t...”

Despite her denying it with her mouth, Ayano couldn’t help but ask again:

“...So, what was it for?”

Seeing Ayano's cowed look, Kirika replied, "I'm not telling."

“...!”

“Be it for private reasons or work, I am under no obligations to tell you anything. Isn’t that right?”

(This.. This woman..!)

Ayano’s eyes burned with murderous intent. Even against such a menacing glare, Kirika still maintained her relaxed smile.

As the two continued their battle of egos, a hand tugged at Ayano’s sleeve. She glanced down before promptly turning back to face Kirika.

“Don’t interrupt me, Ren. I must settle things with this woman...“

“But everyone is waiting for us.”

“Huh...?”

Ayano followed Ren's gaze, noticing ten very disgruntled jutsu-shi's observing their catfight.

Masayuki seemed especially impatient. Despite his best attempts to control his temper and anxiety, he was unable to hide a very obvious nerve pulsing at his temple. It was almost as if he was using all of his will to hold back the impulse to scream “Hurry up, you two brats!!!"

Instead of roaring, Masayuki asked with insincere calm, “It is about time to head for the church... Are the both of you ready?”

But of course, these two were not mere brats who would be afraid of someone like Masayuki. They turned to the man with the fake smile on his face, and icily replied,

“Then shall we?”

“Feel free to go now.”

Masayuki’s smile froze. He looked dumbly at the two with an expression that was neither laughing nor crying.

“I believe I said earlier that 'we can start anytime'. Or are you implying that there is some reason that we must go together with you?”

“Mm...”

“You better hurry and move along. If she escapes, are you going to take responsibility?”

“Mmm...”

After being blasted by the two’s words continuously, Masayuki’s face flushed red, unable to say any more. Facing the old man cursing her with his eyes, Ayano waved him away with the indifference one would shoo a dog away with.

“Mmmgghh... Everyone, let’s go!”

After shouting out as if venting his anger, Masayuki stormed off with loud and clear footsteps, pausing to angrily reprimand the jutsu-shi who were looking at each other curiously.

“Will you hurry up!”

“G-Got it!”

Watching Masayaki and company retreat in a huff, Ayano let out a sigh.

“Finally gone.”

At such a frank reaction, Kirika asked, smiling, “You seem to hate that old man a lot, don't you, Ayano-chan?”

“Do you need even need to ask! Someone who intends to harden his heart and kill his daughter "for the survival of his clan"... There is no need to put up with him!”

“Well in my case, it doesn’t matter as long as the Soushu is happy. Besides, do you really see a future for that guy?”

Ayano could only shrug her shoulders with a bitter smile.

“All I can say is that Father has no intention of destroying the Oogami family.”

Even so, as the head of the clan he can't push all the responsibility onto someone else! Masayuki should know this is the head of his own family!

“'The one who is to take responsibility exists precisely to take up the responsibility'... I'm rather fond of that saying. By the way, do you really intend to fight with Kazuma?”

Kirika nodded as if deep in thought, and then suddenly changed the subject. Despite being slightly at a loss, Ayano still replied honestly, “Yeah, there is no one else after all. Though I may not be able to win, I can try to buy time.”

“...You don’t have to push yourself so hard. There is no shame in losing to that man.”

“I know. I don’t intend to put my life on the line for it. Besides, I have this kid with me.”

She patted Ren’s head, who had been silently standing beside her. He looked at Ayano in surprise.

“Huh..? Me too..?”

Without answering, Ayano changed her kind hand on Ren's head into a wicked claw. A sharp pain shot through Ren.

“O-Ouch! That hurts Onee-sama!”

“Let’s work hard together, Ren! [heart symbol]”

“O-Okay...”

Ren could only give in to the fear and pain, nodding with tears in his eyes.

=== 2 ===

“Thank you for your hard work.”

Kirika smiled sweetly in gratitude, eliciting an instant greeting from the police officers.

The police roadblock shift slightly, opening a small gap large enough for a single person. Passing through that small gap, Kirika, Ayano and Ren entered into the secured zone.

“……What a thorough job,” Ayano conceded with shock, looking with wonder at their surroundings.

The normally bustling city corner had been transformed into a literal ghost town. Not only were there no pedestrians, even the people inside the buildings seemed to have been all cleared away.

Kirika shrugged her shoulders lightly.

“Actually we only evacuated a few people. Most of the people sensed an abnormality and escaped before we did anything.”

“An abnormality...?”

Catching what seemed link the odor of rotten fish in the wind, Ayano frowned. The asphalt road surface felt strangely gooey. With every step, her sole seemed to be glued to the ground by a thin, sticky thread. Perhaps because of the earth's corruption, the trees in the park tilted at a dangerous angle under the wind’s blow, as if they would topple any moment.

“It is rather common nowadays to hear others say that humans are a type of animal that has lost its basic instincts. But judging from this, it seems we have not completely lost them after all. Just think about it, isn’t it strange that no civilians or reporters have come to investigate the inspection area?”

“------Now that you mention it, it seems to be that way.”

Ayano recalled the scene when they were passing through the checkpoints. The manpower present for this operation almost seems excessive for the empty streets, which would definitely arouse suspicion. Normally, Ikebukuro would never so quiet with a police cordon set up.

(Normally, huh...)

Faced with a meaningless imagination, Ayano couldn't help but reveal a bitter smile. In a situation where youki causes the wind and earth to be corroded, it isn't even appropriate to think of the word "normal."

It was convenient of the civilians to notice the unnaturalness and escape. This way they wouldn't have to worry about witnesses or casualties, and fight as they wished.

She grinned inwardly, and walked towards the center of the secured zone. The small church here was perhaps the farthest away from the word “Holy” in the world!

The preparations for battle were ready at the target area. Ten jutsu-shi surrounded the church, not letting even an ant through.

Sensing Ayano's approach, Masayuki turned around.

“Ayano-sama and Ren-sama, please do not take part in this operation.

“I know.”

Ayano impatiently waves her hand towards Masayuki who reminded them once more.

The jutsu-shi are concentrating, waiting for Masayuki’s signal. He knows that Misao is waiting inside, and at this stage he does not intend to spend more time searching the interior.

He plans to burn down the entire church.

If ten Kannagi jutsus-shi were to release flames all at the same time, this kind of building would be destroyed before it even began burning.

It would be best if the matter could be settled just with this. In the case that she survived, they would follow the plan and force her into the park and eradicate her.

There exists no element nor chance of failure. Everyone believed firmly in their victory.

“Okay, begi……”

Right before Masayuki gave the go signal, the door of the church opened slowly. Masayuki quickly stopped his hand, and stared closely at the door.

Following a sharp squeaking sound, the door opened gradually. They were unable to see the interior at all, the darkness within rejecting the entry of all light.

On top of that, the darkness even began infesting the light. A certain black object passed through the front door, and appeared in the space filled with light.

It is someone dressed in a pitch black kimono - a black-haired girl wearing funeral robes. The human-shaped darkness eyed the group of people.

“…… Are you…… Misao……?”

Masayuki called his daughter’s name, as if moaning. The immense youki surrounding Misao continued to spread and corrupt the area around her.

“I welcome everyone’s arrival. Father as well, I am glad to see that you are still so healthy.”

Misao elegantly greeted them, announcing her sincere welcome with a gentle smile.

But anyone who knew Misao would have noticed that something was wrong. In the last ten years or so, Misao had never smiled like this towards Masayuki.

Of course, Masayuki did not even realize this. To him, Misao, who as a woman was not fit to become a fighter, was nothing more than a worthless existence to him.

Staring angrily at the daughter who is smiling innocently, Masayuki shouted from the bottom of his heart, “Silence! A dirty and despicable thing like you is not qualified to call me its Father!”

For a moment moment, the smile in Misao’s eyes vanished. But remembering her facade, she returned to her original expression.

“Sorry to have been so rude then. By the way------“

Misao looked around, verifying the faces of everyone at the scene.

“Where is Kazuma-san?”

“That guy has already been dismissed!”

Ayano answered at an astonishing speed.

“Whether he is capable enough is only secondary. We have no intention of hiring someone who does not plan to cooperate with us. This is not charity work.”

Looking down on the girl who seemed to have been waiting to say this, Misao's lips curled up in a smile.

Ayano's eyebrows jump up in an instant. Even if it was just for a moment, she saw the meaning behind that smile.

It was a mockery, an expression of contempt that one would only use to look down on others. It was an intolerable expression for a jutsushi from a branch family to make, especially one that has been corrupted into a demon.

“What is so funny……?”

Ayano questions in a suppressed tone.

“The attitude of Ayano-sama is too ugly,” Misao replied, still smiling.

*swoosh* Ayano stepped out, leaning her right body into a battle stance. A terrified Masayuki could only jump out of the way.

Ignoring the killing intent directed at her, Misao smiled and said, “Does Kazuma-san caring only for me make you that jealous?”

“------!”

The uprising murderous aura shakes the area, but Misao shows no signs of backing off. Unsure whether she was confident in winning, or had lost her sense of judgement-----

“Very well…… Speaking of which, we have yet to settle the score from last time.”

“Is that so…… I can’t recall such a thing.”

The face-off was like one of clashing swords. Their exchanged looks alone gave off sparks, building the tension until it seemed ready to explode.

Ayano quietly drew her Enraiha, its golden brilliance exorcising the nearby youki.

Faced with a sudden battle of femme fatales, the jutsushi from the branch families began trembling.

“A…… Ayano-sama. Leave Misao to us……”

Masayuki hurriedly tried to halt Ayano, but was silenced by her murderous aura. After all, the level between the two was completely different.

No one can stop them. Just as everyone at the scene is thinking this way------

“Excuse me, sorry to disturb when the two of you are so busy.”

With her ear at the mobile phone that is switched to vibration mode, Kirika made a routine announcement.

“Yagami Kazuma has appeared. He is closing in from the direction of the main road.”

Ayano’s body shook suddenly.

(I'm saved------)

Seeing this reaction, Masayuki sighs in relief.

“Ayano-sama------“

“I know.”

Keeping Enraiha raised, Ayano glared at Misao once more. The woman only lifted her chin in a smug grin of victory, noticing Ayano's furrowed brow.

(There should still be time after killing her first……)

For a moment, Ayano considered this seriously. But now that she was calm, her personal feelings came second to the mission.

“Masayuki-san, please act as we have originally planned. Superintendent Tachibana, I will not ask you to fight with Kazuma, but please maintain the spiritual boundary. Okay?”

Ayano gives off commands one by one, and finally shifts her eyes to Ren.

“Let’s go stall Kazuma!”

“…… Yes……”

Ren droops his eyes, and nods to reply with a helpless tone. Ignoring Ren’s attitude, Ayano forcefully dragged him off.

=== 3 ===

“Looks like I'm late, has it already begun?”

Sprinting on the empty streets, Kazuma grumbles, swerving as he turns a corner.

He saw Misao’s 'invitation', but noticed it an hour later than Kannagi and the police. There was no special reason for it; he just happened to have fallen asleep.

Even though he leapt out of bed immediately when he sensed the rising youki, he could not deny the fact that he came late. The only good thing about this was that it was happening next to the hotel he was using as a base in his search for Misao.

(Speaking of which, to be located so close…… Even though I am not sure who it may be, but he's good.)

Thinking about the real enemy who has yet to reveal himself, Kazuma speeds up. Perhaps due to all his wrong-doings most of the time, he did not reach the destination that easily.

Two shadows stood before Kazuma, stopping him. After identifying them with sharp eyes, he eventually let out a bored sigh.

“Oh, it’s you.”

“Well, SORRY for being me.”

Hearing his disappointed voice, Ayano retorted impolitely in the same manner. She held Enraiha in her hand, her intentions as plain as day.

Leaving that aside...

“Why is Ren here as well?”

“Well, what do you think?”

Ayano opened her palm and slaped onto the bitterly smiling Ren’s head. A loud smack echoed through the street

“Obviously, we're working together to beat you up!” Ayano exclaimed enthusiastically, but Ren backed off slightly, shaking his head vigorously from a place that Ayano couldn't see.

Kazuma decided to leave Ren aside for now. Looking straight at Ayano who seemed ready to fight anytime, Kazuma grinned confidently.

“...Are you sure you came prepared?”

A fierce ki enveloped Ayano.

“Argh……”

It's frightening. Kazuma is only standing there, but even that was scary enough already. She was completely unprepared, as there was not a single hope of victory.

“Even so, I must do this! Because only I can!”

As if trying to throw away her fears and hesitations, she raises the Enraiha with everything she has. She swings down the blade with all her strength.

“Take this..!! KAZUMA!”

A massive plasma body burned the air and sped off. Looking at that object closing in at a high speed, Kazuma effortlessly waved his hand.

The fist entangled with wind sent the plasma bullet flying. The scorching flames veered off at a 90-degree angle, tearing a huge hole in a building caught in the fireball's path.

(As expected, ranged attacks are useless...)

Ayano holds the Enraiha tightly, determined to go into melee combat.

As she gradually reduced the distance between them, intending to jump straight at Kazuma, he suddenly relaxed and took a step back.

“...?”

“I'm sorry to do this when you're all fired up, but I'm in a hurry. I'll play with you next time!”

Leaving this selfish remark, Kazuma rode the wind, flew into the sky... and disappeared. This was done by manipulating the density of air and causing a change in the refraction of light to create an effect of invisibility.

“Huhhh!?”

Ren who is standing further back gives off a sound of surprise. But Ayano has already seen this kind of trick before, and has come up with a method against it.

“Hmph...“

She raises Enraiha slowly.

“Did you think the same trick....“

Just as Fuu-jutsushi observe air flow, En-Jutsushi use fire- heat to see the world. Ayano cannot possibly miss a heat source with more than twice the temperature of the air.

“...would work on me twice?!”

A high-speed plasma bullet fired off, and accurately shot past the invisible Kazuma. Fortunately, for Kazuma, the layer of wind kekkai around him repelled the blast.

“Whoa!?”

Kazuma suddenly appeared in the sky. Having lost the protection of the wind, Fuu-Jutsushi are naturally unable to fly in the air------ and will of course fall down.

“Here we go...!”

Just before falling onto the ground, Kazuma regained control of the wind. His body flipped upright as his feet landed softly on the ground.

Looking at the proud Ayano, Kazuma sighed and lectured her, “Didn’t I tell you before? If you have time to study small tricks like this, you should go practice your sword skills.”

“It doesn't matter. It's pretty useful, after all.” Ayano shouldered Enraiha, laughing proudly.

“Are you disappointed that your technique was exposed?”

“...Not really. That aside... what are you going to do now?”

Ayano has already dragged Kazuma onto the ground, so she can use Enraiha to attack directly.

<nowiki>------</nowiki>That is, if she can hit him.

With Ayano's abilities, she can't even touch Kazuma. The difference in power is too great to be bridged by hard work or determination.

However, Ayano's composed smile doesn't fade.

“Did you really think I would go against you without thinking of anything?”

“Yup. After all, you're an animal that moves on instinct,” Kazuma replied instantly. A vein rose in Ayano's temple.

“Why, you..! Then, watch this!”

Ayano stretched her hand behind her, thrusting out the 'thing' she grabbed towards Kazuma.

“Ultimate technique! (Ren) Barrier!!”

<nowiki>------</nowiki>(Please wait a moment...)

The stopped time started to flow again.

Kazuma sighs as if emptying his lungs. He looked at Ayano with pity.

“Anyway, explain to me just what on earth you're doing.”

“Heh heh heh, no matter how wicked and inhuman you are, I doubt you'd be able to hurt Ren! As long as I have this Ren Barrier, even if I can't win, I definitely won't lose either!”

Hiding behind Ren whose entire body was lifted up by the collar, Ayano declared her stalemate with confidence.

While looking at this scene with a pained expression, Kazuma muttered, “...how should I say this, don’t you feel any shame as the next Soushu of the Kannagi?”

“I, for one, am embarrassed...” Hung like a doll that had just been washed, Ren quietly mumbled.

“Shut up! I'll do whatever it takes to win!” Ayano shouted, flustered.

“No, you still can't win. You just won’t lose.”

“Ah...that's... anyway. If you think you can break through this Ren Barrier, just try it!”

“Sure.”

Kazuma effortlessly released blades of wind that, arcing like boomerangs, sliced at both of Ayano's arms from behind.

“Kya!”

Although they didnt't reach the skin, both of Ayano's sleeves were completely shredded, surprising her enough to drop <s>Ren</s> the Barrier.

Ren quickly escapes to a place where Ayano's hands couldnt't reach him. He naturally didn't want to keep working with her.

“Hey, stop right there!”

Ayano tries to chase after Ren, but

<nowiki>------</nowiki> Swoosh!

A blade of wind flying right before the tip of her nose made her stop in her steps.

She happens to look below her feet, and noticed that the surface of the asphalt was smoothly sliced through like butter.

A cold sweat ran down Ayano's back.

“Well, I understand somewhat. Basically, you're just trying to buy some time, right?”

Ayano was frozen, her intentions exposed. Kazuma pronounced coldly, “I think I told you already, but I'm in a hurry to get there. If you keep fooling around... you'll die.”

“....!”

As if being pushed by a massive intent to kill, Ayano uses all her strength to move to the side. A blade of wind flew through the place where she had just stood.

This wasn't a threat or an attack meant to disable someone. It was clearly aimed to slice a person in two.

(He's gotten serious...?)

A shiver ran down her back. Ayano prepared to aim for the eyes, and focused every nerve in her body on the enemy in front of her.

Kazuma's attacks don't have any setup time or movements. He can release a lethal strike without even moving a finger. In comparison to dodging attacks like these, dodging bullets is much easier.

Ayano tossed aside her useless defense, prayed to God that she wouldn't suffer fatal injuries, and thrust in a straight line.

Relentlessly striking wind blades continued to extinguish the flames surrounding her entire body. Ayano gave up on meaningless dodging attempts, and closed in on Kazuma in the shortest distance possible.

(...I reached him!)

Within striking distance, the sword is faster than jutsu.

Jutsu is the substantiation of one’s will. And so, when one uses jutsu, one must think; that means the signal must cycle through the brain. In comparison, when the body is using every muscle, sometimes even the most basic will of to 'make the body move' may be left out entirely. For someone whose fighting skills have been trained to a certain extent, they have experienced the feeling of 'striking before thinking'. This speed cannot be surpassed by jutsu. No matter how much one trains, it is logically impossible to active jutsu subconsciously.

Ayano swung Enraiha down forcefully. It would be an understatement to describe the destructive might of the sword as merely "overwhelming." If a human was hit...no, even lightly grazed by it, he would become a piece of charcoal.

Kazuma moved to the left to dodge the slice. Ayano pulled the blade back, reversing her grip, and cut diagonally upwards.

Kazuma dodged left again, simultaneously dashing inside Ayano's guard, who had exposed her torso for the upward slice. Targeting Ayano's right wrist, Kazuma's disarm succeeded and Enraiha dropped from Ayano's hand. If this had been a competition, the judge would have probably announced Kazuma’s victory by now. But, this is an actual battle... and the blade that Ayano wields is Enraiha.

After dodging the palm strike aimed at her chin by twisting her body, Ayano focused her consciousness onto Enraiha. At the same time, the Enraiha that was flying in midair disappeared. Following that, she began collect energy in her chest area. Gripping her empty right hand tightly and focusing that burning, throbbing power within, Ayano once again formed Enraiha in her right hand within the blink of an eye.

She went for a vicious and sudden attack. Even though Ayano thought that her surprise attack was successful, this seemed to be within the opponent’s expectations as well. Kazuma bends backwards slightly, the tip of the blade swept by his body by a mere 4 millimeters.

Kazuma leisurely put distance between them once more, a smile appearing on his face. It was undoubtedly a smile of praise, though Ayano failed to realize it.

(Smile all you want!)

Determined to close the distance, Ayano leapt right at Kazuma. She slashed horizontally at Kazuma's body, and continued to swing as he dodged backwards.

Kazuma eventually backed up against the wall of a building, unable to retreat any further. The joy of having forced the enemy to his end brought a sinister smile to Ayano's face.

(I've got him....!)

All the muscles in her body tensed up, and her condensed power was all released at a single point. The sword tip struck straight at Kazuma’s face at the shortest distance possible. There was no way to dodge or defend against the scorching blade; Ayano firmly believed she had won.

A full-powered attack at that detestable face that is always laughing and joking around...

“Wha-“

Ayano's eyes widened as Enraiha stopped dead before Kazuma’s face, as if halted by an invisible wall. No matter how much strength she used, the remaining distance of ten centimeters could not be shortened any further.

(A wind kekkai...?)

The truth was before her eyes, but Ayano still couldn't believe believe it. A high level spirit jutsu can surpass physical phenomena------ she understood this common knowledge very well. But, just how much willpower must be concentrated to be able to make an air ward that is strong enough to withstand Enraiha? It was utterly incomprehensible to Ayano.

“Well, that's just how it is,” Kazuma mumbled as if it were only natural, and the wind kekkai disappeared at the same time. Walking past Ayano who fell forward as was unable to draw her strength back in time, Kazuma used an intolerably arrogant tone to say, “Let’s stop here for today.”

Ayano was, of course, very agitated.

“Wha..What do you mean by 'stop here for today'!? This is not a practice!”

“I accompanied you for some time already, what else do you have to complain about?”

"This isn't over.”

Ayano quickly regained her calm and pointed Enraiha at Kazuma.

“You must stay with me until Misao’s punishment is over. Because this problem must be taken care of by our own people.”

“You don’t have to worry about that, that side can hardly fend for themselves.”

“...what do you mean?”

To Ayano’s question, Kazuma silently raised three fingers.

“Three? What..?”

Kazuma didn't answer, but instead he retracted his ring finger.

“Two.”

Following that, he retracted his middle finger.

“One.”

The last one. Kazuma retracts his index finger, showing a faint grin on his face.

“Bang!”

Accompanied by an explosion, a pitch black pillar of fire erupted into the sky.

=== 4 ===

“Wha……”

Ayano stared in awe at the pillar of fire.

Black flames.

Unlike the black smoke created from burning of heavy oil, the flames themselves were black in color.

“Is that…… Misao……?”

“Is there anyone else that can use flames that are full of youki like this? Then it seems that the battle style of the Kannagi must have changed quite a bit ever since I left.”

Kazuma questioned her seriously. Perhaps he really wanted to know the answer to this question?

“We don't have anyone like that!” Ayano answered rudely. Of course, Kazuma didn't take offense and merely put an indifferent expression, shrugging as he walked off.

“H-hold it!”

Kazuma obediently stopped.

“What's the matter? Is there someone among those people there that you hope will die? Then I don’t mind waiting a bit longer; after all there are only three minutes left.”

Ayano took a while to truly understand the meaning behind that sentence. Ren, comprehending his brother, fearfully asked, “Is Misao really that strong? That even ten people working together are still unable to defeat her?"

“Six.”

Kazuma corrects truthfully.

“------Huh?”

“After that blast earlier, the presence of four people disappeared.”

Ren was struck speechless, and in turn Ayano roared, “You should've said something like that sooner!”

“You should've realized it much sooner.”

“Y...you...”

“Calm down, Onee-san.”

Ren tried in vain to pacify the near-exploding Ayano as he looked at his brother with blaming eyes.

“Onii-san, why can’t you just get along with onee-san?”

“What do you mean by "get along?" Our goals this time are entirely different. She's no friend of mine."

“Don’t tell me you still intend to defend Misao!?”

“Yup.”

Kazuma nods naturally at Ayano, who stared at him wide-eyed.

“……What are you thinking? Do you know how many people that girl killed!?”

“How would I know? I am not so kind as to pity a bunch of dead strangers.”

Kazuma spits this line out easily, and following that walks off without waiting for their reactions. Ayano hurriedly chased after him until she eventually overtook Kazuma.

The park wasn't very far. Even though she ran, she was only faster by around ten seconds. But, that was more than enough.

(Find her, and settle it in one blow!)

She was confident. No matter how strong Misao may have become, compared to herself of the main family, their levels of power were entirely different. Just one strike from Enraiha should be able to eliminate Misao.

Ayano reached the park. She jumped over the fence at the entrance, and ran into the square.

There was no need to search for her, as Misao stood at the centre of the square. Despite being surrounded by jutsushi of the branch families, there was not a single trace of anxiety on her face; on the contrary, it was the jutsushi that seemed to be trembling in fear.

The time to worry over the face of the Oogami was long past. Planning to finish Misao off in one go, Ayano pushed the Jutsushis surrounding Misao aside------ and was shocked herself.

[[Image:Kaze no Stigma vol 02 227.jpg|thumb]]
Misao did not even notice Ayano’s appearance as she happily played with a rubber ball. She wore an innocent smile, and gently dribbled the rubber ball at waist height. The group gaped at this simple repetition without any notion of boredom.

At a second glance, the rubber ball looked very old and tattered, its surface yellowish like the earth. The fading grayish black threads were spread around in great volumes, just like a bamboo curtain falling off continuously. Those wavering black threads, looked just like hair------

(Just like------?)

The instant she realized what that rubber ball was, Ayano felt goosebumps all over her body. Her hand clenched over her mouth, trying hard to keep from vomiting.

The messy black threads------ those were the hair of a man just over fifty years of age.

The red threads spread over the soil-yellow surface------ those were blood stains splattered on the victim’s skin.

The object that Misao was bouncing like a rubber ball was the head of a dead person. The face of the man who is planning to slay his own daughter for the survival of the family, now rebounded up and down between the ground and the white, tender hand.

Dum...dum...dum...

The sound of the bouncing “rubber ball” was abnormally heavy. Every time it hit the solid ground, more wounds gradually appeared on Masayuki’s painful and distorted expression.

Common sense dictates that it is impossible for a human head to bounce like a rubber ball. This may have been caused by psychic powers or something similar to move the head……

“…… Misao……”

Ayano was unable to say a word. What could she say to a girl happily playing with her father's head?

Before the eyes of Ayano and company who were staring with their breaths held, Misao bounced the “rubber ball” diligently. If there was any purpose behind this action, that could still have been seen in a more optimistic manner. Like venting her anger on the body, scaring the enemy with her power, or a part of a jutsu ritual------ anything else would have been fine. But this is different. Anyone could tell that this action was meaningless.

She treated it like a child's game. Like a kid using a crumpled piece of paper as a ball, Misao simply treated her father's head as a simple ball.

“…………”

Misao suddenly hit the “rubber ball” with force. Jumping higher than before, the “ball” bounced to her chest area, and Misao stretched her hands out to catch it.

“What have you been doing since just now?”

No one understood her murmuring.

Yet, a voice answered in reply.

“It's hard to explain so quickly, but I still rushed here.”

Like an avalanche, everyone’s eyes gathered at the same direction.

That relaxed expression without any tension did not waver at all under the stare of everyone in the area. Even though he possesses power that surpasses anyone, his demeanor was calmer and firmer than anyone.

Just that cheeky presence was enough to dispel the abnormal demonic aura given off by Misao.

Possessing the power to accept everything, Yagami Kazuma stood before the gathering as if his "right" to power was as natural as the air.

“Looks like I made it in time for the climax.”

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| Return to [[Kaze_no_Stigma|Main Page]]
| Back to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume2_Chapter_4|Chapter 4]]
| Forward to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume2_Chapter_6|Chapter 6]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Kaze no Stigma:Volume2 Chapter 2

2010-08-22T20:00:47Z

Yozora no Amante: /* 4 */

== Chapter Two - Assault – Determination After Removing All Doubts ==

=== 1 ===

The boy’s arm was wreathed in red flame.

“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!”

A wordless scream escaped the boy’s mouth.

So hot – there was no room in his mind for anything but the heat, all thought being stolen by the crimson flame.

He continuously rolled on the ground, attempting to extinguish the flame. Nearby, some children observed his pitiable state.

I say children, but that belies the range of their ages. The smallest were young children of only four or five while the oldest were full-grown teenagers of fifteen or sixteen.

Their sole common denominator could be seen on their faces.

Scorn.

This group of children joyfully surrounded the burning youth, laughing with mirth.

An unfeigned laughter that came from the heart. Innocent. Naive. Cruel.

The cruelty of a child who cannot differentiate between right and wrong. Like children who pluck off the wings of a dragonfly just to watch it struggle, they enjoyed the youth’s predicament as he painfully struggled the same way.

“A member of the main family getting burned by fire!”

“How useless!”

“‘A humiliation to the clan,’ my father said!”

“Someone as worthless as you has no right to bear the name ‘Kannagi!’”

The boy could only hug his burnt arm, his face showing a painful expression as the others continued to mock him, one after another.

“It’s my turn!”

A young girl around ten years old raised her hand to declare.

“Oh– Go on. Quickly now!”

The children cheered. The girl, encouraged, held her fist to her chest and began to concentrate.

“Heh!”

Following the cute shout, a red flame suddenly appeared like a ghost above the cringing youth.

The fire slowly descended until it touched the boy’s back.

Sssssssss!

“...!”

The sound of burning meat could be heard. The youth’s body, originally curled into a ball, straightened out forcefully. This scene served only to amplify the mocking.

“My turn next!”

“I wanna go too!”

His legs, his back, his shoulders – all were continuously tattooed by the ferocious flame. Each time the boy’s body instinctively twitched. Each time it gave off a burning smell.

Despite the horrid cruelty of their actions, none present felt the least degree of guilt. To them, fire was nothing to fear.

Were they to be put in his shoes, they would not experience the smallest discomfort. Even for those whose “power” was ‘weak,’ the most that would burn would be their clothes – their bodies would remain completely unharmed.

This was because their clan had been blessed with fire‘s protection.

Because of this, these children were completely unaware of the dangers of fire, and they did not understand the pain of being scorched.

You cannot imagine what you do not know, and because they were unable to imagine the pain, they saw nothing wrong with what they were doing.

The boy silently endured the innocent and naive torture of the other children in the clan alone.

“Ah... Ah...”

By the time the children were finally satisfied, the youth was left to painfully contend with his smoking body.

“Ahhh– that was fun.”

“Bye bye. Let’s play again~”

As part of their exit ritual, everyone present gave the twitching body a merciless kick. But before anyone could leave, the eldest and largest boy went further and stomped on the boy’s head.

“...Hmm?”

“What’s wrong with Toru?”

Hearing the large boy, Toru Kuga, let out a pathetic cry, the others turned in surprise.

“You... You foolish idiot!”

The head that Toru had forcefully stepped on was now slowly lifting itself upward. The youth used his hands as support against the ground and stared intently at Toru from below.

“You... What are you trying to do...?”

Seeing those eyes, filled with murder, Toru couldn’t help but retreat in fright. Immediately filled with shame at his actions, he became angry.

“What’s with that look? This worthless scum actually dares to resist?!”

Toru summoned a flame, angrily throwing it in the youth’s direction.

The youth quickly rose and dodged the incoming flame. Dragging his heavily wounded frame, he dashed at incredible speed, closing in on Toru.

“W... Wah...”

Aiming directly at the terrified Toru’s face, he exerted all the strength in his body to strike him with his palm.

Pachunk! [SFX: something breaking]

Toru’s nose had broken.

“Toru!”

While the group could only stare, aghast at the sudden incident, the boy attacked two more people. Driven in his berserk rage, his fist broke the first’s cheekbones and the second’s chin, causing them to roll in pain as he did earlier.

“...Wu...Ah...!”

But his mad rush ended there. The burden his actions had placed on his pained body was beyond the limits of his will. His stomach heaved, and as if trying to reject everything, he vomited over and over.

“You...! How dare you...!”

Realizing that they were no longer at risk, the others took heart. In order to punish this thing that didn’t know its place, they began to focus their mental energy.

But–

“All of you... Get lost!”

A weak, yet furious voice stopped them. They looked back in fear, and before their eyes was...

“I am going to slaughter you...”

Fresh blood streaming from his nose, Toru gazed at the boy with bloodshot, insane eyes, devoid of reason.

“I am so going to slaughter you–!”

An insane fury amplified Toru’s abilities several-fold. Stretching his right hand directly upward, he summoned a huge fireball that seemed encased by a pair of hands.

“Go and die!”

The youth’s eyes didn’t blink. They could only stare at the fireball. Despite his body’s inability to move, he refused to give in. Like a wounded beast with death fast approaching, he searched for any sign of weakness in his enemy.

– Kaboom!

“Hmph! Now you know my strength!”

Seeing the youth wrapped in flame, Toru smiled.

The flame gradually dispersed. But amidst the disappearing flame, what appeared was...

“Ah... Ah?”

Contrary to Toru’s expectations, the boy yet lived. Parts of his body were burnt black, but his limbs still remained; he had successfully withstood Toru’s flame.

Using every last drop of his ''ki'' to create a defensive barrier, the youth had just barely managed to survive.

“You... You asshole...”

Toru’s expression grew more sinister. If he were to prove unable to beat this youth who lacked even a hint of ability as an ''En-jutsu'', he would forever be looked down upon and despised by the others.

“Arrogant trash!”

This scream, filled with displeasure, failed to reach the boy’s ears. His body had long since surpassed its limits, and having spent all his ''ki,'' he was no different from a walking corpse.

Not content to simply leave the youth to die, Toru prepared to give him a fatal strike. Against his fate, the youth was helpless.

“...”

Kazuma suddenly opened his eyes. This was a rare occasion for him – he usually had a hard time waking up – but his consciousness was fully awake.

But it was only to be expected. How could anyone refuse to wake up after having a dream like that?

Maintaining his waking posture, Kazuma faced upward and he looked silently at the ceiling. Unblinking, he remained like this for a full half-minute.

“Frankly speaking, what an unpleasant dream.”

Closing his eyes, he emptied all the air in his lungs with a moan.

Something that had happened exactly ten years ago, a painful experience that caused nightmares.

Of the eighteen years he had spent among the Kannagis, that was his most painful experience. Had no one put a stop to it, he might have died.

Due to the level of his injuries, despite receiving the highest level recovery ''jutsus'' daily, it had taken him a month to recover.

But that was not what was important. To Kazuma, it was his first defeat.

Not in terms of the injuries he sustained.

But for giving in to despair.

Once he had understood that he could not win against the Kannagis’ flames, that he would forever be a weakling, Kazuma had given up on fighting back.

He had given in to those that scorned him.

From that day forward, Kazuma had continued to run away. Not resisting, pitifully pleading for mercy, enduring endless torment, endless public humiliation.

But it no longer mattered.

Because he was no longer willing to partake of that misery.

“...I can’t forget.”

Kazuma realized that his memories of his past humiliations were as clear as if they had happened only yesterday and murmured to himself.

“I don’t even mind.”

Even though he was now in Japan once more, he had never even considered taking revenge – even though doing so would have been a painfully simple task.

To bend his pinky three centimeters; if the effort needed to kill Toru were converted to energy – that would be precisely how much would be required. Any strength Toru had gained in the last four years would be inconsequential.

(...That’s odd...?)

Kazuma’s train of thought was suddenly interrupted. He realized he could not picture Toru.

“Have I not seen him yet?”

Despite meeting several groups of branch family ''jutsushis'', he hadn’t spent any time verifying their identities, so he was unsure whether or not he had met Toru.

“...Whatever. It doesn’t matter.”

Pushing the question to the back of his mind, Kazuma covered himself with the covers once more. Though fully awake, he had nothing in particular to do, and didn’t feel like getting up just yet.

(Let’s get some more sleep...)

Alas, the heavens did not seem to agree with this unproductive decision.

Dulululululululululu–

Kazuma glared at the ringing phone, openly displaying his irritation.

What a crafty ring. The more he tried to ignore the ringing, the more insistent it seemed to get, and yet it wasn’t so loud that he would wreck the phone in frustration.

“Damn it!”

Left with no other alternative, Kazuma reached for the phone. But instead of leaving his bed for the phone, he brought the phone to him.

“...Who’s making a call so early in the morning?” he grumbled in a mournful tone, despite the fact it was already late morning.

“Hello?”

He spoke in a sluggish tone – giving away the fact that he had just woken up – but his tranquil mind was pondering the courteous reply from the other end.

“Oh?”

This time, Kazuma was fully awake. There was no longer any sign of fatigue on the face that suddenly emerged from the covers.

“Today? Ah, sure. I’ll be looking forward to it.”

Kazuma answered politely, and then hung up. He flipped the covers back and crawled out, stretching lazily.

With his usual complacent smile now on his face, Kazuma muttered.

“Looks like it’s gonna be a busy day.”

=== 2 ===

While she was walking home after school, Ayano’s eyes caught a small shadow about ten meters away from her.

“Hey–”

She was just about to call out when she suddenly stopped, and a mischievous smile crept onto her face.

Ayano snuck up on the shadow slowly, step by step, it not having yet noticed Ayano’s presence.

“Wh–wha!”

Standing immediately behind her target, she grabbed her victim in a bear hug, as if to envelop the entirety of the small figure. Ayano secured the youth caught in her embrace – now giving off a cute scream and struggling to escape with all his might – so that he couldn’t move.

“Nee... Nee-sama?!”

“Completely off-guard. That means you still need more training, Ren.”

“To say that now is really... Anyway, just let go of me first, Nee-sama!”

“No way~ Free yourself!”

Looking at the two fooling around, passersby couldn’t help but crack faint, bittersweet smiles.

Judging by their appearance, the two were a rare and beautiful pair of “sisters.” Though one of them only looked to be around the age of ten, they were still pleasing to the eyes.

“Nee... Nee-sama! Really...”

Realizing that they had become the center of attention, Ren’s face reddened. Despite all appearances, he was, after all, a twelve-year-old boy. So, it wasn’t strange for him to feel shy about female physical contact.

After finally being released from confinement, Ren demanded, “Seriously... What are you thinking?!” as he gasped for air.

However, his expression, along with wet, pleading eyes, instead generated the feeling that he was really cute, and not scary in the least. More than likely, it wouldn’t have scared even a three-year-old.

“Ahahaha! Sorry. Sorry. This is a display of love for you too.”

It goes without saying that Ayano was not in the least bit afraid. She patted Ren’s shoulder and cheekily ignored Ren’s complaints.

“Honestly!”

Unable to vent his displeasure, Ren’s expression soured instantly.

This method was very effective. Because it was simply too cute, there was no way to ignore him.

“I’m really sorry. How about I treat you to a meal?”

“I won’t let you change the subject.”

Ren’s mood showed no sign of improvement. He turned his head to the side, unwilling to meet Ayano’s eyes.

Ayano used both hands to grab Ren’s head and forced him to turn his face back toward her.

“If you still won’t listen...

She slowly moved her face closer, almost touching his nose.

“Then I’ll kiss you! ♥”

“Wahhhhhhhhhhhh!!”

This was how easily Ayano toyed with the youth, who was dancing in the palm of her hand.

“Huh? So something like that happened.”

On the second floor of the hamburger shop near the station, the two were chatting about the victory banquet that had happened a few days earlier.

Hearing Ren’s innocent reaction, Ayano revealed an evil smirk and answered.

“Yeah, when you were asleep.”

“...Geez. Don’t bring that up anymore!”

Ren’s cheeks flushed red. He’d been asleep that day, from beginning to end. The shock and shame of waking up on Ayano’s lap showed no sign of subsiding even now.

For the first time, he truly felt what it meant to want to hide his head in the ground.

“What will I do if Father finds out about this...”

Seeing the uneasy Ren, Ayano grabbed a french fry and said with ease, “What else can you do? He already knows doesn’t he? There seems to be quite a few people visiting him these few days.”

Ren’s father, Genma, had not participated in the battle against the Fuugas, having earlier lost to Kazuma in a quarrel between father and son, and was still resting in the hospital.

“Ahhhhhhhhh!”

Ren collapsed on the table, hugged his head, and moaned.

Genma, already very strict with himself, was even stricter with his relatives. It wasn’t hard to imagine his reaction when he finally heard of his son’s blunder.

“It’s fine. Don’t be so down.”

“But I ''am'' ‘so down.’”

Ren reproached Ayano’s irresponsible remark in an incomparably downhearted voice.

“Because once Father’s angry, he’s really strict.”

“...I guess!”

Ayano replied in a carefree tone. Whether or not he would be angry was another matter entirely. The image of an “easygoing Genma” was beyond imagination.

(Will that guy smile in front of Ren’s face?)

Even though she had only ever seen him either mocking or whole-heartedly laughing.

“When the time comes, you can just place all the blame on Kazuma.”

“Placing blame on someone else would only make Father even angrier.”

“...That's true... He's the kind of person who's really hard to deal with.”

“Awuuuuuuuuuh!”

Ren spread himself out on the table and moaned.

“Huh?”

It was a coincidence, but...

If he had been sitting upright, his view would have been blocked by protruding branches, causing the scene to have escaped his notice, but because he had collapsed on the table in despair, he instead became witness to an incredible sight.

“What is it?”

“That woman...”

Ayano lowered her head to look in the direction that Ren was indicating.

Lying directly ahead, at the edge of her field of vision, a woman was standing. A beautiful, mesmerizing woman with shiny black hair, wearing a clean, pure white coat, the starkly contrasting colors making her even more attractive.

Ayano smiled at Ren, with mischief in mind.

“What a beautiful woman. Do you know her?”

Ren ignored the implication, and muttered, “That woman, isn’t she Misao nee-sama?”

“Eh? Ehhhhhh?”

Ayano quickly looked back to inspect the woman below more closely. After a few seconds...

“It seems to be her...”

Indeed, it was Misao Ogami. However, she had changed completely from how she was three days ago. Even the simple fact that she was not wearing a kimono made her give a completely different impression. Though Ayano had known Misao ever since they were little, as far as she could remember, this was the first time that she has ever seen Misao in Western clothes.

Perhaps because of that, what could be seen of her legs extending below her coat looked exceptionally appealing.

To describe the feeling in a single word, it would be coquettish. Though normally she seemed plain, as if wanting to escape notice, now she made a magnificent impression. Actually, within the five minutes the two had been watching, there had already been three attempts to pick her up.

Misao serenely rejected their advances, and as she had showed them respect despite the rejection, all left without causing trouble. If Nanase and Yukari had seen this scene, they would have chastised Ayano, saying “Learn from her.”

After staring, awestruck, for a while, Ren grumbled.

“She seems to be waiting for someone.”

“That... is really surprising.”

Ayano sounded as though she still could not believe her eyes because this was unimaginably different from what she had thought earlier.

“Is it a date?”

“...Is it not?”

A girl like Misao would not dress up in such an extravagant manner to meet a friend of the same gender!

Ayano’s interest grew.

“I wonder who she’s dating.”

Inattentively sipping her orange juice, Ayano observed the scene outside the window with great interest. Given the intensity of her gaze, anyone watching from the side would have found her actions very suspicious.

“...Nee-sama.”

Ren looked at Ayano, who was spying on Misao with a bitter smile. He himself turned to follow the scene outside. At that moment, the other party appeared.

“Nii-sama?!”

He couldn’t help but doubt his own eyes. But it was indeed Ren’s brother, Kazuma. His appearance was no coincidence – the proof being Misao, smiling broadly and running to meet him.

Before Ren, who was dumbstruck, the two intimately held hands and walked off.

Even after the two disappeared from view, Ren was still frozen, staring dumbly at the window. It was an absolutely impossible occurrence, because to Misao, Kazuma was “the man who had killed Nii-sama.”

A faint sound brought Ren back to his senses.

–squish– [SFX: something being squashed]

Something light and soft was being squashed. Not a rare sound by any means, and yet hearing it fills one with unease.

Ren faced Ayano with unease. As he did not dare look directly at her, he shifted his eyes upward from below, following the table upward toward Ayano.

The first thing he saw was Ayano’s hand. Her slender fingers ''gripped'' the paper cup, still full of juice, and crushed it into the shape of her fist. The juice spilled out, forming an orange-colored ocean. Her fries and hamburger were completely soaked and no longer worth eating.

Ayano’s hand crackled – the sound of ice, unable to escape from the cup, being pulverized by her hand, which continuously trembled.

Ren was so frightened that he dared not look up.

Though he didn’t understand the cause, he recognized Ayano’s extreme anger. If he wasn’t careful, he might just become her target.

Pak!

Suddenly, Ayano slammed her hands on the table and stood up.

“Argh!”

To the cringing Ren, Ayano said softly...

“...I’m going to follow them.”

“...Huh?”

Before Ren could open his mouth, Ayano had already run out of the shop.

“Wait... Wait a minute...”

Ren hurriedly picked up their plates, and, in one go, handed them to the shop assistant lady waiting at the trash bin.

“Thank you for your patronage.”

With his back to the shop assistant, who showed a professional smile, Ren swiftly ran toward the restroom.

=== 3 ===
After waiting a minute or so, Ren ran to catch up to Ayano.

“Nee-sama?”

But by now, there was no sign of Ayano. After looking around in vain, Ren ran in the direction in which Kazuma and Misao had gone...

...and immediately discovered Ayano, whose actions made her presence immediately obvious.

[[Image:Kaze no Stigma vol 02 073.jpg|thumb]]
“...Nee-sama...”

As a beautiful girl hiding behind an electric pole, sneakily surveying her prey, she stood out more than if she had been doing nothing at all.

For a moment, he strongly considered pretending that he didn’t know her and returning home, but he only entertained the thought, unwilling to do such a thing.

Ren bravely stepped forward and walked up to Ayano, who could now be considered an exemplary example of a suspicious character.

“...Nee-sama.”

“What were you doing, taking so long?”

Ren, speechless, silently took out a wet handkerchief.

“What?”

“Please clean your hands.”

“Huh? Oh. Ah, thanks.”

Ayano took the handkerchief and began to clean her hands, sticky from the orange juice.

“You’re pretty smart, Ren.”

“You’re very welcome,” Ren answered calmly, as he observed Kazuma and Misao, about ten meters in front of them.

The two, walking down the road with arms locked, exuded an unusually intimate atmosphere. Although they were unable to hear what the two were saying, it was easy to tell from the occasional smiles between them that there was more to their relationship.

“Don’t just stand there. Hide! We’ll be seen!”

Ayano grabbed Ren’s hand and ''pulled'' him behind the pole alongside her, but no matter how you might try, it is simply impossible for an electric pole to hide two people.

“Nee-sama, do you still want to follow them?”

“Of course.”

“Why?”

Faced with this candid question, Ayano was left momentarily speechless.

“Wh–What kind of question is that?!”

“Because, no matter how I look at it, they are simply on a date. What we’re doing is simply prying.”

Ren didn’t exaggerate but simply said what he truly felt, and Ayano was deeply stung.

“Wh–What prying... I don’t have such an indecent motive! I’m just...”

“Just...?”

“Just... Misao...! That’s right! Misao might still intend to take Kazuma’s life!”

“No matter what method she uses, she’ll never beat him.”

“Argh...”

Her hastily constructed excuse calmly rebutted, Ayano was left speechless once more.

“Di–Didn’t you know? That guy is a sucker for beautiful women!”

“Beautiful women is it?”

“That’s right! Didn’t I tell you before? That guy even tried to force himself on Misao last time!” Ayano declared unashamedly, finally raising her head.

Ren pondered this for a time before blushing and asking abashedly, “So, we’ll have to continue spying on those two until Misao nee-sama... until Misao nee-sama begins to use her beauty to seduce Nii-sama?”

Ayano couldn’t help but visualize the scene in her mind. She pictured herself hiding in a dark corner, watching the two as they hugged, kissed, and then continued on to the next step...

(...Maybe I kind of hate doing this...)

Thinking about these scenes not meant to be seen, Ayano felt like turning back.

At that moment, if Ren had chosen to continue to persuade her along those lines, Ayano might just have given up. Unfortunately, Ren chose another method – a method so wrong that it couldn’t have been worse.

Perhaps because he thought this reason was more accurate, Ren opened his mouth to ask...

“Nee-sama, could it be that you are... jealous?”

He had no proof, just a feeling. Maybe the wish he held, that “Kazuma nii-sama and Ayano nee-sama will get along” might have been mixed in as well.

In other words, a careless statement.

“Ren...?”

Seeing a smile that could cause a child to live in eternal fear, Ren realized that he had stepped on a land mine.

(Wh–Wh–Wha?!)

This smile, that was not a smile, caught Ren like a deer caught in headlights, unable to run or even look away.

“Ah... Ah...”

“What did you just say?”

Faced with this question and the smile which, of course, did not reach her eyes, Ren could only shake his head rigidly like a robot.

Ayano reached out her hand and softly placed it on Ren’s face, which was filled with fear.

“You are such a good kid. That’s the way to live to a ripe, old age!”

Ren was helpless to do anything but nod.

“They’re still following us.”

“Yeah.”

Misao said so softly and happily. Kazuma on the other hand, replied with a tired expression.

Without even needing to look, the two knew that they were being tailed – if it could have even been considered tailing.

Hiding your tracks, disguising the tail, the precise selection of following distance and position... No matter how you looked at it, what they were doing didn’t qualify as tailing. To put it bluntly, even an amateur should have done better. It almost made you want to scream that if they really wanted to hide, they should at least shut up.

(To entrust those two with the future of the Kannagis... Aren’t you worried, Soushu?)

Kazuma couldn’t help but sympathize with Juugo, though he never put it in words. What he was considering now was...

“What is it?”

Seeing Misao with an innocent smile, Kazuma gave her a smile in return.

“It’s nothing. I was just wondering, where are you taking me?”

“We’re almost there.”

Given the way Misao was pulling Kazuma along, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that she was forcing him along, but Kazuma offered no resistance and followed.

(The feeling of waiting for the gallows... I guess it would be just like this!)

That’s what he was thinking.

At an alley corner, Misao suddenly stopped. The place where they were was surrounded by rows of buildings, and, even in broad daylight, it seemed rather shady. Misao remained silently in place while an icy chill filled the air.

Ignoring the rapidly changing atmosphere, Kazuma calmly asked, “Is this place okay?”

“Yup. This is our destination.”

Misao answered in a firm tone, following with an exaggerated bow.

“So... I wish you luck.”

As she said those words, Kazuma’s body flew.

As if hit by an invisible car, or struck in the head by a metallic bat, his body smashed forcefully into the ground.

Several moments later, a veritable explosion of sound shook the air. As if Kazuma hadn’t even been given enough time to recognize the sound of gunfire, the body that rolled on the ground seemed powerless – like a puppet whose strings have been cut.

On the other hand, Misao wore a smile, watching as Kazuma was blown away. She slowly retreated without ever looking away.

As if swapping positions, as Misao retreated, ten men appeared from the shadows of the surrounding buildings. They wore Western suits, seemingly businessmen at first glance, but though their ethnicity and ages were all different, their teamwork was at a very high level.

They spread out in a fan-shaped formation and surrounded Kazuma – who now lay on the ground – extracting the contents of their cases in swift, practiced motions.

What lay within were not documents, or product samples, but pitch black, metallic objects, devices designed solely for killing – MP5Ks, a smaller type of MP5, an assault rifle designed for portability.

The men casually placed this thing that would not normally appear in a businessman’s briefcase near their waists, as if it were only natural, and then, without hesitation, they pulled the trigger.

The bullets were fired out in full-auto, and several hundred shots crashed into Kazuma’s body as one. Hit asphalt was crushed into a fine mist, staining the surroundings gray.

The men took no notice and continued to spray fire over a wide area in Kazuma’s direction.

It took less than three seconds for them to run through their magazines, and they quickly inserted new clips before resuming fire.

Then this scene repeated itself once more.

When each had expended all three of their cartridges, the men swiftly took cover while something dropped from the sky at high velocity.

–BOOM–

An explosion.

The violent explosion blew away everything where it landed.

“...This way... No matter how strong that man is...”

Looking at the dusty scene of the explosion, Misao muttered to herself without emotion.

Indeed, there aren’t many who could survive such an encounter. To expend close to a thousand bullets and over a dozen missiles – to call it overkill would be an understatement.

An attack that would have made you feel that the objective was not to “kill”, but to “eradicate,” to attack to the point that nothing remained. This was just such an attack.

She shifted her eyes slightly, seeing Ayano and Ren hugging each other on the ground.

They seemed to be too shocked to stand, but as long as the two of them were unharmed, it was fine. Even if she had already severed all ties with the Kannagis, she was unable to forget her respect for them, let alone have them as enemies.

On the other hand, in the corner where Kazuma lay, the remains of the destroyed building began to collapse, forming a small hill of concrete rubble. Even were you to search under that hill, it would have been unlikely for you to find even a scrap of cloth remaining.

“We must dig the corpse out.”

Witnessing the horrifying scene before her, Misao said calmly to herself. At that moment, the men bearing the assault rifles ran out and encircled the small hill of concrete.

An awful silence loomed over the area.

“...”

Pa-chunk. [SFX: concrete shifting]

A faint sound emerged from the bottom of the small hill, slicing through the silence.

“...!”

The originally puppet-like, emotionless faces of the men seemed shaken for the first time.

A black shadow appeared from within the misty, white dust, and the sound of steady footsteps flowed forth.

“Fi–Fire!”

It was a command shouted in a voice that no longer radiated calm. Driven by fear and the voice, the men reflexively pulled the trigger.

The erupting gunfire, loud enough to cause deafness, echoed through the alley. After being hit by several hundred more bullets, the black shadow fell once more.

“...Phew...”

Someone breathed out in relief, as if released from a heavy burden. Following his lead, the other men began to relax, one by one. At that moment–

A tornado appeared.

The seemingly rampaging tornado was tightly controlled, only cutting the bodies of the ten men. Five bodies, already torn to pieces, danced in the sky. At the same time, the tornado dispersed all the dust. In the blink of an eye, the air had become unbelievably clear.

“Making such a scene, as always.”

Kazuma smiled happily.

After recovering from momentary shock, Misao’s face resumed its gentle smile as she looked at Kazuma.

Other than a little dirt, he had suffered no damage at all. It appeared that he had used a wind barrier to deflect everything.

Misao put her hand in her pocket as if nothing had happened and radioed a signal.

“Just to warn you, don’t waste your energy,” Kazuma advised Misao unhurriedly.

“The snipers are dead – both of them.”

After hearing this snide comment, delivered in a matter-of-fact tone, Misao’s smile vanished instantly.

In addition to the first sniper, over one kilometer away, Misao had prepared a second sniper as a trump card. They had been placed across from each other, two kilometers apart, with Kazuma in the center.

Despite this, Kazuma had killed them. This meant that while defending against such a savage attack, he had calmly been scanning an area with a radius of at least one kilometer without missing a beat.

Though what he said was unbelievable, the radio had yet to respond. Misao offered a bitter smile and discarded her radio.

“Gee, are you a monster?”

“People often say that I am,” Kazuma answered calmly.

“But for you to think of such a method–! Compared to your ''en-jutsu'', modern weaponry is definitely much more effective – alas, it still isn’t enough.”

“So it seems. How about cruise missiles next time?”

Both of them revealed kind smiles.

At that time, the bodies of the men killed by the tornado and thrown into the sky began to rain down.

Kazuma deflected the corpses with his wind–

–KABOOM– [SFX: explosion]

Misao, on the other hand, remorselessly burned them to ash with her fire.

Seeing the corpses turn to dust, to be blown away by the wind, Kazuma asked in a low voice, “Those men were hired by you, weren’t they?”

“I don’t recall hiring dead people.”

Misao replied while smiling.

Yes, Misao was smiling. Though the mercenaries she had hired had turned a street corner to ruin, causing death and injury to many, that smile held not a shred of insincerity.

Pure and innocent, a smile to be pitied – the smile of someone who has crossed a line that should never be crossed, the smile of someone on the wrong path.

“You’ve changed Misao... Was I the cause...?” Kazuma asked, in a rare, pained tone.

“I changed? Did you know me that well?”

“...That's true.”

Kazuma waved away his sorrow, reverting to a cold expression.

“So, your plan ends here?”

“Yes, that’s all for today.”

“Is that so? You may go then.”

Hearing these words, Misao was slightly shocked.

“Is it really okay to just let me go?”

“I’ve said this before. No matter what method you try, you’ll never be able to even scratch me.”

“You’ll regret it.”

“Let’s wait and see.”

Misao didn’t reply and silently turned to leave.

Seeing the shadow of her back fade away in the distance, Kazuma sighed softly.

“Ten years... is really a long time...”

His quiet words passed unheard and disappeared into the wind.

=== 4 ===
“Gunfire broke out at 4pm today in an incident in Chiyoda Ward, Kudankita District, and claimed more than 30 lives.”

The nightly news was reporting on the earlier incident, which was only to be expected. Even though the legend of Japanese security had already long since broken down, things had yet to reach the point where a firefight in the center of Tokyo was a common occurrence.

Because the incident had taken place near the royal residence, all of Tokyo had instantly gone on high alert. As if under martial law, police could be seen everywhere.

Pointing at the ruinous street corner appearing on the television, Juugo showed Ayano a look of suspicion.

“You are saying that ''all of this'' is Misao’s doing?”

“Yes... Umm... It should be...”

Ayano answered hesitantly. The more she looked at the scene depicted on the television, the less real it seemed.

Regardless of the circumstances, the Misao the two of them knew would never be associated with such an incident. Normally a very sympathetic girl, even were she to hold a grudge, she would never be so cruel as to involve innocent people. And were she to decide to take revenge, she would choose a method that wouldn’t involve others.

But...

“For an obedient, docile girl like Misao... Once she gets angry, her actions are surprisingly audacious...” Ayano mumbled wholeheartedly.

From speaking with Masayuki, they had learned that Misao had already disappeared two days prior, along with an eight digit sum from the Ogami family account.

It went without saying that she had yet to be seen again.

“Don’t look as though this doesn’t concern you. Why didn’t you grab her on the spot?”

“Because, Kazuma... He–”

In response to Juugo’s reprimand, Ayano responded coquettishly.

“No excuses. After all, you are to be the next Soushu.”

(Just what do you expect me to do in that kind of situation...)

Ayano put on an obedient front in the face of Juugo’s lecture, but the earlier incident was replaying itself within her.

“Ugh, I can’t hear a thing.”

With Kazuma’s safe return, and the subsequent exit of his assailants, Ayano had become a stalker once more, but the distance between them was too large, and she had been unable to listen in.

At such times, ''en-jutsu'' was useless. Among the various forms of ''en-jutsu'' – which exhibited an overwhelming attack power – there was nothing that could be used for reconnaissance.

In the end, Ayano didn’t manage to catch even a single word of the conversation.

“That guy seems to be enjoying himself.”

“Is that so? He looks pained to me.”

“Pained? That guy? What a joyous occasion.”

“Nee-sama...”

The reason why Ayano could have such an attitude was because she thought that it was all over.

She believed that Misao had no cards left to play and that all that was left was the aftermath. Or so she thought.

Unfortunately...

After the conversation had come to a peaceful resolution, Misao had turned, not to run away, but to calmly walk away.

Kazuma didn’t give chase and just silently watched as she took her leave.

In the moments during which Ayano was too stunned to move, Misao had leisurely disappeared.

“Wa–Wait a minute!”

Coming back to her senses, Ayano ran to Kazuma’s side and grabbed his collar.

“Why did you let her escape?!”

“Why should I capture her?”

Kazuma didn’t seem surprised by Ayano’s appearance and questioned her in turn, as if only natural.

“What do you mean why... This incident was caused by Misao!”

“From the way I see it, they’re the ones responsible.”

In response to Ayano, who was pointing at the remains of the building, Kazuma pointed instead at the corpses of the fallen men.

“That’s what I’m saying! They were following her orders!”

“Is that so? That’s news to me.”

“Yo–You really...”

The hand gripping his collar increased in force. From her attitude it was plain to see that what Ayano really wanted to grab was Kazuma’s throat.

“If you let her be, Misao will do the same thing again!”

“Does it matter? There wasn’t any harm done anyway.”

“Are you blind?”

Ayano once again pointed to the pathetic scene behind her.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Kazuma corrected himself.

“No harm to me.”

Pachi.

“You bastard! Just stand there and receive your punishment!”

A flaming fist (Note: not a metaphor) struck at Kazuma. Dodging the strike with ease, Kazuma began to chat with his brother, who walked up to him.

“Oh, Ren. How’ve you been?”

“Well...”

“Damn it! Die! Die this instant!”

“How noisy!”

Kazuma closed the distance as Ayano drew her fist, and lightly twisted her right hand upward.

“Gya!”

Ayano’s elbow was flipped up, and the joints in her arm, elbow, and shoulder were all stretched to the limit at the same time. In such a condition, Ayano could only arc her body, tip-toe and bear with it. Her body completly lost balance, and all she could do was surrender.

“Ugh...”

Ignoring Ayano, who was trying her best to recover her balance, Kazuma warned Ren, “I’m heading back. You guys should leave too. It’ll be troublesome if the police see you.”

“See ya then.”

He carelessly waved his hand and swept his eyes toward Ayano – who was now stumbling on the ground – with an expression of victory.

“Yo–You!”

With his back to Ayano, who was glaring at him, Kazuma walked away.

“Nee-sama, are you okay?”

Treating Ren’s words of concern with the regard she would give a gust of wind, Ayano silently watched Kazuma’s back.

(That guy–! One day I’ll definitely teach him a lesson!)

Ayano forgot that she was listening to her father lecture her and grew angry at the thought.

Juugo did not fail to notice. When he saw that Ayano was not paying attention, he stood up – Ayano showed no reaction – walked forward – Ayano still didn’t react – and knocked his fist on the top of her head.

Dong!

An extremely exaggerated sound came forth. Ayano was in such pain that she couldn’t even scream, and her entire body collapsed on the tatami.

Having suffered the blow on the top of her head while kneeling, the impact had nowhere to go but straight down. Agonizing under a blow that seemed as if it would crush her skull, Ayano could only endure it.

“I... I object to violence...” Ayano protested with tears in her eyes.

“Don’t just say the words. ''Change''.”

Juugo, of course, ignored her protest.

“It seems that I’ve spoiled you too much in the past. I will have to be more strict from now on.”

“But that’s...”

Disregarding Ayano’s pitiful expression, Juugo returned to the topic at hand.

“So? Did you notice any other clues?”

“Kazuma is very suspicious!” Ayano shouted at almost exactly the same time.

“...”

Juugo simply looked at Ayano without saying a word. To call his gaze critical would have been conservative.

“...Is that all?”

“Be... Because it’s weird, isn’t it?! Why didn’t Kazuma kill Misao?!”

“Hmm...”

Juugo grew silent, not speaking a word. Seizing this opportunity, Ayano pressed on.

“Otou-sama, just think about it. Doesn’t Kazuma resent the Kannagis to the core? To not even kill a single person up until now, it just seems too weird.”

“He seems to have told Ren that he ‘no longer hates the Kannagi family’.”

“Who knows? Even if that’s true, if someone took the initiative to attack him, that shouldn’t still be the case. Didn’t we see it already? The fourteen or fifteen men who surrounded and attacked him, he beat them to a pulp. That’s Kazuma’s ‘usual’ way of doing things.”

“...Mm-hmm...”

Juugo nodded. He had no objections to her point.

“But in that case, why didn’t he lay a hand on Misao?”

“I have no idea. But anyone can see that Misao is very special in Kazuma’s eyes. There must be something between them,” Ayano said bluntly, with a stern, or rather, sharp expression.

“He has fallen in love with Misao?”

Ayano’s body trembled slightly. She looked at her father with the unsure eyes of a lost child.

“Otou-sama thinks so too?”

“Who knows?”

Juugo answered vaguely. He hoped that he was just thinking too much.

(Kazuma must return to the Kannagis. But Misao is unable to be his support.)

To say that he did not expect Kazuma to replace the Fuugas would have been a lie. In addition, Juugo had not forgotten the danger Kazuma posed.

Kazuma had shown his scars once before. Juugo couldn’t pretend not to have seen that unhealed wound.

(Kazuma needs a place to return to. And for that...)

Juugo looked at Ayano with eyes that held deep meaning, but at that moment, Ayano was too focused on her own troubles and failed to notice those eyes at all.

“Anyway, let’s find Kazuma and ask him about it first.”

Ayano returned to her senses and nodded in agreement.

“Ye... Yeah... By the way, why is that guy always so mysterious?”

“Indeed.”

Juugo gave a bitter smile. He felt uneasy precisely because he understood that it was due to Kazuma’s mistrust of the Kannagis.

“Somehow, we must find a way...”

In the end, Juugo never got a chance to ask Kazuma about the circumstances between him and Misao. And by that point, the opportunity had already long passed.

<noinclude>
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|-
| Return to [[Kaze_no_Stigma|Main Page]]
| Back to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume2_Chapter_1|Chapter 1]]
| Forward to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume2_Chapter_3|Chapter 3]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Kaze no Stigma:Volume1 Chapter4

2010-08-22T04:19:51Z

Yozora no Amante: /* 3 */

==Chapter Four - Returning to Visit, and Then―― ==

=== 1 ===
Just as he came within ten meters of the front door...

“Ka-Kazuma!?”

With displeasure, Kazuma glared at the guardsman who was screaming in shock.

''(Too slow.)''

He mumbled in his heart.

''Even though they're on high alert, they only now realized that I arrived? They're beyond useless.''

However, the speedy reaction of the other party was worthier of praise! Upon hearing the guardsman's shout, every practitioner that was spread out across the area rushed over one by one.

Within seconds, at least ten Enjutsu practitioners surrounded Kazuma.

“Let me meet the Suzerain.”

Kazuma arrogantly commanded, completely ignoring the killing intent coming from all directions.

“We've already come out to get the door. You should be grateful.”

''(Looks like these guys want to pick a fight with me.)''

Even though Kazuma knew that the other party was taunting him, he did not want to bear with it at all. He became furious.

Ever since he came back to Japan, he came across a series of unhappy events. First of all, he was dragged into the fight between the Kannagi clan and the mystery man, then he fell into the mystery man's trap and watched helplessly as Ren was abducted. Faced with the task of reporting Ren's abduction, he had no choice but to force himself to come to the Kannagi household, which he had sworn never to come close to ever again.

All of this had stressed Kazuma's nerves, and it showed on his face as extreme annoyance. He just wanted to find someone to beat up, no matter who it was.

And now, it just so happened that there were a bunch of idiots conveniently waiting in rows as if saying “Please punch me”. There was no reason to give up the opportunity.

One of the idiots stood out to break the stalemate. He might have been someone that Kazuma used to know, but at the moment, Kazuma had no intention of identifying any of them.

“At a time like this, you think you can stand in front of us and beg for mercy?!”

As he spoke, it seemed like he was trying to control his fury with all his might.

Hoping to save even a bit of time, Kazuma slowly opened his mouth and said,

“I said to summon the Suzerain... But is anyone listening to me?”

“You bastard!!!”

Crrackk!

The shouting practitioner began angrily throwing fireballs, but at that instant, Kazuma attacked him like a giant using an uppercut punch, making a sound like a blunt object striking a wall. Kazuma's attacker flew into the air, his chin shattering into pieces. He lost the strength to even open his mouth, only being able to spit out blood mixed with broken teeth.

None of the other Enjutsu practitioners had seen Kazuma's attack. They began to retreat in disbelief, instinctively fearful of this attack method that they had never seen before. However, even as they realized this, the battle had already begun, so they started to collect their fighting spirit.

Of course, Kazuma had not intended to fight. It just seemed that someone inside him was repeatedly saying that the world would be better off if all those idiots died. Kazuma allowed that voice to persuade him, forgetting the purpose of his visit in the process.

"Fist of Air" ...Blocks of air that are highly compressed and sent forth at the speed of sound. The instant before contact, the wind compresses almost hundredfold and, after pointing to a certain direction, instantaneously expands to its original state like a spring, hitting the target with unbelievable strength that easily surpasses a professional boxer's finishing blow.

The Enjutsu practitioners were helpless as one after another was knocked down.

Kazuma threw out a string of continuing combos, throwing air bombs without regards to accuracy as long as they flew in the general direction of his targets. They even ended up unearthing the surface and fracturing the wall. The people that had been standing were completely knocked down and left helpless on the ground.

Kazuma's hands were still resting in the pockets of his leather jacket. People that were able to stand up against him were nowhere to be found.

The practitioners were spread out across the ground. Some had broken lower jaws, some had sunken noses that continuously spewed out blood, and some were moaning about with serious internal damage. They laid around in various positions, none able to continue fighting.

Even though Kazuma didn't even need 30 seconds to take out the practitioners, he did not show an ounce of arrogance. He simply accepted the landslide difference in strength, passing off his victory as a logical certainty.

However, his expression unexpectedly became pensive.

“...Crap...”

Unable to find even a single unharmed victim, Kazuma realized that he had committed a deadly mistake.

“I thought carefully and spoke clearly to these people so that something like this wouldn't happen...”

A phone call ahead of time would have probably accomplished his goal. Also, there was no need to talk directly with the Suzerain. Even if they had suddenly met, Kazuma wouldn't have been able to find anything to say. This time, it was only because Ren had been captured in front of his own eyes, clouding his judgment. And also...

“Also, I wanted to come back after all, huh?”

''This place was what I called home in the past. I thought I had already abandoned this place, and yet here I am.''

Kazuma shook his head, interrupting his thought pattern fearing that pondering any deeper would unearth quite an unhappy answer.

“Hey, wake up. Don’t fall asleep on me!”

Kazuma yelled and kicked an inexperienced practitioner, attempting to distract his mood. However, the practitioner weakly opened his eyes, slowly closing them as he became conscious of the pain coming from his injuries. He simply allowed Kazuma to do as he liked.

“...Damn it!”

Kazuma abhorrently threw away his victim. He then went straight for the door without caring whether he stepped on the ground or a practitioner.

The door was already open, since the people that came out through it had already been defeated. And beyond the door was an area where twice as many Enjutsu practitioners were waiting. The moment Kazuma walked through the door, he was met with almost thirty lines of fire.

Honng!

The enormous heat transformed into plasma and completely surrounded Kazuma, emitted enough light to burn even the eyes. The attacking practitioners had their moment of glory.

''(We killed him!)''

''(If we did this much and he’s still not dead...)''

''(...No human could survive that!)''

Suddenly, in the dissipating fire, they saw something they couldn't believe.

“Wh, What?”

Kazuma was standing safely inside the white flames that were tinted with blue and green.

“So boring...”

Kazuma lazily waved his hand, extinguishing the collected strength of thirty flames. Not even a hair on Kazuma's head was harmed.

“Impossible... Is that guy a youma god...?”

The practitioners were so shocked that they apparently even forgot how to breathe. If they had looked calmly, they might have been able to see the thin layer of air that separated Kazuma and the flames.

High-level practitioners could even surpass the laws of physics. Whether it was an Enjutsu or a Fuujutsu practitioner, igniting a fire without using oxygen or blocking the heat transferred in the air was most certainly possible.

Kazuma had complete control of the air inside this space. His will was stronger than the laws of physics so, no matter how large the amount of heat there was, it could not be transferred into Kazuma’s body.

The requirements to become a first rate practitioner was not the strength of their spells, nor knowledge, nor technique, but willpower. The willpower to deny the present reality and construct his own fantasy world.

Jutsu, or magic, is based on mixing willpower into "Initial Principle" and creating new laws to control the effects. The constructed system of the world is rewritten, and the new laws are changed into reality.

In other words, in order to make the flames reach Kazuma, the Enjutsu practitioner would need a stronger will than what Kazuma employed to deny the laws of physics. Basically, what is needed is to use an even stronger will to deny his fabricated laws. Nothing will be achieved if the practitioner does not have enough determination of burning Kazuma to surpass Kazuma's refusal of being burned.

Since nothing was achieved in this case, Kazuma’s will was most likely stronger than the combined will of the thirty practitioners.

“Impossible... impossible...”

The practitioners mumbled, staring with shock.

It ought to be said that they can only mumble.

They understood the reasons for their ineffective spell. In fact, they understood it very well, the same way they understood things such as arms and legs.

Of course, they did not consider Kazuma’s existence as something beyond common sense. They only considered him as a first-class Fuujutsu practitioner, and consequently, believed that Kazuma simply commanded a huge wind spirit.

Kazuma’s strength had already surpassed what they previously considered, completely achieving another dimension. The difference was clear.

Kazuma didn’t counterattack these practitioners, though. It was obviously not to forgive them, but simply that, from the start, he wanted to ignore the practitioners from the branch families.

Because of the practitioners, Kazuma began to recall the eighteen years he spent in this mansion. They were memories of a home that contained almost no happiness. No matter who it was, everyone disregarded him almost to the point of ignoring his existence. Inside such an excessive clan, there was hardly anyone who kindly accepted him.

But no matter what kind of persecution Kazuma received, he still began to feel homesickness. After all, it was the place of his roots.

''(That’s right... I came back here...)''

Kazuma could only admit this thought. Even though he was looked down upon and bullied, he was still protected here. He was shielded from society and from the responsibilities of living alone.

However, yearning for someone to protect him was weakness, escapism, and, to put it simply, running away from reality.

Even though Kazuma admitted that his weakness, which he should have had already abandoned four years ago, still lingered within him, this was something that made him depressed.

''(In the end, I can't allow this home to continue existing...)''

Kazuma was assaulted by large amounts of unhappiness, and stubbornly began blaming the roots of his evils on the Kannagi main family. He came to the decision of crushing it with his own hands.

Hearing Kazuma’s will, an even bigger wind spirit appeared. A wind pressure that could challenge a typhoon began condensing within his palm.

If he released all of it, everything within 200 meters would be destroyed in a blink of an eye. Seeing this, the practitioners already prepared for death.

Kazuma completely forgot about the Kannagi clan or anyone living close by. His only thought was to erase the annoying things right in front of his eyes.

Even Kazuma himself did not notice the large amount of pressure that he accumulated. He was indulged in such self-satisfied thoughts that he was not properly regulating his power.

“Wo... Wah...!”

“What, what is this strength?!”

No matter what they did, the practitioners had no way of understanding Kazuma's thoughts. They stood stupidly in the face of such crushing strength, without even thinking of defending with jutsu.

This was clearly within reason. The wind spirits that Kazuma summoned was enough to eradicate the mansion, whether released as a jutsu or as an out-of-control rampage.

“.........”

The older practitioners exchanged glances without speaking. They had more experience, so they weren't as stunned. Being exposed to Juugo when he was a young boy, they were already familiar with out-of-control spirits that could be categorized as a natural disaster. Although, at that time, they felt that they would be protected by that extreme strength.

After making an enormous inner determination, they realized that there was only one way to defend against the attack that Kazuma was preparing.

They would gamble their lives to perform a summoning of massive proportions, which could result in a mutual suicide. But they had already prepared for death.

''(If only to protect the Suzerain...)''

''(Before Ayano-sama returns...)''

There was no reason for them to gamble their lives other than trying to defeat Kazuma. After all, if Kazuma was standing here, then Genma was probably already defeated.

In that case, only Ayano had the ability to fight on par with Kazuma. With that in mind, the practitioners decided to gamble their lives in order to gain time for Ayano’s return.

“Let's go...”

“Hold it right there.”

A calm voice detained them just before they attacked. The voice's immense power stopped everyone in their tracks.

Time may have frozen for a moment, since nobody moved for a while. During that time, the only audible sound was the bamboo hitting the stone. 

"Suz-Suzerain!"

“It's too dangerous! Please withdraw!”

All of the practitioners recommended the Suzerain to withdraw.

Despite everyone having their eyes on him, Juugo walked with ease while continuing to look at Kazuma.

Kazuma also met Juugo’s eyes.

Juugo had always been very gentle with Kazuma, always speaking with feelings of loving concern instead of scolding with strict words. During Kazuma's teenage years when he was surrounded by hostility, only his time with Juugo allowed him relief.

To Kazuma, Juugo was similar to an admirable father, in contrast to Genma who only gave him terror.

A kind of ancient yearning surged forth. However, even if Kazuma wanted to cry, tears would not come out.

Apparently, Juugo completely understood Kazuma's feelings. Speaking as if to a relative he had not seen in a long time, Juugo greeted Kazuma.

“Long time no see, Kazuma. How are you doing?”

“...Ahh”

Knowing that Juugo still believed in him, Kazuma laughed as if he was being released from confinement.

Juugo laughed energetically as well. Seeing the typhoon in Kazuma's hand, he said,

“If it's like that, then, what's in your hand?”

“Huh? Oh, just trying to surpass the past.”

Kazuma clumsily waved his hand, dismissing all of the accumulated spirits. He even forgot the customary etiquette of saying 'thank you' to all of the spirits.

“Huh? Um, ok... It's hard to talk while standing here, so come in for cup of tea.”

Juugo could not have thoroughly understood what Kazuma had meant, so he merely treated the words as neglected mumblings.

The practitioners stood as if force fed muting pills, simply watching Juugo's light conversation with Kazuma. They probably thought that Kazuma would make a sneak attack with his back turned.

“Su-Suzerain, Kazuma is a traitor!”

Juugo glanced sadly at the still incompetent practitioners. He then slowly turned around to face Kazuma and asked,

“Uh, is it like that?”

“...No?”

Kazuma said with a shrug. The bunch of idiots continued their puzzled stares, unable to speak despite having working mouths.

“So it seems.”

“No, we can't trust him!”

The practitioners shouted with dissatisfaction, believing that Juugo was being deceived.

“Calm down, you idiots!”

Juugo scolded, sighing. He continued,

“If Kazuma was serious, you would all be dead. Now do you understand?”

The practitioners all looked towards Kazuma and his careless appearance. The power that could annihilate them was completely gone. It could not be disputed that this once useless man returned as a superior, first-class practitioner.

“...Say, why did you return? It couldn't have just been for a gathering, right?”

“Ah, that's right. There's something I need to tell you.”

Kazuma finally remembered the reason for his visit, although it was very humiliating to admit to someone else that Ren was captured under his watch.

''(Can't be helped, I guess. After all, losing the initiative was my fault.)''

“...Ren has been abducted. The culprit was someone who can use the wind, most likely an accomplice of the murderer that killed your comrades.”

“Quit joking! You were the one who killed Shinji and Shingo!”

The Soushu of the Yuuki family came forward, speaking to Kazuma for the first time.

''(It doesn't matter who dies as long as it's not your sons?)''

For an instant, the man had an urge to say that, but he managed to keep it to himself. After all, he wasn't someone worthy of attention.

“Ren was seized?”

Juugo also ignored Yuuki’s words and questioned Kazuma to know if he was killed.

“That's right. I'm not too sure about the details, but I know that he's still alive. Don't know why, though. I came here to inform you guys, but could it be that you already know who did it?”

“No, not yet. But thank you for the information.”

Juugo seemed to think of something as his face turned bitter. He said something to the man standing at his side. Kazuma tried hard to remember, and recalled that this was a man trusted by Juugo.

That man bowed, and quickly departed from the house.

“Did you see what that person looked like?”

“...Yeah, but I don't think it'll help at all. That thing isn't even human.”

Just thinking about him brought chills to Kazuma, since the irregular youma ki that 'it' possessed could not have been from anything human.

[[image:Kaze no Stigma vol 01 149.jpg|thumb]]

“I see... By the way, what happened to Genma?”

Juugo's question made Kazuma sincerely laugh. Rather than that of a grown man, his laugh was more of a teenage boy's. His grin wasn't something that could be achieved from practicing. It was a mischievous grin that completely covered his face.

Kazuma showed his thumb and turned it down. With his chin moving backwards, he bragged,

“I kicked his ass.”

“Huh, haha, hahahahahahaha! So you kicked his ass, huh?”

Juugo laughed uncontrollably, an unstoppable roaring laughter, at Kazuma's overly energetic and carefree reply.

“Suzerain! This is not a funny matter!”

The practitioners worriedly admonished the Suzerain's unstopping laughter.

“Hmm, I suppose it isn't.”

Juugo pulled his face back to a severe, unyielding and steady stare. He then asked Kazuma,

“Don't tell me you killed him?”

“Nah, I felt like being merciful. I even called an ambulance! Quite kind of me!”

“If that's the case, then it's alright.”

“Absolutely not!”

The person interrupting Juugo was like the practitioner from before. He became so angry that he started to stagger as if he was dizzy.

“If you're not feeling well, you can withdraw.”

“My situation is of no importance! If Kazuma knocked out Genma-sama, then it is absolutely certain that he is rebelling!”

“...This is just a father-son argument.”

“This... Something like this is...!”

“Understood. I just went over this. Okay, you can withdraw.”

Juugo disrupted the person's words, gesturing at Kazuma as he left through the door. Kazuma followed suit.

And so, after four years, Kazuma finally returned to the place where he was born.

=== 2 ===

Kazuma slowly observed the mansion that he had not walked through for four years. Like the exterior, the interior of the mansion did not change at all. It was constructed during the [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator%27s_Notes#Warring States Period|Warring States Period]], and a mere four years was not enough for any changes.

Kazuma continued behind Juugo, following without speaking as he was taken to Juugo's private room.

“We can talk normally here. What would you like to drink?”

“It doesn't matter. Besides, I'm not thirsty...”

Listening to Kazuma's casual reply, Juugo stared at Kazuma as if searching for something.

“Hm... Don't you trust me?”

“It's not that I suspect you.”

Suddenly, a discordant atmosphere began to fill the room.

After all, there wasn't a single reason for the Kannagi clan to believe Kazuma. Apart from Juugo, everyone believed him to be the murderer.

It was really unbelievable for Kazuma to appear in the home of the enemies pursuing his life.

“Why did you leave the house?”

Juugo broke the silence. More than anything else, this was what he wanted to hear about the most.

“When I heard that you were disowned, you had already left without a single word. Am I that untrustworthy?”

“Ah... Actually, I didn't think of that. At that time, I just wanted to leave the Kannagi clan without delay. Both Otou-san and Okaa-san said that there was no other choice.”

“What did Miyuki say?”

This was the first time Juugo heard that Kazuma had seen his mother before leaving home.

“Now that I think about it, I was so foolish. Rather than going to you, I was requested by that woman to apologize... To think, I still believed that my parents cared.”

Kazuma crooked his mouth, ridiculing himself of the past.

Rather than hating Miyuki, it was about him being so foolish. He thought that things like ties of blood and motherhood would help him.

“What did Miyuki... say?”

Kazuma was brought back to that day, four years ago. Juugo's voice barely reached Kazuma, as if it was coming from a distant place.

When Kazuma first entered his mother's room, he couldn't calm down, constantly waiting for his mother's reply.

In contrast, Miyuki was sitting opposite Kazuma with a tranquil attitude as if she was completely unaffected. She was showing the same composure that she would when idly chatting.

Although it felt like an eternal silence, in reality, not even a single minute had passed. She finally opened her mouth towards the son that came to her for help.

“Kazuma, your education was very good. Your physical education was also quite above normal. The teacher from the school even praised you!”

“Oka, Okaa-san...”

Miyuki's words crushed Kazuma's hopes. To think that Genma had requested her to do something like...!

"Such a pity. If only you had the talent for Enjutsu, I could have treated you as a worthy son, with deep love and concern."

To do something like... bidding farewell.

Kazuma realized that Miyuki constantly discussed events as if they were in the past, and that for her, everything was over. She accepted her son being disowned as a reality that could not be changed. She didn't need a useless son, and so she didn't hesitate to abandon him.

“Okaa-san...”

Facing her son who was begging for help in a quaking voice, Miyuki smiled and handed him a card.

“There is ten million inside. It's not a lot, but it can still fulfill your life's needs. Don't get sick, and stay alive energetically.”

Those were already words of departure. Kazuma, as if escaping, fled to his room afterwards. The next day, without taking anything, he left home by himself. It seemed like nobody even noticed his departure.

The reason he left Japan was not because of some firm determination to live independently and alone.

He was afraid. Afraid that his parents would become heartless monsters even more terrifying than youma and say "I don't need useless things".

He wanted to hide in a place where they could never find him. Even though he knew that they would not send people after him, his body did not seem to understand, simply running as far as it could.

When he finally arrived at Hong Kong, Kazuma was finally able to unwind for the first time. But back then, he could never had known of the tragedy that was about to take place.

“Ahh, it's probably like that.”

“..................”

Juugo said nothing, merely burying his head in deep thought.

''This woman always did things her own way... But I can't believe she was this cruel......''

“Oh well, don't be bothered by it. It's all in the past now.”

“...You've become strong, Kazuma.”

Juugo spoke deeply. To think that a simple youth who was a mere pronoun four years ago became an outstanding man that possessed great power and the mental strength to control that power. Juugo felt very happy.

Though he praised Kazuma from the bottom of his heart for accomplishing this feat, the most important thing right now was to clear Kazuma's name. Everything would begin from now.

“...I can't agree with you.”

“Is it still not enough? Why do you desire power so much?”

Juugo asked, using a somewhat criticizing tone. Contrary to what he had thought, Kazuma did not seem very satisfied with his power.

However, Kazuma had clearly not fallen into some drunken pursuit of power. Instead, he was like a lost and desperate youth trying to find a place to repose.

“Yeah, I did become stronger... and don't cry anymore. But... even if I had to sell my soul to the devil, it wouldn't be a problem, because I absolutely cannot allow myself to remain weak.”

Kazuma said while hiding his head, with two arms encircling his raised knee.

He could still clearly remember that day, when he was crying feebly with his pupils frozen by hopelessness and horror. He would never forget it in all his years.

''(I couldn't do anything...)''

No matter what kind of crazy, assiduous training he went through, no matter how many times he pushed himself to the brink of death, it was impossible to return to that moment. He couldn't save...... her.

''"Why do you desire power so much?"''

Kazuma could not answer that question.

''Is it so you can prevent such tragedies from happening again?''

''Is it so you can protect better this time?''

''No.''

Those kinds of ideas could not satisfy him. She could never return... since she was locked in the bottom of hell.

''"Why do you desire power so much?"''

''(I don't know!)''

There was no reason, no purpose, that he could give. It was simply because he had the ability to command the wind spirits, an ability that would never blossom within the Kannagi family.

''"Why do you desire power so much?"''

"...I wanted to protect..."

Kazuma muttered, as if squeezing out toothpaste. In the end, he still could not say anything, because he still could not overcome it. One day, however, he will surely discover the real meaning of power...

Juugo didn't say anything, merely watching Kazuma quietly.

''("...I wanted to protect...")''

Juugo did not know much about Kazuma's past. All he could do was to imagine what that unfulfilled promise could have meant, and imagine the pain that Kazuma was going through.

“Oh yeah, after this is all over, let's find a day to have a drink together! You can choose the place.”

Even so, Juugo could at least be a listener to his complaints! If Kazuma could spit out all of the unhappiness accumulated within his heart, he just might be able to gain some tranquility. Juugo hoped that he could help his "son" as a "father", even if the result turns out to be insignificant.

“......Hmm...... alright.”

Kazuma hid the scar that was bleeding to this day and gave a gentle smile.

=== 3 ===

“Suzerain, I have the information you wanted.”

A voice suddenly came in from the other side of the pull door. Juugo immediately gave him permission to enter.

The person who entered was the man that was previously commanded by Juugo to go do something. He had a folder in his hand.

“It's this one.”

“Hm...”

Juugo accepted the file and slowly opened it. He passed the information onto Kazuma.

“I only have a 10 year old picture... But is this person the culprit?”

“...Yeah, that's right.”

Kazuma replied immediately after seeing the photo accompanying the information. This shounen, over ten years, had added the ki of a youma to himself and turned into a monster whose mere presence could send shivers down the back.

''(Wait. In other words, that thing used to be human?)''

“Is that so? Go detain all the Fuuga clan members, quickly!”

“Understood!”

Juugo eyed Kazuma while he was still looking at the photo, then gave commands to the assistant. The assistant's entire being immediately disappeared, simply vanishing without a trace.

“That person... Just what kind of person is he?”

Kazuma looked at the spot where Juugo's assistant was standing just a moment ago. How the person moved was a mystery to him.

“My attendant, didn't you know?”

“No... uh... I guess it doesn't really matter.”

Juugo quietly smiled to himself at being able to surprise Kazuma. Kazuma decided to give up on the matter.

Kazuma moved his eyes back onto the file and discovered that there was one name written it: Kazamaki Ryuuya.

''(...Kazamaki?)''

That was the last name of the Fuuga captain.

"This thing is Hyoue's son. Around ten years ago he fell ill. During his recovery, I have not seen him even once."

“So that's how it is? Rebellion? Gah, you tormented them too much.”

Based on Kazuma's knowledge, although the Fuuga clan was described as a subordinate organization of the Kannagi clan, they were really no different from slaves. That was the most likely reason for the rebellion.

“Maybe it is like that.”

Juugo’s voice became very grave. Such things as rebellions were much more problematic compared to attacks from exterior enemies. Unfortunately, as a suzerain, having such a headache was part of the job.

On another note, for Kazuma, this was completely someone else's problem. No matter what the problem was, there is no connection with him. The first and only thing that came to his mind was how to rescue Ren. Whether or not the Kannagi clan survived did not concern him.

“Then, why did the Fuuga clan kidnap Ren? As a hostage, his value is quite insignificant.”

Although Ren was from the main family of the Kannagi clan, his existence was not irreplaceable. Arguably, if it was Ayano, the successor of the Enraiha, it would be another story, but using Ren as a hostage wouldn't force the Kannagi clan to move carelessly nor act rashly.

“He is not being held as a hostage... but as a living sacrifice!”

“...A living sacrifice!?”

Kazuma's face became red with rage as old scars were suddenly torn anew.

...Her maroon hair dyed red by fresh blood... Her deep green eyes, which were once overflowing with life, now blurred like old glass marbles... Lips that seem to create songs would never open again...

''"You... Can you protect me?"''

''(Rin...!)''

Kazuma tightly clenched his fists. The pain from forcing his fingernails to break skin pulled him back to reality.

''(Forget it! Even if it's just for this moment...!)''

Kazuma, whose breath was filled with frustration, punched the floor with his fist, which was dripping blood.

“Sorry, I interrupted you, please continue...”

Suddenly, Kazuma stopped talking and looked through the window towards the outside. Juugo also turned to look in the same direction, though his reaction was late by a couple of seconds. They noticed the ki of fire spirits that were increasing explosively.

“Ayano...?”

After walking close to the window and seeing Kazuma’s form, Ayano’s posture instantly changed as she jumped directly in through the window while holding onto Enraiha with one hand.

“Kazuma!!”

After visually confirming Kazuma’s position, Ayano shouted and raised the Enraiha to the [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator%27s_Notes#Jodan no Kamae|Jodan no Kamae]] position.

Without any doubts or hesitation, she swung downwards without paying any attention to the surrounding environment. This kind of quick and decisive decision making is worthy of praise!

“Woah...”

Kazuma, surprised by this sneak attack, reacted a couple of seconds late. But that was already a deadly delay. Even though he instantly constructed a kekkai, for it to receive a plasma attack surpassing a thousand degrees...

''(Damn, not enough!)''

The number of wind spirits was absolutely inadequate.

When interfering with "Initial Principle", practitioners are to use the spirits within their control to alter the environment.

In order to do that, a large number of spirits or spirits with enough strength must be gathered. If the accumulated spirits do not have enough power, then no matter how strong one's will is, it is still impossible to realize the desired defense.

No matter how strong the will, it can not transform into real power if there are no spirits, as the spirits are a medium to transmit their will to the world. No matter how much a person will try to curse another, it is impossible to kill that person merely by thinking bad ills upon them. It can only be done by accumulating enough spirits to produce an effect.

The scorching plasma instantly severed the kekkai. The branch families could not even compare to this power that came like the arrival of the sun. No matter how fast Kazuma could summon, there was no way he could create a strong enough kekkai in such a short time.

The kekkai that appeared outside the room was instantly destroyed, allowing the plasma to come in contact with the glass of the window. Unable to withstand getting sandwiched between two powerful attacks of wind and fire, the window frame, and even the wall surrounding it, began to weather down and collapse.

''(Shit! I'm going to get stabbed!)''

Just when Kazuma thought he was about to die...

"Huh!?"

A fierce ki emerged, extinguishing the plasma about to vaporize Kazuma and erasing it without leaving a trace, as if it were only a dream.

“Quite powerful♥”

Kazuma quietly praised Juugo. After all, Juugo not only seized the spirits under Ayano's control, he even completely sent them away with his powerful ki.

It really was willpower beyond that of a normal person. Although he had already retired from the front line, the power that had been proclaimed as the strongest in history had not diminished in the slightest.

“Otou, Otou-san?”

She didn't know exactly why, but Ayano sensed that Juugo wasn't very happy with her actions. As if searching for an opportunity to flee, she bent back while retreating.

Unfortunately, that chance never came.

“You fool!!!”

Juugo's roar had the potential to punch through a body.

“Ah!”

Ayano fearfully rolled into a ball like a little child.

Juugo's roar proved to have impossibly massive power. It was so loud that it shook the walls that survived Ayano's first attack and shattered any remaining glass.

“You idiot daughter! How many times have I told you not to swing that sword around without thinking?! Why can't you understand that the one who holds the Enraiha should not casually and carelessly use strength?! At least have some intellect to accompany that strength! Idiot!”

“Ah...”

Ayano couldn't continue standing. Faced with the heartless reproach from her father, who was almost always very gentle and kind, she was so shocked that she fell towards the garden with her butt on the ground. Her eyes began to grow moist as if about to cry.

Juugo faced Kazuma again, apologizing for his daughter's reckless behavior,

“Sorry, my daughter did something disrespectful, very sorry... hmm?”
Kazuma, who was standing there just a moment ago, was not found. Noticing something, Juugo looked downwards, seeing Kazuma covering his ears with both hands.

“What are you doing...?”

Juugo asked a surprising question.

Kazuma replyed with a hoarse voice,

“Nothing... Just, next time you roar like that, please warn me. You scared me half to death...”

Ayano, who was several meters away, only felt a loud voice that rattled the bones. However, Kazuma, who was right in front of Juugo, was struck by shockwaves rather than a shout. Although his ear membrane was stunned, his brain was still ringing from the powerful waves that penetrated his entire body.

“...Even my brain feels like its splitting.”

Kazuma stood up shakily. Though his brain was still ringing from the reverberations comparable to a percussion instrument, he ignored it with his willpower.

"Let's continue, please ignore that idiot daughter."

Kazuma said, sitting down at the same spot without moving. Trying to continue standing wasn't very easy as the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ossicle ossicles] in his ears were still numb.

“...No, it's just that Ayano doesn't know what's going on. Let her listen, it will be easier for me.”

After a slight hesitation, Juugo called Ayano over. Ayano gave thanks to Enraiha and hung it in a crevice on the wall. She came closer to Juugo, bowing and lowering her head.

“...Ayano.”

“I'm very sorry.”

Ayano immediately pressed herself onto the ground and bowed. She was not really sure about what was going on, but she preemptively selected this action to apologize.

"...That's enough, in the future, just pay more attention!"

Juugo did not want to repeat this topic as right now was not the time for it.

“Listen closely, Ayano. The guilty one isn't Kazuma. It's the Fuuga clan!”

“Fuuga? What can weak people like them do...?”

Juugo glared at the interrupting Ayano, telling her to be quiet.

“The culprit was Kazamaki Ryuuya, or more accurately, the youma who possesses him.”

“It doesn't matter who or what did it. What's this about Ren becoming a living sacrifice?”

Kazuma hurried the topic. Obviously, Ayano interrupted again.

“What? Ren was captured?”

"You shut up!"

Juugo and Kazuma accidentally but perfectly spoke at the same time. Ayano pouted unhappily, but given her recent disrespectful actions and behavior, her current situation was in a very weak light. Without any better ideas, she decided she could only sit there quietly and listen.

“Then, continuing where we left off: The ancestors of the Fuuga and Kannagi clan started out doing completely different things...”

''(Of course.)''

Kazuma mumbled to himself. Wind and fire had different strengths and characteristics. Since the two were now the same clan, the most likely explanation was that the Kannagi clan ended up absorbing the Fuuga clan.

"Some 300 years ago, the Fuuga clan was proud of themselves for being able to manipulate strong and powerful wind. They created a shadow organization that thrived off of wealth gained from assassinating, cheating, and doing destructive jobs. They would do any job, no matter what it was, but as it turned out, too many of them were evil deeds. Eventually, the Kannagi clan was given a direct order from the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shogunate Shogunate] to eliminate them.

At the final period of the strenuous battle, our ancestors managed to seal Fuuga's source of power, and decided to absorb what was left of the Fuuga clan, who had lost most of their powers, as followers."

“What's the source of their power?”

“...It's God!” 

Although Juugo's reply was quick and simple, the meaning of his words were a bit more complicated.

“God...!”

Kazuma glanced at Ayano, who gasped sharply. Although he himself was also surprised, due to Ayano’s earlier wavering, Kazuma decided to allow the room to return to tranquility before speaking.

“How would we seal something like that?”

Kazuma's question was not without reason. After all, to a human, sealing a god was something pretty much impossible to do.

What was mentioned as God is not the divine creator that religion adheres to - Rather, it is a general term for something or someone that surpasses all existence. Surpassing mankind is the basis of a god's status, and for one to be defeated by mankind would contradict the definition. "A human sealing God" is a contradictory phrase in itself.

"This kind of situation is only passed down through oral stories told throughout the generations. What really happened, I do not know... They probably had to borrow from the King of Spirits, or else such a thing would be impossible."

The King of Spirits is quite simply the king of all spirits: The one who governs the existence of all spirits on this planet. Although it is speculated that there exists a King for earth, water, fire, and wind, no one has been able to determine whether they all exist.

About a thousand years ago, the first suzerain of the Kannagi clan and the King of Fire Spirits were able to achieve a covenant, and the Enraiha was gifted. Then, due to blood relationships, the Kannagi clan received the ability to greatly perceive the power of the fire spirits. Or so the legend goes.

Truly, if you had the power of the King of the Spirits, then it would not be impossible to seal a god...

“But even if the suzerain 300 years ago could make another contract with the King of Spirits, there aren't many humans who can use such power. You can't surpass a god. Couldn't they have directly summoned the King of Spirits?”

“...Something like that is impossible, isn't it?”

Having a king that exists in the upper world descend onto this world can only be described as a miracle that surpasses common sense. Even in theory, it would still be impossible. So, given Ayano's question, Kazuma coldly replied,

“What would happen? It doesn't matter. I can't achieve such a miracle.”

“We already knew that a long time ago!”

“Anyway, so Hyoue's motive is to revive that god?”

Kazuma gritted his teeth and continued to ignore Ayano, hurrying Juugo to continue explaining.

“Most likely, the way of sealing is passed down in secret throughout the generations of suzerains. If they started a rebellion, then that means they probably found the location of the seal, as well as the method to remove it.”

As Juugo said this, he became more impatient. After all, if the sealed god were to be released, then the Fuuga clan would obtain strength comparable to that of the Kannagi clan. Also, it is undeniable that the wrath of the sealed god would descend upon them.

“...So, Ren will become a tribute to revive the god.”

Kazuma was pretty calm given the situation. After all, he did not have any obligations to help in the survival or destruction of the Kannagi clan. If things were to really turn out that way, he could just run away. Running away was something Kazuma had absolute confidence in.

“No, in order to remove the seal, Ren is necessary... Or rather, anyone from the main branch of the Kannagi clan is necessary.”

After stopping Kazuma, Juugo continued to speak,

“Only someone from the main branch can remove the seal, because the seal is inside the [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator%27s_Notes#Samadhi Flame|Samadhi Flame]].”

The Samadhi Flame is the crystallization of an absolutely untainted flame. It is a pure flame that should not even exist in this world. Anything that comes in contact with it will be vaporized without a trace, no matter what it is.

In order to send away such a thing, it is necessary to come in contact with the origin of the seal. Clearly, that is impossible without someone from the main branch.

“But, if the fire is in the way, then can't you just blow it away normally? Even if it is a Samadhi Flame, if I can do it, then that guy probably can too.”

“The seal is inside the flame.”

Juugo repeated what he just said, as if to test Kazuma.

“Then... That means...!”

“That's right, the flame is sealing that god. If it's blown away, then the sealed god's form will also disappear. So, without those protected from fire, removing the seal is impossible.”

The suzerain of that time established several layers of security for the seal. The existence of the seal was shrouded in the highest degree of secrecy, and the process of the absorption of the Fuuga clan into the Kannagi clan was erased from memory. For both the Kannagi and Fuuga, it was as if such matters had never even occurred.

The fact that the seal could not be removed by a member of the Fuuga clan was absolutely certain. Otherwise, the shogunate that desired the destruction of the Fuuga clan probably would not have accepted the results.

“If the first thing the released god sees is the descendant of the one who sealed him... I would fear to think about what would happen to Ren.”

“So that's how it is... Really, if they had just wiped out the Fuuga clan to begin with, we would not have to go through all of this.”

“You... don't you have any compassion for fellow humans?”

Ayano did not hide any of her inner hatred for Kazuma.

“Compassion for fellow humans? You... do you actually think that the Kannagi kindly rescued the Fuuga?”

“Wha-What does that mean?”

“Wind can strengthen fire. Since they're practitioners of lower standards, wouldn't using them as subordinates be more suitable?”

Kazuma's words were obviously directed at Juugo. Since at this point excuses were useless, Juugo decided to tell the truth,

“That's right. Our ancestors used the Fuuga clan as a mere tool... And a very convenient tool at that...”

“No way...”

“Hey, this rebellion is certainly righteous to them, since you guys treat them like slaves. It's justice to get revenge."

“What? Why are you speaking about it as if it was someone else's problem? Ren dying doesn’t matter to you?”

Ayano gritted her teeth as she fumed at Kazuma, who bore a sarcastic and unimpressed expression.

“Ren is also a practitioner of the Kannagi clan. There's no way he would obey Hyoue.”

“That... it is possible.”

“What!?”

Kazuma ignored Ayano, who was ready for a thorough argument, and said to Juugo,

“We haven't passed twelve hours yet so he might be ok, but manipulating him would be quite easy. No matter how talented Ren is, if we let a full day pass, they could probably get him to kill even his own parents.”

His calm and direct statement left the two Kannagi at a loss of words.

There are plenty of ways to brainwash or possess someone. Although the strength of the Kannagi clan resides in its lineage, such attributes are practical only to the body. In other words, even when unconscious or possessed by youma, the spirits would still protect Ren's body. 

“...If we don't get to the seal in time, there will be no way back. We have to rescue Ren quickly.”

“Please work hard!”

Kazuma said disinterestedly as if dousing the flames of Juugo's passionate words.

Ayano furrowed her forehead. People like Kazuma, who have no sense of responsibility, are the ones that she truly hates. To her, rather than the people who just don't have enough power, the ones who are strong enough yet are unwilling to do anything, are the ones who are rotten to the core.

“You don't need to remind me! Even without you, I can handle them! I'll show you!”

“...Wait a minute!”

Juugo constrained his daughter, not because he doubted Ayano's strength, but because, since the situation involved the clan’s survival, an abundance of just fighting strength was pointless.

“Kazuma, can you defeat Ryuuya?”

“...Like hell. If I'm lucky, I might last maybe five minutes.”

After a slight pause, Kazuma replied honestly. He frequently used an objective self-evaluation method to assess himself. From experience, he had learned that overconfidence was extremely dangerous.

“Is that so...?”

Juugo mentally compared the abilities of the following people: Ryuuya > Kazuma > Genma > Ayano. In other words, Ayano alone had no possibility of winning.

“Well, wherever they summoned such a high level youma from is beyond me. Hell, even the powerful youma ki of the 3000-year old vampire from the interior of China is nothing compared to that thing.”

“You, you can even beat... something like that...?”

Juugo was probably more confused than astonished.

“Ha, yeah right! There's no way to fight against that either. I just patted my ass and tucked in my tail, then ran like the wind.”

Kazuma mischievously avoided further questioning. Those were memories he did not want to recall, so he diverted the topic back to the original discussion,

“The problem with that guy is that the wind he uses is not normal.”

"...What does that mean?"

“It's so abnormal that I have no clue how nature even developed it. The spirits around that guy are all going crazy. Because of this, I can't interfere with his spells - I can't even sense it. If he chooses to hide himself, I won't be able to sense him until just before he comes at us at point blank range.”

“That's quite... no, that's really bothersome!”

Juugo worriedly mumbled.

Spirits have wisdom and ability, and although it is unknown how to differentiate them, they also have a will. Therefore, they can get agitated just like a human being.

Putting spirits in a situation that conflicts with its own characteristics for a long period of time, such as putting fire spirits in water or sealing wind spirits in the ground, will cause them to go crazy. This is a fact that has already been confirmed.

But...

“How would you control that kind of thing?”

Because they have already lost their consciousness, they certainly would not be able to hear the words of a human... probably.

“Who the hell knows? Nothing like this has ever happened before, so there's nothing to compare this situation with!”

Kazuma replied vaguely, and continued,

“To do that... maybe having Ayano fight would work better than trying to pit wind against wind. Since fire is the main attacking force, if she uses the Enraiha to stab him and burn him from the inside out, he'll die no matter how strong his will is.”

“Then, are you saying that you will not help?”

“I don't like working.”

“I'll pay 100 million!”

“Thanks for the job ♥”

Kazuma instantly agreed to the contract.

This was not because the huge amount of money blurred his vision. As an outsider, he needed a reason, in the form of payment, to be involved. Of course, he would take what was his, but he had already become determined to join the battle.

“You're terrible! Without money, you would have abandoned your own brother?”

Ayano spat. Kazuma simply grinned without replying.

Rather than being considered a “good guy” who acts by his emotions, being known as a miser makes him feel a lot better. Ayano's scorn did not affect him in any way.

“Then, please.”

“Ah, leave it to me.”

After glancing at Ayano, who looked like she was about to shoot lasers from her eyes, the two men shook hands in agreement.

Juugo certainly understood Kazuma's intentions. In order for him to have a proper reason to fight, he needed compensation in the form of 100 million yen.

''(I really can't beat him...)''

Juugo really felt that Kazuma's consideration was not the same as before.

“Then, where exactly is this place?”

By now there was no further need for discussion. Juugo simply replied,

“Kyoto!”

The ceremonial mountain of the fire god laid in northwestern Kyoto. It was a sacred place to the Kannagi clan, the contractual place where the earth held the flames of the burning heavens. At this place containing 300 years of gratitude and grudges, the two clans were gambling their existence - The place of the decisive battle was there.

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