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Kaze no Stigma:Volume1 Chapter2

2008-08-14T08:41:36Z

Mario23g: Part 2, still needs more edits.

== Chapter Two - The sudden disaster ==

=== 1 ===
“Still not ready? How much longer do we have to wait, Hyoue?”

“Please—wait a little longer,” Hyoue replied to the seemingly impatient person.

Then, that person closed his eyes pensively and walked away. The wind blew against Hyoue. The air was filled with the ''ki'' of the youma and passed beneath Hyoue’s palm. The ''ki'' of the youma that passed beneath his palms was like an air that would swallow everyone, no matter whom.

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

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

The Fuuga clan was summoned in order to better understand the situation. Because of this Hyoue himself gathered the youma ''ki'' to understand who the enemy was. “Hmm, t—this is....”

The sound of concentration. Hyoue gathered the youma ''ki'' in this palms without losing any. It was a very cold air. Even for powerful practitioners the ''ki'' provided sufficient reasons to fear it.

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

Hyoue’s report was not in the least beneficial, any practitioner could easily understand from the sight of the incident.

“I understand. But, who did it?!”

“If you require a detailed report, I hope more time is allowed,” Hyoue replied indistinctly, facing this inquiry.

“Then do it quickly! You and your clan can act...”

“Everyone be quiet!”

At Juugo's angry voice, everyone present became silent; then replaced with the sound of Juugo's consoling voice.

“Is it like that? Good job; you may retire... Right—how’s the health of Ryuuya?"

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

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

Given Juugo’s words of gratitude, Hyoue bowed.

“Yes… Thank you very much. I will give instructions to my subordinates, for I will retire….”
“Then please, I await your reply, Hyoue.”

The head of the Fuuga clan bowed silently and left.

The enemy was a ''fuujutsu'' practitioner who loathed the Kannagi clan. Everyone naturally thought of a certain person who had—coincidentally—just returned to Japan.

“It’s Kazuma! He obtained strength for revenge and returned to Japan! My fellow clan members, let us destroy the traitor Kazuma. Find him without delay and kill him!”

The person who made such an aggressive comment was the previous suzerain, Yorimichi. Even though he was retired, he still had the air of a suzerain. The entire clan strongly disliked him, but he is the only one who is ignorant of this fact.

“[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator%27s_Notes#Chichi-ue|Chichi-ue]], to clarify, we don’t have enough evidence to prove that Kazuma did this.” Juugo said this seriously to stop Yorimichi's tirade.

“You—! Who but Kazuma could have done this...?”

“Yorimichi, please hold your tongue. When you talk like that, it becomes impossible for us to discuss the issue.”

Genma coolly interrupted Yorimichi, who was shouting in an ear-shattering voice. Genma coldly looked on in a way that didn't try to hide the scorn expressed in his eyes.

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

In Yorimichi’s thirty years as suzerain the strength of the Kannagi Clan hit rock bottom. Given Yorimichi's inability to control the representative sword of the Kannagi Clan, and his incapacity of passing the sword to someone else, resulted in it being deeply buried in the warehouse before Juugo’s accession to the suzerain position.

Of course, Genma was not thinking about such a foolish item.

Genma thought the one who succeeded the position of suzerain should be the strongest practitioner. Because of this, Genma did not hate the current suzerain, Juugo. He only thought his own strength wasn’t enough in comparison.

Previously, he wanted to prepare his son to be the next suzerain. This was not really a scheme; he just wanted to train and prepare Kazuma to give him the strength to become the next suzerain.

Yorimichi didn’t really have any beliefs like Genma’s; he only had the ambition for power. This is what Genma thought. Therefore, no matter how Genma tried to hide his thoughts, those thoughts were revealed when he further enraged Yorimichi.

Even though they had a close family/blood relationship of uncle and nephew, the hatred between the two had deepened again.

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

Yorimichi turned his accusing finger towards Genma. This kind of bad will was almost materializing like, “sticky things connect items together,” allowing the crowd to be agitated.

“That kind of idea would only come from someone with ''low scruples.”
For Yorimichi to say such things was an almost insulting provocation. Genma didn’t contradict; the reply would have been extremely disrespectful if he did.

“Chichi-ue, that’s enough!”

Juugo wouldn’t allow the continuation of such an insulting diatribe. In order to stop it he ordered Yorimichi to be taken away.

“Yorimichi, you must be tired. Please return to your room to rest.”

“Wait, Juugo! Genma cannot be trusted! If you don’t listen to me now, you will end up regretting it sooner or later!”

Yorimichi was hauled away like luggage. His harsh voice slowly decreased in volume until nothing could be heard.

“I really am sorry for the insulting diatribes of my father. With regards to me, please forgive him.”

Juugo placed both of his hands on the tatami in a slight bow. Genma replied indifferently, “I didn’t pay attention; the reason for such words is that the previous suzerain cares deeply for the Kannagi Clan.”

With an exchange of looks, underscoring each other’s reasoning, they smiled at the same time. In addition, with that, they understood the time for chatting was over, and it was now time to discuss more serious matters.

“As the previous suzerain said, the timing is too much of a coincidence. It is better for us to meet again and talk.”

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

“Would Kazuma submit to our instructions willingly?”

“If he won’t submit, we will have to use force to bring him here. Even though he has gained strength, he is still Kazuma. Two or three people will be more than enough to capture him.”

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

“Understood.” Even though Genma received an order to capture his own son, Genma was tranquil compared to others.

“Ayano-sama has returned!”

The serious expression on Juugo’s face began to relax, and Genma wore a highly energetic and fierce look.

She appeared without even waiting a second.

“Bah!” She pulled the sliding door open and caught everyone’s attention.

“I’m home, [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator%27s_Notes#Otou-Sama|Otou-sama]]! Ehh...? What’s going on?”

Appearing on the scene was an assertive young teenage girl, who asked this question when she saw the group's mood. Her black hair that almost reached the back, flowing straight and sideways created by the movements of her head, simply represented the blooming of a [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator%27s_Notes#Bishoujo|bishoujo]]. At that moment, the 'dark and cold' atmosphere had completely vanished. The spiritual energy that emerged from her cleansed the room's atmosphere in one breath.

The appearance of an unclear enemy who killed some people at home. The people who had been discussing this situation nonstop now faced a blinding light; their uncomfortable and distressed feeling completely vanished.

As if facing the rays of the sun, all movements in the dark ceased to exist. The person in the doorway was the one who had the ability to vanquish darkness, with spiritual powers not below the power of light, heir of the suzerain and owner of Enraiha, is Juugo’s daughter, Kannagi Ayano.

“How’s the report, Ayano?”

Juugo tested his daughter with a serious expression, as when he asked other people. This is the best way for a father to guide his daughter ... at least this is what Juugo thought.

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

“Hmm, good job.”

Finishing her report to the suzerain as a practitioner, Ayano innocently continued her questioning. “So, what actually happened, Otou-sama?”

“Hmm—— earlier, three people had been killed without notice. This is a serious situation!"

Although they were distant relatives, Ayano quieted after hearing how three people from the family had been killed. “A serious situation” wasn’t from “three people have been killed.” Instead, it was because it was “without notice.”

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

“Nobody saw who, [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator%27s_Notes#Fuujutsu-Shi|fuujutsu-shi]]?”

“Of course there's a suspect.” Faced with Ayano’s questions, Juugo replied heavily, “It’s Kazuma.”

“Who’s that? That’s...”

Faced with this kind of close and revealing speech, Juugo’s "sun vein" furrowed.

“Think carefully about your older cousin’s name. The one who fought against you in the 'Succession Ceremony,' betting Enraiha."

“'Older cousin...' Could it be the Kazuma who left the family four years ago? Could that even be labeled as a fight?”

Given his daughter’s direct words, Juugo secretly spied on Genma’s expression to see if there were any changes. Even though his inner feelings were not apparent, Genma’s outer unreadable appearance didn’t change at all.

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

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

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

“It could be like that,” Genma replied without any facial expression.

“But, even though it is like that, we can’t easily kill him. If it was done by him, we need to use his life to pay for the crimes.”

“If...?”

Ayano turned to look at Genma. Genma accepted Ayano’s look without any change. The one who disinherited Kazuma and the one who provided the reason for his disinheritance crossed gazes.

The first to look away was Ayano. Without regards to strength as practitioners, her life’s experience was immensely surpassed. In reality, even with careful searching, she still lacked the confidence in her ability to win.

After stopping the unsatisfied challenge/look, Ayano looked towards Juugo.

“Then, what will be done? Defeat him?"

“Now, we haven’t decided whether it was done by Kazuma. And, anyways, we would like to meet with him and discuss this issue.”

Faced with his daughter’s simplistic and dangerous words, Genma deeply felt the danger.

Even though she had Enraiha’s overwhelming power, Ayano tended to resort to violence no matter what she did.

Genma frequently hoped that she would have a less impulsive way of thinking, as she was the next suzerain.

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

“...Yes.”

Faced with a barely compliant daughter, Juugo said consolingly, “You have just finished a mission; you must be tired. Get a good rest tonight.”

“...I understand.”

Even though it seems like it was not acceptable, Ayano still did what her father said. After “bowing,” she rapidly left the room. Until the door was closed, Juugo didn’t blink, showing a deeply unhappy expression concerning his daughter.

“...This stubborn daughter.”

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


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

They were waiting for the report, and then immediately to go where Kazuma was. 

=== 2 ===
For the Kannagi Clan’s information network, to find where Kazuma was staying at was 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.

Therefore, at Genma’s command, two practitioners were sent out.

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

From Genma’s point of view, he had thrown in the two strongest cards on hand. However, possibly the selection of the oldest son of the Yuuki family can be said as a deadly mistake. Why, because this man had absolutely no desire to convince Kazuma.

“Kazuma, you bastard, I will cut you into [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator%27s_Notes#Ten Thousand Pieces|ten thousand pieces]].”

“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 headed directly 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 expected was that they would be the ones assaulted.

“Still not ready yet?”

“It’s going to be ready soon.”

This kind of discussion cannot satisfy them at all. They 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 had turned 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, the Fuuga shielding him isn’t impossible, using words that attack them, and in order to change the attention of Shingo is certainly welcomed.

Thinking shortly, Shingo grit 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 had wished, Shingo had 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 ahead, about 500 meters, looks like he hasn’t noticed.”

Suddenly, amidst the conversation between the two a voice appears. This is a jutsu used by Fuuga clan called “Method of Summoning/Calling Spirits” used for sending the voice.
This allows the wind to carry the voice, even works for large distances.

“He’s coming, I won’t leave him any 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; his passion certainly can be really problematic.

[[image:Kaze no Stigma vol 01 051.jpg|thumb]]

Even though they didn’t continue their discussion of how to punish him. He hoped Kazuma would at least put up some resistance, until he’s half-dead. Then they could slowly torture him, as well as what was mentioned before and there’s much more

Takeya slightly separated himself and quickly glanced, being with someone this dangerous, his thoughts from inner self a certain divide. 

Just like that a divide in the friendship, appears Kazuma.

Facing them with no alertness, Kazuma walks along completely nonchalant——at least as viewed from their perspective——.In order to alert him, Takeya shouts.

“Long time no see, Kazuma!”

“Ah, the successor from the Oogami?”

At that instance, to connect your recollection and present needs time. However, 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’s reply could only be described as “couldn’t be more direct,” but also it seems that he has some amount of defiance. Also by crunching his head and neck and making a certain exaggerating and sarcastic action, then shook his head in denial, so as expected he was pissing Takeya off enough for his veins to be showing.
Takeya succeeded in controlling his anger, and after recovering his cool begins to explain.

“Yesterday night, Kannagi clan had three practitioners killed."

“Uhmm ——, and?"

And like with all the authority Kazuma asked demandingly.

“The one that killed was a fuujutsu practitioner."

“……………………..”

“……………………..”

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

“……………..”

The first to open his mouth was Kazuma, compared to silence, it seems like he further detests being stared at by men.

“So what is the matter?”

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

“It wasn’t me! Are you finished!”

The instance after saying such words and as he was thinking to leave, Kazuma suddenly bounced horizontally, an instance before 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 tone, like a natural born deep voiced singer.

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

At the same time as the shout, surrounding Shingo “tongues of crimson” begin to burn and dance.
Even though the flames that appeared at the same time as the yell were connected to Shingo’s body, his clothes were not burnt. Shingo was exhibiting an unexpected level of precision.

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

“If you can’t speak about it then you are very suspicious, I'll burn off your arms and legs! Lessening the weight will make you easier to transport! However, I won’t kill you now, yet you can’t continue to live in such a humiliating condition? So after the suzerain finishes his questioning, I’ll be nice and kill you! Within one week! You can use that time 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 Shingo’s words were saying. Nevertheless, Kazuma was still facing the crazily laughing Shingo, looking as if he was watching some kind of rare animal, and then asked very seriously.

“So the Kannagi clan has recently given food to this kind of thing?”

“—No, Ahh….hu….”

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

“That person usually adored Shinji, now he hates you who killed Shinji, it is quite within reason.”

“That’s why I said it wasn’t me.”

“Then please go and clarify everything with the suzerain.”

“I am no longer part of the Kannagi clan; if he has business with me tell him to come look for me himself, please pass it like that to him.”

“It seems … The negotiations are broken then.”

In order to make good on his words, Takeya raised his “ki”. He then directed the surrounding dancing fire spirits to dance with his self-conscious.

The surrounding temperature was raised enough to be felt by the skin. Even though the fire spirits have yet to materialize, the surrounding area has clearly changed 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 floating away.

A subdued Kazuma, like before, stood there with hands in the leather jacket watching 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 your last opportunity; yield humbly to us, Kazuma.”

Faced with Takeya last ultimatum, Kazuma raises his middle finger and says.

“Take a good look at yourselves before coming.”

“Die!!!”

“You idiot!”

At the instance of starting the jutsus, the two believed that victory would be definite. Because of the clan, the two of the strongest, were attacking at the same time. No matter what kind of strategy Kazuma had, facing those kinds of massive powers is hopeless.

But——

Poou! 

The fireball in Takeya’s hand, suddenly instantaneously 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 not possible to shield the crash of the explosion’s force.
Instantly the force of the explosion hits his 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.

As Kazuma returns his hands back into the pockets of his leather jacket, he lowers his head at the two people before him. After emitting a condescending grin, he walks right by the two unconscious persons' sides.

Even though it seemed like he immediately wanted to leave, at that time Kazuma stopped. Then as if he felt something, he looked towards the trees where there was no one.

“If you want to pick a fight with me, I won’t be merciful!?”

At the same time of this warning, one of the trees split. Without any noise from the chopped tree following the break, the guarding practitioner slowly slid down.

Already forgetting to hide his body, (the fujutsu user) stood dumbly staring at Kazuma, and 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-thousand times or hundred thousand times, it is a beautiful motion that can be forgiven.

A vase that has already approached its limits, with a “pong” bursts open. Even faster than the falling pieces, a white light shoots towards Ayano.

Ayano from the front makes a downward stroke with Enraiha, and then goes forward to attack. Attacking that white object that produces a sound “like the sound produce when the water is evaporated by a flat frying pan”.

“Sticky stuff…!?” 
Ayano faced with the string that was smashed by her and said mumbling.
Then changed her vision to the inside of the main hall, there was a few points like something like lights. That thing slowly moves forward, and then reveals its own appearance.

“Wah…”

Ayano inadvertently surprised, that thing that appeared is ——

Having multiple eyes, beyond eight feet, the entire body covered with dirty yet rigid fur, a segmented animal producing sounds, “kulah, kulah”, as its legs moved. When you see its full appearance, no matter whom, will feel shivers not due to cold. Really is a horrify spider freak.

“Earth Spider huh... Need help?”

“Not necessary”

Ayano immediately replies. Even though it produces a very disgusting feeling, but now is not the time for complaints. Seems like she’s more afraid of disappointing her otou-san, compared to that, fighting against spiders or cockroaches is nothing in comparison.

(Come here…)

Summoning fire spirits do not need chants and such. As if following Ayano’s thinking, fire spirits itself assemble, flying into Enraiha. Along the sword blade the flame, the light transformed to even brighter.

With the range that’s reachable by her awareness, Ayano continuously summoning spirits. Juugo don’t know how many times instructed her many times, don’t be like other practitioners, it is not commanding the spirits, you can’t be too arrogant.

“They and we have same level of existence.” 

This saying is frequently repeated by Juugo, spirits are the means to safeguard the existence of the world’s order. Because the Kannagi Clan have contract with the spirit king, therefore the spirits are only helpers.

Of course Ayano also understands, her own strength is borrowed. Only to seal or vanquish the inconsistencies in the world’s order that the power is gifted for a short period of time.

That’s why it isn’t ordering them. Because knowing such matters are not necessary. If the known the correct way of thinking, fire spirits will certainly answer.

Like having respect for the world, it’s not in order to obtain huge powers and being arrogant, Ayano no matter when always calls like this: “Please, lend me your strength….”

“V… Very formidable….”

Takeshi watches dumbfounded, this enormous number of spirits gathering on Ayano’s body, the amount of spirits he can manage is only one small portion of this in comparison. For him it’s the first time seeing the main family’s power, the difference is between the sky and the ground.

“Ah, formidable, right!?”

Just like show off his own condition, Masato said smiling.

“Even though we recently said it, no matter how hard we work, we won’t be able to reach such levels.”

Already forgotten his uncle’s reply, Takeshi one again looks at Ayano.

Ayano holding the Enraiha, continues to confront the earth spider.

(What should be done… looks like can’t get close…)

Even though enough spirits are already summoned to destroy the earth spider, but given this long distance really don’t have the confidence. Even though Enraiha is an ancient sword for [summoning], but to using a sword it is necessary to employ it to its fullest potential.

In other words get close, from a close distance to puncture or split the earth spider, then from inside its body burn it completely.

(Of course if that was done, certainly from the cut’s aperture will fly out adhesive matter… after the explosion fragments will all fly towards the body… if it’s female, after opening its skin, there might be hundreds of spiders coming out… No———!)

Just thinking about it makes the hairs stand, inside Ayano starts complaining bitter. If Takeshi could read Ayano’s inner thoughts then, maybe the thoughts of reverence might be corrected can even be said. 

The earth spider seems to capture the currently mulling Ayano’s openings; “palapala” using the long legs changed his body moving forwards.

“You want to escape!?”

Suddenly towards the chasing Ayano, from the tail spits out white silk, at the same time Ayano pulls up Enraiha to face it.

From Enraiha emerges a golden flame, even though it burned the spider’s web, but because of the blockage by the silk, Ayano still could not get close to the earth spider.

Then Ayano only could stop, focus her mind. Then she took a deep breath tuning her ki, calmed down.

(This kind of things can’t do any kind of obstruction, kill it in couple seconds.)

Then bringing up the Enraiha, then with her full strength performed a downwards swing. Golden Flame ——the highest level of fire of purification, not only completely burned the earth spider’s web, then closed-in directly at the earth spider itself.

Pong!!

With the sounds of explosion, the in the explosion earth spider is surrounded by flames.

“Got…Gotcha…?”

But as Ayano dubiously mumbles while looking into the flames, appearing into her vision was only a white cocoon-like object. What really surprised Ayano, the “pishpiish” sound that splits open.

Pang!

Just like a thin layer of glass shattering, from the middle the cocoon splits open, that earth spider completely without harm again appears.

Probably the web contained some special component that could block spiritual energies, then using that covering its body to hide, avoiding the purifying powers to be completely purified.

“It’s, it’s quite formidable, hu…”

Ayano said using a sing-song voice. At first glance seems very calm, but carefully studying will discover her “sun-vein”  has already risen.

Even though this was not a full strength strike, but was completely deflected, Ayano’s self-confidence certainly was hurting a lot.

“Only a little bug don’t be so haughty ——!!”

Resonating Ayano’s anger, an even greater amount of fire spirits was gathered, even though there is no materialization, but in the vicinity, already gathered the equal spirits to a volcano opening.

“Then… regretting it now?”

Accompanying anger, Ayano already entered selfless state. Composure has completely been commanded by anger, and then transformed into strength.

Continuously summoning stronger and even stronger spirits. This time it isn’t directed releasing towards one area, but given immovable strength of mind, at the same time directly releasing in one direction.

This time Ayano holds Enraiha in a direction perpendicular to her body, then seriously chasing it, took a deep breath, then with sharp kiai releasing it.

“Haa!!”

At that instance, the flame flew into the earth spider’s body. Then the abdomen expanded and exploded, changed it into a miniature torch.

In this seemly small torch, can be described as gathering the entire area’s fire spirits. The explosion of the fireball became even bigger, this time the earth spider is certainly transformed to ashes.

Afterwards nothing was left, spider’s body pieces and the youma spirit around was completed purified. Right now, the temple where the youma was vanquished was full on a “special air” that only temples have.

If attacking from the outside can be defended, then simply attack from the inside. Even though describing is easy, to actually do it is close to something impossible.

This is like what the world’s own close relationship with the spirits. That’s right, like the life force/life activity of living beings.

In the body living beings that have water, cannot be uninfluenced by the water spirits, and those living beings that have heat, within the body resides fire spirits.

For example, just like the youma, even though it materializes, it can’t escape this rule.

In ordinary circumstances, to control the spirit residing within the body is impossible.

These kind of infinitely close to a living beings’ survival instinct involves enormous willpower, the origin of life can be said to not allow anyone to control.

Even for a genius, can’t control it so easily according to one’s likings. But, in this world, no matter when there are people entire day saying “logical boundaries” foolish and sad humans.

“Heh. It’s this kind of thing.”

Ayano releasing a pleasing smile, turn around in order to go back.

“Then, let’s go!...”

During this dialogue that couldn’t continue, Ayano stupidly stares at the two’s body language. Probably the bigger body is Masato, on his left is Takeshi. From the clothes it should be right.

But——

(How come there’s no head…?)

These two guys, the taller one both hands still in the pockets, the other one seems not able to control his exhilaration, in front of his chest holding a fist, standing naturally.

When you look at it and there’s no head, doesn’t seem like an odd situation.

So Ayano looks toward the ground, there is two round objects entering her eyes. Ayano stumbling, seems like about to fall, close in and kneeled, then lifted it onto her knees. Even though it’s quite heavy, but as Ayano smelled the odor of the guy that she really liked, smiled. Ayano, from very young fought together, taught her the ways of survival/existence, hugged the head. Quietly mumbles.

“Uncle… head… fell down… uh…’

On Ayano appears sad smile, and then tries to put Masato’s head back on. Although thinking by doing this, he will return to life, stubbornly forcing the head back in.

Like mocking Ayano this kind of useless actions, hidden an unseen sword blade, lightly carves Masato’s body. In one second, this big body was separated into hundreds or even thousands slices of meat.

Because the heart has stopped pumping a while ago, so the fresh blood did not fly out from the sharp cuts.

But, although there is no sound of blood flow, nor the sounds of flesh breaking, still abnormally gives a person a feeling of reality.

[[image:Kaze no Stigma vol 01 071.jpg|thumb]]

Under the blowing of the wind, Masato’s body without sound was taken apart. Like gone through a paper shredder the pieces of meat, like flower petals dancing in the sky.

In the instance of the image, Ayano watched as if frozen.

Drop.

Accompanying the like water droplet sound something drops on the face, Ayano unconsciously tries to remove it.

That is a bright red piece, still has some remaining warmth of a meat slice. When understood what is carried on here fingers, Ayano’s consciousness seem to be passed through a filter, small amount of recovering.

“No.”

That is once a part belonging on Masato’s body. But those miserable remains no longer can be described as a corpse.

“Don’t want!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

At this moment, Ayano screams as far as can be heard.

“Kukuku—————“

That sound, even though it can vibrate the air, this snigger sound, it wasn’t directly sent into the brain. If you want to describe it, accompany this “snigger” are the strong feelings. This kind of derision towards one opponent’s “awareness”, seems like it provoked Ayano, it’s just that annoying.

Faced with situation of the appearance of the enemy, normally frequently training the body and the spirit, Ayano, instantly enters fighting mode.

Then burying deep within the feelings of anguish, substituting a feeling of animation and anticipation.

Changing the arrowhead of the anger towards the opponent, and especially challenging the opponent.

“Come out!”

Already surpassing the limits of anger, on the face of humans that already cannot be expressed. But Ayano seems to determine it can, looks upwards.

There exists ''that thing''. In the front on a branch where a huge tree stands a human shadow completely not fearing dangers, right hand in the pockets of his clothing.

Because that is place of little light, was not able to clearly see the opponents face, but it doesn’t really matter anymore. The out flowing evil ki already told her “This is the enemy.”

Ayano silently swings Enraiha upwards.

There is no need to know who, nor the need to accumulate strength. Only calmly mix in the killing intention, and then kill it in one strike. This kind of sharpened killing intention transformed into a flaming sword blade running upwards.

Lightly, clearly moving without regards to weight, ''that thing'' avoids the flaming sword blade. Then flew onto the roof (with a leap?). Afterwards, ''that thing'' looks towards Ayano, ''that thing'' slowly moves the body. Seems to say chase away.

This is clearly a trap and Ayano bravely accepts this kind of provocation.

(Even it is a trap, it doesn't matter, I will absolutely annihilate you.)

Deep within submitting to such type of anger, Ayano has already changed into a rampage for revenge.

=== 4 ===
In the sky suddenly appears ki of youma.

“Hmm…”

Kazuma suddenly looks towards the sky, it seems like in order for the strength to not spread, it is gathering bit by bit in the sky. Suddenly a wind blade flashes, there really is no time to even defend, and even flying backwards to escape took the full effort.

The wind blade passes right by the still rolling Kazuma, then slightly corrects its angle, with one stroke separated into two pieces the Fuuga practitioner, Shingo, Takeya the three of them.

“Wait, Wait a second!!”

Kazuma without thinking yelled, this would changed the situation into something unthought-of.

(I, I was actually ambushed?)

To face an ambush situation, actually is first time this had happened. Further, it was an ambush by a wind spirit? No matter who had summoned it, gathering this degree of wind spirit, it is impossible that Kazuma didn’t feel it. No matter how great of a fuujutsu-shi, using fuu-jutsu cannot deceive Kazuma. This question is not simply the difference in distance in abilities, but the rules are simply that this.

But, now occurred an impossible situation. Kazuma immediately broke off his thoughts, focus towards the thing in the sky.

“What’s… that thing...?”

Really small, maybe a thing smaller than 20 mm, was floating in the sky about 20-30 meters above. Nearby five risen things fly out.

“One’s hand…? Doesn’t seem so, red leaf…?

No matter how you look it doesn’t seem like it’s flying in the sky, it’s not controlling the wind. In a questioning look, suddenly Kazuma discovers what that thing really is.

It’s a human hand. A strange human hand is flying in the sky. Even recognizing it doesn’t solve anything, still can’t change that 3 people have been killed.

(Anyway, first let’s defeat it!)

Using only a voice that can be hear by himself mumbles, what looks like a hand flies into the upper sky —— then disappears.

“Wait! What are you actually thinking!?”

Kazuma then protested towards the wind spirit, this is clearly against the agreement. But, the spirit only has uncertain sound, and couldn’t tell Kazuma the actual place of the disappeared hand.

“What is going on…”

The miserable condition in front of his eyes —— the divided into two portion Fuuga practitioner and the separated corpses of Shingo and Takeya —— if like this, it seems just like it was done by Kazuma.

Spirit disobeyed the covenant? —— impossible.

To Kazuma, if he heard this kind of situation from someone else, would be quite skeptical of the correct mindset of the opponent. That’s why what just happened is a very irregular situation. 

Spirit does have cognizant qualities. [Initial Principle] —— it’s when the world was first created, don’t know by whom, towards this existential world created immutable laws—— and to obey it, allowing this world to remain this kind of shape and reality. Just like the bees have to live in a beehive, just like one part of itself recognizes him, one part even though it has intelligence is still impossible that it thinks. Of course, it’s impossible for it to have the type of free will to break a covenant.

If the spirits had the free will to move about, then the laws of science will be broken. The world will be destroyed within 3 days.

All the wind spirits will obey Kazuma. [What belongs to Him] This kind of covenant certainly reflects this kind of meaning. For example—— 
“That’s impossible…”

Kazuma thinking of the worst scenario, weakly sighs saying.

(There’s someone like me? No way…)

Just thinking about it brings shivers not from cold, but it can’t be said as good luck —— no matter what, Kazuma doesn’t want to think that—— but right now it’s not the best time to stop and think.

Because he sensed a huge fire spirits coming towards here.

(This time even [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator%27s_Notes#Ifrit|Ifrit]] has come? Crap, when has Japan become world of youma!?)

Even before finishing talking, appeared a situation that Kazuma could not have predicted.

Appearing is a shoujo. Accompanying the red fire and eyes where resides that hatred-filled fire, holding in the right hand accumulated power is ——

“Kazuma —— !!”

The strength of the fire spirits gathered in the right hand has already crystallized. Ayano seems to in that instance made up her mind.

Chop!!

Entering the rapidly retreating Kazuma’s eyes is, Ayano swings the red sword. For his clan, more important compared to everything else. Also the thing that made his life very chaotic.

Kazuma, when faced with the godly sword no matter what would like to escape, sees this, yells.

“Enraiha!? Are you, Ayano!”

Only answer is a sword flash from the Enraiha, faced with filled with killing intent and not listening to anything Ayano, tries really hard to explain.

“Hey, hey wait a moment, misunderstanding! Wasn’t killed by me… hey, you should listen to what other people are saying!”

Flaming white fireballs continuously approaching, Kazuma continuously dodging and saying, but Ayano seems like completely not hearing it.

Because the esteemed Masato got killed, Ayano is already too angry and has already forgotten herself. Really have no time to listen to people talking. Furthermore, given what her otou-san told her that this is guy is quite suspicious.

Dang!!

“Hey!!!”

Believing already evading the fireball suddenly together it explodes, then blocking Kazuma’s retreat. Then noticed, Ayano using the explosion time sealing off the way, appears in front of his eyes swinging the Enraiha.

“Uncle’s revenge !!”

“!!”

That motion a two part strike which wants to split Kazuma like a bamboo, escapes by shifting his body sideways, then from the top using his palm pressuring the sword handle. Facing Ayano who’s with fiery anger, face filling with blood yells.

“Otou-san —— Genma died?”

But before finishing saying such, figured out there was a mistake, even though Ayano and Genma’s relationship isn’t so bad that it can been seen from the outside, certainly if Genma were to die, Ayano would not be getting revenge for him.

A person appears in his head, a man, “uncle”, from the Oogami family that Ayano is very close to.

The name probably was —— like!!

“—— pong” 

Suddenly Ayano butted her head upwards, and then heavily hit his chin. Because of his pondering, his reflexes are slower, even though it was quickly evaded, but still the hit caused his head to be dizzy and painful.

Even though dizzy, but he still calmly asked.

“Oogami Masato died?

But Ayano faced became even more somber, further forcefully focus more strength into the Enraiha in her hand, from a distance it can be clearly seen.

(Seems like the opposite effect is done…)

Shrugging his shoulders, faced with a person filled with anger, having no more questions to ask. Faced with this confused by anger little girl no matter what is done is useless.

But, she can’t be killed. If he hurt her, probably the fool’s father, Juugo, would completely recognize him as an enemy. This needs to be avoided. 

This is not because he fears Juugo, who is the Kannagi clan’s historically strongest practitioner. But it is because as “Kannagi Kazuma”, Juugo can be said to be his only friend. In order not to not create sorrow to him, so there is only one method.

“Ah—— Ayano-chan? I’m —— leaving then, the issue with cleaning up the corpses will be left to you. Then see-ya.”

Prettily avoiding the completely tenacious approaching flames, Kazuma decides to escape.

“——Wait, Wait a second!”

Kazuma with his back towards Ayano who wants to stop him leaps up, then surrounded by wind flying upwards about 10 meters, then suddenly disappears.

“What—— where at?”

Right on top of, the still looking around, Kazuma floats along.

Employing the air to change the reflection rate of light, becoming see-through just like wearing a transparent robe. If look closely one can see the parts where there’s waves created by high heat, but for Ayano, who is being controlled by anger and has forgotten herself, she didn’t noticed.

But Kazuma didn’t take pleasure in watching the troubled Ayano, but was thinking about what to do later on.

What is realizable now is that the guilty person who killed Shingo and Takeya no matter how you described it is Kazuma, furthermore also killing Oogami Masato.

(They want to enter complete war with the Kannagi clan? If that’s the case it might be quite interesting, allows people to get excited… then, how will it progress?)

hehe, hmmhmmhmm.

Kazuma burst out laughing. Kannagi clan and the mysterious fuujutsu-shi, two strong things already assaulting his life, of course Kazuma cannot ignore this.

<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

2008-08-12T19:51:00Z

Mario23g: Edited first part, some major changes, please check.

== Chapter Two - The sudden disaster ==

=== 1 ===
“Still not ready? How much longer do we have to wait, Hyoue?”

“Please—wait a little longer,” Hyoue replied to the seemingly impatient person.

Then, that person closed his eyes pensively and walked away. The wind blew against Hyoue. The air was filled with the ''ki'' of the youma and passed beneath Hyoue’s palm. The ''ki'' of the youma that passed beneath his palms was like an air that would swallow everyone, no matter whom.

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

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

The Fuuga clan was summoned in order to better understand the situation. Because of this Hyoue himself gathered the youma ''ki'' to understand who the enemy was. “Hmm, t—this is....”

The sound of concentration. Hyoue gathered the youma ''ki'' in this palms without losing any. It was a very cold air. Even for powerful practitioners the ''ki'' provided sufficient reasons to fear it.

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

Hyoue’s report was not in the least beneficial, any practitioner could easily understand from the sight of the incident.

“I understand. But, who did it?!”

“If you require a detailed report, I hope more time is allowed,” Hyoue replied indistinctly, facing this inquiry.

“Then do it quickly! You and your clan can act...”

“Everyone be quiet!”

At Juugo's angry voice, everyone present became silent; then replaced with the sound of Juugo's consoling voice.

“Is it like that? Good job; you may retire... Right—how’s the health of Ryuuya?"

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

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

Given Juugo’s words of gratitude, Hyoue bowed.

“Yes… Thank you very much. I will give instructions to my subordinates, for I will retire….”
“Then please, I await your reply, Hyoue.”

The head of the Fuuga clan bowed silently and left.

The enemy was a ''fuujutsu'' practitioner who loathed the Kannagi clan. Everyone naturally thought of a certain person who had—coincidentally—just returned to Japan.

“It’s Kazuma! He obtained strength for revenge and returned to Japan! My fellow clan members let us destroy the traitor Kazuma. Find him without delay and kill him!”

The person who made such an aggressive comment was the previous suzerain, Yorimichi. Even though he was retired, he still had the air of a suzerain. The entire clan strongly disliked him, but he is the only one who is ignorant of this fact.

“[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator%27s_Notes#Chichi-ue|Chichi-ue]], to clarify, we don’t have enough evidence to prove that Kazuma did this.” Juugo said this seriously to stop Yorimichi's tirade.

“You—! Who but Kazuma could have done this...?”

“Yorimichi, please hold your tongue. When you talk like that, it becomes impossible for us to discuss the issue.”

Genma coolly interrupted Yorimichi, who was shouting in an ear-shattering voice. Genma coldly looked on in a way that didn't try to hide the scorn expressed in his eyes.

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

In Yorimichi’s thirty years as suzerain the strength of the Kannagi Clan hit rock bottom. Given Yorimichi's inability to control the representative sword of the Kannagi Clan, and his incapacity of passing the sword to someone else, resulted in it being deeply buried in the warehouse before Juugo’s accession to the suzerain position.

Of course, Genma was not thinking about such a foolish item.

Genma thought the one who succeeded the position of suzerain should be the strongest practitioner. Because of this, Genma did not hate the current suzerain, Juugo. He only thought his own strength wasn’t enough in comparison.

Previously, he wanted to prepare his son to be the next suzerain. This was not really a scheme; he just wanted to train and prepare Kazuma to give him the strength to become the next suzerain.

Yorimichi didn’t really have any beliefs like Genma’s; he only had the ambition for power. This is what Genma thought. Therefore, no matter how Genma tried to hide his thoughts, those thoughts were revealed when he further enraged Yorimichi.

Even though they had a close family/blood relationship of uncle and nephew, the hatred between the two had deepened again.

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

Yorimichi turned his accusing finger towards Genma. This kind of bad will was almost materializing like, “sticky things connect items together,” allowing the crowd to be agitated.

“That kind of idea would only come from someone with ''low scruples.”
For Yorimichi to say such things was an almost insulting provocation. Genma didn’t contradict; a reply would have been extremely disrespectful if he did.

“Chichi-ue, that’s enough!”

Juugo wouldn’t allow the continuation of such an insulting diatribe. In order to stop it he ordered Yorimichi to be taken away.

“Yorimichi, you must be tired. Please return to your room to rest.”

“Wait, Juugo! Genma cannot be trusted! If you don’t listen to me now, you will end up regretting it sooner or later!”

Yorimichi was hauled away like luggage. His harsh voice slowly decreased in volume until nothing could be heard.

“I really am sorry for the insulting diatribes of my father. With regards to me, please forgive him.”

Juugo placed both of his hands on the tatami in a slight bow. Genma replied indifferently, “I didn’t pay attention; the reason for such words is that the previous suzerain cares deeply about the Kannagi Clan.”

With an exchange of looks, underscoring each other’s reasoning, they smiled at the same time. In addition, with that, they understood the time for chatting was over, and it was now time to discuss more serious matters.

“As the previous suzerain said, the timing is too much of a coincidence. It is better for us to meet again and talk.”

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

“Would Kazuma submit to our instructions willingly?”

“If he won’t submit, we will have to use force to bring him here. Even though he has gained strength, he is still Kazuma. Two or three people will be more than enough to capture him.”

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

“Understood.” Even though Genma received an order to capture his own son, Genma was tranquil compared to others.

“Ayano-sama has returned!”

The serious expression on Juugo’s face began to relax, and Genma wore a highly energetic and fierce look.

She appeared without even waiting a second.

“Bah!” She pulled the sliding door open and caught everyone’s attention.

“I’m home, [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator%27s_Notes#Otou-Sama|Otou-sama]]! Ehh...? What’s going on?”

Appearing on the scene was an assertive young teenage girl, who asked this question when she saw the group's mood. Her black hair that almost reached the back, flowing straight and sideways created by the movements of her head, simply represented the blooming of a [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator%27s_Notes#Bishoujo|bishoujo]]. At that moment, the 'dark and cold' atmosphere had completely vanished. The spiritual energy that emerged from her cleansed the room's atmosphere in one breath.

The appearance of an unclear enemy who killed some people at home. The people who had been discussing this situation nonstop now faced a blinding light; their uncomfortable and distressed feeling completely vanished.

As if facing the rays of the sun, all movements in the dark ceased to exist. The person in the doorway was the one who had the ability to vanquish darkness, with spiritual powers not beneath the power of light, heir of the suzerain and owner of Enraiha, is Juugo’s daughter, Kannagi Ayano.

“How’s the report, Ayano?”

Juugo tested his daughter with a serious expression, as when he asked other people. This is the best way for a father to guide his daughter ... at least this is what Juugo thought.

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

“Hmm, good job.”

Finishing her report to the suzerain as a practitioner, Ayano innocently continued her questioning. “So, what actually happened, Otou-sama?”

“Hmm—— earlier, three people had been killed without notice. This is a serious situation!"

Although they were distant relatives, Ayano quieted after hearing how three people from the family had been killed. “A serious situation” was not from “three people have been killed.” Instead, it was because it was “without notice.”

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

“Nobody saw who, [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator%27s_Notes#Fuujutsu-Shi|fuujutsu-shi]]?”

“Of course there's a suspect.” Faced with Ayano’s questions, Juugo replied heavily, “It’s Kazuma.”

“Who’s that? That’s...”

Faced with this kind of close and revealing speech, Juugo’s "sun vein" furrowed.

“Think carefully about your older cousin’s name. The one who fought against you in the 'Succession Ceremony,' betting Enraiha."

“'Older cousin...' Could it be the Kazuma who left the family four years ago? Could that even be labeled as a fight?”

Given his daughter’s direct words, Juugo secretly spied on Genma’s expression to see if there were any changes. Even though his inner feelings were not apparent, Genma’s outer unreadable appearance didn’t change at all.

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

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

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

“It could be like that,” Genma replied without any facial expression.

“But, even though it is like that, we can’t easily kill him. If it was done by him, we need to use his life to pay for the crimes.”

“If...?”

Ayano turned to look at Genma. Genma accepted Ayano’s look without any change. The one who disinherited Kazuma and the one who provided the reason for his disinheritance crossed gazes.

The first to look away was Ayano. Without regards to strength as practitioners, her life’s experience was immensely surpassed. In reality, even with careful searching, she still lacked the confidence in her ability to win.

After stopping the unsatisfied challenge/look, Ayano looked towards Juugo.

“Then, what will be done? Defeat him?"

“Now, we haven’t decided whether it was done by Kazuma. And, anyways, we would like to meet with him and discuss this issue.”

Faced with his daughter’s simplistic and dangerous words, Genma deeply felt the danger.

Even though she had Enraiha’s overwhelming power, Ayano tended to resort to violence no matter what she did.

Genma frequently hoped that she would have a less impulsive way of thinking, as she was the next suzerain.

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

“...Yes.”

Faced with a barely compliant daughter, Juugo said consolingly, “You have just finished a mission; you must be tired. Get a good rest tonight.”

“...I understand.”

Even though it seems like it was not acceptable, Ayano still did what her father said. After “bowing,” she rapidly left the room. Until the door was closed, Juugo didn’t blink, showing a deeply unhappy expression concerning his daughter.

“...This stubborn daughter.”

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


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

They were waiting for the report, and then immediately to go where Kazuma was. 

=== 2 ===
For the Kannagi Clan’s information network, to find where Kazuma was staying at 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, at Genma’s command, two practitioners were sent out.

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

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

“Kazuma, you bastard, I will cut you into [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator%27s_Notes#Ten Thousand Pieces|ten thousand pieces]].”

“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 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 expected was that they would be the ones assaulted.

“Still not ready yet?”

“It’s going to be ready soon.”

This kind of discussion cannot satisfy them at all. They 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 had turned 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 grind 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 had wished, Shingo had 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.

[[image:Kaze no Stigma vol 01 051.jpg|thumb]]

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, they could slowly torture him besides what was mentioned before, and 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 were 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 was exhibiting an unexpected level 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 the crazily laughing Shingo, looking 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 materialized, 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 instantaneously 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-thousand times or hundred thousand times, it is a beautiful motion that can be forgiven.

A vase that has already approached its limits, with a “pong” bursts open. Even faster than the falling pieces, a white light shoots towards Ayano.

Ayano from the front makes a downward stroke with Enraiha, and then goes forward to attack. Attacking that white object that produces a sound “like the sound produce when the water is evaporated by a flat frying pan”.

“Sticky stuff…!?” 
Ayano faced with the string that was smashed by her and said mumbling.
Then changed her vision to the inside of the main hall, there was a few points like something like lights. That thing slowly moves forward, and then reveals its own appearance.

“Wah…”

Ayano inadvertently surprised, that thing that appeared is ——

Having multiple eyes, beyond eight feet, the entire body covered with dirty yet rigid fur, a segmented animal producing sounds, “kulah, kulah”, as its legs moved. When you see its full appearance, no matter whom, will feel shivers not due to cold. Really is a horrify spider freak.

“Earth Spider huh... Need help?”

“Not necessary”

Ayano immediately replies. Even though it produces a very disgusting feeling, but now is not the time for complaints. Seems like she’s more afraid of disappointing her otou-san, compared to that, fighting against spiders or cockroaches is nothing in comparison.

(Come here…)

Summoning fire spirits do not need chants and such. As if following Ayano’s thinking, fire spirits itself assemble, flying into Enraiha. Along the sword blade the flame, the light transformed to even brighter.

With the range that’s reachable by her awareness, Ayano continuously summoning spirits. Juugo don’t know how many times instructed her many times, don’t be like other practitioners, it is not commanding the spirits, you can’t be too arrogant.

“They and we have same level of existence.” 

This saying is frequently repeated by Juugo, spirits are the means to safeguard the existence of the world’s order. Because the Kannagi Clan have contract with the spirit king, therefore the spirits are only helpers.

Of course Ayano also understands, her own strength is borrowed. Only to seal or vanquish the inconsistencies in the world’s order that the power is gifted for a short period of time.

That’s why it isn’t ordering them. Because knowing such matters are not necessary. If the known the correct way of thinking, fire spirits will certainly answer.

Like having respect for the world, it’s not in order to obtain huge powers and being arrogant, Ayano no matter when always calls like this: “Please, lend me your strength….”

“V… Very formidable….”

Takeshi watches dumbfounded, this enormous number of spirits gathering on Ayano’s body, the amount of spirits he can manage is only one small portion of this in comparison. For him it’s the first time seeing the main family’s power, the difference is between the sky and the ground.

“Ah, formidable, right!?”

Just like show off his own condition, Masato said smiling.

“Even though we recently said it, no matter how hard we work, we won’t be able to reach such levels.”

Already forgotten his uncle’s reply, Takeshi one again looks at Ayano.

Ayano holding the Enraiha, continues to confront the earth spider.

(What should be done… looks like can’t get close…)

Even though enough spirits are already summoned to destroy the earth spider, but given this long distance really don’t have the confidence. Even though Enraiha is an ancient sword for [summoning], but to using a sword it is necessary to employ it to its fullest potential.

In other words get close, from a close distance to puncture or split the earth spider, then from inside its body burn it completely.

(Of course if that was done, certainly from the cut’s aperture will fly out adhesive matter… after the explosion fragments will all fly towards the body… if it’s female, after opening its skin, there might be hundreds of spiders coming out… No———!)

Just thinking about it makes the hairs stand, inside Ayano starts complaining bitter. If Takeshi could read Ayano’s inner thoughts then, maybe the thoughts of reverence might be corrected can even be said. 

The earth spider seems to capture the currently mulling Ayano’s openings; “palapala” using the long legs changed his body moving forwards.

“You want to escape!?”

Suddenly towards the chasing Ayano, from the tail spits out white silk, at the same time Ayano pulls up Enraiha to face it.

From Enraiha emerges a golden flame, even though it burned the spider’s web, but because of the blockage by the silk, Ayano still could not get close to the earth spider.

Then Ayano only could stop, focus her mind. Then she took a deep breath tuning her ki, calmed down.

(This kind of things can’t do any kind of obstruction, kill it in couple seconds.)

Then bringing up the Enraiha, then with her full strength performed a downwards swing. Golden Flame ——the highest level of fire of purification, not only completely burned the earth spider’s web, then closed-in directly at the earth spider itself.

Pong!!

With the sounds of explosion, the in the explosion earth spider is surrounded by flames.

“Got…Gotcha…?”

But as Ayano dubiously mumbles while looking into the flames, appearing into her vision was only a white cocoon-like object. What really surprised Ayano, the “pishpiish” sound that splits open.

Pang!

Just like a thin layer of glass shattering, from the middle the cocoon splits open, that earth spider completely without harm again appears.

Probably the web contained some special component that could block spiritual energies, then using that covering its body to hide, avoiding the purifying powers to be completely purified.

“It’s, it’s quite formidable, hu…”

Ayano said using a sing-song voice. At first glance seems very calm, but carefully studying will discover her “sun-vein”  has already risen.

Even though this was not a full strength strike, but was completely deflected, Ayano’s self-confidence certainly was hurting a lot.

“Only a little bug don’t be so haughty ——!!”

Resonating Ayano’s anger, an even greater amount of fire spirits was gathered, even though there is no materialization, but in the vicinity, already gathered the equal spirits to a volcano opening.

“Then… regretting it now?”

Accompanying anger, Ayano already entered selfless state. Composure has completely been commanded by anger, and then transformed into strength.

Continuously summoning stronger and even stronger spirits. This time it isn’t directed releasing towards one area, but given immovable strength of mind, at the same time directly releasing in one direction.

This time Ayano holds Enraiha in a direction perpendicular to her body, then seriously chasing it, took a deep breath, then with sharp kiai releasing it.

“Haa!!”

At that instance, the flame flew into the earth spider’s body. Then the abdomen expanded and exploded, changed it into a miniature torch.

In this seemly small torch, can be described as gathering the entire area’s fire spirits. The explosion of the fireball became even bigger, this time the earth spider is certainly transformed to ashes.

Afterwards nothing was left, spider’s body pieces and the youma spirit around was completed purified. Right now, the temple where the youma was vanquished was full on a “special air” that only temples have.

If attacking from the outside can be defended, then simply attack from the inside. Even though describing is easy, to actually do it is close to something impossible.

This is like what the world’s own close relationship with the spirits. That’s right, like the life force/life activity of living beings.

In the body living beings that have water, cannot be uninfluenced by the water spirits, and those living beings that have heat, within the body resides fire spirits.

For example, just like the youma, even though it materializes, it can’t escape this rule.

In ordinary circumstances, to control the spirit residing within the body is impossible.

These kind of infinitely close to a living beings’ survival instinct involves enormous willpower, the origin of life can be said to not allow anyone to control.

Even for a genius, can’t control it so easily according to one’s likings. But, in this world, no matter when there are people entire day saying “logical boundaries” foolish and sad humans.

“Heh. It’s this kind of thing.”

Ayano releasing a pleasing smile, turn around in order to go back.

“Then, let’s go!...”

During this dialogue that couldn’t continue, Ayano stupidly stares at the two’s body language. Probably the bigger body is Masato, on his left is Takeshi. From the clothes it should be right.

But——

(How come there’s no head…?)

These two guys, the taller one both hands still in the pockets, the other one seems not able to control his exhilaration, in front of his chest holding a fist, standing naturally.

When you look at it and there’s no head, doesn’t seem like an odd situation.

So Ayano looks toward the ground, there is two round objects entering her eyes. Ayano stumbling, seems like about to fall, close in and kneeled, then lifted it onto her knees. Even though it’s quite heavy, but as Ayano smelled the odor of the guy that she really liked, smiled. Ayano, from very young fought together, taught her the ways of survival/existence, hugged the head. Quietly mumbles.

“Uncle… head… fell down… uh…’

On Ayano appears sad smile, and then tries to put Masato’s head back on. Although thinking by doing this, he will return to life, stubbornly forcing the head back in.

Like mocking Ayano this kind of useless actions, hidden an unseen sword blade, lightly carves Masato’s body. In one second, this big body was separated into hundreds or even thousands slices of meat.

Because the heart has stopped pumping a while ago, so the fresh blood did not fly out from the sharp cuts.

But, although there is no sound of blood flow, nor the sounds of flesh breaking, still abnormally gives a person a feeling of reality.

[[image:Kaze no Stigma vol 01 071.jpg|thumb]]

Under the blowing of the wind, Masato’s body without sound was taken apart. Like gone through a paper shredder the pieces of meat, like flower petals dancing in the sky.

In the instance of the image, Ayano watched as if frozen.

Drop.

Accompanying the like water droplet sound something drops on the face, Ayano unconsciously tries to remove it.

That is a bright red piece, still has some remaining warmth of a meat slice. When understood what is carried on here fingers, Ayano’s consciousness seem to be passed through a filter, small amount of recovering.

“No.”

That is once a part belonging on Masato’s body. But those miserable remains no longer can be described as a corpse.

“Don’t want!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

At this moment, Ayano screams as far as can be heard.

“Kukuku—————“

That sound, even though it can vibrate the air, this snigger sound, it wasn’t directly sent into the brain. If you want to describe it, accompany this “snigger” are the strong feelings. This kind of derision towards one opponent’s “awareness”, seems like it provoked Ayano, it’s just that annoying.

Faced with situation of the appearance of the enemy, normally frequently training the body and the spirit, Ayano, instantly enters fighting mode.

Then burying deep within the feelings of anguish, substituting a feeling of animation and anticipation.

Changing the arrowhead of the anger towards the opponent, and especially challenging the opponent.

“Come out!”

Already surpassing the limits of anger, on the face of humans that already cannot be expressed. But Ayano seems to determine it can, looks upwards.

There exists ''that thing''. In the front on a branch where a huge tree stands a human shadow completely not fearing dangers, right hand in the pockets of his clothing.

Because that is place of little light, was not able to clearly see the opponents face, but it doesn’t really matter anymore. The out flowing evil ki already told her “This is the enemy.”

Ayano silently swings Enraiha upwards.

There is no need to know who, nor the need to accumulate strength. Only calmly mix in the killing intention, and then kill it in one strike. This kind of sharpened killing intention transformed into a flaming sword blade running upwards.

Lightly, clearly moving without regards to weight, ''that thing'' avoids the flaming sword blade. Then flew onto the roof (with a leap?). Afterwards, ''that thing'' looks towards Ayano, ''that thing'' slowly moves the body. Seems to say chase away.

This is clearly a trap and Ayano bravely accepts this kind of provocation.

(Even it is a trap, it doesn't matter, I will absolutely annihilate you.)

Deep within submitting to such type of anger, Ayano has already changed into a rampage for revenge.

=== 4 ===
In the sky suddenly appears ki of youma.

“Hmm…”

Kazuma suddenly looks towards the sky, it seems like in order for the strength to not spread, it is gathering bit by bit in the sky. Suddenly a wind blade flashes, there really is no time to even defend, and even flying backwards to escape took the full effort.

The wind blade passes right by the still rolling Kazuma, then slightly corrects its angle, with one stroke separated into two pieces the Fuuga practitioner, Shingo, Takeya the three of them.

“Wait, Wait a second!!”

Kazuma without thinking yelled, this would changed the situation into something unthought-of.

(I, I was actually ambushed?)

To face an ambush situation, actually is first time this had happened. Further, it was an ambush by a wind spirit? No matter who had summoned it, gathering this degree of wind spirit, it is impossible that Kazuma didn’t feel it. No matter how great of a fuujutsu-shi, using fuu-jutsu cannot deceive Kazuma. This question is not simply the difference in distance in abilities, but the rules are simply that this.

But, now occurred an impossible situation. Kazuma immediately broke off his thoughts, focus towards the thing in the sky.

“What’s… that thing...?”

Really small, maybe a thing smaller than 20 mm, was floating in the sky about 20-30 meters above. Nearby five risen things fly out.

“One’s hand…? Doesn’t seem so, red leaf…?

No matter how you look it doesn’t seem like it’s flying in the sky, it’s not controlling the wind. In a questioning look, suddenly Kazuma discovers what that thing really is.

It’s a human hand. A strange human hand is flying in the sky. Even recognizing it doesn’t solve anything, still can’t change that 3 people have been killed.

(Anyway, first let’s defeat it!)

Using only a voice that can be hear by himself mumbles, what looks like a hand flies into the upper sky —— then disappears.

“Wait! What are you actually thinking!?”

Kazuma then protested towards the wind spirit, this is clearly against the agreement. But, the spirit only has uncertain sound, and couldn’t tell Kazuma the actual place of the disappeared hand.

“What is going on…”

The miserable condition in front of his eyes —— the divided into two portion Fuuga practitioner and the separated corpses of Shingo and Takeya —— if like this, it seems just like it was done by Kazuma.

Spirit disobeyed the covenant? —— impossible.

To Kazuma, if he heard this kind of situation from someone else, would be quite skeptical of the correct mindset of the opponent. That’s why what just happened is a very irregular situation. 

Spirit does have cognizant qualities. [Initial Principle] —— it’s when the world was first created, don’t know by whom, towards this existential world created immutable laws—— and to obey it, allowing this world to remain this kind of shape and reality. Just like the bees have to live in a beehive, just like one part of itself recognizes him, one part even though it has intelligence is still impossible that it thinks. Of course, it’s impossible for it to have the type of free will to break a covenant.

If the spirits had the free will to move about, then the laws of science will be broken. The world will be destroyed within 3 days.

All the wind spirits will obey Kazuma. [What belongs to Him] This kind of covenant certainly reflects this kind of meaning. For example—— 
“That’s impossible…”

Kazuma thinking of the worst scenario, weakly sighs saying.

(There’s someone like me? No way…)

Just thinking about it brings shivers not from cold, but it can’t be said as good luck —— no matter what, Kazuma doesn’t want to think that—— but right now it’s not the best time to stop and think.

Because he sensed a huge fire spirits coming towards here.

(This time even [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator%27s_Notes#Ifrit|Ifrit]] has come? Crap, when has Japan become world of youma!?)

Even before finishing talking, appeared a situation that Kazuma could not have predicted.

Appearing is a shoujo. Accompanying the red fire and eyes where resides that hatred-filled fire, holding in the right hand accumulated power is ——

“Kazuma —— !!”

The strength of the fire spirits gathered in the right hand has already crystallized. Ayano seems to in that instance made up her mind.

Chop!!

Entering the rapidly retreating Kazuma’s eyes is, Ayano swings the red sword. For his clan, more important compared to everything else. Also the thing that made his life very chaotic.

Kazuma, when faced with the godly sword no matter what would like to escape, sees this, yells.

“Enraiha!? Are you, Ayano!”

Only answer is a sword flash from the Enraiha, faced with filled with killing intent and not listening to anything Ayano, tries really hard to explain.

“Hey, hey wait a moment, misunderstanding! Wasn’t killed by me… hey, you should listen to what other people are saying!”

Flaming white fireballs continuously approaching, Kazuma continuously dodging and saying, but Ayano seems like completely not hearing it.

Because the esteemed Masato got killed, Ayano is already too angry and has already forgotten herself. Really have no time to listen to people talking. Furthermore, given what her otou-san told her that this is guy is quite suspicious.

Dang!!

“Hey!!!”

Believing already evading the fireball suddenly together it explodes, then blocking Kazuma’s retreat. Then noticed, Ayano using the explosion time sealing off the way, appears in front of his eyes swinging the Enraiha.

“Uncle’s revenge !!”

“!!”

That motion a two part strike which wants to split Kazuma like a bamboo, escapes by shifting his body sideways, then from the top using his palm pressuring the sword handle. Facing Ayano who’s with fiery anger, face filling with blood yells.

“Otou-san —— Genma died?”

But before finishing saying such, figured out there was a mistake, even though Ayano and Genma’s relationship isn’t so bad that it can been seen from the outside, certainly if Genma were to die, Ayano would not be getting revenge for him.

A person appears in his head, a man, “uncle”, from the Oogami family that Ayano is very close to.

The name probably was —— like!!

“—— pong” 

Suddenly Ayano butted her head upwards, and then heavily hit his chin. Because of his pondering, his reflexes are slower, even though it was quickly evaded, but still the hit caused his head to be dizzy and painful.

Even though dizzy, but he still calmly asked.

“Oogami Masato died?

But Ayano faced became even more somber, further forcefully focus more strength into the Enraiha in her hand, from a distance it can be clearly seen.

(Seems like the opposite effect is done…)

Shrugging his shoulders, faced with a person filled with anger, having no more questions to ask. Faced with this confused by anger little girl no matter what is done is useless.

But, she can’t be killed. If he hurt her, probably the fool’s father, Juugo, would completely recognize him as an enemy. This needs to be avoided. 

This is not because he fears Juugo, who is the Kannagi clan’s historically strongest practitioner. But it is because as “Kannagi Kazuma”, Juugo can be said to be his only friend. In order not to not create sorrow to him, so there is only one method.

“Ah—— Ayano-chan? I’m —— leaving then, the issue with cleaning up the corpses will be left to you. Then see-ya.”

Prettily avoiding the completely tenacious approaching flames, Kazuma decides to escape.

“——Wait, Wait a second!”

Kazuma with his back towards Ayano who wants to stop him leaps up, then surrounded by wind flying upwards about 10 meters, then suddenly disappears.

“What—— where at?”

Right on top of, the still looking around, Kazuma floats along.

Employing the air to change the reflection rate of light, becoming see-through just like wearing a transparent robe. If look closely one can see the parts where there’s waves created by high heat, but for Ayano, who is being controlled by anger and has forgotten herself, she didn’t noticed.

But Kazuma didn’t take pleasure in watching the troubled Ayano, but was thinking about what to do later on.

What is realizable now is that the guilty person who killed Shingo and Takeya no matter how you described it is Kazuma, furthermore also killing Oogami Masato.

(They want to enter complete war with the Kannagi clan? If that’s the case it might be quite interesting, allows people to get excited… then, how will it progress?)

hehe, hmmhmmhmm.

Kazuma burst out laughing. Kannagi clan and the mysterious fuujutsu-shi, two strong things already assaulting his life, of course Kazuma cannot ignore this.

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| 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>

Talk:Watashi Tachi no Tamura kun:Volume1 Chapter1

2008-08-06T23:15:37Z

Mario23g:

I really liked the story, it's sounds like something very very good. Thank you for the 1st chap. :)

== 徒麗羅亜 ==

Thanks for translating :) Wonder where the story is headed...

And as a side note, wouldn't トレーラー be 'trailer' rather than 'van'?

----

Could someone confirm the correct spelling of Komaki's last name is it Mazzawa or Maggawa? I also saw Matsuzawa in the manga.

Watashi Tachi no Tamura kun:Volume1 Chapter1

2008-08-06T22:46:03Z

Mario23g: Multiple minor edits.

Everyone used to call me the reincarnation of Jean-Henri Fabre, the father of modern entomology.

When I was in grade 3, my observation diary on the life cycle of cicadas won the townfair’s top prize. I think in my whole life, I have not been as popular as that time. Everyone called me the Insect Professor and they all have their spotlights turn on me.

The reason that I got such a fantastic nickname is all because of my family.

That’s right- The Tamura family has three sons.

Everyone in my town knows about the genius and nice eldest son, the master-of-all-sports youngest son, and the ordinary middle son. That ordinary middle son is indeed me.

My smart and wise older brother is the pride of my parents; my active and cheerful younger brother is everyone’s darling. Of course, with these two captivating sons, my family is always very busy.

Whenever our family is in these sorts of events, however, the ordinary me always stand aside. No matter which photo albums you opened, you would see the young me, with my arms on my chest, one finger on my chin looking at my brothers and my parents (who had their heads made spinning by my brothers) from aside.

Now that I think about this in details, the one thing that I learned by being in the Tamura family, is my sharp observation skills…I think.

In addition, it is this observation skill that made me the reincarnation of Fabre…I think.

Unfortunately, time is cruel. As my age increased, one by one my friends moved away from the young insect-loving hobby. Instead of trading beetles, they now trade monsters in video games; Instead of trading news where one could catch grasshoppers, they now trade news on which bookstores have the newest manga and magazine. Finally, insect identification (Trans note: taxonomy, picture) books have been replace with “The Mystery of Human Body- the Guide to Identify Male and Female Body Parts”….

I lost my only medal.

It probably started around that time! I don’t know whether my elderly relatives are doing this out of kindness to comfort me or what, the number of time this being said to me increased linearly:

“Yukisada will definitely grow up to be a very impressive man!”

The neighbor aunties also said:

“You are definitely going to be very successful one day!”

Even my homeroom teacher said:

“Yukisada, I know very well that you have much potential…”

…in another word, “even through you haven’t amounted to much right now…”

*sneeze*, I don’t need you people to tell me that. I know the truth myself. Anyway, after studying insects, my second hobby now is studying ancient folk stories and customs.

By the way, the customs of Kamakura Period is my favorite historic period at the moment- something like a tea color-dyed hitatare (Trans note: a kind of robe/outer garment), along with a samurai-eboshi (Trans note: a kind of hat). And you can’t discuss this topic without mentioning the armor, helmet, and the 白糸緘 (Trans note: shiroo toodoshi- I don’t know the English term of it) and the 赤糸緘 (Trans note: aka toodoshi あかとおどし -this one as well)…the beauty of this clothing, extravagant yet mightily unyielding, the beauty of it all is just indescribable. “The true spirit of Japanese man”, you can find it all in this clothing style.

Ah ah, hmmm…Hmm?!

Let’s pretend I am a samurai!

Then, tragedy strikes.

It happened last night.

At first, I was only flipping through the ancient custom data book. As I was reading it, I became nostalgic about that time period. Before I realized it, I was holding my older brother’s bamboo katana, in front of my room’s mirror (in the middle of the night), and was busy getting into a samurai pose-

I pulled out the bamboo katana in my hand:

“I am indeed Tamura Yukisada. Come, let us duel!”

I uttered under my breath.

Just at that moment, my room door suddenly opened. The owner of the bamboo stick- my elder brother appeared at the door:

“Hey~is my dictionary…What are you doing?”

Kya-

I almost screamed last night.

Whenever I think about that accident, my face becomes red hot, I am so embarrass that it is as if I am going to act like a girl and cover my face with my hands. I can only comfort myself by saying: It is already fortunate for me. I have done something even more shameful…ah.a…but….

“…Tamura. Are you listening to my question?”

Someone shook my shoulders a few times and pulled me back out into reality. When I lifted my head, a common, yet familiar face appears. He is Takaura. He has been my good friend since when I was called the Insect Professor.

“Hey Takaura.”

“…Haa. You didn’t listen to my question at all!”

Takaura sighs exaggeratedly, and then points his finger towards my nose.

“I will repeat myself again, listen to me this time. Hmm- ok- Do you know what “time” is it?”

Not only is the way Takaura, with his head slightly sideway and has an hesitant expression, looks dubious; What he is trying to accomplishes with the question is a mystery to me as well. But I don’t want others to think that I have Alzheimer's disease or something, therefore I tried to answer his question:

“Right now it’s the second half of the lunch break.”

“I am not asking you this! Can you think, like, calendar-wise?”

“Calendar-wise? Then it is July?”

By the way, two weeks later is the final exam. After the final exam is the summer holiday. In entrance exams examinee’s lingo, that time is the Crucial Moment.

“No! You really are such a dummy! You don’t understand at all, do you? The correct answer is “The last summer of junior high school life”!”

“…mu~n…”

I fell into a daze and habitually start to chew the pencil. I move my gaze towards the windows.

The last summer of junior high school life? In this world, there is no calendar that is compassionate enough to have this listed.

Outside the windows, the summer noon sky is boundlessly clear. The bright and clear light blue sky makes one feel refresh. Cicadas screech from afar to near…oh, what a scene! The symphony of cricket and cicadas.

As I listen to their summer symphony, my hand started to play around with my pencil. On my table is a half finished potential school/career survey form. Today is the hand in deadline.

As I got halfway through filling the form, the scene last night suddenly appeared in my mind. Because it was too embarrassing, I couldn’t write anything anymore.

I already wrote down the #1 potential senior high school’s name. What are left to fill in are my class year, class name, seat number, and my signature.

Ta(tome!) mura(ten!) Yuki(tome!) sada(zubatsu!).

…Not that I am boosting, but I have to say this: what an impressive name! Even though no one has ever told me that, I always think to myself: This name sounds a bit like a samurai’s name.

After I filled in everything, I gave my form to Takaura. Honestly, he always wants to be the class representative (and he is actually a candidate for the job). He is a sick person (Trans note: hentai) who can even enjoy boring works like collecting survey forms.

“Ok, Tamura handed in his form, let’s check his name off. Hmm, looks like there are still some outstanding forms…no no no that’s not important. Back to the topic! The last summer of junior high school life!”

This truly twisted kid has his eyes wide open. He leaned forward to me. Even though you want me to say something more but-

“…So what? I can only answer you with this phase. If that’s an acceptable answer, then please by all mean continue on!”

Rather than continuing on discussing this topic, I would rather pick my nose. Ok, let’s do it.

“Ahhgg, you don’t understand at all, do you! Don’t give me lame answers such as “so what?” You should have notice it, right? If you continue on spacing out like this, you will be completely behind!”

Takaura suddenly grabs my hands. What passionately hot hands. In that instance, the two of us stare at each other…sparks were glinting in our eyes…huh?

“I am…behind?”

“You are so far behind you can’t even measure it! Look at this!”

Takaura pulls out a three-folded piece of paper out of his shirt pocket. At a glance, it is an A4 size contact list. In the list are the names, phone numbers, and the addresses of the students in this class. I backed up a bit.

“…wow, you actually carry this thing around everywhere? You are way too dangerous…”

“Look closely again, the main focus is these lines!”

Takaura’s finger is pointing at the lines he probably drew. These pencil lines connect the neatly spaced names together.

“First up is this couple. Here, Suzuki Chikato and…here, Nomura. Listen, you will be shock by this, these two people have been together since last month!”

“Wh- what?!”

Upon hearing this mortifying news, my upper body naturally straightened itself and leaned forward. You mean this actually happened?! That “Tough Old Woman” (Trans. Note: おむくろさん) Suzuki Chikato with “3B’s Alley Cat” Nomura? These two people are having dokdoki (Trans note: =fast heartbeats) sticky sticky moments with each other? (Trans note: I give up. Would someone please translate this line for me? Thanks.)

“Un-unimaginable!”

“Unacceptable right?”

As if it is ignoring the awestruck me, Takaura’s mechanical pencil keeps on producing the uncomfortable scratching sound as Takaura darken the line connecting those two people together.

“It’s too early to be surprise. Hayashi and Kobayashi, Amano and Ishioka- even these shocking couplings appeared! These two over here I think became a couple right at the start of this month. And then you have here with here…… here with here……she is probably with next class’ Yokoyama……and……those two broke up already. These two broke up as well…this and this…basically something like this.

The class contact list…no, one should call this “Relationship Map” to better reflect the truth…on this paper. My eyes followed the mechanical pencil’s lines. I almost become dizzy just by reading this. Most of the lines I see connect two names together; some lines stop halfway through; some lines advance in zigzag movement; others lead to multiple names; some are unidirectional only. All these lines head towards all sorts of random directions.

Making their ways around a few specific names, that is.

“Wh-when did the situation degenerate into this state?”

I can not help but lift my shaken finger, put it on the paper, and softly touch the empty (and awkward) area around my (and Takaura’s) name(s). This is a very very crushingly tragic truth. My (and Takaura’s) name(s), along with a few other people’s names, have been isolated from that tango mess of complex black lines. Our names stand out so much that one cannot help but feel depress. That’s why! Now I cannot disagree with the truth. I (and Takaura) am indeed behind. Just as I am picking my nose moronically, these complex lines have already interconnected my fellow classmates.

“’This is our last junior high school summer holiday! If we didn’t leave ourselves some wonderful memories to reminisce on later in life, this would be horrible!’ – I heard the girls have been saying this. Most of those people started vigorously to find a target at the end of last month, the rest did so at the beginning of this month…In other word, and the confession fashion trend is spreading all around us.”

Confession!

“Fashion trend?”

“Don’t show that strange look. Haven’t you felt it? The mood ‘If I can only become successful now, only now can I become successful’ (Trans note: confuse? Me too). Even if you get dump, once you graduate you won’t see each other anymore; if on the other hand, you get a mate, then you have a wonderful summer waiting for you. Moreover, no matter whether the relationship lasted or not- this news is also being circulated around by the female students, you get assign into different groups based on whether you have love experience.”

“…what groups?”

“I know very well myself what those girls meant! If you look at this contact list, don’t you feel that we humans have already been separated into two different camps?”

I look at the relationship map, and instantly understand what that kid is saying. First of all, the people in one camp have their names buried in the whirlpool of black lines. The other kind, like Takaura’s and my name are far away from the mess and have total clear space around our names.

In other word…

“One side has good relationship karma (Trans note: the original word is en, meaning fate/destiny to meet one another), and the other side has nothing at all…”

“Exactly! Looking at this, it is the popular and the unpopular. You and I are both ordinary in both looks and personalities, we are the kind of nobodies that nobody will notice…”

“Obviously we are at the unpopular side…”

Sa….sa….

“Oh, it is awful to be in ‘this side’ of the camp, right? You will never accept this, right? If we continue on the way we are, by 20 we will still be virgin, by 30 we will still haven’t marry, by 40 our heads will go bald, by 50, eh, hmm…”

I gasped. How will my future turn out? By the time I am 50, what kinds of tragedy awaits me?!

“Forget it. Anyway, I definitely do not want to become that sorry state! Therefore, I will board this fashion trend and get a girlfriend! Then, right before going into a senior high school and starting the next stage of my life, I will join ‘the other side’! This is my plan!”

-In that moment, my body almost collapses.

“You know…”

“Tamura! Are you willing to be like this forever?”

“It is true that I don’t want to be like this…”

No matter how unnoticeable I am, I am a normal puberty driven male high school student. If I have to choose being “in a relationship” and being “insulated from relationships”, of course I want to go to the former category, lift my head high and walk down that sunny road known as “life”.

But

“…Takaura, our world is actually very small. To us, this town…no, this classroom is like our whole world, right?”

“Ha? Yeah, something like that…why did you ask that all of a sudden?”

I answer Takaura with a nod and slowly stand up. And then:

“You just said that you want to get a girlfriend, right? Why don’t you open your eyes wide open and carefully look at your girlfriend candidates from our world! Look at them!”

We look around the familiar square classroom.

’Really, that’s really disgusting…as your friend; I recommend you go to the hospital…Do you get hungry from time to time?’

See…

’Yesterday I went to Shizuka senpai (1 year older)’s home. I met a guy…he drives a toreeraa(Trans note: 徒麗羅亜, which is just the fancy word forトレーラー)(Van)…he drank a bottle of miruku (Trans note: 魅瑠苦, kanji forミルク) (powder milk) all in one go…’

(Trans note: The actual sentence is longer…but I do not know what仏契 is…)

As I said…

’I feel so energetic right now I think I am going to break down (*laugh*). If my other personalities (Kurenai-Seiryuu-Choya (Trans note: from RPG games I think?...)) come out right now, you girls are dead (*laugh*). You girls had better not make me angry (*laugh*). My smiling face is very scary~~ that’s what everyone says (*laugh*).

…understand now?

“How’s that, Takaura. This is-“

“Ha?! Did that Tamura just stare at us?”

“No way?! What are you looking at? You need to pay money to even look at us?!”

-This is the true face of our female classmates.

I can’t even finish my sentence- I just collapse onto my desk silently. What’s going on? Is this a zoo? How am I supposed to become attracted to those people, fall into love, and confess to them? Where is my true ‘significant half’? Can someone tell me where she is-?

“Ta-Tamura, pull yourself together! It’s only a light wound (Trans note: = slight set back)!”

“……I can’t go on any further……’the Other Side’, you go alone…… Don’t worry about me……I will stay on ‘this side’ for the rest…of my life……”

“Tamura! Don’t die on me!”

“……Fare…well……”

Ahhh, what a short life. I slowly close my eyes. As darkness began to consume my solitude heart-

“Bu-fuu?!”

Panic!

Out of nowhere, a mysterious object suddenly covered my whole face. I was so surprised that by reflex I snatched the paper away:

“What the heck is this?!”

I stand up from my seat.

“Fu-a”

Suddenly a strange sound appears.

It is as if time became suspended.

The distance is so close that I could, just a bit, feel the warmth of the body.

About 10 inches in front of my nose-

That person just stands there

And then

“……Sorry”

Our eyes levels are almost even.

The lips, so small that one cannot help but doubt one’s eyes, open slightly. The sound that comes out of the mouth is so tiny that one cannot feel any emotion from it.

Sorry, she said.

“……That….please?”

That, please?

“I……that……. is my form. The wind blew it here.”

I that is my form. The wind……eh?

“Ah?! My-my gosh!”

By the time I came about, it was too late. The unknown object that covered my face- it only takes one glance to know that the paper is a potential school survey form. The form is currently being crush by my hand. Now all that’s left is a crumble ball of paper.

“I am sorry-

What’s her name- yeah her name is…

“Sorry……Mazzawa.”

…That’s the right name, right? Mazzawa...really…what a strange name…oh yeah.

Mazzawa Komaki.

On her pale and small face, her brown eyes are glinting strangely. Those two eyes are staring straight at me. I cannot help but staring back at the glass-marble-like pupils.

“I will straighten the form right away.”

Before I realized what’s going on, I have already started to open that crumbled ball of survey form-

“……It’s ok”

She took away the form. No, the form was hers to begin with. She took back the form.

Without hesitations, Mazzawa handed the almost scrap-paper-like crumble form to Takaura and walked back to her seat next to the windows. She advances through the narrow gap between the desks. Her hip under her skirt is as small as a child’s. Her ankles, with the school mandated socks, look just like the legs of a goat. Her thin shoulders, her delicate back and…Can a small body like this actually have organs in it? Does she even have to go to the bathroom?

“……Wait wait. Tamura? When will you snap out of it?”

Her hair, down to her shoulder height, softy afloat along the light wind and shimmer under the sunny sky, is amazing. I think this hairstyle is called the Bob Cut. As Mazzawa goes back to her seat, her fabulous hair is drifting behind her. She went back to her seat and look out of the windows with disinterest.

“Tamura- Hey- Tamuraaa”

She never talk loudly, and she never hang around with those rude (Trans note: or commoners) people. Mazzawa just sits there, alone, and looks up at the sky. Even when the light wind disarranged her hair, she remained indifferent; she looks just like a clay doll.

Wait....

Wait wait wait!

She is here!

Mazzawa Komaki.

Grade 3 is the first school year that she is in my class; before this, I didn’t even know she exists. From what I heard, she moved to our town when she entered junior high school. She is a mysterious girl with an unknown past. Actually, her school mark is amazingly good- I know this since we entered grade 3, our grade’s mock exam marks always are posted.

Someone like Mazzawa is in this class?

This is the first time I talk to her.

This is the first time I look at her from such a short distance.

Why is it? Those brilliant eyes, that pale and smooth skin, so clear and flawless it is as if her skin glows by itself. Is the light so bright I dare not move my eyes away?

When I finally came about:

“It is my fault.”

I apologized.

“I never noticed you before.”

“Tamura- Wake up- You eyes are goggling straight out-“

“I never knew that you are such a perfect girl…hey Takaura, Maggawa is really cute!”

“…eh. Are you serious?”

I finally turn my head around and look at Takaura’s formerly ignorable face.

“Of course I am serious! What would I gain with lying? She is really cute. Look, just her delicate movement sets her apart from anyone else!”

As I am about to point my finger towards her:

“!”

Maggawa just sneezed intensely.

“Wow, what a powerful sneeze. She is squeezing her nose……runny nose? Just as what I would expect from Maggawa, her handkerchief is pink.”

“Tamura, you haven’t…”

“I will change that ‘you haven’t’ into reality! I will step into ‘the Other Side’ with her!”

I half giggled, half without doubt announced this declaration. Even though I heard a strange sound coming from Takaura’s throat, but who cares about him! Maggawa is just too perfect! I am really sorry that I have never noticed her…wait a second?!

“Damn it! Let me see the relationship map!”

I suddenly notice a possibility. I hurriedly snatch the map away from Takaura’s hands. Such a perfect girl, don’t tell me that some male students have already tainted her with their dirty hands?!

“Very good…Safe!”

The name “Mazzawa Komaki” does not have anyway offensive black lines around it. I relaxed instantly. I was very nervous back then. Now all I have to do is connect your name and my name together- with a thick, thick line!

“Tamura, you know…Mazzawa is not as ‘safe’ as you think she is…”

“Ahhhggg shut up! Stop bothering Mazzawa and I!”

“Think about it……Mazzawa is really cute, that’s true. But, why is she on the ‘unpopular’ side of the camp? Don’t you think that’s very strange?”

“What a strange fortune!”

“Don’t you think that there must be some sort of reasons behind it? We are unpopular because we don’t stand out. But what about Mazzawa? Do you know why?”

“Destiny!”

“I am being very serious here. I suggest you to give up on her while you can. Mazzawa is not a character you can go for. At most, she is a weirdo who is there just to push the plot forward. Even if you can get into dialogue mode with her, there will not be any event CGs. She doesn’t even have moving facial sprites. There is no way of getting to her ending because right from the start, her plot route doesn’t exist.”

“…You sure are fluent with these professional lingoes.’

“Be quiet. Hm, I will show you. I shouldn’t do this, but…”

Takaura, with his body trying to shield what he is doing, opened the crumbled-up up paper-, which is Mazzawa’s survey form, and show it to me. Just as I am about to complain to this rouge class representative about how immoral his action is, I stopped-

“Hmmm?”

In that instant, Mazzawa’s private personal information was leaked.

Before I can comprehend the meaning of the words on the form, Takaura took the form away. He lowers his voice and asks me whether I understand. But, what I just saw is not something one could understand the first time one reads it.

I started to think back to what was written in the #1 Potential School square entry box.

The phase “Back to my home planet Senior High School” – no, wait a second. The words “Senior High School” came with the form. Therefore…what?

“’Back to my home planet’?”

I slightly tilt my head as I try my best to comprehend the meaning of that phase. Takaura, with his already lowered voice, lightly poked my arm:

“…Let me tell you something beforehand, that girl has the same thing written on her forms multiple times already. No matter how harsh the homeroom teacher lectured her, she still does the same thing every time. The incident even turned into gossip in our grade. Everyone knows about this.”

“…Home…planet…”

“To be frank, this is why people stay away from Mazzawa. So why don’t you give up. She-”

Stop, Takaura. I made a hushing sound to stop Takaura from continuing.

“Say no more. I commm-pletely understand now. That’s why.”

“…Sigh. Normal girls can be found everywhere, so why don’t you...”

“Mazzawa has such a funny sense of humor!”

Takaura just trips in a classic fashion. But, I don’t have time to care about his lame performance. ‘Back to my home planet’, how romantic, how affectionate, how lovely is Mazzawa! If even that Takaura is trying to talk me out of going after her, that means I don’t have to worry about having a huge group of competitors! Yes, Mazzawa! This is the best!

“Sigh…”

Takaura sighed deeply and lowered his head. Sorry man, as you are wasting your time sighing, I will go ahead and join “the other side” first.

Because, no matter how you try to argue this, now is really “the last summer of junior high school life”!

(End of Part I chapter I)

Talk:Watashi Tachi no Tamura kun:Volume1 Chapter1

2008-08-06T22:43:43Z

Mario23g:

User:Mario23g

2008-08-06T22:39:17Z

Mario23g:

Currently reading:

Toradora!

Spice and Wolf

Kaze no Stigma

User:Mario23g

2008-08-06T22:37:52Z

Mario23g:

Currently reading:

Toradora!

Spice and Wolf

User:Mario23g

2008-08-06T22:37:10Z

Mario23g: New page: Currently reading: Toradora! Spice and Wolf

Currently reading:
Toradora!
Spice and Wolf