Kaze no Stigma:Volume1 Chapter5

Chapter Five - Rescue

1

Riding the Shinkansen headed for Kyoto, Kazuma and Ayano were sitting on a wide seat within a side-room, quietly waiting for their arrival.

The air conditioning was very cooling, and it is an extremely cozy environment. However, most people would rather choose to squeeze in the over-congested train chambers than to sit in the same room as these two.

There is a kind of unpleasant atmosphere that makes it hard for one to stay within the room.

This is infuriating.

This is so infuriating.

Ayano’s eyes were filled with murderous desires, staring straight at Kazuma, who was sitting diagonally from her.

Even though it is impossible not to notice, Kazuma does not even look at Ayano. He shakes his leg comfortably, and is reading a magazine he bought from a stall quickly.

Ayano shifts her view back to the scenery outside once more.

Her current mood is the worst in her life so far. To have to work together with Kazuma made her feel very unhappy. And her father Juugo seems to have more faith in Kazuma’s abilities rather than on her, this makes her feel even more unhappy.

She stubbornly forced her head to face the window while glancing at Kazuma. From the looks of it, he is completely different from the way he was four years ago. His appearance does not seem much different, but in her heart, he has already jumped up several levels.

She hates Kazuma very much, she can even guarantee that while hitting on her chest. But--- her eyes just cannot divert. Unknowingly, she has begun to go in pursuit of Kazuma, observing his every move. Ayano cannot tolerate her such actions.

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

Kazuma four years ago was just like a stone by the roadside. This is not considered bullying or looking down upon him, more of removing him from sight automatically and naturally.

It is the same even during the “Successor Ceremony”. Kazuma joined the ceremony only because Genma forced him to. Between Ayano and Kazuma, who cannot even use En-Jutsu, there should not even be a fight. This is because, even before the fight, everyone knew the outcomes.

(But I heard that his fighting skills and other Jutsus were rather good…… No! Why should I be trying to spot his good points!?)

Ayano shakes her head hard, removing all unpleasant thoughts from mind. She organizes her breathe, and rises her head. At this moment, her eyes met those of Kazuma’s.

“…… You seem very happy.”

Kazuma was not mocking her, but simply spoke in a surprised tone.

“Who…… Who would be happy! Just the fact that I am being with you makes me feel unhappy to the max!”

”Is that so!”

Rebutting the agitated Ayano, Kazuma replied faintly, as though nothing had happened and took out a cigarette from a hidden pocket in his jacket.

“Hey! Don’t smoke in this kind of small room!”

(----Here we go again.)

As she was shouting in complain, Ayano began to have doubts about her uncontrollable emotions. As long as Kazuma is in front of her, she seems to turn aggressive subconsciously.

This type of emotions cannot be explained clearly with just the reason “because of hate”. After all, Ayano is the type to totally ignore those she dislikes. It would be impossible for her to even lift her head to talk to them.

(So I guess this means I don’t just hate him, I hate him very very very much!)

She used such a farfetched logic to sooth the unpleasantness in her heart. But, looking at that super detestable guy chewing his cigarette, and taking out a lighter, Ayano went on a rage once more.

“I told you not to smoke, did you not hear me!”

Kazuma filled his lungs with smoke and released them slowly, the air between the two of them became thick with the smoke. After repeating the same actions once more, he looked into Ayano’s angry stare.

“------I heard you.”

The voice reached Ayano’s seat together with smoke. Watching Ayano as she is getting choked by the smoke, Kazuma continues to pollute the air with second hand smoke.

“---- You imbecile!”

Ayano stares at Kazuma’s mouth. The spirits responded to the will of the descendent of the master of flames quickly.

Bang!

The sound of an explosion sounded off, the cigarette that Kazuma was chewing on was burnt to the cigarette head instantly. If Kazuma was any slower in spitting it out, his own mouth would have been burnt by it.

“Heh heh!”

Ignoing Ayano who seems so proud and pleased with herself, Kazuma took out another cigarette. This time he set up a kekkai around him, 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. And what is even more detestable, is that smoke went through the kekkai and began to taint her surroundings white.

“Stop playing such stupid tricks, how about we discuss on our plans for the battle?”

Ayano fights hard to keep her desires to burn the whole train sector, and proposed on a plan for the cooperation. It seems that having been scolded to be brainless by her father was a very shocking matter.

In the process of Ayano’s growth, all her emotional expressions could be said to have been developed according to Juugo, but Kazuma gives a very calm reaction now.

“The two of us working together requires no plan. You go ahead and fight with Ryuuya, I will stay at the back and cover you. Is there any other way?”

”……Why do I get the feeling my job is much more dangerous?”

Ayano knows that this is the most efficient way too, but just feels that something doesn’t make sense. This is because she doesn’t trust Kazuma completely, thus she always gets the feeling that she is being framed.

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

”For someone who is getting paid to do the job, you sure sound proud. Mercenaries should fight at the front line! You are obliged to protect me.”

”Are you that weak?”

Kazuma gives a snort of contempt and says.. “You cannot survive without someone protecting you?”

”You-----“

At the face of the furious Ayano, who is so angry she is at a loss for words, Kazuma said something even more rude..

“Listen well, and remember it. I have no energy to spare to protect you. Ryuuya is very strong. Stronger than me, and of course even stronger than you. We must both use our powers to the limit, only under such circumstances do we stand a chance to win. Even if you don’t trust me, at least try to unconditionally trust me for today! If you cannot do that, we are just going to die.”

Kazuma put it all out so plainly and spoke in such a calm manner, Ayano is unable to rebut. She knows that she is losing her momentum. A strong “qi” is restraining her, she cannot even move a finger.

“I……I got it already……”

A tone that sounds as though she is fighting back, that is the only resistance she can put up, as it felt as though that if she does not make an attempt to resist, she would be conquered both physically and mentally, and will be unable to resist ever again.

“However, it is just for today…… If it weren’t for a time like this, I would never……”

She tries her best to rebut, but Kazuma does not reply, his presence earlier seemed to have vanished without a trace, as though that was just a dream, Kazuma relaxed his whole body, and fiddles with his cigarette in a lazy posture. Ayano thinks to herself, just like a poisonous bug.

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

She scolds in her heart. How come I am so afraid of this kind of self degrading nicotine addict, what an embarrassment.

“I am going to sleep.”

She left this line, and shut her eyes, and then opened them once more to stare at Kazuma.

“If you try anything funny, I will burn you!”

”Don’t worry! I am not interested in creatures that have yet to become a woman.”

“--------------!”

After hearing such a rude reply, Ayano holds her fist and stands up. But Kazuma continues to read his magazine, without bothering with her actions. Just as he had said that he is “not interested”, Kazuma proves it through his actions in a very natural manner.

In an instant, Ayano’s expression seems to be about to cry. She blinked her eyes, which became wet without a proper reason, and then returned back to her seat, and closing her eyes.

In her mind, her uncertain feelings became a whirlpool. She can no longer be sure if she is angry or sad anymore.

(Why should I even bother myself about that guy……)

Unable to verify her own feelings, Ayano locks her confused thoughts into the depths of her consciousness. After that she gave an order to her brain, to focus her consciousness on sleeping. Within a few seconds, Ayano forgot all her unhappiness and gave off peaceful breathing sounds.

After confirming that Ayano is asleep already, Kazuma purifies the air in the room. The originally corrupted air became clean in a short moment.

After telling the spirits to consistently purify, Kazuma focuses his mind on the security of the surroundings, he let his senses become synchronized with the wind spirits.

His consciousness fuses with the wind, his body, which became an empty shell, shows a tired smile that would be looked down upon by Ayano.

(Gee, this girl can really sleep.)

Having thought of the possibility of being attacked while on the move, Kazuma finds it hard to rest in peace. Even though his search radius is ten kilometers wide, but while moving at three hundred kilometers per hour, one can never let his guard down, since that monster can easily attack from more than twenty kilometers away if it wishes to.

Even though this is only to make himself feel more secure, Kazuma continues to keep his guard up. Even if he is able to sense an attack, it would be good to just be able to block the first hit. The enemy has no reason to focus on Kazuma, as simply destroying the whole cabin would allow him to meet his objective.

(After the first hit, escape quickly before the second hit…… And on top of that, to bring along a burden, can that be done?)

Looking at the “burden” that is sound asleep, Kazuma mumbled to himself.

(I have got no choice, but to just do it……)

No matter how bad the situation seems, the only way out of the situation is to take action proactively, to only just wait for a chance, everything would be finished.

In the end, the precautions were too late. The Fuuga clan disappeared without a trace, and is yet to be found, probably on their way to the sacred lands, or they might even have arrived!

He does not intend to let Fuuga clan’s ambitions to be fulfilled, even though one of the reasons is to save his cute brother, but Kazuma has decided long ago that “anyone that uses a human as a tribute must die”.

.------ Maybe not all the Fuuga clan participated with the revolt, so some way to take care of these people would be required then-----

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

(Let me help you save some energy!)

Juugo should not require to ponder about what to do with the Fuuga clan I guess? This is because Kazuma has already decided on the death penalty for anyone in the clan.

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

Considering the possibility of having to go all around the whole mountain, thus the vehicle prepared is a four wheel drive RANGE ROVER. Kazuma places the key he obtained from Juugo into the key slot, and switched on the GPS before starting the engine.

Ayano came in from the door at the other end and sat down, perhaps she is wary of Kazuma’s driving capabilities, she took up the safety belt immediately.

“Don’t put on the safety belt.”

Kazuma said as he was looking at the GPS.

“Why?”

”Ryuuya is much scarier than a car accident. Be prepared to jump off the vehicle at any time.”

“-------Understood.”

“Then lets go!”

Kazuma presses on the accelerator pedal with ease.

RANGE ROVER does not meet much interference, and went swiftly down the road. After leaving the town zone, 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 in berserk mode right? Won’t the spirits you control go on berserk as well?”

”Yes, if it is just attacking, it should be fine. But I dare not guarantee it will stay that way in the long run.”

”Are you sure it is going to be okay?”

Ayano asked in doubt.

“Believe me! In that case, why don’t I test it out------ Incoming!”

Kazuma’s wind retaliated the black wind that came from above, a furious gale was created by the power of the two waves, even the heavy weight RANGE ROVER began to shook vigorously.

“Jump out of the car!”

As if pushed out by Kazuma’s voice, Ayano kicked the car door down and jumped out, but after the jump, she remembers that Kazuma ordered her earlier, and so became angry for that.

“Don’t order me------“

She stared at the driver seat as she was making a fuss, but there is no one there anymore.

Not sure when that happened, but Kazuma has quietly jumped out of the car. From the closed car door, there is no way to imagine how he jumped out, as logically speaking, he should have gotten into action after Ayano.

“Wait------“

Once again speaking ahead before Ayano, Kazuma raised his finger pointing slightly upwards, Ayano’s eyes reflexively followed this action.

“Oh no------!”

Kazuma was in control, and she was being played by his hand, she was unable to move by her own will.

Even though she is so angry she would want to kill him, but apparently there is no time for that, as at the tip of where Kazuma pointed, A shadow came from the skies into the centre of Ayano’s vision.

A corrupted youki even darker and duller than the black suit, thin lips, a straight nose, a proper face that can even be said to be handsome, but that face was paler than a mask.

“Ryuuya……? I never noticed at all……”

If not 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. A first rate Fu-Jutsushi upon hiding himself, an En-Jutsushi will never be able to find him. Once you get into a melee battle, don’t leave the enemy, no matter what happens.”

Seeing Ayano who froze from the tense situation, Kazuma gives a fearless smile.

“So------Are you ready?”

”Don’t order me. Just do your job and cover me!”

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

“I told you, that thing won’t work!”

Kazuma grumbled in shock.

Ryuuya quietly stood before the approaching fireball. The scorching flames attacked Ryuuya, who did not take any defensive actions at all, staying motionless.

.------Kaboom!!

”That is not enough! Continue and strike!!”

Observing Ryuuya who is surrounded by flames, Kazuma shouted.

“I know! I told you not to order me!!”

Ayano waved her Enraiha as she replied. She doesn’t expect a fire of that level can deal any damage against their opponent, it would have been good to successfully divert his attention.

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

But------

Thang!

A swing with her utmost confidence, was repelled by a clear sound.

“What------“

Ryuuya cleared away the flames, and closed in at Ayano who gave a shocking sound. She can clearly see those pitch black claws, about thirty centimeters long, coming out of that pair of bending curves.

Did the opponent use this to block Enraiha------ Ayano did not even have time to think about this.

She uses the red blade to block off the claws that sliced in from the left and right, nd as she was just about to retaliate, the opponent has already vanished from her sight.

(Behind------!?)

Instinctively, she swung her blade, and coincidentally caught Ryuuya. The pitch black claws blocked Enraiha, and was making squeaking sounds.

Their weapons hit, but in terms of size and arm power, Ayano was at a disadvantage. Ayano pushed out her blade forcefully, and jumped back with the rebounding force to the back, pulling a distance between them.

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

Ayano did not shift her vision from Ryuuya, just scolding her partner who did nothing in fury. But she did not get a reply no matter how long she waited.

“…… Hey, Kazuma?”

Under a very unpleasant premonition, she called for Kazuma with insecurity. This time she finally got a reply------ in the form of a far away voice transmitted by Fu-Jutsu.

“I shall be making a move first, I shall leave the rest to you------ Good luck!”

Hearing the playful words from the wind made Ayano dumbfounded where she stood for ten seconds.

“……………………”

Ayano, who stood there with her head bowed down originally, golden flames suddenly burst out of her body. Maybe because she is holding the sword handle tightly, the tip of Enraiha is shivering slightly.

Ayano raises her head, and used sharp eyes to look straight ahead. Her eyes went through Ryuuya, who stood before her, as though she can see that despicable fellow who had slipped away to further back long ago.

Ayano shouted in a trembling and furious voice..

”You…… You big traitor!! Watch it! After I get this guy, the next one is you------!!”

Her shout echoed in the empty mountains.

2

At that same moment, Kazuma was thirty meters in the air gliding.

“That girl sure is energetic. Anyway, take care not to die off, and try to buy me more time!”

As he said that sentence that would make Ayano furious if she heard it, Kazuma begins his search for the place for the seal.

“Is it there------“

There was no need to even search, it was spotted instantly, since the target is the Samadhi Flame. To find that bright shining flame, with Kazuma’s spiritual eyes, is just as simple as looking for the sun.

Kazuma temporarily descended on the ground, and rides the wind for one final jump. This jump is far higher than the previous jumps, he easily went above a hundred meters, maybe calling this flying is more appropriate!

He almost lost no altitude as he directly flew to just above the seal, and observed the situation below him.

“Hmph------ Found my brother.”

Looking from the sky, the situation of the sealing grounds could not be more obvious. Maybe for the sake of concealment, the sealing altar is smaller than expected.

At one corner, Hyoue and Ren can be seen, there is about twenty people surrounding the two. Unlike Jugo’s prediction, it seems all of the Fuga clan has participated in this revolution.

Kazuma stopped the wind, and as though he is walking down stairs, he descended from a hundred meters above ground with ease. As he became closer to the surface, when there is about ten meters of distance left, Hyoue raised his head------

“Too slow!!”

Kazuma placed a gush of wind between Ren and Hyoue. He blew Hyoue away, and reached out to Ren.

“Ren------!!”

He seems to be conscious, Ren reached out as far as he could, and grabbed onto Kazuma’s hand.

Kazuma pulled the tiny body to his chest and hugged him tightly, and following that, they glided a distance on the surface before landing softly.

“Ren, are you okay?”

This gentle voice asking the question, it makes one hard to believe that this is the beast that cruelly left Ayano.

“Ye……Yes……”

”Very good------ Good boy.”

Kazuma let Ren down, and relaxingly looked down at Hyoue.

Hyoue, who finally managed to get up, stared back at Kazuma in hatred.

“You…… How did you…… So that’s what happened, you used Ayano as bait, and infiltrated here by yourself? To sacrifice a girl, what a despicable man you are.”

”You have no right to say that about me do you, damn old man who offered your son to the devil. What can you say about yourself? Ryuya’s consciousness should be gone without a trace by now!”

“So what of it?”

Hyoue replied without a care, putting up a fearless front. Obviously, he has never introspected or regretted about it.

“Why don’t you talk about this instead? If the flames of Kannagi are “Purifying Flames”, the winds of Fuga are “Winds of corruption”! To corrupt the world, and to fulfill our own desires, that would be our justice! And for that justice, sacrificing one or two sons are nothing in comparison.”

If Ayano heard this line, she is sure to think Hyoue is mad! However, Kazuma understands Hyoue’s thinking very well.

When failure is not allowed, only the strong can fight righteously. If one has insufficient power and still hopes to win, then he can only seek to give up on the rules of a normal person.

The mentality to wish to seek his personal desires, even if it meant to be looked down upon, or even to be blamed by the whole world, it is all too familiar to Kazuma------ Even so, he does not intend to let hyoue off.

“But everything is over now, have you played enough?”

”Not yet! It is not over yet!”

Hyoue laughed fearlessly, his bloodshot eyes still do not show any sign of despair.

“If you think you have won like this, that is so wrong.”

“Is that so. Anyway just feel free to give it your all!”

Kazuma uses a tone that completely enrages the opponent to reply. Ren, who is hiding behind him, laughs as well, the normal Ren would definitely not give off a smile that emits such evilness.

Ren pulls out a dagger that he kept secretly, and slowly stabbed it into Kazuma’s waist area.

Kazuma’s body shook lightly, his eyes widened.

“Ho……hohahahahaha! Fool! You shall die in the hands of your own brother!”

Hyoue laughed loudly, but his eyes narrowed[瞇] with doubt soon after.

Not just Kazuma, even Ren stopped moving. No, Ren is trying to pull the dagger out, but the dagger did not budge.

“What are you doing, “Ren”! Kill him quickly!”

”I think that would be very difficult!”

Kazuma suddenly stretched his left hand forward, and the thing he is holding at the tip of his hand, is the blade of the dagger that is supposed to be in Ren’s hand originally.

“You……How did you……”

”Ren” gave a moan, Kazuma threw the dagger away, he turned to face the back.

“With youki being given off so vigorously, did you think I would fail to notice?”

Kazuma said, as he opened his hands widen to grab “Ren”’s face.

“Ren” struggled painfully. Kazuma fought back the resistance easily, and began to gather “ki”.

“I don’t know what you placed inside, but this is Ren’s body.”

After saying that, Kazuma released the “ki”.

“Go back to Hell!”

A strong “ki” instantly vanquished the youma that was in Ren, giving no chance for it to escape. Holding his weak body, Kazuma waited for Ren to wake up.

“Argh……Ah……Brother……?”

”Oh, you got up, brother.”

Kazuma’s voice sounds calm, as if all the tragic events that happened at the hotel were all just a dream.

“Bro……Bro……Brother!”

Ren remembers everything, and was just about to run up to hug his brother, when Kazuma raised his hand to block him off.

”Bro……Brother?”

He had an unpleasant premonition from his brother’s smile, and hurriedly tried to retreat------ But it was too late, Kazuma’s hands grabbed Ren’s two cheeks, and pressed hard into them.

“It……It hurts……”

Kazuma ignores Ren’s cries, still putting up a smiling expression, and stretches the two cheeks to the sides.

“Why were you caught so easily and suddenly? You are a guy, did you think you have the right to play “the imprisoned princess”? Why do I have to come all the way to Kyoto in order to rescue you rascal?”

“Aii…… Aii errm soo soilry, radder(I……I am so sorry, brother)!”

Ren waved his hands and legs nervously, shedding tears and begging for his brother’s forgiveness. Maybe after he saw this scene, he could no longer be angry at his brother, so Kazuma loosened his fingers.

“That…… That was so mean, brother……”

”You idiot, if it is not for you, I would have beaten the hell out of you.”

Pressing on his painful red cheeks, Ren raised his head up with watery eyes, that cute gesture can almost knock out so big sisters with strange interests in one hit, but it didn’t work on Kazuma. He pushed Ren away coldly, and face Hyoue once more.

“We fooled around enough I guess, I am going to make my move now?”

“Hmmm……”

Hyoue gave off a groan. Kazuma’s presence was totally out of his calculations, not only does he possess great power, his techniques were overly eminent too.

That special way of exorcism, Hyoue has never seen anything like it. It looks easy, but in reality, it might be a very sophisticated and delicate technique, to be able to activate in an instant, it is very extraordinary.

“It seems like to want to use you, is the biggest mistake I made.”

“Yes, I think so too. If not for all these petty tricks, maybe the Kannagi clan would have perished by now!”

The reason why Kazuma agreed so readily, is because he knows that this would dealt another blow to Hyoue, Kazuma is never stingy on anything that can make another person feel unhappy.

“But, why!? Why do you try to stop me!? You should know very well, the kind of hatred someone who was bullied has, to be forced to kneel before others, the humiliation, you should have experienced them, felt them too!

You hate the Kannagi too right? You despise them right? Aren’t we all the same? You should be on our side!!”

Ren lifted his head to look at his brother’s expression. As Hyoue has said, Kazuma had been through situations very similar to the Fuga clan, even though he said he “no longer hates the Kannagi clan”, but Hyoue’s words, won’t they remind him of his hatred once more?

“Yeah, that’s right. My feelings are very similar to yours, even if the Kannagi clan dies out, I won’t even feel sad.”

”Brother------!?”

Ren’s expression changed immediately, grabbing Kazuma’s hand.

Seeing this scene, Hyoue smirked. If he can get Kazuma on his side, the battle situation would be turned around instantly, even if he fails at that, as long as he no longer interferes------

“In that case, we have no reason to fight anymore, do we? I am not asking you to help, but just stop interfering with what we do, as destroying the Kannagi clan is our wish.

These three hundred years, we were controlled by the Kannagi clan as slaves. Three hundred years! Our ancestors did commit a sin in the past. But just how long must we pay to redeem ourselves!? When will we ever be forgiven!?”

Kazuma silently watched Hyoue, who said everything at one go, with such passion and emotions. He took out a cigarette from a hidden pocket, and lighted it with a lighter.

“Besides, why do we have to pay for the sins our ancestors commited? Why must we be used, and humiliated like slaves? What crimes did we commit?

No! No! No! I cannot accept this! I will never acknowledge the Kannagi’s arrogance! This is a justified revenge! Because I have the right to destroy the Kannagi clan!”

“……You done talking?”

Stepping on the cigarette ashes with his leg, Kazuma asked.. “So you have nothing else left to say?”

After understanding the true meaning of that sentence, Hyoue widened his eyes in shock.

“You…… Still want to go against me…… Why? Why do you try so hard to please the Kannagi clan? You have such magnificent powers with you, why?”

”Because the clan chief offered is willingly to offer 100 million yen to hire me.”

Kazuma said straightly. Hyoue became dumb-founded, with his mouth open, unable to say anything.

“Brother------?”

Ren raised his tone at the end of his speech, and asked with an obviously suspicious manner..

“So that means, brother came here to work? Not to save me in particular.”

”My belief is that, to take whatever you can. This is called killing two birds with one stone!”

After hearing Kazuma’s explanation, Ren’s doubts were not erased, facing his brother who was looking at him with blaming eyes, Kazuma smiled bitterly and said..

”It is not easy to just be alive. One day you will come to understand that too------ Where do you think you are going, old man?”

Kazuma, with his sharp eyes, spotted Hyoue who tried to escape while the two are chatting, but was halted by Kazuma’s words.

“So you finished praying? What a coincidence, your God seems to be in the area too.”

Hehehehehe. Kazuma purposely made noise to mock his opponent.

“……Don’t think you have won just yet!”

Hyoue, whose face grew red with anger, gave a signal, about ten people, both males and females, came out. Kazuma looked at the daggers and clubs that they were holding without a care.

“No matter how many of such people from the Fuga clan come out…… Hey, old man, what did you do to these people?”

Unfocused pupils, staggered steps, these Jutsushis are obviously without consciousness.

“These people, they forgot the pride of the Fuga clan, and are dumb fools who were willingly to be slaves of the Kannagi. They should think about who they are, to try to persuade and stop me, so I took away their consciousness, and they are now puppets, hahahahaha……”

Hyoue used an ear-piercing voice to laugh. The looks of that obdurate old man, was ugly to the limit.

“So how about it, Kazuma? These people are loyal to the Kannagi, they are Jutsushis who are righteous and respectable! To you who is a follower of the Kannagi, you should not be able to kill them right? So tell me, what are you going to do------“

”Just like this.”

Kazuma stopped Hyoue’s self-speech, and cut off the Jutsushi’s heads all at the same time. As if it was a joke, ten heads flew up into the sky at the same time, and fell down onto the ground one by one.

“You……You bastard! Against innocent people who are merely being controlled…… Are you even human?”

”Don’t you keep talking about me. Did you think I am some hero of justice? Who cares whether they were controlled or blackmailed, whoever points a knife at me is my enemy. A little girl would be no exception.”

Hearing such a cold-blooded declaration, Hyoue was at a loss for words. And at this moment------

“Da……Damn!”

One man ran out of the human wall that decreased by half. His wife was killed by Kazuma just now, since his wife was unable to accept Hyoue’s ambitions, her consciousness was taken away. But, if the Kannagi is destroyed, she would be turned back to normal, and they could live on like they used to, no, even more happily than before.

“Woahhhhhhh!!”

The man released wind blades, but compared to Kazuma’s wind, they were small sized wind blades worthy of pity.

The control of the small sized wind blades were taken by Kazuma, and chopped off the casters head in return. The man’s head rolled on the floor, and eventually stopping by the side of his wife’s head.

No one in the area dared to move. That look of a person fully wrapped by north-most winds, bringing down heartless punishment, was just like a god of death descending upon the real world------

“Ah ah…… Speaking of which, how many people are left?”

”Wa……Wahhhhhhhh!”

That lazy speech was just like a signal, the Fuga clan began to lose control, and began running away in an unorganized manner.

“Stay…… Stay there!”

No one listened to Hyoue’s orders. Even if it was just one step further, everyone ran from Kazuma as if their lives depended on it. A fear that surpasses the teachings of the Fuga clan has controlled their hearts.

By now, the Fuga clan is but no more. But to Kazuma, the real problem begins only now.

“Bro……Brother, you really overdid it! There was no need to kill those people who were controlled, was there!?”

Kazuma had to comfort Ren, who was gleaming with tears and interrogating Kazuma.

“Oh? Is……Is that so?”

By Kazuma’s standards, what he did already had Ren’s feelings in mind, and prevented unnecessary killings……

“Lets…… Lets put this aside for now, lets take care of that old man first!”

Kazuma used Hyoue as a shield and changed the topic.

“Sorry to make you wait. Are you ready?”

”Damn……Kid……”

Looking angrily at Kazuma, who is never shy with his words, Hyoue threw infinite curses. Having been abandoned by his subordinates, Hyoue is now alone.

Of course, he had tried to escape several times, but each time, Kazuma stops him, so he was unable to get away successfully.

Even if he turned around, even if he is busy trying to comfort Ren, Kazuma’s eyes never left Hyoue.

“However, it is not over. Everything has not come to an end yet…… Bastard! Did you think that without Ryuya beside me, I am just a useless old man?”

Kazuma kept quiet. This sentence may not be fit enough for him to reply.

“If that is what you think, you are so wrong! To obtain power from the contract, Ryuya is not the only one!”

“Ryuya got nothing.”

Kazuma corrected him coldly..

“That guy just lost everything.”

”Hmph, that is but a small problem.”

Hyoue said that, and then said at the top of his voice..

”Watch closely! This is the “Power” I obtained!”

As he made his declaration, abnormal youki spread everywhere. The dimension was sliced open, and from a world which no one knows where it lies, it------ they------ appeared.

“Wahhhhhh!?”

Ren screamed loudly. This cannot be blamed, as the two of them were surrounded by all kinds of youma, so packed that water might not even be able to get through, the numbers were perhaps over a hundred.

At the back of this scene with over a hundred youma, Hyoue mocked out loudly.. [actual text: 在這幅百鬼夜行的景象背後,兵衛出言嘲笑..]

“So how is that, shocked? This is my power!”

”……and how is this “your” power?”

Kazuma mocked back lazily. The power that Hyoue is so proud of is nothing more than low level youma borrowed from the one that possessed Ryuya. To borrow something that was borrowed, that is after being borrowed twice, Hyoue himself possesses no power.

“Small issue.”

But Hyoue does not seem to care.

“Before I meet up with Ryuya, why don’t you stay and play with these guys!”

Upon saying that, Hyoue mixed into the large group of youma and disappeared.

The remaining two people were surrounded by the youma, it seems there is no way out of this. In fact, Ren’s expression became tense due to fear.

“Bro……Brother……I shall take care of those at the back……”

”Don’t move, I am going to take care of this at one go.”

As Kazuma has said, it was something that happened in the blink of an eye. The sped-up wind became a metal hammer, and came straight down from the skies high above, smashing onto the surface. Under such a tremendous force, all the youma were ripped and crushed.

(How……How powerful……)

Ren held his breathe as he watched all these happen. What a scary power, if it is this power, it is not hard to understand how Genma was defeated.

“What are you waiting for! Go after that old man quickly!”

Just as Kazuma grabbed Ren who was standing here and about to fly off.

“------Ahhh?”

He suddenly turned back, and asked.

“Whats wrong?”

”------Ayano came here too, can you feel it?”

Hearing Ren’s question, Kazuma hesitated before asking him back.

“Huh------ No, nothing.”

Ren continues to try to detect a presence------ But he could feel nothing.

“But, we En-Jutsushis are not good at detecting presence in the first place……”

”But that would not be to the extent that you are unable to detect an Enraiha in battle------ It appears she lost.”

“How can that be! Impossible!”

Ren declared very directly, his expression shows no doubt.

This is a sign of absolute trust. For the wielder of Enraiha to lose, that is the same as turning heaven and earth around, both are impossible.

“If sister’s “ki” becomes quiet, that means sister has already won. There can be no other possibility!”

”It would be good if that is so. That would save a lot of effort.”

Kazuma plays along with the confident Ren, and once again picks him up like an object.

“Lets meet up with Ayano first! It would be troublesome if she died.”

”Is it okay to not chase after Hyoue?”

”We have plenty of chances to kill that old man------ Lets go!”

Kazuma leaped out with that shout.

3

The wind is very gentle, yet at the same time took them up to the skies with force, overcoming gravity easily, flying past tree branches, to an even higher place------

“Wow……This is great…… What a magnificent view!”

Perhaps he is used to the second time of high altitude flying, Ren begins to enjoy the spectacular view from above, even though Kazuma wants to let him watch longer, but he seems to have sped up.

“Huh, is it over already?”

Realizing that they began to descend, Ren said sadly.

“When this is over, you can see for as long as you want. Just bear with it for now!”

The two of them landed on a small empty piece of land.

“She’s here------ You see, I was right after all.”

”Sis……Sister!?”

Ren began to suspect his eyes, Ayano was tainted with blood all over and coming towards them, dragging staggered steps that seems about to fall down anytime.

Enraiha was barely hanging from the tip of her powerless drooping right arm. The tip of the blade being dragged across the surface, produced an exceptionally ear-piercing sound.

Ayano stopped before the two of them. Having wounds all over her, she used those eyes of hers that seems to still have some strength in them to glare at Kazuma furiously, her eyes seems as though fire is about to burst out from them, and was aimed straight between Kazuma’s eyesbrows.

“You lost completely!”

Even though it is impossible for Kazuma not to notice that strong murderous intent, his attitude don’t seem to care, and his cold words does not seem to carry any guilt of leaving Ayano as bait.

“You asshole……”

Ayano squeezed out the last of her strength, and raised her Enraiha against this despicable traitor before her, a beautiful shining flame surrounded the red blade.

However, she no longer has any strength to swing the blade. Kazuma safely hugged Ayano who fell from her loss of strength. Enraiha lost its shine and slipped from her hand and rolled onto the floor.

The divine sword that fell to the ground began to disappear as if it merged with the air.

“This idiot. To try to swing that kind of divine sword with a body that is almost dead, of course she would overexert herself and run out of strength.”

Kazuma’s heartless words never reached Ayano’s ears. She had lost consciousness completely, her face is way beyond paleness, it is as white as a corpse.

“Sister! Sister Ayano!”

“You are so noisy, shut up.”

Kazuma, without even turning his head, ordered his brother who was screaming in pain and sadness at one side to be quiet, and then grabbed Ayano’s hair to lift her face up. On the surface it seems like checking her body condition, but such actions would seem rough to anyone, and he doesn’t seem to be worried about Ayano.

After over several tens of seconds, the worried Ren asked, looking flustered..

“Brother, sister Ayano is going to be fine right……”

“Nope, she is dead meat.”

Kazuma crushed Ren’s expectations without mercy.

“How……How can that……”

”The wounds themselves are nothing much, the problem is the youki that entered her body through them, she is only one step away from her body being completely overrun by youki.”

He is just like a doctor, but to say it that way, the doctors would most probably complain about it! Kazuma used a very calm yet cold-blooded way to make such a declaration.

“But, what kind of youki can freeze a divine child of the flames, and Enraiha together with her? Just where did that old man Hyoue find a youma like that?”

”Now is not the time to discuss that problem right? If you don’t save sister Ayano soon……”

”Ren, catch.”

Kazuma suddenly tossed Ayano’s body at Ren.

“Wah!”

Even though Ayano is slim, and completely out of strength, but to a twelve year old youth, she is still too heavy. And so the both of them fell onto the floor together.

“Wha……What……”

Ren who wanted to make a fuss at first, realized how cold Ayano’s body is, even though she is still breathing, she is no different from a corpse. The “freeze” Kazuma used in his words was not a metaphor, but was literally describing the truth.

Ren, as an En-Jutsushi, can sense clearly, that the flame of life in Ayano is burning out with every second.

“Is……Is there no way to save sister, Brother!?”

”Hmm------ It is not that there is no way, but……”

”But what!?”

”It would be a waste.”

An indescribable silence filled the scene. Ren was just like a puppet, looking at Kazuma with a frozen expression.

Kazuma watched Ren silently as well.

“------What did you say?”

Ren broke the silence, and asked in a voice that sounded exceptionally dull.

“It would be a waste.”

Kazuma repeated once more calmly, his tone sounds as though there was nothing strange with what he said, that he was just stating an obvious fact.

“That is a really valuable medicine, and I probably cannot get another one like that ever again.”

He shrugs his shoulders, as though saying there is nothing I can do about it?

Ren could not believe this, for someone to say that a medicine is more important than a human life, and that person to be his own brother. His shocked feelings were expressed out in words.

“The problem doesn’t lie there does it? If this continues, sister will die, and to say that using medicine is too wasteful…… That cannot be true, right?”

“It is not a big deal even if Ayano dies! It is not like the direct family bloodstream dies off completely, you can just inherit the Enraiha, our old man would be very happy too then.”

This is the first time Ren has ever heard such inhumane words, the blood in his body grew hot, as though it is boiling, the flame spirits gave off a cheerful sound as they felt that a battle is about to begin.

“What’s wrong?”

Kazuma looked upon his brother, who bowed down in silence, with caring eyes.

“Don’t ……”

“Don’t ……?”

”Don’t joke around with me------!!“

Ren’s roar became a physical shockwave, hitting on Kazuma. Kazuma uses “ki” to perform the lowest level of defense, and let the opponent hit him, at the same time, smirking.

Only Kazuma can understand, this phenomenon is the result of the spirits responding to Ren’s rage.

(Yes, that is the way.)

The characteristic of flames is “aggressive flames”. A strong rage, is the key factor to synchronize with flame spirits. To a human who is usually calm and timid, they will not lend them their fullest powers.

To be able to both possess great rage while controlling that rage, only then can one be a first rate En-Jutsushi.

A heat so hot it seems like a metal smelting furnace surrounded the area, the flame spirits responded to Ren;s rage and continues to gather.

“Give me the medicine.”

Ren ordered softly. He has no need to roar now, as he knows very well what he needs to do. If the opponent resists, he will have to get the medicine even if he might die to get it, whether he can do it or not is not a problem, this is something he must do.

“OK------ I got it, don’t threaten me anymore.”

Raising his hands to surrender, Kazuma was unable to keep the smile at his mouth. Calm fighting spirit, and the mental energy to control that, Ren has already begun his journey to become a first class Jutsushi.

Going past Ren’s side, Kazuma walked to Ayano who is lying on the floor. Looking down at the motionless Ayano, he toys with a bottle he took out from his hidden pocket.

To say that he did it without hesitation, that would definitely be a lie. This is an extremely rare and valuable medicine, even so, as long as it is for Ren’s growth, he does not mind paying such a price, since this thing did not cost him a single cent after all.

He kneeled by Ayano’s side, and plans to place the mouth of the bottle right against the pale lips of Ayano------ but gave up in the end. She does not seem to have the strength to even drink it, and to spill the medicine would really be a waste.

Kazuma stretched his hand behind Ayano, and lifted her upper body straight up, and drank the medicine himself, and their lips closed together as though his whole body fell on Ayano.

“Wah!”

From the excess light at the edge of his eyes he can see, Ren who is by the side, with his face flushed red, yet mesmerized at the same time, as Kazuma poured the medicine into Ayano’s mouth by the mouth-to-mouth method.

(Hmmm…………)

Ayano first felt warmth, something seems to be removing the youki that has invaded her body quickly, heat------life came back bit by bit.

She slowly begins to be able to detect the situation outside her, she knows she is being surrounded by a powerful force, and that warm healing spiritual energy coming in from her lips.

Ayano feels that this is someone who has just pulled her back from the gates of death lightly, yet strongly at the same time.

She opens her eyes slowly, and at such a close distance that her focal point is about to focus, the one who appeared before her eyes is------

"~~~~~!"

Her conscienceness became awake in an instant, Ayano used all her strength to push Kazuma away.

Kazuma moved away unhurriedly, as if he saw through the cute reaction that Ayano gives when she is nervous, and stood up in a steady manner.

(I……I was kissed……? Why……?)

Ayano uses her left hand to press on her lips, her right hand tightly hugging her own body, just like a weak girl who had just been assaulted by a rapist, she closed her legs tightly and contracts her body.

(What’s going on……?)

Not knowing what is going on, it is impossible to understand the situation.

Maybe it was due to the youki that invaded, her memories do not seem to be able to link up. Not only how she wanted to cut Kazuma with her sword, she cannot even remember how they met up.

She lifted her head to look at Kazuma suspiciously, who in turn looked back with a calm stare, as though he is observing some animal in an experiment. In fact, he was observing how efficient the medicine was, but it was impossible for Ayano to know that.

Anger begin to grow within her, after taking a girl’s kiss----a first kiss at that------ away, the other party does not even seem to have a shred of guilt, she cannot accept this kind of thing happening at all.

“What the hell were you doing------!!”

”Is that how you talk to your benefactor.”

“Huh……”

The cold reply weakened Ayano’s attitude, Ren ran over at this tim, he used wet eyes, fighting back his tears and raised his head to look at Ayano.

“Sis……Sister……”

The revived Ayano, her body brimming with energy, makes one hard to imagine the way she looked when she was about to die earlier, even her wounds and blood traces disappeared.

“Sister! Sister! Sister!”

Ren was very happy, tightly hugging his beloved “sister”, his tears began to fall. As if he is trying to confirm that this is not a dream, he hugged Ayano with all his might, and kept on calling her.

Even if it is a kid, a twelve year old has some arm power. Even though she feels uncomfortable, Ayano still insists on rubbing Ren’s head gentlely.

“Ren, calm down…… Everything is fine, I will protect you, so don’t be afraid……”

”Idiot.”

Hearing Ayano’s big mistake, Kazuma rebutted without mercy. He ignores the murderous intent that was shot at him and continues to say..

“Ren is worried about you. You were totally thrashed by Ryuya earlier, and almost died. By the way, the one who saved you is me, so be grateful.”

This speech made by someone who claims to be her benefactor made Ayano’s temple entangle together. Faced with a strong atmosphere that can make a crying child become quiet, Ren stopped his tears, his expression froze instantly.

Ayano suddenly lowered her head and looked at Ren. She grabs Ren, who sub-consciously decides to run away, and pressed on his shoulder, asking with a scary expression..

“Is that true?”

”Huh…… Huh……”

Ren feels troubled, unsure of what the meaning of the question. Ayano closed in, and repeated once more..

“That guy said he saved me, is that true?”

Ren answered in a soft and delicate voice as he shivered..

“It…… It is true. Brother he took the medicine…… then…… mouth-to-mouth……”

”Forget about this.”

Ayano stopped Ren’s reply softly, the hand that is pressing on his shoulder became more forceful, as if she is looking at Ren from just above. Seeing that expression that only has her mouth smiling, Ren was so scared his legs went limp.

“You saw nothing, you understand?”

Ren did not make a sound, only nodding continuously.

“Oh yeah, what did you make me drink? It is not something with some weird side effects right?”

Ayano asked in a suspicious tone. She knew that she almost died just now, and towards something so suspicious as to be able to completely cure her in a few minutes, she cannot trust it one bit.

“Elixir.”

Kazuma replied in a very simple and clear manner.

“Elixir? You don’t mean that, what is it called, “Water of Life”!?”

“Ehhhhhhhhhh------!?”

Not just Ayano, but even Ren, who was about to cry, gave off sounds of surprise. This is normal, as what is known as the “Water of Life”, is a miracle drug made with the essence of alchemy, with tremendous effects, it is said to be able to even revive the dead. This type of miracle drug, not to mention its production method, but whether it exists in the first place is uncertain.

“That kind of thing, where did you get it……”

”Before that, don’t you have something to say?”

Compared to the shocked Ayano, Kazuma seemed very calm since the beginning. Noticing what Kazuma meant by his words, Ayano reluctantly thanked him..

”……Thank you.”

”Don’t mind that, I shall add extra charges to my service, as necessary expenses, just about a hundred million!”

”You……You bastard! Can’t you just ignore some losses and help someone!? Someone who measures everything with money, won’t that be too low for a human!?”

”You think this is something that can be bought with money!?”

”Argh…………”

Kazuma raised his voice and gave off an imposing presence, Ayano became speechless instantly. This is the first time Kazuma became so emotional, it seems that his precious medicine being used has made him feel very unhappy.

Indeed, something like an elixir cannot be bought with money. It is something that can even revive the dead, it is not hard to believe that many people would want to get it even if they will become bankrupt in the process, and to sell this kind of thing for just a hundred million is more outrageous than a great sale.

Even so, Kazuma is still able to change his mood with just one sigh.

“Nevermind. Lets forget what happened in the past! Oh yeah, Ayano, so why did you lose?”

”……Why are you asking such a thing?”

Faced with a question that shatters her pride, Ayano can only put on a bitter expression.

“Of course I must ask. I have always thought of your Enraiha as the ultimate weapon. If it is of no use, the whole battle plan must be thought over once more. So tell me, what is going on? Is it that Enraiha cannot burn him even if it cut into Ryuya?”

”Huh……Errr…… That is……”

Looking at the tongue-tied Ayano, Kazuma’s eyes began to lower its temperature. Ayano does not dare to look into those cold eyes, her eyes began to shift about randomly.

“That is to say, you did not even hit him once? All your attacks were predicted.”

“Hmm…………”

“And then, all the En-Jutsu you released in anxiety, were all blocked down by wind.”

”Errm errr………….”

“After suffering the enemy’s single sided vigorous attacks, your injuries kept on increasing.”

“………………………..”

“And you managed to escape somehow at the end. As this type of content is too embarrassing, perhaps I should praise you on your abilities to run away?”

“Wha……What! How can you say such a thing!?”

After hearing such cruel and heartless comments, Ayano finally lost her temper.

“After saying “trust me” so proudly earlier, in the end you just ran off and left me behind in a few words! And for someone who left the most problematic things to someone else, what rights does he have to say such a thing!!”

”Oh, I am sorry.”

”……Huh?”

Hearing this unexpected reply, Ayano widens her eyes. She had expected him to mock her back vigorously in return, it is unimaginable for him to apologize so honestly.

As if he cannot let it go, Kazuma continues to say..

“I never expected you to be that weak.”

Ba-doom!!

An unusual noise came from her heart, the space around Ayano began to make cracking sounds, Ren retreated quickly from Ayano’s side as if he was bounced off.

“I thought that before I rescue Ren, you would at least be able to buy more time, but it seems that it was too hard on you after all. I am so sorry.”

Gathering all her strength, Ayano grabs the handle of Enraiha tightly. Her fighting spirit went all over her body, the fallen leaves by her legs started dancing in the air. In the night of autumn, the temperature went up quickly, it was hotter than a sunny day, being roasted by the hot air, Ren’s expression became tense.

“The last time you tried to cut me with your blade…… Back then I thought that you were taking it easy on me, thinking that I am of your family after all, but I failed to notice that you were serious, I totally did not realize that, sor……”

Ayano moved her hand to make Kazuma shut up, she used a serious attitude without any other thoughts in mind, without hesitation, mercilessly swings the Enraiha.

“Oh oh!”

Her eyes went in pursuit of Kazuma who shifted his body with ease to dodge, Ayano swings the Enraiha upwards to cut him. Up against this slanted upward cut, Kazuma went toward the left side to escape.

(Don’t even think of escaping!)

Ayano twists her hand, and pulls Enraiha back, the tip of the sword pointed at Kazuma, and she steps out forcefully in preparation for a stab------

“Sister!”

A sure-kill stab. But because Ren rushed over and hugged her waist tightly, so it missed its target.

“What are you doing, Ren! Get away now!!”

”No! Now is not the time to be doing this, is it!?”

To be pointed out by a boy four years younger than her, Ayano was speechless.

“Brother too! Why did you do something so detestable!?”

Ren points the arrowhead to Kazuma at the same time. The youth has gotten his responsibility up by now, thinking that if he leaves these two people who are older than him to do as they wish, nothing good will come out from it.

“I did not annoy her.”

”So, why did you say those words?”

Ren continued to ask Kazuma who replied randomly, a feeling of mistrust came out from all over him.

“Just relieving some stress that’s all.”

“……………………………”

“The one who was expected to be the final weapon, is in fact like a little kitten, it would make anyone want to say something about it, won’t it?”

“Sis……Sister……Calm down……”

Ren tries his best to comfort Ayano who seems ready to explode.

“……I know. I won’t be angry anymore, you can let go now.”

After being greatly weakened by Ren who seemed ready to cry, Ayano said that with some shades of calmness. She breathed out, as if letting all the air from her lungs out, while at the same time releasing her rage.

“By the way, you should have taken care of Hyoue haven’t you?”

“Nope, he escaped.”

”……What?”

Ayano suddenly shouted back. No matter what she says, she has deep faith in Kazuma’s capabilities. And this Kazuma is actually unable to finish someone like Hyoue off------

“------ What happened?”

”That old man summoned over a hundred youma at one go. I was busy taking care of that when he took the chance to slip off.”

”Over a hundred?”

Seeing the doubtful Ayano, Ren confirmed Kazuma’s words.

“It is true, sister. Those youma that filled one’s vision, brother used almost one hit to get rid of all of them. The reason why we failed to catch Hyoue is……”

(To save sister……)

Just as he was about to complete the sentence, Kazuma stopped him. Kazuma’s fingertip was pressed against his lips, Ren awkwardly became silent.

“What are you trying to hide?”

”Nothing important, the biggest problem now is Ryuya, the next time this happens we are sure to die.”

”…… You still intend to fight?”

Seeing the cowardly Ayano, Kazuma placed judging eyes on her.

(I never expected her to be so weak mentally.)

But, now is definitely not the time to let her to continue to be down, he has intention of fighting against that kind of monster alone. The suffering and the efforts must be shared by everyone, that is Kazuma’s belief.

“Why, are you scared? Well I won’t blame you, after all you lost so miserably earlier on. The next time you are caught by the enemy, I promise not to laugh at you again.”

After being totally looked-down upon and being humiliated like this, Ayano’s cheeks were so red she put on blushers.

“Even if I cannot win, at least I can suicide before the enemy catches me! I won’t even leave a cell to those guys. I have that kind of determination, don’t look down on me!”

She rebuts angrily. This spirit is enough, but the content is unacceptable.

Not sure how to understand that line, Kazuma’s eyebrows crease together, Ayano continues to say..

“What I meant was, should we head back and reorganize our fighting force. Since Ren is already rescued, there is no risk that the seal will be broken, so……”

”Rejected.”

Kazuma rejects Ayano’s suggestion very simply.

“To be attacked while on the move, that situation is very bad. In the case of the whole transport vehicle being destroyed, are you confident of escaping?”

”But, they won’t be so dumb to even kill Ren, would they? If they do that, they cannot break the seal.”

”Hyoue’s goal is to destroy the Kannagi clan. From the looks of it, he hates the Kannagi clan to the core. To release the seal placed upon their god, is probably just one method of doing so.”

Even though he used the word “probably”, Kazuma is very certain. If she saw that insane hatred with her own eyes, perhaps Ayano would be able to understand!

To Hyoue, God or Devil is nothing but “power”, in his heart he only thinks about how to use them. Now, Hyoue has gotten Ryuya, who can be used to destroy the Kannagi clan, so in this case, he should not be so obsessed with breaking the seal of their god?

“Besides, in this situation, killing us would mean they have won. Because my old man is now with heavy injuries------“

”That was done by you!”

“Don’t talk about that for now. No matter how powerful the clan chief may be, that body is unable to fight. Those in the branch family are all useless. In other words, if we die, it means the end of the Kannagi clan. Got it?”

After hearing the logical analysis, Ayano has no way of rebutting. Even though she knows that Kazuma is right, but to have to fight with Ryuya once more, her body naturally rejects the idea.

But, before Ayano can set her mind at it, the situation changed. Kazuma raised his head to look into the sky suddenly.

“No time to hesitate------ We have been spotted.”

“------? Didn’t you set up a kekkai?”

“Yeah, but after the thing the two of you did, I doubt it would last long.”

“……I am so sorry.”

”It is okay------ Ren.”

”Ah, yes?”

Ren was called upon suddenly, and replied in a rising voice, Kazuma then made a cruel declaration..

“Hyoue is sure to make you his target. Because to be able to get the power of a God as well, is most desirable. But we are struggling just to take care of Ryuya, we have no capabilities to protect you as well, so you must handle your own problems yourself.”

This sentence seems to have the hidden meaning of “you might as well go die if you are a nuisance”, so Ren’s expression grew tense. But he recovered in a while, and looked back at his brother with determined eyes.

“I…… I got it. Against someone like Hyoue, I alone can handle him. If I lose, I shall kill myself before I get caught, I won’t cause any trouble for brother, will that do?”

Ren said abruptly with a pale face.

Kazuma, unsure whether to laugh or cry, looked at Ren and then turned his head to Ayano.

“What to do, because you said such dumb words, now even Ren don’t know what he is fighting so hard for.”

”What idiotic words! As the main family of the Kannagi clan, this kind of determination is only natural!”

Kazuma no longer talks to Ayano, but turns his head to Ren. Then he grabs the tiny head that stands before his chest.

“Wha……What’s the matter, brother?”

”Ren, let me tell you the rules of this game. “The winner is the one who lives”. Simple?”

Ren was at a loss due to the sudden rough actions, but Kazuma continues to talk without caring..

“Someone without the will to live is sure to lose. This is a rule that will never change in a fight. Remember that.

Listen well. You are just a kid, just a newbie, no one thinks that you are of much use. So, just doing what you can do will be enough.”

”What I can do……?”

“That is “to live”. Don’t try to beautify death with the term self-sacrifice.

Death is the end of everything. Anything in the past, present and future will lose their meaning in an instant, that is death. There is no way to start over, the absolute end.”

Unable to lose, unable to sacrifice. He cannot accept using the future of a twelve year old in exchange for peace.

Kazuma does not want to lose anything important anymore.

“But as long as you are still alive, there will be a chance to turn the tables around, so, even if your teeth are broken off, you must swallow them back with your blood, no matter how pathetic, how shameful, never give up on surviving. Even if you must struggle to the very last moment, this is your battle, can you do it?”

Kazuma looked at Ren closely, and Ren looked back at Kazuma just the same way.

Never give up, never throw hope away, these are the determinations required to win, Ren learnt this from Kazuma. His pale face regained its natural color, the light of being pushed to a deadend in his eyes seems to be fading away.

(I am not alone.)

There are people who protect me, people who support me, so all I need to do is to finish whatever I can. Because, this is the best way to make the me who is still immature now useful.

“Yes!”

Hearing such a energetic reply, Kazuma gives off a gentle smile. The feeling of his head being rubbed in a rough manner, is making Ren feel very comfortable.

“So then..”

Kazuma pushes Ren backwards lightly, and told Ayano without shifting his eyes..

“------Hes here.”

Ayano raises her head to look into the sky, as if the blue sky was sliced open, a black shadow even darker than darkness itself was pasted on one point of the sky. Following that, the shadow expanded quickly, and its face can be seen more clearly.

“So he is here……”

Seeing a clear human shadow being formed, Ayano mumbled in a trembling voice.

The black shadow that seems to absorb all light in opened its arms like wings, and landed on the ground. Up against a demonic opponent that stood there silently, Kazuma’s face shows an evil smile.

“Come on, let round two begin------“

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