Kaze no Stigma:Volume1 Chapter2
Chapter Two - The sudden disaster
1
“Still not ready? How much longer do we have to wait, Hyoue?”
“Please—wait a little longer,” Hyoue replied to the seemingly impatient person.
Then, that person closed his eyes pensively and walked away. The wind blew against Hyoue. The air was filled with the ki of the youma and passed beneath Hyoue’s palm. The ki of the youma that passed beneath his palms was like an air that would swallow everyone, no matter whom.
It was already dawn by the time the shredded remains of the three people were discovered. This unbelievably serious situation completely shocked the entire Kannagi clan.
The Kannagi clan was astonished; this was an undeniable fact. Faster than human reflexes, the three defensively prepared people were killed without anyone being alerted.
The Fuuga clan was summoned in order to better understand the situation. Because of this Hyoue himself gathered the youma ki to understand who the enemy was. “Hmm, t—this is....”
The sound of concentration. Hyoue gathered the youma ki in this palms without losing any. It was a very cold air. Even for powerful practitioners the ki provided sufficient reasons to fear it.
“This was caused by fuujutsu, and was created by a practitioner who is on a completely different level from us, the Fuuga clan. It trapped the three people in a wind kekkai and then killed them.”
Hyoue’s report was not in the least beneficial, any practitioner could easily understand from the sight of the incident.
“I understand. But, who did it?!”
“If you require a detailed report, I hope more time is allowed,” Hyoue replied indistinctly, facing this inquiry.
“Then do it quickly! You and your clan can act...”
“Everyone be quiet!”
At Juugo's angry voice, everyone present became silent; then replaced with the sound of Juugo's consoling voice.
“Is it like that? Good job; you may retire... Right—how’s the health of Ryuuya?"
Hyoue appeared surprised at that moment due to the Suzerain’s concern over his son’s health.
“Yes… If he quietly recuperates, there shouldn’t be any problems. However, he can no longer recover to the level of working for the Kannagi clan anymore. This unworthy son really is an embarrassment.”
Given Juugo’s words of gratitude, Hyoue bowed.
“Yes… Thank you very much. I will give instructions to my subordinates, for I will retire….” “Then please, I await your reply, Hyoue.”
The head of the Fuuga clan bowed silently and left.
The enemy was a fuujutsu practitioner who loathed the Kannagi clan. Everyone naturally thought of a certain person who had—coincidentally—just returned to Japan.
“It’s Kazuma! He obtained strength for revenge and returned to Japan! My fellow clan members, let us destroy the traitor Kazuma. Find him without delay and kill him!”
The person who made such an aggressive comment was the previous suzerain, Yorimichi. Even though he was retired, he still had the air of a suzerain. The entire clan strongly disliked him, but he is the only one who is ignorant of this fact.
“Chichi-ue, to clarify, we don’t have enough evidence to prove that Kazuma did this.” Juugo said this seriously to stop Yorimichi's tirade.
“You—! Who but Kazuma could have done this...?”
“Yorimichi, please hold your tongue. When you talk like that, it becomes impossible for us to discuss the issue.”
Genma coolly interrupted Yorimichi, who was shouting in an ear-shattering voice. Genma coldly looked on in a way that didn't try to hide the scorn expressed in his eyes.
Genma looked down on him from the depth of his heart, facing a person who had no strength except for scheming and was chosen as the suzerain.
In Yorimichi’s thirty years as suzerain the strength of the Kannagi Clan hit rock bottom. Given Yorimichi's inability to control the representative sword of the Kannagi Clan, and his incapacity of passing the sword to someone else, resulted in it being deeply buried in the warehouse before Juugo’s accession to the suzerain position.
Of course, Genma was not thinking about such a foolish item.
Genma thought the one who succeeded the position of suzerain should be the strongest practitioner. Because of this, Genma did not hate the current suzerain, Juugo. He only thought his own strength wasn’t enough in comparison.
Previously, he wanted to prepare his son to be the next suzerain. This was not really a scheme; he just wanted to train and prepare Kazuma to give him the strength to become the next suzerain.
Yorimichi didn’t really have any beliefs like Genma’s; he only had the ambition for power. This is what Genma thought. Therefore, no matter how Genma tried to hide his thoughts, those thoughts were revealed when he further enraged Yorimichi.
Even though they had a close family/blood relationship of uncle and nephew, the hatred between the two had deepened again.
“Y-You want to shield Kazuma? No—should I say that this is your scheme? Allowing Kazuma to go outside the country to learn jutsu to kill Juugo and Ayano, and then allow Ren to succeed the position of suzerain?
Yorimichi turned his accusing finger towards Genma. This kind of bad will was almost materializing like, “sticky things connect items together,” allowing the crowd to be agitated.
“That kind of idea would only come from someone with low scruples.” For Yorimichi to say such things was an almost insulting provocation. Genma didn’t contradict; the reply would have been extremely disrespectful if he did.
“Chichi-ue, that’s enough!”
Juugo wouldn’t allow the continuation of such an insulting diatribe. In order to stop it he ordered Yorimichi to be taken away.
“Yorimichi, you must be tired. Please return to your room to rest.”
“Wait, Juugo! Genma cannot be trusted! If you don’t listen to me now, you will end up regretting it sooner or later!”
Yorimichi was hauled away like luggage. His harsh voice slowly decreased in volume until nothing could be heard.
“I really am sorry for the insulting diatribes of my father. With regards to me, please forgive him.”
Juugo placed both of his hands on the tatami in a slight bow. Genma replied indifferently, “I didn’t pay attention; the reason for such words is that the previous suzerain cares deeply for the Kannagi Clan.”
With an exchange of looks, underscoring each other’s reasoning, they smiled at the same time. In addition, with that, they understood the time for chatting was over, and it was now time to discuss more serious matters.
“As the previous suzerain said, the timing is too much of a coincidence. It is better for us to meet again and talk.”
Genma maintained his silence from the start, perhaps because he did not want to discuss his own son.
“Would Kazuma submit to our instructions willingly?”
“If he won’t submit, we will have to use force to bring him here. Even though he has gained strength, he is still Kazuma. Two or three people will be more than enough to capture him.”
“...That’s good, then. The selection of persons in charge of this assignment will be your responsibility. No matter what, it is necessary to bring back Kazuma quickly.”
“Understood.” Even though Genma received an order to capture his own son, Genma was tranquil compared to others.
“Ayano-sama has returned!”
The serious expression on Juugo’s face began to relax, and Genma wore a highly energetic and fierce look.
She appeared without even waiting a second.
“Bah!” She pulled the sliding door open and caught everyone’s attention.
“I’m home, Otou-sama! Ehh...? What’s going on?”
Appearing on the scene was an assertive young teenage girl, who asked this question when she saw the group's mood. Her black hair that almost reached the back, flowing straight and sideways created by the movements of her head, simply represented the blooming of a bishoujo. At that moment, the 'dark and cold' atmosphere had completely vanished. The spiritual energy that emerged from her cleansed the room's atmosphere in one breath.
The appearance of an unclear enemy who killed some people at home. The people who had been discussing this situation nonstop now faced a blinding light; their uncomfortable and distressed feeling completely vanished.
As if facing the rays of the sun, all movements in the dark ceased to exist. The person in the doorway was the one who had the ability to vanquish darkness, with spiritual powers not below the power of light, heir of the suzerain and owner of Enraiha, is Juugo’s daughter, Kannagi Ayano.
“How’s the report, Ayano?”
Juugo tested his daughter with a serious expression, as when he asked other people. This is the best way for a father to guide his daughter ... at least this is what Juugo thought.
“Excuse me.” Ayano at that moment finished bowing. “The youma that was released was completely vanquished.”
“Hmm, good job.”
Finishing her report to the suzerain as a practitioner, Ayano innocently continued her questioning. “So, what actually happened, Otou-sama?”
“Hmm—— earlier, three people had been killed without notice. This is a serious situation!"
Although they were distant relatives, Ayano quieted after hearing how three people from the family had been killed. “A serious situation” wasn’t from “three people have been killed.” Instead, it was because it was “without notice.”
This was not some callous sentiment, but it was an understanding of what was of primary importance. For a girl of only sixteen years of age, who had such a strong will and discipline, it was surprising.
“Nobody saw who, fuujutsu-shi?”
“Of course there's a suspect.” Faced with Ayano’s questions, Juugo replied heavily, “It’s Kazuma.”
“Who’s that? That’s...”
Faced with this kind of close and revealing speech, Juugo’s "sun vein" furrowed.
“Think carefully about your older cousin’s name. The one who fought against you in the 'Succession Ceremony,' betting Enraiha."
“'Older cousin...' Could it be the Kazuma who left the family four years ago? Could that even be labeled as a fight?”
Given his daughter’s direct words, Juugo secretly spied on Genma’s expression to see if there were any changes. Even though his inner feelings were not apparent, Genma’s outer unreadable appearance didn’t change at all.
“Right, I heard he left the country... and trained there. Later he became a fuujutsu-shi?”
“That’s how it is. Supposedly, he returned to Japan recently and changed his name to Yagami Kazuma. Yesterday, he met with the late Shinji during a job, where he beautifully completed it. It seems like he has trained very hard in those four years.”
“Kazuma... Looks like he hates us…” Finally remembering, Ayano said this while looking towards a distant place.
“It could be like that,” Genma replied without any facial expression.
“But, even though it is like that, we can’t easily kill him. If it was done by him, we need to use his life to pay for the crimes.”
“If...?”
Ayano turned to look at Genma. Genma accepted Ayano’s look without any change. The one who disinherited Kazuma and the one who provided the reason for his disinheritance crossed gazes.
The first to look away was Ayano. Without regards to strength as practitioners, her life’s experience was immensely surpassed. In reality, even with careful searching, she still lacked the confidence in her ability to win.
After stopping the unsatisfied challenge/look, Ayano looked towards Juugo.
“Then, what will be done? Defeat him?"
“Now, we haven’t decided whether it was done by Kazuma. And, anyways, we would like to meet with him and discuss this issue.”
Faced with his daughter’s simplistic and dangerous words, Genma deeply felt the danger.
Even though she had Enraiha’s overwhelming power, Ayano tended to resort to violence no matter what she did.
Genma frequently hoped that she would have a less impulsive way of thinking, as she was the next suzerain.
“Now is not time for you. Wait until there are other missions to be done.”
“...Yes.”
Faced with a barely compliant daughter, Juugo said consolingly, “You have just finished a mission; you must be tired. Get a good rest tonight.”
“...I understand.”
Even though it seemed to be unacceptable, Ayano still did what her father had said. After “bowing,” she rapidly left the room. Juugo didn’t blink until the door was closed, showing a deeply unhappy expression concerning his daughter.
“...This stubborn daughter.”
Juugo seemingly says “not acceptable,” and sighs deeply. Even though he used this kind of strict manner of speech, no matter what, the care and love for his daughter was hard to hide.
These two people have said the saying many times. To put it correctly, Shingo, due to his younger brother’s death, has a burning fire revenge. Takeya, no matter how many times you tell him to pay attention to his orders he will still forget them, said he was nagging.
They were waiting for the report, and then immediately to go where Kazuma was.
2
For the Kannagi Clan’s information network, finding where Kazuma was staying was simple.
Finding him the next morning did not really require any special methods because he used his own name to register at the hotel.
Therefore, at Genma’s command, two practitioners were sent out.
Yuuki Shingo and Oogami Takeya were the strongest practitioners of the branch families. Even though they had opposing personalities, they were great friends. This combination, outside the main family, could be said to be without equal.
From Genma’s point of view, he had thrown in the two strongest cards at hand. However, the selection of the oldest son of the Yuuki family could be said to be a deadly mistake. Why? Because this man had absolutely no desire to convince Kazuma.
“Kazuma, you bastard, I will cut you into ten thousand pieces.”
“If he is dead, it will be problematic. At least leave him with the ability to talk when we take him back.”
As they waited for the upcoming report, they headed directly in Kazuma’s direction. Of course, they had absolutely no desire to persuade him. Although they didn’t have this kind of desire, they never expected that they would be the ones assaulted.
“Still not ready yet?”
“It’s going to be ready soon.”
This kind of discussion couldn't satisfy them at all. They didn't know how many times they had repeatedly asked. Given that the two of them were still waiting to receive the same report, they should have known it didn't matter how they asked…
“What the hell are they doing, that useless Fuuga clan! It’s only that one person Kazuma, can’t they easily bring him over!”
Shingo reprimanded angrily as, in reality, they turned the arrowhead towards the Fuuga clan.
“This is worrying; the Fuuga clan might even be connected to this situation.” Takeya forcefully said some pretty words to sway Shingo; that the Fuuga shielding him wasn't impossible, using words to attack them, in order to change the attention of Shingo which was certainly welcomed.
Thinking shortly, Shingo gritted his teeth angrily and said:
“Damn, they only have slightly sharper senses, what is there to be complacent about.”
“Don’t say it like that; they are just a bunch of sad people with non-discussable/nil fighting power. Even failing to do something simple, aren't they very pathetic?”
“That’s right, hahaahahahahahaaaaa…”
Just as Takeya had wished, Shingo had completely forgotten about the issue of the reprimand. Hearing this sudden liberated laughter, Takeya had a thought — — not unlike what was heard 10 seconds ago “Still not ready yet?” Similarly, he feels very slow and lengthy.
“Incoming, in the area right ahead, about 500 meters, looks like he hasn’t noticed.”
Suddenly, amidst the conversation between the two a voice appears. This is a jutsu used by Fuuga clan called “Method of Summoning/Calling Spirits” used for sending their voice. This allows the wind to carry the voice even over large distances.
“He’s coming, I won’t leave him any limbs, arms or legs, burn it all! Let’s attack!”
This was not voiced for anyone to hear, only Shingo’s mumblings to himself. It could be seen from his hatred-filled eyes; his passion certainly could be really problematic.
Even though they didn’t continue their discussion of how to punish him, he hoped Kazuma would at least put up some resistance, until he was half-dead. Then they could slowly torture him, as well as what was mentioned before, that and much more.
Takeya slightly separated himself and quickly glanced, being with someone this dangerous, his thoughts from inner self a certain divide.
Just like that a divide in the friendship, appears Kazuma.
Facing them without alertness, Kazuma walks along completely nonchalant——at least as viewed from their perspective——.In order to alert him, Takeya shouts.
“Long time no see, Kazuma!”
“Ah, the successor from the Oogami?”
In such an instance, connecting your memories with the present requires time. However, Takeya was waiting for that instance.
It’s this kind of prideful self-elevation that results in lagging concentration.
“Know why we are looking for you?”
Takeya pressures Shingo, with his blood-filled eyes ready to release fireballs, using a condescending method of speech.
“Nope, I completely don’t know.”
Kazuma’s reply could only be described as “couldn’t be more direct,” but it also carried some amount of defiance. Also by scrunching his head and neck and making certain exaggerating and sarcastic actions, then shaking his head in denial, as expected he was pissing Takeya off enough for his veins to be showing. Takeya succeeded in controlling his anger, and after recovering his cool begins to explain.
“Yesterday night, Kannagi clan had three practitioners killed."
“Uhmm... and?"
And like the one with all the authority Kazuma asked demandingly.
“The one that killed was a fuujutsu practitioner."
“……………………..”
“……………………..”
The surroundings were covered by silence. A warm wind blew through the dusk “Tree-Shadow” Road , the red leaves lightly began to dance, being shined upon by a crimson sun, the red leaves were dyed even a darker shade of red, this was the beauty that appears before the darkness controlls world.
“……………..”
The first to open his mouth was Kazuma; compared to silence, it seems like he detests even more being stared at by men.
“So what is the matter?”
“The suzerain has things to ask you, follow us!”
“It wasn’t me! Are you finished?”
The instant after saying such words, and as he was thinking of leaving, Kazuma suddenly bounced horizontally, an instant before the space where Kazuma had existed, without touching anything, became a fireball.
Kazuma looks towards Shingo, consequently Shingo, using a deep tone like a natural born deep voiced singer shouts.
“Hmhmhm, what’s the matter, you finally did it? Then, there is no other way besides using force to subdue you!”
At the same time as the shout, surrounding Shingo “tongues of crimson” begin to burn and dance. Even though the flames that appeared at the same time as the yell were connected to Shingo’s body, his clothes were not burnt. Shingo was exhibiting an unexpected level of precision.
Like the flames that continue to move on his body, Shingo was so happy that his lips were slanted, and said like a proclamation.
“If you refuse to speak about it then you are very suspicious, I'll burn off your arms and legs! Lessening the weight will make you easier to transport! I won’t kill you now, yet can you continue to live in such a humiliating condition? After the suzerain finishes his questioning, I’ll be mercyfull and kill you! Within one week! You can use that time to fully regret your life. I want you to know, after killing Shinji I absolutely cannot allow you to continue living untroubled!”
Assuming tha the future will be like Shingo’s claims. Nevertheless, Kazuma was still faced the crazily laughing Shingo, looking as if he was watching some kind of rare animal. He then asked very seriously.
“So the Kannagi clan still feeds this kind of thing?”
“—No, Ahh….hu….”
Takeya really had no reply. Considering himself to be normal, he did want to recognize that the thing with him as of the same kind.
“That person always adored Shinji, now he hates you for killing Shinji, it is quite within reason.”
“That’s why I said it wasn’t me.”
“Then please go and clarify everything with the suzerain.”
“I am no longer part of the Kannagi clan; if he has business with me, tell him to come look for me himself. Please pass it to him like that.”
“It seems … The negotiations have broken down then.”
In order to make good on his words, Takeya raised his “ki”. He then directed the surrounding dancing fire spirits to dance with his self-conscious.
The surrounding temperature was raised enough to be felt on the skin. Even though the fire spirits had yet to materialize, the surrounding area had clearly changed in physics.
Seeming to be frightened in the face of such elevated fighting spirit, scores of red leaves continually fluttered down, the bright red leaves instantly changeing to ashes and floating away before touching Takeya’s body.
A subdued Kazuma, like before, stood there with his hands in the leather jacket watching the two of them. It seemed like he had no desire to confront the Kannagi clan; of course, it was hard to tell from that kind of pose.
“This is your last opportunity; yield humbly to us, Kazuma.”
Faced with Takeya last ultimatum, Kazuma raises his middle finger and says.
“Take a good look at yourselves before coming.”
“Die!!!”
“You idiot!”
For an instant, starting their jutsu, the two believed that victory would be definite. Because, of the clan, two of the strongest were attacking at the same time. No matter what kind of strategy Kazuma had, facing those kinds of massive powers would be hopeless.
But——
Poou!
The fireball in Takeya’s hand, suddenly explodes. Above the sound, he is incredulous that the fireball had such a big categorical runaway explosion.
The fireball that left Takeya’s control, was like a wild animal with its tooth pulled. Even with the protection of the fire spirit, it was still impossible to shield the crash of the explosion’s force. Instantly the force of the explosion struck his entire body and Takeya was simply KO-ed.
(W, What? What had happened…? Shit, Shingo, leave….)
Even though he left this kind of “I leave the rest to you” saying, Shingo similarly lost his consciousness, with black and blue continuously pulsing on his face.
As Kazuma returned his hands back to the pockets of his leather jacket, he lowered his head to the two people before him. After flashing a condescending grin, he walked right by the two unconscious persons' sides.
Although he seemed like he wanted to leave immediately Kazuma stopped. Then, as if feeling something, he looked towards the trees where there was no one.
“If you want to pick a fight with me, I won’t be merciful.”
At the same time of this warning, one of the trees split. Without any noise from the chopped tree following the break, the guarding practitioner slowly slid down.
Already forgetting to hide himself, the fujutsu user stood dumbly staring at Kazuma. As Kazuma turned to leave, the guarding practitioner was fearful. *The one that was lured was him? The prey we were hunting is this frightening thing——?*
3
“Seriously, Father worries too much. I alone am enough. I don’t know how many times I have repeated this. When will he acknowledge me? Am I this untrustworthy?”
“The suzerain acknowledges the young mistress' abilities, but as a father he simply worries about his daughter.”
Confronted with the disgruntled Ayano, the man in his forties cajoled.
At this time, Ayano was ordered to a certain temple in the city of Yokohama Yamate, to strengthen the weakening seal inside. The day before the accident, she had encountered the employer of Kazuma —— of course, his single mindedness in heading to a location to vanquish the spirits, without understanding the reason. !
Upon arriving at the location and discovering that the seal had deteriorated to a point beyond the previously assumed limits, Ayano immediately discarded the idea of the resealing, and instead decided to eliminate it. Then, without any testing, she immediately ripped off the seal.
A popular saying of hers was, “This method is faster.”
People without significant confidence in their own abilities would not say something like that, however the two men that accompanied her knew that she had the necessary ability to go along with such self-confidence.
Certainly, Juugo also knew that she had this kind of ability, but such worries of a father are within reason. Even if she described Juugo as stupid or foolish, most of time he sent two or more people to protect her.
“'Don’t mix work with your private life,' is frequently lectured to me no matter what. 'Don’t follow your own desires and do things,' Uncle Masato?”
Still discharging her annoyances, Ayano faced that man, the younger brother of the head of the Yuuki family, complaining to Masato. “Because he is the suzerain, he cannot mull over such minor issues.” In this manner a smile and laughter appeared on Masato’s thin face. As a member of one of the branch families, he certainly wasn’t thinking about the consequences. But, it seemed like Ayano hadn’t really noticed or cared.
This man, Oogami Masato, although possessing a strength greater than his older brother, disliked scheming for the position of family head and so went off to Tibet to train like a eccentric person.
When he returned to Japan he was given the “Protect Ayano” mission. Juugo had a high regard of him, and from the first time Ayano went on a mission he was continually responsible for this job of protection.
Certainly, Ayano also had good feelings about this easy-going relative. Due to the surrounding people’s princess like treatment of her, Masato’s causal kind of attitude was quite refreshing for her and feelt very good.
Consequently, “Uncle Masato, ojo-sama," this kind of terminology was like a real family without any separation.
“Maybe if it is to allow the younger practitioner to learn, this kind of reasoning is still possible. Isn’t that so, Takeshi… Takeshi?”
“Ahh, Yes!?”
The young practitioner was using admiring eyes to stare at Ayano. Oogami Takeshi’s uncle had to holler many times before he finally paid attention.
“Did you not hear… Stopping staring stupidly at Ojo-sama, be prepared. It is not known when the seal will be released.” “Yes, I understand! Just as Uncle has said! To be allowed to watch Ayano-sama's striking fighting method is really a great honor!”
In order to not screw-up in front of Ayano, Takeshi uselessly shouts in a loud voice. In that stare at Ayano appeared, compared to respect, more admiration and reverence. For Takeshi’s generation of practitioners, Ayano had the status of a goddess. Hoping to watch her striking manner from close by while guarding her is something anyone would accept.
“Yes——It’s——like——this?” “Yes, it’s like that!”
The exhilaration to be able to talk to Ayano is something that can be seen through Takeshi’s entire body language. Of course, Ayano doesn’t like being viewed like that. It seems like she is being separated from “normal”, changed into something she doesn't want.
No matter what, no matter how much it is explained it is useless. That is Takeshi’s only simple means of showing deference to a much stronger and more beautiful existence.
“Ah, forget it. … It’s about time.”
Ayano sensing the expanding ki of the youma, relaxingly turns herself towards the main hall. Her mini-skirt started to flutter and dance.
Now why would Ayano be wearing her high school uniform?
This is not only to allow her to normally attend a high school.
Because, if you think about it, the best suited outfit for a high school student is their uniform. So Juugo, focused upon this point, added ,within the range of his abilities, the best class of defensive spells to it.
The material, in order to allow better transpiration, was the best type of silk, that is, during the process of fabrication air is mixed in. Furthermore, everything is made from expensive materials.
As a result, by inputting great amounts of money and time, a high school uniform; it would not wrong be to call it a work of art. Its cost is comparable. It could be said that it is enough to buy a car, no, not really, correctly it can be said that it could buy a luxury house without being wrong.
Of course Ayano payed attention to this outfit, not towards its capabilities, but because it was a gift given by her father, so she frequently wore this outfit in combat.
Wearing this outfit that can be said as the world’s most expensive combat outfit, protecting Ayano, watching as the seal is about to be broken, took a deep breath, then moving and warming-up her own inner strength.
Pah!
The clear sound of clapping starts to vibrate the space. When the two close palms were opened, in between the two palms appears a flaming line. Then Ayano grasp it with her right hand, making a horizontal outwards swinging motion.
The around 1 meter burning line, at that instance materializes, a crimson red sword.
This is a no blunt side, having two edges bright crimson red sword. The [body] of the sword is surrounded by a golden flame, releasing vivid beauty of a light. Just like that, as beautiful as one will imagine.
That sword is the Kannagi Clan’s supreme treasure, Enraiha. That is Kannagi Clan founder, [huh], rewarded by King of the Flame Spirits passed down defeating devils/evil of treasured sword. !
Ayano lifts upwards the Enraiha, then adds her left hand to grasp the sword making a downward stroke. Along the path of the stroke, appear spreading golden pieces. Then instantly and prettily stopping the sword before her eyes, no matter if it is done ten-thousand times or hundred thousand times, it is a beautiful motion that can be forgiven.
A vase that has already approached its limits, with a “pong” bursts open. Even faster than the falling pieces, a white light shoots towards Ayano.
Ayano from the front makes a downward stroke with Enraiha, and then goes forward to attack. Attacking that white object that produces a sound “like the sound produce when the water is evaporated by a flat frying pan”.
“Sticky stuff…!?” Ayano faced with the string that was smashed by her and said mumbling. Then changed her vision to the inside of the main hall, there was a few points like something like lights. That thing slowly moves forward, and then reveals its own appearance.
“Wah…”
Ayano inadvertently surprised, that thing that appeared is ——
Having multiple eyes, beyond eight feet, the entire body covered with dirty yet rigid fur, a segmented animal producing sounds, “kulah, kulah”, as its legs moved. When you see its full appearance, no matter whom, will feel shivers not due to cold. Really is a horrify spider freak.
“Earth Spider huh... Need help?”
“Not necessary”
Ayano immediately replies. Even though it produces a very disgusting feeling, but now is not the time for complaints. Seems like she’s more afraid of disappointing her otou-san, compared to that, fighting against spiders or cockroaches is nothing in comparison.
(Come here…)
Summoning fire spirits do not need chants and such. As if following Ayano’s thinking, fire spirits itself assemble, flying into Enraiha. Along the sword blade the flame, the light transformed to even brighter.
With the range that’s reachable by her awareness, Ayano continuously summoning spirits. Juugo don’t know how many times instructed her many times, don’t be like other practitioners, it is not commanding the spirits, you can’t be too arrogant.
“They and we have same level of existence.”
This saying is frequently repeated by Juugo, spirits are the means to safeguard the existence of the world’s order. Because the Kannagi Clan have contract with the spirit king, therefore the spirits are only helpers.
Of course Ayano also understands, her own strength is borrowed. Only to seal or vanquish the inconsistencies in the world’s order that the power is gifted for a short period of time.
That’s why it isn’t ordering them. Because knowing such matters are not necessary. If the known the correct way of thinking, fire spirits will certainly answer.
Like having respect for the world, it’s not in order to obtain huge powers and being arrogant, Ayano no matter when always calls like this: “Please, lend me your strength….”
“V… Very formidable….”
Takeshi watches dumbfounded, this enormous number of spirits gathering on Ayano’s body, the amount of spirits he can manage is only one small portion of this in comparison. For him it’s the first time seeing the main family’s power, the difference is between the sky and the ground.
“Ah, formidable, right!?”
Just like show off his own condition, Masato said smiling.
“Even though we recently said it, no matter how hard we work, we won’t be able to reach such levels.”
Already forgotten his uncle’s reply, Takeshi one again looks at Ayano.
Ayano holding the Enraiha, continues to confront the earth spider.
(What should be done… looks like can’t get close…)
Even though enough spirits are already summoned to destroy the earth spider, but given this long distance really don’t have the confidence. Even though Enraiha is an ancient sword for [summoning], but to using a sword it is necessary to employ it to its fullest potential.
In other words get close, from a close distance to puncture or split the earth spider, then from inside its body burn it completely.
(Of course if that was done, certainly from the cut’s aperture will fly out adhesive matter… after the explosion fragments will all fly towards the body… if it’s female, after opening its skin, there might be hundreds of spiders coming out… No———!)
Just thinking about it makes the hairs stand, inside Ayano starts complaining bitter. If Takeshi could read Ayano’s inner thoughts then, maybe the thoughts of reverence might be corrected can even be said.
The earth spider seems to capture the currently mulling Ayano’s openings; “palapala” using the long legs changed his body moving forwards.
“You want to escape!?”
Suddenly towards the chasing Ayano, from the tail spits out white silk, at the same time Ayano pulls up Enraiha to face it.
From Enraiha emerges a golden flame, even though it burned the spider’s web, but because of the blockage by the silk, Ayano still could not get close to the earth spider.
Then Ayano only could stop, focus her mind. Then she took a deep breath tuning her ki, calmed down.
(This kind of things can’t do any kind of obstruction, kill it in couple seconds.)
Then bringing up the Enraiha, then with her full strength performed a downwards swing. Golden Flame ——the highest level of fire of purification, not only completely burned the earth spider’s web, then closed-in directly at the earth spider itself.
Pong!!
With the sounds of explosion, the in the explosion earth spider is surrounded by flames.
“Got…Gotcha…?”
But as Ayano dubiously mumbles while looking into the flames, appearing into her vision was only a white cocoon-like object. What really surprised Ayano, the “pishpiish” sound that splits open.
Pang!
Just like a thin layer of glass shattering, from the middle the cocoon splits open, that earth spider completely without harm again appears.
Probably the web contained some special component that could block spiritual energies, then using that covering its body to hide, avoiding the purifying powers to be completely purified.
“It’s, it’s quite formidable, hu…”
Ayano said using a sing-song voice. At first glance seems very calm, but carefully studying will discover her “sun-vein” has already risen.
Even though this was not a full strength strike, but was completely deflected, Ayano’s self-confidence certainly was hurting a lot.
“Only a little bug don’t be so haughty ——!!”
Resonating Ayano’s anger, an even greater amount of fire spirits was gathered, even though there is no materialization, but in the vicinity, already gathered the equal spirits to a volcano opening.
“Then… regretting it now?”
Accompanying anger, Ayano already entered selfless state. Composure has completely been commanded by anger, and then transformed into strength.
Continuously summoning stronger and even stronger spirits. This time it isn’t directed releasing towards one area, but given immovable strength of mind, at the same time directly releasing in one direction.
This time Ayano holds Enraiha in a direction perpendicular to her body, then seriously chasing it, took a deep breath, then with sharp kiai releasing it.
“Haa!!”
At that instance, the flame flew into the earth spider’s body. Then the abdomen expanded and exploded, changed it into a miniature torch.
In this seemly small torch, can be described as gathering the entire area’s fire spirits. The explosion of the fireball became even bigger, this time the earth spider is certainly transformed to ashes.
Afterwards nothing was left, spider’s body pieces and the youma spirit around was completed purified. Right now, the temple where the youma was vanquished was full on a “special air” that only temples have.
If attacking from the outside can be defended, then simply attack from the inside. Even though describing is easy, to actually do it is close to something impossible.
This is like what the world’s own close relationship with the spirits. That’s right, like the life force/life activity of living beings.
In the body living beings that have water, cannot be uninfluenced by the water spirits, and those living beings that have heat, within the body resides fire spirits.
For example, just like the youma, even though it materializes, it can’t escape this rule.
In ordinary circumstances, to control the spirit residing within the body is impossible.
These kind of infinitely close to a living beings’ survival instinct involves enormous willpower, the origin of life can be said to not allow anyone to control.
Even for a genius, can’t control it so easily according to one’s likings. But, in this world, no matter when there are people entire day saying “logical boundaries” foolish and sad humans.
“Heh. It’s this kind of thing.”
Ayano releasing a pleasing smile, turn around in order to go back.
“Then, let’s go!...”
During this dialogue that couldn’t continue, Ayano stupidly stares at the two’s body language. Probably the bigger body is Masato, on his left is Takeshi. From the clothes it should be right.
But——
(How come there’s no head…?)
These two guys, the taller one both hands still in the pockets, the other one seems not able to control his exhilaration, in front of his chest holding a fist, standing naturally.
When you look at it and there’s no head, doesn’t seem like an odd situation.
So Ayano looks toward the ground, there is two round objects entering her eyes. Ayano stumbling, seems like about to fall, close in and kneeled, then lifted it onto her knees. Even though it’s quite heavy, but as Ayano smelled the odor of the guy that she really liked, smiled. Ayano, from very young fought together, taught her the ways of survival/existence, hugged the head. Quietly mumbles.
“Uncle… head… fell down… uh…’
On Ayano appears sad smile, and then tries to put Masato’s head back on. Although thinking by doing this, he will return to life, stubbornly forcing the head back in.
Like mocking Ayano this kind of useless actions, hidden an unseen sword blade, lightly carves Masato’s body. In one second, this big body was separated into hundreds or even thousands slices of meat.
Because the heart has stopped pumping a while ago, so the fresh blood did not fly out from the sharp cuts.
But, although there is no sound of blood flow, nor the sounds of flesh breaking, still abnormally gives a person a feeling of reality.
Under the blowing of the wind, Masato’s body without sound was taken apart. Like gone through a paper shredder the pieces of meat, like flower petals dancing in the sky.
In the instance of the image, Ayano watched as if frozen.
Drop.
Accompanying the like water droplet sound something drops on the face, Ayano unconsciously tries to remove it.
That is a bright red piece, still has some remaining warmth of a meat slice. When understood what is carried on here fingers, Ayano’s consciousness seem to be passed through a filter, small amount of recovering.
“No.”
That is once a part belonging on Masato’s body. But those miserable remains no longer can be described as a corpse.
“Don’t want!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
At this moment, Ayano screams as far as can be heard.
“Kukuku—————“
That sound, even though it can vibrate the air, this snigger sound, it wasn’t directly sent into the brain. If you want to describe it, accompany this “snigger” are the strong feelings. This kind of derision towards one opponent’s “awareness”, seems like it provoked Ayano, it’s just that annoying.
Faced with situation of the appearance of the enemy, normally frequently training the body and the spirit, Ayano, instantly enters fighting mode.
Then burying deep within the feelings of anguish, substituting a feeling of animation and anticipation.
Changing the arrowhead of the anger towards the opponent, and especially challenging the opponent.
“Come out!”
Already surpassing the limits of anger, on the face of humans that already cannot be expressed. But Ayano seems to determine it can, looks upwards.
There exists that thing. In the front on a branch where a huge tree stands a human shadow completely not fearing dangers, right hand in the pockets of his clothing.
Because that is place of little light, was not able to clearly see the opponents face, but it doesn’t really matter anymore. The out flowing evil ki already told her “This is the enemy.”
Ayano silently swings Enraiha upwards.
There is no need to know who, nor the need to accumulate strength. Only calmly mix in the killing intention, and then kill it in one strike. This kind of sharpened killing intention transformed into a flaming sword blade running upwards.
Lightly, clearly moving without regards to weight, that thing avoids the flaming sword blade. Then flew onto the roof (with a leap?). Afterwards, that thing looks towards Ayano, that thing slowly moves the body. Seems to say chase away.
This is clearly a trap and Ayano bravely accepts this kind of provocation.
(Even it is a trap, it doesn't matter, I will absolutely annihilate you.)
Deep within submitting to such type of anger, Ayano has already changed into a rampage for revenge.
4
In the sky suddenly appears ki of youma.
“Hmm…”
Kazuma suddenly looks towards the sky, it seems like in order for the strength to not spread, it is gathering bit by bit in the sky. Suddenly a wind blade flashes, there really is no time to even defend, and even flying backwards to escape took the full effort.
The wind blade passes right by the still rolling Kazuma, then slightly corrects its angle, with one stroke separated into two pieces the Fuuga practitioner, Shingo, Takeya the three of them.
“Wait, Wait a second!!”
Kazuma without thinking yelled, this would changed the situation into something unthought-of.
(I, I was actually ambushed?)
To face an ambush situation, actually is first time this had happened. Further, it was an ambush by a wind spirit? No matter who had summoned it, gathering this degree of wind spirit, it is impossible that Kazuma didn’t feel it. No matter how great of a fuujutsu-shi, using fuu-jutsu cannot deceive Kazuma. This question is not simply the difference in distance in abilities, but the rules are simply that this.
But, now occurred an impossible situation. Kazuma immediately broke off his thoughts, focus towards the thing in the sky.
“What’s… that thing...?”
Really small, maybe a thing smaller than 20 mm, was floating in the sky about 20-30 meters above. Nearby five risen things fly out.
“One’s hand…? Doesn’t seem so, red leaf…?
No matter how you look it doesn’t seem like it’s flying in the sky, it’s not controlling the wind. In a questioning look, suddenly Kazuma discovers what that thing really is.
It’s a human hand. A strange human hand is flying in the sky. Even recognizing it doesn’t solve anything, still can’t change that 3 people have been killed.
(Anyway, first let’s defeat it!)
Using only a voice that can be hear by himself mumbles, what looks like a hand flies into the upper sky —— then disappears.
“Wait! What are you actually thinking!?”
Kazuma then protested towards the wind spirit, this is clearly against the agreement. But, the spirit only has uncertain sound, and couldn’t tell Kazuma the actual place of the disappeared hand.
“What is going on…”
The miserable condition in front of his eyes —— the divided into two portion Fuuga practitioner and the separated corpses of Shingo and Takeya —— if like this, it seems just like it was done by Kazuma.
Spirit disobeyed the covenant? —— impossible.
To Kazuma, if he heard this kind of situation from someone else, would be quite skeptical of the correct mindset of the opponent. That’s why what just happened is a very irregular situation.
Spirit does have cognizant qualities. [Initial Principle] —— it’s when the world was first created, don’t know by whom, towards this existential world created immutable laws—— and to obey it, allowing this world to remain this kind of shape and reality. Just like the bees have to live in a beehive, just like one part of itself recognizes him, one part even though it has intelligence is still impossible that it thinks. Of course, it’s impossible for it to have the type of free will to break a covenant.
If the spirits had the free will to move about, then the laws of science will be broken. The world will be destroyed within 3 days.
All the wind spirits will obey Kazuma. [What belongs to Him] This kind of covenant certainly reflects this kind of meaning. For example—— “That’s impossible…”
Kazuma thinking of the worst scenario, weakly sighs saying.
(There’s someone like me? No way…)
Just thinking about it brings shivers not from cold, but it can’t be said as good luck —— no matter what, Kazuma doesn’t want to think that—— but right now it’s not the best time to stop and think.
Because he sensed a huge fire spirits coming towards here.
(This time even Ifrit has come? Crap, when has Japan become world of youma!?)
Even before finishing talking, appeared a situation that Kazuma could not have predicted.
Appearing is a shoujo. Accompanying the red fire and eyes where resides that hatred-filled fire, holding in the right hand accumulated power is ——
“Kazuma —— !!”
The strength of the fire spirits gathered in the right hand has already crystallized. Ayano seems to in that instance made up her mind.
Chop!!
Entering the rapidly retreating Kazuma’s eyes is, Ayano swings the red sword. For his clan, more important compared to everything else. Also the thing that made his life very chaotic.
Kazuma, when faced with the godly sword no matter what would like to escape, sees this, yells.
“Enraiha!? Are you, Ayano!”
Only answer is a sword flash from the Enraiha, faced with filled with killing intent and not listening to anything Ayano, tries really hard to explain.
“Hey, hey wait a moment, misunderstanding! Wasn’t killed by me… hey, you should listen to what other people are saying!”
Flaming white fireballs continuously approaching, Kazuma continuously dodging and saying, but Ayano seems like completely not hearing it.
Because the esteemed Masato got killed, Ayano is already too angry and has already forgotten herself. Really have no time to listen to people talking. Furthermore, given what her otou-san told her that this is guy is quite suspicious.
Dang!!
“Hey!!!”
Believing already evading the fireball suddenly together it explodes, then blocking Kazuma’s retreat. Then noticed, Ayano using the explosion time sealing off the way, appears in front of his eyes swinging the Enraiha.
“Uncle’s revenge !!”
“!!”
That motion a two part strike which wants to split Kazuma like a bamboo, escapes by shifting his body sideways, then from the top using his palm pressuring the sword handle. Facing Ayano who’s with fiery anger, face filling with blood yells.
“Otou-san —— Genma died?”
But before finishing saying such, figured out there was a mistake, even though Ayano and Genma’s relationship isn’t so bad that it can been seen from the outside, certainly if Genma were to die, Ayano would not be getting revenge for him.
A person appears in his head, a man, “uncle”, from the Oogami family that Ayano is very close to.
The name probably was —— like!!
“—— pong”
Suddenly Ayano butted her head upwards, and then heavily hit his chin. Because of his pondering, his reflexes are slower, even though it was quickly evaded, but still the hit caused his head to be dizzy and painful.
Even though dizzy, but he still calmly asked.
“Oogami Masato died?
But Ayano faced became even more somber, further forcefully focus more strength into the Enraiha in her hand, from a distance it can be clearly seen.
(Seems like the opposite effect is done…)
Shrugging his shoulders, faced with a person filled with anger, having no more questions to ask. Faced with this confused by anger little girl no matter what is done is useless.
But, she can’t be killed. If he hurt her, probably the fool’s father, Juugo, would completely recognize him as an enemy. This needs to be avoided.
This is not because he fears Juugo, who is the Kannagi clan’s historically strongest practitioner. But it is because as “Kannagi Kazuma”, Juugo can be said to be his only friend. In order not to not create sorrow to him, so there is only one method.
“Ah—— Ayano-chan? I’m —— leaving then, the issue with cleaning up the corpses will be left to you. Then see-ya.”
Prettily avoiding the completely tenacious approaching flames, Kazuma decides to escape.
“——Wait, Wait a second!”
Kazuma with his back towards Ayano who wants to stop him leaps up, then surrounded by wind flying upwards about 10 meters, then suddenly disappears.
“What—— where at?”
Right on top of, the still looking around, Kazuma floats along.
Employing the air to change the reflection rate of light, becoming see-through just like wearing a transparent robe. If look closely one can see the parts where there’s waves created by high heat, but for Ayano, who is being controlled by anger and has forgotten herself, she didn’t noticed.
But Kazuma didn’t take pleasure in watching the troubled Ayano, but was thinking about what to do later on.
What is realizable now is that the guilty person who killed Shingo and Takeya no matter how you described it is Kazuma, furthermore also killing Oogami Masato.
(They want to enter complete war with the Kannagi clan? If that’s the case it might be quite interesting, allows people to get excited… then, how will it progress?)
hehe, hmmhmmhmm.
Kazuma burst out laughing. Kannagi clan and the mysterious fuujutsu-shi, two strong things already assaulting his life, of course Kazuma cannot ignore this.
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