Chapter 7

The situation appeared to have changed greatly.

After hearing Awashima's news, Rikuo decided to leave Toono that night. He knew that his Hatsu was far from complete, and he realized that he needed to stay and train more. But the situation was getting dangerous, and he wanted to help his friend in Kyoto.

After saying his farewell to Akagappa, Rikuo suddenly exclaimed,

"Does anyone here willing to follow me to Kyoto?!"

But there was no response from the other youkai. So, he tried once more.

"I'm begging you! Please! Those Kyoto youkai are damn strong, and I need your powers! It will be great to have all of you joining my Hyakki Yakko*!", Rikuo yelled to every corner of Toono.

The Toono youkai looked at each other. They didn't know what to do, and started to whisper among themselves.

"There's no need to discuss this at all.", Itaku suddenly said. He was standing on a high branch, and he had been listening to their conversation all along. From where he was standing, Itaku could clearly see Rikuo's unguarded back.

"I know that all of you have decided to follow Rikuo. Why are you hesitating?"

Awashima, Amezo, Dohiko, Reira and Yukari had experienced Rikuo's fear before. They were hesitating just because they were too embarrassed. But, Rikuo seemed to know what they were thinking. So, he said once more,

"What are you waiting for?! Hurry up, prepare your bags and we'll get going!"

All of them are more than willing to follow him to Kyoto. Then, what about me?, Itaku thought. He was hesitating about coming along with them. He jumped off the branch as he thought,

Does Rikuo really need me?

"Itaku, why don't you come with me?", Rikuo asked to Itaku.

Itaku was surprised. But then, he noticed once more Rikuo's unguarded back, and said,

"How many times do I have to tell you to never disperse your fear?"

"Itaku…", Rikuo said. He remained in his position.

Itaku grabbed one of his sickles and held it in front of Rikuo's neck, as if he was going to cut his throat. Then, he said,

"That makes your 200th death in Toono. You weren't on guard at all, and you know that it's extremely dangerous, don't you?!"

Itaku pulled back his sickle and said,

"Your training isn't over yet. I'm still your instructor…and I won't exchange Sakazuki with you!"

"…thanks!", Rikuo replied with a smile.

Itaku jolted a bit. He felt like his heart was being squeezed. He was completely uncomfortable.

Did I…just open my doors as well..?, the thought flashed through his mind.

No, of course not!, he denied, but it doesn't matter. It's no use if I over think it, and there is no need to rush it.

I'll just have to come along with Rikuo to Kyoto, and fight alongside him. I'm sure that I'll find the answer that way.

Whether I fear Rikuo or not, it's up to this battle to decide!

Rikuo pulled out his wooden stick and got into his battle stance. The stick he used was the stick that was made from the spiritual tree of Takimaru, and it had been accompanying him during all his training in Toono. Rikuo turned to the fear that surrounded Toono, and raised his stick.

"Let's go, you lot! Farewell, Toono!"

Takimaru swung forward, and cut through Toono's fear magnificently.

-FIN-


Translator's Note:

*Hyakki Yakko = Parade of a Hundred Demons

Well, how was the last chapter? I know it's kinda boring, but I'm glad that I finally finished translating this story. I'm looking forward to your reviews!

Happy New Year everybody!

ayakashistories

P.S. If any of you wanted me to translate another story from Nuramago light novels, just PM me and I'll try to find the scans and translate it for you if possible.