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Kaze no Stigma:Volume1 Chapter2

2007-07-17T02:59:10Z

68.100.97.46: Taken directly from the translator.

== Chapter Two - The sudden disaster ==

=== 1 ===
“Not ready yet? 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 was blowing against Hyoue. Within the blowing wind was the air full of the ki of youma, passing beneath Hyoue’s palm. The ki of youma that passed beneath this palms was like an air that would swallow anyone, no matter whom.

By the time the shredded remains of the three people were discovered, it was already dawn. This unbelievably serious situation completely shocked the entire Kannagi clan.

iThe Kannagi clan was astonished; this is an undeniable fact. Faster than human reflexes, the 3 defensively alert people were killed without anyone being alerted.

In order to better understand this situation, the Fuuga clan was summoned. Because of this, Hyoue himself gathered the youma ki to understand who the enemy was. “Hmm, T—, This is….”

Sounds of concentration. Hyoue gathered the youma ki in this palms without missing any. It was a very cold air. Even for very powerful practitioners, the ki provided sufficient reason to fear it.

“This was caused by fuujutsu, and was created by a practitioner that is on a completely different category from us, the Fuuga clan. It trapped the three people in the wind “kekkai” and then killed them.”

Hyoue’s report wasn’t anything beneficial and could be easily understood from the setting of the place.

“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; substituted only by the sound of Juugo's condoling voice.

“Is it like that, good job, you can retire. — — Right, how’s the health of Ryuuya?"

At that moment, Hyoue appeared surprised due to the Suzerain’s concern over his son’s health.

“Yes… If he quietly recuperates, there shouldn’t be any problems. He can no longer recover to the level of working for the Kannagi clan anymore. This unworthy son is really an embarrassment.”

Given Juugo’s words of gratitude, Hyoue bows.

“Yes… Thank you very much. I will go give instructions to my subordinates, for I will retire….”

“Then please, I await your reply, Hyoue.”
The head of the Fuuga clan bows silently and leaves.

The enemy is a fuujutsu practitioner that loathes the Kannagi clan. Everyone naturally thinks 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 that made such an aggressive comment was the previous suzerain, Yorimichi. Even though he is retired, he still has an air of a suzerain. The entire clan strongly dislikes him, but he is the only one who is ignorant of this fact. .

“[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator%27s_Notes#Otou-san|Otou-san]], 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. In a way that didn't try to hide the scorn expressed in his eyes, Genma coldly looked on.

Facing this person who had no strength except for scheming and was chosen as the suzerain, Genma looked down on him from the depth of his heart.

In Yorimichi’s thirty years as suzerain, the strength of the Kannagi Clan had 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, Gemna was not thinking about such a foolish item.
Genma thought that the strongest practitioner should be the one that succeeds the position of suzerain. Because of this, Genma did not hate the current suzerain, Juugo. He only thought that his own strength wasn’t enough in comparison.

Previously, he had wanted to prepare his son so 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 enrages 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? Allow 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 the accusing finger towards Genma. This kind of bad will was almost materializing like, “sticky things connecting items together,” allowing the crowd to be agitated.

“That kind of idea would only come from someone with "little conscience." 
It was almost an insulting provocation for Yorimichi to say such things. Genma didn’t contradict, because if he did, the reply would have been extremely disrespectful.

“Otou-san, that’s enough!”

Juugo wouldn’t allow the continuation of such and insulting diatribe. In order to stop it, he forcefully made the people take Yorimichi 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 of 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 puts 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 suzurain cares deeply about the Kannagi Clan.”

With an exchange of looks, understating each others reasoning, they smiled at the same time. And with that, they understood that 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, possible 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 when compared to others.

“Ayano-sama has returned!”

The serious expression on Juugo’s face started to relax, and Genma wore a highly energetic and fierce look.
Without even waiting a second, she appeared.

“pah,” and she pulled the sliding door open, and caught everyone’s attention.

“I’m home, Otou-san! 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. That black hair that almost reaches the back, flowing straight and sideways created by the movements of her head, simply represented the blooming of a [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator%27s_Notes#Bishoujo|bishoujo]]. At that moment, the “dark and cold” atmosphere had completely vanished. That is a spiritual energy that emerges from oneself, in one breath cleansing the room's atmosphere

The appearance of an unclear enemy who killed some people at home. Those people that have been discussing this situation nonstop, are now facing a blinding light, that uncomfortable and distressing feeling has completely vanished.

As if before the rays of the sun, all the movements in the dark were not allowed to exist. The one right there was the person that had the ability to vanquish the dark with spiritual powers not beneath the powers for light, the next suzerain in waiting and owner of Enraiha, is Juugo’s daughter, Kannagi Ayano.

“How’s the report, Ayano?”
Juugo was testing his daughter with a serious expression, like when he asks other people. This is the best way for a father to direct his daughter, at least this is what Juugo thinks.

“Excuse me”
Ayano at that moment also 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.
“Then, what had actually happened, otou-san?”

“Hmm——, previously 3 people have been killed and nobody had noticed. This is a serious situation!”

Although they were distant relatives, Ayano quieted after hearing that 3 people from the family had been killed. “A serious situation” wasn’t that “3 people have been killed” instead it was because “nobody had noticed.”

This was not some callous sentiment, but it is an understanding of what is of primary importance. For a girl of only sixteen years of age, who has such a strong will and discipline, it is surprising.

“Nobody saw that fuujutsu-shi?”
“Of course, there is a suspect.”

Faced with Ayano’s questioning, 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. “Successor Ceremony” betting Enraiha who fought with you.”

“Older cousin… Could it be the Kazuma that left the family 4 years ago? Could that 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 the inner feelings are not apparent, the outer unreadable appearance of Genma had no change at all.

“Right, I heard that he left the country… and trained there. Later he became a fuujutsu-shi?”

“That’s how it is, he supposedly returned to Japan recently, and changed his name to Yagami Kazuma. Yesterday, he met with the killed Shinji during a job, where he beautifully completed it. It seems like he trained very hard in those 4 years.

“Kazuma… Looks like he hates us…”
Finally remembering, Ayano said looking towards a distant place.

“It could be like that”
Genma replied with a void of 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 her glance toward Genma, Genma without any change accepted Ayano’s look. The one that disinherited Kazuma and the one that provided the reason for the disinheritance crossed their gazes.

The first to avoid looking was Ayano. Without regards to strength as practitioners, life experience is immensely surpassed. In reality, even with careful searching (she’s) still void of self-confidence in order 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, anyways, we would like to meet with him and discuss it.”

Faced with his daughter’s simplistic and dangerous words, Genma deeply felt the danger.
Even though she has the Enraiha’s overwhelming power, Ayano tends to resort to violence in anything she does. Genma frequently hopes that as she is the next suzerain she would have a less impulsive way of thinking.

“Now is not time for you, wait until there are other missions to be done.”

“…Yes”

Faced with a barely compliant daughter, Juugo said condolingly.

“You have just finished a mission, you must be tired, get a good rest for today.”

“… I understand.”

Even though it seems like it is not acceptable, Ayano still obeys what her father has said. After “bowing”, she rapidly leaves the room. Until the “door” closed, Juugo didn’t blink, releasing a deeply unhappy expression about her.

“……………This stubborn daughter.”

Juugo seemingly says “not acceptable” and sighs deeply. Even though he uses this kind of strict manner of speech, no matter what, the care and love for his daughter is hard to hide. 

These two people have said the sayings for many times. To put it correctly, Shingo, due to his younger brother’s death, has a burning fire for revenge. Takeya, no matter how many times you tell him to pay attention to his orders will still forget it, said he was nagging 

They are waiting for the report, and then immediately go towards Kazuma’s direction. 

=== 2 ===
For the Kannagi Clan's information network to find the place Kazuma was staying was really simple.

To find him the next morning did not really require any special methods, because he used his own name to register at the hotel.

So given Genma’s command, two practitioners were sent.

Yuuki Shingo and Oogami Takeya were the strongest practitioners of the branch families. Even though they have opposing personalities, they are great friends. This combination excluding the main family can be said to be without rivals.

From Genma viewpoint, he has thrown in the two strongest cards on hand. But, possibly the selection of oldest son of the Yuuki family can be said as deadly mistake. Why, because this man has absolutely no desire to convince Kazuma.

“Kazuma, you “bastard”, I will cut you (into) ten-thousand pieces.” (Note: there is one character, I think in Mandarin, Japanese, and Korean that is equal to ten-thousand. Historically ten-thousand is also a big number, can also be infinite.)

“If he is dead, it will become problematic. At least leave him with the ability to talk when we take him back.”

As they wait for the upcoming report, they will directly head towards Kazuma’s direction. Of course, they have absolutely no desire to persuade him. At least they didn’t have this kind of desire, but what they never contemplated was that they would be ones assaulted.

“Still not ready yet?”

“It’s going to be ready soon.”

This kind of discussion cannot satisfy them at all; don’t know how many times they have repeatedly asked. Given that the two of them are waiting to receive the same report, they should know it doesn’t matter how they ask… .

“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, in reality they have turn the arrowhead towards the Fuuga clan.

“This is worrying, Fuuga clan might even be connected to this situation.”
Takeya forcefully said some pretty words to sway Shingo, Fuuga shielding him isn’t impossible, using words that attack them, in order to change the attention of Shingo is certainly welcomed.

Thinking momentarily, Shingo grinded 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, are they not very pathetic?”

“That’s right, hahaahahahahahaaaaa…”

Just like Takeya have wished, Shingo have completely forgotten about the issue to reprimand. Hearing this sudden liberated laughter, Takeya has a thought — — Not like what was heard 10 seconds ago “Still not ready yet?” Similarly he feels very slow and lengthy.

“Incoming, in the area right head 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 the voice.
This allows the wind to carry the voice, even works for large distances.

“Coming, won’t leave him no limbs, neither legs nor arms, burn it all. Let’s attack!”

This was not voiced for anybody to hear, only Shingo’s mumblings to himself. This can be seen from the hatred-filled eyes; certainly really problematic.

Even though they didn’t continue their discussion how to punish, at least put up some resistance, that’s how he thinks. Until he’s half dead, could slowly torture him besides what was mentioned before, there’s plenty 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 that with no alertness, completely nonchalant——viewed from their perspective—— walks along Kazuma, Takeya in order to alert him shouted.

“Long time no see, Kazuma!”

“Ah, the successor from the Oogami?”

At that instance, to connect your recollection and present needs time. But, Takeya is 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 that Shingo with blood-filled eyes ready to release fireballs, using a condescending method of speech.

“Nope, I completely don’t know.”

Kazuma reply could be described as “couldn’t be more direct”, but also apparently has some percentage of challenge. By crunching his head and neck and making a certain exaggerating and sarcastic action, then shook his head in denial, predictably piss Takeya off enough for veins to be showing.
Takeya succeeded in controlling his anger, and recovering his cool begins to explain.

“Yesterday night, Kannagi Clan had three practitioners killed.

“uhmm ——, and?

And like with all the authority Kazuma asked pressuringly.

“The one that killed was a fuujutsu practitioner.

“……………………..”

“……………………..”

The surroundings was covered by silence. Warm wind blowing through the dusk “Tree-Shadow” Road  , the red leaves lightly started to dance, shining upon by crimson sun the red leaves are dyed even a darker shade of red, this is the beauty that appears before the darkness controlled world.

“……………..”

The first to open his mouth was Kazuma’s side, compared to silence, it seems like he further detest being stared by men.

“So what is the matter?”

“The suzerain has things to ask you, follow!”

“It wasn’t me! Finished!”

The instance after saying such words and was thinking to leave, Kazuma suddenly bounced horizontally
outwards, an instance before in the space where Kazuma existed, without touching anything appeared a fireball.

Kazuma —— doesn’t know why Takeya —— looks towards Shingo , consequently Shingo using a deep, like a natural born deep voiced snigger.

“Hmhmhm, what’s the matter, you finally did it? Then, there is no other way besides using power to suppress!”

At the same time of the shout, surrounding Shingo tongues of crimson begin to burn and dance.
The flames that appear at the same time as the yell, even though connected to Shingo’s body, the clothes were not burnt. Shingo had surprisingly unthought-of carefulness. 

Like the flames that continue to move on his body, Shingo was so happy that his lips were slanted, and said in like a proclamation.

“If you can’t speak about it then it is questionable, I'll burn off your arms and legs! Lessening the weight will make it easier to transport around! Won’t kill you now, but you can’t continue living in such a humiliating condition? After the suzerain finishes his questioning I’ll be nice and kill you! Within one week! Use this time for you to fully regret living. I want you to know! Killing Shinji, absolutely cannot allow you to continue living untroubled!”

Assuming the future will be like that was his words were saying. But, Kazuma facing crazily laughing Shingo, looked as if he was watching some rare animal, asked very seriously. 

“Kannagi Clan has recently given food to this kind of thing?”

“—No, Ahh….hu….”

Takeya really had no reply. Considering himself to be normal, did want to recognize that the thing with him is the same kind.

“That person usually adores Shinji, now he hates you who killed Shinji 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 like that to him.”

“… Negotiation is broken then, it seems.”

In order to make good the 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 by the skin. Even though the fire spirits haven’t materialize, the surroundings have evidently changes in physics.

Seems like frightened in faced of such elevated fighting spirit, scores of red leaves continually fluttered down, the bright red leaves before touching Takeya’s body instantly changes to ashes and floated off.

Still Kazuma, like before, stood there with hands in the leather jacket watched the two of them. It seems like he has no desire to confront the Kannagi Clan, of course it is hard to see from that kind of pose.

“This is the 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!”

At the instance of starting the jutsus, the two believed that victory would be certain. Because in the clan the two of the strongest class attacking at the same time. No matter what kind of strategy Kazuma had, face with kind of massive power is useless.

But——

Poou! 

The fireball from Takeya hand, suddenly instanteously explodes. Above the sound, the fireball in his credulity 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 is still no possible to shield the crash of the explosion’s force.
Instantly the force of the explosion hits the entire body, Takeya was simply KO-ed.

(W,What? What had happened…? Shit, Shingo, leave….)

Even though “Leave the rest to you” this kind of saying, but Shingo similarly lost his conscious, because on his face the black and blue continuously pulsed.

Kazuma returns his hands back in the pockets of the leather jacket; lowering his head at the two people. After releasing a condescending grin, he walked right by the two unconscious persons' side.

Even though it seems like he wanted to directly leave, at that time Kazuma stops his footsteps. Then as if he felt something, looked towards the trees where no one is at.

“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 separated. Without any noise from the chopped tree following the break slowly slid down.

Already forgetting to hide the body, stood dumbly staring at Kazuma, then Kazuma turns to leave. The guarding practitioner was fearful. The one that was lured was himself? The prey we were hunting is this frightening thing——?

=== 3 ===
“Seriously, Father worries too much. I alone is enough don’t know how many times this has been repeated. When will he acknowledge me? Am I this untrustworthy?”

“The suzerain acknowledges Young Mistress' abilities, only 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, encountered the employer of Kazuma —— of course, single mindedness heading to location to vanquish the spirits, and not understand the reason. '''! '''

Upon arrival to the location and discovering that the seal has deteriorated to point beyond the previously assumed limits, Ayano immediately destroys the idea of the resealing, and instead decided to eliminate it. Then without any testing she immediately ripped off the seal.

Popular saying was. “This method is faster.” 

People without significant confidence in ones own ability would not say something like that, certainly the two men that accompanied her also know that she has the necessary ability to go along with such self-confidence.

Certainly, Juugo also knows that she has this kind of ability, but such worries of a father are within reason. Even describing Juugo as stupid or foolish, most of times he sends two or more people to protect her.

“Don’t mix the work with private life, is frequently lectured no matter when. Don’t follow your own desires and do things, Uncle Masato?” 

Still discharging her annoyances, Ayano faced that guy —— the younger brother of the Yuuki family head, complaining to Masato.
“Because he is the suzerain, he cannot mull over such minor issues.”
In this manner on Masato’s thin face appeared a smile and laughter. As a member of the branch families, he certainly wasn’t thinking about the consequences. But, it seems like Ayano hasn’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, so went off to Tibet to train like a eccentric person.

When he returned to Japan he was given the “Protect Ayano” mission. Juugo has a high regard of him, and from the first time Ayano went on a mission he continually was responsible for this kind of protecting job.

Certainly, Ayano also has good feelings about this easy-going relative. Due to the surrounding people’s princess like treatment of her, faced with Masato’s kind of causal attitude is quite refreshing for her, furthermore it feels very good.

Consequently “Uncle Masato, ojo-sama this kind of terminology, is like a real family without any separation.

“Maybe it is to allow the younger practitioner to learn, this kind of reasoning is still possible. Isn’t that, Takeshi… Takeshi?”

“Ahh, Yes!?”

The young practitioner using admiring eyes staring at Ayano —— Oogami Takeshi’s uncle hollered 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 have understood! Just like what Uncle have said! To be allowed to watch Ayano-sama 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, appears compared to respect, has more admiration and reverence. For Takeshi’s generation of practitioners, Ayano has existence of a goddess. Hoping to watch her striking manner from close by guarding is something everyone will accept.

“Yes——It’s——like——this?”
“Yes, it’s like that!”

The exhilaration to be able to talk to Ayano is something seen through Takeshi’s entire body language. Of course, Ayano doesn’t like being seen like that. Seems like herself is being separated from being “normal”, changed to something she can’t wait.

No matter what, no matter how it is explained is useless. That’s only Takeshi’s simple, compared to himself much stronger and beautiful existence, means of showing deference.

“Ah, forget it. … It’s about time.”

Ayano sensing the expanding ki of the youma, relaxingly turns herself towards the main hall. Mini-skirt starting to flutter and dance.

Now recalling, 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 the uniform. So Juugo, especially focused on this point, used within his the range of abilities added the best class of defensive spells.

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.

A result by inputting great amounts of money and time, a high school uniform; it is not wrong to say that it is a work of art. Its cost could be comparable. It could be said that is enough to buy a car, no, not really, correctly said it can buy a luxury house without being wrong.

Of course Ayano pays attention to this outfit —— not towards its capabilities —— because it is a gift given by her father —— so she frequently wears 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-thousands 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 an 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.

Continously summoning stronger, 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.

Accompaning 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 Infrit has come? Crap, when has Japan become world of youma!? Note: Infrit is the name of fire god.)

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…)

Shruggin 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.

<noinclude>
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|-
| Return to [[Kaze_no_Stigma|Main Page]]
| Back to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
| Forward to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter3|Chapter 3]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Kaze no Stigma:Volume1 Chapter1

2007-06-12T19:56:22Z

68.100.97.46: Bleh. Still Jumpy.

== Chapter One - The Disinherited Son Returns ==

=== 1 ===

"What bad taste……"

That was the first impression he had of the client. Incidentally, it should also be noted, that this is an impression that did not change in the slightest all the way to the end.

In this hilly high-class residential area, the mansion was sitting arrogantly on display. With a design that completely disregarded the harmony of its surroundings, there were plenty of reasons to doubt the owner's true character.

If one were to disregard the bad taste thus far, one might have to say it was rather magnificent. Climbing up Governor's Hill, about as close by as the famous Catholic girl's school, was the mansion. When he saw it, he was honestly, completely stunned.

(Did Turkish harems have this feel?)

Yagami Kazuma didn't seem to be joking when he thought that. "Don't paint the walls of a Japanese house in such wild colors!" he wanted to preach, while grabbing that person's collar. It was that kind of house.

This could probably be considered the place of origin of Japan's Westernization movement. The first gaslight was lit here; ice cream was put on sale here first. One would have expected it to be a stylish, refined town with a distinguished history.

(Considering that, this is probably some kind of breach of contract……)

He saw a decorated [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator%27s_Notes#Golden Carp|golden carp]] on the roof and let out a sigh. The image that was held dear in Yokohama, had crumbled away completely, with a clattering sound.

When he had accepted the job at the agency, he was given not only an address, but also a detailed map. It had been completely unnecessary, however. By asking the neighborhood residents, "What's the house with the poorest taste around here?" probably even a monkey could manage to find his way here.

A structure that was painful to the eyes —— he didn't want to call that a house —— that upon viewing, made Kazuma look up to the sky, begging. The sky was empty and blue.

"Hey, at least it's work……"

He muttered to convince himself.

However, this is the same Kazuma whose look probably couldn't by any means be called appropriate for work.

Jeans and sneakers, a checkered shirt and a black jacket. His youth, at 22 years old, and his relaxed facial expression made him seem, no matter how you looked at it, no different from a student from the nearby university.

He was completely blind to his own faults. While continuing his observations, he noticed something strange.

The darkness covering the mansion was thicker than he had been told. Because of this, maybe even an ordinary person with no spirit sight could sense darkness in the mansion's surroundings.

(Maybe I'll just go back……)

Nagged by a horribly bad premonition, Kazuma was halfway seriously thinking about that.

The darkness that covered the mansion —— it was something more unearthly than he had expected, but it wasn't so much that he couldn't deal with it. For this reason, this premonition was a bad omen. There was something else up.

Judging from his experiences up to now, it was a credible and important premonition. However, he couldn't just throw away work on that alone.

This was his first assignment in Japan. If he broke off the arrangement with only a "For some reason or another," he probably wouldn't be able to get jobs in the future.

With heavy steps, he made his way toward the mansion. He stopped once more, in front of a nonsensically huge gate.

While standing in front of the doorbell, Kazuma was still unsure. Danger signals were bombarding his instincts. He couldn't help wanting to run away. However ——

"Yagami-sama, I presume."

Without any warning, a voice came from the intercom, and completely disrupted Kazuma's thinking. He jumped back with a start, and stood guarded. The voice continued from before, without concern for this.

"You have been expected. Kindly enter through the auxiliary entrance on the side."

Click.

Simultaneous with those words, a small door to the ride side of the gate unlocked. Apparently he was supposed to just go in.

(Compared with that "You have been expected," that's some rude treatment…)

He was feeling uncomfortable, but he was dealing with a customer. As instructed, he entered through the side door.

Inside the fence was awash with a large number of security cameras and sensors. They must live a very shadowy life.

Upon walking into the entranceway, multiple cameras followed him. With anger almost to the point of wanting to kill whoever was putting him under this rude surveillance, Kazuma somehow repressed himself.

"Eeek……"

That's what he'd intended, but apparently it had shown on his face. The face of the maid, who had come to greet him, was filled with a fear akin to having come across a man-eating bear. Kazuma hurriedly smoothed over his expression.

"Welcome, please come this way."

She went from a horrible face, as if she were being picked up and eaten, to an overly bright smile.

It didn't seem possible for someone to change their expression that dramatically, forgetting their suspicions, but the maid smiled as if nothing had happened. A pro.

As the maid walked ahead, Kazuma observed her gratifyingly swaying bottom, while going to the living room to wait.

(It would have been better if I'd left……)

As soon as he was guided into the living room, Kazuma felt deep regret at his choice. There inside, was a thin little man, self-importantly lying back, legs outstretched —— the master of the mansion, and client, Sakamoto Nanigashi —— but he wasn't alone. There was one [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator%27s_Notes#Practitioner|practitioner]] in the room as well, a face he knew well.

That practitioner, upon recognizing Kazuma, showed fear on his face for a moment, and then immediately twisted his lips into a sneer, glaring at Kazuma with a face full of scorn.

"What, the other practitioner was you, Kazuma? You became a disinherited child of the Kannagi's because of your incompetence, and now you dare to call yourself a practitioner?"

Probably, those explanatory words were for Sakamoto to hear. Practitioner —— Kannagi. The youngest child of the branch family Yuuki, Shinji truly took great pleasure in abusing Kazuma.

Sakamoto showed the response Shinji had expected. His expression changed, and he approached Kazuma.

"So this is true, then? Isn't this different from what you said? You said you were a top class spiritual practitioner, so I hired you!"

Kazuma calmly —— while retreating the same distance as the other advanced —— answered.

"I don't know what the person at the agency said. If you're dissatisfied, perhaps I should leave?"

"Hmmph, that's right."

Sakamoto's eyes showed a faintly cunning light. Kazuma's, even at the best of times, scarce desire to work, quickly neared zero.

"Mmmm, how about this? Why don't you both try the exorcism, and only the successful one gets paid. Ahh, naturally I won't tell the loser to return the advance payment."

"Good idea, yeah."

They had been flippant words, but Shinji had immediately accepted them. And then, with the face of someone who has been completely made a fool of, he asked Kazuma.

"And what are you going to do?"

"I'm out."

Kazuma gave an immediate reply. In the scornful stares of the two, not even one muscle of an eyebrow moved.

"Hmmph, coward, sucking your finger like a baby! I'll show you a model example of [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator%27s_Notes#Enjutsu|Enjutsu]]."

"Model example, eh. Didn't you say that? Just like the youngest child of the branch family."

"Y-you!"

Having the one he looked down upon, in return look down upon him, Shinji was enraged. He completely forgot about being in front of a client, tightened a fist, and struck out.

It was a fist intent on crushing the skull, which Kazuma handled by opening his body to the left.

In the instant that Shinji's right thrust was dodged, he transferred the movement energy to his left leg, without stopping the rotation of his hips.

In reaction to the shift in center of gravity, his left leg flew up in a rotating kick from Kazuma's blind spot, aiming for his temple.

However, Kazuma, as if he had seen it, lightly bent his head back. The heel of Shinji's left leg passed by a few millimeters in front of his eyes.

Kazuma's movements were like the leaves of a tree swaying in the wind, without hesitation. Into the space the kicking foot had left, he entered, with complete spontaneity, and lightly swept Shinji's pivot leg. Shinji, his left leg still floating in the air, under the power of his own rotational power, violently slammed into the floor.

"Sh-shit!"

Shinji had just barely managed to do [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator%27s_Notes#Ukemi|ukemi]], and quickly got back up. Incorrigibly, he assumed a fighting posture.

"You — thinking you could beat me in [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator%27s_Notes#Taijutsu|Taijutsu]]? Even four years ago, you weren't a match for me. There's no way you could be an opponent for my current self."

"Sh-shut up!"

Kazuma showed not the least bit of triumph. He chided disinterestedly, as if facing a defiant child. Being looked down upon from such a securely elevated position, Shinji's reason made a sound and broke.

"Stop it right there, you two."

However, just then, a restraining voice spoke, and the two turned at the same time to the voice's owner. Sakamoto showed great satisfaction at having gotten their attention. Then, in a tone as if he were an extremely important person, he scolded them.

"I didn't call you here to have a fight. The furnishings in this room, no matter which one you look at, are each more expensive than what I'm paying you. Any kind of rough behavior would be troublesome, okay?"

Suddenly, around the vicinity of the money talk, there was a scumbag. The person in question was probably attempting to flaunt his assets, but for the ones made to listen, it was nothing but the stink of the nouveau riche pushed up their noses.

(Maybe I'll leave…… since I still get the advance payment.)

With the discomfort index continuing to rise, with no end in sight, Kazuma's desire to work had already dropped into minus territory. He couldn't help feeling that even being in this place was agony.

"Mm……?"

However, without warning, the unearthly presence began to converge, heralding a new development.

"——It's coming."

The unearthly presence that had been spread throughout the mansion, directed its focus to one point in the living room. Kazuma moved casually, putting Sakamoto and Shinji in between himself and that presence.

"What's that? What just……"

The unearthly presence had solidified into something black. Shinji, over 10 seconds slower than Kazuma, had finally noticed it as well.

"Mmmm, so it came out?"

"Wh-what? What's wrong?"

Hesitatingly breaking the suddenly tense atmosphere, Sakamoto shouted in a shrill voice.

Kazuma answered in place of Shinji, who was already beginning to focus his mind for the use of jutsu.

"It's work time. The 'evil spirit' or whatever you've been struggling with just came out."

While giving that offhand explanation, Kazuma felt a beyond-ordinary sense of unease.

(That's no evil spirit. What kind of thing is it?)

When Kazuma had first accepted the assignment, the person at the agency had said "Just a normal evil spirit exorcism."

—— Hey, your first job should be one of these, right? If you're as good as the rumors say, you should be able to take that evil spirit with one hand ——

A superficial seeming man, but with definite achievements, he had heard. Their kind of work was, in some sense, even more than for practitioners, something where confidence was life. Making a mistake this big was extremely unlikely. It wasn't an easy business, that that kind of irresponsible agency person could survive.

(Was I set up? Well, fine. Should I just observe his skill?)

Kazuma learned against the wall, crossed his arms, and looked about as if sightseeing.

Preparing himself for the appearance of the "evil spirit," Shinji was focusing his mind.

It seemed he was planning to burn it away as soon as it appeared. It was clear to see in his expression.

Suddenly, the space in front of Shinji turned dark and thick. Shinji faced both his palms towards each other, in order to set up a transparent ball in front of his chest. A small fire was held between those palms.

Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooon……

A voice full of resentment shook the air as the evil spirit showed itself. A melted-away face projected an infinite hatred to all living beings.


"Eeep!"

"HAAAA!!"

Paying no attention to the screaming Sakamoto, Shinji released a devastating flame, along with a sharp yell. The evil spirit became cleansed due to the fire; it had disappeared without a trace —— or so Shinji believed.

However——

"Idiot"

Gioooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo……

While the evil spirit's cries of agony echoed and Shinji was snickering —

Flame exploded.

"Gahhhhhhhhhh!?"

Shinji screamed, wrapped in flame. The uselessly large living room, in a moment, became a sea of flame.

Kakakakakakakakakakakakakakakaka

Shinji's flame had been eclipsed by the evil spirit. The flame had been completely devoured. The youma began to laugh sneeringly.

=== 2 ===

The Kannagi family is, even among the "Enjutsu users" who can freely manipulate fire, the strongest and most famous family. It is not simply just because their power is great. There is a special ability in the family's blood; the reason surely lies there. The flame that they manipulate is not through the physical phenomenon of the simple acceleration of molecular motion. It possesses the power to burn away impurities and destroy evil.

Because of this "purifying flame," the Kannagi family practitioners hold absolute dominance over youma, evil spirits, and all beings that transgress the law. Even with the ability given by blood, to the extent that blood is diluted, it is inevitable that that power will deteriorate.

Already, the branch family practitioners had long lost the highest rank of "gold". If a youma with fire attributes were the opponent, the released flame would even be likely to be absorbed.

For example, like just now —— the living room had been turned into purgatory. The high-class furniture and the shag carpet were already carbonizing. The glass from the chandelier on the ceiling had melted, turning into some grotesque art object.

"Wonder if he's dead?"

Kazuma muttered with a refreshed-looking face. A cool breeze wrapped around Kazuma; the raging flame wasn't even allowed to get close to him. Even the heat was sealed off; not a drop of sweat was apparent.

"H-help……"

A frail voice stimulated his eardrums. Kazuma looked down at the blackish object at his feet.

What had rolled screaming into the [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator%27s_Notes#Kekkai|kekkai]], was the former client, Sakamoto. He was burned here and there, but he didn't seem to be dead.

"Aaaaaa, he-help me!"

Sakamoto screamed while clinging onto Kazuma's legs. However Kazuma heartlessly kicked away his former client.

Thud!

Sakamoto's face began writhing in a new kind of pain, as it was mercilessly trampled upon. Since he didn't want to touch with anything beyond slippers, instead of stepping on him, he brought down his heel. It seemed like you could the skull making a creaking sound, but that wasn't a big problem.

Kazuma, trampled, grinding on Sakamoto's head, and clearly stated:

"You're not a client and I don't have the habit of saving middle-aged men."

"If it's money, I'll pay. Twice as much, or so……"

"Twice? Your life's worth only one million?

Kazuma took a cigarette from his pocket. He gently stretched out his hand, only exposing the cigarette's tip to the outside of the kekkai. He filled his lungs with tobacco smoke, and slowly let it out.

Sakamoto didn't have the leisure to be that relaxed. Whether on purpose, or by chance, only around Sakamoto, were there holes in the kekkai. The tongues of flame were beginning to lick him.

"Hot-, Ee-eeee, Help! I'll pay 10 million!"

"Thanks for your business."

Upon tossing away his cigarette, Kazuma changed suddenly, smiling brightly. The smile of a demon that had made a profitable deal.

"Alright now. Then, won't you please stand back?"

Kazuma kicked Sakamoto in the rear, sending him rolling, and as if it were obvious, proclaimed:

"You're in the way."

He began muttering in a staccato voice, and waved his right hand sideways in a mowing motion. As if being squeezed out by the hand, the raging fire was taken care of, expelled out the window.

The fire didn't spread to the grass and trees in the garden, but scattered and vanished.

And then, inside the room, a distorted face attached to a fireball — only the youma's true body remained.

Hyuuoou-

In place of the extinguished fire, wind raged around the room. Kazuma stood quietly. With his hand still in his jacket pocket, he did not move a finger. And yet, the wind followed Kazuma's intentions and erased the flame.

Already, the fight was over. In front of Kazuma's overwhelming power, the youma wasn't even able to put up any resistance as it was torn to pieces. All that was left to do was wait for its annihilation.

"And with this…"

Kazuma slowly raised his right hand. For someone with the power to see spirits, the density of spirits crowding that hand would have been terrifying.

"…the end!"

Ten times faster than it came up, the hand swung down. In a straight-line extension from the right hand, an invisible blade that cut even air molecules, cleaved the youma precisely in two.

Without sound, without any spirit fragments remaining, Kazuma regarded the destroyed youma with a calm look.

"Finished."

Kazuma pronounced to Sakamoto, who was still lying on the floor, dumbfounded.

"Pay the money in 3 days. Otherwise, would you like to regret having ever been born?"

They were completely like a criminal's words. Even if that was a mistake, it wasn't the way you'd speak to a customer.

However, Sakamoto, realizing the horror of going against Kazuma, did not complain.

"Y-yes. Understood. But something terrible has happened to Yuuki-kun. I never thought something so serious would happen."

Kazuma wordlessly came closer to what appeared to be the ashes of Shinji's remains and despairingly trampled on them. As expected, Sakamoto also raised his voice.

"Wh-what are you doing!? I don't know whatever happened between you two, but you still shouldn't desecrate a corpse, right!?"

"He's not dead."

Kazuma spat the words out dryly, and then continued to kick him again and again.

Upon doing so, the ash covering the surface began to fall off, and almost unscalded skin appeared.

"Wh-wha……?"

Sakamoto doubted his eyes, with this unbelievable scene. Kazuma gave an offhand explanation.

"All of Kannagi's people receive the divine protection of fire spirits. Even people from the branch family wouldn't die in this degree of fire."

Kazuma curled his lips in self-derision, and added,

"I'm the exception though."

"Uu……Guu……"

Upon doing that, Shinji woke up. Upon looking out around him, he confirmed that the youma had already been destroyed.

"You did this?"

"It's just like you saw."

Who do you think you are, saying whatever you please? —— Kazuma answered with that kind of tone. He had already seen through, that Shinji had kept his consciousness. Shinji hurriedly attempted an explanation.

"So you noticed……? But I couldn't help. I honestly couldn't move."

"I don't want to hear your excuses."

Kazuma coldly spoke that over his shoulder, as he turned his back. Shinji called out to the unhesitating figure leaving. There was still something that had to be said.

"Why did you return?"

"Must have been for something, I guess."

At that play-dumb answer, thinking he was being evaded, Shinji's gaze became sharp.

"'For something' …. Do you think the elders are going to understand that?"

"I was only disinherited, I wasn't deported. Where I am is my business."

"What are you planning?"

"Nothing in particular."

Kazuma answered curtly, shrugging his shoulders.

"Are you returning to the Kannagi?"

"Idiotic talk. Not even if I die."

He answered as if spitting out the words, and then Kazuma, this time, without hesitating, walked off.

Shinji was driven by an unease he couldn't stop. He continued to stare at Kazuma.

(I have to tell this to the [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator%27s_Notes#soushu|soushu]] as soon as possible……)

Shinji's unease was, in a sense, on the mark. A war to push the Kannagi into an abyss of ruin, was currently, from this moment, beginning.

===3===

"Do you know, it seems Kazuma has returned to Japan. What's more he became a fuujutsu practitioner."

"What, that incompetent has? It must be dead simple, then, to be a fuujutsu practitioner.

"Nope, 'I am a dark magician' is what I heard. For him to become a practitioner, he'd have to sell his soul to the devil, right?"

"Ah, that's probably true."

"Ahahahahahahahahahahahaha……"

That day, rumors of Kazuma were the talk of the Kannagi main house. Of the elders — the general term for one retired from active service and now overseeing the management of the practitioners — having heard Shinji's report, only one wasn't jokingly spreading around nonsense.

For the offense of the aforesaid Shinji's failure in his duty, he was currently under probation. Tail fin, dorsal fin, belly fins, all being wildly added to the rumor, until it grew to maturity, and not one person tried to stop it.

The source of the rumors, the elders, appeared to be in complete delight. The kind of people called elders, if you excepted the extremely serious exceptions, were basically men of leisure. "Looking important is work," and so on, was the gossip that some attacked with.

When there was no work, all day, they would drink tea, and amuse themselves by talking about various topics. Obviously, they could not resist something interesting to talk about.

Upon hearing Shinji's news, they were dancing for joy on the inside. The elders, when they passed the verdict of probation on the dejected Shinji, had even something of a skipping type of light gait, while they drank tea and turned back to each other. They haphazardly began talking like this:

"Ohh, did you know……?"

The elders were, during this work time, like different people, in energetic activity.

Within the hour, there was almost nobody in the huge mansion that had not heard of Kazuma's return to the country. It certainly reached the servants, and then all kinds of people heard about it.

It was, in short, a situation where almost nobody knew the true facts, but it wasn't a big problem for the elders, since "If it's interesting, who cares what happens later!" was the elders' basic attitude.

And so, news of Kazuma spread — the exact opposite direction that Shinji was hoping for,

To wit——

"Kazuma returned as a dark magician."

"Kazuma was secretly murdered; he's buried in the back garden."

"Kazuma clashed with Shinji during work and killed him suddenly."

"Kazuma made a contract with the wind spirits. An evil demon."

The truth was subtly mixed in, but having come this far, nobody could really interpret it. Obviously, no one feared Kazuma's retribution.

The main family's failure had left all his talent in his mother's womb, like liquid skimmed off the top, had somewhat found a preferable power to take in, it seemed. Nobody laughed at that.

However, there were a small number of exceptions. One of those was the current suzerain, Kannagi Juugo. During supper, in the humorous talk that was being told, there was one item that Juugo was interested in.

"Ohhhh? Kazuma chose fuujutsu? Did you know that, Genma?"

Juugo spoke to his cousin sitting next to him. For some reason, as if harboring some ill will, he smiled a hating smile.

"……Oh"

Genma answered in brief. The rumor having apparently already reached his ears, and he didn't appear disturbed.

However, it was clear that he wasn't happy about the rumor either. The saying "like someone chewing up a bitter bug" perfectly described his frown, as he gripped a tight fist.

If Kazuma was in front of me, I'd want to strangle him to death. It was that kind of face.

"It's shameful."

"It's not especially shameful."

Juugo answered lightly, and then gave a command to a servant.

"I would like to hear a detailed account. Call Shinji."

"Certainly."

Shinji went as far as scraping down to the tatami in his prostration. His tension was great, sweat floated on his forehead, and his breathing was disordered.

Regarding the Kannagi family, it would be fitting to say that the difference between the main family and the branch family's status was absolute. To even dream of a revolution was foolish.

Tradition, social status —— it wasn't a system based on that kind of abstract idea. The thing separating the two was only, only the overwhelming difference in power.

If all the practitioners of the branch family were to fight, if it was with someone like Juugo or Genma, they could be smashed by the wiggle of a little finger. Because of that kind of hopeless power difference, no thoughts of rebellion were harbored.

You could say it was understandable that Shinji would be under such tension. In front of Juugo, who had something similar to a god's absolute superiority, and having to recount his clumsy failure. This was definitely worse than his original feelings.

"Raise your face. You don't have to humble yourself like that."
　　
Juugo spoke in a friendly manner, but to look into the suzerain's face and speak, was far too overwhelming for Shinji. In the end, he raised his face, but his eyes still stared towards the tatami, as he submitted his report.

"A-and, I now have the privilege of being allowed to give this report."

"……I see."

When Shinji had finished recounting everything, Juugo said that, and was silent for a while.

"……I see."

As if to confirm, he repeated it one more time. He closed his eyes lightly, and reminisced back to when his nephew — to be accurate, the relation was more separated than that, but he used that label since it was too much trouble — had left 4 years ago.

(——What a poor child he was.)

If he had been born to any but the Kannagi family, he would have been considered a superior child, probably. Excellent intellect, good reflexes too, and he also showed great promise in learning the jutsu. Except for one; only if you excepted the ability to manipulate fire.

However, that was certainly, for the Kannagi family, the most necessary ability.

Someone with no talent for manipulating fire, no matter what else he was proficient at, was treated as an incompetent. As a result of that, Kazuma was no longer part of the Kannagi.

Yet —— Juugo thought.

(Why didn't you ask me for help, Kazuma? There was no need to disown you from the family. If it was me, I would have made a place for you. Whatever Genma said, I wouldn't have cared about the Enjutsu, I would have made use of your talent, yet despite that…..)

Juugo looked down upon his right leg. That right leg was a thing made of metal and plastic. If that accident hadn't happened, and the "rule of inheritance" hadn't been rushed, maybe Kazuma would be here right now?

However, it was far too late. Kazuma had thrown away the family, the family name, all that was Kannagi, and had left Japan. This was reality. "The past," a thing that could never be changed.

"……Suzerain?"

That uncertain sounding voice brought Juugo back to reality. Upon looking around, he found everyone in an uncomfortable silence. It wasn't surprising. Among these, there were almost none who had not tormented Kazuma.

However, the one who had driven Kazuma out was calm. That person —— Genma, spoke out, without a single change in his expression.

"Suzerain. Kazuma is already someone without any connection to the Kannagi. There is no need to worry about him."

"Genma, you would, of your own son ——"

"I have only one son, Ren."

Genma spoke coolly, interrupting the suzerain's words. Juugo tried to say something else in reply, but disliking unproductive battles, he put other, safer words into his mouth.

"It's fine then. After all, Kazuma has become successful with fuujutsu. Maybe it was best that he left the Kannagi. Or maybe, Hyoue, if he had been entrusted to your place, he would have become skilled and powerful?"

"Perhaps."

Sitting at a lower seat, the head of the Fuuga clan answered sullenly. 

At that, Genma again cut in with an objection.

"We are afraid, yet Fuujutsu and such, are after all, lower arts. The most they are capable of is acting as assistants to Enjutsu. Even supposing 4 years ago, we knew of Kazuma's talent for Fuujutsu, for us to leave him to people like the Fuuga clan, clearly, we would still have to disinherit him."

Hearing his art publicly insulted, Hyoue twisted his face in humiliation. However, nobody paid any attention to Hyoue, nor to his face.

For the Kannagi family, who only noticed the value of fighting power, the Fuuga clan, having been given the reconnaissance and battle support duties, were limited to a lower status. Genma's words were not reckless. They weren't anything beyond the normal beliefs of the other Kannagi.

"……We will go no further with this talk. Dinner will become unpleasant."

At Juugo's words, everyone showed clearly relieved expressions on their faces. As if on cue, cheerful talk began, and they rolled around laughing at silly jokes.

Though awkwardly, the usual dining hall atmosphere returned.

And so, nobody noticed the dark light harbored in Hyoue's eyes. He suppressed the expression on his face, and murmured in a voice so small that it did not reach even his own ears.

"I will not forget this disgrace, Genma……"

=== 4 ===

"Kannagi……no, Yagami Kazuma……? You came back at a very good time!"

"Huo-huo-huo……"

In a darkness-filled single room, without even one streak of light in it, a hoarse laugh broke into the strained silence.

"And……?"

"Yes, it's better if everyone hears this. Finally the time has come. The time when we must dispel the disgrace that has lasted 300 years. Now is the time for us to regain the power we lost and return to our previous glorious position."

"Ohhhhhhhhh…………"

A stifled commotion filled the air. No one shouted. Afraid of being discovered, they kept their breaths in check, keeping their tension locked in themselves.

"Oh, when you finally realize it, you Kannagi. We will overthrow you and leave not a single one remaining……Kukuku……"

A low and gloomy voice echoed with a resentment darker than darkness.

"U-uwaaaaaaaaaaaa! Wha-what, what are you doing-!"

That same day, late at night, Shinji screamed out. Nearby were two freshly severed heads, and two headless corpses tumbled down. And then, standing before him, a —— human?

Shinji wasn't able to say for certain. By outward appearance, there was nothing different from a human, but that unearthliness was something a person could not possibly have.

The two who had been living up until 30 seconds ago, had been captured in a kekkai without even any chance to prepare themselves, and had been immediately decapitated.

The mysterious person had not moved a single finger. And yet, Shinji had clearly witnessed two heads being sliced off with incredible force, as if it was nothing. Or rather, had been forced to witness.

Shinji was the only person left living, even though the other two surpassed him in skill. It wasn't because of luck. Shinji realized this more than anyone else.

He was being toyed with. This demon in human shape was feeding on Shinji's fear and hopelessness. For a moment, it held off killing him, playing with him lazily, enjoying his empty resistance.

"What the hell! What did I do……?"

''That thing'' gave no answers. Without even footsteps, it came near, taking its time.

''That thing'' was completely silent. Not even the hint of a sound, as it drew closer. wielding an invisible sword.

Even when those heads had been severed, silence. The two blood-covered heads rolling on the ground seemed not to have noticed their own deaths, still with drunken, relaxed, slack smiles.

Shinji knew of only one person who could do what ''that thing'' could do. He had just met him yesterday. In addition, that man had a motive to kill them.

Shinji became frantic, begging ''that thing'' for forgiveness. His voice did a complete about-face.

"Ka-Kazuma? You're Kazuma, right? Forgive me, it was my fault, I'm regretting it, so please, forgive meeee"

The only reply was the flash of the wind-blade. It severed his right arm at the base. The blade formed of a high density of spirits, cut through meat and bone as if it were tofu.

"Uwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!"

While screaming, Shinji threw himself fully into starting Enjutsu. The intense concentration from being so close to death brought forth the greatest power of his 25 years of life.

''That thing'' was covered in golden flame. Destroying any and all demons, the highest level of purification. The flame burned through the darkness.

"Y-yeah! I think I——"

Suddenly, ''that thing'', now changed into a huge torch, began to move. Shinji's face, full of hope, froze.

''That thing'' stretched out a hand, easily taking hold of the golden flame, and in one movement, tore it from its body! 

''That thing'' had escaped from the flame's restraints, completely uninjured. To say nothing of its body, not even the clothes showed any sign of having been burned.

''That thing'' slowly turned to Shinji and began walking. Underneath the freezing moonlight, without a sound, it came closer, an ominous shadow.

This was in some ways, twisted. There was something there that the eye could not help being fascinated by. A scene filled with beauty that one had to admit was of the spirit world.

"Hee, heehee, heeheeeeheeheehee-, kyahahahaha, ahahahaha!"

Suddenly, Shinji began laughing in a strange voice.

From an overload of fear, apparently his mental equilibrium had snapped. Even when the wind blade soundlessly sliced through his body, splitting it, without even showing a reaction, he tumbled over laughing.

Perhaps ''that thing'' had tired of Shinji's lack of response. As if throwing away an unwanted toy, it casually sliced off his head.

There was a dull thunk. The third head rolled on the ground.

Even having finished killing everyone alive, ''that thing'' was still dissatisfied. It persistently continued slicing up the bodies. Though it was only a few minutes, the three bodies had been turned into many small pieces. To not even speak of the parents being able to recognize them, they wouldn't even be able to tell what kind of flesh it was.

The raw stink of blood and meat drifted through the kekkai. ''That thing'' laughed cruelly, and as if melting into the air, vanished.

Afterwards, three severed heads remained. In contrast to the bodies, there was not one injury on those heads.

Somehow, the three heads had ended up in a straight line to the gate; each had a strange smile, as if to say to anyone coming through that gate,

"Welcome to a nightmare world."

Words that appeared to be delivered smilingly.

And so the tragedy began——

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Kaze no Stigma:Volume1 Translator's Notes

2007-06-12T19:52:47Z

68.100.97.46: More spaces. Still Jumpy.

<center>Translator's Notes and References for 
<big>第一巻: 風の聖痕</big> 
Volume 1: Kaze no Stigma</center>

== Chapter 1 ==

=== Golden Carp ===

A mythical carp with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, which is an auspicious protector of well-being.

=== Practitioner ===

Name given to someone who practices jutsu, literally ‘Jutsu-sha’ (術者)

=== Enjutsu ===

Literally means "Fire Technique." This will be used from here on.

=== Ukemi ===

Ukemi comes from Uke. Uke is a form of martial arts where one learns how to "receive" a technique. Basically, a Ukemi is when you learn how to take a throw or a fall without injuring yourself.

Here is the Wikipedia article. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukemi

=== Taijutsu ===

Literally "Body Arts." This is a very broad term for classical martial arts or fighting arts in general.

Here is the Wikipedia article. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taijutsu

=== Kekkai ===

Kekkai means barrier, and is typically magical or spiritual.

Here is the Wikipedia article. Please look at the bottom paragraph. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kekkai

=== Soushu ===

Literally means ‘Head of Sect’, but here it means ‘Head of the Kannagi House/Clan’.

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== Chapter 2 ==

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== Chapter 3 ==

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== Chapter 4 ==

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== Chapter 5 ==

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== Chapter 6 ==

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== Epilogue ==

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Kaze no Stigma:Volume1 Translator's Notes

2007-06-12T19:51:42Z

68.100.97.46: Upper cases. Jumpyshoes here.

<center>Translator's Notes and References for 
<big>第一巻: 風の聖痕</big> 
Volume 1: Kaze no Stigma</center>

== Chapter 1 ==

=== Golden Carp ===

A mythical carp with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, which is an auspicious protector of well-being.

=== Practitioner ===

Name given to someone who practices jutsu, literally ‘Jutsu-sha’ (術者)

=== Enjutsu ===

Literally means "Fire Technique." This will be used from here on.

=== Ukemi ===

Ukemi comes from Uke. Uke is a form of martial arts where one learns how to "receive" a technique. Basically, a Ukemi is when you learn how to take a throw or a fall without injuring yourself.

Here is the Wikipedia article. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukemi

=== Taijutsu ===

Literally "Body Arts." This is a very broad term for classical martial arts or fighting arts in general.

Here is the Wikipedia article. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taijutsu

=== Kekkai ===

Kekkai means barrier, and is typically magical or spiritual.

Here is the Wikipedia article. Please look at the bottom paragraph. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kekkai

=== soushu ===

Literally means ‘Head of Sect’, but here it means ‘Head of the Kannagi House/Clan’.

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== Chapter 2 ==

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== Chapter 3 ==

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== Chapter 4 ==

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== Chapter 5 ==

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== Chapter 6 ==

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== Epilogue ==

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Kaze no Stigma

2007-06-12T03:29:36Z

68.100.97.46: Too bad. Your going on. You did a lot,

Kaze no Stigma (風の聖痕, Kaze no Stigma lit. Stigma of the Wind)

== Story Synopsis ==

Four years ago, Kannagi Kazuma was defeated by his cousin Kannagi Ayano for the right to be the successor of Enraiha, a sword passed down in the Kannagi family. His defeat, along with his lack of talent for En-Jutsu, the fire jutsu, the Kannagis' specialty, resulted in his banishment from the family. Now, Kazuma returns as Yagami Kazuma, a skilled master of Fuu-Jutsu, the wind arts. At the same time, a number of murders at the Kannagi residence perpetrated by a powerful Fuujutsu-shi cast suspicion on him. (from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaze_no_Stigma)

== Translation ==

=== Help Needed ===
'''If you are interested in this series and would like to help, feel free to join. We urgently need more Translators, Editors, and Staff. So please help.''' (Pop a message at the forums.)

=== Format Standards ===
'''Every Chapter (after editing) must conform to the agreed points highlighted in the below guidelines'''
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]

Some of these chapters are translations of the '''Chinese edition''' of the novels, which are known to have some minor mistakes compared to the original Japanese text. If you have access to the originals and you spot an error, '''please feel free to make the corrections yourself''' - this is a Wiki which means it's meant for anyone to fix things (and if you screw up, we can revert back your changes if all deem necessary). We can see the corrections you make, so just go ahead instead of hiding or waiting for permission.

== Updates ==

*May 28, 2007
**Just Started

== The ''Kaze no Stigma'' series, by [[Takahiro Yamato]] ==
These are the main story novels.

===''Kaze no Stigma'' / 風の聖痕 ===
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The disinherited son returns]]
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The sudden disaster]] (100% - Currently In Editing )
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Clash with the Past]] (0%)
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Returning to Visit, and Then— —]] (~10%)
::*Chapter 5 - Rescue
::*Chapter 6 - Decisive Battle
::*Epilogue
::*Author's Notes
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator's_Notes|Translator's Notes and References]]

===''Kaze no Stigma 2: The Price of a Soul'' / 風の聖痕2 -魂の値段 ===
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
::*Chapter 3
::*Chapter 4
::*Chapter 5
::*Chapter 6
::*Epilogue
::*Author's Notes

===''Kaze no Stigma 3: The Confession under the moon '' / 風の聖痕3 -月下の告白 ===
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
::*Chapter 3
::*Chapter 4
::*Chapter 5
::*Chapter 6
::*Epilogue
::*Author's Notes

===''Kaze no Stigma 4: '' / 風の聖痕4 -瑠璃色の残影 ===
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
::*Chapter 3
::*Chapter 4
::*Author's Notes

===''Kaze no Stigma 5: '' / 風の聖痕5 -緋色の誓約 ===
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
::*Chapter 3
::*Chapter 4
::*Chapter 5
::*Chapter 6
::*Epilogue
::*Author's Notes

===''Kaze no Stigma 6: '' / 風の聖痕6 -疾風の槍 ===
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
::*Chapter 3
::*Chapter 4
::*Chapter 5
::*Author's Notes

== ''Kaze no Stigma - Ignition '' ==
These are the side stories of the novel.

==='' Kaze no Stigma Ignition 1: Ayano-chan's disaster'' / 綾乃ちゃんの災難 ===

=== ''Kaze no Stigma Ignition 2: Just my Madonna'' / 僕だけのマドンナ ===

===''Kaze no Stigma Ignition 3: Ren-kun's Suffering'' / 煉くんの受難===

== Project Staff ==

*Project Administrator: [[user:The naming game|The naming game]]
*Project Supervisor: [[user:erehwon|erehwon]]

=== Translators ===
::*[[user:The naming game|The naming game]]
::*[[user:erehwon|erehwon]]

User who wish to contribute partially translated scripts but wish not to continue with the whole chapter i.e. become a fully fledged Project Translator therefore expected to contribute regularly.
Please inform [[user:onizuka-gto|onizuka-gto]] and the Project Administrator before submitting, this includes both Anonymous & Registered Users.

'''Translators are asked to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on''' (see [[Format_guideline#Translators|the Guideline page]] for usage rules).

=== Editors ===
This is the Project Editorial Team.

=== Special Thanks ===
::*[[user:HolyCow|HolyCow]]
::*[[user:Jumpyshoes|Jumpyshoes]]
::*[[user:Kwok|Kwok]]
::*[[user:Trigger-happy|Trigger-happy]]

(alphabetically)

This is for people who deserve special thanks and is currently not on the Staff.

Kaze no Stigma:Volume1 Chapter2

2007-06-12T03:21:04Z

68.100.97.46: FYI, the last one was Kinny Riddle. Forgot to add. And still Jumpyshoes.

== Chapter Two - The sudden disaster ==

=== 1 ===
“Not ready yet? 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 was blowing against Hyoue. Within the blowing wind was the air full of the ki of youma, passing beneath Hyoue’s palm. The ki of youma that passed beneath this palms was like an air that would swallow anyone, no matter whom.

By the time the shredded remains of the three people were discovered, it was already dawn. This unbelievably serious situation completely shocked the entire Kannagi clan.

The Kannagi clan was astonished; this is an undeniable fact. Faster than human reflexes, the 3 defensively alert people were killed without anyone being alerted.

In order to better understand this situation, the Fuuga clan was summoned. Because of this, Hyoue himself gathered the youma ki to understand who the enemy was. “Hmm, T—, This is….”

Sounds of concentration. Hyoue gathered the youma ki in this palms without missing any. It was a very cold air. Even for very powerful jutsu practitioners, the ki provided sufficient reason to fear it.

“This was caused by fuujutsu, and was created by a jutsu practitioner that is on a completely different category from us, the Fuuga clan. It trapped the three people in the wind “kekkai” and then killed them.”

Hyoue’s report wasn’t anything beneficial and could be easily understood from the setting of the place.

“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; substituted only by the sound of Juugo's condoling voice.

“Is it like that, good job, you can retire. — — Right, how’s the health of Ryuuya?"

At that moment, Hyoue appeared surprised due to the Suzerain’s concern over his son’s health.

“Yes… If he quietly recuperates, there shouldn’t be any problems. He can no longer recover to the level of working for the Kannagi clan anymore. This unworthy son is really an embarrassment.”

Given Juugo’s words of gratitude, Hyoue bows.

“Yes… Thank you very much. I will go give instructions to my subordinates, for I will retire….”

“Then please, I await your reply, Hyoue.”
The head of the Fuuga clan bows silently and leaves.

The enemy is a fuujutsu practitioner that loathes the Kannagi clan. Everyone naturally thinks 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 that made such an aggressive comment was the previous suzerain, Yorimichi. Even though he was retired, he still had an air of a suzerain. The entire clan strongly disliked him, although he was the only one that didn’t know.

“Otou-san, to clarify, we don’t have enough evidence to prove that Kazuma did this.”
Juugo said seriously to stop Yorimichi's tirade.

“You! Who but Kazuma could have done this…”

“Yorimichi, please hold silent. When you open your mouth to speak such words, it becomes impossible for us discuss the issue.”

Facing Yorimichi with ear impairment, Genma coldly looks on. In those eyes appear an insulting look that cannot be hidden.

Facing this person that has no strength except for scheming ability and was chosen suzerain. Genma from the depth of his heart condescends him.

In Yorimichi’s thirty years as suzerain, the strength of the Kannagi Clan had 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’s notion is that the strongest jutsu practitioner should be the one that succeeds the suzerain position; therefore Genma does not hate the suzerain, Juugo, only that his own strength isn’t enough in comparison.

He had previously wanted to prepare his son to be the next suzerain, even though it is not really a scheme, he just wanted to train and prepare Kazuma with the strength to become the next suzerain.

Though Yorimichi doesn’t really have any such thoughts as beliefs, he only has the ambition for power. This is what Genma thought. Logically, no matter how Genma tried to hide his thoughts, those thoughts are revealed when he further enraged Yorimichi.

Even though they are of a close family/blood relationship of uncle and nephew, the loathing between the two again deepens.

“Y, You want to shield Kazuma? No, I should say that is your scheme? Allow Kazuma to go outside the country to learn jutsu then kill off Juugo and Ayano, then allow Ren to succeed the position of suzerain?

Yorimichi turned the arrowhead towards Genma. This kind of bad will was almost materializing like “sticky things connecting items together”, allowing the crowd to start agitating.

“That kind of idea only comes from someone with “low moral fiber.” 
For Yorimichi to say such things, the almost insulting provocation, Genma didn’t contradict —— because the reply would be extremely disrespectful.

“Otou-san, that’s enough!”

Juugo wouldn’t allow the continuation of such an insulting diatribe; therefore he forcefully hurried the people to take him away.

“The [Previous Generation] is tired, please return to your room to rest.”

“Wait, Juugo! Genma is not to be trusted! If you don’t listen to me now you will end up regretting it sooner or later!”
Yorimichi was carried away like luggage. That harsh voice slowly decreases in volume until nothing is heard.

“Really sorry for the insulting diatribes of my father, with regards to me please forgive him.”

Juugo puts 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 suzurain cared deeply about the Kannagi Clan.”

With an exchange of looks, understanding the others reasoning they smiled at the same time, and with that they understood that chatting time is over, now is time to enter to serious points.

“Like what the previous suzerain said, the timing is too much of a coincidence. It is better to meet again and have a discussion.”

Genma maintained his silence from the start, possibly because he did not want to discuss about his son.

“Would Kazuma easily submit to our instructions?”

“If he doesn’t submit, we will use strength to bring him here. Even though he has obtained strength, that person is Kazuma. 2 or 3 people will be more than enough to capture him.”

“….That’s good then. The selection of persons in charge of the assignment will be your responsibility. No matter what, it is necessary to quickly bring Kazuma back.”
“Understood”

Even though Genma received an order to capture his own son, Genma was tranquil comparable to facing someone else.

“Ayano-sama has returned!”

The serious expression on Juugo’s face started to relax, and Genma wore a highly energetic and fierce look.
Not even waiting a little, she just appeared.

“pah” and she pulled the sliding door, collecting everyone’s look towards that direction.

“I'm home, Otou-san! Ehh… What’s going on?” 
Appearing on scene was a sufficiently commanding young teenage girl, who asked the question when she saw the atmosphere of the gathering. That black hair that almost reaches the back, flowing straight and sideways created by the movements of her head, simply represented the blooming of a bishoujo. At the same moment, the “dark and cold” atmosphere had completely vanished. That is the spiritual energy that comes from the breath that cleansed the atmosphere of the room.

The appearance of an unclear enemy who killed some people at home. Those people that have been discussing this situation nonstop, are now facing a blinding light, that uncomfortable and distressing feeling has completely vanished.

As if before the rays of the sun, all the movements in the dark were not allowed to exist. The one right there was the person that had the ability to vanquish the dark with spiritual powers not beneath the powers for light, the next suzerain in waiting and owner of Enraiha, is Juugo’s daughter, Kannagi Ayano.

“How’s the report, Ayano?”
Juugo was testing his daughter with a serious expression, like when he asks other people. This is the best way for a father to direct his daughter, at least this is what Juugo thinks.

“Excuse me”
Ayano at that moment also finished bowing.
“The youma that was released was completely vanquished.”

“Hmm, good job.”
Finishing her report to the suzurain as a jutsu practicioner, Ayano innocently continued her questioning.
“Then, what had actually happened, otou-san?”

“Hmm——, previously 3 people have been killed and nobody had noticed. This is a serious situation!”

Although they were distant relatives, Ayano quieted after hearing that 3 people from the family had been killed. “A serious situation” wasn’t that “3 people have been killed” instead it was because “nobody had noticed.”

This was not some callous sentiment, but it is an understanding of what is of primary importance. For a girl of only sixteen years of age, who has such a strong will and discipline, it is surprising.

“Nobody saw that fuujutsu-shi?”
“Of course, there is a suspect.”

Faced with Ayano’s questioning, 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. “Successor Ceremony” betting Enraiha who fought with you.”

“Older cousin… Could it be the Kazuma that left the family 4 years ago? Could that 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 the inner feelings are not apparent, the outer unreadable appearance of Genma had no change at all.

“Right, I heard that he left the country… and trained there. Later he became a fuujutsu-shi?”

“That’s how it is, he supposedly returned to Japan recently, and changed his name to Yagami Kazuma. Yesterday, he met with the killed Shinji during a job, where he beautifully completed it. It seems like he trained very hard in those 4 years.

“Kazuma… Looks like he hates us…”
Finally remembering, Ayano said looking towards a distant place.

“It could be like that”
Genma replied with a void of 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 her glance toward Genma, Genma without any change accepted Ayano’s look. The one that disinherited Kazuma and the one that provided the reason for the disinheritance crossed their gazes.

The first to avoid looking was Ayano. Without regards to strength as jutsu practitioners, life experience is immensely surpassed. In reality, even with careful searching (she’s) still void of self-confidence in order 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, anyways, we would like to meet with him and discuss it.”

Faced with his daughter’s simplistic and dangerous words, Genma deeply felt the danger.
Even though she has the Enraiha’s overwhelming power, Ayano tends to resort to violence in anything she does. Genma frequently hopes that as she is the next suzerain she would have a less impulsive way of thinking.

“Now is not time for you, wait until there are other missions to be done.”

“…Yes”

Faced with a barely compliant daughter, Juugo said condolingly.

“You have just finished a mission, you must be tired, get a good rest for today.”

“… I understand.”

Even though it seems like it is not acceptable, Ayano still obeys what her father has said. After “bowing”, she rapidly leaves the room. Until the “door” closed, Juugo didn’t blink, releasing a deeply unhappy expression about her.

“……………This stubborn daughter.”

Juugo seemingly says “not acceptable” and sighs deeply. Even though it is with this kind of strict manner of speech, the care and love for her daughter no matter what is hard to hide.

These two people have said the sayings for many times. To put it correctly, Shingo, due to his younger brother’s death, has a burning fire for revenge. Takeya, no matter how many times you tell him to pay attention to his orders will still forget it, said he was nagging 

They are waiting for the report, and then immediately go towards Kazuma’s direction. 

=== 2 ===
For the Kannagi Clan's information network to find the place Kazuma was staying was really simple.

To find him the next morning did not really require any special methods, because he used his own name to register at the hotel.

So given Genma’s command, two jutsu practitioners were sent.

Yuuki Shingo and Oogami Takeya were the strongest jutsu practitioners of the branch families. Even though they have opposing personalities, they are great friends. This combination excluding the main family can be said to be without rivals.

From Genma viewpoint, he has thrown in the two strongest cards on hand. But, possibly the selection of oldest son of the Yuuki family can be said as deadly mistake. Why, because this man has absolutely no desire to convince Kazuma.

“Kazuma, you “bastard”, I will cut you ten-thousand pieces.” (Note: there is one character, I think in Mandarin, Japanese, and Korean that is equal to ten-thousand. Historically ten-thousand is also a big number, can also be infinite.)

“If he is dead, it will become problematic. At least let’s leave him with the ability to talk when we take him back.”

As they wait for the upcoming report, they will directly head towards Kazuma’s direction. Of course, they have absolutely no desire to persuade him. At least they didn’t have this kind of desire, but what they never contemplated was that they would be ones assaulted.

“Still not ready yet?”

“It’s going to be ready soon.”

This kind of discussion cannot satisfy them at all; don’t know how many times they have repeatedly asked. Given that the two of them are waiting to receive the same report, they should know it doesn’t matter how they ask… .

“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, in reality they have turn the arrowhead towards the Fuuga clan.

“This is worrying, Fuga clan might even be connected to this situation.”
Takeya forcefully said some pretty words to sway Shingo, Fuga shielding him isn’t impossible, using words that attack them, in order to change the attention of Shingo is certainly welcomed.

Thinking momentarily, Shingo grinded 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, are they not very pathetic?”

“That’s right, hahaahahahahahaaaaa…”

Just like Takeya have wished, Shingo have completely forgotten about the issue to reprimand. Hearing this sudden liberated laughter, Takeya has a thought — — Not like what was heard 10 seconds ago “Still not ready yet?” Similarly he feels very slow and lengthy.

“Incoming, in the area right head 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 the voice.
This allows the wind to carry the voice, even works for large distances.

“Coming, won’t leave him no limbs, neither legs nor arms, burn it all. Let’s attack!”

This was not voiced for anybody to hear, only Shingo’s mumblings to himself. This can be seen from the hatred-filled eyes; certainly really problematic.

Even though they didn’t continue their discussion how to punish, at least put up some resistance, that’s how he thinks. Until he’s half dead, could slowly torture him besides what was mentioned before, there’s plenty 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 that with no alertness, completely nonchalant——viewed from their perspective—— walks along Kazuma, Takeya in order to alert him shouted.

“Long time no see, Kazuma!”

“Ah, the successor from the Oogami?”

At that instance, to connect your recollection and present needs time. But, Takeya is 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 that Shingo with blood-filled eyes ready to release fireballs, using a condescending method of speech.

“Nope, I completely don’t know.”

Kazuma reply could be described as “couldn’t be more direct”, but also apparently has some percentage of challenge. By crunching his head and neck and making a certain exaggerating and sarcastic action, then shook his head in denial, predictably piss Takeya off enough for veins to be showing.
Takeya succeeded in controlling his anger, and recovering his cool begins to explain.

“Yesterday night, Kannagi Clan had three jutsu practitioners killed.

“uhmm ——, and?

And like with all the authority Kazuma asked pressuringly.

“The one that killed was a fuujutsu practitioner.

“……………………..”

“……………………..”

The surroundings was covered by silence. Warm wind blowing through the dusk “Tree-Shadow” Road  , the red leaves lightly started to dance, shining upon by crimson sun the red leaves are dyed even a darker shade of red, this is the beauty that appears before the darkness controlled world.

“……………..”

The first to open his mouth was Kazuma’s side, compared to silence, it seems like he further detest being stared by men.

“So what is the matter?”

“The suzerain has things to ask you, follow!”

“It wasn’t me! Finished!”

The instance after saying such words and was thinking to leave, Kazuma suddenly bounced horizontally
outwards, an instance before in the space where Kazuma existed, without touching anything appeared a fireball.

Kazuma —— doesn’t know why Takeya —— looks towards Shingo , consequently Shingo using a deep, like a natural born deep voiced snigger.

“Hmhmhm, what’s the matter, you finally did it? Then, there is no other way besides using power to suppress!”

At the same time of the shout, surrounding Shingo tongues of crimson begin to burn and dance.
The flames that appear at the same time as the yell, even though connected to Shingo’s body, the clothes were not burnt. Shingo had surprisingly unthought-of carefulness.

Like the flames that continue to move on his body, Shingo was so happy that his lips were slanted, and said in like a proclamation.

“If you can’t speak about it then it is questionable, I'll burn off your arms and legs! Lessening the weight will make it easier to transport around! Won’t kill you now, but you can’t continue living in such a humiliating condition? After the suzerain finishes his questioning I’ll be nice and kill you! Within one week! Use this time for you to fully regret living. I want you to know! Killing Shinji, absolutely cannot allow you to continue living untroubled!”

Assuming the future will be like that was his words were saying. But, Kazuma facing crazily laughing Shingo, looked as if he was watching some rare animal, asked very seriously.

“Kannagi Clan has recently given food to this kind of thing?”

“—No, Ahh….hu….”

Takeya really had no reply. Considering himself to be normal, did want to recognize that the thing with him is the same kind.

“That person usually adores Shinji, now he hates you who killed Shinji 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 like that to him.”

“… Negotiation is broken then, it seems.”

In order to make good the 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 by the skin. Even though the fire spirits haven’t materialize, the surroundings have evidently changes in physics.

Seems like frightened in faced of such elevated fighting spirit, scores of red leaves continually fluttered down, the bright red leaves before touching Takeya’s body instantly changes to ashes and floated off.

Still Kazuma, like before, stood there with hands in the leather jacket watched the two of them. It seems like he has no desire to confront the Kannagi Clan, of course it is hard to see from that kind of pose.

“This is the 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!”

At the instance of starting the jutsus, the two believed that victory would be certain. Because in the clan the two of the strongest class attacking at the same time. No matter what kind of strategy Kazuma had, face with kind of massive power is useless.

But——

Poou! 

The fireball from Takeya hand, suddenly instanteously explodes. Above the sound, the fireball in his credulity 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 is still no possible to shield the crash of the explosion’s force.
Instantly the force of the explosion hits the entire body, Takeya was simply KO-ed.

(W,What? What had happened…? Shit, Shingo, leave….)

Even though “Leave the rest to you” this kind of saying, but Shingo similarly lost his conscious, because on his face the black and blue continuously pulsed.

Kazuma returns his hands back in the pockets of the leather jacket; lowering his head at the two people. After releasing a condescending grin, he walked right by the two unconscious persons' side.

Even though it seems like he wanted to directly leave, at that time Kazuma stops his footsteps. Then as if he felt something, looked towards the trees where no one is at.

“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 separated. Without any noise from the chopped tree following the break slowly slid down.

Already forgetting to hide the body, stood dumbly staring at Kazuma, then Kazuma turns to leave. The guarding jutsu practitioner was fearful. The one that was lured was himself? The prey we were hunting is this frightening thing——?

=== 3 ===
“Seriously, Father worries too much. I alone is enough don’t know how many times this has been repeated. When will he acknowledge me? Am I this untrustworthy?”

“The suzerain acknowledges Young Mistress' abilities, only 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, encountered the employer of Kazuma —— of course, single mindedness heading to location to vanquish the spirits, and not understand the reason. '''! '''

Upon arrival to the location and discovering that the seal has deteriorated to point beyond the previously assumed limits, Ayano immediately destroys the idea of the resealing, and instead decided to eliminate it. Then without any testing she immediately ripped off the seal.

Popular saying was. “This method is faster.” 

People without significant confidence in ones own ability would not say something like that, certainly the two men that accompanied her also know that she has the necessary ability to go along with such self-confidence.

Certainly, Juugo also knows that she has this kind of ability, but such worries of a father are within reason. Even describing Juugo as stupid or foolish, most of times he sends two or more people to protect her.

“Don’t mix the work with private life, is frequently lectured no matter when. Don’t follow your own desires and do things, Uncle Masato?” 

Still discharging her annoyances, Ayano faced that guy —— the younger brother of the Yuuki family head, complaining to Masato.
“Because he is the suzerain, he cannot mull over such minor issues.”
In this manner on Masato’s thin face appeared a smile and laughter. As a member of the branch families, he certainly wasn’t thinking about the consequences. But, it seems like Ayano hasn’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, so went off to Tibet to train like a eccentric person.

When he returned to Japan he was given the “Protect Ayano” mission. Juugo has a high regard of him, and from the first time Ayano went on a mission he continually was responsible for this kind of protecting job.

Certainly, Ayano also has good feelings about this easy-going relative. Due to the surrounding people’s princess like treatment of her, faced with Masato’s kind of causal attitude is quite refreshing for her, furthermore it feels very good.

Consequently “Uncle Masato, ojo-sama this kind of terminology, is like a real family without any separation.

“Maybe it is to allow the younger jutsu practitioner to learn, this kind of reasoning is still possible. Isn’t that, Takeshi… Takeshi?”

“Ahh, Yes!?”

The young jutsu practitioner using admiring eyes staring at Ayano —— Oogami Takeshi’s uncle hollered 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 have understood! Just like what Uncle have said! To be allowed to watch Ayano-sama 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, appears compared to respect, has more admiration and reverence. For Takeshi’s generation of jutsu practitioners, Ayano has existence of a goddess. Hoping to watch her striking manner from close by guarding is something everyone will accept.

“Yes——It’s——like——this?”
“Yes, it’s like that!”

The exhilaration to be able to talk to Ayano is something seen through Takeshi’s entire body language. Of course, Ayano doesn’t like being seen like that. Seems like herself is being separated from being “normal”, changed to something she can’t wait.

No matter what, no matter how it is explained is useless. That’s only Takeshi’s simple, compared to himself much stronger and beautiful existence, means of showing deference.

“Ah, forget it. … It’s about time.”

Ayano sensing the expanding ki of the youma, relaxingly turns herself towards the main hall. Mini-skirt starting to flutter and dance.

Now recalling, 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 the uniform. So Juugo, especially focused on this point, used within his the range of abilities added the best class of defensive spells.

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.

A result by inputting great amounts of money and time, a high school uniform; it is not wrong to say that it is a work of art. Its cost could be comparable. It could be said that is enough to buy a car, no, not really, correctly said it can buy a luxury house without being wrong.

Of course Ayano pays attention to this outfit —— not towards its capabilities —— because it is a gift given by her father —— so she frequently wears 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-thousands 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 jutsu 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 an 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.

Continously summoning stronger, 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.

Accompaning 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. [Original Rules] —— 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 Infrit has come? Crap, when has Japan become world of youma!? Note: Infrit is the name of fire god.)

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…)

Shruggin 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 jutsu 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.

<noinclude>
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|-
| Return to [[Kaze_no_Stigma|Main Page]]
| Back to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
| Forward to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter3|Chapter 3]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Kaze no Stigma:Volume1 Chapter2

2007-06-12T03:18:29Z

68.100.97.46: What has 4 legs in the morning, 2 legs . . . Yea fricking right. I'm not gonna write all that. Still Jumpyshoes.

== Chapter Two - The sudden disaster ==

=== 1 ===
“Not ready yet? 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 was blowing against Hyoue. Within the blowing wind was the air full of the ki of youma, passing beneath Hyoue’s palm. The ki of youma that passed beneath this palms was like an air that would swallow anyone, no matter whom.

By the time the shredded remains of the three people were discovered, it was already dawn. This unbelievably serious situation completely shocked the entire Kannagi clan.

The Kannagi clan was astonished; this is an undeniable fact. Faster than human reflexes, the 3 defensively alert people were killed without anyone being alerted.

In order to better understand this situation, the Fuuga clan was summoned. Because of this, Hyoue himself gathered the youma ki to understand who the enemy was. “Hmm, T—, This is….”

Sounds of concentration. Hyoue gathered the youma ki in this palms without missing any. It was a very cold air. Even for very powerful jutsu practitioners, the ki provided sufficient reason to fear it.

“This was caused by fuujutsu, and was created by a jutsu practitioner that is on a completely different category from us, the Fuuga clan. It trapped the three people in the wind “kekkai” and then killed them.”

Hyoue’s report wasn’t anything beneficial and could be easily understood from the setting of the place.

“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; substituted only by the sound of Juugo's condoling voice.

“Is it like that, good job, you can retire. — — Right, how’s the health of Ryuuya?"

At that moment, Hyoue appeared surprised due to the Suzerain’s concern over his son’s health.

“Yes… If he quietly recuperates, there shouldn’t be any problems. He can no longer recover to the level of working for the Kannagi clan anymore. This unworthy son is really an embarrassment.”

Given Juugo’s words of gratitude, Hyoue bows.

“Yes… Thank you very much. I will go give instructions to my subordinates, for I will retire….”

“Then please, I await your reply, Hyoue.”
The head of the Fuuga clan bows silently and leaves.

The enemy is a fuujutsu practitioner that loathes the Kannagi clan. Everyone naturally thinks 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 that made such an aggressive comment was the previous suzerain, Yorimichi. Even though he was retired, he still had an air of a suzerain. The entire clan strongly disliked him, although he was the only one that didn’t know.

“Otou-san, to clarify, we don’t have enough evidence to prove that Kazuma did this.”
Juugo said seriously to stop Yorimichi's tirade.

“You! Who else if it is not Kazuma…”

“Yorimichi, please hold silent. When you open your mouth to speak such words, it becomes impossible for us discuss the issue.”

Facing Yorimichi with ear impairment, Genma coldly looks on. In those eyes appear an insulting look that cannot be hidden.

Facing this person that has no strength except for scheming ability and was chosen suzerain. Genma from the depth of his heart condescends him.

In Yorimichi’s thirty years as suzerain, the strength of the Kannagi Clan had 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’s notion is that the strongest jutsu practitioner should be the one that succeeds the suzerain position; therefore Genma does not hate the suzerain, Juugo, only that his own strength isn’t enough in comparison.

He had previously wanted to prepare his son to be the next suzerain, even though it is not really a scheme, he just wanted to train and prepare Kazuma with the strength to become the next suzerain.

Though Yorimichi doesn’t really have any such thoughts as beliefs, he only has the ambition for power. This is what Genma thought. Logically, no matter how Genma tried to hide his thoughts, those thoughts are revealed when he further enraged Yorimichi.

Even though they are of a close family/blood relationship of uncle and nephew, the loathing between the two again deepens.

“Y, You want to shield Kazuma? No, I should say that is your scheme? Allow Kazuma to go outside the country to learn jutsu then kill off Juugo and Ayano, then allow Ren to succeed the position of suzerain?

Yorimichi turned the arrowhead towards Genma. This kind of bad will was almost materializing like “sticky things connecting items together”, allowing the crowd to start agitating.

“That kind of idea only comes from someone with “low moral fiber.” 
For Yorimichi to say such things, the almost insulting provocation, Genma didn’t contradict —— because the reply would be extremely disrespectful.

“Otou-san, that’s enough!”

Juugo wouldn’t allow the continuation of such an insulting diatribe; therefore he forcefully hurried the people to take him away.

“The [Previous Generation] is tired, please return to your room to rest.”

“Wait, Juugo! Genma is not to be trusted! If you don’t listen to me now you will end up regretting it sooner or later!”
Yorimichi was carried away like luggage. That harsh voice slowly decreases in volume until nothing is heard.

“Really sorry for the insulting diatribes of my father, with regards to me please forgive him.”

Juugo puts 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 suzurain cared deeply about the Kannagi Clan.”

With an exchange of looks, understanding the others reasoning they smiled at the same time, and with that they understood that chatting time is over, now is time to enter to serious points.

“Like what the previous suzerain said, the timing is too much of a coincidence. It is better to meet again and have a discussion.”

Genma maintained his silence from the start, possibly because he did not want to discuss about his son.

“Would Kazuma easily submit to our instructions?”

“If he doesn’t submit, we will use strength to bring him here. Even though he has obtained strength, that person is Kazuma. 2 or 3 people will be more than enough to capture him.”

“….That’s good then. The selection of persons in charge of the assignment will be your responsibility. No matter what, it is necessary to quickly bring Kazuma back.”
“Understood”

Even though Genma received an order to capture his own son, Genma was tranquil comparable to facing someone else.

“Ayano-sama has returned!”

The serious expression on Juugo’s face started to relax, and Genma wore a highly energetic and fierce look.
Not even waiting a little, she just appeared.

“pah” and she pulled the sliding door, collecting everyone’s look towards that direction.

“I'm home, Otou-san! Ehh… What’s going on?” 
Appearing on scene was a sufficiently commanding young teenage girl, who asked the question when she saw the atmosphere of the gathering. That black hair that almost reaches the back, flowing straight and sideways created by the movements of her head, simply represented the blooming of a bishoujo. At the same moment, the “dark and cold” atmosphere had completely vanished. That is the spiritual energy that comes from the breath that cleansed the atmosphere of the room.

The appearance of an unclear enemy who killed some people at home. Those people that have been discussing this situation nonstop, are now facing a blinding light, that uncomfortable and distressing feeling has completely vanished.

As if before the rays of the sun, all the movements in the dark were not allowed to exist. The one right there was the person that had the ability to vanquish the dark with spiritual powers not beneath the powers for light, the next suzerain in waiting and owner of Enraiha, is Juugo’s daughter, Kannagi Ayano.

“How’s the report, Ayano?”
Juugo was testing his daughter with a serious expression, like when he asks other people. This is the best way for a father to direct his daughter, at least this is what Juugo thinks.

“Excuse me”
Ayano at that moment also finished bowing.
“The youma that was released was completely vanquished.”

“Hmm, good job.”
Finishing her report to the suzurain as a jutsu practicioner, Ayano innocently continued her questioning.
“Then, what had actually happened, otou-san?”

“Hmm——, previously 3 people have been killed and nobody had noticed. This is a serious situation!”

Although they were distant relatives, Ayano quieted after hearing that 3 people from the family had been killed. “A serious situation” wasn’t that “3 people have been killed” instead it was because “nobody had noticed.”

This was not some callous sentiment, but it is an understanding of what is of primary importance. For a girl of only sixteen years of age, who has such a strong will and discipline, it is surprising.

“Nobody saw that fuujutsu-shi?”
“Of course, there is a suspect.”

Faced with Ayano’s questioning, 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. “Successor Ceremony” betting Enraiha who fought with you.”

“Older cousin… Could it be the Kazuma that left the family 4 years ago? Could that 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 the inner feelings are not apparent, the outer unreadable appearance of Genma had no change at all.

“Right, I heard that he left the country… and trained there. Later he became a fuujutsu-shi?”

“That’s how it is, he supposedly returned to Japan recently, and changed his name to Yagami Kazuma. Yesterday, he met with the killed Shinji during a job, where he beautifully completed it. It seems like he trained very hard in those 4 years.

“Kazuma… Looks like he hates us…”
Finally remembering, Ayano said looking towards a distant place.

“It could be like that”
Genma replied with a void of 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 her glance toward Genma, Genma without any change accepted Ayano’s look. The one that disinherited Kazuma and the one that provided the reason for the disinheritance crossed their gazes.

The first to avoid looking was Ayano. Without regards to strength as jutsu practitioners, life experience is immensely surpassed. In reality, even with careful searching (she’s) still void of self-confidence in order 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, anyways, we would like to meet with him and discuss it.”

Faced with his daughter’s simplistic and dangerous words, Genma deeply felt the danger.
Even though she has the Enraiha’s overwhelming power, Ayano tends to resort to violence in anything she does. Genma frequently hopes that as she is the next suzerain she would have a less impulsive way of thinking.

“Now is not time for you, wait until there are other missions to be done.”

“…Yes”

Faced with a barely compliant daughter, Juugo said condolingly.

“You have just finished a mission, you must be tired, get a good rest for today.”

“… I understand.”

Even though it seems like it is not acceptable, Ayano still obeys what her father has said. After “bowing”, she rapidly leaves the room. Until the “door” closed, Juugo didn’t blink, releasing a deeply unhappy expression about her.

“……………This stubborn daughter.”

Juugo seemingly says “not acceptable” and sighs deeply. Even though it is with this kind of strict manner of speech, the care and love for her daughter no matter what is hard to hide.

These two people have said the sayings for many times. To put it correctly, Shingo, due to his younger brother’s death, has a burning fire for revenge. Takeya, no matter how many times you tell him to pay attention to his orders will still forget it, said he was nagging 

They are waiting for the report, and then immediately go towards Kazuma’s direction. 

=== 2 ===
For the Kannagi Clan's information network to find the place Kazuma was staying was really simple.

To find him the next morning did not really require any special methods, because he used his own name to register at the hotel.

So given Genma’s command, two jutsu practitioners were sent.

Yuuki Shingo and Oogami Takeya were the strongest jutsu practitioners of the branch families. Even though they have opposing personalities, they are great friends. This combination excluding the main family can be said to be without rivals.

From Genma viewpoint, he has thrown in the two strongest cards on hand. But, possibly the selection of oldest son of the Yuuki family can be said as deadly mistake. Why, because this man has absolutely no desire to convince Kazuma.

“Kazuma, you “bastard”, I will cut you ten-thousand pieces.” (Note: there is one character, I think in Mandarin, Japanese, and Korean that is equal to ten-thousand. Historically ten-thousand is also a big number, can also be infinite.)

“If he is dead, it will become problematic. At least let’s leave him with the ability to talk when we take him back.”

As they wait for the upcoming report, they will directly head towards Kazuma’s direction. Of course, they have absolutely no desire to persuade him. At least they didn’t have this kind of desire, but what they never contemplated was that they would be ones assaulted.

“Still not ready yet?”

“It’s going to be ready soon.”

This kind of discussion cannot satisfy them at all; don’t know how many times they have repeatedly asked. Given that the two of them are waiting to receive the same report, they should know it doesn’t matter how they ask… .

“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, in reality they have turn the arrowhead towards the Fuuga clan.

“This is worrying, Fuga clan might even be connected to this situation.”
Takeya forcefully said some pretty words to sway Shingo, Fuga shielding him isn’t impossible, using words that attack them, in order to change the attention of Shingo is certainly welcomed.

Thinking momentarily, Shingo grinded 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, are they not very pathetic?”

“That’s right, hahaahahahahahaaaaa…”

Just like Takeya have wished, Shingo have completely forgotten about the issue to reprimand. Hearing this sudden liberated laughter, Takeya has a thought — — Not like what was heard 10 seconds ago “Still not ready yet?” Similarly he feels very slow and lengthy.

“Incoming, in the area right head 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 the voice.
This allows the wind to carry the voice, even works for large distances.

“Coming, won’t leave him no limbs, neither legs nor arms, burn it all. Let’s attack!”

This was not voiced for anybody to hear, only Shingo’s mumblings to himself. This can be seen from the hatred-filled eyes; certainly really problematic.

Even though they didn’t continue their discussion how to punish, at least put up some resistance, that’s how he thinks. Until he’s half dead, could slowly torture him besides what was mentioned before, there’s plenty 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 that with no alertness, completely nonchalant——viewed from their perspective—— walks along Kazuma, Takeya in order to alert him shouted.

“Long time no see, Kazuma!”

“Ah, the successor from the Oogami?”

At that instance, to connect your recollection and present needs time. But, Takeya is 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 that Shingo with blood-filled eyes ready to release fireballs, using a condescending method of speech.

“Nope, I completely don’t know.”

Kazuma reply could be described as “couldn’t be more direct”, but also apparently has some percentage of challenge. By crunching his head and neck and making a certain exaggerating and sarcastic action, then shook his head in denial, predictably piss Takeya off enough for veins to be showing.
Takeya succeeded in controlling his anger, and recovering his cool begins to explain.

“Yesterday night, Kannagi Clan had three jutsu practitioners killed.

“uhmm ——, and?

And like with all the authority Kazuma asked pressuringly.

“The one that killed was a fuujutsu practitioner.

“……………………..”

“……………………..”

The surroundings was covered by silence. Warm wind blowing through the dusk “Tree-Shadow” Road  , the red leaves lightly started to dance, shining upon by crimson sun the red leaves are dyed even a darker shade of red, this is the beauty that appears before the darkness controlled world.

“……………..”

The first to open his mouth was Kazuma’s side, compared to silence, it seems like he further detest being stared by men.

“So what is the matter?”

“The suzerain has things to ask you, follow!”

“It wasn’t me! Finished!”

The instance after saying such words and was thinking to leave, Kazuma suddenly bounced horizontally
outwards, an instance before in the space where Kazuma existed, without touching anything appeared a fireball.

Kazuma —— doesn’t know why Takeya —— looks towards Shingo , consequently Shingo using a deep, like a natural born deep voiced snigger.

“Hmhmhm, what’s the matter, you finally did it? Then, there is no other way besides using power to suppress!”

At the same time of the shout, surrounding Shingo tongues of crimson begin to burn and dance.
The flames that appear at the same time as the yell, even though connected to Shingo’s body, the clothes were not burnt. Shingo had surprisingly unthought-of carefulness.

Like the flames that continue to move on his body, Shingo was so happy that his lips were slanted, and said in like a proclamation.

“If you can’t speak about it then it is questionable, I'll burn off your arms and legs! Lessening the weight will make it easier to transport around! Won’t kill you now, but you can’t continue living in such a humiliating condition? After the suzerain finishes his questioning I’ll be nice and kill you! Within one week! Use this time for you to fully regret living. I want you to know! Killing Shinji, absolutely cannot allow you to continue living untroubled!”

Assuming the future will be like that was his words were saying. But, Kazuma facing crazily laughing Shingo, looked as if he was watching some rare animal, asked very seriously.

“Kannagi Clan has recently given food to this kind of thing?”

“—No, Ahh….hu….”

Takeya really had no reply. Considering himself to be normal, did want to recognize that the thing with him is the same kind.

“That person usually adores Shinji, now he hates you who killed Shinji 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 like that to him.”

“… Negotiation is broken then, it seems.”

In order to make good the 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 by the skin. Even though the fire spirits haven’t materialize, the surroundings have evidently changes in physics.

Seems like frightened in faced of such elevated fighting spirit, scores of red leaves continually fluttered down, the bright red leaves before touching Takeya’s body instantly changes to ashes and floated off.

Still Kazuma, like before, stood there with hands in the leather jacket watched the two of them. It seems like he has no desire to confront the Kannagi Clan, of course it is hard to see from that kind of pose.

“This is the 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!”

At the instance of starting the jutsus, the two believed that victory would be certain. Because in the clan the two of the strongest class attacking at the same time. No matter what kind of strategy Kazuma had, face with kind of massive power is useless.

But——

Poou! 

The fireball from Takeya hand, suddenly instanteously explodes. Above the sound, the fireball in his credulity 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 is still no possible to shield the crash of the explosion’s force.
Instantly the force of the explosion hits the entire body, Takeya was simply KO-ed.

(W,What? What had happened…? Shit, Shingo, leave….)

Even though “Leave the rest to you” this kind of saying, but Shingo similarly lost his conscious, because on his face the black and blue continuously pulsed.

Kazuma returns his hands back in the pockets of the leather jacket; lowering his head at the two people. After releasing a condescending grin, he walked right by the two unconscious persons' side.

Even though it seems like he wanted to directly leave, at that time Kazuma stops his footsteps. Then as if he felt something, looked towards the trees where no one is at.

“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 separated. Without any noise from the chopped tree following the break slowly slid down.

Already forgetting to hide the body, stood dumbly staring at Kazuma, then Kazuma turns to leave. The guarding jutsu practitioner was fearful. The one that was lured was himself? The prey we were hunting is this frightening thing——?

=== 3 ===
“Seriously, Father worries too much. I alone is enough don’t know how many times this has been repeated. When will he acknowledge me? Am I this untrustworthy?”

“The suzerain acknowledges Young Mistress' abilities, only 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, encountered the employer of Kazuma —— of course, single mindedness heading to location to vanquish the spirits, and not understand the reason. '''! '''

Upon arrival to the location and discovering that the seal has deteriorated to point beyond the previously assumed limits, Ayano immediately destroys the idea of the resealing, and instead decided to eliminate it. Then without any testing she immediately ripped off the seal.

Popular saying was. “This method is faster.” 

People without significant confidence in ones own ability would not say something like that, certainly the two men that accompanied her also know that she has the necessary ability to go along with such self-confidence.

Certainly, Juugo also knows that she has this kind of ability, but such worries of a father are within reason. Even describing Juugo as stupid or foolish, most of times he sends two or more people to protect her.

“Don’t mix the work with private life, is frequently lectured no matter when. Don’t follow your own desires and do things, Uncle Masato?” 

Still discharging her annoyances, Ayano faced that guy —— the younger brother of the Yuuki family head, complaining to Masato.
“Because he is the suzerain, he cannot mull over such minor issues.”
In this manner on Masato’s thin face appeared a smile and laughter. As a member of the branch families, he certainly wasn’t thinking about the consequences. But, it seems like Ayano hasn’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, so went off to Tibet to train like a eccentric person.

When he returned to Japan he was given the “Protect Ayano” mission. Juugo has a high regard of him, and from the first time Ayano went on a mission he continually was responsible for this kind of protecting job.

Certainly, Ayano also has good feelings about this easy-going relative. Due to the surrounding people’s princess like treatment of her, faced with Masato’s kind of causal attitude is quite refreshing for her, furthermore it feels very good.

Consequently “Uncle Masato, ojo-sama this kind of terminology, is like a real family without any separation.

“Maybe it is to allow the younger jutsu practitioner to learn, this kind of reasoning is still possible. Isn’t that, Takeshi… Takeshi?”

“Ahh, Yes!?”

The young jutsu practitioner using admiring eyes staring at Ayano —— Oogami Takeshi’s uncle hollered 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 have understood! Just like what Uncle have said! To be allowed to watch Ayano-sama 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, appears compared to respect, has more admiration and reverence. For Takeshi’s generation of jutsu practitioners, Ayano has existence of a goddess. Hoping to watch her striking manner from close by guarding is something everyone will accept.

“Yes——It’s——like——this?”
“Yes, it’s like that!”

The exhilaration to be able to talk to Ayano is something seen through Takeshi’s entire body language. Of course, Ayano doesn’t like being seen like that. Seems like herself is being separated from being “normal”, changed to something she can’t wait.

No matter what, no matter how it is explained is useless. That’s only Takeshi’s simple, compared to himself much stronger and beautiful existence, means of showing deference.

“Ah, forget it. … It’s about time.”

Ayano sensing the expanding ki of the youma, relaxingly turns herself towards the main hall. Mini-skirt starting to flutter and dance.

Now recalling, 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 the uniform. So Juugo, especially focused on this point, used within his the range of abilities added the best class of defensive spells.

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.

A result by inputting great amounts of money and time, a high school uniform; it is not wrong to say that it is a work of art. Its cost could be comparable. It could be said that is enough to buy a car, no, not really, correctly said it can buy a luxury house without being wrong.

Of course Ayano pays attention to this outfit —— not towards its capabilities —— because it is a gift given by her father —— so she frequently wears 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-thousands 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 jutsu 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 an 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.

Continously summoning stronger, 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.

Accompaning 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. [Original Rules] —— 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 Infrit has come? Crap, when has Japan become world of youma!? Note: Infrit is the name of fire god.)

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…)

Shruggin 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 jutsu 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.

<noinclude>
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|-
| Return to [[Kaze_no_Stigma|Main Page]]
| Back to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
| Forward to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter3|Chapter 3]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Kaze no Stigma:Volume1 Chapter2

2007-06-12T03:15:41Z

68.100.97.46: I'm Jumpyshoes. Cause I can't log in. And I'm awsome. How to make fun of a riddle . . . .

== Chapter Two - The sudden disaster ==

=== 1 ===
“Not ready yet? 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 was blowing against Hyoue. Within the blowing wind was the air full of the ki of youma, passing beneath Hyoue’s palm. The ki of youma that passed beneath this palms was like an air that would swallow anyone, no matter whom.

By the time the shredded remains of the three people were discovered, it was already dawn. This unbelievably serious situation completely shocked the entire Kannagi clan.

The Kannagi clan was astonished; this is an undeniable fact. Faster than human reflexes, the 3 defensively alert people were killed without anyone being alerted.

In order to better understand this situation, the Fuuga clan was summoned. Because of this, Hyoue himself gathered the youma ki to understand who the enemy was. “Hmm, T—, This is….”

Sounds of concentration. Hyoue gathered the youma ki in this palms without missing any. It was a very cold air. Even for very powerful jutsu practitioners, the ki provided sufficient reason to fear it.

“This was caused by fuujutsu, and was created by a jutsu practitioner that is on a completely different category from us, the Fuuga clan. It trapped the three people in the wind “kekkai” and then killed them.”

Hyoue’s report wasn’t anything beneficial and could be easily understood from the setting of the place.

“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; substituted only by the sound of Juugo's condoling voice.

“Is it like that, good job, you can retire. — — Right, how’s the health of Ryuuya?"

At that moment, Hyoue appeared surprised due to the Suzerain’s concern over his son’s health.

“Yes… If he quietly recuperates, there shouldn’t be any problems. He can no longer recover to the level of working for the Kannagi clan anymore. This unworthy son is really an embarrassment.”

Given Juugo’s words of gratitude, Hyoue bows.

“Yes… Thank you very much. I will go give instructions to my subordinates, for I will retire….”

“Then please, I await your reply, Hyoue.”
The head of the Fuuga clan bows silently and leaves.

The enemy is a fuujutsu practitioner that loathes the Kannagi clan. Everyone naturally thinks 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 that made such an aggressive comment was the previous suzerain, Yorimichi. Even though he was retired, he still had an air of a suzerain. The entire clan strongly disliked him, although he was the only one that didn’t know.

“Otou-san, first to clarify, we don’t have evidence that Kazuma did this.”
Juugo seriously said in order to defect Yorimichi's tirade.

“You! Who else if it is not Kazuma…”

“Yorimichi, please hold silent. When you open your mouth to speak such words, it becomes impossible for us discuss the issue.”

Facing Yorimichi with ear impairment, Genma coldly looks on. In those eyes appear an insulting look that cannot be hidden.

Facing this person that has no strength except for scheming ability and was chosen suzerain. Genma from the depth of his heart condescends him.

In Yorimichi’s thirty years as suzerain, the strength of the Kannagi Clan had 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’s notion is that the strongest jutsu practitioner should be the one that succeeds the suzerain position; therefore Genma does not hate the suzerain, Juugo, only that his own strength isn’t enough in comparison.

He had previously wanted to prepare his son to be the next suzerain, even though it is not really a scheme, he just wanted to train and prepare Kazuma with the strength to become the next suzerain.

Though Yorimichi doesn’t really have any such thoughts as beliefs, he only has the ambition for power. This is what Genma thought. Logically, no matter how Genma tried to hide his thoughts, those thoughts are revealed when he further enraged Yorimichi.

Even though they are of a close family/blood relationship of uncle and nephew, the loathing between the two again deepens.

“Y, You want to shield Kazuma? No, I should say that is your scheme? Allow Kazuma to go outside the country to learn jutsu then kill off Juugo and Ayano, then allow Ren to succeed the position of suzerain?

Yorimichi turned the arrowhead towards Genma. This kind of bad will was almost materializing like “sticky things connecting items together”, allowing the crowd to start agitating.

“That kind of idea only comes from someone with “low moral fiber.” 
For Yorimichi to say such things, the almost insulting provocation, Genma didn’t contradict —— because the reply would be extremely disrespectful.

“Otou-san, that’s enough!”

Juugo wouldn’t allow the continuation of such an insulting diatribe; therefore he forcefully hurried the people to take him away.

“The [Previous Generation] is tired, please return to your room to rest.”

“Wait, Juugo! Genma is not to be trusted! If you don’t listen to me now you will end up regretting it sooner or later!”
Yorimichi was carried away like luggage. That harsh voice slowly decreases in volume until nothing is heard.

“Really sorry for the insulting diatribes of my father, with regards to me please forgive him.”

Juugo puts 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 suzurain cared deeply about the Kannagi Clan.”

With an exchange of looks, understanding the others reasoning they smiled at the same time, and with that they understood that chatting time is over, now is time to enter to serious points.

“Like what the previous suzerain said, the timing is too much of a coincidence. It is better to meet again and have a discussion.”

Genma maintained his silence from the start, possibly because he did not want to discuss about his son.

“Would Kazuma easily submit to our instructions?”

“If he doesn’t submit, we will use strength to bring him here. Even though he has obtained strength, that person is Kazuma. 2 or 3 people will be more than enough to capture him.”

“….That’s good then. The selection of persons in charge of the assignment will be your responsibility. No matter what, it is necessary to quickly bring Kazuma back.”
“Understood”

Even though Genma received an order to capture his own son, Genma was tranquil comparable to facing someone else.

“Ayano-sama has returned!”

The serious expression on Juugo’s face started to relax, and Genma wore a highly energetic and fierce look.
Not even waiting a little, she just appeared.

“pah” and she pulled the sliding door, collecting everyone’s look towards that direction.

“I'm home, Otou-san! Ehh… What’s going on?” 
Appearing on scene was a sufficiently commanding young teenage girl, who asked the question when she saw the atmosphere of the gathering. That black hair that almost reaches the back, flowing straight and sideways created by the movements of her head, simply represented the blooming of a bishoujo. At the same moment, the “dark and cold” atmosphere had completely vanished. That is the spiritual energy that comes from the breath that cleansed the atmosphere of the room.

The appearance of an unclear enemy who killed some people at home. Those people that have been discussing this situation nonstop, are now facing a blinding light, that uncomfortable and distressing feeling has completely vanished.

As if before the rays of the sun, all the movements in the dark were not allowed to exist. The one right there was the person that had the ability to vanquish the dark with spiritual powers not beneath the powers for light, the next suzerain in waiting and owner of Enraiha, is Juugo’s daughter, Kannagi Ayano.

“How’s the report, Ayano?”
Juugo was testing his daughter with a serious expression, like when he asks other people. This is the best way for a father to direct his daughter, at least this is what Juugo thinks.

“Excuse me”
Ayano at that moment also finished bowing.
“The youma that was released was completely vanquished.”

“Hmm, good job.”
Finishing her report to the suzurain as a jutsu practicioner, Ayano innocently continued her questioning.
“Then, what had actually happened, otou-san?”

“Hmm——, previously 3 people have been killed and nobody had noticed. This is a serious situation!”

Although they were distant relatives, Ayano quieted after hearing that 3 people from the family had been killed. “A serious situation” wasn’t that “3 people have been killed” instead it was because “nobody had noticed.”

This was not some callous sentiment, but it is an understanding of what is of primary importance. For a girl of only sixteen years of age, who has such a strong will and discipline, it is surprising.

“Nobody saw that fuujutsu-shi?”
“Of course, there is a suspect.”

Faced with Ayano’s questioning, 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. “Successor Ceremony” betting Enraiha who fought with you.”

“Older cousin… Could it be the Kazuma that left the family 4 years ago? Could that 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 the inner feelings are not apparent, the outer unreadable appearance of Genma had no change at all.

“Right, I heard that he left the country… and trained there. Later he became a fuujutsu-shi?”

“That’s how it is, he supposedly returned to Japan recently, and changed his name to Yagami Kazuma. Yesterday, he met with the killed Shinji during a job, where he beautifully completed it. It seems like he trained very hard in those 4 years.

“Kazuma… Looks like he hates us…”
Finally remembering, Ayano said looking towards a distant place.

“It could be like that”
Genma replied with a void of 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 her glance toward Genma, Genma without any change accepted Ayano’s look. The one that disinherited Kazuma and the one that provided the reason for the disinheritance crossed their gazes.

The first to avoid looking was Ayano. Without regards to strength as jutsu practitioners, life experience is immensely surpassed. In reality, even with careful searching (she’s) still void of self-confidence in order 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, anyways, we would like to meet with him and discuss it.”

Faced with his daughter’s simplistic and dangerous words, Genma deeply felt the danger.
Even though she has the Enraiha’s overwhelming power, Ayano tends to resort to violence in anything she does. Genma frequently hopes that as she is the next suzerain she would have a less impulsive way of thinking.

“Now is not time for you, wait until there are other missions to be done.”

“…Yes”

Faced with a barely compliant daughter, Juugo said condolingly.

“You have just finished a mission, you must be tired, get a good rest for today.”

“… I understand.”

Even though it seems like it is not acceptable, Ayano still obeys what her father has said. After “bowing”, she rapidly leaves the room. Until the “door” closed, Juugo didn’t blink, releasing a deeply unhappy expression about her.

“……………This stubborn daughter.”

Juugo seemingly says “not acceptable” and sighs deeply. Even though it is with this kind of strict manner of speech, the care and love for her daughter no matter what is hard to hide.

These two people have said the sayings for many times. To put it correctly, Shingo, due to his younger brother’s death, has a burning fire for revenge. Takeya, no matter how many times you tell him to pay attention to his orders will still forget it, said he was nagging 

They are waiting for the report, and then immediately go towards Kazuma’s direction. 

=== 2 ===
For the Kannagi Clan's information network to find the place Kazuma was staying was really simple.

To find him the next morning did not really require any special methods, because he used his own name to register at the hotel.

So given Genma’s command, two jutsu practitioners were sent.

Yuuki Shingo and Oogami Takeya were the strongest jutsu practitioners of the branch families. Even though they have opposing personalities, they are great friends. This combination excluding the main family can be said to be without rivals.

From Genma viewpoint, he has thrown in the two strongest cards on hand. But, possibly the selection of oldest son of the Yuuki family can be said as deadly mistake. Why, because this man has absolutely no desire to convince Kazuma.

“Kazuma, you “bastard”, I will cut you ten-thousand pieces.” (Note: there is one character, I think in Mandarin, Japanese, and Korean that is equal to ten-thousand. Historically ten-thousand is also a big number, can also be infinite.)

“If he is dead, it will become problematic. At least let’s leave him with the ability to talk when we take him back.”

As they wait for the upcoming report, they will directly head towards Kazuma’s direction. Of course, they have absolutely no desire to persuade him. At least they didn’t have this kind of desire, but what they never contemplated was that they would be ones assaulted.

“Still not ready yet?”

“It’s going to be ready soon.”

This kind of discussion cannot satisfy them at all; don’t know how many times they have repeatedly asked. Given that the two of them are waiting to receive the same report, they should know it doesn’t matter how they ask… .

“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, in reality they have turn the arrowhead towards the Fuuga clan.

“This is worrying, Fuga clan might even be connected to this situation.”
Takeya forcefully said some pretty words to sway Shingo, Fuga shielding him isn’t impossible, using words that attack them, in order to change the attention of Shingo is certainly welcomed.

Thinking momentarily, Shingo grinded 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, are they not very pathetic?”

“That’s right, hahaahahahahahaaaaa…”

Just like Takeya have wished, Shingo have completely forgotten about the issue to reprimand. Hearing this sudden liberated laughter, Takeya has a thought — — Not like what was heard 10 seconds ago “Still not ready yet?” Similarly he feels very slow and lengthy.

“Incoming, in the area right head 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 the voice.
This allows the wind to carry the voice, even works for large distances.

“Coming, won’t leave him no limbs, neither legs nor arms, burn it all. Let’s attack!”

This was not voiced for anybody to hear, only Shingo’s mumblings to himself. This can be seen from the hatred-filled eyes; certainly really problematic.

Even though they didn’t continue their discussion how to punish, at least put up some resistance, that’s how he thinks. Until he’s half dead, could slowly torture him besides what was mentioned before, there’s plenty 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 that with no alertness, completely nonchalant——viewed from their perspective—— walks along Kazuma, Takeya in order to alert him shouted.

“Long time no see, Kazuma!”

“Ah, the successor from the Oogami?”

At that instance, to connect your recollection and present needs time. But, Takeya is 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 that Shingo with blood-filled eyes ready to release fireballs, using a condescending method of speech.

“Nope, I completely don’t know.”

Kazuma reply could be described as “couldn’t be more direct”, but also apparently has some percentage of challenge. By crunching his head and neck and making a certain exaggerating and sarcastic action, then shook his head in denial, predictably piss Takeya off enough for veins to be showing.
Takeya succeeded in controlling his anger, and recovering his cool begins to explain.

“Yesterday night, Kannagi Clan had three jutsu practitioners killed.

“uhmm ——, and?

And like with all the authority Kazuma asked pressuringly.

“The one that killed was a fuujutsu practitioner.

“……………………..”

“……………………..”

The surroundings was covered by silence. Warm wind blowing through the dusk “Tree-Shadow” Road  , the red leaves lightly started to dance, shining upon by crimson sun the red leaves are dyed even a darker shade of red, this is the beauty that appears before the darkness controlled world.

“……………..”

The first to open his mouth was Kazuma’s side, compared to silence, it seems like he further detest being stared by men.

“So what is the matter?”

“The suzerain has things to ask you, follow!”

“It wasn’t me! Finished!”

The instance after saying such words and was thinking to leave, Kazuma suddenly bounced horizontally
outwards, an instance before in the space where Kazuma existed, without touching anything appeared a fireball.

Kazuma —— doesn’t know why Takeya —— looks towards Shingo , consequently Shingo using a deep, like a natural born deep voiced snigger.

“Hmhmhm, what’s the matter, you finally did it? Then, there is no other way besides using power to suppress!”

At the same time of the shout, surrounding Shingo tongues of crimson begin to burn and dance.
The flames that appear at the same time as the yell, even though connected to Shingo’s body, the clothes were not burnt. Shingo had surprisingly unthought-of carefulness.

Like the flames that continue to move on his body, Shingo was so happy that his lips were slanted, and said in like a proclamation.

“If you can’t speak about it then it is questionable, I'll burn off your arms and legs! Lessening the weight will make it easier to transport around! Won’t kill you now, but you can’t continue living in such a humiliating condition? After the suzerain finishes his questioning I’ll be nice and kill you! Within one week! Use this time for you to fully regret living. I want you to know! Killing Shinji, absolutely cannot allow you to continue living untroubled!”

Assuming the future will be like that was his words were saying. But, Kazuma facing crazily laughing Shingo, looked as if he was watching some rare animal, asked very seriously.

“Kannagi Clan has recently given food to this kind of thing?”

“—No, Ahh….hu….”

Takeya really had no reply. Considering himself to be normal, did want to recognize that the thing with him is the same kind.

“That person usually adores Shinji, now he hates you who killed Shinji 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 like that to him.”

“… Negotiation is broken then, it seems.”

In order to make good the 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 by the skin. Even though the fire spirits haven’t materialize, the surroundings have evidently changes in physics.

Seems like frightened in faced of such elevated fighting spirit, scores of red leaves continually fluttered down, the bright red leaves before touching Takeya’s body instantly changes to ashes and floated off.

Still Kazuma, like before, stood there with hands in the leather jacket watched the two of them. It seems like he has no desire to confront the Kannagi Clan, of course it is hard to see from that kind of pose.

“This is the 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!”

At the instance of starting the jutsus, the two believed that victory would be certain. Because in the clan the two of the strongest class attacking at the same time. No matter what kind of strategy Kazuma had, face with kind of massive power is useless.

But——

Poou! 

The fireball from Takeya hand, suddenly instanteously explodes. Above the sound, the fireball in his credulity 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 is still no possible to shield the crash of the explosion’s force.
Instantly the force of the explosion hits the entire body, Takeya was simply KO-ed.

(W,What? What had happened…? Shit, Shingo, leave….)

Even though “Leave the rest to you” this kind of saying, but Shingo similarly lost his conscious, because on his face the black and blue continuously pulsed.

Kazuma returns his hands back in the pockets of the leather jacket; lowering his head at the two people. After releasing a condescending grin, he walked right by the two unconscious persons' side.

Even though it seems like he wanted to directly leave, at that time Kazuma stops his footsteps. Then as if he felt something, looked towards the trees where no one is at.

“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 separated. Without any noise from the chopped tree following the break slowly slid down.

Already forgetting to hide the body, stood dumbly staring at Kazuma, then Kazuma turns to leave. The guarding jutsu practitioner was fearful. The one that was lured was himself? The prey we were hunting is this frightening thing——?

=== 3 ===
“Seriously, Father worries too much. I alone is enough don’t know how many times this has been repeated. When will he acknowledge me? Am I this untrustworthy?”

“The suzerain acknowledges Young Mistress' abilities, only 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, encountered the employer of Kazuma —— of course, single mindedness heading to location to vanquish the spirits, and not understand the reason. '''! '''

Upon arrival to the location and discovering that the seal has deteriorated to point beyond the previously assumed limits, Ayano immediately destroys the idea of the resealing, and instead decided to eliminate it. Then without any testing she immediately ripped off the seal.

Popular saying was. “This method is faster.” 

People without significant confidence in ones own ability would not say something like that, certainly the two men that accompanied her also know that she has the necessary ability to go along with such self-confidence.

Certainly, Juugo also knows that she has this kind of ability, but such worries of a father are within reason. Even describing Juugo as stupid or foolish, most of times he sends two or more people to protect her.

“Don’t mix the work with private life, is frequently lectured no matter when. Don’t follow your own desires and do things, Uncle Masato?” 

Still discharging her annoyances, Ayano faced that guy —— the younger brother of the Yuuki family head, complaining to Masato.
“Because he is the suzerain, he cannot mull over such minor issues.”
In this manner on Masato’s thin face appeared a smile and laughter. As a member of the branch families, he certainly wasn’t thinking about the consequences. But, it seems like Ayano hasn’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, so went off to Tibet to train like a eccentric person.

When he returned to Japan he was given the “Protect Ayano” mission. Juugo has a high regard of him, and from the first time Ayano went on a mission he continually was responsible for this kind of protecting job.

Certainly, Ayano also has good feelings about this easy-going relative. Due to the surrounding people’s princess like treatment of her, faced with Masato’s kind of causal attitude is quite refreshing for her, furthermore it feels very good.

Consequently “Uncle Masato, ojo-sama this kind of terminology, is like a real family without any separation.

“Maybe it is to allow the younger jutsu practitioner to learn, this kind of reasoning is still possible. Isn’t that, Takeshi… Takeshi?”

“Ahh, Yes!?”

The young jutsu practitioner using admiring eyes staring at Ayano —— Oogami Takeshi’s uncle hollered 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 have understood! Just like what Uncle have said! To be allowed to watch Ayano-sama 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, appears compared to respect, has more admiration and reverence. For Takeshi’s generation of jutsu practitioners, Ayano has existence of a goddess. Hoping to watch her striking manner from close by guarding is something everyone will accept.

“Yes——It’s——like——this?”
“Yes, it’s like that!”

The exhilaration to be able to talk to Ayano is something seen through Takeshi’s entire body language. Of course, Ayano doesn’t like being seen like that. Seems like herself is being separated from being “normal”, changed to something she can’t wait.

No matter what, no matter how it is explained is useless. That’s only Takeshi’s simple, compared to himself much stronger and beautiful existence, means of showing deference.

“Ah, forget it. … It’s about time.”

Ayano sensing the expanding ki of the youma, relaxingly turns herself towards the main hall. Mini-skirt starting to flutter and dance.

Now recalling, 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 the uniform. So Juugo, especially focused on this point, used within his the range of abilities added the best class of defensive spells.

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.

A result by inputting great amounts of money and time, a high school uniform; it is not wrong to say that it is a work of art. Its cost could be comparable. It could be said that is enough to buy a car, no, not really, correctly said it can buy a luxury house without being wrong.

Of course Ayano pays attention to this outfit —— not towards its capabilities —— because it is a gift given by her father —— so she frequently wears 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-thousands 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 jutsu 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 an 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.

Continously summoning stronger, 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.

Accompaning 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. [Original Rules] —— 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 Infrit has come? Crap, when has Japan become world of youma!? Note: Infrit is the name of fire god.)

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…)

Shruggin 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 jutsu 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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| Back to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
| Forward to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter3|Chapter 3]]
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Kaze no Stigma:Volume1 Translator's Notes

2007-06-12T02:50:14Z

68.100.97.46: I'm still Jumpyshoes. Cause I rock.

<center>Translator's Notes and References for 
<big>第一巻: 風の聖痕</big> 
Volume 1: Kaze no Stigma</center>

== Chapter 1 ==

=== Enjutsu ===

Literally "Fire Technique." This will be used from here on.

=== Ukemi ===

Ukemi comes from Uke. Uke is a form of martial arts where one learns how to "receive" a technique. Basically, a Ukemi is when you learn how to take a throw or a fall without injuring yourself. Here is the Wikipedia article. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukemi

=== Taijutsu ===

Literally "Body Arts." This is a very broad term for classical martial arts or fighting arts in general. Here is the Wikipedia article. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taijutsu

=== Kekkai ===

Kekkai means barrier, and is typically magical or spiritual. Here is the Wikipedia article. Please look at the bottom paragraph. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kekkai
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| Jump to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
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== Chapter 2 ==

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== Chapter 3 ==

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== Chapter 4 ==

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== Chapter 5 ==

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== Chapter 6 ==

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== Epilogue ==

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Kaze no Stigma:Volume1 Chapter1

2007-06-12T02:47:16Z

68.100.97.46: I'm Jumpyshoes. Cause I can't log in.

== Chapter One - The Disinherited Son Returns ==

=== 1 ===

"What bad taste……"

That was the first impression he had of the client. Incidentally, it should also be noted, that this is an impression that did not change in the slightest all the way to the end.

In this hilly high-class residential area, the mansion was sitting arrogantly on display. With a design that completely disregarded the harmony of its surroundings, there were plenty of reasons to doubt the owner's true character.

If one were to disregard the bad taste thus far, one might have to say it was rather magnificent. Climbing up Governor's Hill, about as close by as the famous Catholic girl's school, was the mansion. When he saw it, he was honestly, completely stunned.

(Did Turkish harems have this feel?)

Yagami Kazuma didn't seem to be joking when he thought that. "Don't paint the walls of a Japanese house in such wild colors!" he wanted to preach, while grabbing that person's collar. It was that kind of house.

This could probably be considered the place of origin of Japan's Westernization movement. The first gaslight was lit here; ice cream was put on sale here first. One would have expected it to be a stylish, refined town with a distinguished history.

(Considering that, this is probably some kind of breach of contract……)

He saw a decorated golden carp on the roof and let out a sigh. The image that was held dear in Yokohama, had crumbled away completely, with a clattering sound.

When he had accepted the job at the agency, he was given not only an address, but also a detailed map. It had been completely unnecessary, however. By asking the neighborhood residents, "What's the house with the poorest taste around here?" probably even a monkey could manage to find his way here.

A structure that was painful to the eyes —— he didn't want to call that a house —— that upon viewing, made Kazuma look up to the sky, begging. The sky was empty and blue.

"Hey, at least it's work……"

He muttered to convince himself.

However, this is the same Kazuma whose look probably couldn't by any means be called appropriate for work.

Jeans and sneakers, a checkered shirt and a black jacket. His youth, at 22 years old, and his relaxed facial expression made him seem, no matter how you looked at it, no different from a student from the nearby university.

He was completely blind to his own faults. While continuing his observations, he noticed something strange.

The darkness covering the mansion was thicker than he had been told. Because of this, maybe even an ordinary person with no spirit sight could sense darkness in the mansion's surroundings.

(Maybe I'll just go back……)

Nagged by a horribly bad premonition, Kazuma was halfway seriously thinking about that.

The darkness that covered the mansion —— it was something more unearthly than he had expected, but it wasn't so much that he couldn't deal with it. For this reason, this premonition was a bad omen. There was something else up.

Judging from his experiences up to now, it was a credible and important premonition. However, he couldn't just throw away work on that alone.

This was his first assignment in Japan. If he broke off the arrangement with only a "For some reason or another," he probably wouldn't be able to get jobs in the future.

With heavy steps, he made his way toward the mansion. He stopped once more, in front of a nonsensically huge gate.

While standing in front of the doorbell, Kazuma was still unsure. Danger signals were bombarding his instincts. He couldn't help wanting to run away. However ——

"Yagami-sama, I presume."

Without any warning, a voice came from the intercom, and completely disrupted Kazuma's thinking. He jumped back with a start, and stood guarded. The voice continued from before, without concern for this.

"You have been expected. Kindly enter through the auxiliary entrance on the side."

Click.

Simultaneous with those words, a small door to the ride side of the gate unlocked. Apparently he was supposed to just go in.

(Compared with that "You have been expected," that's some rude treatment…)

He was feeling uncomfortable, but he was dealing with a customer. As instructed, he entered through the side door.

Inside the fence was awash with a large number of security cameras and sensors. They must live a very shadowy life.

Upon walking into the entranceway, multiple cameras followed him. With anger almost to the point of wanting to kill whoever was putting him under this rude surveillance, Kazuma somehow repressed himself.

"Eeek……"

That's what he'd intended, but apparently it had shown on his face. The face of the maid, who had come to greet him, was filled with a fear akin to having come across a man-eating bear. Kazuma hurriedly smoothed over his expression.

"Welcome, please come this way."

She went from a horrible face, as if she were being picked up and eaten, to an overly bright smile.

It didn't seem possible for someone to change their expression that dramatically, forgetting their suspicions, but the maid smiled as if nothing had happened. A pro.

As the maid walked ahead, Kazuma observed her gratifyingly swaying bottom, while going to the living room to wait.

(It would have been better if I'd left……)

As soon as he was guided into the living room, Kazuma felt deep regret at his choice. There inside, was a thin little man, self-importantly lying back, legs outstretched —— the master of the mansion, and client, Sakamoto Nanigashi —— but he wasn't alone. There was one practitioner as well, a face he knew well.

That practitioner, upon recognizing Kazuma, showed fear on his face for a moment, and then immediately twisted his lips into a sneer, glaring at Kazuma with a face full of scorn.

"What, the other practitioner was you, Kazuma? You became a disinherited child of the Kannagi's because of your incompetence, and now you dare to call yourself a practitioner?"

Probably, those explanatory words were for Sakamoto to hear. Practitioner —— Kannagi. The youngest child of the branch family Yuuki, Shinji truly took great pleasure in abusing Kazuma.

Sakamoto showed the response Shinji had expected. His expression changed, and he approached Kazuma.

"So this is true, then? Isn't this different from what you said? You said you were a top class spiritual practitioner, so I hired you!"

Kazuma calmly —— while retreating the same distance as the other advanced —— answered.

"I don't know what the person at the agency said. If you're dissatisfied, perhaps I should leave?"

"Hmmph, that's right."

Sakamoto's eyes showed a faintly cunning light. Kazuma's, even at the best of times, scarce desire to work, quickly neared zero.

"Mmmm, how about this? Why don't you both try the exorcism, and only the successful one gets paid. Ahh, naturally I won't tell the loser to return the advance payment."

"Good idea, yeah."

They had been flippant words, but Shinji had immediately accepted them. And then, with the face of someone who has been completely made a fool of, he asked Kazuma.

"And what are you going to do?"

"I'm out."

Kazuma gave an immediate reply. In the scornful stares of the two, not even one muscle of an eyebrow moved.

"Hmmph, coward, sucking your finger. I'll show you a model example of [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator%27s_Notes#Enjutsu|Enjutsu]]."

"Model example, eh. Didn't you say that? Just like the youngest child of the branch family."

"Y-you!"

Having the one he looked down upon, in return look down upon him, Shinji was enraged. He completely forgot about being in front of a client, tightened a fist, and struck out.

It was a fist intent on crushing the skull, which Kazuma handled by opening his body to the left.

In the instant that Shinji's right thrust was dodged, he transferred the movement energy to his left leg, without stopping the rotation of his hips.

In reaction to the shift in center of gravity, his left leg flew up in a rotating kick from Kazuma's blind spot, aiming for his temple.

However, Kazuma, as if he had seen it, lightly bent his head back. The heel of Shinji's left leg passed by a few millimeters in front of his eyes.

Kazuma's movements were like the leaves of a tree swaying in the wind, without hesitation. Into the space the kicking foot had left, he entered, with complete spontaneity, and lightly swept Shinji's pivot leg. Shinji, his left leg still floating in the air, under the power of his own rotational power, violently slammed into the floor.

"Sh-shit!"

Shinji had just barely managed to do [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator%27s_Notes#Ukemi|ukemi]], and quickly got back up. Incorrigibly, he assumed a fighting posture.

"You — thinking you could beat me in [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator%27s_Notes#Taijutsu|Taijutsu]]? Even four years ago, you weren't a match for me. There's no way you could be an opponent for my current self."

"Sh-shut up!"

Kazuma showed not the least bit of triumph. He chided disinterestedly, as if facing a defiant child. Being looked down upon from such a securely elevated position, Shinji's reason made a sound and broke.

"Stop it right there, you two."

However, just then, a restraining voice spoke, and the two turned at the same time to the voice's owner. Sakamoto showed great satisfaction at having gotten their attention. Then, in a tone as if he were an extremely important person, he scolded them.

"I didn't call you here to have a fight. The furnishings in this room, no matter which one you look at, are each more expensive than what I'm paying you. Any kind of rough behavior would be troublesome, okay?"

Suddenly, around the vicinity of the money talk, there was a scumbag. The person in question was probably attempting to flaunt his assets, but for the ones made to listen, it was nothing but the stink of the nouveau riche pushed up their noses.

(Maybe I'll leave…… since I still get the advance payment.)

With the discomfort index continuing to rise, with no end in sight, Kazuma's desire to work had already dropped into minus territory. He couldn't help feeling that even being in this place was agony.

"Mm……?"

However, without warning, the unearthly presence began to converge, heralding a new development.

"——It's coming."

The unearthly presence that had been spread throughout the mansion, directed its focus to one point in the living room. Kazuma moved casually, putting Sakamoto and Shinji in between himself and that presence.

"What's that? What just……"

The unearthly presence had solidified into something black. Shinji, over 10 seconds slower than Kazuma, had finally noticed it as well.

"Mmmm, so it came out?"

"Wh-what? What's wrong?"

Hesitatingly breaking the suddenly tense atmosphere, Sakamoto shouted in a shrill voice.

Kazuma answered in place of Shinji, who was already beginning to focus his mind for the use of jutsu.

"It's work time. The 'evil spirit' or whatever you've been struggling with just came out."

While giving that offhand explanation, Kazuma felt a beyond-ordinary sense of unease.

(That's no evil spirit. What kind of thing is it?)

When Kazuma had first accepted the assignment, the person at the agency had said "Just a normal evil spirit exorcism."

—— Hey, your first job should be one of these, right? If you're as good as the rumors say, you should be able to take that evil spirit with one hand ——

A superficial seeming man, but with definite achievements, he had heard. Their kind of work was, in some sense, even more than for practitioners, something where confidence was life. Making a mistake this big was extremely unlikely. It wasn't an easy business, that that kind of irresponsible agency person could survive.

(Was I set up? Well, fine. Should I just observe his skill?)

Kazuma learned against the wall, crossed his arms, and looked about as if sightseeing.

Preparing himself for the appearance of the "evil spirit," Shinji was focusing his mind.

It seemed he was planning to burn it away as soon as it appeared. It was clear to see in his expression.

Suddenly, the space in front of Shinji turned dark and thick. Shinji faced both his palms towards each other, in order to set up a transparent ball in front of his chest. A small fire was held between those palms.

Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooon……

A voice full of resentment shook the air as the evil spirit showed itself. A melted-away face projected an infinite hatred to all living beings.


"Eeep!"

"HAAAA!!"

Paying no attention to the screaming Sakamoto, Shinji released a devastating flame, along with a sharp yell. The evil spirit became cleansed due to the fire; it had disappeared without a trace —— or so Shinji believed.

However——

"Idiot"

Gioooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo……

While the evil spirit's cries of agony echoed and Shinji was snickering —

Flame exploded.

"Gahhhhhhhhhh!?"

Shinji screamed, wrapped in flame. The uselessly large living room, in a moment, became a sea of flame.

Kakakakakakakakakakakakakakakaka

Shinji's flame had been eclipsed by the evil spirit. The flame had been completely devoured. The youma began to laugh sneeringly.

=== 2 ===

The Kannagi family is, even among the "Enjutsu users" who can freely manipulate fire, the strongest and most famous family. It is not simply just because their power is great. There is a special ability in the family's blood; the reason surely lies there. The flame that they manipulate is not through the physical phenomenon of the simple acceleration of molecular motion. It possesses the power to burn away impurities and destroy evil.

Because of this "purifying flame," the Kannagi family practitioners hold absolute dominance over youma, evil spirits, and all beings that transgress the law. Even with the ability given by blood, to the extent that blood is diluted, it is inevitable that that power will deteriorate.

Already, the branch family practitioners had long lost the highest rank of "gold". If a youma with fire attributes were the opponent, the released flame would even be likely to be absorbed.

For example, like just now —— the living room had been turned into purgatory. The high-class furniture and the shag carpet were already carbonizing. The glass from the chandelier on the ceiling had melted, turning into some grotesque art object.

"Wonder if he's dead?"

Kazuma muttered with a refreshed-looking face. A cool breeze wrapped around Kazuma; the raging flame wasn't even allowed to get close to him. Even the heat was sealed off; not a drop of sweat was apparent.

"H-help……"

A frail voice stimulated his eardrums. Kazuma looked down at the blackish object at his feet.

What had rolled screaming into the [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator%27s_Notes#Kekkai|kekkai]], was the former client, Sakamoto. He was burned here and there, but he didn't seem to be dead.

"Aaaaaa, he-help me!"

Sakamoto screamed while clinging onto Kazuma's legs. However Kazuma heartlessly kicked away his former client.

Thud!

Sakamoto's face began writhing in a new kind of pain, as it was mercilessly trampled upon. Since he didn't want to touch with anything beyond slippers, instead of stepping on him, he brought down his heel. It seemed like you could the skull making a creaking sound, but that wasn't a big problem.

Kazuma, trampled, grinding on Sakamoto's head, and clearly stated:

"You're not a client and I don't have the habit of saving middle-aged men."

"If it's money, I'll pay. Twice as much, or so……"

"Twice? Your life's worth only one million?

Kazuma took a cigarette from his pocket. He gently stretched out his hand, only exposing the cigarette's tip to the outside of the kekkai. He filled his lungs with tobacco smoke, and slowly let it out.

Sakamoto didn't have the leisure to be that relaxed. Whether on purpose, or by chance, only around Sakamoto, were there holes in the kekkai. The tongues of flame were beginning to lick him.

"Hot-, Ee-eeee, Help! I'll pay 10 million!"

"Thanks for your business."

Upon tossing away his cigarette, Kazuma changed suddenly, smiling brightly. The smile of a demon that had made a profitable deal.

"Alright now. Then, won't you please stand back?"

Kazuma kicked Sakamoto in the rear, sending him rolling, and as if it were obvious, proclaimed:

"You're in the way."

He began muttering in a staccato voice, and waved his right hand sideways in a mowing motion. As if being squeezed out by the hand, the raging fire was taken care of, expelled out the window.

The fire didn't spread to the grass and trees in the garden, but scattered and vanished.

And then, inside the room, a distorted face attached to a fireball — only the youma's true body remained.

Hyuuoou-

In place of the extinguished fire, wind raged around the room. Kazuma stood quietly. With his hand still in his jacket pocket, he did not move a finger. And yet, the wind followed Kazuma's intentions and erased the flame.

Already, the fight was over. In front of Kazuma's overwhelming power, the youma wasn't even able to put up any resistance as it was torn to pieces. All that was left to do was wait for its annihilation.

"And with this…"

Kazuma slowly raised his right hand. For someone with the power to see spirits, the density of spirits crowding that hand would have been terrifying.

"…the end!"

Ten times faster than it came up, the hand swung down. In a straight-line extension from the right hand, an invisible blade that cut even air molecules, cleaved the youma precisely in two.

Without sound, without any spirit fragments remaining, Kazuma regarded the destroyed youma with a calm look.

"Finished."

Kazuma pronounced to Sakamoto, who was still lying on the floor, dumbfounded.

"Pay the money in 3 days. Otherwise, would you like to regret having ever been born?"

They were completely like a criminal's words. Even if that was a mistake, it wasn't the way you'd speak to a customer.

However, Sakamoto, realizing the horror of going against Kazuma, did not complain.

"Y-yes. Understood. But something terrible has happened to Yuuki-kun. I never thought something so serious would happen."

Kazuma wordlessly came closer to what appeared to be the ashes of Shinji's remains and despairingly trampled on them. As expected, Sakamoto also raised his voice.

"Wh-what are you doing!? I don't know whatever happened between you two, but you still shouldn't desecrate a corpse, right!?"

"He's not dead."

Kazuma spat the words out dryly, and then continued to kick him again and again.

Upon doing so, the ash covering the surface began to fall off, and almost unscalded skin appeared.

"Wh-wha……?"

Sakamoto doubted his eyes, with this unbelievable scene. Kazuma gave an offhand explanation.

"All of Kannagi's people receive the divine protection of fire spirits. Even people from the branch family wouldn't die in this degree of fire."

Kazuma curled his lips in self-derision, and added,

"I'm the exception though."

"Uu……Guu……"

Upon doing that, Shinji woke up. Upon looking out around him, he confirmed that the youma had already been destroyed.

"You did this?"

"It's just like you saw."

Who do you think you are, saying whatever you please? —— Kazuma answered with that kind of tone. He had already seen through, that Shinji had kept his consciousness. Shinji hurriedly attempted an explanation.

"So you noticed……? But I couldn't help. I honestly couldn't move."

"I don't want to hear your excuses."

Kazuma coldly spoke that over his shoulder, as he turned his back. Shinji called out to the unhesitating figure leaving. There was still something that had to be said.

"Why did you return?"

"Must have been for something, I guess."

At that play-dumb answer, thinking he was being evaded, Shinji's gaze became sharp.

"'For something' …. Do you think the elders are going to understand that?"

"I was only disinherited, I wasn't deported. Where I am is my business."

"What are you planning?"

"Nothing in particular."

Kazuma answered curtly, shrugging his shoulders.

"Are you returning to the Kannagi?"

"Idiotic talk. Not even if I die."

He answered as if spitting out the words, and then Kazuma, this time, without hesitating, walked off.

Shinji was driven by an unease he couldn't stop. He continued to stare at Kazuma.

(I have to tell this to the suzerain as soon as possible……)

Shinji's unease was, in a sense, on the mark. A war to push the Kannagi into an abyss of ruin, was currently, from this moment, beginning.

===3===

"Do you know, it seems Kazuma has returned to Japan. What's more he became a fuujutsu practitioner."

"What, that incompetent has? It must be dead simple, then, to be a fuujutsu practitioner.

"Nope, 'I am a dark magician' is what I heard. For him to become a practitioner, he'd have to sell his soul to the devil, right?"

"Ah, that's probably true."

"Ahahahahahahahahahahahaha……"

That day, rumors of Kazuma were the talk of the Kannagi main house. Of the elders — the general term for one retired from active service and now overseeing the management of the practitioners — having heard Shinji's report, only one wasn't jokingly spreading around nonsense.

For the offense of the aforesaid Shinji's failure in his duty, he was currently under probation. Tail fin, dorsal fin, belly fins, all being wildly added to the rumor, until it grew to maturity, and not one person tried to stop it.

The source of the rumors, the elders, appeared to be in complete delight. The kind of people called elders, if you excepted the extremely serious exceptions, were basically men of leisure. "Looking important is work," and so on, was the gossip that some attacked with.

When there was no work, all day, they would drink tea, and amuse themselves by talking about various topics. Obviously, they could not resist something interesting to talk about.

Upon hearing Shinji's news, they were dancing for joy on the inside. The elders, when they passed the verdict of probation on the dejected Shinji, had even something of a skipping type of light gait, while they drank tea and turned back to each other. They haphazardly began talking like this:

"Ohh, did you know……?"

The elders were, during this work time, like different people, in energetic activity.

Within the hour, there was almost nobody in the huge mansion that had not heard of Kazuma's return to the country. It certainly reached the servants, and then all kinds of people heard about it.

It was, in short, a situation where almost nobody knew the true facts, but it wasn't a big problem for the elders, since "If it's interesting, who cares what happens later!" was the elders' basic attitude.

And so, news of Kazuma spread — the exact opposite direction that Shinji was hoping for,

To wit——

"Kazuma returned as a dark magician."

"Kazuma was secretly murdered; he's buried in the back garden."

"Kazuma clashed with Shinji during work and killed him suddenly."

"Kazuma made a contract with the wind spirits. An evil demon."

The truth was subtly mixed in, but having come this far, nobody could really interpret it. Obviously, no one feared Kazuma's retribution.

The main family's failure had left all his talent in his mother's womb, like liquid skimmed off the top, had somewhat found a preferable power to take in, it seemed. Nobody laughed at that.

However, there were a small number of exceptions. One of those was the current suzerain, Kannagi Juugo. During supper, in the humorous talk that was being told, there was one item that Juugo was interested in.

"Ohhhh? Kazuma chose fuujutsu? Did you know that, Genma?"

Juugo spoke to his cousin sitting next to him. For some reason, as if harboring some ill will, he smiled a hating smile.

"……Oh"

Genma answered in brief. The rumor having apparently already reached his ears, and he didn't appear disturbed.

However, it was clear that he wasn't happy about the rumor either. The saying "like someone chewing up a bitter bug" perfectly described his frown, as he gripped a tight fist.

If Kazuma was in front of me, I'd want to strangle him to death. It was that kind of face.

"It's shameful."

"It's not especially shameful."

Juugo answered lightly, and then gave a command to a servant.

"I would like to hear a detailed account. Call Shinji."

"Certainly."

Shinji went as far as scraping down to the tatami in his prostration. His tension was great, sweat floated on his forehead, and his breathing was disordered.

Regarding the Kannagi family, it would be fitting to say that the difference between the main family and the branch family's status was absolute. To even dream of a revolution was foolish.

Tradition, social status —— it wasn't a system based on that kind of abstract idea. The thing separating the two was only, only the overwhelming difference in power.

If all the practitioners of the branch family were to fight, if it was with someone like Juugo or Genma, they could be smashed by the wiggle of a little finger. Because of that kind of hopeless power difference, no thoughts of rebellion were harbored.

You could say it was understandable that Shinji would be under such tension. In front of Juugo, who had something similar to a god's absolute superiority, and having to recount his clumsy failure. This was definitely worse than his original feelings.

"Raise your face. You don't have to humble yourself like that."
　　
Juugo spoke in a friendly manner, but to look into the suzerain's face and speak, was far too overwhelming for Shinji. In the end, he raised his face, but his eyes still stared towards the tatami, as he submitted his report.

"A-and, I now have the privilege of being allowed to give this report."

"……I see."

When Shinji had finished recounting everything, Juugo said that, and was silent for a while.

"……I see."

As if to confirm, he repeated it one more time. He closed his eyes lightly, and reminisced back to when his nephew — to be accurate, the relation was more separated than that, but he used that label since it was too much trouble — had left 4 years ago.

(——What a poor child he was.)

If he had been born to any but the Kannagi family, he would have been considered a superior child, probably. Excellent intellect, good reflexes too, and he also showed great promise in learning the jutsu. Except for one; only if you excepted the ability to manipulate fire.

However, that was certainly, for the Kannagi family, the most necessary ability.

Someone with no talent for manipulating fire, no matter what else he was proficient at, was treated as an incompetent. As a result of that, Kazuma was no longer part of the Kannagi.

Yet —— Juugo thought.

(Why didn't you ask me for help, Kazuma? There was no need to disown you from the family. If it was me, I would have made a place for you. Whatever Genma said, I wouldn't have cared about the Enjutsu, I would have made use of your talent, yet despite that…..)

Juugo looked down upon his right leg. That right leg was a thing made of metal and plastic. If that accident hadn't happened, and the "rule of inheritance" hadn't been rushed, maybe Kazuma would be here right now?

However, it was far too late. Kazuma had thrown away the family, the family name, all that was Kannagi, and had left Japan. This was reality. "The past," a thing that could never be changed.

"……Suzerain?"

That uncertain sounding voice brought Juugo back to reality. Upon looking around, he found everyone in an uncomfortable silence. It wasn't surprising. Among these, there were almost none who had not tormented Kazuma.

However, the one who had driven Kazuma out was calm. That person —— Genma, spoke out, without a single change in his expression.

"Suzerain. Kazuma is already someone without any connection to the Kannagi. There is no need to worry about him."

"Genma, you would, of your own son ——"

"I have only one son, Ren."

Genma spoke coolly, interrupting the suzerain's words. Juugo tried to say something else in reply, but disliking unproductive battles, he put other, safer words into his mouth.

"It's fine then. After all, Kazuma has become successful with fuujutsu. Maybe it was best that he left the Kannagi. Or maybe, Hyoue, if he had been entrusted to your place, he would have become skilled and powerful?"

"Perhaps."

Sitting at a lower seat, the head of the Fuuga clan answered sullenly. 

At that, Genma again cut in with an objection.

"We are afraid, yet Fuujutsu and such, are after all, lower arts. The most they are capable of is acting as assistants to Enjutsu. Even supposing 4 years ago, we knew of Kazuma's talent for Fuujutsu, for us to leave him to people like the Fuuga clan, clearly, we would still have to disinherit him."

Hearing his art publicly insulted, Hyoue twisted his face in humiliation. However, nobody paid any attention to Hyoue, nor to his face.

For the Kannagi family, who only noticed the value of fighting power, the Fuuga clan, having been given the reconnaissance and battle support duties, were limited to a lower status. Genma's words were not reckless. They weren't anything beyond the normal beliefs of the other Kannagi.

"……We will go no further with this talk. Dinner will become unpleasant."

At Juugo's words, everyone showed clearly relieved expressions on their faces. As if on cue, cheerful talk began, and they rolled around laughing at silly jokes.

Though awkwardly, the usual dining hall atmosphere returned.

And so, nobody noticed the dark light harbored in Hyoue's eyes. He suppressed the expression on his face, and murmured in a voice so small that it did not reach even his own ears.

"I will not forget this disgrace, Genma……"

=== 4 ===

"Kannagi……no, Yagami Kazuma……? You came back at a very good time!"

"Huo-huo-huo……"

In a darkness-filled single room, without even one streak of light in it, a hoarse laugh broke into the strained silence.

"And……?"

"Yes, it's better if everyone hears this. Finally the time has come. The time when we must dispel the disgrace that has lasted 300 years. Now is the time for us to regain the power we lost and return to our previous glorious position."

"Ohhhhhhhhh…………"

A stifled commotion filled the air. No one shouted. Afraid of being discovered, they kept their breaths in check, keeping their tension locked in themselves.

"Oh, when you finally realize it, you Kannagi. We will overthrow you and leave not a single one remaining……Kukuku……"

A low and gloomy voice echoed with a resentment darker than darkness.

"U-uwaaaaaaaaaaaa! Wha-what, what are you doing-!"

That same day, late at night, Shinji screamed out. Nearby were two freshly severed heads, and two headless corpses tumbled down. And then, standing before him, a —— human?

Shinji wasn't able to say for certain. By outward appearance, there was nothing different from a human, but that unearthliness was something a person could not possibly have.

The two who had been living up until 30 seconds ago, had been captured in a kekkai without even any chance to prepare themselves, and had been immediately decapitated.

The mysterious person had not moved a single finger. And yet, Shinji had clearly witnessed two heads being sliced off with incredible force, as if it was nothing. Or rather, had been forced to witness.

Shinji was the only person left living, even though the other two surpassed him in skill. It wasn't because of luck. Shinji realized this more than anyone else.

He was being toyed with. This demon in human shape was feeding on Shinji's fear and hopelessness. For a moment, it held off killing him, playing with him lazily, enjoying his empty resistance.

"What the hell! What did I do……?"

''That thing'' gave no answers. Without even footsteps, it came near, taking its time.

''That thing'' was completely silent. Not even the hint of a sound, as it drew closer. wielding an invisible sword.

Even when those heads had been severed, silence. The two blood-covered heads rolling on the ground seemed not to have noticed their own deaths, still with drunken, relaxed, slack smiles.

Shinji knew of only one person who could do what ''that thing'' could do. He had just met him yesterday. In addition, that man had a motive to kill them.

Shinji became frantic, begging ''that thing'' for forgiveness. His voice did a complete about-face.

"Ka-Kazuma? You're Kazuma, right? Forgive me, it was my fault, I'm regretting it, so please, forgive meeee"

The only reply was the flash of the wind-blade. It severed his right arm at the base. The blade formed of a high density of spirits, cut through meat and bone as if it were tofu.

"Uwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!"

While screaming, Shinji threw himself fully into starting Enjutsu. The intense concentration from being so close to death brought forth the greatest power of his 25 years of life.

''That thing'' was covered in golden flame. Destroying any and all demons, the highest level of purification. The flame burned through the darkness.

"Y-yeah! I think I——"

Suddenly, ''that thing'', now changed into a huge torch, began to move. Shinji's face, full of hope, froze.

''That thing'' stretched out a hand, easily taking hold of the golden flame, and in one movement, tore it from its body! 

''That thing'' had escaped from the flame's restraints, completely uninjured. To say nothing of its body, not even the clothes showed any sign of having been burned.

''That thing'' slowly turned to Shinji and began walking. Underneath the freezing moonlight, without a sound, it came closer, an ominous shadow.

This was in some ways, twisted. There was something there that the eye could not help being fascinated by. A scene filled with beauty that one had to admit was of the spirit world.

"Hee, heehee, heeheeeeheeheehee-, kyahahahaha, ahahahaha!"

Suddenly, Shinji began laughing in a strange voice.

From an overload of fear, apparently his mental equilibrium had snapped. Even when the wind blade soundlessly sliced through his body, splitting it, without even showing a reaction, he tumbled over laughing.

Perhaps ''that thing'' had tired of Shinji's lack of response. As if throwing away an unwanted toy, it casually sliced off his head.

There was a dull thunk. The third head rolled on the ground.

Even having finished killing everyone alive, ''that thing'' was still dissatisfied. It persistently continued slicing up the bodies. Though it was only a few minutes, the three bodies had been turned into many small pieces. To not even speak of the parents being able to recognize them, they wouldn't even be able to tell what kind of flesh it was.

The raw stink of blood and meat drifted through the kekkai. ''That thing'' laughed cruelly, and as if melting into the air, vanished.

Afterwards, three severed heads remained. In contrast to the bodies, there was not one injury on those heads.

Somehow, the three heads had ended up in a straight line to the gate; each had a strange smile, as if to say to anyone coming through that gate,

"Welcome to a nightmare world."

Words that appeared to be delivered smilingly.

And so the tragedy began——

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Kaze no Stigma:Volume1 Translator's Notes

2007-06-11T20:32:27Z

68.100.97.46: That damn thing won't let me log in. Added wiki article.

<center>Translator's Notes and References for 
<big>第一巻: 風の聖痕</big> 
Volume 1: Kaze no Stigma</center>

== Chapter 1 ==

=== Enjutsu ===

Literally "Fire Technique." This will be used from here on.

=== Ukemi ===

Ukemi comes from Uke. Uke is a form of martial arts where one learns how to "receive" a technique. Basically, a Ukemi is when you learn how to take a throw or a fall without injuring yourself. Here is the Wikipedia article. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukemi

=== Taijutsu ===

Literally "Body Arts." This is a very broad term for classical martial arts or fighting arts in general. Here is the Wikipedia article. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taijutsu
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== Chapter 2 ==

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== Chapter 3 ==

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== Chapter 4 ==

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== Chapter 5 ==

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== Chapter 6 ==

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== Epilogue ==

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Kaze no Stigma:Volume1 Chapter1

2007-06-11T20:30:36Z

68.100.97.46: Test. Translator notes.

== Chapter One - The Disinherited Son Returns ==

=== 1 ===

"What bad taste……"

That was the first impression he had of the client. Incidentally, it should also be noted, that this is an impression that did not change in the slightest all the way to the end.

In this hilly high-class residential area, the mansion was sitting arrogantly on display. With a design that completely disregarded the harmony of its surroundings, there were plenty of reasons to doubt the owner's true character.

If one were to disregard the bad taste thus far, one might have to say it was rather magnificent. Climbing up Governor's Hill, about as close by as the famous Catholic girl's school, was the mansion. When he saw it, he was honestly, completely stunned.

(Did Turkish harems have this feel?)

Yagami Kazuma didn't seem to be joking when he thought that. "Don't paint the walls of a Japanese house in such wild colors!" he wanted to preach, while grabbing that person's collar. It was that kind of house.

This could probably be considered the place of origin of Japan's Westernization movement. The first gaslight was lit here; ice cream was put on sale here first. One would have expected it to be a stylish, refined town with a distinguished history.

(Considering that, this is probably some kind of breach of contract……)

He saw a decorated golden carp on the roof and let out a sigh. The image that was held dear in Yokohama, had crumbled away completely, with a clattering sound.

When he had accepted the job at the agency, he was given not only an address, but also a detailed map. It had been completely unnecessary, however. By asking the neighborhood residents, "What's the house with the poorest taste around here?" probably even a monkey could manage to find his way here.

A structure that was painful to the eyes —— he didn't want to call that a house —— that upon viewing, made Kazuma look up to the sky, begging. The sky was empty and blue.

"Hey, at least it's work……"

He muttered to convince himself.

However, this is the same Kazuma whose look probably couldn't by any means be called appropriate for work.

Jeans and sneakers, a checkered shirt and a black jacket. His youth, at 22 years old, and his relaxed facial expression made him seem, no matter how you looked at it, no different from a student from the nearby university.

He was completely blind to his own faults. While continuing his observations, he noticed something strange.

The darkness covering the mansion was thicker than he had been told. Because of this, maybe even an ordinary person with no spirit sight could sense darkness in the mansion's surroundings.

(Maybe I'll just go back……)

Nagged by a horribly bad premonition, Kazuma was halfway seriously thinking about that.

The darkness that covered the mansion —— it was something more unearthly than he had expected, but it wasn't so much that he couldn't deal with it. For this reason, this premonition was a bad omen. There was something else up.

Judging from his experiences up to now, it was a credible and important premonition. However, he couldn't just throw away work on that alone.

This was his first assignment in Japan. If he broke off the arrangement with only a "For some reason or another," he probably wouldn't be able to get jobs in the future.

With heavy steps, he made his way toward the mansion. He stopped once more, in front of a nonsensically huge gate.

While standing in front of the doorbell, Kazuma was still unsure. Danger signals were bombarding his instincts. He couldn't help wanting to run away. However ——

"Yagami-sama, I presume."

Without any warning, a voice came from the intercom, and completely disrupted Kazuma's thinking. He jumped back with a start, and stood guarded. The voice continued from before, without concern for this.

"You have been expected. Kindly enter through the auxiliary entrance on the side."

Click.

Simultaneous with those words, a small door to the ride side of the gate unlocked. Apparently he was supposed to just go in.

(Compared with that "You have been expected," that's some rude treatment…)

He was feeling uncomfortable, but he was dealing with a customer. As instructed, he entered through the side door.

Inside the fence was awash with a large number of security cameras and sensors. They must live a very shadowy life.

Upon walking into the entranceway, multiple cameras followed him. With anger almost to the point of wanting to kill whoever was putting him under this rude surveillance, Kazuma somehow repressed himself.

"Eeek……"

That's what he'd intended, but apparently it had shown on his face. The face of the maid, who had come to greet him, was filled with a fear akin to having come across a man-eating bear. Kazuma hurriedly smoothed over his expression.

"Welcome, please come this way."

She went from a horrible face, as if she were being picked up and eaten, to an overly bright smile.

It didn't seem possible for someone to change their expression that dramatically, forgetting their suspicions, but the maid smiled as if nothing had happened. A pro.

As the maid walked ahead, Kazuma observed her gratifyingly swaying bottom, while going to the living room to wait.

(It would have been better if I'd left……)

As soon as he was guided into the living room, Kazuma felt deep regret at his choice. There inside, was a thin little man, self-importantly lying back, legs outstretched —— the master of the mansion, and client, Sakamoto Nanigashi —— but he wasn't alone. There was one practitioner as well, a face he knew well.

That practitioner, upon recognizing Kazuma, showed fear on his face for a moment, and then immediately twisted his lips into a sneer, glaring at Kazuma with a face full of scorn.

"What, the other practitioner was you, Kazuma? You became a disinherited child of the Kannagi's because of your incompetence, and now you dare to call yourself a practitioner?"

Probably, those explanatory words were for Sakamoto to hear. Practitioner —— Kannagi. The youngest child of the branch family Yuuki, Shinji truly took great pleasure in abusing Kazuma.

Sakamoto showed the response Shinji had expected. His expression changed, and he approached Kazuma.

"So this is true, then? Isn't this different from what you said? You said you were a top class spiritual practitioner, so I hired you!"

Kazuma calmly —— while retreating the same distance as the other advanced —— answered.

"I don't know what the person at the agency said. If you're dissatisfied, perhaps I should leave?"

"Hmmph, that's right."

Sakamoto's eyes showed a faintly cunning light. Kazuma's, even at the best of times, scarce desire to work, quickly neared zero.

"Mmmm, how about this? Why don't you both try the exorcism, and only the successful one gets paid. Ahh, naturally I won't tell the loser to return the advance payment."

"Good idea, yeah."

They had been flippant words, but Shinji had immediately accepted them. And then, with the face of someone who has been completely made a fool of, he asked Kazuma.

"And what are you going to do?"

"I'm out."

Kazuma gave an immediate reply. In the scornful stares of the two, not even one muscle of an eyebrow moved.

"Hmmph, coward, sucking your finger. I'll show you a model example of [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator%27s_Notes#Enjutsu|Enjutsu]]."

"Model example, eh. Didn't you say that? Just like the youngest child of the branch family."

"Y-you!"

Having the one he looked down upon, in return look down upon him, Shinji was enraged. He completely forgot about being in front of a client, tightened a fist, and struck out.

It was a fist intent on crushing the skull, which Kazuma handled by opening his body to the left.

In the instant that Shinji's right thrust was dodged, he transferred the movement energy to his left leg, without stopping the rotation of his hips.

In reaction to the shift in center of gravity, his left leg flew up in a rotating kick from Kazuma's blind spot, aiming for his temple.

However, Kazuma, as if he had seen it, lightly bent his head back. The heel of Shinji's left leg passed by a few millimeters in front of his eyes.

Kazuma's movements were like the leaves of a tree swaying in the wind, without hesitation. Into the space the kicking foot had left, he entered, with complete spontaneity, and lightly swept Shinji's pivot leg. Shinji, his left leg still floating in the air, under the power of his own rotational power, violently slammed into the floor.

"Sh-shit!"

Shinji had just barely managed to do [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator%27s_Notes#Ukemi|ukemi]], and quickly got back up. Incorrigibly, he assumed a fighting posture.

"You — thinking you could beat me in [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator%27s_Notes#Taijutsu|Taijutsu]]? Even four years ago, you weren't a match for me. There's no way you could be an opponent for my current self."

"Sh-shut up!"

Kazuma showed not the least bit of triumph. He chided disinterestedly, as if facing a defiant child. Being looked down upon from such a securely elevated position, Shinji's reason made a sound and broke.

"Stop it right there, you two."

However, just then, a restraining voice spoke, and the two turned at the same time to the voice's owner. Sakamoto showed great satisfaction at having gotten their attention. Then, in a tone as if he were an extremely important person, he scolded them.

"I didn't call you here to have a fight. The furnishings in this room, no matter which one you look at, are each more expensive than what I'm paying you. Any kind of rough behavior would be troublesome, okay?"

Suddenly, around the vicinity of the money talk, there was a scumbag. The person in question was probably attempting to flaunt his assets, but for the ones made to listen, it was nothing but the stink of the nouveau riche pushed up their noses.

(Maybe I'll leave…… since I still get the advance payment.)

With the discomfort index continuing to rise, with no end in sight, Kazuma's desire to work had already dropped into minus territory. He couldn't help feeling that even being in this place was agony.

"Mm……?"

However, without warning, the unearthly presence began to converge, heralding a new development.

"——It's coming."

The unearthly presence that had been spread throughout the mansion, directed its focus to one point in the living room. Kazuma moved casually, putting Sakamoto and Shinji in between himself and that presence.

"What's that? What just……"

The unearthly presence had solidified into something black. Shinji, over 10 seconds slower than Kazuma, had finally noticed it as well.

"Mmmm, so it came out?"

"Wh-what? What's wrong?"

Hesitatingly breaking the suddenly tense atmosphere, Sakamoto shouted in a shrill voice.

Kazuma answered in place of Shinji, who was already beginning to focus his mind for the use of jutsu.

"It's work time. The 'evil spirit' or whatever you've been struggling with just came out."

While giving that offhand explanation, Kazuma felt a beyond-ordinary sense of unease.

(That's no evil spirit. What kind of thing is it?)

When Kazuma had first accepted the assignment, the person at the agency had said "Just a normal evil spirit exorcism."

—— Hey, your first job should be one of these, right? If you're as good as the rumors say, you should be able to take that evil spirit with one hand ——

A superficial seeming man, but with definite achievements, he had heard. Their kind of work was, in some sense, even more than for practitioners, something where confidence was life. Making a mistake this big was extremely unlikely. It wasn't an easy business, that that kind of irresponsible agency person could survive.

(Was I set up? Well, fine. Should I just observe his skill?)

Kazuma learned against the wall, crossed his arms, and looked about as if sightseeing.

Preparing himself for the appearance of the "evil spirit," Shinji was focusing his mind.

It seemed he was planning to burn it away as soon as it appeared. It was clear to see in his expression.

Suddenly, the space in front of Shinji turned dark and thick. Shinji faced both his palms towards each other, in order to set up a transparent ball in front of his chest. A small fire was held between those palms.

Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooon……

A voice full of resentment shook the air as the evil spirit showed itself. A melted-away face projected an infinite hatred to all living beings.


"Eeep!"

"HAAAA!!"

Paying no attention to the screaming Sakamoto, Shinji released a devastating flame, along with a sharp yell. The evil spirit became cleansed due to the fire; it had disappeared without a trace —— or so Shinji believed.

However——

"Idiot"

Gioooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo……

While the evil spirit's cries of agony echoed and Shinji was snickering —

Flame exploded.

"Gahhhhhhhhhh!?"

Shinji screamed, wrapped in flame. The uselessly large living room, in a moment, became a sea of flame.

Kakakakakakakakakakakakakakakaka

Shinji's flame had been eclipsed by the evil spirit. The flame had been completely devoured. The youma began to laugh sneeringly.

=== 2 ===

The Kannagi family is, even among the "Enjutsu users" who can freely manipulate fire, the strongest and most famous family. It is not simply just because their power is great. There is a special ability in the family's blood; the reason surely lies there. The flame that they manipulate is not through the physical phenomenon of the simple acceleration of molecular motion. It possesses the power to burn away impurities and destroy evil.

Because of this "purifying flame," the Kannagi family practitioners hold absolute dominance over youma, evil spirits, and all beings that transgress the law. Even with the ability given by blood, to the extent that blood is diluted, it is inevitable that that power will deteriorate.

Already, the branch family practitioners had long lost the highest rank of "gold". If a youma with fire attributes were the opponent, the released flame would even be likely to be absorbed.

For example, like just now —— the living room had been turned into purgatory. The high-class furniture and the shag carpet were already carbonizing. The glass from the chandelier on the ceiling had melted, turning into some grotesque art object.

"Wonder if he's dead?"

Kazuma muttered with a refreshed-looking face. A cool breeze wrapped around Kazuma; the raging flame wasn't even allowed to get close to him. Even the heat was sealed off; not a drop of sweat was apparent.

"H-help……"

A frail voice stimulated his eardrums. Kazuma looked down at the blackish object at his feet.

What had rolled screaming into the kekkai, was the former client, Sakamoto. He was burned here and there, but he didn't seem to be dead.

"Aaaaaa, he-help me!"

Sakamoto screamed while clinging onto Kazuma's legs. However Kazuma heartlessly kicked away his former client.

Thud!

Sakamoto's face began writhing in a new kind of pain, as it was mercilessly trampled upon. Since he didn't want to touch with anything beyond slippers, instead of stepping on him, he brought down his heel. It seemed like you could the skull making a creaking sound, but that wasn't a big problem.

Kazuma, trampled, grinding on Sakamoto's head, and clearly stated:

"You're not a client and I don't have the habit of saving middle-aged men."

"If it's money, I'll pay. Twice as much, or so……"

"Twice? Your life's worth only one million?

Kazuma took a cigarette from his pocket. He gently stretched out his hand, only exposing the cigarette's tip to the outside of the kekkai. He filled his lungs with tobacco smoke, and slowly let it out.

Sakamoto didn't have the leisure to be that relaxed. Whether on purpose, or by chance, only around Sakamoto, were there holes in the kekkai. The tongues of flame were beginning to lick him.

"Hot-, Ee-eeee, Help! I'll pay 10 million!"

"Thanks for your business."

Upon tossing away his cigarette, Kazuma changed suddenly, smiling brightly. The smile of a demon that had made a profitable deal.

"Alright now. Then, won't you please stand back?"

Kazuma kicked Sakamoto in the rear, sending him rolling, and as if it were obvious, proclaimed:

"You're in the way."

He began muttering in a staccato voice, and waved his right hand sideways in a mowing motion. As if being squeezed out by the hand, the raging fire was taken care of, expelled out the window.

The fire didn't spread to the grass and trees in the garden, but scattered and vanished.

And then, inside the room, a distorted face attached to a fireball — only the youma's true body remained.

Hyuuoou-

In place of the extinguished fire, wind raged around the room. Kazuma stood quietly. With his hand still in his jacket pocket, he did not move a finger. And yet, the wind followed Kazuma's intentions and erased the flame.

Already, the fight was over. In front of Kazuma's overwhelming power, the youma wasn't even able to put up any resistance as it was torn to pieces. All that was left to do was wait for its annihilation.

"And with this…"

Kazuma slowly raised his right hand. For someone with the power to see spirits, the density of spirits crowding that hand would have been terrifying.

"…the end!"

Ten times faster than it came up, the hand swung down. In a straight-line extension from the right hand, an invisible blade that cut even air molecules, cleaved the youma precisely in two.

Without sound, without any spirit fragments remaining, Kazuma regarded the destroyed youma with a calm look.

"Finished."

Kazuma pronounced to Sakamoto, who was still lying on the floor, dumbfounded.

"Pay the money in 3 days. Otherwise, would you like to regret having ever been born?"

They were completely like a criminal's words. Even if that was a mistake, it wasn't the way you'd speak to a customer.

However, Sakamoto, realizing the horror of going against Kazuma, did not complain.

"Y-yes. Understood. But something terrible has happened to Yuuki-kun. I never thought something so serious would happen."

Kazuma wordlessly came closer to what appeared to be the ashes of Shinji's remains and despairingly trampled on them. As expected, Sakamoto also raised his voice.

"Wh-what are you doing!? I don't know whatever happened between you two, but you still shouldn't desecrate a corpse, right!?"

"He's not dead."

Kazuma spat the words out dryly, and then continued to kick him again and again.

Upon doing so, the ash covering the surface began to fall off, and almost unscalded skin appeared.

"Wh-wha……?"

Sakamoto doubted his eyes, with this unbelievable scene. Kazuma gave an offhand explanation.

"All of Kannagi's people receive the divine protection of fire spirits. Even people from the branch family wouldn't die in this degree of fire."

Kazuma curled his lips in self-derision, and added,

"I'm the exception though."

"Uu……Guu……"

Upon doing that, Shinji woke up. Upon looking out around him, he confirmed that the youma had already been destroyed.

"You did this?"

"It's just like you saw."

Who do you think you are, saying whatever you please? —— Kazuma answered with that kind of tone. He had already seen through, that Shinji had kept his consciousness. Shinji hurriedly attempted an explanation.

"So you noticed……? But I couldn't help. I honestly couldn't move."

"I don't want to hear your excuses."

Kazuma coldly spoke that over his shoulder, as he turned his back. Shinji called out to the unhesitating figure leaving. There was still something that had to be said.

"Why did you return?"

"Must have been for something, I guess."

At that play-dumb answer, thinking he was being evaded, Shinji's gaze became sharp.

"'For something' …. Do you think the elders are going to understand that?"

"I was only disinherited, I wasn't deported. Where I am is my business."

"What are you planning?"

"Nothing in particular."

Kazuma answered curtly, shrugging his shoulders.

"Are you returning to the Kannagi?"

"Idiotic talk. Not even if I die."

He answered as if spitting out the words, and then Kazuma, this time, without hesitating, walked off.

Shinji was driven by an unease he couldn't stop. He continued to stare at Kazuma.

(I have to tell this to the suzerain as soon as possible……)

Shinji's unease was, in a sense, on the mark. A war to push the Kannagi into an abyss of ruin, was currently, from this moment, beginning.

===3===

"Do you know, it seems Kazuma has returned to Japan. What's more he became a fuujutsu practitioner."

"What, that incompetent has? It must be dead simple, then, to be a fuujutsu practitioner.

"Nope, 'I am a dark magician' is what I heard. For him to become a practitioner, he'd have to sell his soul to the devil, right?"

"Ah, that's probably true."

"Ahahahahahahahahahahahaha……"

That day, rumors of Kazuma were the talk of the Kannagi main house. Of the elders — the general term for one retired from active service and now overseeing the management of the practitioners — having heard Shinji's report, only one wasn't jokingly spreading around nonsense.

For the offense of the aforesaid Shinji's failure in his duty, he was currently under probation. Tail fin, dorsal fin, belly fins, all being wildly added to the rumor, until it grew to maturity, and not one person tried to stop it.

The source of the rumors, the elders, appeared to be in complete delight. The kind of people called elders, if you excepted the extremely serious exceptions, were basically men of leisure. "Looking important is work," and so on, was the gossip that some attacked with.

When there was no work, all day, they would drink tea, and amuse themselves by talking about various topics. Obviously, they could not resist something interesting to talk about.

Upon hearing Shinji's news, they were dancing for joy on the inside. The elders, when they passed the verdict of probation on the dejected Shinji, had even something of a skipping type of light gait, while they drank tea and turned back to each other. They haphazardly began talking like this:

"Ohh, did you know……?"

The elders were, during this work time, like different people, in energetic activity.

Within the hour, there was almost nobody in the huge mansion that had not heard of Kazuma's return to the country. It certainly reached the servants, and then all kinds of people heard about it.

It was, in short, a situation where almost nobody knew the true facts, but it wasn't a big problem for the elders, since "If it's interesting, who cares what happens later!" was the elders' basic attitude.

And so, news of Kazuma spread — the exact opposite direction that Shinji was hoping for,

To wit——

"Kazuma returned as a dark magician."

"Kazuma was secretly murdered; he's buried in the back garden."

"Kazuma clashed with Shinji during work and killed him suddenly."

"Kazuma made a contract with the wind spirits. An evil demon."

The truth was subtly mixed in, but having come this far, nobody could really interpret it. Obviously, no one feared Kazuma's retribution.

The main family's failure had left all his talent in his mother's womb, like liquid skimmed off the top, had somewhat found a preferable power to take in, it seemed. Nobody laughed at that.

However, there were a small number of exceptions. One of those was the current suzerain, Kannagi Juugo. During supper, in the humorous talk that was being told, there was one item that Juugo was interested in.

"Ohhhh? Kazuma chose fuujutsu? Did you know that, Genma?"

Juugo spoke to his cousin sitting next to him. For some reason, as if harboring some ill will, he smiled a hating smile.

"……Oh"

Genma answered in brief. The rumor having apparently already reached his ears, and he didn't appear disturbed.

However, it was clear that he wasn't happy about the rumor either. The saying "like someone chewing up a bitter bug" perfectly described his frown, as he gripped a tight fist.

If Kazuma was in front of me, I'd want to strangle him to death. It was that kind of face.

"It's shameful."

"It's not especially shameful."

Juugo answered lightly, and then gave a command to a servant.

"I would like to hear a detailed account. Call Shinji."

"Certainly."

Shinji went as far as scraping down to the tatami in his prostration. His tension was great, sweat floated on his forehead, and his breathing was disordered.

Regarding the Kannagi family, it would be fitting to say that the difference between the main family and the branch family's status was absolute. To even dream of a revolution was foolish.

Tradition, social status —— it wasn't a system based on that kind of abstract idea. The thing separating the two was only, only the overwhelming difference in power.

If all the practitioners of the branch family were to fight, if it was with someone like Juugo or Genma, they could be smashed by the wiggle of a little finger. Because of that kind of hopeless power difference, no thoughts of rebellion were harbored.

You could say it was understandable that Shinji would be under such tension. In front of Juugo, who had something similar to a god's absolute superiority, and having to recount his clumsy failure. This was definitely worse than his original feelings.

"Raise your face. You don't have to humble yourself like that."
　　
Juugo spoke in a friendly manner, but to look into the suzerain's face and speak, was far too overwhelming for Shinji. In the end, he raised his face, but his eyes still stared towards the tatami, as he submitted his report.

"A-and, I now have the privilege of being allowed to give this report."

"……I see."

When Shinji had finished recounting everything, Juugo said that, and was silent for a while.

"……I see."

As if to confirm, he repeated it one more time. He closed his eyes lightly, and reminisced back to when his nephew — to be accurate, the relation was more separated than that, but he used that label since it was too much trouble — had left 4 years ago.

(——What a poor child he was.)

If he had been born to any but the Kannagi family, he would have been considered a superior child, probably. Excellent intellect, good reflexes too, and he also showed great promise in learning the jutsu. Except for one; only if you excepted the ability to manipulate fire.

However, that was certainly, for the Kannagi family, the most necessary ability.

Someone with no talent for manipulating fire, no matter what else he was proficient at, was treated as an incompetent. As a result of that, Kazuma was no longer part of the Kannagi.

Yet —— Juugo thought.

(Why didn't you ask me for help, Kazuma? There was no need to disown you from the family. If it was me, I would have made a place for you. Whatever Genma said, I wouldn't have cared about the Enjutsu, I would have made use of your talent, yet despite that…..)

Juugo looked down upon his right leg. That right leg was a thing made of metal and plastic. If that accident hadn't happened, and the "rule of inheritance" hadn't been rushed, maybe Kazuma would be here right now?

However, it was far too late. Kazuma had thrown away the family, the family name, all that was Kannagi, and had left Japan. This was reality. "The past," a thing that could never be changed.

"……Suzerain?"

That uncertain sounding voice brought Juugo back to reality. Upon looking around, he found everyone in an uncomfortable silence. It wasn't surprising. Among these, there were almost none who had not tormented Kazuma.

However, the one who had driven Kazuma out was calm. That person —— Genma, spoke out, without a single change in his expression.

"Suzerain. Kazuma is already someone without any connection to the Kannagi. There is no need to worry about him."

"Genma, you would, of your own son ——"

"I have only one son, Ren."

Genma spoke coolly, interrupting the suzerain's words. Juugo tried to say something else in reply, but disliking unproductive battles, he put other, safer words into his mouth.

"It's fine then. After all, Kazuma has become successful with fuujutsu. Maybe it was best that he left the Kannagi. Or maybe, Hyoue, if he had been entrusted to your place, he would have become skilled and powerful?"

"Perhaps."

Sitting at a lower seat, the head of the Fuuga clan answered sullenly. 

At that, Genma again cut in with an objection.

"We are afraid, yet Fuujutsu and such, are after all, lower arts. The most they are capable of is acting as assistants to Enjutsu. Even supposing 4 years ago, we knew of Kazuma's talent for Fuujutsu, for us to leave him to people like the Fuuga clan, clearly, we would still have to disinherit him."

Hearing his art publicly insulted, Hyoue twisted his face in humiliation. However, nobody paid any attention to Hyoue, nor to his face.

For the Kannagi family, who only noticed the value of fighting power, the Fuuga clan, having been given the reconnaissance and battle support duties, were limited to a lower status. Genma's words were not reckless. They weren't anything beyond the normal beliefs of the other Kannagi.

"……We will go no further with this talk. Dinner will become unpleasant."

At Juugo's words, everyone showed clearly relieved expressions on their faces. As if on cue, cheerful talk began, and they rolled around laughing at silly jokes.

Though awkwardly, the usual dining hall atmosphere returned.

And so, nobody noticed the dark light harbored in Hyoue's eyes. He suppressed the expression on his face, and murmured in a voice so small that it did not reach even his own ears.

"I will not forget this disgrace, Genma……"

=== 4 ===

"Kannagi……no, Yagami Kazuma……? You came back at a very good time!"

"Huo-huo-huo……"

In a darkness-filled single room, without even one streak of light in it, a hoarse laugh broke into the strained silence.

"And……?"

"Yes, it's better if everyone hears this. Finally the time has come. The time when we must dispel the disgrace that has lasted 300 years. Now is the time for us to regain the power we lost and return to our previous glorious position."

"Ohhhhhhhhh…………"

A stifled commotion filled the air. No one shouted. Afraid of being discovered, they kept their breaths in check, keeping their tension locked in themselves.

"Oh, when you finally realize it, you Kannagi. We will overthrow you and leave not a single one remaining……Kukuku……"

A low and gloomy voice echoed with a resentment darker than darkness.

"U-uwaaaaaaaaaaaa! Wha-what, what are you doing-!"

That same day, late at night, Shinji screamed out. Nearby were two freshly severed heads, and two headless corpses tumbled down. And then, standing before him, a —— human?

Shinji wasn't able to say for certain. By outward appearance, there was nothing different from a human, but that unearthliness was something a person could not possibly have.

The two who had been living up until 30 seconds ago, had been captured in a kekkai without even any chance to prepare themselves, and had been immediately decapitated.

The mysterious person had not moved a single finger. And yet, Shinji had clearly witnessed two heads being sliced off with incredible force, as if it was nothing. Or rather, had been forced to witness.

Shinji was the only person left living, even though the other two surpassed him in skill. It wasn't because of luck. Shinji realized this more than anyone else.

He was being toyed with. This demon in human shape was feeding on Shinji's fear and hopelessness. For a moment, it held off killing him, playing with him lazily, enjoying his empty resistance.

"What the hell! What did I do……?"

''That thing'' gave no answers. Without even footsteps, it came near, taking its time.

''That thing'' was completely silent. Not even the hint of a sound, as it drew closer. wielding an invisible sword.

Even when those heads had been severed, silence. The two blood-covered heads rolling on the ground seemed not to have noticed their own deaths, still with drunken, relaxed, slack smiles.

Shinji knew of only one person who could do what ''that thing'' could do. He had just met him yesterday. In addition, that man had a motive to kill them.

Shinji became frantic, begging ''that thing'' for forgiveness. His voice did a complete about-face.

"Ka-Kazuma? You're Kazuma, right? Forgive me, it was my fault, I'm regretting it, so please, forgive meeee"

The only reply was the flash of the wind-blade. It severed his right arm at the base. The blade formed of a high density of spirits, cut through meat and bone as if it were tofu.

"Uwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!"

While screaming, Shinji threw himself fully into starting Enjutsu. The intense concentration from being so close to death brought forth the greatest power of his 25 years of life.

''That thing'' was covered in golden flame. Destroying any and all demons, the highest level of purification. The flame burned through the darkness.

"Y-yeah! I think I——"

Suddenly, ''that thing'', now changed into a huge torch, began to move. Shinji's face, full of hope, froze.

''That thing'' stretched out a hand, easily taking hold of the golden flame, and in one movement, tore it from its body! 

''That thing'' had escaped from the flame's restraints, completely uninjured. To say nothing of its body, not even the clothes showed any sign of having been burned.

''That thing'' slowly turned to Shinji and began walking. Underneath the freezing moonlight, without a sound, it came closer, an ominous shadow.

This was in some ways, twisted. There was something there that the eye could not help being fascinated by. A scene filled with beauty that one had to admit was of the spirit world.

"Hee, heehee, heeheeeeheeheehee-, kyahahahaha, ahahahaha!"

Suddenly, Shinji began laughing in a strange voice.

From an overload of fear, apparently his mental equilibrium had snapped. Even when the wind blade soundlessly sliced through his body, splitting it, without even showing a reaction, he tumbled over laughing.

Perhaps ''that thing'' had tired of Shinji's lack of response. As if throwing away an unwanted toy, it casually sliced off his head.

There was a dull thunk. The third head rolled on the ground.

Even having finished killing everyone alive, ''that thing'' was still dissatisfied. It persistently continued slicing up the bodies. Though it was only a few minutes, the three bodies had been turned into many small pieces. To not even speak of the parents being able to recognize them, they wouldn't even be able to tell what kind of flesh it was.

The raw stink of blood and meat drifted through the kekkai. ''That thing'' laughed cruelly, and as if melting into the air, vanished.

Afterwards, three severed heads remained. In contrast to the bodies, there was not one injury on those heads.

Somehow, the three heads had ended up in a straight line to the gate; each had a strange smile, as if to say to anyone coming through that gate,

"Welcome to a nightmare world."

Words that appeared to be delivered smilingly.

And so the tragedy began——

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Kaze no Stigma:Volume1 Translator's Notes

2007-06-11T20:28:53Z

68.100.97.46: /* Chapter 1 */

<center>Translator's Notes and References for 
<big>第一巻: 風の聖痕</big> 
Volume 1: Kaze no Stigma</center>

== Chapter 1 ==

=== Enjutsu ===

Literally "Fire Technique." This will be used from here on.

=== Ukemi ===

Ukemi comes from Uke. Uke is a form of martial arts where one learns how to "receive" a technique. Basically, a Ukemi is when you learn how to take a throw or a fall without injuring yourself. Here is the Wikipedia article. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukemi

=== Taijutsu ===

Literally "Body Arts." This is a very broad term for classical martial arts or fighting arts in general.
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== Chapter 2 ==

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== Chapter 3 ==

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== Chapter 4 ==

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== Chapter 5 ==

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== Chapter 6 ==

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== Epilogue ==

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Kaze no Stigma:Volume1 Translator's Notes

2007-06-11T20:22:04Z

68.100.97.46: Spelled it wrong . . . . . I suck . . .

<center>Translator's Notes and References for 
<big>第一巻: 風の聖痕</big> 
Volume 1: Kaze no Stigma</center>

== Chapter 1 ==

=== Enjutsu ===

Literally "Fire Technique." This will be used from here on.

=== Ukemi ===

Ukemi comes from Uke. Uke is a form of martial arts where one learns how to "receive" a technique. Basically, a Ukemi is when you learn how to take a throw or a fall without injuring yourself. Here is the Wikipedia article. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukemi
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| Jump to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
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== Chapter 2 ==

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== Chapter 3 ==

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== Chapter 4 ==

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== Chapter 5 ==

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== Chapter 6 ==

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== Epilogue ==

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Kaze no Stigma:Volume1 Chapter1

2007-06-11T20:21:18Z

68.100.97.46: This better work . . . .

== Chapter One - The Disinherited Son Returns ==

=== 1 ===

"What bad taste……"

That was the first impression he had of the client. Incidentally, it should also be noted, that this is an impression that did not change in the slightest all the way to the end.

In this hilly high-class residential area, the mansion was sitting arrogantly on display. With a design that completely disregarded the harmony of its surroundings, there were plenty of reasons to doubt the owner's true character.

If one were to disregard the bad taste thus far, one might have to say it was rather magnificent. Climbing up Governor's Hill, about as close by as the famous Catholic girl's school, was the mansion. When he saw it, he was honestly, completely stunned.

(Did Turkish harems have this feel?)

Yagami Kazuma didn't seem to be joking when he thought that. "Don't paint the walls of a Japanese house in such wild colors!" he wanted to preach, while grabbing that person's collar. It was that kind of house.

This could probably be considered the place of origin of Japan's Westernization movement. The first gaslight was lit here; ice cream was put on sale here first. One would have expected it to be a stylish, refined town with a distinguished history.

(Considering that, this is probably some kind of breach of contract……)

He saw a decorated golden carp on the roof and let out a sigh. The image that was held dear in Yokohama, had crumbled away completely, with a clattering sound.

When he had accepted the job at the agency, he was given not only an address, but also a detailed map. It had been completely unnecessary, however. By asking the neighborhood residents, "What's the house with the poorest taste around here?" probably even a monkey could manage to find his way here.

A structure that was painful to the eyes —— he didn't want to call that a house —— that upon viewing, made Kazuma look up to the sky, begging. The sky was empty and blue.

"Hey, at least it's work……"

He muttered to convince himself.

However, this is the same Kazuma whose look probably couldn't by any means be called appropriate for work.

Jeans and sneakers, a checkered shirt and a black jacket. His youth, at 22 years old, and his relaxed facial expression made him seem, no matter how you looked at it, no different from a student from the nearby university.

He was completely blind to his own faults. While continuing his observations, he noticed something strange.

The darkness covering the mansion was thicker than he had been told. Because of this, maybe even an ordinary person with no spirit sight could sense darkness in the mansion's surroundings.

(Maybe I'll just go back……)

Nagged by a horribly bad premonition, Kazuma was halfway seriously thinking about that.

The darkness that covered the mansion —— it was something more unearthly than he had expected, but it wasn't so much that he couldn't deal with it. For this reason, this premonition was a bad omen. There was something else up.

Judging from his experiences up to now, it was a credible and important premonition. However, he couldn't just throw away work on that alone.

This was his first assignment in Japan. If he broke off the arrangement with only a "For some reason or another," he probably wouldn't be able to get jobs in the future.

With heavy steps, he made his way toward the mansion. He stopped once more, in front of a nonsensically huge gate.

While standing in front of the doorbell, Kazuma was still unsure. Danger signals were bombarding his instincts. He couldn't help wanting to run away. However ——

"Yagami-sama, I presume."

Without any warning, a voice came from the intercom, and completely disrupted Kazuma's thinking. He jumped back with a start, and stood guarded. The voice continued from before, without concern for this.

"You have been expected. Kindly enter through the auxiliary entrance on the side."

Click.

Simultaneous with those words, a small door to the ride side of the gate unlocked. Apparently he was supposed to just go in.

(Compared with that "You have been expected," that's some rude treatment…)

He was feeling uncomfortable, but he was dealing with a customer. As instructed, he entered through the side door.

Inside the fence was awash with a large number of security cameras and sensors. They must live a very shadowy life.

Upon walking into the entranceway, multiple cameras followed him. With anger almost to the point of wanting to kill whoever was putting him under this rude surveillance, Kazuma somehow repressed himself.

"Eeek……"

That's what he'd intended, but apparently it had shown on his face. The face of the maid, who had come to greet him, was filled with a fear akin to having come across a man-eating bear. Kazuma hurriedly smoothed over his expression.

"Welcome, please come this way."

She went from a horrible face, as if she were being picked up and eaten, to an overly bright smile.

It didn't seem possible for someone to change their expression that dramatically, forgetting their suspicions, but the maid smiled as if nothing had happened. A pro.

As the maid walked ahead, Kazuma observed her gratifyingly swaying bottom, while going to the living room to wait.

(It would have been better if I'd left……)

As soon as he was guided into the living room, Kazuma felt deep regret at his choice. There inside, was a thin little man, self-importantly lying back, legs outstretched —— the master of the mansion, and client, Sakamoto Nanigashi —— but he wasn't alone. There was one practitioner as well, a face he knew well.

That practitioner, upon recognizing Kazuma, showed fear on his face for a moment, and then immediately twisted his lips into a sneer, glaring at Kazuma with a face full of scorn.

"What, the other practitioner was you, Kazuma? You became a disinherited child of the Kannagi's because of your incompetence, and now you dare to call yourself a practitioner?"

Probably, those explanatory words were for Sakamoto to hear. Practitioner —— Kannagi. The youngest child of the branch family Yuuki, Shinji truly took great pleasure in abusing Kazuma.

Sakamoto showed the response Shinji had expected. His expression changed, and he approached Kazuma.

"So this is true, then? Isn't this different from what you said? You said you were a top class spiritual practitioner, so I hired you!"

Kazuma calmly —— while retreating the same distance as the other advanced —— answered.

"I don't know what the person at the agency said. If you're dissatisfied, perhaps I should leave?"

"Hmmph, that's right."

Sakamoto's eyes showed a faintly cunning light. Kazuma's, even at the best of times, scarce desire to work, quickly neared zero.

"Mmmm, how about this? Why don't you both try the exorcism, and only the successful one gets paid. Ahh, naturally I won't tell the loser to return the advance payment."

"Good idea, yeah."

They had been flippant words, but Shinji had immediately accepted them. And then, with the face of someone who has been completely made a fool of, he asked Kazuma.

"And what are you going to do?"

"I'm out."

Kazuma gave an immediate reply. In the scornful stares of the two, not even one muscle of an eyebrow moved.

"Hmmph, coward, sucking your finger. I'll show you a model example of [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator%27s_Notes#Enjutsu|Enjutsu]]."

"Model example, eh. Didn't you say that? Just like the youngest child of the branch family."

"Y-you!"

Having the one he looked down upon, in return look down upon him, Shinji was enraged. He completely forgot about being in front of a client, tightened a fist, and struck out.

It was a fist intent on crushing the skull, which Kazuma handled by opening his body to the left.

In the instant that Shinji's right thrust was dodged, he transferred the movement energy to his left leg, without stopping the rotation of his hips.

In reaction to the shift in center of gravity, his left leg flew up in a rotating kick from Kazuma's blind spot, aiming for his temple.

However, Kazuma, as if he had seen it, lightly bent his head back. The heel of Shinji's left leg passed by a few millimeters in front of his eyes.

Kazuma's movements were like the leaves of a tree swaying in the wind, without hesitation. Into the space the kicking foot had left, he entered, with complete spontaneity, and lightly swept Shinji's pivot leg. Shinji, his left leg still floating in the air, under the power of his own rotational power, violently slammed into the floor.

"Sh-shit!"

Shinji had just barely managed to do [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator%27s_Notes#Ukemi|ukemi]], and quickly got back up. Incorrigibly, he assumed a fighting posture.

"You — thinking you could beat me in Taijutsu? Even four years ago, you weren't a match for me. There's no way you could be an opponent for my current self."

"Sh-shut up!"

Kazuma showed not the least bit of triumph. He chided disinterestedly, as if facing a defiant child. Being looked down upon from such a securely elevated position, Shinji's reason made a sound and broke.

"Stop it right there, you two."

However, just then, a restraining voice spoke, and the two turned at the same time to the voice's owner. Sakamoto showed great satisfaction at having gotten their attention. Then, in a tone as if he were an extremely important person, he scolded them.

"I didn't call you here to have a fight. The furnishings in this room, no matter which one you look at, are each more expensive than what I'm paying you. Any kind of rough behavior would be troublesome, okay?"

Suddenly, around the vicinity of the money talk, there was a scumbag. The person in question was probably attempting to flaunt his assets, but for the ones made to listen, it was nothing but the stink of the nouveau riche pushed up their noses.

(Maybe I'll leave…… since I still get the advance payment.)

With the discomfort index continuing to rise, with no end in sight, Kazuma's desire to work had already dropped into minus territory. He couldn't help feeling that even being in this place was agony.

"Mm……?"

However, without warning, the unearthly presence began to converge, heralding a new development.

"——It's coming."

The unearthly presence that had been spread throughout the mansion, directed its focus to one point in the living room. Kazuma moved casually, putting Sakamoto and Shinji in between himself and that presence.

"What's that? What just……"

The unearthly presence had solidified into something black. Shinji, over 10 seconds slower than Kazuma, had finally noticed it as well.

"Mmmm, so it came out?"

"Wh-what? What's wrong?"

Hesitatingly breaking the suddenly tense atmosphere, Sakamoto shouted in a shrill voice.

Kazuma answered in place of Shinji, who was already beginning to focus his mind for the use of jutsu.

"It's work time. The 'evil spirit' or whatever you've been struggling with just came out."

While giving that offhand explanation, Kazuma felt a beyond-ordinary sense of unease.

(That's no evil spirit. What kind of thing is it?)

When Kazuma had first accepted the assignment, the person at the agency had said "Just a normal evil spirit exorcism."

—— Hey, your first job should be one of these, right? If you're as good as the rumors say, you should be able to take that evil spirit with one hand ——

A superficial seeming man, but with definite achievements, he had heard. Their kind of work was, in some sense, even more than for practitioners, something where confidence was life. Making a mistake this big was extremely unlikely. It wasn't an easy business, that that kind of irresponsible agency person could survive.

(Was I set up? Well, fine. Should I just observe his skill?)

Kazuma learned against the wall, crossed his arms, and looked about as if sightseeing.

Preparing himself for the appearance of the "evil spirit," Shinji was focusing his mind.

It seemed he was planning to burn it away as soon as it appeared. It was clear to see in his expression.

Suddenly, the space in front of Shinji turned dark and thick. Shinji faced both his palms towards each other, in order to set up a transparent ball in front of his chest. A small fire was held between those palms.

Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooon……

A voice full of resentment shook the air as the evil spirit showed itself. A melted-away face projected an infinite hatred to all living beings.


"Eeep!"

"HAAAA!!"

Paying no attention to the screaming Sakamoto, Shinji released a devastating flame, along with a sharp yell. The evil spirit became cleansed due to the fire; it had disappeared without a trace —— or so Shinji believed.

However——

"Idiot"

Gioooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo……

While the evil spirit's cries of agony echoed and Shinji was snickering —

Flame exploded.

"Gahhhhhhhhhh!?"

Shinji screamed, wrapped in flame. The uselessly large living room, in a moment, became a sea of flame.

Kakakakakakakakakakakakakakakaka

Shinji's flame had been eclipsed by the evil spirit. The flame had been completely devoured. The youma began to laugh sneeringly.

=== 2 ===

The Kannagi family is, even among the "Enjutsu users" who can freely manipulate fire, the strongest and most famous family. It is not simply just because their power is great. There is a special ability in the family's blood; the reason surely lies there. The flame that they manipulate is not through the physical phenomenon of the simple acceleration of molecular motion. It possesses the power to burn away impurities and destroy evil.

Because of this "purifying flame," the Kannagi family practitioners hold absolute dominance over youma, evil spirits, and all beings that transgress the law. Even with the ability given by blood, to the extent that blood is diluted, it is inevitable that that power will deteriorate.

Already, the branch family practitioners had long lost the highest rank of "gold". If a youma with fire attributes were the opponent, the released flame would even be likely to be absorbed.

For example, like just now —— the living room had been turned into purgatory. The high-class furniture and the shag carpet were already carbonizing. The glass from the chandelier on the ceiling had melted, turning into some grotesque art object.

"Wonder if he's dead?"

Kazuma muttered with a refreshed-looking face. A cool breeze wrapped around Kazuma; the raging flame wasn't even allowed to get close to him. Even the heat was sealed off; not a drop of sweat was apparent.

"H-help……"

A frail voice stimulated his eardrums. Kazuma looked down at the blackish object at his feet.

What had rolled screaming into the kekkai, was the former client, Sakamoto. He was burned here and there, but he didn't seem to be dead.

"Aaaaaa, he-help me!"

Sakamoto screamed while clinging onto Kazuma's legs. However Kazuma heartlessly kicked away his former client.

Thud!

Sakamoto's face began writhing in a new kind of pain, as it was mercilessly trampled upon. Since he didn't want to touch with anything beyond slippers, instead of stepping on him, he brought down his heel. It seemed like you could the skull making a creaking sound, but that wasn't a big problem.

Kazuma, trampled, grinding on Sakamoto's head, and clearly stated:

"You're not a client and I don't have the habit of saving middle-aged men."

"If it's money, I'll pay. Twice as much, or so……"

"Twice? Your life's worth only one million?

Kazuma took a cigarette from his pocket. He gently stretched out his hand, only exposing the cigarette's tip to the outside of the kekkai. He filled his lungs with tobacco smoke, and slowly let it out.

Sakamoto didn't have the leisure to be that relaxed. Whether on purpose, or by chance, only around Sakamoto, were there holes in the kekkai. The tongues of flame were beginning to lick him.

"Hot-, Ee-eeee, Help! I'll pay 10 million!"

"Thanks for your business."

Upon tossing away his cigarette, Kazuma changed suddenly, smiling brightly. The smile of a demon that had made a profitable deal.

"Alright now. Then, won't you please stand back?"

Kazuma kicked Sakamoto in the rear, sending him rolling, and as if it were obvious, proclaimed:

"You're in the way."

He began muttering in a staccato voice, and waved his right hand sideways in a mowing motion. As if being squeezed out by the hand, the raging fire was taken care of, expelled out the window.

The fire didn't spread to the grass and trees in the garden, but scattered and vanished.

And then, inside the room, a distorted face attached to a fireball — only the youma's true body remained.

Hyuuoou-

In place of the extinguished fire, wind raged around the room. Kazuma stood quietly. With his hand still in his jacket pocket, he did not move a finger. And yet, the wind followed Kazuma's intentions and erased the flame.

Already, the fight was over. In front of Kazuma's overwhelming power, the youma wasn't even able to put up any resistance as it was torn to pieces. All that was left to do was wait for its annihilation.

"And with this…"

Kazuma slowly raised his right hand. For someone with the power to see spirits, the density of spirits crowding that hand would have been terrifying.

"…the end!"

Ten times faster than it came up, the hand swung down. In a straight-line extension from the right hand, an invisible blade that cut even air molecules, cleaved the youma precisely in two.

Without sound, without any spirit fragments remaining, Kazuma regarded the destroyed youma with a calm look.

"Finished."

Kazuma pronounced to Sakamoto, who was still lying on the floor, dumbfounded.

"Pay the money in 3 days. Otherwise, would you like to regret having ever been born?"

They were completely like a criminal's words. Even if that was a mistake, it wasn't the way you'd speak to a customer.

However, Sakamoto, realizing the horror of going against Kazuma, did not complain.

"Y-yes. Understood. But something terrible has happened to Yuuki-kun. I never thought something so serious would happen."

Kazuma wordlessly came closer to what appeared to be the ashes of Shinji's remains and despairingly trampled on them. As expected, Sakamoto also raised his voice.

"Wh-what are you doing!? I don't know whatever happened between you two, but you still shouldn't desecrate a corpse, right!?"

"He's not dead."

Kazuma spat the words out dryly, and then continued to kick him again and again.

Upon doing so, the ash covering the surface began to fall off, and almost unscalded skin appeared.

"Wh-wha……?"

Sakamoto doubted his eyes, with this unbelievable scene. Kazuma gave an offhand explanation.

"All of Kannagi's people receive the divine protection of fire spirits. Even people from the branch family wouldn't die in this degree of fire."

Kazuma curled his lips in self-derision, and added,

"I'm the exception though."

"Uu……Guu……"

Upon doing that, Shinji woke up. Upon looking out around him, he confirmed that the youma had already been destroyed.

"You did this?"

"It's just like you saw."

Who do you think you are, saying whatever you please? —— Kazuma answered with that kind of tone. He had already seen through, that Shinji had kept his consciousness. Shinji hurriedly attempted an explanation.

"So you noticed……? But I couldn't help. I honestly couldn't move."

"I don't want to hear your excuses."

Kazuma coldly spoke that over his shoulder, as he turned his back. Shinji called out to the unhesitating figure leaving. There was still something that had to be said.

"Why did you return?"

"Must have been for something, I guess."

At that play-dumb answer, thinking he was being evaded, Shinji's gaze became sharp.

"'For something' …. Do you think the elders are going to understand that?"

"I was only disinherited, I wasn't deported. Where I am is my business."

"What are you planning?"

"Nothing in particular."

Kazuma answered curtly, shrugging his shoulders.

"Are you returning to the Kannagi?"

"Idiotic talk. Not even if I die."

He answered as if spitting out the words, and then Kazuma, this time, without hesitating, walked off.

Shinji was driven by an unease he couldn't stop. He continued to stare at Kazuma.

(I have to tell this to the suzerain as soon as possible……)

Shinji's unease was, in a sense, on the mark. A war to push the Kannagi into an abyss of ruin, was currently, from this moment, beginning.

===3===

"Do you know, it seems Kazuma has returned to Japan. What's more he became a fuujutsu practitioner."

"What, that incompetent has? It must be dead simple, then, to be a fuujutsu practitioner.

"Nope, 'I am a dark magician' is what I heard. For him to become a practitioner, he'd have to sell his soul to the devil, right?"

"Ah, that's probably true."

"Ahahahahahahahahahahahaha……"

That day, rumors of Kazuma were the talk of the Kannagi main house. Of the elders — the general term for one retired from active service and now overseeing the management of the practitioners — having heard Shinji's report, only one wasn't jokingly spreading around nonsense.

For the offense of the aforesaid Shinji's failure in his duty, he was currently under probation. Tail fin, dorsal fin, belly fins, all being wildly added to the rumor, until it grew to maturity, and not one person tried to stop it.

The source of the rumors, the elders, appeared to be in complete delight. The kind of people called elders, if you excepted the extremely serious exceptions, were basically men of leisure. "Looking important is work," and so on, was the gossip that some attacked with.

When there was no work, all day, they would drink tea, and amuse themselves by talking about various topics. Obviously, they could not resist something interesting to talk about.

Upon hearing Shinji's news, they were dancing for joy on the inside. The elders, when they passed the verdict of probation on the dejected Shinji, had even something of a skipping type of light gait, while they drank tea and turned back to each other. They haphazardly began talking like this:

"Ohh, did you know……?"

The elders were, during this work time, like different people, in energetic activity.

Within the hour, there was almost nobody in the huge mansion that had not heard of Kazuma's return to the country. It certainly reached the servants, and then all kinds of people heard about it.

It was, in short, a situation where almost nobody knew the true facts, but it wasn't a big problem for the elders, since "If it's interesting, who cares what happens later!" was the elders' basic attitude.

And so, news of Kazuma spread — the exact opposite direction that Shinji was hoping for,

To wit——

"Kazuma returned as a dark magician."

"Kazuma was secretly murdered; he's buried in the back garden."

"Kazuma clashed with Shinji during work and killed him suddenly."

"Kazuma made a contract with the wind spirits. An evil demon."

The truth was subtly mixed in, but having come this far, nobody could really interpret it. Obviously, no one feared Kazuma's retribution.

The main family's failure had left all his talent in his mother's womb, like liquid skimmed off the top, had somewhat found a preferable power to take in, it seemed. Nobody laughed at that.

However, there were a small number of exceptions. One of those was the current suzerain, Kannagi Juugo. During supper, in the humorous talk that was being told, there was one item that Juugo was interested in.

"Ohhhh? Kazuma chose fuujutsu? Did you know that, Genma?"

Juugo spoke to his cousin sitting next to him. For some reason, as if harboring some ill will, he smiled a hating smile.

"……Oh"

Genma answered in brief. The rumor having apparently already reached his ears, and he didn't appear disturbed.

However, it was clear that he wasn't happy about the rumor either. The saying "like someone chewing up a bitter bug" perfectly described his frown, as he gripped a tight fist.

If Kazuma was in front of me, I'd want to strangle him to death. It was that kind of face.

"It's shameful."

"It's not especially shameful."

Juugo answered lightly, and then gave a command to a servant.

"I would like to hear a detailed account. Call Shinji."

"Certainly."

Shinji went as far as scraping down to the tatami in his prostration. His tension was great, sweat floated on his forehead, and his breathing was disordered.

Regarding the Kannagi family, it would be fitting to say that the difference between the main family and the branch family's status was absolute. To even dream of a revolution was foolish.

Tradition, social status —— it wasn't a system based on that kind of abstract idea. The thing separating the two was only, only the overwhelming difference in power.

If all the practitioners of the branch family were to fight, if it was with someone like Juugo or Genma, they could be smashed by the wiggle of a little finger. Because of that kind of hopeless power difference, no thoughts of rebellion were harbored.

You could say it was understandable that Shinji would be under such tension. In front of Juugo, who had something similar to a god's absolute superiority, and having to recount his clumsy failure. This was definitely worse than his original feelings.

"Raise your face. You don't have to humble yourself like that."
　　
Juugo spoke in a friendly manner, but to look into the suzerain's face and speak, was far too overwhelming for Shinji. In the end, he raised his face, but his eyes still stared towards the tatami, as he submitted his report.

"A-and, I now have the privilege of being allowed to give this report."

"……I see."

When Shinji had finished recounting everything, Juugo said that, and was silent for a while.

"……I see."

As if to confirm, he repeated it one more time. He closed his eyes lightly, and reminisced back to when his nephew — to be accurate, the relation was more separated than that, but he used that label since it was too much trouble — had left 4 years ago.

(——What a poor child he was.)

If he had been born to any but the Kannagi family, he would have been considered a superior child, probably. Excellent intellect, good reflexes too, and he also showed great promise in learning the jutsu. Except for one; only if you excepted the ability to manipulate fire.

However, that was certainly, for the Kannagi family, the most necessary ability.

Someone with no talent for manipulating fire, no matter what else he was proficient at, was treated as an incompetent. As a result of that, Kazuma was no longer part of the Kannagi.

Yet —— Juugo thought.

(Why didn't you ask me for help, Kazuma? There was no need to disown you from the family. If it was me, I would have made a place for you. Whatever Genma said, I wouldn't have cared about the Enjutsu, I would have made use of your talent, yet despite that…..)

Juugo looked down upon his right leg. That right leg was a thing made of metal and plastic. If that accident hadn't happened, and the "rule of inheritance" hadn't been rushed, maybe Kazuma would be here right now?

However, it was far too late. Kazuma had thrown away the family, the family name, all that was Kannagi, and had left Japan. This was reality. "The past," a thing that could never be changed.

"……Suzerain?"

That uncertain sounding voice brought Juugo back to reality. Upon looking around, he found everyone in an uncomfortable silence. It wasn't surprising. Among these, there were almost none who had not tormented Kazuma.

However, the one who had driven Kazuma out was calm. That person —— Genma, spoke out, without a single change in his expression.

"Suzerain. Kazuma is already someone without any connection to the Kannagi. There is no need to worry about him."

"Genma, you would, of your own son ——"

"I have only one son, Ren."

Genma spoke coolly, interrupting the suzerain's words. Juugo tried to say something else in reply, but disliking unproductive battles, he put other, safer words into his mouth.

"It's fine then. After all, Kazuma has become successful with fuujutsu. Maybe it was best that he left the Kannagi. Or maybe, Hyoue, if he had been entrusted to your place, he would have become skilled and powerful?"

"Perhaps."

Sitting at a lower seat, the head of the Fuuga clan answered sullenly. 

At that, Genma again cut in with an objection.

"We are afraid, yet Fuujutsu and such, are after all, lower arts. The most they are capable of is acting as assistants to Enjutsu. Even supposing 4 years ago, we knew of Kazuma's talent for Fuujutsu, for us to leave him to people like the Fuuga clan, clearly, we would still have to disinherit him."

Hearing his art publicly insulted, Hyoue twisted his face in humiliation. However, nobody paid any attention to Hyoue, nor to his face.

For the Kannagi family, who only noticed the value of fighting power, the Fuuga clan, having been given the reconnaissance and battle support duties, were limited to a lower status. Genma's words were not reckless. They weren't anything beyond the normal beliefs of the other Kannagi.

"……We will go no further with this talk. Dinner will become unpleasant."

At Juugo's words, everyone showed clearly relieved expressions on their faces. As if on cue, cheerful talk began, and they rolled around laughing at silly jokes.

Though awkwardly, the usual dining hall atmosphere returned.

And so, nobody noticed the dark light harbored in Hyoue's eyes. He suppressed the expression on his face, and murmured in a voice so small that it did not reach even his own ears.

"I will not forget this disgrace, Genma……"

=== 4 ===

"Kannagi……no, Yagami Kazuma……? You came back at a very good time!"

"Huo-huo-huo……"

In a darkness-filled single room, without even one streak of light in it, a hoarse laugh broke into the strained silence.

"And……?"

"Yes, it's better if everyone hears this. Finally the time has come. The time when we must dispel the disgrace that has lasted 300 years. Now is the time for us to regain the power we lost and return to our previous glorious position."

"Ohhhhhhhhh…………"

A stifled commotion filled the air. No one shouted. Afraid of being discovered, they kept their breaths in check, keeping their tension locked in themselves.

"Oh, when you finally realize it, you Kannagi. We will overthrow you and leave not a single one remaining……Kukuku……"

A low and gloomy voice echoed with a resentment darker than darkness.

"U-uwaaaaaaaaaaaa! Wha-what, what are you doing-!"

That same day, late at night, Shinji screamed out. Nearby were two freshly severed heads, and two headless corpses tumbled down. And then, standing before him, a —— human?

Shinji wasn't able to say for certain. By outward appearance, there was nothing different from a human, but that unearthliness was something a person could not possibly have.

The two who had been living up until 30 seconds ago, had been captured in a kekkai without even any chance to prepare themselves, and had been immediately decapitated.

The mysterious person had not moved a single finger. And yet, Shinji had clearly witnessed two heads being sliced off with incredible force, as if it was nothing. Or rather, had been forced to witness.

Shinji was the only person left living, even though the other two surpassed him in skill. It wasn't because of luck. Shinji realized this more than anyone else.

He was being toyed with. This demon in human shape was feeding on Shinji's fear and hopelessness. For a moment, it held off killing him, playing with him lazily, enjoying his empty resistance.

"What the hell! What did I do……?"

''That thing'' gave no answers. Without even footsteps, it came near, taking its time.

''That thing'' was completely silent. Not even the hint of a sound, as it drew closer. wielding an invisible sword.

Even when those heads had been severed, silence. The two blood-covered heads rolling on the ground seemed not to have noticed their own deaths, still with drunken, relaxed, slack smiles.

Shinji knew of only one person who could do what ''that thing'' could do. He had just met him yesterday. In addition, that man had a motive to kill them.

Shinji became frantic, begging ''that thing'' for forgiveness. His voice did a complete about-face.

"Ka-Kazuma? You're Kazuma, right? Forgive me, it was my fault, I'm regretting it, so please, forgive meeee"

The only reply was the flash of the wind-blade. It severed his right arm at the base. The blade formed of a high density of spirits, cut through meat and bone as if it were tofu.

"Uwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!"

While screaming, Shinji threw himself fully into starting Enjutsu. The intense concentration from being so close to death brought forth the greatest power of his 25 years of life.

''That thing'' was covered in golden flame. Destroying any and all demons, the highest level of purification. The flame burned through the darkness.

"Y-yeah! I think I——"

Suddenly, ''that thing'', now changed into a huge torch, began to move. Shinji's face, full of hope, froze.

''That thing'' stretched out a hand, easily taking hold of the golden flame, and in one movement, tore it from its body! 

''That thing'' had escaped from the flame's restraints, completely uninjured. To say nothing of its body, not even the clothes showed any sign of having been burned.

''That thing'' slowly turned to Shinji and began walking. Underneath the freezing moonlight, without a sound, it came closer, an ominous shadow.

This was in some ways, twisted. There was something there that the eye could not help being fascinated by. A scene filled with beauty that one had to admit was of the spirit world.

"Hee, heehee, heeheeeeheeheehee-, kyahahahaha, ahahahaha!"

Suddenly, Shinji began laughing in a strange voice.

From an overload of fear, apparently his mental equilibrium had snapped. Even when the wind blade soundlessly sliced through his body, splitting it, without even showing a reaction, he tumbled over laughing.

Perhaps ''that thing'' had tired of Shinji's lack of response. As if throwing away an unwanted toy, it casually sliced off his head.

There was a dull thunk. The third head rolled on the ground.

Even having finished killing everyone alive, ''that thing'' was still dissatisfied. It persistently continued slicing up the bodies. Though it was only a few minutes, the three bodies had been turned into many small pieces. To not even speak of the parents being able to recognize them, they wouldn't even be able to tell what kind of flesh it was.

The raw stink of blood and meat drifted through the kekkai. ''That thing'' laughed cruelly, and as if melting into the air, vanished.

Afterwards, three severed heads remained. In contrast to the bodies, there was not one injury on those heads.

Somehow, the three heads had ended up in a straight line to the gate; each had a strange smile, as if to say to anyone coming through that gate,

"Welcome to a nightmare world."

Words that appeared to be delivered smilingly.

And so the tragedy began——

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| Return to [[Kaze_no_Stigma|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter2|Chapter 2]]
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Kaze no Stigma:Volume1 Chapter1

2007-06-11T20:17:10Z

68.100.97.46: Test.

== Chapter One - The Disinherited Son Returns ==

=== 1 ===

"What bad taste……"

That was the first impression he had of the client. Incidentally, it should also be noted, that this is an impression that did not change in the slightest all the way to the end.

In this hilly high-class residential area, the mansion was sitting arrogantly on display. With a design that completely disregarded the harmony of its surroundings, there were plenty of reasons to doubt the owner's true character.

If one were to disregard the bad taste thus far, one might have to say it was rather magnificent. Climbing up Governor's Hill, about as close by as the famous Catholic girl's school, was the mansion. When he saw it, he was honestly, completely stunned.

(Did Turkish harems have this feel?)

Yagami Kazuma didn't seem to be joking when he thought that. "Don't paint the walls of a Japanese house in such wild colors!" he wanted to preach, while grabbing that person's collar. It was that kind of house.

This could probably be considered the place of origin of Japan's Westernization movement. The first gaslight was lit here; ice cream was put on sale here first. One would have expected it to be a stylish, refined town with a distinguished history.

(Considering that, this is probably some kind of breach of contract……)

He saw a decorated golden carp on the roof and let out a sigh. The image that was held dear in Yokohama, had crumbled away completely, with a clattering sound.

When he had accepted the job at the agency, he was given not only an address, but also a detailed map. It had been completely unnecessary, however. By asking the neighborhood residents, "What's the house with the poorest taste around here?" probably even a monkey could manage to find his way here.

A structure that was painful to the eyes —— he didn't want to call that a house —— that upon viewing, made Kazuma look up to the sky, begging. The sky was empty and blue.

"Hey, at least it's work……"

He muttered to convince himself.

However, this is the same Kazuma whose look probably couldn't by any means be called appropriate for work.

Jeans and sneakers, a checkered shirt and a black jacket. His youth, at 22 years old, and his relaxed facial expression made him seem, no matter how you looked at it, no different from a student from the nearby university.

He was completely blind to his own faults. While continuing his observations, he noticed something strange.

The darkness covering the mansion was thicker than he had been told. Because of this, maybe even an ordinary person with no spirit sight could sense darkness in the mansion's surroundings.

(Maybe I'll just go back……)

Nagged by a horribly bad premonition, Kazuma was halfway seriously thinking about that.

The darkness that covered the mansion —— it was something more unearthly than he had expected, but it wasn't so much that he couldn't deal with it. For this reason, this premonition was a bad omen. There was something else up.

Judging from his experiences up to now, it was a credible and important premonition. However, he couldn't just throw away work on that alone.

This was his first assignment in Japan. If he broke off the arrangement with only a "For some reason or another," he probably wouldn't be able to get jobs in the future.

With heavy steps, he made his way toward the mansion. He stopped once more, in front of a nonsensically huge gate.

While standing in front of the doorbell, Kazuma was still unsure. Danger signals were bombarding his instincts. He couldn't help wanting to run away. However ——

"Yagami-sama, I presume."

Without any warning, a voice came from the intercom, and completely disrupted Kazuma's thinking. He jumped back with a start, and stood guarded. The voice continued from before, without concern for this.

"You have been expected. Kindly enter through the auxiliary entrance on the side."

Click.

Simultaneous with those words, a small door to the ride side of the gate unlocked. Apparently he was supposed to just go in.

(Compared with that "You have been expected," that's some rude treatment…)

He was feeling uncomfortable, but he was dealing with a customer. As instructed, he entered through the side door.

Inside the fence was awash with a large number of security cameras and sensors. They must live a very shadowy life.

Upon walking into the entranceway, multiple cameras followed him. With anger almost to the point of wanting to kill whoever was putting him under this rude surveillance, Kazuma somehow repressed himself.

"Eeek……"

That's what he'd intended, but apparently it had shown on his face. The face of the maid, who had come to greet him, was filled with a fear akin to having come across a man-eating bear. Kazuma hurriedly smoothed over his expression.

"Welcome, please come this way."

She went from a horrible face, as if she were being picked up and eaten, to an overly bright smile.

It didn't seem possible for someone to change their expression that dramatically, forgetting their suspicions, but the maid smiled as if nothing had happened. A pro.

As the maid walked ahead, Kazuma observed her gratifyingly swaying bottom, while going to the living room to wait.

(It would have been better if I'd left……)

As soon as he was guided into the living room, Kazuma felt deep regret at his choice. There inside, was a thin little man, self-importantly lying back, legs outstretched —— the master of the mansion, and client, Sakamoto Nanigashi —— but he wasn't alone. There was one practitioner as well, a face he knew well.

That practitioner, upon recognizing Kazuma, showed fear on his face for a moment, and then immediately twisted his lips into a sneer, glaring at Kazuma with a face full of scorn.

"What, the other practitioner was you, Kazuma? You became a disinherited child of the Kannagi's because of your incompetence, and now you dare to call yourself a practitioner?"

Probably, those explanatory words were for Sakamoto to hear. Practitioner —— Kannagi. The youngest child of the branch family Yuuki, Shinji truly took great pleasure in abusing Kazuma.

Sakamoto showed the response Shinji had expected. His expression changed, and he approached Kazuma.

"So this is true, then? Isn't this different from what you said? You said you were a top class spiritual practitioner, so I hired you!"

Kazuma calmly —— while retreating the same distance as the other advanced —— answered.

"I don't know what the person at the agency said. If you're dissatisfied, perhaps I should leave?"

"Hmmph, that's right."

Sakamoto's eyes showed a faintly cunning light. Kazuma's, even at the best of times, scarce desire to work, quickly neared zero.

"Mmmm, how about this? Why don't you both try the exorcism, and only the successful one gets paid. Ahh, naturally I won't tell the loser to return the advance payment."

"Good idea, yeah."

They had been flippant words, but Shinji had immediately accepted them. And then, with the face of someone who has been completely made a fool of, he asked Kazuma.

"And what are you going to do?"

"I'm out."

Kazuma gave an immediate reply. In the scornful stares of the two, not even one muscle of an eyebrow moved.

"Hmmph, coward, sucking your finger. I'll show you a model example of [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator%27s_Notes#Enjutsu|Enjutsu]]."

"Model example, eh. Didn't you say that? Just like the youngest child of the branch family."

"Y-you!"

Having the one he looked down upon, in return look down upon him, Shinji was enraged. He completely forgot about being in front of a client, tightened a fist, and struck out.

It was a fist intent on crushing the skull, which Kazuma handled by opening his body to the left.

In the instant that Shinji's right thrust was dodged, he transferred the movement energy to his left leg, without stopping the rotation of his hips.

In reaction to the shift in center of gravity, his left leg flew up in a rotating kick from Kazuma's blind spot, aiming for his temple.

However, Kazuma, as if he had seen it, lightly bent his head back. The heel of Shinji's left leg passed by a few millimeters in front of his eyes.

Kazuma's movements were like the leaves of a tree swaying in the wind, without hesitation. Into the space the kicking foot had left, he entered, with complete spontaneity, and lightly swept Shinji's pivot leg. Shinji, his left leg still floating in the air, under the power of his own rotational power, violently slammed into the floor.

"Sh-shit!"

Shinji had just barely managed to do [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator%27s_Notes#Enjutsu|Enjutsu]], and quickly got back up. Incorrigibly, he assumed a fighting posture.

"You — thinking you could beat me in Taijutsu? Even four years ago, you weren't a match for me. There's no way you could be an opponent for my current self."

"Sh-shut up!"

Kazuma showed not the least bit of triumph. He chided disinterestedly, as if facing a defiant child. Being looked down upon from such a securely elevated position, Shinji's reason made a sound and broke.

"Stop it right there, you two."

However, just then, a restraining voice spoke, and the two turned at the same time to the voice's owner. Sakamoto showed great satisfaction at having gotten their attention. Then, in a tone as if he were an extremely important person, he scolded them.

"I didn't call you here to have a fight. The furnishings in this room, no matter which one you look at, are each more expensive than what I'm paying you. Any kind of rough behavior would be troublesome, okay?"

Suddenly, around the vicinity of the money talk, there was a scumbag. The person in question was probably attempting to flaunt his assets, but for the ones made to listen, it was nothing but the stink of the nouveau riche pushed up their noses.

(Maybe I'll leave…… since I still get the advance payment.)

With the discomfort index continuing to rise, with no end in sight, Kazuma's desire to work had already dropped into minus territory. He couldn't help feeling that even being in this place was agony.

"Mm……?"

However, without warning, the unearthly presence began to converge, heralding a new development.

"——It's coming."

The unearthly presence that had been spread throughout the mansion, directed its focus to one point in the living room. Kazuma moved casually, putting Sakamoto and Shinji in between himself and that presence.

"What's that? What just……"

The unearthly presence had solidified into something black. Shinji, over 10 seconds slower than Kazuma, had finally noticed it as well.

"Mmmm, so it came out?"

"Wh-what? What's wrong?"

Hesitatingly breaking the suddenly tense atmosphere, Sakamoto shouted in a shrill voice.

Kazuma answered in place of Shinji, who was already beginning to focus his mind for the use of jutsu.

"It's work time. The 'evil spirit' or whatever you've been struggling with just came out."

While giving that offhand explanation, Kazuma felt a beyond-ordinary sense of unease.

(That's no evil spirit. What kind of thing is it?)

When Kazuma had first accepted the assignment, the person at the agency had said "Just a normal evil spirit exorcism."

—— Hey, your first job should be one of these, right? If you're as good as the rumors say, you should be able to take that evil spirit with one hand ——

A superficial seeming man, but with definite achievements, he had heard. Their kind of work was, in some sense, even more than for practitioners, something where confidence was life. Making a mistake this big was extremely unlikely. It wasn't an easy business, that that kind of irresponsible agency person could survive.

(Was I set up? Well, fine. Should I just observe his skill?)

Kazuma learned against the wall, crossed his arms, and looked about as if sightseeing.

Preparing himself for the appearance of the "evil spirit," Shinji was focusing his mind.

It seemed he was planning to burn it away as soon as it appeared. It was clear to see in his expression.

Suddenly, the space in front of Shinji turned dark and thick. Shinji faced both his palms towards each other, in order to set up a transparent ball in front of his chest. A small fire was held between those palms.

Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooon……

A voice full of resentment shook the air as the evil spirit showed itself. A melted-away face projected an infinite hatred to all living beings.


"Eeep!"

"HAAAA!!"

Paying no attention to the screaming Sakamoto, Shinji released a devastating flame, along with a sharp yell. The evil spirit became cleansed due to the fire; it had disappeared without a trace —— or so Shinji believed.

However——

"Idiot"

Gioooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo……

While the evil spirit's cries of agony echoed and Shinji was snickering —

Flame exploded.

"Gahhhhhhhhhh!?"

Shinji screamed, wrapped in flame. The uselessly large living room, in a moment, became a sea of flame.

Kakakakakakakakakakakakakakakaka

Shinji's flame had been eclipsed by the evil spirit. The flame had been completely devoured. The youma began to laugh sneeringly.

=== 2 ===

The Kannagi family is, even among the "Enjutsu users" who can freely manipulate fire, the strongest and most famous family. It is not simply just because their power is great. There is a special ability in the family's blood; the reason surely lies there. The flame that they manipulate is not through the physical phenomenon of the simple acceleration of molecular motion. It possesses the power to burn away impurities and destroy evil.

Because of this "purifying flame," the Kannagi family practitioners hold absolute dominance over youma, evil spirits, and all beings that transgress the law. Even with the ability given by blood, to the extent that blood is diluted, it is inevitable that that power will deteriorate.

Already, the branch family practitioners had long lost the highest rank of "gold". If a youma with fire attributes were the opponent, the released flame would even be likely to be absorbed.

For example, like just now —— the living room had been turned into purgatory. The high-class furniture and the shag carpet were already carbonizing. The glass from the chandelier on the ceiling had melted, turning into some grotesque art object.

"Wonder if he's dead?"

Kazuma muttered with a refreshed-looking face. A cool breeze wrapped around Kazuma; the raging flame wasn't even allowed to get close to him. Even the heat was sealed off; not a drop of sweat was apparent.

"H-help……"

A frail voice stimulated his eardrums. Kazuma looked down at the blackish object at his feet.

What had rolled screaming into the kekkai, was the former client, Sakamoto. He was burned here and there, but he didn't seem to be dead.

"Aaaaaa, he-help me!"

Sakamoto screamed while clinging onto Kazuma's legs. However Kazuma heartlessly kicked away his former client.

Thud!

Sakamoto's face began writhing in a new kind of pain, as it was mercilessly trampled upon. Since he didn't want to touch with anything beyond slippers, instead of stepping on him, he brought down his heel. It seemed like you could the skull making a creaking sound, but that wasn't a big problem.

Kazuma, trampled, grinding on Sakamoto's head, and clearly stated:

"You're not a client and I don't have the habit of saving middle-aged men."

"If it's money, I'll pay. Twice as much, or so……"

"Twice? Your life's worth only one million?

Kazuma took a cigarette from his pocket. He gently stretched out his hand, only exposing the cigarette's tip to the outside of the kekkai. He filled his lungs with tobacco smoke, and slowly let it out.

Sakamoto didn't have the leisure to be that relaxed. Whether on purpose, or by chance, only around Sakamoto, were there holes in the kekkai. The tongues of flame were beginning to lick him.

"Hot-, Ee-eeee, Help! I'll pay 10 million!"

"Thanks for your business."

Upon tossing away his cigarette, Kazuma changed suddenly, smiling brightly. The smile of a demon that had made a profitable deal.

"Alright now. Then, won't you please stand back?"

Kazuma kicked Sakamoto in the rear, sending him rolling, and as if it were obvious, proclaimed:

"You're in the way."

He began muttering in a staccato voice, and waved his right hand sideways in a mowing motion. As if being squeezed out by the hand, the raging fire was taken care of, expelled out the window.

The fire didn't spread to the grass and trees in the garden, but scattered and vanished.

And then, inside the room, a distorted face attached to a fireball — only the youma's true body remained.

Hyuuoou-

In place of the extinguished fire, wind raged around the room. Kazuma stood quietly. With his hand still in his jacket pocket, he did not move a finger. And yet, the wind followed Kazuma's intentions and erased the flame.

Already, the fight was over. In front of Kazuma's overwhelming power, the youma wasn't even able to put up any resistance as it was torn to pieces. All that was left to do was wait for its annihilation.

"And with this…"

Kazuma slowly raised his right hand. For someone with the power to see spirits, the density of spirits crowding that hand would have been terrifying.

"…the end!"

Ten times faster than it came up, the hand swung down. In a straight-line extension from the right hand, an invisible blade that cut even air molecules, cleaved the youma precisely in two.

Without sound, without any spirit fragments remaining, Kazuma regarded the destroyed youma with a calm look.

"Finished."

Kazuma pronounced to Sakamoto, who was still lying on the floor, dumbfounded.

"Pay the money in 3 days. Otherwise, would you like to regret having ever been born?"

They were completely like a criminal's words. Even if that was a mistake, it wasn't the way you'd speak to a customer.

However, Sakamoto, realizing the horror of going against Kazuma, did not complain.

"Y-yes. Understood. But something terrible has happened to Yuuki-kun. I never thought something so serious would happen."

Kazuma wordlessly came closer to what appeared to be the ashes of Shinji's remains and despairingly trampled on them. As expected, Sakamoto also raised his voice.

"Wh-what are you doing!? I don't know whatever happened between you two, but you still shouldn't desecrate a corpse, right!?"

"He's not dead."

Kazuma spat the words out dryly, and then continued to kick him again and again.

Upon doing so, the ash covering the surface began to fall off, and almost unscalded skin appeared.

"Wh-wha……?"

Sakamoto doubted his eyes, with this unbelievable scene. Kazuma gave an offhand explanation.

"All of Kannagi's people receive the divine protection of fire spirits. Even people from the branch family wouldn't die in this degree of fire."

Kazuma curled his lips in self-derision, and added,

"I'm the exception though."

"Uu……Guu……"

Upon doing that, Shinji woke up. Upon looking out around him, he confirmed that the youma had already been destroyed.

"You did this?"

"It's just like you saw."

Who do you think you are, saying whatever you please? —— Kazuma answered with that kind of tone. He had already seen through, that Shinji had kept his consciousness. Shinji hurriedly attempted an explanation.

"So you noticed……? But I couldn't help. I honestly couldn't move."

"I don't want to hear your excuses."

Kazuma coldly spoke that over his shoulder, as he turned his back. Shinji called out to the unhesitating figure leaving. There was still something that had to be said.

"Why did you return?"

"Must have been for something, I guess."

At that play-dumb answer, thinking he was being evaded, Shinji's gaze became sharp.

"'For something' …. Do you think the elders are going to understand that?"

"I was only disinherited, I wasn't deported. Where I am is my business."

"What are you planning?"

"Nothing in particular."

Kazuma answered curtly, shrugging his shoulders.

"Are you returning to the Kannagi?"

"Idiotic talk. Not even if I die."

He answered as if spitting out the words, and then Kazuma, this time, without hesitating, walked off.

Shinji was driven by an unease he couldn't stop. He continued to stare at Kazuma.

(I have to tell this to the suzerain as soon as possible……)

Shinji's unease was, in a sense, on the mark. A war to push the Kannagi into an abyss of ruin, was currently, from this moment, beginning.

===3===

"Do you know, it seems Kazuma has returned to Japan. What's more he became a fuujutsu practitioner."

"What, that incompetent has? It must be dead simple, then, to be a fuujutsu practitioner.

"Nope, 'I am a dark magician' is what I heard. For him to become a practitioner, he'd have to sell his soul to the devil, right?"

"Ah, that's probably true."

"Ahahahahahahahahahahahaha……"

That day, rumors of Kazuma were the talk of the Kannagi main house. Of the elders — the general term for one retired from active service and now overseeing the management of the practitioners — having heard Shinji's report, only one wasn't jokingly spreading around nonsense.

For the offense of the aforesaid Shinji's failure in his duty, he was currently under probation. Tail fin, dorsal fin, belly fins, all being wildly added to the rumor, until it grew to maturity, and not one person tried to stop it.

The source of the rumors, the elders, appeared to be in complete delight. The kind of people called elders, if you excepted the extremely serious exceptions, were basically men of leisure. "Looking important is work," and so on, was the gossip that some attacked with.

When there was no work, all day, they would drink tea, and amuse themselves by talking about various topics. Obviously, they could not resist something interesting to talk about.

Upon hearing Shinji's news, they were dancing for joy on the inside. The elders, when they passed the verdict of probation on the dejected Shinji, had even something of a skipping type of light gait, while they drank tea and turned back to each other. They haphazardly began talking like this:

"Ohh, did you know……?"

The elders were, during this work time, like different people, in energetic activity.

Within the hour, there was almost nobody in the huge mansion that had not heard of Kazuma's return to the country. It certainly reached the servants, and then all kinds of people heard about it.

It was, in short, a situation where almost nobody knew the true facts, but it wasn't a big problem for the elders, since "If it's interesting, who cares what happens later!" was the elders' basic attitude.

And so, news of Kazuma spread — the exact opposite direction that Shinji was hoping for,

To wit——

"Kazuma returned as a dark magician."

"Kazuma was secretly murdered; he's buried in the back garden."

"Kazuma clashed with Shinji during work and killed him suddenly."

"Kazuma made a contract with the wind spirits. An evil demon."

The truth was subtly mixed in, but having come this far, nobody could really interpret it. Obviously, no one feared Kazuma's retribution.

The main family's failure had left all his talent in his mother's womb, like liquid skimmed off the top, had somewhat found a preferable power to take in, it seemed. Nobody laughed at that.

However, there were a small number of exceptions. One of those was the current suzerain, Kannagi Juugo. During supper, in the humorous talk that was being told, there was one item that Juugo was interested in.

"Ohhhh? Kazuma chose fuujutsu? Did you know that, Genma?"

Juugo spoke to his cousin sitting next to him. For some reason, as if harboring some ill will, he smiled a hating smile.

"……Oh"

Genma answered in brief. The rumor having apparently already reached his ears, and he didn't appear disturbed.

However, it was clear that he wasn't happy about the rumor either. The saying "like someone chewing up a bitter bug" perfectly described his frown, as he gripped a tight fist.

If Kazuma was in front of me, I'd want to strangle him to death. It was that kind of face.

"It's shameful."

"It's not especially shameful."

Juugo answered lightly, and then gave a command to a servant.

"I would like to hear a detailed account. Call Shinji."

"Certainly."

Shinji went as far as scraping down to the tatami in his prostration. His tension was great, sweat floated on his forehead, and his breathing was disordered.

Regarding the Kannagi family, it would be fitting to say that the difference between the main family and the branch family's status was absolute. To even dream of a revolution was foolish.

Tradition, social status —— it wasn't a system based on that kind of abstract idea. The thing separating the two was only, only the overwhelming difference in power.

If all the practitioners of the branch family were to fight, if it was with someone like Juugo or Genma, they could be smashed by the wiggle of a little finger. Because of that kind of hopeless power difference, no thoughts of rebellion were harbored.

You could say it was understandable that Shinji would be under such tension. In front of Juugo, who had something similar to a god's absolute superiority, and having to recount his clumsy failure. This was definitely worse than his original feelings.

"Raise your face. You don't have to humble yourself like that."
　　
Juugo spoke in a friendly manner, but to look into the suzerain's face and speak, was far too overwhelming for Shinji. In the end, he raised his face, but his eyes still stared towards the tatami, as he submitted his report.

"A-and, I now have the privilege of being allowed to give this report."

"……I see."

When Shinji had finished recounting everything, Juugo said that, and was silent for a while.

"……I see."

As if to confirm, he repeated it one more time. He closed his eyes lightly, and reminisced back to when his nephew — to be accurate, the relation was more separated than that, but he used that label since it was too much trouble — had left 4 years ago.

(——What a poor child he was.)

If he had been born to any but the Kannagi family, he would have been considered a superior child, probably. Excellent intellect, good reflexes too, and he also showed great promise in learning the jutsu. Except for one; only if you excepted the ability to manipulate fire.

However, that was certainly, for the Kannagi family, the most necessary ability.

Someone with no talent for manipulating fire, no matter what else he was proficient at, was treated as an incompetent. As a result of that, Kazuma was no longer part of the Kannagi.

Yet —— Juugo thought.

(Why didn't you ask me for help, Kazuma? There was no need to disown you from the family. If it was me, I would have made a place for you. Whatever Genma said, I wouldn't have cared about the Enjutsu, I would have made use of your talent, yet despite that…..)

Juugo looked down upon his right leg. That right leg was a thing made of metal and plastic. If that accident hadn't happened, and the "rule of inheritance" hadn't been rushed, maybe Kazuma would be here right now?

However, it was far too late. Kazuma had thrown away the family, the family name, all that was Kannagi, and had left Japan. This was reality. "The past," a thing that could never be changed.

"……Suzerain?"

That uncertain sounding voice brought Juugo back to reality. Upon looking around, he found everyone in an uncomfortable silence. It wasn't surprising. Among these, there were almost none who had not tormented Kazuma.

However, the one who had driven Kazuma out was calm. That person —— Genma, spoke out, without a single change in his expression.

"Suzerain. Kazuma is already someone without any connection to the Kannagi. There is no need to worry about him."

"Genma, you would, of your own son ——"

"I have only one son, Ren."

Genma spoke coolly, interrupting the suzerain's words. Juugo tried to say something else in reply, but disliking unproductive battles, he put other, safer words into his mouth.

"It's fine then. After all, Kazuma has become successful with fuujutsu. Maybe it was best that he left the Kannagi. Or maybe, Hyoue, if he had been entrusted to your place, he would have become skilled and powerful?"

"Perhaps."

Sitting at a lower seat, the head of the Fuuga clan answered sullenly. 

At that, Genma again cut in with an objection.

"We are afraid, yet Fuujutsu and such, are after all, lower arts. The most they are capable of is acting as assistants to Enjutsu. Even supposing 4 years ago, we knew of Kazuma's talent for Fuujutsu, for us to leave him to people like the Fuuga clan, clearly, we would still have to disinherit him."

Hearing his art publicly insulted, Hyoue twisted his face in humiliation. However, nobody paid any attention to Hyoue, nor to his face.

For the Kannagi family, who only noticed the value of fighting power, the Fuuga clan, having been given the reconnaissance and battle support duties, were limited to a lower status. Genma's words were not reckless. They weren't anything beyond the normal beliefs of the other Kannagi.

"……We will go no further with this talk. Dinner will become unpleasant."

At Juugo's words, everyone showed clearly relieved expressions on their faces. As if on cue, cheerful talk began, and they rolled around laughing at silly jokes.

Though awkwardly, the usual dining hall atmosphere returned.

And so, nobody noticed the dark light harbored in Hyoue's eyes. He suppressed the expression on his face, and murmured in a voice so small that it did not reach even his own ears.

"I will not forget this disgrace, Genma……"

=== 4 ===

"Kannagi……no, Yagami Kazuma……? You came back at a very good time!"

"Huo-huo-huo……"

In a darkness-filled single room, without even one streak of light in it, a hoarse laugh broke into the strained silence.

"And……?"

"Yes, it's better if everyone hears this. Finally the time has come. The time when we must dispel the disgrace that has lasted 300 years. Now is the time for us to regain the power we lost and return to our previous glorious position."

"Ohhhhhhhhh…………"

A stifled commotion filled the air. No one shouted. Afraid of being discovered, they kept their breaths in check, keeping their tension locked in themselves.

"Oh, when you finally realize it, you Kannagi. We will overthrow you and leave not a single one remaining……Kukuku……"

A low and gloomy voice echoed with a resentment darker than darkness.

"U-uwaaaaaaaaaaaa! Wha-what, what are you doing-!"

That same day, late at night, Shinji screamed out. Nearby were two freshly severed heads, and two headless corpses tumbled down. And then, standing before him, a —— human?

Shinji wasn't able to say for certain. By outward appearance, there was nothing different from a human, but that unearthliness was something a person could not possibly have.

The two who had been living up until 30 seconds ago, had been captured in a kekkai without even any chance to prepare themselves, and had been immediately decapitated.

The mysterious person had not moved a single finger. And yet, Shinji had clearly witnessed two heads being sliced off with incredible force, as if it was nothing. Or rather, had been forced to witness.

Shinji was the only person left living, even though the other two surpassed him in skill. It wasn't because of luck. Shinji realized this more than anyone else.

He was being toyed with. This demon in human shape was feeding on Shinji's fear and hopelessness. For a moment, it held off killing him, playing with him lazily, enjoying his empty resistance.

"What the hell! What did I do……?"

''That thing'' gave no answers. Without even footsteps, it came near, taking its time.

''That thing'' was completely silent. Not even the hint of a sound, as it drew closer. wielding an invisible sword.

Even when those heads had been severed, silence. The two blood-covered heads rolling on the ground seemed not to have noticed their own deaths, still with drunken, relaxed, slack smiles.

Shinji knew of only one person who could do what ''that thing'' could do. He had just met him yesterday. In addition, that man had a motive to kill them.

Shinji became frantic, begging ''that thing'' for forgiveness. His voice did a complete about-face.

"Ka-Kazuma? You're Kazuma, right? Forgive me, it was my fault, I'm regretting it, so please, forgive meeee"

The only reply was the flash of the wind-blade. It severed his right arm at the base. The blade formed of a high density of spirits, cut through meat and bone as if it were tofu.

"Uwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!"

While screaming, Shinji threw himself fully into starting Enjutsu. The intense concentration from being so close to death brought forth the greatest power of his 25 years of life.

''That thing'' was covered in golden flame. Destroying any and all demons, the highest level of purification. The flame burned through the darkness.

"Y-yeah! I think I——"

Suddenly, ''that thing'', now changed into a huge torch, began to move. Shinji's face, full of hope, froze.

''That thing'' stretched out a hand, easily taking hold of the golden flame, and in one movement, tore it from its body! 

''That thing'' had escaped from the flame's restraints, completely uninjured. To say nothing of its body, not even the clothes showed any sign of having been burned.

''That thing'' slowly turned to Shinji and began walking. Underneath the freezing moonlight, without a sound, it came closer, an ominous shadow.

This was in some ways, twisted. There was something there that the eye could not help being fascinated by. A scene filled with beauty that one had to admit was of the spirit world.

"Hee, heehee, heeheeeeheeheehee-, kyahahahaha, ahahahaha!"

Suddenly, Shinji began laughing in a strange voice.

From an overload of fear, apparently his mental equilibrium had snapped. Even when the wind blade soundlessly sliced through his body, splitting it, without even showing a reaction, he tumbled over laughing.

Perhaps ''that thing'' had tired of Shinji's lack of response. As if throwing away an unwanted toy, it casually sliced off his head.

There was a dull thunk. The third head rolled on the ground.

Even having finished killing everyone alive, ''that thing'' was still dissatisfied. It persistently continued slicing up the bodies. Though it was only a few minutes, the three bodies had been turned into many small pieces. To not even speak of the parents being able to recognize them, they wouldn't even be able to tell what kind of flesh it was.

The raw stink of blood and meat drifted through the kekkai. ''That thing'' laughed cruelly, and as if melting into the air, vanished.

Afterwards, three severed heads remained. In contrast to the bodies, there was not one injury on those heads.

Somehow, the three heads had ended up in a straight line to the gate; each had a strange smile, as if to say to anyone coming through that gate,

"Welcome to a nightmare world."

Words that appeared to be delivered smilingly.

And so the tragedy began——

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Kaze no Stigma:Volume1 Translator's Notes

2007-06-11T20:16:28Z

68.100.97.46: Test.

<center>Translator's Notes and References for 
<big>第一巻: 風の聖痕</big> 
Volume 1: Kaze no Stigma</center>

== Chapter 1 ==

=== Enjustu ===

Literally "Fire Technique." This will be used from here on.

=== Ukemi ===

Ukemi comes from Uke. Uke is a form of martial arts where one learns how to "receive" a technique. Basically, a Ukemi is when you learn how to take a throw or a fall without injuring yourself. Here is the Wikipedia article. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukemi
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== Chapter 2 ==

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== Chapter 3 ==

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== Chapter 4 ==

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| Jump to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter4|Chapter 4]]
|-
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</noinclude>

== Chapter 5 ==

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| Jump to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter5|Chapter 5]]
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== Chapter 6 ==

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== Epilogue ==

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Kaze no Stigma

2007-06-11T20:08:54Z

68.100.97.46: /* Special Thanks */

Kaze no Stigma (風の聖痕, Kaze no Stigma lit. Stigma of the Wind)

== Story Synopsis ==

Four years ago, Kannagi Kazuma was defeated by his cousin Kannagi Ayano for the right to be the successor of Enraiha, a sword passed down in the Kannagi family. His defeat, along with his lack of talent for En-Jutsu, the fire jutsu, the Kannagis' specialty, resulted in his banishment from the family. Now, Kazuma returns as Yagami Kazuma, a skilled master of Fuu-Jutsu, the wind arts. At the same time, a number of murders at the Kannagi residence perpetrated by a powerful Fuujutsu-shi cast suspicion on him. (from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaze_no_Stigma)

== Translation ==

=== Help Needed ===
'''If you are interested in this series and would like to help, feel free to join. We urgently need more Translators, Editors, and Staff. So please help.''' (Pop a message at the forums.)

=== Format Standards ===
'''Every Chapter (after editing) must conform to the agreed points highlighted in the below guidelines'''
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]

Some of these chapters are translations of the '''Chinese edition''' of the novels, which are known to have some minor mistakes compared to the original Japanese text. If you have access to the originals and you spot an error, '''please feel free to make the corrections yourself''' - this is a Wiki which means it's meant for anyone to fix things (and if you screw up, we can revert back your changes if all deem necessary). We can see the corrections you make, so just go ahead instead of hiding or waiting for permission.

== Updates ==

*May 28, 2007
**Just Started

== The ''Kaze no Stigma'' series, by [[Takahiro Yamato]] ==
These are the main story novels.

===''Kaze no Stigma'' / 風の聖痕 ===
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The disinherited son returns]]
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The sudden disaster]] (100% - Currently In Editing )
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Clash with the Past]] (0%)
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Returning to Visit, and Then— —]] (~10%)
::*Chapter 5 - Rescue
::*Chapter 6 - Decisive Battle
::*Epilogue
::*Author's Notes
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator's_Notes|Translator's Notes and References]]

===''Kaze no Stigma 2: The Price of a Soul'' / 風の聖痕2 -魂の値段 ===
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
::*Chapter 3
::*Chapter 4
::*Chapter 5
::*Chapter 6
::*Epilogue
::*Author's Notes

===''Kaze no Stigma 3: The Confession under the moon '' / 風の聖痕3 -月下の告白 ===
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
::*Chapter 3
::*Chapter 4
::*Chapter 5
::*Chapter 6
::*Epilogue
::*Author's Notes

===''Kaze no Stigma 4: '' / 風の聖痕4 -瑠璃色の残影 ===
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
::*Chapter 3
::*Chapter 4
::*Author's Notes

===''Kaze no Stigma 5: '' / 風の聖痕5 -緋色の誓約 ===
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
::*Chapter 3
::*Chapter 4
::*Chapter 5
::*Chapter 6
::*Epilogue
::*Author's Notes

===''Kaze no Stigma 6: '' / 風の聖痕6 -疾風の槍 ===
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
::*Chapter 3
::*Chapter 4
::*Chapter 5
::*Author's Notes

== ''Kaze no Stigma - Ignition '' ==
These are the side stories of the novel.

==='' Kaze no Stigma Ignition 1: Ayano-chan's disaster'' / 綾乃ちゃんの災難 ===

=== ''Kaze no Stigma Ignition 2: Just my Madonna'' / 僕だけのマドンナ ===

===''Kaze no Stigma Ignition 3: Ren-kun's Suffering'' / 煉くんの受難===

== Project Staff ==

*Project Administrator: [[user:The naming game|The naming game]]
*Project Supervisor: [[user:erehwon|erehwon]]

=== Translators ===
::*[[user:The naming game|The naming game]]
::*[[user:erehwon|erehwon]]

User who wish to contribute partially translated scripts but wish not to continue with the whole chapter i.e. become a fully fledged Project Translator therefore expected to contribute regularly.
Please inform [[user:onizuka-gto|onizuka-gto]] and the Project Administrator before submitting, this includes both Anonymous & Registered Users.

'''Translators are asked to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on''' (see [[Format_guideline#Translators|the Guideline page]] for usage rules).

=== Editors ===
This is the Project Editorial Team.

=== Special Thanks ===
::*[[user:Kwok|Kwok]]
::*[[user:Trigger-happy|Trigger-happy]]
::*[[user:HolyCow|HolyCow]]

This is for people who deserve special thanks and is currently not on the Staff.

Kaze no Stigma

2007-06-11T19:09:34Z

68.100.97.46: /* Project Staff */

Kaze no Stigma (風の聖痕, Kaze no Stigma lit. Stigma of the Wind)

== Story Synopsis ==

Four years ago, Kannagi Kazuma was defeated by his cousin Kannagi Ayano for the right to be the successor of Enraiha, a sword passed down in the Kannagi family. His defeat, along with his lack of talent for En-Jutsu, the fire jutsu, the Kannagis' specialty, resulted in his banishment from the family. Now, Kazuma returns as Yagami Kazuma, a skilled master of Fuu-Jutsu, the wind arts. At the same time, a number of murders at the Kannagi residence perpetrated by a powerful Fuujutsu-shi cast suspicion on him. (from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaze_no_Stigma)

== Translation ==

=== Help Needed ===
'''If you are interested in this series and would like to help, feel free to join. We urgently need more Translators, Editors, and Staff. So please help.''' (Pop a message at the forums.)

=== Format Standards ===
'''Every Chapter (after editing) must conform to the agreed points highlighted in the below guidelines'''
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]

Some of these chapters are translations of the '''Chinese edition''' of the novels, which are known to have some minor mistakes compared to the original Japanese text. If you have access to the originals and you spot an error, '''please feel free to make the corrections yourself''' - this is a Wiki which means it's meant for anyone to fix things (and if you screw up, we can revert back your changes if all deem necessary). We can see the corrections you make, so just go ahead instead of hiding or waiting for permission.

== Updates ==

*May 28, 2007
**Just Started

== The ''Kaze no Stigma'' series, by [[Takahiro Yamato]] ==
These are the main story novels.

===''Kaze no Stigma'' / 風の聖痕 ===
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The disinherited son returns]]
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The sudden disaster]] (100% - Currently In Editing )
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - Clash with the Past]] (0%)
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Returning to Visit, and Then— —]] (~10%)
::*Chapter 5 - Rescue
::*Chapter 6 - Decisive Battle
::*Epilogue
::*Author's Notes
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator's_Notes|Translator's Notes and References]]

===''Kaze no Stigma 2: The Price of a Soul'' / 風の聖痕2 -魂の値段 ===
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
::*Chapter 3
::*Chapter 4
::*Chapter 5
::*Chapter 6
::*Epilogue
::*Author's Notes

===''Kaze no Stigma 3: The Confession under the moon '' / 風の聖痕3 -月下の告白 ===
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
::*Chapter 3
::*Chapter 4
::*Chapter 5
::*Chapter 6
::*Epilogue
::*Author's Notes

===''Kaze no Stigma 4: '' / 風の聖痕4 -瑠璃色の残影 ===
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
::*Chapter 3
::*Chapter 4
::*Author's Notes

===''Kaze no Stigma 5: '' / 風の聖痕5 -緋色の誓約 ===
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
::*Chapter 3
::*Chapter 4
::*Chapter 5
::*Chapter 6
::*Epilogue
::*Author's Notes

===''Kaze no Stigma 6: '' / 風の聖痕6 -疾風の槍 ===
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
::*Chapter 3
::*Chapter 4
::*Chapter 5
::*Author's Notes

== ''Kaze no Stigma - Ignition '' ==
These are the side stories of the novel.

==='' Kaze no Stigma Ignition 1: Ayano-chan's disaster'' / 綾乃ちゃんの災難 ===

=== ''Kaze no Stigma Ignition 2: Just my Madonna'' / 僕だけのマドンナ ===

===''Kaze no Stigma Ignition 3: Ren-kun's Suffering'' / 煉くんの受難===

== Project Staff ==

*Project Administrator: [[user:The naming game|The naming game]]
*Project Supervisor: [[user:erehwon|erehwon]]

=== Translators ===
::*[[user:The naming game|The naming game]]
::*[[user:erehwon|erehwon]]

User who wish to contribute partially translated scripts but wish not to continue with the whole chapter i.e. become a fully fledged Project Translator therefore expected to contribute regularly.
Please inform [[user:onizuka-gto|onizuka-gto]] and the Project Administrator before submitting, this includes both Anonymous & Registered Users.

'''Translators are asked to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on''' (see [[Format_guideline#Translators|the Guideline page]] for usage rules).

=== Editors ===
This is the Project Editorial Team.

=== Special Thanks ===
::*[[user:Kwok|Kwok]]
::*[[user:Trigger-happy|Trigger-happy]]

This is for people who deserve special thanks and is currently not on the Staff.

User:Jumpyshoes

2007-06-11T18:54:31Z

68.100.97.46: Blarg.

ONI SPELLED MY DAMN NAME WRONG!!!!

Kaze no Stigma:Volume1 Chapter1

2007-06-01T19:14:20Z

68.100.97.46: Long sentence. Shortened. Deleted repeated word. Change back if you want.

== Chapter One - The Disinherited Son Returns ==

=== 1 ===

　　"What bad taste……"

　　That was the first impression he had of the client. Incidentally, it should also be noted, that this is an impression that did not change in the slightest all the way to the end.

　　In this hilly high-class residential area, the mansion was sitting arrogantly on display. With a design that completely disregarded the harmony of its surroundings, there were plenty of reasons to doubt the owner's true character.

　　If one were to disregard the bad taste thus far, one might have to say it was rather magnificent. Climbing up Governor's Hill, about as close by as the famous Catholic girl's school, was the mansion. When he saw it, he was honestly, completely stunned.

　　(Did Turkish harems have this feel?)

　　Yagami Kazuma didn't seem to be joking when he thought that. "Don't paint the walls of a Japanese house in such wild colors!" he wanted to preach, while grabbing that person's collar; it was that kind of house.

　　This could probably be considered the place of origin of Japan's Westernization movement. The first gaslight was lit here; ice cream was put on sale here first. One would have expected it to be a stylish, refined town with a distinguished history.

　　(Considering that, this is probably some kind of breach of contract……)

　　He saw a decorated golden carp on the roof, and let out a sigh. The image that was held dear in Yokohama, had crumbled away completely, with a clattering sound.

　　When he had accepted the job at the agency, he was given not only an address, but also a detailed map. It had been completely unnecessary, however. By asking the neighborhood residents, "What's the house with the poorest taste around here?" probably even a monkey could manage to find his way here.

　　A structure that was painful to the eyes —— he didn't want to call that a house —— that upon viewing, made Kazuma look up to the sky, begging. The sky was empty and blue.

　　"Hey, at least it's work……"

　　He muttered to convince himself.

　　However, this is the same Kazuma whose look probably couldn't by any means be called appropriate for work.

　　Jeans and sneakers, a checkered shirt and a black jacket. His youth, at 22 years old, and his relaxed facial expression made him seem, no matter how you looked at it, no different from a student from the nearby university.

　　He was completely blind to his own faults. While continuing his observations, he noticed something strange.

　　The darkness covering the mansion was thicker than he had been told. Because of this, maybe even an ordinary person with no spirit sight would sense darkness in the mansion's surroundings.

　　(Maybe I'll just go back……)

　　Nagged by a horribly bad premonition, Kazuma was halfway seriously thinking about that.

　　The darkness that covered the mansion —— it was something more unearthly than he had expected, but it wasn't so much that he couldn't deal with it. For this reason, this premonition was a bad omen. There was something else up.

　　Judging from his experiences up to now, it was a credible and important premonition. However, he couldn't just throw away work on that alone.

　　This was his first assignment in Japan. If he broke off the arrangement with only a "For some reason or another," he probably wouldn't be able to get jobs in the future.

　　With heavy steps, he made his way toward the mansion. He stopped once more, in front of a nonsensically huge gate.

　　While standing in front of the doorbell, Kazuma was still unsure. Danger signals were bombarding his instincts. He couldn't help wanting to run away. However ——

　　"Yagami-sama, I presume."

　　Without any warning, a voice came from the intercom, and completely disrupted Kazuma's thinking. He jumped back with a start, and stood guarded; the voice continued from before, without concern for this.

　　"You have been expected. Kindly enter through the auxiliary entrance on the side, please."

　　Click.

　　Simultaneous with those words, a small door to the ride side of the gate unlocked. Apparently he was supposed to just go in.

　　(Compared with that "You have been expected", that's some rude treatment…)

　　He was feeling uncomfortable, but he was dealing with a customer. As instructed, he entered through the side door.

　　Inside the fence was awash with a large number of security cameras and sensors. They must live a very shadowy life.

　　Upon walking into the entrance way, multiple cameras followed him. With an irritation almost to the point of wanting to kill whoever was putting him under this rude surveillance, Kazuma somehow repressed himself.

　　"Eeek……"

　　That's what he'd intended, but apparently it had shown on his face. The face of the maid who had come to greet him, was filled with a fear akin to having come across a man-eating bear. Kazuma smoothed over his expression hurriedly.

　　"Welcome, please come this way."

　　She went from a horrible face, as if she were being picked up and eaten, to a overly bright smile.

　　It didn't seem possible for someone to change their expression that dramatically, forgetting their suspicions, but the maid smiled as if nothing had happened. A pro.

　　As the maid walked ahead, Kazuma observed her gratifyingly swaying bottom, while going to the living room to wait.

　　(It would have been better if I'd left……)

　　As soon as he was guided into the living room, Kazuma felt deep regret at his choice. There inside, was a thin little man, self-importantly lying back, legs outstretched —— the master of the mansion, and client, Sakamoto Nanigashi —— but he wasn't alone. There was one practitioner, a face he knew well.

　　That practitioner, upon recognizing Kazuma, showed fear on his face for a moment, and then immediately twisted his lips into a sneer, glaring at Kazuma with a face full of scorn.

　　"What, the other practitioner was you, Kazuma? You became a disinherited child of the Kannagi's because of your incompetence, and now you dare to call yourself a practitioner?"

　　Probably, those explanatory words were for Sakamoto to hear. Practitioner —— Kannagi. The youngest child of the branch family Yuuki, Shinji truly took great pleasure in abusing Kazuma.

　　Sakamoto showed the response Shinji had expected. His expression changed, and he approached Kazuma.

　　"So this is true, then? Isn't this different from what you said? You said you were a top class spritual practitioner, so I hired you!"

　　Kazuma calmly —— while retreating the same distance as the other advanced —— answered.

　　"I don't know what the person at the agency said. But if you're dissatisfied, perhaps I should leave?"

　　"Hmmph, that's right."

　　Sakamoto's eyes showed a faintly cunning light. Kazuma's, even at the best of times, scarce desire to work, quickly neared zero.

　　"Mmmm, how about this? Why don't you both try the exorcism, and only the successful one gets paid. Ahh, naturally I won't tell the loser to return the advance payment."

　　"Good idea, yeah."

　　They had been flippant words, but Shinji had immediately accepted them. And then, with the face of someone who has been completely made a fool of, he asked Kazuma.

　　"And what are you going to do?"

　　"I'm out."

　　Kazuma gave an immediate reply. In the scornful stares of the two, not even one muscle of an eyebrow moved.

　　"Hmmph, coward, sucking your finger. I'll show you a model example of Enjutsu."

　　"Model example, eh. Didn't you say that? Just like the youngest child of the branch family."

　　"Y, You!"

　　Having the one he looked down upon, in return looking down upon him, Shinji was enraged. He completely forgot about being in front of a client, tightened a fist, and struck out.

　　It was a fist intent on crushing the skull, which Kazuma handled by opening his body to the left.

　　In the instant that Shinji's right thrust was dodged, without stopping the rotation of his hips, he transferred the movement energy to his left leg.

　　In reaction to the shift in center of gravity, his left leg flew up in a rotating kick from Kazuma's blind spot, aiming for his temple.

　　However, Kazuma, as if he had seen it, lightly bent back his head. The heel of the left leg passed by a few millimeters in front of his eyes.

　　Kazuma's movements were like the leaves of a tree swaying in the wind, without hesitation. Into the space the kicking foot had left, he entered, with complete spontaneity, and lightly swept Shinji's pivot leg. Shinji, his left leg still floating in the air, under the power of his own rotational power, violently slammed into the floor.

　　"Sh-shit!"

　　Shinji had just barely managed to do ukemi, and quickly got back up. Incorrigibly, he assumed a fighting posture.

　　"You — thinking you could beat me in Taijutsu? Even four years ago, you weren't a match for me. There's no way you could be an opponent for my current self."

　　"Sh, shut up!"

　　Kazuma showed not the least bit of triumph; he chided disinterestedly, as if facing a defiant child. Being looked down upon from such a securely elevated position, Shinji's reason made a sound and broke.

　　"Stop it right there, you two."

　　However, just then, a restraining voice spoke, and the two turned at the same time to the voice's owner. Sakamoto showed great satisfaction at having gotten their attention, and in a tone as if he were an extremely important person, he scolded them.

　　"I didn't call you here to have a fight. The furnishings in this room, no matter which one you look at, are each more expensive than what I'm paying you. Any kind of rough behavior would be troublesome, okay?"

　　Suddenly, around the vicinity of the money talk, there was a scumbag. The person in question was probably attempting to flaunt his assets, but for the ones made to listen, it was nothing but the stink of the nouveau riche pushed up their noses.

　　(Maybe I'll leave…… since I still get the advance payment.)

　　With the discomfort index continuing to rise, with no end in sight, Kazuma's desire to work had already dropped into minus territory. He couldn't help feeling that even being in this place was agony.

　　"Mm……?"

　　However, without warning, the unearthly presence began to converge, heralding a new development.

　　"——It's coming."

　　The unearthly presence that had been spread throughout the mansion, directed its focus to one point in the living room. Kazuma moved casually, putting Sakamoto and Shinji in between himself and that presence.

　　"What's that? What just……"

　　The unearthly presence had solidified into something black. Shinji, over 10 seconds slower than Kazuma, had finally noticed it as well.

　　"Mmmm, so it came out?"

　　"Wh-what? What's wrong?"

　　Hesitatingly breaking the suddenly tense atmosphere, Sakamoto shouted in a shrill voice.

　　Kazuma answered in place of Shinji, who was already beginning to focus his mind for the use of jutsu.

　　"It's work time. The 'evil spirit' or whatever you've been struggling with just came out."

　　While giving that offhand explanation, Kazuma felt a beyond-ordinary sense of unease.

　　(That's no evil spirit. What kind of thing is it?)

　　When Kazuma had first accepted the assignment, the person at the agency had said "Just a normal evil spirit exorcism."

　　—— Hey, your first job should be one of these, right? If you're as good as the rumors say, you should be able to take that evil spirit with one hand ——

　　A superficial seeming man, but with definite achievements, he had heard. Their kind of work was, in some sense, even more than for practitioners, something where confidence was life. Making a mistake this big was extremely unlikely. It wasn't an easy business, that that kind of irresponsible agency person could survive.

　　(Was I set up? Well, fine. Should I just observe his skill?)

　　Kazuma learned against the wall, crossed his arms, and looked about as if sightseeing.

　　Preparing himself for the appearance of the "evil spirit," Shinji was focusing his mind.

　　It seemed he was planning to burn it away as soon as it appeared. It was clear to see in his expression.

　　Suddenly, the space in front turned dark and thick. Shinji faced both his palms towards each other, in order to set up a transparent ball in front of his chest. A small fire was held between those palms.

　　Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooon……

　　A voice full of resentment shook the air; the evil spirit showed itself. A melted-away face projected an infinite hatred to all living beings.


　　"Eeep"

　　"HAAAA!!"

　　Paying no attention to the screaming Sakamoto, Shinji released a devastating flame, along with a sharp kiai. The evil spirit became cleansed due to the fire; it had disappeared without a trace —— or so Shinji believed.

　　However——

　　"Idiot"

　　Gioooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo……

　　While the evil spirit's cries of agony echoed, and Shinji was snickering —

　　Flame exploded.

　　"Gahhhhhhhhhh!?"

　　Shinji screamed, wrapped in flame. The uselessly large living room, in a moment, became a sea of flame.

　　"Kakakakakakakakakakakakakakakaka"

　　Shinji's flame had been eclipsed by the evil spirit. It had been completely devoured. The youma began to laugh sneeringly.

=== 2 ===

　　The Kannagi family is, even among the "Enjutsu users" who can freely manipulate fire, the strongest and most famous family. It is not simply just because their power is great. There is a special ability in the family's blood; the reason surely lies there. The flame that they manipulate is not through the physical phenomenon of the simple acceleration of molecular motion. It possesses the power to burn away impurities and destroy evil.

　　Because of this "purifying flame", the Kannagi family practitioners hold absolute dominance over youma, evil spirits, and all beings that transgress the law. Even with the ability given by blood, to the extent that blood is diluted, it is inevitable that that power will deteriorate.

　　Already, the branch family practitioners had long lost the highest rank of "gold". If a youma with fire attributes were the opponent, the released flame would, on the contrary, even be likely to be absorbed.

　　For example, like just now —— the living room had been turned into a purgatory. The high-class furniture, the shag carpet, were already carbonizing. The chandelier hanging from the ceiling; its glass had melted, turning into some grotesque art object.

　　"Wonder if he's dead?"

　　Kazuma muttered with a refreshed-looking face. A cool breeze wrapped around Kazuma; the raging flame wasn't even allowed to get close to him. Even the heat was sealed off; not a drop of sweat was apparent.

　　"H-help……"

　　A frail voice stimulated his eardrums. Kazuma looked down at the blackish object at his feet.

　　What had rolled screaming into the kekkai, was the former client, Sakamoto. He was burned here and there, but he didn't seem to be dead.

　　"Aaaaaa, he, help me!"

　　Sakamoto screamed while clinging onto Kazuma's legs. However Kazuma heartlessly kicked away his former client.

　　Thud!

　　Sakamoto's face began writhing in a new kind of pain, as it was mercilessly trampled upon. Since he didn't want to touch with anything beyond slippers, instead of stepping on him, he brang down his heel. It seemed like you could the skull making a creaking sound, but that wasn't a big problem.

　　Kazuma, trampled, grinding on Sakamoto's head, and clearly stated:

　　"You're not a client, and I don't have the habit of saving middle-aged men."

　　"If it's money, I'll pay. Twice as much, or so……"

　　"Twice? Your life's worth only one million?

　　Kazuma took a cigarette from his pocket. He gently stretched out his hand, only exposing the cigarette's tip to the outside of the kekkai. He filled his lungs with the tobacco smoke, and slowly let it out.

　　Sakamoto didn't have the leisure to be that relaxed. Whether on purpose, or by chance, only around Sakamoto, were there holes in the kekkai; the tongues of flame were beginning to lick him.

　　"Hot-, Ee, Eeee, Help! I'll pay 10 million!"

　　"Thanks for your business."

　　Upon tossing away his cigarette, Kazuma changed suddenly, smiling brightly. The smile of a demon who'd made a profitable deal.

　　"Alright now. Then, won't you please stand back?"

　　Kazuma kicked Sakamoto in the rear, sending him rolling, and as if it were obvious, proclaimed:

　　"You're in the way."

　　He began muttering in a staccato voice, and waved his right hand sideways in a mowing motion. As if being squeezed out by the hand, the raging fire was taken care of, expelled out the window.

　　The fire didn't spread to the grass and trees in the garden, but scattered and vanished.

　　And then, inside the room, a distorted face attached to a fireball — only the youma's true body remained.

　　Hyuuoou-

　　In place of the extinguished fire, wind raged around the room. Kazuma stood quietly. With his hand still in his jacket pocket, he did not move a finger. And yet, the wind followed Kazuma's intentions, and erased the flame.

　　Already, the fight was over. In front of Kazuma's overwhelming power, the youma wasn't even able to put up any resistance as it was torn to pieces, All that was left to do was wait for its annihilation.

　　"And with this…"

　　Kazuma slowly raised his right hand. For someone with soul sight, the density of spirits crowding that hand would have been terrifying.

　　"…the end!"

　　Ten times faster than it came up, the hand swung down. In a straight line extension from the right hand, an invisible blade that cut even air molecules, cleaved the youma precisely in two.

　　Without sound, without any spirit framents remaining, Kazuma regarded the destroyed youma with a calm look.

　　"Finished."

　　Kazuma pronounced this to Sakamoto, who was still lying on the floor, dumbfounded.

　　"Pay the money in 3 days. Otherwise, would you like to regret having ever been born?"

　　They were completely like a criminal's words. Even if that was a mistake, it wasn't the way you'd speak to a customer.

　　However, Sakamoto, realizing the horror of going against Kazuma, did not complain.

　　"Y, yes. Understood. But something terrible has happened to Yuuki-kun. I never thought something so serious would happen."

　　Kazuma wordlessly came closer to what appeared to be the ashes of Shinji's remains, and despairingly trampled on them. As expected, Sakamoto also raised his voice.

　　"Wh-what are you doing!? I don't know whatever happened between you two, but you still shouldn't desecrate a corpse, right!?"

　　"He's not dead."

　　Kazuma spat the words out dryly, and then continued to kick him again and again.

　　Upon doing so, the ash covering the surface began to fall off, and almost unscalded skin appeared.

　　"Wh-wha……?"

　　Sakamoto doubted his eyes, with this unbelievable scene. Kazuma gave an offhand explanation.

　　"All of Kannagi's people receive the divine protection of fire spirits. Even people from the branch family wouldn't die in this degree of fire."

　　Kazuma curled his lips in self-derision, and added,

　　"I'm the exception though."

　　"Uu……Guu……"

　　Upon doing that, Shinji woke up. Upon looking out around him, he confirmed that the youma had already been destroyed.

　　"You did this?"

　　"It's just like you saw."

　　Who do you think you are, saying whatever you please? —— Kazuma answered with that kind of tone. He had already seen through, that Shinji had kept his consciousness; Shinji hurriedly attempted an explanation.

　　"So you noticed……? But I couldn't help. I honestly couldn't move."

　　"I don't want to hear your excuses."

　　Kazuma coldly spoke that over his shoulder, as he turned his back. Shinji called out to the unhesitating figure leaving. There was still something that had to be said.

　　"Why did you return?"

　　"Must have been for something, I guess"

　　At that play-dumb answer, thinking he was being evaded, Shinji's gaze became sharp.

　　"'for something' …. Do you think the elders are going to understand that?"

　　"I was only disinherited, I wasn't deported. Where I am is my business."

　　"What are you planning?"

　　"Nothing in particular."

　　Kazuma answered curtly, shrugging his shoulders.

　　"Are you returning to the Kannagi?"

　　"Idiotic talk. Not even if I die."

　　He answered as if spitting out the words, and then Kazuma, this time, without hesitating, walked off.

　　Shinji was driven by an unease he couldn't stop. He continued to stare at Kazuma.

　　(I have to tell this to the suzerain as soon as possible……)

　　Shinji's unease was, in a sense, on the mark. A war to push the Kannagi into an abyss of ruin, was currently, from this moment, beginning.

===3===

　　"Did you hear of it? It seems Kazuma has returned to Japan."

　　"What, that incompetent has? It must be dead simple to be a fuujutsu practitioner.

　　"Nope, 'I am a dark magician' is what I heard. For him to become a practitioner, he'd have to sell his soul to the devil, right?"

　　"Ah, that's true, probably."

　　"Ahahahahaha……"

　　That day, rumors of Kazuma were the talk of the Kannagi main house. Of the elders — the general term for one retired from active service, and now overseeing the management of the practitioners — having heard Shinji's report, only one wasn't jokingly spreading around nonsense.

　　For the offense of the aforesaid Shinji's failure in his duty, he was currently under probation. Tail fin, dorsal fin, belly fins, all being wildly added to the rumor, until it grew to maturity, and not one person tried to stop it.

　　The source of the rumors, the elders, appeared to be in complete delight. The kind of people called elders, if you excepted the extremely serious exceptions, were basically men of leisure. "Looking important is work" and so on, was the gossip that some attacked with.

　　When there was no work, all day, they would drink tea, and amuse themselves talking about various topics. Obviously, they could not resist something interesting to talk about.

　　Upon hearing Shinji's news, they were dancing for joy inside. The elders, when they passed the verdict of probation on the dejected Shinji, had even something of a skipping type of light gait, while they drank tea and turned back to each other. They haphazardly began talking like this:

　　"Ohh, did you know……?"

　　The elders were, during this work time, like different people, in energetic activity.

　　Inside of one hour, there was almost nobody in the huge mansion who had not heard of Kazuma's return to the country. It certainly reached the servants, and then all kinds of people heard about it.

　　It was, in short, a situation where almost nobody knew the true facts, but it wasn't a big problem for the elders, since "If it's interesting, who cares what happens later!" was the elders' basic attitude.

　　And so, news of Kazuma spread — the exact opposite direction that Shinji was hoping for,

　　To wit——

　　"Kazuma returned as a dark magician."

　　"Kazuma was secretly murdered; he's buried in the back garden."

　　"Kazuma clashed with Shinji during work, and killed him suddenly."

　　"Kazuma made a contract with the wind spirits. An evil demon."

　　The truth was subtly mixed in, but having come this far, nobody could really interpret it. Obviously, no one feared Kazuma's retribution.

　　The main family's failure had left all his talent in his mother's womb, like liquid skimmed off the top, had somewhat found a preferable power to take in, it seemed. Nobody laughed at that.

　　However, there were a small number of exceptions. One of those was the current suzerain, Kannagi Juugo. During supper, in the humorous talk that was being told, there was one item that Juugo was interested in.

　　"Ohhhh? Kazuma chose fuujutsu? Did you know that, Genma?"

　　Juugo spoke to his cousin sitting next to him. For some reason, as if harboring some ill will, he smiled a hating smile.

　　"……Oh"

　　Genma answered in brief. The rumor having apparently already reached his ears, and he didn't appear disturbed.

　　However, it was clear that he wasn't happy about the rumor either. The saying "like someone chewing up a bitter bug" perfectly described his frown, as he gripped a tight fist.

　　If Kazuma was in front of him, I'd want to strangle him to death. It was that kind of face.

　　"It's shameful."

　　"It's not especially shameful."

　　Juugo answered lightly, and then gave a command to a servant.

　　"I would like to hear a detailed account. Call Shinji."

　　"Certainly."

　　Shinji went as far as scraping down to the tatami in his prostration. His tension was great, sweat floated on his forehead, and his breathing was disordered.

　　Regarding the Kannagi family, it would be fitting to say that the difference between the main family and the branch family's status was absolute. To even dream of a revolution was foolish.

　　Tradition, social status —— it wasn't a system based on that kind of abstract idea. The thing separating the two was only, only the overwhelming difference in power.

　　If all the practitioners of the branch family were to fight, if it was with someone like Juugo or Genma, they could be smashed by the wiggle of a little finger. Because of that kind of hopeless power difference, no thoughts of rebellion were harbored.

　　You could say it was understandable that Shinji would be under such tension. In front of Juugo, who had something similar to a god's absolute superiority, and having to recount his clumsy failure. This was definitely worse than the original feeling.

　　"Raise your face. You don't have to humble yourself like that."
　　
Juugo spoke in a friendly manner, but to look into the suzerain's face and speak, was far too overwhelming for Shinji. In the end, he raised his face, but his eyes still stared towards the tatami, as he submitted his report.

　　"A-and, I now have the privilege of being allowed to give this report."

　　"……I see."

　　When Shinji had finished recounting everything, Juugo said that, and was silent for awhile.

　　"……I see."

　　As if to confirm, he repeated it one more time. He closed his eyes lightly, and remnisced back to when his nephew — to be accurate, the relation was more separated than that, but he used that label since it was too much trouble — had left 4 years ago.

　　(——What a poor child he was.)

　　If he had been born to any but the Kannagi family, he would have been considered a superior child, probably. Excellent intellect, good reflexes too, and he also showed great promise in learning the jutsu. Except for one; only if you excepted the ability to manipulate fire.

　　However, that was certainly, for the Kannagi family, the most necessary ability.

　　Someone with no talent for manipulating fire, no matter what else he was proficient at, was treated as an incompetent. As a result of that, Kazuma was no longer part of the Kannagi.

　　Yet —— Juugo thought.

　　(Why didn't you ask me for help, Kazuma. There was no need to disown you from the family. If it was me, I would have made a place for you. Whatever Genma said, I wouldn't have cared about the Enjutsu, I would have made use of your talent, yet despite that…..)

　　Juugo looked down upon his right leg. That right leg was a thing made of metal and plastic. If that accident hadn't happened, and the "rule of inheritance" hadn't been rushed, maybe Kazuma would be here right now?

　　However, it was far too late. Kazuma had thrown away the family, the family name, all that was Kannagi, and had left Japan. This was reality. "The past", a thing that could never be changed.

　　"……Suzerain?"

　　That uncertain sounding voice brought Juugo back to reality. Upon looking around, he found everyone in an uncomfortable silence. It wasn't surprising. Among these, there were almost none who had not tormented Kazuma.

　　However, the one who had driven Kazuma out was calm. That person —— Genma, spoke out, without a single change in his expression.

　　"Suzerain. Kazuma is already someone without any connection to the Kannagi. There is no need to worry about him."

　　"Genma, you would, of your own son ——"

　　"I have only one son, Ren."

　　Genma spoke coolly, interrupting the suzerain's words. Juugo tried to say something else in reply, but disliking unproductive battles, he put other, safer words into his mouth.

　　"It's fine then. After all, Kazuma has become successful with fuujutsu. Maybe it was best that he left the Kannagi. Or maybe, Hyoue, if he had been entrusted to your place, he would have become skilled and powerful?"

　　"Perhaps."

　　Sitting at a lower seat, the head of the Fuuga clan answered sullenly. 

　　At that, Genma again cut in with an objection.

　　"We are afraid, yet Fuujutsu and such, are after all, lower arts. The most they are capable of is acting as assistants to Enjutsu. Even supposing 4 years ago, we knew of Kazuma's talent for Fuujutsu, for us to leave him to people like the Fuuga clan, clearly, we would still have to disinherit him."

　　Hearing his art publicly insulted, Hyoue twisted his face in humiliation. However, nobody paid any attention to Hyoue, nor to his face.

　　For the Kannagi family, who only noticed the value of fighting power, the Fuuga clan, having been given the reconnaisance and battle support duties, were limited to a lower status. Genma's words were not reckless. They weren't anything beyond the normal beliefs of the other Kannagi.

　　"……We will go no further with this talk. Dinner will become unpleasant."

　　At Juugo's words, everyone showed clearly relieved expressions on their faces. As if on cue, cheerful talk began, and they rolled around laughing at silly jokes.

　　Though awkwardly, the usual dining hall atmosphere returned.

　　And so, nobody noticed the dark light harbored in Hyoue's eyes. He repressed the expression on his face, and murmured in a voice so small that it did not reach even his own ears.

　　"I will not forget this disgrace, Genma……"

=== 4 ===

　　"Kannagi……no, Yagami Kazuma……? You came back at a very good time!"

　　Huo-huo-huo……

　　In a darkness-filled single room, without even one streak of light in it, a hoarse laugh broke into the strained silence.

　　"And……?"

　　"Yes, it's better if everyone hears this. Finally the time has come. The time when we must dispell the disgrace that has lasted 300 years. Now is the time for us to get back the power we lost, and return to our previous glorious position."

　　"Ohhhhhhhhh…………"

　　A stifled commotion filled the air. No one shouted. Afraid of being discovered, they kept their breaths in check, keeping their tension locked in themselves.

　　"Oh, when you finally realize it, you Kannagi. We will overthrow you, and leave not a single one remaining……Kukuku……"

　　A low and gloomy voice echoed with a resentment darker than darkness.

　　"U, uwaaaaaaaaaaaa! Wha, what, what are you doing-!"

　　That same day, late at night, Shinji screamed out. Nearby were two freshly severed heads, and two headless corpses tumbled down. And then, standing before him, a —— human?

　　Shinji wasn't able to say for certain. By outward appearance, there was nothing different from a human, but that unearthliness was something a person could not possibly have.

　　The two who had been living up until 30 seconds ago, had been captured in a kekkai without even any chance to prepare themselves, and had been immediately decapitated.

　　The mysterious person had not moved a single finger. And yet, Shinji had clearly witnessed two heads being sliced off with incredible force, as if it was nothing. Or rather, had been forced to witness.

　　Shinji was the only person left living, even though the other two surpassed him in skill. It wasn't because of luck. Shinji realized this more than anyone else.

　　He was being toyed with. This demon in human shape was feeding on Shinji's fear and hopelessness. For a moment, it held off killing him, playing with him lazily, enjoying his empty resistance.

　　"What the hell! What did I do……?"

　　"That thing" gave no answers. Without even footsteps, it came near, taking its time.

　　"That thing" was completely silent. Not even the hint of a sound, as it drew closer. wielding an invisible sword.

　　Even when those heads had been severed, silence. The two blood-covered heads rolling on the ground seemed not to have noticed their own deaths, still with drunken, relaxed, slack smiles.

　　Shinji knew of only one person who could do what "that thing" could do. He had just met him yesterday. In addition, that man had a motive to kill them.

　　Shinji became frantic, begging "that thing" for forgiveness. His voice did a complete about-face.

　　"Ka-Kazuma? You're Kazuma, right? Forgive me, it was my fault, I'm regretting it, so please, forgive meeee"

　　The only reply was the flash of the wind-blade. It severed his right arm at the base. The blade formed of a high density of spirits, cut through meat and bone as if it were tofu.

　　"Uwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!"

　　While screaming, Shinji threw himself fully into starting Enjutsu. The intense concentration from being so close to death, brought forth the greatest power of his 25 years of life.

　　"That thing" was covered in golden flame. Destroying any and all demons, the highest level of purification. The flame burned through the darkness.

　　"Y-yeah! I think I——"

　　Suddenly, "that thing", now changed into a huge torch, began to move. Shinji's face, full of hope, froze.

　　"That thing" stretched out a hand, easily taking hold of the golden flame, and in one movement, tore it from its body! 

　　"That thing" had escaped from the flame's restraints, completely uninjured. To say nothing of its body, not even the clothes showed any sign of having been burned.

　　"That thing" slowly turned to Shinji and began walking. Underneath the freezing moonlight, without a sound, it came closer, an ominous shadow.

　　This was in some ways, twisted. There was something there that the eye could not help being fascinated by. A scene filled with beauty that one had to admit was of the spirit world.

　　"Hee, heehee, heeheeeeheeheehee-, kyahahahaha, ahahahaha!"

　　Suddenly, Shinji began laughing in a strange voice.

　　From an overload of fear, apparently his mental equilibrium had snapped. Even when the wind blade soundlessly sliced through his body, splitting it, without even showing a reaction, he tumbled over laughing.

　　Perhaps "that thing" had tired of Shinji's lack of response. As if throwing away an unwanted toy, it casually sliced off his head.

　　There was a dull thunk. The third head rolled on the ground.

　　Even having finished killing everyone alive, "that thing" was still dissatisfied. It persistently continued slicing up the bodies. Though it was only a few minutes, the three bodies had been turned into many small pieces. To not even speak of the parents being able to recognize them, they wouldn't even be able to tell what kind of flesh it was.

　　The raw stink of blood and meat drifted through the kekkai. "That thing" laughed cruelly, and as if melting into the air, vanished.

　　Afterwards, three severed heads remained. In contrast to the bodies, there was not one injury on those heads.

　　Somehow, the three heads had ended up in a straight line to the gate, each had a strange smile, as if to say to anyone coming through that gate,

　　"Welcome to a nightmare world."

　　Words that appeared to be delivered smilingly.

　　And so the tragedy began——

Kaze no Stigma:Volume1 Chapter1

2007-06-01T19:12:03Z

68.100.97.46: Sounds better to me. CHange back if you want.

== Chapter One - The Disinherited Son Returns ==

=== 1 ===

　　"What bad taste……"

　　That was the first impression he had of the client. Incidentally, it should also be noted, that this is an impression that did not change in the slightest all the way to the end.

　　In this hilly high-class residential area, the mansion was sitting arrogantly on display. With a design that completely disregarded the harmony of its surroundings, there were plenty of reasons to doubt the owner's true character.

　　If one were to disregard the bad taste thus far, one might have to say it was rather magnificent. Climbing up Governor's Hill, about as close by as the famous Catholic girl's school, was the mansion. When he saw it, he was honestly, completely stunned.

　　(Did Turkish harems have this feel?)

　　Yagami Kazuma didn't seem to be joking when he thought that. "Don't paint the walls of a Japanese house in such wild colors!" he wanted to preach, while grabbing that person's collar; it was that kind of house.

　　This could probably be considered the place of origin of Japan's Westernization movement. The first gaslight was lit here; ice cream was put on sale here first. One would have expected it to be a stylish, refined town with a distinguished history.

　　(Considering that, this is probably some kind of breach of contract……)

　　He saw a decorated golden carp on the roof, and let out a sigh. The image that was held dear in Yokohama, had crumbled away completely, with a clattering sound.

　　When he had accepted the job at the agency, he was given not only an address, but also a detailed map. It had been completely unnecessary, however. By asking the neighborhood residents, "What's the house with the poorest taste around here?" probably even a monkey could manage to find his way here.

　　A structure that was painful to the eyes —— he didn't want to call that a house —— that upon viewing, made Kazuma look up to the sky, begging. The sky was empty and blue.

　　"Hey, at least it's work……"

　　He muttered to convince himself.

　　However, this is the same Kazuma whose look probably couldn't by any means be called appropriate for work.

　　Jeans and sneakers, a checkered shirt and a black jacket. His youth, at 22 years old, and his relaxed facial expression made him seem, no matter how you looked at it, no different from a student from the nearby university.

　　He was completely blind to his own faults. While continuing his observations, he noticed something strange.

　　The darkness covering the mansion was thicker than he had been told. Because of this, maybe even an ordinary person with no spirit sight would sense darkness in the mansion's surroundings.

　　(Maybe I'll just go back……)

　　Nagged by a horribly bad premonition, Kazuma was halfway seriously thinking about that.

　　The darkness that covered the mansion —— it was something more unearthly than he had expected, but it wasn't so much that he couldn't deal with it. For this reason, this premonition was a bad omen. There was something else up.

　　Judging from his experiences up to now, it was a credible and important premonition. However, he couldn't just throw away work on that alone.

　　This was his first assignment in Japan. If he broke off the arrangement with only a "For some reason or another," he probably wouldn't be able to get jobs in the future.

　　With heavy steps, he made his way toward the mansion. He stopped once more, in front of a nonsensically huge gate.

　　While standing in front of the doorbell, Kazuma was still unsure. Danger signals were bombarding his instincts. He couldn't help wanting to run away. However ——

　　"Yagami-sama, I presume."

　　Without any warning, a voice came from the intercom, and completely disrupted Kazuma's thinking. He jumped back with a start, and stood guarded; the voice continued from before, without concern for this.

　　"You have been expected. Kindly enter through the auxiliary entrance on the side, please."

　　Click.

　　Simultaneous with those words, a small door to the ride side of the gate unlocked. Apparently he was supposed to just go in.

　　(Compared with that "You have been expected", that's some rude treatment…)

　　He was feeling uncomfortable, but he was dealing with a customer. As instructed, he entered through the side door.

　　Inside the fence was awash with a large number of security cameras and sensors. They must live a very shadowy life.

　　Upon walking into the entrance way, multiple cameras followed him. With an irritation almost to the point of wanting to kill whoever was putting him under this rude surveillance, Kazuma somehow repressed himself.

　　"Eeek……"

　　That's what he'd intended, but apparently it had shown on his face. The face of the maid who had come to greet him, was filled with a fear akin to having come across a man-eating bear. Kazuma smoothed over his expression hurriedly.

　　"Welcome, please come this way."

　　She went from a horrible face, as if she were being picked up and eaten, to a overly bright smile.

　　It didn't seem possible for someone to change their expression that dramatically, forgetting their suspicions, but the maid smiled as if nothing had happened. A pro.

　　As the maid walked ahead, Kazuma observed her gratifyingly swaying bottom, while going to the living room to wait.

　　(It would have been better if I'd left……)

　　As soon as he was guided into the living room, Kazuma felt deep regret at his choice. There inside, was a thin little man, self-importantly lying back, legs outstretched —— the master of the mansion, and client, Sakamoto Nanigashi —— but he wasn't alone. There was one practitioner, a face he knew well.

　　That practitioner, upon recognizing Kazuma, showed fear on his face for a moment, and then immediately twisted his lips into a sneer, glaring at Kazuma with a face full of scorn.

　　"What, the other practitioner was you, Kazuma? You became a disinherited child of the Kannagi's because of your incompetence, and now you dare to call yourself a practitioner?"

　　Probably, those explanatory words were for Sakamoto to hear. Practitioner —— Kannagi. The youngest child of the branch family Yuuki, Shinji truly took great pleasure in abusing Kazuma.

　　Sakamoto showed the response Shinji had expected. His expression changed, and he approached Kazuma.

　　"So this is true, then? Isn't this different from what you said? You said you were a top class spritual practitioner, so I hired you!"

　　Kazuma calmly —— while retreating the same distance as the other advanced —— answered.

　　"I don't know what the person at the agency said. But if you're dissatisfied, perhaps I should leave?"

　　"Hmmph, that's right."

　　Sakamoto's eyes showed a faintly cunning light. Kazuma's, even at the best of times, scarce desire to work, quickly neared zero.

　　"Mmmm, how about this? Why don't you both try the exorcism, and only the successful one gets paid. Ahh, naturally I won't tell the loser to return the advance payment."

　　"Good idea, yeah."

　　They had been flippant words, but Shinji had immediately accepted them. And then, with the face of someone who has been completely made a fool of, he asked Kazuma.

　　"And what are you going to do?"

　　"I'm out."

　　Kazuma gave an immediate reply. In the scornful stares of the two, not even one muscle of an eyebrow moved.

　　"Hmmph, coward, sucking your finger. I'll show you a model example of Enjutsu."

　　"Model example, eh. Didn't you say that? Just like the youngest child of the branch family."

　　"Y, You!"

　　Having the one he looked down upon, in return looking down upon him, Shinji was enraged. He completely forgot about being in front of a client, tightened a fist, and struck out.

　　It was a fist intent on crushing the skull, which Kazuma handled by opening his body to the left.

　　In the instant that Shinji's right thrust was dodged, without stopping the rotation of his hips, he transferred the movement energy to his left leg.

　　In reaction to the shift in center of gravity, his left leg flew up in a rotating kick from Kazuma's blind spot, aiming for his temple.

　　However, Kazuma, as if he had seen it, lightly bent back his head. The heel of the left leg passed by a few millimeters in front of his eyes.

　　Kazuma's movements were like the leaves of a tree swaying in the wind, without hesitation. Into the space the kicking foot had left, he entered, with complete spontaneity, and lightly swept Shinji's pivot leg. Shinji, his left leg still floating in the air, under the power of his own rotational power, violently slammed into the floor.

　　"Sh-shit!"

　　Shinji had just barely managed to do ukemi, and quickly got back up. Incorrigibly, he assumed a fighting posture.

　　"You — thinking you could beat me in Taijutsu? Even four years ago, you weren't a match for me. There's no way you could be an opponent for my current self."

　　"Sh, shut up!"

　　Kazuma showed not the least bit of triumph; he chided disinterestedly, as if facing a defiant child. Being looked down upon from such a securely elevated position, Shinji's reason made a sound and broke.

　　"Stop it right there, you two."

　　However, just then, a restraining voice spoke, and the two turned at the same time to the voice's owner. Sakamoto showed great satisfaction at having gotten their attention, and in a tone as if he were an extremely important person, he scolded them.

　　"I didn't call you here to have a fight. The furnishings in this room, no matter which one you look at, are each more expensive than what I'm paying you. Any kind of rough behavior would be troublesome, okay?"

　　Suddenly, around the vicinity of the money talk, there was a scumbag. The person in question was probably attempting to flaunt his assets, but for the ones made to listen, it was nothing but the stink of the nouveau riche pushed up their noses.

　　(Maybe I'll leave…… since I still get the advance payment.)

　　With the discomfort index continuing to rise, with no end in sight, Kazuma's desire to work had already dropped into minus territory. He couldn't help feeling that even being in this place was agony.

　　"Mm……?"

　　However, without warning, the unearthly presence began to converge, heralding a new development.

　　"——It's coming."

　　The unearthly presence that had been spread throughout the mansion, directed its focus to one point in the living room. Kazuma moved casually, putting Sakamoto and Shinji in between himself and that presence.

　　"What's that? What just……"

　　The unearthly presence had solidified into something black. Shinji, over 10 seconds slower than Kazuma, had finally noticed it as well.

　　"Mmmm, so it came out?"

　　"Wh-what? What's wrong?"

　　Hesitatingly breaking the suddenly tense atmosphere, Sakamoto shouted in a shrill voice.

　　Kazuma answered in place of Shinji, who was already beginning to focus his mind for the use of jutsu.

　　"It's work time. The 'evil spirit' or whatever you've been struggling with just came out."

　　While giving that offhand explanation, Kazuma felt a beyond-ordinary sense of unease.

　　(That's no evil spirit. What kind of thing is it?)

　　When Kazuma had first accepted the assignment, the person at the agency had said "Just a normal evil spirit exorcism."

　　—— Hey, your first job should be one of these, right? If you're as good as the rumors say, you should be able to take that evil spirit with one hand ——

　　A superficial seeming man, but with definite achievements, he had heard. Their kind of work was, in some sense, even more than for practitioners, something where confidence was life. Making a mistake this big was extremely unlikely. It wasn't an easy business, that that kind of irresponsible agency person could survive.

　　(Was I set up? Well, fine. Should I just observe his skill?)

　　Kazuma learned against the wall, crossed his arms, and looked about as if sightseeing.

　　Preparing himself for the appearance of the "evil spirit," Shinji was focusing his mind.

　　It seemed he was planning to burn it away as soon as it appeared. It was clear to see in his expression.

　　Suddenly, the space in front turned dark and thick. Shinji faced both his palms towards each other, in order to set up a transparent ball in front of his chest. A small fire was held between those palms.

　　Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooon……

　　A voice full of resentment shook the air; the evil spirit showed itself. A melted-away face projected an infinite hatred to all living beings.


　　"Eeep"

　　"HAAAA!!"

　　Paying no attention to the screaming Sakamoto, Shinji released a devastating flame, along with a sharp kiai. The evil spirit became cleansed due to the fire; it had disappeared without a trace —— or so Shinji believed.

　　However——

　　"Idiot"

　　Gioooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo……

　　While the evil spirit's cries of agony echoed, and Shinji was snickering —

　　Flame exploded.

　　"Gahhhhhhhhhh!?"

　　Shinji screamed, wrapped in flame. The uselessly large living room, in a moment, became a sea of flame.

　　"Kakakakakakakakakakakakakakakaka"

　　Shinji's flame had been eclipsed by the evil spirit. It had been completely devoured. The youma began to laugh sneeringly.

=== 2 ===

　　The Kannagi family is, even among the "Enjutsu users" who can freely manipulate fire, the strongest and most famous family. It is not simply just because their power is great. There is a special ability in the family's blood; the reason surely lies there. The flame that they manipulate is not through the physical phenomenon of the simple acceleration of molecular motion. It possesses the power to burn away impurities and destroy evil.

　　Because of this "purifying flame", the Kannagi family practitioners hold absolute dominance over youma, evil spirits, and all beings that transgress the law. However, even with the ability given by blood, to the extent that that blood is diluted, it is inevitable that that power will again deteriorate.

　　Already, the branch family practitioners had long lost the highest rank of "gold". If a youma with fire attributes were the opponent, the released flame would, on the contrary, even be likely to be absorbed.

　　For example, like just now —— the living room had been turned into a purgatory. The high-class furniture, the shag carpet, were already carbonizing. The chandelier hanging from the ceiling; its glass had melted, turning into some grotesque art object.

　　"Wonder if he's dead?"

　　Kazuma muttered with a refreshed-looking face. A cool breeze wrapped around Kazuma; the raging flame wasn't even allowed to get close to him. Even the heat was sealed off; not a drop of sweat was apparent.

　　"H-help……"

　　A frail voice stimulated his eardrums. Kazuma looked down at the blackish object at his feet.

　　What had rolled screaming into the kekkai, was the former client, Sakamoto. He was burned here and there, but he didn't seem to be dead.

　　"Aaaaaa, he, help me!"

　　Sakamoto screamed while clinging onto Kazuma's legs. However Kazuma heartlessly kicked away his former client.

　　Thud!

　　Sakamoto's face began writhing in a new kind of pain, as it was mercilessly trampled upon. Since he didn't want to touch with anything beyond slippers, instead of stepping on him, he brang down his heel. It seemed like you could the skull making a creaking sound, but that wasn't a big problem.

　　Kazuma, trampled, grinding on Sakamoto's head, and clearly stated:

　　"You're not a client, and I don't have the habit of saving middle-aged men."

　　"If it's money, I'll pay. Twice as much, or so……"

　　"Twice? Your life's worth only one million?

　　Kazuma took a cigarette from his pocket. He gently stretched out his hand, only exposing the cigarette's tip to the outside of the kekkai. He filled his lungs with the tobacco smoke, and slowly let it out.

　　Sakamoto didn't have the leisure to be that relaxed. Whether on purpose, or by chance, only around Sakamoto, were there holes in the kekkai; the tongues of flame were beginning to lick him.

　　"Hot-, Ee, Eeee, Help! I'll pay 10 million!"

　　"Thanks for your business."

　　Upon tossing away his cigarette, Kazuma changed suddenly, smiling brightly. The smile of a demon who'd made a profitable deal.

　　"Alright now. Then, won't you please stand back?"

　　Kazuma kicked Sakamoto in the rear, sending him rolling, and as if it were obvious, proclaimed:

　　"You're in the way."

　　He began muttering in a staccato voice, and waved his right hand sideways in a mowing motion. As if being squeezed out by the hand, the raging fire was taken care of, expelled out the window.

　　The fire didn't spread to the grass and trees in the garden, but scattered and vanished.

　　And then, inside the room, a distorted face attached to a fireball — only the youma's true body remained.

　　Hyuuoou-

　　In place of the extinguished fire, wind raged around the room. Kazuma stood quietly. With his hand still in his jacket pocket, he did not move a finger. And yet, the wind followed Kazuma's intentions, and erased the flame.

　　Already, the fight was over. In front of Kazuma's overwhelming power, the youma wasn't even able to put up any resistance as it was torn to pieces, All that was left to do was wait for its annihilation.

　　"And with this…"

　　Kazuma slowly raised his right hand. For someone with soul sight, the density of spirits crowding that hand would have been terrifying.

　　"…the end!"

　　Ten times faster than it came up, the hand swung down. In a straight line extension from the right hand, an invisible blade that cut even air molecules, cleaved the youma precisely in two.

　　Without sound, without any spirit framents remaining, Kazuma regarded the destroyed youma with a calm look.

　　"Finished."

　　Kazuma pronounced this to Sakamoto, who was still lying on the floor, dumbfounded.

　　"Pay the money in 3 days. Otherwise, would you like to regret having ever been born?"

　　They were completely like a criminal's words. Even if that was a mistake, it wasn't the way you'd speak to a customer.

　　However, Sakamoto, realizing the horror of going against Kazuma, did not complain.

　　"Y, yes. Understood. But something terrible has happened to Yuuki-kun. I never thought something so serious would happen."

　　Kazuma wordlessly came closer to what appeared to be the ashes of Shinji's remains, and despairingly trampled on them. As expected, Sakamoto also raised his voice.

　　"Wh-what are you doing!? I don't know whatever happened between you two, but you still shouldn't desecrate a corpse, right!?"

　　"He's not dead."

　　Kazuma spat the words out dryly, and then continued to kick him again and again.

　　Upon doing so, the ash covering the surface began to fall off, and almost unscalded skin appeared.

　　"Wh-wha……?"

　　Sakamoto doubted his eyes, with this unbelievable scene. Kazuma gave an offhand explanation.

　　"All of Kannagi's people receive the divine protection of fire spirits. Even people from the branch family wouldn't die in this degree of fire."

　　Kazuma curled his lips in self-derision, and added,

　　"I'm the exception though."

　　"Uu……Guu……"

　　Upon doing that, Shinji woke up. Upon looking out around him, he confirmed that the youma had already been destroyed.

　　"You did this?"

　　"It's just like you saw."

　　Who do you think you are, saying whatever you please? —— Kazuma answered with that kind of tone. He had already seen through, that Shinji had kept his consciousness; Shinji hurriedly attempted an explanation.

　　"So you noticed……? But I couldn't help. I honestly couldn't move."

　　"I don't want to hear your excuses."

　　Kazuma coldly spoke that over his shoulder, as he turned his back. Shinji called out to the unhesitating figure leaving. There was still something that had to be said.

　　"Why did you return?"

　　"Must have been for something, I guess"

　　At that play-dumb answer, thinking he was being evaded, Shinji's gaze became sharp.

　　"'for something' …. Do you think the elders are going to understand that?"

　　"I was only disinherited, I wasn't deported. Where I am is my business."

　　"What are you planning?"

　　"Nothing in particular."

　　Kazuma answered curtly, shrugging his shoulders.

　　"Are you returning to the Kannagi?"

　　"Idiotic talk. Not even if I die."

　　He answered as if spitting out the words, and then Kazuma, this time, without hesitating, walked off.

　　Shinji was driven by an unease he couldn't stop. He continued to stare at Kazuma.

　　(I have to tell this to the suzerain as soon as possible……)

　　Shinji's unease was, in a sense, on the mark. A war to push the Kannagi into an abyss of ruin, was currently, from this moment, beginning.

===3===

　　"Did you hear of it? It seems Kazuma has returned to Japan."

　　"What, that incompetent has? It must be dead simple to be a fuujutsu practitioner.

　　"Nope, 'I am a dark magician' is what I heard. For him to become a practitioner, he'd have to sell his soul to the devil, right?"

　　"Ah, that's true, probably."

　　"Ahahahahaha……"

　　That day, rumors of Kazuma were the talk of the Kannagi main house. Of the elders — the general term for one retired from active service, and now overseeing the management of the practitioners — having heard Shinji's report, only one wasn't jokingly spreading around nonsense.

　　For the offense of the aforesaid Shinji's failure in his duty, he was currently under probation. Tail fin, dorsal fin, belly fins, all being wildly added to the rumor, until it grew to maturity, and not one person tried to stop it.

　　The source of the rumors, the elders, appeared to be in complete delight. The kind of people called elders, if you excepted the extremely serious exceptions, were basically men of leisure. "Looking important is work" and so on, was the gossip that some attacked with.

　　When there was no work, all day, they would drink tea, and amuse themselves talking about various topics. Obviously, they could not resist something interesting to talk about.

　　Upon hearing Shinji's news, they were dancing for joy inside. The elders, when they passed the verdict of probation on the dejected Shinji, had even something of a skipping type of light gait, while they drank tea and turned back to each other. They haphazardly began talking like this:

　　"Ohh, did you know……?"

　　The elders were, during this work time, like different people, in energetic activity.

　　Inside of one hour, there was almost nobody in the huge mansion who had not heard of Kazuma's return to the country. It certainly reached the servants, and then all kinds of people heard about it.

　　It was, in short, a situation where almost nobody knew the true facts, but it wasn't a big problem for the elders, since "If it's interesting, who cares what happens later!" was the elders' basic attitude.

　　And so, news of Kazuma spread — the exact opposite direction that Shinji was hoping for,

　　To wit——

　　"Kazuma returned as a dark magician."

　　"Kazuma was secretly murdered; he's buried in the back garden."

　　"Kazuma clashed with Shinji during work, and killed him suddenly."

　　"Kazuma made a contract with the wind spirits. An evil demon."

　　The truth was subtly mixed in, but having come this far, nobody could really interpret it. Obviously, no one feared Kazuma's retribution.

　　The main family's failure had left all his talent in his mother's womb, like liquid skimmed off the top, had somewhat found a preferable power to take in, it seemed. Nobody laughed at that.

　　However, there were a small number of exceptions. One of those was the current suzerain, Kannagi Juugo. During supper, in the humorous talk that was being told, there was one item that Juugo was interested in.

　　"Ohhhh? Kazuma chose fuujutsu? Did you know that, Genma?"

　　Juugo spoke to his cousin sitting next to him. For some reason, as if harboring some ill will, he smiled a hating smile.

　　"……Oh"

　　Genma answered in brief. The rumor having apparently already reached his ears, and he didn't appear disturbed.

　　However, it was clear that he wasn't happy about the rumor either. The saying "like someone chewing up a bitter bug" perfectly described his frown, as he gripped a tight fist.

　　If Kazuma was in front of him, I'd want to strangle him to death. It was that kind of face.

　　"It's shameful."

　　"It's not especially shameful."

　　Juugo answered lightly, and then gave a command to a servant.

　　"I would like to hear a detailed account. Call Shinji."

　　"Certainly."

　　Shinji went as far as scraping down to the tatami in his prostration. His tension was great, sweat floated on his forehead, and his breathing was disordered.

　　Regarding the Kannagi family, it would be fitting to say that the difference between the main family and the branch family's status was absolute. To even dream of a revolution was foolish.

　　Tradition, social status —— it wasn't a system based on that kind of abstract idea. The thing separating the two was only, only the overwhelming difference in power.

　　If all the practitioners of the branch family were to fight, if it was with someone like Juugo or Genma, they could be smashed by the wiggle of a little finger. Because of that kind of hopeless power difference, no thoughts of rebellion were harbored.

　　You could say it was understandable that Shinji would be under such tension. In front of Juugo, who had something similar to a god's absolute superiority, and having to recount his clumsy failure. This was definitely worse than the original feeling.

　　"Raise your face. You don't have to humble yourself like that."
　　
Juugo spoke in a friendly manner, but to look into the suzerain's face and speak, was far too overwhelming for Shinji. In the end, he raised his face, but his eyes still stared towards the tatami, as he submitted his report.

　　"A-and, I now have the privilege of being allowed to give this report."

　　"……I see."

　　When Shinji had finished recounting everything, Juugo said that, and was silent for awhile.

　　"……I see."

　　As if to confirm, he repeated it one more time. He closed his eyes lightly, and remnisced back to when his nephew — to be accurate, the relation was more separated than that, but he used that label since it was too much trouble — had left 4 years ago.

　　(——What a poor child he was.)

　　If he had been born to any but the Kannagi family, he would have been considered a superior child, probably. Excellent intellect, good reflexes too, and he also showed great promise in learning the jutsu. Except for one; only if you excepted the ability to manipulate fire.

　　However, that was certainly, for the Kannagi family, the most necessary ability.

　　Someone with no talent for manipulating fire, no matter what else he was proficient at, was treated as an incompetent. As a result of that, Kazuma was no longer part of the Kannagi.

　　Yet —— Juugo thought.

　　(Why didn't you ask me for help, Kazuma. There was no need to disown you from the family. If it was me, I would have made a place for you. Whatever Genma said, I wouldn't have cared about the Enjutsu, I would have made use of your talent, yet despite that…..)

　　Juugo looked down upon his right leg. That right leg was a thing made of metal and plastic. If that accident hadn't happened, and the "rule of inheritance" hadn't been rushed, maybe Kazuma would be here right now?

　　However, it was far too late. Kazuma had thrown away the family, the family name, all that was Kannagi, and had left Japan. This was reality. "The past", a thing that could never be changed.

　　"……Suzerain?"

　　That uncertain sounding voice brought Juugo back to reality. Upon looking around, he found everyone in an uncomfortable silence. It wasn't surprising. Among these, there were almost none who had not tormented Kazuma.

　　However, the one who had driven Kazuma out was calm. That person —— Genma, spoke out, without a single change in his expression.

　　"Suzerain. Kazuma is already someone without any connection to the Kannagi. There is no need to worry about him."

　　"Genma, you would, of your own son ——"

　　"I have only one son, Ren."

　　Genma spoke coolly, interrupting the suzerain's words. Juugo tried to say something else in reply, but disliking unproductive battles, he put other, safer words into his mouth.

　　"It's fine then. After all, Kazuma has become successful with fuujutsu. Maybe it was best that he left the Kannagi. Or maybe, Hyoue, if he had been entrusted to your place, he would have become skilled and powerful?"

　　"Perhaps."

　　Sitting at a lower seat, the head of the Fuuga clan answered sullenly. 

　　At that, Genma again cut in with an objection.

　　"We are afraid, yet Fuujutsu and such, are after all, lower arts. The most they are capable of is acting as assistants to Enjutsu. Even supposing 4 years ago, we knew of Kazuma's talent for Fuujutsu, for us to leave him to people like the Fuuga clan, clearly, we would still have to disinherit him."

　　Hearing his art publicly insulted, Hyoue twisted his face in humiliation. However, nobody paid any attention to Hyoue, nor to his face.

　　For the Kannagi family, who only noticed the value of fighting power, the Fuuga clan, having been given the reconnaisance and battle support duties, were limited to a lower status. Genma's words were not reckless. They weren't anything beyond the normal beliefs of the other Kannagi.

　　"……We will go no further with this talk. Dinner will become unpleasant."

　　At Juugo's words, everyone showed clearly relieved expressions on their faces. As if on cue, cheerful talk began, and they rolled around laughing at silly jokes.

　　Though awkwardly, the usual dining hall atmosphere returned.

　　And so, nobody noticed the dark light harbored in Hyoue's eyes. He repressed the expression on his face, and murmured in a voice so small that it did not reach even his own ears.

　　"I will not forget this disgrace, Genma……"

=== 4 ===

　　"Kannagi……no, Yagami Kazuma……? You came back at a very good time!"

　　Huo-huo-huo……

　　In a darkness-filled single room, without even one streak of light in it, a hoarse laugh broke into the strained silence.

　　"And……?"

　　"Yes, it's better if everyone hears this. Finally the time has come. The time when we must dispell the disgrace that has lasted 300 years. Now is the time for us to get back the power we lost, and return to our previous glorious position."

　　"Ohhhhhhhhh…………"

　　A stifled commotion filled the air. No one shouted. Afraid of being discovered, they kept their breaths in check, keeping their tension locked in themselves.

　　"Oh, when you finally realize it, you Kannagi. We will overthrow you, and leave not a single one remaining……Kukuku……"

　　A low and gloomy voice echoed with a resentment darker than darkness.

　　"U, uwaaaaaaaaaaaa! Wha, what, what are you doing-!"

　　That same day, late at night, Shinji screamed out. Nearby were two freshly severed heads, and two headless corpses tumbled down. And then, standing before him, a —— human?

　　Shinji wasn't able to say for certain. By outward appearance, there was nothing different from a human, but that unearthliness was something a person could not possibly have.

　　The two who had been living up until 30 seconds ago, had been captured in a kekkai without even any chance to prepare themselves, and had been immediately decapitated.

　　The mysterious person had not moved a single finger. And yet, Shinji had clearly witnessed two heads being sliced off with incredible force, as if it was nothing. Or rather, had been forced to witness.

　　Shinji was the only person left living, even though the other two surpassed him in skill. It wasn't because of luck. Shinji realized this more than anyone else.

　　He was being toyed with. This demon in human shape was feeding on Shinji's fear and hopelessness. For a moment, it held off killing him, playing with him lazily, enjoying his empty resistance.

　　"What the hell! What did I do……?"

　　"That thing" gave no answers. Without even footsteps, it came near, taking its time.

　　"That thing" was completely silent. Not even the hint of a sound, as it drew closer. wielding an invisible sword.

　　Even when those heads had been severed, silence. The two blood-covered heads rolling on the ground seemed not to have noticed their own deaths, still with drunken, relaxed, slack smiles.

　　Shinji knew of only one person who could do what "that thing" could do. He had just met him yesterday. In addition, that man had a motive to kill them.

　　Shinji became frantic, begging "that thing" for forgiveness. His voice did a complete about-face.

　　"Ka-Kazuma? You're Kazuma, right? Forgive me, it was my fault, I'm regretting it, so please, forgive meeee"

　　The only reply was the flash of the wind-blade. It severed his right arm at the base. The blade formed of a high density of spirits, cut through meat and bone as if it were tofu.

　　"Uwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!"

　　While screaming, Shinji threw himself fully into starting Enjutsu. The intense concentration from being so close to death, brought forth the greatest power of his 25 years of life.

　　"That thing" was covered in golden flame. Destroying any and all demons, the highest level of purification. The flame burned through the darkness.

　　"Y-yeah! I think I——"

　　Suddenly, "that thing", now changed into a huge torch, began to move. Shinji's face, full of hope, froze.

　　"That thing" stretched out a hand, easily taking hold of the golden flame, and in one movement, tore it from its body! 

　　"That thing" had escaped from the flame's restraints, completely uninjured. To say nothing of its body, not even the clothes showed any sign of having been burned.

　　"That thing" slowly turned to Shinji and began walking. Underneath the freezing moonlight, without a sound, it came closer, an ominous shadow.

　　This was in some ways, twisted. There was something there that the eye could not help being fascinated by. A scene filled with beauty that one had to admit was of the spirit world.

　　"Hee, heehee, heeheeeeheeheehee-, kyahahahaha, ahahahaha!"

　　Suddenly, Shinji began laughing in a strange voice.

　　From an overload of fear, apparently his mental equilibrium had snapped. Even when the wind blade soundlessly sliced through his body, splitting it, without even showing a reaction, he tumbled over laughing.

　　Perhaps "that thing" had tired of Shinji's lack of response. As if throwing away an unwanted toy, it casually sliced off his head.

　　There was a dull thunk. The third head rolled on the ground.

　　Even having finished killing everyone alive, "that thing" was still dissatisfied. It persistently continued slicing up the bodies. Though it was only a few minutes, the three bodies had been turned into many small pieces. To not even speak of the parents being able to recognize them, they wouldn't even be able to tell what kind of flesh it was.

　　The raw stink of blood and meat drifted through the kekkai. "That thing" laughed cruelly, and as if melting into the air, vanished.

　　Afterwards, three severed heads remained. In contrast to the bodies, there was not one injury on those heads.

　　Somehow, the three heads had ended up in a straight line to the gate, each had a strange smile, as if to say to anyone coming through that gate,

　　"Welcome to a nightmare world."

　　Words that appeared to be delivered smilingly.

　　And so the tragedy began——

Kaze no Stigma:Volume1 Chapter1

2007-06-01T19:01:30Z

68.100.97.46: Improper grammer.

== Chapter One - The Disinherited Son Returns ==

=== 1 ===

　　"What bad taste……"

　　That was the first impression he had of the client. Incidentally, it should also be noted, that this is an impression that did not change in the slightest all the way to the end.

　　In this hilly high-class residential area, the mansion was sitting arrogantly on display. With a design that completely disregarded the harmony of its surroundings, there were plenty of reasons to doubt the owner's true character.

　　If one were to disregard the bad taste thus far, one might have to say it was rather magnificent. Climbing up Governor's Hill, about as close by as the famous Catholic girl's school, was the mansion. When he saw it, he was honestly, completely stunned.

　　(Did Turkish harems have this feel?)

　　Yagami Kazuma didn't seem to be joking when he thought that. "Don't paint the walls of a Japanese house in such wild colors!" he wanted to preach, while grabbing that person's collar; it was that kind of house.

　　This could probably be considered the place of origin of Japan's Westernization movement. The first gaslight was lit here; ice cream was put on sale here first. One would have expected it to be a stylish, refined town with a distinguished history.

　　(Considering that, this is probably some kind of breach of contract……)

　　He saw a decorated golden carp on the roof, and let out a sigh. The image that was held dear in Yokohama, had crumbled away completely, with a clattering sound.

　　When he had accepted the job at the agency, he was given not only an address, but also a detailed map. It had been completely unnecessary, however. By asking the neighborhood residents, "What's the house with the poorest taste around here?" probably even a monkey could manage to find his way here.

　　A structure that was painful to the eyes —— he didn't want to call that a house —— that upon viewing, made Kazuma look up to the sky, begging. The sky was empty and blue.

　　"Hey, at least it's work……"

　　He muttered to convince himself.

　　However, this is the same Kazuma whose look probably couldn't by any means be called appropriate for work.

　　Jeans and sneakers, a checkered shirt and a black jacket. His youth, at 22 years old, and his relaxed facial expression made him seem, no matter how you looked at it, no different from a student from the nearby university.

　　He was completely blind to his own faults. While continuing his observations, he noticed something strange.

　　The darkness covering the mansion was thicker than he had been told. Because of this, maybe even an ordinary person with no spirit sight would sense darkness in the mansion's surroundings.

　　(Maybe I'll just go back……)

　　Nagged by a horribly bad premonition, Kazuma was halfway seriously thinking about that.

　　The darkness that covered the mansion —— it was something more unearthly than he had expected, but it wasn't so much that he couldn't deal with it. For this reason, this premonition was a bad omen. There was something else up.

　　Judging from his experiences up to now, it was a credible and important premonition. However, he couldn't just throw away work on that alone.

　　This was his first assignment in Japan. If he broke off the arrangement with only a "For some reason or another," he probably wouldn't be able to get jobs in the future.

　　With heavy steps, he made his way toward the mansion. He stopped once more, in front of a nonsensically huge gate.

　　While standing in front of the doorbell, Kazuma was still unsure. Danger signals were bombarding his instincts. He couldn't help wanting to run away. However ——

　　"Yagami-sama, I presume."

　　Without any warning, a voice came from the intercom, and completely disrupted Kazuma's thinking. He jumped back with a start, and stood guarded; the voice continued from before, without concern for this.

　　"You have been expected. Kindly enter through the auxiliary entrance on the side, please."

　　Click.

　　Simultaneous with those words, a small door to the ride side of the gate unlocked. Apparently he was supposed to just go in.

　　(Compared with that "You have been expected", that's some rude treatment…)

　　He was feeling uncomfortable, but he was dealing with a customer. As instructed, he entered through the side door.

　　Inside the fence was awash with a large number of security cameras and sensors. They must live a very shadowy life.

　　Upon walking into the entrance way, multiple cameras followed him. With an irritation almost to the point of wanting to kill whoever was putting him under this rude surveillance, Kazuma somehow repressed himself.

　　"Eeek……"

　　That's what he'd intended, but apparently it had shown on his face. The face of the maid who had come to greet him, was filled with a fear akin to having come across a man-eating bear. Kazuma smoothed over his expression hurriedly.

　　"Welcome, please come this way."

　　She went from a horrible face, as if she were being picked up and eaten, to a overly bright smile.

　　It didn't seem possible for someone to change their expression that dramatically, forgetting their suspicions, but the maid smiled as if nothing had happened. A pro.

　　As the maid walked ahead, Kazuma observed her gratifyingly swaying bottom, while going to the living room to wait.

　　(It would have been better if I'd left……)

　　As soon as he was guided into the living room, Kazuma felt deep regret at his choice. There inside, was a thin little man, self-importantly lying back, legs outstretched —— the master of the mansion, and client, Sakamoto Nanigashi —— but he wasn't alone. There was one practitioner, a face he knew well.

　　That practitioner, upon recognizing Kazuma, showed fear on his face for a moment, and then immediately twisted his lips into a sneer, glaring at Kazuma with a face full of scorn.

　　"What, the other practitioner was you, Kazuma? You became a disinherited child of the Kannagi's because of your incompetence, and now you dare to call yourself a practitioner?"

　　Probably, those explanatory words were for Sakamoto to hear. Practitioner —— Kannagi. The youngest child of the branch family Yuuki, Shinji truly took great pleasure in abusing Kazuma.

　　Sakamoto showed the response Shinji had expected. His expression changed, and he approached Kazuma.

　　"So this is true, then? Isn't this different from what you said? You said you were a top class spritual practitioner, so I hired you!"

　　Kazuma calmly —— while retreating the same distance as the other advanced —— answered.

　　"I don't know what the person at the agency said. But if you're dissatisfied, perhaps I should leave?"

　　"Hmmph, that's right."

　　Sakamoto's eyes showed a faintly cunning light. Kazuma's, even at the best of times, scarce desire to work, quickly neared zero.

　　"Mmmm, how about this? Why don't you both try the exorcism, and only the successful one gets paid. Ahh, naturally I won't tell the loser to return the advance payment."

　　"Good idea, yeah."

　　They had been flippant words, but Shinji had immediately accepted them. And then, with the face of someone who has been completely made a fool of, he asked Kazuma.

　　"And what are you going to do?"

　　"I'm out."

　　Kazuma gave an immediate reply. In the scornful stares of the two, not even one muscle of an eyebrow moved.

　　"Hmmph, coward, sucking your finger. I'll show you a model example of Enjutsu."

　　"Model example, eh. Didn't you say that? Just like the youngest child of the branch family."

　　"Y, You!"

　　Having the one he looked down upon, in return looking down upon him, Shinji was enraged. He completely forgot about being in front of a client, tightened a fist, and struck out.

　　It was a fist intent on crushing the skull, which Kazuma handled by opening his body to the left.

　　In the instant that Shinji's right thrust was dodged, without stopping the rotation of his hips, he transferred the movement energy to his left leg.

　　In reaction to the shift in center of gravity, his left leg flew up in a rotating kick from Kazuma's blind spot, aiming for his temple.

　　However, Kazuma, as if he had seen it, lightly bent back his head. The heel of the left leg passed by a few millimeters in front of his eyes.

　　Kazuma's movements were like the leaves of a tree swaying in the wind, without hesitation. Into the space the kicking foot had left, he entered, with complete spontaneity, and lightly swept Shinji's pivot leg. Shinji, his left leg still floating in the air, under the power of his own rotational power, violently slammed into the floor.

　　"Sh-shit!"

　　Shinji had just barely managed to do ukemi, and quickly got back up. Incorrigibly, he assumed a fighting posture.

　　"You — thinking you could beat me in Taijutsu? Even four years ago, you weren't a match for me. There's no way you could be an opponent for my current self."

　　"Sh, shut up!"

　　Kazuma showed not the least bit of triumph; he chided disinterestedly, as if facing a defiant child. Being looked down upon from such a securely elevated position, Shinji's reason made a sound and broke.

　　"Stop it right there, you two."

　　However, just then, a restraining voice spoke, and the two turned at the same time to the voice's owner. Sakamoto showed great satisfaction at having gotten their attention, and in a tone as if he were an extremely important person, he scolded them.

　　"I didn't call you here to have a fight. The furnishings in this room, no matter which one you look at, are each more expensive than what I'm paying you. Any kind of rough behavior would be troublesome, okay?"

　　Suddenly, around the vicinity of the money talk, there was a scumbag. The person in question was probably attempting to flaunt his assets, but for the ones made to listen, it was nothing but the stink of the nouveau riche pushed up their noses.

　　(Maybe I'll leave…… since I still get the advance payment.)

　　With the discomfort index continuing to rise, with no end in sight, Kazuma's desire to work had already dropped into minus territory. He couldn't help feeling that even being in this place was agony.

　　"Mm……?"

　　However, without warning, the unearthly presence began to converge, heralding a new development.

　　"——It's coming."

　　The unearthly presence that had been spread throughout the mansion, directed its focus to one point in the living room. Kazuma moved casually, putting Sakamoto and Shinji in between himself and that presence.

　　"What's that? What just……"

　　The unearthly presence had solidified into something black. Shinji, over 10 seconds slower than Kazuma, had finally noticed it as well.

　　"Mmmm, so it came out?"

　　"Wh-what? What's wrong?"

　　Hesitatingly breaking the suddenly tense atmosphere, Sakamoto shouted in a shrill voice.

　　Kazuma answered in place of Shinji, who was already beginning to focus his mind for the use of jutsu.

　　"It's work time. The 'evil spirit' or whatever you've been struggling with just came out."

　　While giving that offhand explanation, Kazuma felt a beyond-ordinary sense of unease.

　　(That's no evil spirit. What kind of thing is it?)

　　When Kazuma had first accepted the assignment, the person at the agency had said "Just a normal evil spirit exorcism."

　　—— Hey, your first job should be one of these, right? If you're as good as the rumors say, you should be able to take that evil spirit with one hand ——

　　A superficial seeming man, but with definite achievements, he had heard. Their kind of work was, in some sense, even more than for practitioners, something where confidence was life. Making a mistake this big was extremely unlikely. It wasn't an easy business, that that kind of irresponsible agency person could survive.

　　(Was I set up? Well, fine. Should I just observe his skill?)

　　Kazuma learned against the wall, crossed his arms, and looked about as if sightseeing.

　　Preparing himself for the appearance of the "evil spirit," Shinji was focusing his mind.

　　It seemed he was planning to burn it away as soon as it appeared. It was clear to see in his expression.

　　Suddenly, the space in front turned dark and thick. Shinji faced both his palms towards each other, in order to set up a transparent ball in front of his chest. A small fire was held between those palms.

　　Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooon……

　　A voice full of resentment shook the air; the evil spirit showed itself. A melted-away face projected an infinite hatred to all living beings.


　　"Eeep"

　　"HAAAA!!"

　　Paying no attention to the screaming Sakamoto, Shinji released a devastating flame, along with a sharp kiai. The evil spirit became cleansed due to the fire; it had disappeared without a trace —— or so Shinji believed.

　　However——

　　"Idiot"

　　Gioooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo……

　　While the evil spirit's cries of agony echoed, and Shinji was snickering —

　　Flame exploded.

　　"Gahhhhhhhhhh!?"

　　Shinji screamed, wrapped in flame. The uselessly large living room, in a moment, became a sea of flame.

　　"Kakakakakakakakakakakakakakakaka"

　　Shinji's flame had been eclipsed by the evil spirit. It had been completely devoured. The youma began to laugh sneeringly.

=== 2 ===

　　The Kannagi family is, even among the "Enjutsu users" who can freely manipulate fire, the strongest and most famous family. It is not simply just because their power is great. There is a special ability in the family's blood; the reason surely lies there. The flame that they manipulate is not through the physical phenomenon of the simple acceleration of molecular motion. It possesses the power to burn away impurities and destroy evil.

　　Because of this "purifying flame", the Kannagi family's practitioners hold absolute dominance over youma, evil spirits, and all beings that transgress the law. However, even with the ability given by blood, to the extent that that blood is diluted, it is inevitable that that power will again deteriorate.

　　Already, the branch family's practitioners had long lost the highest rank of "gold". If a youma with fire attributes were the opponent, the released flame would, on the contrary, even be likely to be absorbed.

　　For example, like just now —— the living room had been turned into a purgatory. The high-class furniture, the shag carpet, were already carbonizing. The chandelier hanging from the ceiling; its glass had melted, turning into some grotesque art object.

　　"Wonder if he's dead?"

　　Kazuma muttered with a refreshed-looking face. A cool breeze wrapped around Kazuma; the raging flame wasn't even allowed to get close to him. Even the heat was sealed off; not a drop of sweat was apparent.

　　"H-help……"

　　A frail voice stimulated his eardrums. Kazuma looked down at the blackish object at his feet.

　　What had rolled screaming into the kekkai, was the former client, Sakamoto. He was burned here and there, but he didn't seem to be dead.

　　"Aaaaaa, he, help me!"

　　Sakamoto screamed while clinging onto Kazuma's legs. However Kazuma heartlessly kicked away his former client.

　　Thud!

　　Sakamoto's face began writhing in a new kind of pain, as it was mercilessly trampled upon. Since he didn't want to touch with anything beyond slippers, instead of stepping on him, he brang down his heel. It seemed like you could the skull making a creaking sound, but that wasn't a big problem.

　　Kazuma, trampled, grinding on Sakamoto's head, and clearly stated:

　　"You're not a client, and I don't have the habit of saving middle-aged men."

　　"If it's money, I'll pay. Twice as much, or so……"

　　"Twice? Your life's worth only one million?

　　Kazuma took a cigarette from his pocket. He gently stretched out his hand, only exposing the cigarette's tip to the outside of the kekkai. He filled his lungs with the tobacco smoke, and slowly let it out.

　　Sakamoto didn't have the leisure to be that relaxed. Whether on purpose, or by chance, only around Sakamoto, were there holes in the kekkai; the tongues of flame were beginning to lick him.

　　"Hot-, Ee, Eeee, Help! I'll pay 10 million!"

　　"Thanks for your business."

　　Upon tossing away his cigarette, Kazuma changed suddenly, smiling brightly. The smile of a demon who'd made a profitable deal.

　　"Alright now. Then, won't you please stand back?"

　　Kazuma kicked Sakamoto in the rear, sending him rolling, and as if it were obvious, proclaimed:

　　"You're in the way."

　　He began muttering in a staccato voice, and waved his right hand sideways in a mowing motion. As if being squeezed out by the hand, the raging fire was taken care of, expelled out the window.

　　The fire didn't spread to the grass and trees in the garden, but scattered and vanished.

　　And then, inside the room, a distorted face attached to a fireball — only the youma's true body remained.

　　Hyuuoou-

　　In place of the extinguished fire, wind raged around the room. Kazuma stood quietly. With his hand still in his jacket pocket, he did not move a finger. And yet, the wind followed Kazuma's intentions, and erased the flame.

　　Already, the fight was over. In front of Kazuma's overwhelming power, the youma wasn't even able to put up any resistance as it was torn to pieces, All that was left to do was wait for its annihilation.

　　"And with this…"

　　Kazuma slowly raised his right hand. For someone with soul sight, the density of spirits crowding that hand would have been terrifying.

　　"…the end!"

　　Ten times faster than it came up, the hand swung down. In a straight line extension from the right hand, an invisible blade that cut even air molecules, cleaved the youma precisely in two.

　　Without sound, without any spirit framents remaining, Kazuma regarded the destroyed youma with a calm look.

　　"Finished."

　　Kazuma pronounced this to Sakamoto, who was still lying on the floor, dumbfounded.

　　"Pay the money in 3 days. Otherwise, would you like to regret having ever been born?"

　　They were completely like a criminal's words. Even if that was a mistake, it wasn't the way you'd speak to a customer.

　　However, Sakamoto, realizing the horror of going against Kazuma, did not complain.

　　"Y, yes. Understood. But something terrible has happened to Yuuki-kun. I never thought something so serious would happen."

　　Kazuma wordlessly came closer to what appeared to be the ashes of Shinji's remains, and despairingly trampled on them. As expected, Sakamoto also raised his voice.

　　"Wh-what are you doing!? I don't know whatever happened between you two, but you still shouldn't desecrate a corpse, right!?"

　　"He's not dead."

　　Kazuma spat the words out dryly, and then continued to kick him again and again.

　　Upon doing so, the ash covering the surface began to fall off, and almost unscalded skin appeared.

　　"Wh-wha……?"

　　Sakamoto doubted his eyes, with this unbelievable scene. Kazuma gave an offhand explanation.

　　"All of Kannagi's people receive the divine protection of fire spirits. Even people from the branch family wouldn't die in this degree of fire."

　　Kazuma curled his lips in self-derision, and added,

　　"I'm the exception though."

　　"Uu……Guu……"

　　Upon doing that, Shinji woke up. Upon looking out around him, he confirmed that the youma had already been destroyed.

　　"You did this?"

　　"It's just like you saw."

　　Who do you think you are, saying whatever you please? —— Kazuma answered with that kind of tone. He had already seen through, that Shinji had kept his consciousness; Shinji hurriedly attempted an explanation.

　　"So you noticed……? But I couldn't help. I honestly couldn't move."

　　"I don't want to hear your excuses."

　　Kazuma coldly spoke that over his shoulder, as he turned his back. Shinji called out to the unhesitating figure leaving. There was still something that had to be said.

　　"Why did you return?"

　　"Must have been for something, I guess"

　　At that play-dumb answer, thinking he was being evaded, Shinji's gaze became sharp.

　　"'for something' …. Do you think the elders are going to understand that?"

　　"I was only disinherited, I wasn't deported. Where I am is my business."

　　"What are you planning?"

　　"Nothing in particular."

　　Kazuma answered curtly, shrugging his shoulders.

　　"Are you returning to the Kannagi?"

　　"Idiotic talk. Not even if I die."

　　He answered as if spitting out the words, and then Kazuma, this time, without hesitating, walked off.

　　Shinji was driven by an unease he couldn't stop. He continued to stare at Kazuma.

　　(I have to tell this to the suzerain as soon as possible……)

　　Shinji's unease was, in a sense, on the mark. A war to push the Kannagi into an abyss of ruin, was currently, from this moment, beginning.

===3===

　　"Did you hear of it? It seems Kazuma has returned to Japan."

　　"What, that incompetent has? It must be dead simple to be a fuujutsu practitioner.

　　"Nope, 'I am a dark magician' is what I heard. For him to become a practitioner, he'd have to sell his soul to the devil, right?"

　　"Ah, that's true, probably."

　　"Ahahahahaha……"

　　That day, rumors of Kazuma were the talk of the Kannagi main house. Of the elders — the general term for one retired from active service, and now overseeing the management of the practitioners — having heard Shinji's report, only one wasn't jokingly spreading around nonsense.

　　For the offense of the aforesaid Shinji's failure in his duty, he was currently under probation. Tail fin, dorsal fin, belly fins, all being wildly added to the rumor, until it grew to maturity, and not one person tried to stop it.

　　The source of the rumors, the elders, appeared to be in complete delight. The kind of people called elders, if you excepted the extremely serious exceptions, were basically men of leisure. "Looking important is work" and so on, was the gossip that some attacked with.

　　When there was no work, all day, they would drink tea, and amuse themselves talking about various topics. Obviously, they could not resist something interesting to talk about.

　　Upon hearing Shinji's news, they were dancing for joy inside. The elders, when they passed the verdict of probation on the dejected Shinji, had even something of a skipping type of light gait, while they drank tea and turned back to each other. They haphazardly began talking like this:

　　"Ohh, did you know……?"

　　The elders were, during this work time, like different people, in energetic activity.

　　Inside of one hour, there was almost nobody in the huge mansion who had not heard of Kazuma's return to the country. It certainly reached the servants, and then all kinds of people heard about it.

　　It was, in short, a situation where almost nobody knew the true facts, but it wasn't a big problem for the elders, since "If it's interesting, who cares what happens later!" was the elders' basic attitude.

　　And so, news of Kazuma spread — the exact opposite direction that Shinji was hoping for,

　　To wit——

　　"Kazuma returned as a dark magician."

　　"Kazuma was secretly murdered; he's buried in the back garden."

　　"Kazuma clashed with Shinji during work, and killed him suddenly."

　　"Kazuma made a contract with the wind spirits. An evil demon."

　　The truth was subtly mixed in, but having come this far, nobody could really interpret it. Obviously, no one feared Kazuma's retribution.

　　The main family's failure had left all his talent in his mother's womb, like liquid skimmed off the top, had somewhat found a preferable power to take in, it seemed. Nobody laughed at that.

　　However, there were a small number of exceptions. One of those was the current suzerain, Kannagi Juugo. During supper, in the humorous talk that was being told, there was one item that Juugo was interested in.

　　"Ohhhh? Kazuma chose fuujutsu? Did you know that, Genma?"

　　Juugo spoke to his cousin sitting next to him. For some reason, as if harboring some ill will, he smiled a hating smile.

　　"……Oh"

　　Genma answered in brief. The rumor having apparently already reached his ears, and he didn't appear disturbed.

　　However, it was clear that he wasn't happy about the rumor either. The saying "like someone chewing up a bitter bug" perfectly described his frown, as he gripped a tight fist.

　　If Kazuma was in front of him, I'd want to strangle him to death. It was that kind of face.

　　"It's shameful."

　　"It's not especially shameful."

　　Juugo answered lightly, and then gave a command to a servant.

　　"I would like to hear a detailed account. Call Shinji."

　　"Certainly."

　　Shinji went as far as scraping down to the tatami in his prostration. His tension was great, sweat floated on his forehead, and his breathing was disordered.

　　Regarding the Kannagi family, it would be fitting to say that the difference between the main family and the branch family's status was absolute. To even dream of a revolution was foolish.

　　Tradition, social status —— it wasn't a system based on that kind of abstract idea. The thing separating the two was only, only the overwhelming difference in power.

　　If all the practitioners of the branch family were to fight, if it was with someone like Juugo or Genma, they could be smashed by the wiggle of a little finger. Because of that kind of hopeless power difference, no thoughts of rebellion were harbored.

　　You could say it was understandable that Shinji would be under such tension. In front of Juugo, who had something similar to a god's absolute superiority, and having to recount his clumsy failure. This was definitely worse than the original feeling.

　　"Raise your face. You don't have to humble yourself like that."
　　
Juugo spoke in a friendly manner, but to look into the suzerain's face and speak, was far too overwhelming for Shinji. In the end, he raised his face, but his eyes still stared towards the tatami, as he submitted his report.

　　"A-and, I now have the privilege of being allowed to give this report."

　　"……I see."

　　When Shinji had finished recounting everything, Juugo said that, and was silent for awhile.

　　"……I see."

　　As if to confirm, he repeated it one more time. He closed his eyes lightly, and remnisced back to when his nephew — to be accurate, the relation was more separated than that, but he used that label since it was too much trouble — had left 4 years ago.

　　(——What a poor child he was.)

　　If he had been born to any but the Kannagi family, he would have been considered a superior child, probably. Excellent intellect, good reflexes too, and he also showed great promise in learning the jutsu. Except for one; only if you excepted the ability to manipulate fire.

　　However, that was certainly, for the Kannagi family, the most necessary ability.

　　Someone with no talent for manipulating fire, no matter what else he was proficient at, was treated as an incompetent. As a result of that, Kazuma was no longer part of the Kannagi.

　　Yet —— Juugo thought.

　　(Why didn't you ask me for help, Kazuma. There was no need to disown you from the family. If it was me, I would have made a place for you. Whatever Genma said, I wouldn't have cared about the Enjutsu, I would have made use of your talent, yet despite that…..)

　　Juugo looked down upon his right leg. That right leg was a thing made of metal and plastic. If that accident hadn't happened, and the "rule of inheritance" hadn't been rushed, maybe Kazuma would be here right now?

　　However, it was far too late. Kazuma had thrown away the family, the family name, all that was Kannagi, and had left Japan. This was reality. "The past", a thing that could never be changed.

　　"……Suzerain?"

　　That uncertain sounding voice brought Juugo back to reality. Upon looking around, he found everyone in an uncomfortable silence. It wasn't surprising. Among these, there were almost none who had not tormented Kazuma.

　　However, the one who had driven Kazuma out was calm. That person —— Genma, spoke out, without a single change in his expression.

　　"Suzerain. Kazuma is already someone without any connection to the Kannagi. There is no need to worry about him."

　　"Genma, you would, of your own son ——"

　　"I have only one son, Ren."

　　Genma spoke coolly, interrupting the suzerain's words. Juugo tried to say something else in reply, but disliking unproductive battles, he put other, safer words into his mouth.

　　"It's fine then. After all, Kazuma has become successful with fuujutsu. Maybe it was best that he left the Kannagi. Or maybe, Hyoue, if he had been entrusted to your place, he would have become skilled and powerful?"

　　"Perhaps."

　　Sitting at a lower seat, the head of the Fuuga clan answered sullenly. 

　　At that, Genma again cut in with an objection.

　　"We are afraid, yet Fuujutsu and such, are after all, lower arts. The most they are capable of is acting as assistants to Enjutsu. Even supposing 4 years ago, we knew of Kazuma's talent for Fuujutsu, for us to leave him to people like the Fuuga clan, clearly, we would still have to disinherit him."

　　Hearing his art publicly insulted, Hyoue twisted his face in humiliation. However, nobody paid any attention to Hyoue, nor to his face.

　　For the Kannagi family, who only noticed the value of fighting power, the Fuuga clan, having been given the reconnaisance and battle support duties, were limited to a lower status. Genma's words were not reckless. They weren't anything beyond the normal beliefs of the other Kannagi.

　　"……We will go no further with this talk. Dinner will become unpleasant."

　　At Juugo's words, everyone showed clearly relieved expressions on their faces. As if on cue, cheerful talk began, and they rolled around laughing at silly jokes.

　　Though awkwardly, the usual dining hall atmosphere returned.

　　And so, nobody noticed the dark light harbored in Hyoue's eyes. He repressed the expression on his face, and murmured in a voice so small that it did not reach even his own ears.

　　"I will not forget this disgrace, Genma……"

=== 4 ===

　　"Kannagi……no, Yagami Kazuma……? You came back at a very good time!"

　　Huo-huo-huo……

　　In a darkness-filled single room, without even one streak of light in it, a hoarse laugh broke into the strained silence.

　　"And……?"

　　"Yes, it's better if everyone hears this. Finally the time has come. The time when we must dispell the disgrace that has lasted 300 years. Now is the time for us to get back the power we lost, and return to our previous glorious position."

　　"Ohhhhhhhhh…………"

　　A stifled commotion filled the air. No one shouted. Afraid of being discovered, they kept their breaths in check, keeping their tension locked in themselves.

　　"Oh, when you finally realize it, you Kannagi. We will overthrow you, and leave not a single one remaining……Kukuku……"

　　A low and gloomy voice echoed with a resentment darker than darkness.

　　"U, uwaaaaaaaaaaaa! Wha, what, what are you doing-!"

　　That same day, late at night, Shinji screamed out. Nearby were two freshly severed heads, and two headless corpses tumbled down. And then, standing before him, a —— human?

　　Shinji wasn't able to say for certain. By outward appearance, there was nothing different from a human, but that unearthliness was something a person could not possibly have.

　　The two who had been living up until 30 seconds ago, had been captured in a kekkai without even any chance to prepare themselves, and had been immediately decapitated.

　　The mysterious person had not moved a single finger. And yet, Shinji had clearly witnessed two heads being sliced off with incredible force, as if it was nothing. Or rather, had been forced to witness.

　　Shinji was the only person left living, even though the other two surpassed him in skill. It wasn't because of luck. Shinji realized this more than anyone else.

　　He was being toyed with. This demon in human shape was feeding on Shinji's fear and hopelessness. For a moment, it held off killing him, playing with him lazily, enjoying his empty resistance.

　　"What the hell! What did I do……?"

　　"That thing" gave no answers. Without even footsteps, it came near, taking its time.

　　"That thing" was completely silent. Not even the hint of a sound, as it drew closer. wielding an invisible sword.

　　Even when those heads had been severed, silence. The two blood-covered heads rolling on the ground seemed not to have noticed their own deaths, still with drunken, relaxed, slack smiles.

　　Shinji knew of only one person who could do what "that thing" could do. He had just met him yesterday. In addition, that man had a motive to kill them.

　　Shinji became frantic, begging "that thing" for forgiveness. His voice did a complete about-face.

　　"Ka-Kazuma? You're Kazuma, right? Forgive me, it was my fault, I'm regretting it, so please, forgive meeee"

　　The only reply was the flash of the wind-blade. It severed his right arm at the base. The blade formed of a high density of spirits, cut through meat and bone as if it were tofu.

　　"Uwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!"

　　While screaming, Shinji threw himself fully into starting Enjutsu. The intense concentration from being so close to death, brought forth the greatest power of his 25 years of life.

　　"That thing" was covered in golden flame. Destroying any and all demons, the highest level of purification. The flame burned through the darkness.

　　"Y-yeah! I think I——"

　　Suddenly, "that thing", now changed into a huge torch, began to move. Shinji's face, full of hope, froze.

　　"That thing" stretched out a hand, easily taking hold of the golden flame, and in one movement, tore it from its body! 

　　"That thing" had escaped from the flame's restraints, completely uninjured. To say nothing of its body, not even the clothes showed any sign of having been burned.

　　"That thing" slowly turned to Shinji and began walking. Underneath the freezing moonlight, without a sound, it came closer, an ominous shadow.

　　This was in some ways, twisted. There was something there that the eye could not help being fascinated by. A scene filled with beauty that one had to admit was of the spirit world.

　　"Hee, heehee, heeheeeeheeheehee-, kyahahahaha, ahahahaha!"

　　Suddenly, Shinji began laughing in a strange voice.

　　From an overload of fear, apparently his mental equilibrium had snapped. Even when the wind blade soundlessly sliced through his body, splitting it, without even showing a reaction, he tumbled over laughing.

　　Perhaps "that thing" had tired of Shinji's lack of response. As if throwing away an unwanted toy, it casually sliced off his head.

　　There was a dull thunk. The third head rolled on the ground.

　　Even having finished killing everyone alive, "that thing" was still dissatisfied. It persistently continued slicing up the bodies. Though it was only a few minutes, the three bodies had been turned into many small pieces. To not even speak of the parents being able to recognize them, they wouldn't even be able to tell what kind of flesh it was.

　　The raw stink of blood and meat drifted through the kekkai. "That thing" laughed cruelly, and as if melting into the air, vanished.

　　Afterwards, three severed heads remained. In contrast to the bodies, there was not one injury on those heads.

　　Somehow, the three heads had ended up in a straight line to the gate, each had a strange smile, as if to say to anyone coming through that gate,

　　"Welcome to a nightmare world."

　　Words that appeared to be delivered smilingly.

　　And so the tragedy began——

Kaze no Stigma:Volume1 Chapter1

2007-06-01T18:59:05Z

68.100.97.46: Improper grammer. Shortened the sentance.

== Chapter One - The Disinherited Son Returns ==

=== 1 ===

　　"What bad taste……"

　　That was the first impression he had of the client. Incidentally, it should also be noted, that this is an impression that did not change in the slightest all the way to the end.

　　In this hilly high-class residential area, the mansion was sitting arrogantly on display. With a design that completely disregarded the harmony of its surroundings, there were plenty of reasons to doubt the owner's true character.

　　If one were to disregard the bad taste thus far, one might have to say it was rather magnificent. Climbing up Governor's Hill, about as close by as the famous Catholic girl's school, was the mansion. When he saw it, he was honestly, completely stunned.

　　(Did Turkish harems have this feel?)

　　Yagami Kazuma didn't seem to be joking when he thought that. "Don't paint the walls of a Japanese house in such wild colors!" he wanted to preach, while grabbing that person's collar; it was that kind of house.

　　This could probably be considered the place of origin of Japan's Westernization movement. The first gaslight was lit here; ice cream was put on sale here first. One would have expected it to be a stylish, refined town with a distinguished history.

　　(Considering that, this is probably some kind of breach of contract……)

　　He saw a decorated golden carp on the roof, and let out a sigh. The image that was held dear in Yokohama, had crumbled away completely, with a clattering sound.

　　When he had accepted the job at the agency, he was given not only an address, but also a detailed map. It had been completely unnecessary, however. By asking the neighborhood residents, "What's the house with the poorest taste around here?" probably even a monkey could manage to find his way here.

　　A structure that was painful to the eyes —— he didn't want to call that a house —— that upon viewing, made Kazuma look up to the sky, begging. The sky was empty and blue.

　　"Hey, at least it's work……"

　　He muttered to convince himself.

　　However, this is the same Kazuma whose look probably couldn't by any means be called appropriate for work.

　　Jeans and sneakers, a checkered shirt and a black jacket. His youth, at 22 years old, and his relaxed facial expression made him seem, no matter how you looked at it, no different from a student from the nearby university.

　　He was completely blind to his own faults. While continuing his observations, he noticed something strange.

　　The darkness covering the mansion was thicker than he had been told. Because of this, maybe even an ordinary person with no spirit sight would sense darkness in the mansion's surroundings.

　　(Maybe I'll just go back……)

　　Nagged by a horribly bad premonition, Kazuma was halfway seriously thinking about that.

　　The darkness that covered the mansion —— it was something more unearthly than he had expected, but it wasn't so much that he couldn't deal with it. For this reason, this premonition was a bad omen. There was something else up.

　　Judging from his experiences up to now, it was a credible and important premonition. However, he couldn't just throw away work on that alone.

　　This was his first assignment in Japan. If he broke off the arrangement with only a "For some reason or another," he probably wouldn't be able to get jobs in the future.

　　With heavy steps, he made his way toward the mansion. He stopped once more, in front of a nonsensically huge gate.

　　While standing in front of the doorbell, Kazuma was still unsure. Danger signals were bombarding his instincts. He couldn't help wanting to run away. However ——

　　"Yagami-sama, I presume."

　　Without any warning, a voice came from the intercom, and completely disrupted Kazuma's thinking. He jumped back with a start, and stood guarded; the voice continued from before, without concern for this.

　　"You have been expected. Kindly enter through the auxiliary entrance on the side, please."

　　Click.

　　Simultaneous with those words, a small door to the ride side of the gate unlocked. Apparently he was supposed to just go in.

　　(Compared with that "You have been expected", that's some rude treatment…)

　　He was feeling uncomfortable, but he was dealing with a customer. As instructed, he entered through the side door.

　　Inside the fence was awash with a large number of security cameras and sensors. They must live a very shadowy life.

　　Upon walking into the entrance way, multiple cameras followed him. With an irritation almost to the point of wanting to kill whoever was putting him under this rude surveillance, Kazuma somehow repressed himself.

　　"Eeek……"

　　That's what he'd intended, but apparently it had shown on his face. The face of the maid who had come to greet him, was filled with a fear akin to having come across a man-eating bear. Kazuma smoothed over his expression hurriedly.

　　"Welcome, please come this way."

　　She went from a horrible face, as if she were being picked up and eaten, to a overly bright smile.

　　It didn't seem possible for someone to change their expression that dramatically, forgetting their suspicions, but the maid smiled as if nothing had happened. A pro.

　　As the maid walked ahead, Kazuma observed her gratifyingly swaying bottom, while going to the living room to wait.

　　(It would have been better if I'd left……)

　　As soon as he was guided into the living room, Kazuma felt deep regret at his choice. There inside, was a thin little man, self-importantly lying back, legs outstretched —— the master of the mansion, and client, Sakamoto Nanigashi —— but he wasn't alone. There was one practitioner, a face he knew well.

　　That practitioner, upon recognizing Kazuma, showed fear on his face for a moment, and then immediately twisted his lips into a sneer, glaring at Kazuma with a face full of scorn.

　　"What, the other practitioner was you, Kazuma? You became a disinherited child of the Kannagi's because of your incompetence, and now you dare to call yourself a practitioner?"

　　Probably, those explanatory words were for Sakamoto to hear. Practitioner —— Kannagi. The youngest child of the branch family Yuuki, Shinji truly took great pleasure in abusing Kazuma.

　　Sakamoto showed the response Shinji had expected. His expression changed, and he approached Kazuma.

　　"So this is true, then? Isn't this different from what you said? You said you were a top class spritual practitioner, so I hired you!"

　　Kazuma calmly —— while retreating the same distance as the other advanced —— answered.

　　"I don't know what the person at the agency said. But if you're dissatisfied, perhaps I should leave?"

　　"Hmmph, that's right."

　　Sakamoto's eyes showed a faintly cunning light. Kazuma's, even at the best of times, scarce desire to work, quickly neared zero.

　　"Mmmm, how about this? Why don't you both try the exorcism, and only the successful one gets paid. Ahh, naturally I won't tell the loser to return the advance payment."

　　"Good idea, yeah."

　　They had been flippant words, but Shinji had immediately accepted them. And then, with the face of someone who has been completely made a fool of, he asked Kazuma.

　　"And what are you going to do?"

　　"I'm out."

　　Kazuma gave an immediate reply. In the scornful stares of the two, not even one muscle of an eyebrow moved.

　　"Hmmph, coward, sucking your finger. I'll show you a model example of Enjutsu."

　　"Model example, eh. Didn't you say that? Just like the youngest child of the branch family."

　　"Y, You!"

　　Having the one he looked down upon, in return looking down upon him, Shinji was enraged. He completely forgot about being in front of a client, tightened a fist, and struck out.

　　It was a fist intent on crushing the skull, which Kazuma handled by opening his body to the left.

　　In the instant that Shinji's right thrust was dodged, without stopping the rotation of his hips, he transferred the movement energy to his left leg.

　　In reaction to the shift in center of gravity, his left leg flew up in a rotating kick from Kazuma's blind spot, aiming for his temple.

　　However, Kazuma, as if he had seen it, lightly bent back his head. The heel of the left leg passed by a few millimeters in front of his eyes.

　　Kazuma's movements were like the leaves of a tree swaying in the wind, without hesitation. Into the space the kicking foot had left, he entered, with complete spontaneity, and lightly swept Shinji's pivot leg. Shinji, his left leg still floating in the air, under the power of his own rotational power, violently slammed into the floor.

　　"Sh-shit!"

　　Shinji had just barely managed to do ukemi, and quickly got back up. Incorrigibly, he assumed a fighting posture.

　　"You — thinking you could beat me in Taijutsu? Even four years ago, you weren't a match for me. There's no way you could be an opponent for my current self."

　　"Sh, shut up!"

　　Kazuma showed not the least bit of triumph; he chided disinterestedly, as if facing a defiant child. Being looked down upon from such a securely elevated position, Shinji's reason made a sound and broke.

　　"Stop it right there, you two."

　　However, just then, a restraining voice spoke, and the two turned at the same time to the voice's owner. Sakamoto showed great satisfaction at having gotten their attention, and in a tone as if he were an extremely important person, he scolded them.

　　"I didn't call you here to have a fight. The furnishings in this room, no matter which one you look at, are each more expensive than what I'm paying you. Any kind of rough behavior would be troublesome, okay?"

　　Suddenly, around the vicinity of the money talk, there was a scumbag. The person in question was probably attempting to flaunt his assets, but for the ones made to listen, it was nothing but the stink of the nouveau riche pushed up their noses.

　　(Maybe I'll leave…… since I still get the advance payment.)

　　With the discomfort index continuing to rise, with no end in sight, Kazuma's desire to work had already dropped into minus territory. He couldn't help feeling that even being in this place was agony.

　　"Mm……?"

　　However, without warning, the unearthly presence began to converge, heralding a new development.

　　"——It's coming."

　　The unearthly presence that had been spread throughout the mansion, directed its focus to one point in the living room. Kazuma moved casually, putting Sakamoto and Shinji in between himself and that presence.

　　"What's that? What just……"

　　The unearthly presence had solidified into something black. Shinji, over 10 seconds slower than Kazuma, had finally noticed it as well.

　　"Mmmm, so it came out?"

　　"Wh-what? What's wrong?"

　　Hesitatingly breaking the suddenly tense atmosphere, Sakamoto shouted in a shrill voice.

　　Kazuma answered in place of Shinji, who was already beginning to focus his mind for the use of jutsu.

　　"It's work time. The 'evil spirit' or whatever you've been struggling with just came out."

　　While giving that offhand explanation, Kazuma felt a beyond-ordinary sense of unease.

　　(That's no evil spirit. What kind of thing is it?)

　　When Kazuma had first accepted the assignment, the person at the agency had said "Just a normal evil spirit exorcism."

　　—— Hey, your first job should be one of these, right? If you're as good as the rumors say, you should be able to take that evil spirit with one hand ——

　　A superficial seeming man, but with definite achievements, he had heard. Their kind of work was, in some sense, even more than for practitioners, something where confidence was life. Making a mistake this big was extremely unlikely. It wasn't an easy business, that that kind of irresponsible agency person could survive.

　　(Was I set up? Well, fine. Should I just observe his skill?)

　　Kazuma learned against the wall, crossed his arms, and looked about as if sightseeing.

　　Preparing himself for the appearance of the "evil spirit," Shinji was focusing his mind.

　　It seemed he was planning to burn it away as soon as it appeared. It was clear to see in his expression.

　　Suddenly, the space in front turned dark and thick. Shinji faced both his palms towards each other, in order to set up a transparent ball in front of his chest. A small fire was held between those palms.

　　Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooon……

　　A voice full of resentment shook the air; the evil spirit showed itself. A melted-away face projected an infinite hatred to all living beings.


　　"Eeep"

　　"HAAAA!!"

　　Paying no attention to the screaming Sakamoto, Shinji released a devastating flame, along with a sharp kiai. The evil spirit became cleansed due to the fire; it had disappeared without a trace —— or so Shinji believed.

　　However——

　　"Idiot"

　　Gioooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo……

　　While the evil spirit's cries of agony echoed, and Shinji was snickering —

　　Flame exploded.

　　"Gahhhhhhhhhh!?"

　　Shinji screamed, wrapped in flame. The uselessly large living room, in a moment, became a sea of flame.

　　"Kakakakakakakakakakakakakakakaka"

　　Shinji's flame had been eclipsed by the evil spirit. It had been completely devoured. The youma began to laugh sneeringly.

=== 2 ===

　　The Kannagi family is, even among the "Enjutsu users" who can freely manipulate fire, the strongest and most famous family. It is not simply just because their power is great. There is a special ability in the family's blood; the reason surely lies there. The flame that they manipulate is not through the physical phenomenon of the simple acceleration of molecular motion. It possesses the power to burn away impurities, and destroy evil.

　　Because of this "purifying flame", the Kannagi family's practitioners hold absolute dominance over youma, evil spirits, and all beings that transgress the law. However, even with the ability given by blood, to the extent that that blood is diluted, it is inevitable that that power will again deteriorate.

　　Already, the branch family's practitioners had long lost the highest rank of "gold". If a youma with fire attributes was the opponent, the released flame would, on the contrary, even be likely to be absorbed.

　　For example, like just now —— the living room had been turned into a purgatory. The high class furniture, the shag carpet, were already carbonizing. The chandelier hanging from the ceiling; its glass had melted, turning into some grotesque art object.

　　"Wonder if he's dead?"

　　Kazuma muttered with a refreshed-looking face. A cool breeze wrapped around Kazuma; the raging flame wasn't even allowed to get close to him. Even the heat was sealed off; not a drop of sweat was apparent.

　　"H-help……"

　　A frail voice stimulated his eardrums. Kazuma looked down at the blackish object at his feet.

　　What had rolled screaming into the kekkai, was the former client, Sakamoto. He was burned here and there, but he didn't seem to be dead.

　　"Aaaaaa, he, help me!"

　　Sakamoto screamed while clinging onto Kazuma's legs. However Kazuma heartlessly kicked away his former client.

　　Thud!

　　Sakamoto's face began writhing in a new kind of pain, as it was mercilessly trampled upon. Since he didn't want to touch with anything beyond slippers, instead of stepping on him, he brang down his heel. It seemed like you could the skull making a creaking sound, but that wasn't a big problem.

　　Kazuma, trampled, grinding on Sakamoto's head, and clearly stated:

　　"You're not a client, and I don't have the habit of saving middle-aged men."

　　"If it's money, I'll pay. Twice as much, or so……"

　　"Twice? Your life's worth only one million?

　　Kazuma took a cigarette from his pocket. He gently stretched out his hand, only exposing the cigarette's tip to the outside of the kekkai. He filled his lungs with the tobacco smoke, and slowly let it out.

　　Sakamoto didn't have the leisure to be that relaxed. Whether on purpose, or by chance, only around Sakamoto, were there holes in the kekkai; the tongues of flame were beginning to lick him.

　　"Hot-, Ee, Eeee, Help! I'll pay 10 million!"

　　"Thanks for your business."

　　Upon tossing away his cigarette, Kazuma changed suddenly, smiling brightly. The smile of a demon who'd made a profitable deal.

　　"Alright now. Then, won't you please stand back?"

　　Kazuma kicked Sakamoto in the rear, sending him rolling, and as if it were obvious, proclaimed:

　　"You're in the way."

　　He began muttering in a staccato voice, and waved his right hand sideways in a mowing motion. As if being squeezed out by the hand, the raging fire was taken care of, expelled out the window.

　　The fire didn't spread to the grass and trees in the garden, but scattered and vanished.

　　And then, inside the room, a distorted face attached to a fireball — only the youma's true body remained.

　　Hyuuoou-

　　In place of the extinguished fire, wind raged around the room. Kazuma stood quietly. With his hand still in his jacket pocket, he did not move a finger. And yet, the wind followed Kazuma's intentions, and erased the flame.

　　Already, the fight was over. In front of Kazuma's overwhelming power, the youma wasn't even able to put up any resistance as it was torn to pieces, All that was left to do was wait for its annihilation.

　　"And with this…"

　　Kazuma slowly raised his right hand. For someone with soul sight, the density of spirits crowding that hand would have been terrifying.

　　"…the end!"

　　Ten times faster than it came up, the hand swung down. In a straight line extension from the right hand, an invisible blade that cut even air molecules, cleaved the youma precisely in two.

　　Without sound, without any spirit framents remaining, Kazuma regarded the destroyed youma with a calm look.

　　"Finished."

　　Kazuma pronounced this to Sakamoto, who was still lying on the floor, dumbfounded.

　　"Pay the money in 3 days. Otherwise, would you like to regret having ever been born?"

　　They were completely like a criminal's words. Even if that was a mistake, it wasn't the way you'd speak to a customer.

　　However, Sakamoto, realizing the horror of going against Kazuma, did not complain.

　　"Y, yes. Understood. But something terrible has happened to Yuuki-kun. I never thought something so serious would happen."

　　Kazuma wordlessly came closer to what appeared to be the ashes of Shinji's remains, and despairingly trampled on them. As expected, Sakamoto also raised his voice.

　　"Wh-what are you doing!? I don't know whatever happened between you two, but you still shouldn't desecrate a corpse, right!?"

　　"He's not dead."

　　Kazuma spat the words out dryly, and then continued to kick him again and again.

　　Upon doing so, the ash covering the surface began to fall off, and almost unscalded skin appeared.

　　"Wh-wha……?"

　　Sakamoto doubted his eyes, with this unbelievable scene. Kazuma gave an offhand explanation.

　　"All of Kannagi's people receive the divine protection of fire spirits. Even people from the branch family wouldn't die in this degree of fire."

　　Kazuma curled his lips in self-derision, and added,

　　"I'm the exception though."

　　"Uu……Guu……"

　　Upon doing that, Shinji woke up. Upon looking out around him, he confirmed that the youma had already been destroyed.

　　"You did this?"

　　"It's just like you saw."

　　Who do you think you are, saying whatever you please? —— Kazuma answered with that kind of tone. He had already seen through, that Shinji had kept his consciousness; Shinji hurriedly attempted an explanation.

　　"So you noticed……? But I couldn't help. I honestly couldn't move."

　　"I don't want to hear your excuses."

　　Kazuma coldly spoke that over his shoulder, as he turned his back. Shinji called out to the unhesitating figure leaving. There was still something that had to be said.

　　"Why did you return?"

　　"Must have been for something, I guess"

　　At that play-dumb answer, thinking he was being evaded, Shinji's gaze became sharp.

　　"'for something' …. Do you think the elders are going to understand that?"

　　"I was only disinherited, I wasn't deported. Where I am is my business."

　　"What are you planning?"

　　"Nothing in particular."

　　Kazuma answered curtly, shrugging his shoulders.

　　"Are you returning to the Kannagi?"

　　"Idiotic talk. Not even if I die."

　　He answered as if spitting out the words, and then Kazuma, this time, without hesitating, walked off.

　　Shinji was driven by an unease he couldn't stop. He continued to stare at Kazuma.

　　(I have to tell this to the suzerain as soon as possible……)

　　Shinji's unease was, in a sense, on the mark. A war to push the Kannagi into an abyss of ruin, was currently, from this moment, beginning.

===3===

　　"Did you hear of it? It seems Kazuma has returned to Japan."

　　"What, that incompetent has? It must be dead simple to be a fuujutsu practitioner.

　　"Nope, 'I am a dark magician' is what I heard. For him to become a practitioner, he'd have to sell his soul to the devil, right?"

　　"Ah, that's true, probably."

　　"Ahahahahaha……"

　　That day, rumors of Kazuma were the talk of the Kannagi main house. Of the elders — the general term for one retired from active service, and now overseeing the management of the practitioners — having heard Shinji's report, only one wasn't jokingly spreading around nonsense.

　　For the offense of the aforesaid Shinji's failure in his duty, he was currently under probation. Tail fin, dorsal fin, belly fins, all being wildly added to the rumor, until it grew to maturity, and not one person tried to stop it.

　　The source of the rumors, the elders, appeared to be in complete delight. The kind of people called elders, if you excepted the extremely serious exceptions, were basically men of leisure. "Looking important is work" and so on, was the gossip that some attacked with.

　　When there was no work, all day, they would drink tea, and amuse themselves talking about various topics. Obviously, they could not resist something interesting to talk about.

　　Upon hearing Shinji's news, they were dancing for joy inside. The elders, when they passed the verdict of probation on the dejected Shinji, had even something of a skipping type of light gait, while they drank tea and turned back to each other. They haphazardly began talking like this:

　　"Ohh, did you know……?"

　　The elders were, during this work time, like different people, in energetic activity.

　　Inside of one hour, there was almost nobody in the huge mansion who had not heard of Kazuma's return to the country. It certainly reached the servants, and then all kinds of people heard about it.

　　It was, in short, a situation where almost nobody knew the true facts, but it wasn't a big problem for the elders, since "If it's interesting, who cares what happens later!" was the elders' basic attitude.

　　And so, news of Kazuma spread — the exact opposite direction that Shinji was hoping for,

　　To wit——

　　"Kazuma returned as a dark magician."

　　"Kazuma was secretly murdered; he's buried in the back garden."

　　"Kazuma clashed with Shinji during work, and killed him suddenly."

　　"Kazuma made a contract with the wind spirits. An evil demon."

　　The truth was subtly mixed in, but having come this far, nobody could really interpret it. Obviously, no one feared Kazuma's retribution.

　　The main family's failure had left all his talent in his mother's womb, like liquid skimmed off the top, had somewhat found a preferable power to take in, it seemed. Nobody laughed at that.

　　However, there were a small number of exceptions. One of those was the current suzerain, Kannagi Juugo. During supper, in the humorous talk that was being told, there was one item that Juugo was interested in.

　　"Ohhhh? Kazuma chose fuujutsu? Did you know that, Genma?"

　　Juugo spoke to his cousin sitting next to him. For some reason, as if harboring some ill will, he smiled a hating smile.

　　"……Oh"

　　Genma answered in brief. The rumor having apparently already reached his ears, and he didn't appear disturbed.

　　However, it was clear that he wasn't happy about the rumor either. The saying "like someone chewing up a bitter bug" perfectly described his frown, as he gripped a tight fist.

　　If Kazuma was in front of him, I'd want to strangle him to death. It was that kind of face.

　　"It's shameful."

　　"It's not especially shameful."

　　Juugo answered lightly, and then gave a command to a servant.

　　"I would like to hear a detailed account. Call Shinji."

　　"Certainly."

　　Shinji went as far as scraping down to the tatami in his prostration. His tension was great, sweat floated on his forehead, and his breathing was disordered.

　　Regarding the Kannagi family, it would be fitting to say that the difference between the main family and the branch family's status was absolute. To even dream of a revolution was foolish.

　　Tradition, social status —— it wasn't a system based on that kind of abstract idea. The thing separating the two was only, only the overwhelming difference in power.

　　If all the practitioners of the branch family were to fight, if it was with someone like Juugo or Genma, they could be smashed by the wiggle of a little finger. Because of that kind of hopeless power difference, no thoughts of rebellion were harbored.

　　You could say it was understandable that Shinji would be under such tension. In front of Juugo, who had something similar to a god's absolute superiority, and having to recount his clumsy failure. This was definitely worse than the original feeling.

　　"Raise your face. You don't have to humble yourself like that."
　　
Juugo spoke in a friendly manner, but to look into the suzerain's face and speak, was far too overwhelming for Shinji. In the end, he raised his face, but his eyes still stared towards the tatami, as he submitted his report.

　　"A-and, I now have the privilege of being allowed to give this report."

　　"……I see."

　　When Shinji had finished recounting everything, Juugo said that, and was silent for awhile.

　　"……I see."

　　As if to confirm, he repeated it one more time. He closed his eyes lightly, and remnisced back to when his nephew — to be accurate, the relation was more separated than that, but he used that label since it was too much trouble — had left 4 years ago.

　　(——What a poor child he was.)

　　If he had been born to any but the Kannagi family, he would have been considered a superior child, probably. Excellent intellect, good reflexes too, and he also showed great promise in learning the jutsu. Except for one; only if you excepted the ability to manipulate fire.

　　However, that was certainly, for the Kannagi family, the most necessary ability.

　　Someone with no talent for manipulating fire, no matter what else he was proficient at, was treated as an incompetent. As a result of that, Kazuma was no longer part of the Kannagi.

　　Yet —— Juugo thought.

　　(Why didn't you ask me for help, Kazuma. There was no need to disown you from the family. If it was me, I would have made a place for you. Whatever Genma said, I wouldn't have cared about the Enjutsu, I would have made use of your talent, yet despite that…..)

　　Juugo looked down upon his right leg. That right leg was a thing made of metal and plastic. If that accident hadn't happened, and the "rule of inheritance" hadn't been rushed, maybe Kazuma would be here right now?

　　However, it was far too late. Kazuma had thrown away the family, the family name, all that was Kannagi, and had left Japan. This was reality. "The past", a thing that could never be changed.

　　"……Suzerain?"

　　That uncertain sounding voice brought Juugo back to reality. Upon looking around, he found everyone in an uncomfortable silence. It wasn't surprising. Among these, there were almost none who had not tormented Kazuma.

　　However, the one who had driven Kazuma out was calm. That person —— Genma, spoke out, without a single change in his expression.

　　"Suzerain. Kazuma is already someone without any connection to the Kannagi. There is no need to worry about him."

　　"Genma, you would, of your own son ——"

　　"I have only one son, Ren."

　　Genma spoke coolly, interrupting the suzerain's words. Juugo tried to say something else in reply, but disliking unproductive battles, he put other, safer words into his mouth.

　　"It's fine then. After all, Kazuma has become successful with fuujutsu. Maybe it was best that he left the Kannagi. Or maybe, Hyoue, if he had been entrusted to your place, he would have become skilled and powerful?"

　　"Perhaps."

　　Sitting at a lower seat, the head of the Fuuga clan answered sullenly. 

　　At that, Genma again cut in with an objection.

　　"We are afraid, yet Fuujutsu and such, are after all, lower arts. The most they are capable of is acting as assistants to Enjutsu. Even supposing 4 years ago, we knew of Kazuma's talent for Fuujutsu, for us to leave him to people like the Fuuga clan, clearly, we would still have to disinherit him."

　　Hearing his art publicly insulted, Hyoue twisted his face in humiliation. However, nobody paid any attention to Hyoue, nor to his face.

　　For the Kannagi family, who only noticed the value of fighting power, the Fuuga clan, having been given the reconnaisance and battle support duties, were limited to a lower status. Genma's words were not reckless. They weren't anything beyond the normal beliefs of the other Kannagi.

　　"……We will go no further with this talk. Dinner will become unpleasant."

　　At Juugo's words, everyone showed clearly relieved expressions on their faces. As if on cue, cheerful talk began, and they rolled around laughing at silly jokes.

　　Though awkwardly, the usual dining hall atmosphere returned.

　　And so, nobody noticed the dark light harbored in Hyoue's eyes. He repressed the expression on his face, and murmured in a voice so small that it did not reach even his own ears.

　　"I will not forget this disgrace, Genma……"

=== 4 ===

　　"Kannagi……no, Yagami Kazuma……? You came back at a very good time!"

　　Huo-huo-huo……

　　In a darkness-filled single room, without even one streak of light in it, a hoarse laugh broke into the strained silence.

　　"And……?"

　　"Yes, it's better if everyone hears this. Finally the time has come. The time when we must dispell the disgrace that has lasted 300 years. Now is the time for us to get back the power we lost, and return to our previous glorious position."

　　"Ohhhhhhhhh…………"

　　A stifled commotion filled the air. No one shouted. Afraid of being discovered, they kept their breaths in check, keeping their tension locked in themselves.

　　"Oh, when you finally realize it, you Kannagi. We will overthrow you, and leave not a single one remaining……Kukuku……"

　　A low and gloomy voice echoed with a resentment darker than darkness.

　　"U, uwaaaaaaaaaaaa! Wha, what, what are you doing-!"

　　That same day, late at night, Shinji screamed out. Nearby were two freshly severed heads, and two headless corpses tumbled down. And then, standing before him, a —— human?

　　Shinji wasn't able to say for certain. By outward appearance, there was nothing different from a human, but that unearthliness was something a person could not possibly have.

　　The two who had been living up until 30 seconds ago, had been captured in a kekkai without even any chance to prepare themselves, and had been immediately decapitated.

　　The mysterious person had not moved a single finger. And yet, Shinji had clearly witnessed two heads being sliced off with incredible force, as if it was nothing. Or rather, had been forced to witness.

　　Shinji was the only person left living, even though the other two surpassed him in skill. It wasn't because of luck. Shinji realized this more than anyone else.

　　He was being toyed with. This demon in human shape was feeding on Shinji's fear and hopelessness. For a moment, it held off killing him, playing with him lazily, enjoying his empty resistance.

　　"What the hell! What did I do……?"

　　"That thing" gave no answers. Without even footsteps, it came near, taking its time.

　　"That thing" was completely silent. Not even the hint of a sound, as it drew closer. wielding an invisible sword.

　　Even when those heads had been severed, silence. The two blood-covered heads rolling on the ground seemed not to have noticed their own deaths, still with drunken, relaxed, slack smiles.

　　Shinji knew of only one person who could do what "that thing" could do. He had just met him yesterday. In addition, that man had a motive to kill them.

　　Shinji became frantic, begging "that thing" for forgiveness. His voice did a complete about-face.

　　"Ka-Kazuma? You're Kazuma, right? Forgive me, it was my fault, I'm regretting it, so please, forgive meeee"

　　The only reply was the flash of the wind-blade. It severed his right arm at the base. The blade formed of a high density of spirits, cut through meat and bone as if it were tofu.

　　"Uwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!"

　　While screaming, Shinji threw himself fully into starting Enjutsu. The intense concentration from being so close to death, brought forth the greatest power of his 25 years of life.

　　"That thing" was covered in golden flame. Destroying any and all demons, the highest level of purification. The flame burned through the darkness.

　　"Y-yeah! I think I——"

　　Suddenly, "that thing", now changed into a huge torch, began to move. Shinji's face, full of hope, froze.

　　"That thing" stretched out a hand, easily taking hold of the golden flame, and in one movement, tore it from its body! 

　　"That thing" had escaped from the flame's restraints, completely uninjured. To say nothing of its body, not even the clothes showed any sign of having been burned.

　　"That thing" slowly turned to Shinji and began walking. Underneath the freezing moonlight, without a sound, it came closer, an ominous shadow.

　　This was in some ways, twisted. There was something there that the eye could not help being fascinated by. A scene filled with beauty that one had to admit was of the spirit world.

　　"Hee, heehee, heeheeeeheeheehee-, kyahahahaha, ahahahaha!"

　　Suddenly, Shinji began laughing in a strange voice.

　　From an overload of fear, apparently his mental equilibrium had snapped. Even when the wind blade soundlessly sliced through his body, splitting it, without even showing a reaction, he tumbled over laughing.

　　Perhaps "that thing" had tired of Shinji's lack of response. As if throwing away an unwanted toy, it casually sliced off his head.

　　There was a dull thunk. The third head rolled on the ground.

　　Even having finished killing everyone alive, "that thing" was still dissatisfied. It persistently continued slicing up the bodies. Though it was only a few minutes, the three bodies had been turned into many small pieces. To not even speak of the parents being able to recognize them, they wouldn't even be able to tell what kind of flesh it was.

　　The raw stink of blood and meat drifted through the kekkai. "That thing" laughed cruelly, and as if melting into the air, vanished.

　　Afterwards, three severed heads remained. In contrast to the bodies, there was not one injury on those heads.

　　Somehow, the three heads had ended up in a straight line to the gate, each had a strange smile, as if to say to anyone coming through that gate,

　　"Welcome to a nightmare world."

　　Words that appeared to be delivered smilingly.

　　And so the tragedy began——