Editing Kaze no Stigma:Volume1 Chapter5 (section)

=== Part 1 ===

Kazuma and Ayano sat on a wide seat within a side-room, quietly waiting for their arrival in Kyoto via the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinkansen Shinkansen].

The air conditioning was very pleasant, and the environment was also quite cozy. However, most people preferred squeezing into the over-congested train chambers over sitting in the same room as these two.

The unpleasant atmosphere around them made it difficult to stay in that room.




This is infuriating.

This is so infuriating!

Ayano shot murderous stares straight at Kazuma, who was sitting diagonally across from her.

Even though it was impossible not to notice her, Kazuma did not even look at Ayano. He shook his leg comfortably as he skimmed through a magazine he bought from a stall.

Ayano shifted her view back towards the scenery outside once more.

She currently felt worse than she ever had in her entire life. Having to work together with Kazuma made her very unhappy. Not to mention that her father, Juugo, seemed to have more faith in Kazuma's abilities rather than hers, which agitated her even more.

She stubbornly forced herself to face the window while glancing at Kazuma. From the looks of it, he was completely different from the way he was four years ago. He didn't seem very different to the naked eye, but in her heart, he had already jumped up several levels.

She hated Kazuma very much - she could guarantee that with a fist hitting her chest. <!--Awkward, consider a better revision--> However, her eyes just couldn't divert from him. Unknowingly, she had begun to go in pursuit of Kazuma, observing his every move. Ayano would not tolerate such actions.

(Speaking of which, this is totally unbelievable! How did he become so strong in just four years?)

The Kazuma four years ago was just like a stone by the roadside. Rather than bullying or looking down on him, this view was more like the natural action of removing him from sight.

It was the same even during the “Successor Ceremony”. Kazuma joined the ceremony only because Genma forced him to. The match between Kazuma, who could not even use Enjutsu, and Ayano, wasn't even a fight. After all, everyone knew what the outcome would be even before the ceremony.

(But I heard that his fighting skills and other Jutsu were pretty good...... No! Why am I trying to spot his good points!?)

Ayano shook her head fiercely, removing all of her unpleasant thoughts. She organized her breathing and raised her head. At this moment, her eyes met Kazuma.

“......You seem very happy.”

Kazuma was not mocking her. He was simply surprised.

“Who...... Who would be happy!? Just being with you annoys me more than anything else!”

"Is that so?"

Kazuma replied lightly. He took out a cigarette from a hidden pocket in his jacket as though nothing had happened.

“Hey! Don't smoke in this small room!”

(...Here we go again.)

As she shouted in complaint, Ayano began to have doubts about her uncontrollable emotions. As long as Kazuma was near her, she seemed to unconsciously turn aggressive.

Her emotions weren't simply those of hate. After all, Ayano is the type of person who completely ignores those she dislikes. It wouldn't be possible for her to even lift her head to talk to them.

(So this must mean I don't just hate him, I hate him very very very much!)

She used farfetched logic to sooth the unpleasant feeling in her heart. But, just from looking at that detestable person chewing his cigarette and taking out a lighter, Ayano went on a rage once more.

“Are you deaf? I told you not to smoke!”

Kazuma filled his lungs with smoke and released it slowly. The air between them became thick with the smoke. After repeating the same actions once more, he met Ayano's angry stare.

“......I heard you.”

The voice reached Ayano's seat along with the smoke. Watching Ayano getting choked by smoke, Kazuma continued to pollute the air with secondhand smoke.

“...You imbecile!”

Ayano stared at Kazuma's mouth. The spirits quickly responded to the will of the master of fire's descendent.

Bang!

An explosion sounded off. The cigarette that Kazuma was chewing on was burned down instantly. If Kazuma had spat it out even a moment later, his own mouth would have been scorched.

“Heh heh!”

Ignoring Ayano, who seemed proud and pleased with herself, Kazuma took out another cigarette. This time he set up a kekkai around himself, sealing off any flame spirits that may try to get out of control.

Ayano furiously stared once more at Kazuma, who began to produce more smoke. Infuriatingly enough, the smoke went through the kekkai and began to taint her surroundings with its white fumes.

“Stop being stupid, we have to discuss our plans for the mission!”

Ayano fought hard to subdue her desire to burn down the entire train sector and instead proposed a plan for cooperation. It seemed that it was very shocking for her when her father scolded her and called her brainless. All of Ayano's emotional growth could be said to have been developed by Juugo.

Kazuma said calmly,

“If it's the two of us, there is no plan. You just fight Ryuuya, and I'll stay away and cover you. Is there any other way?”

"......Why do I get the feeling my job is much more dangerous?"

[[Image:Kaze no Stigma vol 01 185.jpg|thumb]]

Ayano also knew that this was the most efficient way, but she felt that something wasn't right. Since she didn't completely trust Kazuma, she always got the feeling that she was being set up by him.

“This is your family's problem! Shouldn't you work harder for it?”

"For someone who's getting paid for this, you sure sound proud. Mercenaries should fight at the front line! You're obligated to protect me."

"You mean you're that weak?"

Kazuma gave a snort of contempt and said,

“You cannot survive without someone to protect you?”

"You......"

Kazuma then said something even ruder to Ayano, who was so angry that she was at a loss for words.

“Listen well, and remember this. I have no energy to spare to protect you. Ryuuya is very strong. Stronger than me, and of course even stronger than you. We both have to use our powers to their limits, or there's no way we'll win. Even if you don't trust me, at least try to do it for today! Otherwise, we're both screwed.”

Kazuma said everything so frankly and calmly that Ayano was unable to rebut. She knew that she was losing her momentum. A strong ki was restraining her to the extent that she could not even move a finger.

“I...... I got it already......”

The only resistance she could put up was a tone that sounded as though she was fighting back, because she felt that if she didn't make any attempt to resist, she would have been conquered both physically and mentally and would never be able to resist again.

“But it's just for today...... If it weren't for a time like this, I would never......”

She tried her best to rebut, but Kazuma did not reply. His presence earlier seemed to have vanished without a trace, as though it was just a dream. Kazuma relaxed his whole body and lazily fiddled with his cigarette. Ayano thought to herself, he's just like a poisonous bug.

(......What a mean person.)

She scolded in her heart. Why am I so afraid of this self-degrading nicotine addict? What an embarrassment.

“I'm going to sleep.”

She left this line and shut her eyes. She suddenly opened them again to stare at Kazuma.

“If you try anything funny, I'll burn you!”

"Don't worry! I'm not interested in creatures that have yet to become a woman."

“...............!”

After hearing such a rude reply, Ayano held up her fist and stood. However, Kazuma merely continued to read his magazine without paying any attention to her, clearly acting out what he had just said about not being interested.

In an instant, Ayano came to the verge of tears. She blinked her eyes, which became wet without a proper reason, and returned to her seat and closed her eyes.

Her uncertain feelings became a whirlpool in her heart. She was no longer sure if she was angry or sad anymore.

(Why should I even bother with that guy......?)

Unable to verify her own feelings, Ayano locked her confused thoughts into the depths of her consciousness. She then forced herself to concentrate on sleeping. Within a few seconds, Ayano forgot all about her unhappiness and gave off peaceful breathing sounds.






After confirming that Ayano was asleep, Kazuma purified the air in the room. The air that he had polluted became clean in a second.

Telling the wind spirits to purify the surrounding air indefinitely, Kazuma focused his mind on the surroundings. He let his senses become synchronized with the wind spirits.

His consciousness fused with the wind. His body, which became an empty shell, smiled lazily in a way that Ayano would have scorned.

(Gee, this girl can really sleep.)

Having thought about the possibility of being attacked while on the move, Kazuma found it hard to relax. Even though his search radius was a massive ten kilometers, when moving at three hundred kilometers per hour, it wasn't very assuring especially considering that that monster could easily attack from more than twenty kilometers away.

Even though this was only to make himself feel more secure, Kazuma continued to keep his guard up. Even if he sensed an attack, he would only be able to block one hit. The enemy has no reason to focus on Kazuma, because simply destroying the whole cabin would allow him to meet his objective.

(After the first strike, I need to escape quickly before the second hit...... And on top of that, I even have to bring along a burden. Is it possible?)

Looking at the "burden" that was sleeping soundly, Kazuma mumbled to himself,

(I guess I have no choice but to just do it......)

No matter how bad the whole situation seemed, the only way out was to take action proactively. Passively waiting for a chance to come by would only result in death.

In the end, however, all of his precautions were too late. The Fuuga clan disappeared without a trace and was yet to be found. They were probably on their way to the sacred grounds. In fact, they might even have arrived already!

He did not intend to let the Fuuga clan's ambitions to be fulfilled. Even though one reason was to save his cute brother, Kazuma had decided long ago that anyone who uses a human as a tribute must die.

......There might be people in the Fuuga clan who were against the revolt, so he needed some way to take care of those people......

Remembering the words of the clan chief, Kazuma showed an evil smile.

(Let me help you save some energy!)

Juugo wouldn't have to decide what to do with the Fuuga clan. After all, Kazuma had already decided on the death penalty for everyone in the clan.





The journey after getting off the train required a car. After exiting the train station, the two headed to the car park as instructed.

Because of the possibility of having to go around the entire mountain, a four wheel [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Range_Rover Range Rover] was prepared. Kazuma placed the key he obtained from Juugo into the ignition and switched on the GPS before starting the engine.

Ayano came in from the door at the other side and sat down. Apparently wary of Kazuma's driving capabilities, she took up the seat belt immediately.

“Don't put on the seat belt.”

Kazuma said as he looked at the GPS.

“Why?”

"Ryuuya is much scarier than a car accident. Be prepared to jump out of the vehicle at any time."

“......Understood.”

“Then let's go!”

Kazuma swiftly stepped on the pedal to accelerate.





The Range Rover did not meet much interference and went swiftly down the road. After leaving town, they took a scenic route and went around to the back of the mountain.

“Oh yeah, I wanted to ask you something.”

“What?”

“You mentioned earlier, Ryuuya's wind is berserk, right? Won't the spirits you control go berserk as well?”

"Well, if they're just attacking, it should be fine. But I doubt they'll stay that way if our fight drags on."

"Are you sure it's going to be okay?"

Ayano asked doubtfully.

“Believe me! Well, in that case, why don't I just test it out- Incoming!”

Kazuma's wind retaliated the black wind that came from above. A furious gale burst from the crashing winds, shaking even the heavyweight Range Rover.

“Jump out!”

As if pushed out by Kazuma's voice, Ayano kicked the door down and jumped out. After jumping out, she realized that Kazuma had ordered her, and she became angry.

"Don't boss me around-"

She glared at the driver seat, but there was no one there anymore.

Somehow, Kazuma had quietly jumped out of the car. Since the car's door was closed, there was no way to imagine how he jumped out as, logically speaking, he should have gotten into action after Ayano.

"Wait......"

Once again speaking over Ayano, Kazuma raised his finger and pointed slightly upwards. Ayano's eyes reflexively followed in that direction.

(Dammit......!)

Kazuma was in control, and she was being toyed around with. She felt like she was unable to move by her own will.

She was so angry she wanted to kill him, but apparently there was no time for that. A shadow came down from the skies where Kazuma was pointing at, and into the center of Ayano's vision.

A corrupt youki, darker and duller than even his black suit. Thin lips, a straight nose, and a proper face that might have once been handsome if it weren't paler than a mask.

“Ryuuya......? I didn't notice at all......”

If it weren't for Kazuma, she would have been killed without even seeing Ryuuya. A chill went down Ayano's spine.

“Don't take him to be same as the Fuuga clan.  If a first rate Fuujutsushi hid himself, an Enjutsushi would never be able to find him. Once you get into a melee battle, don't let him get away no matter what.”

Kazuma gave a fearless smile to Ayano, who was frozen from the tense situation.

“So...... Are you ready?”

"Don't order me around. Just do your job and cover me!"

After throwing that sentence, Ayano dashed out. As she ran, she pulled out Enraiha, and shot a fireball to show her might.

“I told you, that won't work!”

Kazuma grumbled in shock from Ayano's stupidity.

Ryuuya quietly stood before the approaching fireball. The scorching flames crashed into Ryuuya, who did not do anything to defend himself.

Kaboom!!

"That's not enough! Keep pressuring him!!"

Kazuma shouted, watching Ryuuya become surrounded in flames.

“I know! I told you not to boss me around!!”

Ayano waved her Enraiha as she replied. She did not expect such a low level flame to do much harm against that monster. It was good enough to simply divert his attention.

(However...... There is nothing that Enraiha cannot destroy!)

But......

Thang!

Her swing with utmost confidence was repelled with a clear sound.

"What......!"

Ryuuya cleared away the flames and closed in at Ayano. She could clearly see the pitch black claws, about thirty centimeters long, coming out of those pair of bending curves.

Did he use those to block Enraiha? Ayano did not even have time to think about it.

She used the red blade to repel the claws that sliced at her from the left and right. Just as she tried to retaliate, the opponent already vanished from sight.

(From behind......!?)

She instinctively swung her blade, somehow catching Ryuuya. The pitch black claws blocked Enraiha, with screeching sounds marking the impact.

Their weapons clashed, but in terms of size and power, Ayano was at a disadvantage. She forcefully pushed forward her blade, jumping back and using the force from Ryuuya's push to create some distance between them.

“What the hell have you been covering, Kazuma!?”

Ayano did not look away from Ryuuya, but furiously scolded her partner who was doing nothing. However, she did not get a reply, no matter how long she waited.

“......Hey, Kazuma?”

With a very unpleasant premonition, she hesitantly called out to Kazuma again. This time, she finally got a reply...... in the form of a distant voice transmitted by Fuujutsu.

“I'll be going first! You handle Ryuuya. Good luck!”

Hearing the playful words from the wind made Ayano stand dumbfounded for ten seconds.

“........................”

Ayano stood with her head bowed down. Suddenly, golden flames burst out of her body. Maybe she was holding the hilt tightly, because the tip of Enraiha shivered slightly.

Ayano raised her head, and glared sharply past Ryuuya as if she could see the despicable person who had slipped away long ago.

Ayano shouted in a trembling and furious voice.

"You...... You damn traitor!! Watch it! After I beat this guy, you're next......!!"

Her shout echoed throughout the empty mountains.