Editing Reinousha Minato: Volume 01 Chapter 01 (section)

=Part 2=
The influence of Shinto has gone a long way.

The details are unknown, but one of the oldest documents ‘Iki’ is stored in Shinto Branch at Fuji, is recorded from the era of Asuka. They were collected around Heian era, more than a thousand years from the date they were written.

The name was ordered alphabetically[9] in subset ‘Roki’, ‘Haki, ‘Niki’, from the original order ‘I-Ro-Ha-Ni-Ho-He-To’.

The language of iroha was based on a song which was produced with the basic of Buddhism’s impermanence, there was no other language could be deemed more worthy to tell the history of Shinto. However, despite the help of Shintoism, there was phrases which intersects with Buddhism’s core values.

Their mission is to subdue the Specter.

Those who make enmity with people, or harming people, will be sealed or destroyed.

The author of the song of Iroha itself is unknown, although there was a hypothesis that one particular monk’s initial like Koubou Daishi Kuukai might be the author. Although it was consistent with the timing of ‘Iki’ which has been concluded, the Kuukai theory was mostly nulled, as the song of Iroha is said to be created in a later time.

Even so, the existence of ‘Iki’ or ‘Roki’ are intriguing. They were originated from an intriguing history as well.

In any case, as the aid of Shintoism never appeared in the spotlight of history, the authority could not use them to verify the history either. They were just exist in order to subdue the Specters.
Therefore, sometimes, they make a seemingly ruthless decision.

“We can only offer Saya’s life”

The solemn-sounding voice was heard from one of the corner of the room. It was a voice of one from a dozen men who hid their faces behin a white head robe.

The sight of the white hoods in the dimly lit rooms appear to float absent-mindedly.

Risako who was sitting down in the middle of the room, was forcing herself to speak in an emotionless voice.

“I can return the exact words to you, Kaonashi-sama[10]. The spectre was unsealed is not to be blamed to Saya. It was due to the mindless people who tried to cross over the border of death. Such punishment is too harsh”

As the Kuchinashi[11], Risako’s mouth was hidden , hence, her voice was a little muffled.

“Don’t take me wrongly. It is not a punishment. We have no other choice. Our opponent is not a mere lowly figure, but a spectre who once worshipped as a god. It is hard to seal him as is even with our full force”

“It was written in the ‘Ruki’ of the song that he is a jealous one. He was turned into a spectre soon after he fell from his shrine. We cannot hold a candle against him with our current state. Not against something who can absorbed the power of 100 people”

“That seal which was created by the power of hundreds, was passed on to Yamagami Saya. The character of Jindaimoji, the 2047 characters of Iruka is embedded in the right arm of the miko”

“I understood. However, Yamagami Saya is a valuable resource which can stand against a god”

“Who coincidentally is your niece. She is your sister’s keepsake after all. Do you mix your feeling in asserting this decision?”

“That…”

Risako couldn’t utter a word.

“Give up. It’s our mission. The seal has been transferred to Saya, it’s a blessing in disguise. Albeit being a cruel reality to you.

He didn’t say a ruthless thing. It was unavoidable. Risako herself knows that very well.

The previous generation also couldn’t hold a candle against him even with their full force, the spectre was only sealed after paying many sacrifices as the pricely expense. For the sake of their relatives, several people made human sacrifice, and it was banned to make such a new seal.

“We must return the spectre to the realm of the death”

“It’s unforgivable for a spectre to be present in this world”

The group of men who were called ‘Kaonashi’ stood up at once.

“This is the end of discussion”

Risako waited the Kaonashis to depart while bitting her lip.

When their footsteps ceased, Risako raised her head fearfully.

“There’s still me”

One of the kaonashi spoke out. Risako was surprised as there were no sign of his presence, and return to prostration in a hurry.

“Ye-Yes”

“Raise your head”

She rose her face, in the dimly lighted room, she caught the reflection Saya’s appearance.

“There’s no denying that Saya has been blessed with an unexpected prize. She has 5 to 6 days. Sadly to say, it should be enough time for you to say goodbye”
After saying the words of symphaty, he resigned.
Just like that, the last presence disappeard as well.

“Kuchinashi-sama”

After the both of them were left alone, Saya kept her bowing[12] posture and began to talk.

“I’m terribly sorry for this incident. I have prepared myself, please use my body…”

“Saya, look at me”

Saya raised her face, and stared at Risako for sometime, before hesitatingly smiled lightly at her.

“Risa ane-sama”

It was the first time in five years that she was called by her own name. Saya’s preparedness was visible involuntarily.

When Saya became a miko at 11 years old, even if they were close relative, a strict hierarchical relationship was adopted. As Saya was a priest, she was not allowed to call Risako, who is a higher up, with her real name, she must call her Kuchinashi-sama. Regardless of the situation, Saya always seriously obey this teaching.

“Risa ane-sama…….. I’m sorry”

Despite showing such courage, Saya spilled tears down her cheek.

In Risako’s mind, the memories of a young girl in her beautiful sister’s arms laughing innocently came up, she was a precious keepsake from her sister. When her sister died, she hugged the little Saya, and vowed to protect her.

“Don’t give up, Saya. There’s still…”

There should be a way to survive, she cut short her sentence.

She didn’t think of it. Giving Saya irrational hope in the midst of her resolution was cruel.

The only path of Shinto that could give a conclusion to this case. Spiritual power, ethereal, supernatural powers, she couldn’t even save Saya with her own power.

Then, there was no other choice but to ask of help from someone who didn’t meet all those criteria.

Even though she supposed to deny the path which he treads.

Risako has an idea of the only man who can do that.

That person’s name is Kujou Minato.