Disclaimer: I do not own nurarihyon no mago. I only own my OCs and my story plots.
Retsu is currently 7 years old.
Belladonna
Chapter 26:
Training Trip to Tōno
The bullet train heading straight for Kyōto speeds along the railway, the relatively quiet hum of the engine rumbling beneath his feet. Ryūji stares out the window contemplatively as the passing scenery blurs together. Mamiru sat by his side, the teen unnervingly silent and stoic, similar to a doll.
It's been sixteen months.
Over a year since the Keikain Clan's branch family, the Fukuju Clan, was broken into and brutally massacred in the dead of the night.
There were no survivors and the most crucial fact is, no one had been able to identify the culprit's species based on the available scant few evidence left behind at the crime scene. It was, without a shadow of a doubt, the work of an Ayakashi. A bizarre type of demonic energy is still lingering around the compound by the time someone discovered what had transpired. Due to the fact that Masatsugu and the Fukuju main family had been tasked with protecting the third seal site, they had been, unwittingly, spared. Their biggest primary suspect is of course, the capital demons. This took place around the same time as the four centuries long spiral seal gradually began to weaken. More and more demons had been given free passage in and out of Kyōto as the days went by, the situation within the city getting uglier by the day.
That particular type of youki and method of killing was one they couldn't exactly pinpoint nor recognise despite centuries of accumulated research on Ayakashi. It seems like there are two types of youki. One that is almost ghostly and wispy in nature, barely tangible, while the other is... exceptionally wild and aggressive. As for the murder techniques, they were all one hit strikes with a blade, no signs of dragging things out for the sake of entertainment. There was no resentment lingering within the compound, no anger, no envy. Nothing. Blank. It wasn't for revenge, it wasn't out of spite, nor was it out of boredom.
So... was it not a Kyōto yōkai? Or was it hired? Mercenary? A foot soldier? Someone who has no emotional connection with the Capital demons? The Kyōto demons hated the Keikain Clan's guts, unless they're hiding their intentions very well, which wasn't particularly necessary. Since making their presence known would have been a very effective way to strike fear.
However, every single Onmyōji had been extremely troubled with one thing. When the compound was discovered to have been broken into, the barrier surrounding the compound... is still intact.
So unless there are newly born demons that are able to bypass barriers, the event is... unsettling.
To top it all off, the oddest thing was, there hadn't been another killing spree. It just... stopped, died off, ended there. Or so it seems. If it had been the Kyōto yōkai, surely they would continue the massacres as a blatant show of 'you're next' and 'we're coming'.
Ryūji signed, the frown on his face getting almost thunderous as he leaned back into his seat, making himself comfy for the long ride home. 'Might as well just chalk it up as the doings of Kyōto yōkai at this rate. By the way...'
He glanced over to the other side of the train, towards a peculiar individual sporting a mop of blonde hair with red tips.
Earlier, that guy has been loudly commenting "Delicious!" non-stop with each bite of food from the bento box as he stares unnervingly straight ahead. The food is all gone now, but... he's still facing forward, and his gaze is fixated upon a certain spot ahead. His arms are crossed over his chest, back ramrod straight and an ever present slight smile on his face. He wears what seems like a brown gakuran uniform, with a white based, yellow and red flame patterned cape.
Ryūji doubts the guy had even blinked, and he doesn't sense any youki around either so...
'What is heck is he staring at? His exceedingly bright future?'
Karasu Tengu can feel it in his old bones and feathers that the rainy weather will persist for a while longer as he penned a formal letter to Tōno no Sato. That was when Nurarihyon inconspicuously slipped inside his room, the candle light flickering once at the new presence before steadying. The supreme commander informed him to include Retsu in that letter as well.
The brush halts. Black ink expands into an unsightly blot from the prolonged contact, staining the calligraphy paper. He will have to rewrite it later. Triangular eyes dart up as he inhale sharply to blurt out a shocking—
"What?!"
At the same time, Karasu Tengu finally saw the expression his commander is wearing. He immediately clamps his beak shut to prevent any more words from slipping out.
Nurarihyon's demeanour may be schooled to the untrained and inexperienced eye, however, the old Tengu is anything but. A slightly pinched look, which the other only ever makes when he is in excruciating pain is more than enough to serve as a warning sign.
"This is the first time she demanded something from me." He grumbles, trapped in a dilemma that is his own wish and his granddaughter's, the latter already winning.
Just then, he could hear a distinct music—one from those mind-numbing, blasted videos his second-born has recently taken a liking to watch in his free time—play in his mind.
Oh no. Oh no. Oh no no no no no.
I went to check on my feeble older brother who is still out cold after the brief scuffle with our grandfather. Well, more like staring at his sleeping human form as he quietly snored away, lips parted, beneath the futon. Today is the second day since he fell unconscious.
Last November, when I ran into Kidōmaru, I'm pretty sure it had taken me one full day to wake up and another day to completely recover. 'I still can't believe Onii-chan missed out on survival training and I didn't even notice.'
Rikuo did not coat and protect himself with his own Osore, allowing his opponent's demonic energy to damage him both internally and mentally. Unlike me, who had spent a— albeit short— lifetime without youki flowing through my veins, possessing it now makes it stand out more starkly. So I was able to discern it and utilise it with extra effectiveness. That, and I had some prior fictional training methods for innovative usage of my Osore, like that Nen training thing from Hunter x Hunter.
Tsurara is busy monitoring and tending to my unconscious brother, watching with eagles eyes for any signs of his awakening. Judging from my experience however, with the way he's breathing and the measly, weak Osore I can barely sense from him, he probably won't be awake for at least another ten hours at best. I'd add on another six just for his beauty sleep.
I groan internally. 'How is he gonna survive Hagoromo Gitsune?'
The fusuma doors slide open quietly behind us, and a retainer makes their way in with fresh linen. It wasn't until they came into my line of sight that I realised it wasn't Kejōrō, who had stepped out earlier.
From the back, I recognise HoneOnna pretty much straight away from her signature straight and long, bone-white hair that cascades down past her waist. When she turned around however, I had to do a slight double take at her new appearance.
Due to my busier schedule, consisting of cleaning up as much rogue yōkai prowling about our territories as much as I possibly could before heading off to Tōno, I haven't actually seen my new member in two days. I would catch her pale-white form out of the corner of my eye around the hallways, but not quite face-to-face. She now sports a new hairstyle and some accessories. Her hair is trimmed evenly at the ends, while the top-half of her hair has been done up into three sections. A trio of blue gems are embedded into a gold hair-comb securing them in place. A pair of similar blue gems, with the gold trimmings and a purple tassel attached at the bottom, hangs on either side of her temple.
Her old, tattered greyish kimono has been switched out with a newer, pale blue one with pastel pink edging, completed by a big yellow bow as her obi. There's even some red make-up on her eyes, making them stand out much more sharply, giving her an air of confidence.
I arch an eyebrow. She looked... more relaxed. Like she is beginning to finally grow into herself.
"You look better." I tell her with a small smile.
Despite wanting to recruit more demons into my own Hyakki Yakō, there is still that slight niggling worry that they might not like it here enough, or finding it hard to adjust and mingle smoothly with the rest. She doesn't look like a sad, wet, desperate skeleton thrown into a well anymore. Now, she truly is a vengeful bone yōkai ready to suck the life out of her enemies. I look forward to seeing what she could accomplish in the near future.
"Thank you, Retsu-sama." HoneOnna dips her head, the action mildly stiff, shoulders hunched nervously. Seems like it'll take a bit more time before she warms up to me. Her first impression of me was still a katana to her throat-slash spine after all.
Tsurara pried her worried gaze off my brother to give us a quick glance, before just as swiftly, turning back to him, as if concerned that he would croak if she wasn't watching him every second. "Saki-chan and Kejōrō helped with her make-over, her clothes were a little out-dated."
"As long as you like it." I nod.
"Yes, these are... very nice." A rare smile curls at the corner of her lips, her pale grey eyes softening. "If there's nothing else, please excuse me."
HoneOnna dips her head bashfully and makes her retreat. The fusuma slides shut with a dull thud, leaving me to stare at the large Nura Clan's insignia on it.
Having removed her from the place of her untimely death has drastically changed her personality. No, I suppose it is more accurate to say that her real personality, before she had died, has resurfaced once again. Although, her immense resentment, grief and regrets that had changed her, allowing her to become a demon, are still somewhere deep within her. The only thing we could really do is distract her from dwelling on it too much, just like the majority of us.
Looking out into the garden, past the ajar shōji doors, ominous dark grey clouds loomed above us, pouring heavily. The air is humid and stuffy despite the large amount of rainfall, the lack of a cool breeze certainly not helping either. Seems like the raining season has truly arrived.
'The Tōno yōkai should be arriving to fetch us any day now.' I'd give it three days maximum for the message to reach there and then for them to come down here. The few essential things I wish to bring along with me to Tōno had all been packed into my good ol' trustworthy backpack that I've just dug out from my closet, and it sits in a corner of my bedroom, ready to accompany me on my next road trip.
I cast one more glance at Rikuo's sleeping form and Tsurara standing guard beside him, before turning on my heel to make my way out. There are still some things I need to instruct and assign my clansmen to carry out while I'm away at Tōno, so that the important ongoing investigations get the required attention it needs. It wouldn't do for any valuable leads to go cold.
Someone dropped by the mansion, from what I could hear, I'd say it is Rikuo's yōkai fanatic classmate, Kiyotsugu. His distinct voice could be heard from my bedroom, albeit a little faint. Boy has a good set of lungs in him. The others are probably there as well, but I don't hear them.
Gathered around me are a couple of my members whilst I assigned each of them some simple procedures to adhere to while I'm away. Suzu is spread-eagled on my lap, tummy up, and my legs are starting to cramp from the prolonged folded position. Yūga is sitting cross-legged in front of me, with Saki to my side, while Tozen and Kyō are on my other side.
Yūga is my temporary stand-in, since he already possessed a general idea on how to run a clan due to his position as heir—now new clan head, things should be easier for him to manage.
Any updates regarding our ongoing investigations will go straight to him to sort through. Should the reports be time-sensitive, for example new leads surfacing, he will decide if he should notify me first, or instead, opt to report straight to Karasu Tengu and Nurarihyon—both at the same time, not one or the other— to handle. The Hyaku Monogatari Clan is being cautious, so we should act accordingly as well in order to successfully nail them down.
There hasn't been any movements on the online forum, particularly the accounts that we've marked. Each tales are published relatively far and few in between, uploaded every other month or so judging from older posts. I suppose it is safe to say that they are sticking to a few permanent accounts, perhaps due to the amount of readers and followers. Kyō is observing them, tracing the posts back to its source—mostly internet cafes—but still no luck in fresh leads so we could find the actual perpetrator themselves.
We'll just have to keep our eyes and ears open for the next hit. Amassing as many reasonably numbered cats, crows and centipedes, we stationed them around the areas with internet-accessible public places. It wouldn't do for the humans to call pest control because they have spotted a horrifying, sheer amount of them gathered in one place.
"Do not make any obvious movements that we might be onto them. Should they feel like cornered rats, they'll retaliate and drag in any unsuspecting humans within vicinity. We don't want anything related to them to blow up on the news or internet." I warned.
With his heavy head propped up in one hand, Yūga rapidly summarised the gist of things in a droning tone, coupled with an equally 'thrilled' expression to hopefully ease my anxieties. "First off, utmost discretion when stalking. Second, narrow down their meeting spots and or plausible hideout location—which you probably already know. Three, gather as much info as possible. If we find any juicy gossip we don't know about— Jackpot! Relax Chibi, we got this. Your grandpa and Umizatō are here too if things ever go south."
"I'll do my best not to get spotted too." Kyō nods nervously, pushing up his round, heavy glasses further up his nose.
I feel like I've turned into a nag honestly, even I am nearly fed up with myself. "Great."
I turn to Saki, who cheerily hands me a small glass vial filled with pink liquid, and the wolf demon's ears immediately flick back as he leans away, lips curling. Tozen huffs a barely audible laugh.
Saki's concentrated perfume bombs from hell had proven themselves to be extremely useful, especially against opponents with sharp noses, so I had pre-ordered some more in preparation for the upcoming war in Kyōto. One or two big, nasty, long-lasting ones—at least three days—and a batch of smaller ones. The capital demons wouldn't even know what hit them once the stink bombs dropped.
With Zen-nii's expertise in herbs, alongside with some of our clan members' extensive knowledge on perfume making, plus Sazae-oni's feedback, Saki's scented bombs have evolved to a far deadlier and nastier levels one has ever seen.
Speaking of which, Sazae-oni seems to have made a trip back to sea to relay some messages to her clan members. Well, I suppose it is required, Umizatō is their supreme commander, she's probably checking up on how things are going there with their commander's extended absence.
As for the particular scent our perfume bombs will be taking, since it isn't hydrangea season and our previous stock of the flowers were all used up experimenting, we opted to make use of the abundant fallen cherry blossoms in our backyard. Uwan had been collecting the pink blossoms for the past few months, having taken an extreme liking to them. Today, the flower Ayakashi presented us with the fruits of her labour, our very first vial of cherry blossom stink bomb, lovingly dubbed as "Yōhime's vengeance."
I think it is only fair that my late grandmother gets to wreck some havoc in Kyōto when we get there. I couldn't think of a better way than this. Granted, this one is just the usual stink bomb that lasts maybe a day or so, and the scent can be washed off, or at least, partially covered, by coffee beans. But the big ones however, hooo boi, they're in for an intense allergic reaction for at least three days.
Swirling the little vial around, I study the pink concentrate as it flows accordingly, an evil little smile splitting my face. "Good job. Now we just need a couple more of these, one or two big ones and we're good to go."
"They are already in progress, it should be done in a couple more days." Saki happily informs me with an angelic smile, perfectly concealing a devil's intent. Umizatō has good eyes for someone who can't see.
"And I'll be far, far away when it goes off." Yūga comments, eyeing the vial in my hands warily as if I might drop it right this instant.
The childish part of me tells me to give him a scare by mock-throwing the bomb in his direction, however, the saner part of my brain tells me I do not want an actual stink bomb accident to take place in my bedroom. So I withheld the urge to cause mischief.
"Oh yeah." I suddenly recalled something, turning to face Tozen. "See if you can order some smoke bombs from Ippondatara. It doesn't hurt to have some on hand."
"Alright."
Suzu's heavy form—uncaring and dead to the world— pressed down on my lap, and I finally had enough. Stretching my numb legs out, it doesn't take long for the painful pins and needles to start pricking me and I hiss under my breath. "Did she eat more than three meals a day?"
"She kept sneaking food off the table. So I'd say, yeah." Yūga shrugs and I groan in pain.
"Watch her diet please."
"We'll try but no promises."
"Good enough."
Beneath the rumbling, dark grey thunderclouds blocking out the sky, accompanied by the steady rhythm of heavy rain hitting the earth, three shadowy figures covered in wet straw hats and coats arrive upon the doorstep of the Nura Clan's main house.
"It's been a while Nurarihyon-dono." Tōno's second-in-command greets solemnly as the trio step beneath the overhang at the door and into the mansion, tipping up his straw hat to reveal narrow eyes.
"Yup. Thanks for coming all this way." Nurarihyon stood within his dimly lit mansion stoically, hands hidden between the folds of his kimono as the smaller yōkai peers curiously at the new company from the background.
"Are you certain about this? It could result... in the loss of your precious heirs."
"Do what you will. It's their wish." Pausing briefly, Nurarihyon adds. "...Although, I do hope there is an available guest room for my granddaughter?"
The old Tōno yōkai notes the other's stern— leaning towards sour— expression. He does not understand why he is allowing the younger one to come along, despite seeming tremendously reluctant about it. While she will be received as a guest—not as an apprentice like the other one—training is still as equally gruelling. "It is not often we receive guests, so rest assured, there are plenty of rooms. ...She's still quite young, isn't she?"
It wasn't too long ago that they had attended the party, but her exact age seems to slip his mind.
Nurarihyon closes his eyes, and heave a small, nearly inaudible sigh, brows furrowed marginally. "She's turning eight in three months' time. They grow up so fast..."
Reopening his eyes, he studies the other contemplatively for a moment, then, reaches a decision. "Ah, right. My cute little granddaughter isn't quite as cute when she fights."
An incredulous arched brow from the mercenary yōkai was his reaction. He doesn't quite know what to make of this seemingly ominous information, but before he could dwell on it any further, the other turns away.
"I'll call for her now." The supreme commander says before jerking a thumb behind himself, pointing in a vague direction within the mansion. "The other one is in there."
The unspoken invitation of 'do fetch him' hangs in the air and the pair of Namahage standing behind take that as their cue to remove their wet straw hats before heading in.
...
I sense a relatively mild, but condensed burst of Osore from the first floor, before I hear tatami mats being uprooted and flung out of the way. Then, came the screaming—Tsurara's pitch can go pretty high up there when she puts her mind to it.
'Looks like they're here.' I briskly pack the last remaining items I need and shove them all into my bag, then change into a warm outfit suitable to combat the colder climates in Tohoku.
"Retsu-nee, they're here!" Ame calls from the other side of the fusuma.
"Okay!"
Hauling the backpack over my shoulder, I gave my room one more cursory scan to make sure I didn't leave anything I might need behind, before turning on my heel. On my way out, I grabbed the new, green frog raincoat and boots because it's still pouring cats and dogs outside.
...
Taking a short detour to inform my mother that I'm leaving because the escorts for our "yōkai field trip" has arrived, I soon found myself carrying a three layered, lacquered gift box filled with homemade Sakura jelly cakes to the front door. A visiting gift with health benefit properties—tested, confirmed and certified by Zen himself—due to the specific Sakura tree it was made from.
On a complete whim one cloudy day, Saki and Uwan had sent a small batch of cherry blossoms to the kitchen to be turned into jelly cakes while concocting the perfumes, and Zen was just visiting to see how the stink bombs are coming along when he was served some afternoon tea along with the refreshments. One thing led to another and now the Nura Clan has a special signature dish to serve our guests.
When I finally reach the main entrance, Ojii-chan, Tōno's second-in-command, Kurotabō are already waiting there, along with the two Namehage, blue and red, with an unconscious Rikuo slung over the former's gigantic head. Surprisingly, or should I say unsurprisingly, my brother slept through the fiasco like a log.
Ojii-chan steps up to me, giving my outfit a quick scan, before humming in approval. "Remember to wear a scarf, and don't forget your winter haori! It's cold over there."
"I've packed some of my thicker clothes. I'll be fine, Ojii-chan." I also have Sunny as a backup portable heater if the weather gets too cold, so I'm set, really.
After spending a brief second to study me with a tinge of a frown on his face, my grandfather finally turns to our escorts. "I will leave my grandchildren in your care."
I offered my greetings with a polite bow. "My name is Nura Retsu, it is a pleasure to officially meet you. I'll be in your care."
A contemplative hum and a nod of acknowledgement from Tōno's second-in-command was my answer.
'...Is he a Kappa or a Tengu? He has the nose and face of a Tengu, but... his hair... or a lack thereof at the top is sort of like a Kappa's...' I think he's a Kappa. I don't recall ever hearing about any Tengu in Tōno.
Looking up the rafters, Ittan-Momen unfurls from one of the wooden beams and floats down to my height. I'm bringing the cloth Tsukumogami along as my ride as I highly doubt the Tōno yōkai are taking the bullet train. It would not do to fall behind them. Time is of the essence.
Donning my raincoat, I chuck my bag onto the floating cloth and climb on, making myself comfortable for the next five hours or so of a long ride. A brief exchange of goodbyes with Kurotabō, a wave to Ame and Yūga hovering further inside the dark hallways and them waving back, I nudge Ittan-Momen to fly. The heavy raindrops hit my raincoat with a loud pitter-patter noise, and I breathed in the cool air.
"Well then, we'll hold onto your grandchildren." The ancient Kappa rasps, taking a step out into the rain alongside with the red and blue Namehage. "We, the Oshu-Tōno Family."
A letter bearing the Nura Clan insignia arrived at Tōno no Satō two days ago, delivered by a Tengu of Mount Takao. The hidden village does not have a large population to begin with, less than a hundred members, and with bored demons, any vaguely interesting news that arrives at their doorstep were snatched up liken to scavengers getting wind of fresh kill.
Nurarihyon's grandchildren will be visiting to train. Both of them.
Awashima remembers vividly how their chief, Akagappa, slowly tilts his head up in interest when he hears that little tidbit. Itaku had been vaguely nonplussed, and he was only able to read the Kamaitachi because they've spent so many centuries together.
They had the opportunity to encounter the rumoured granddaughter up close, and she's really... tiny. She's probably even shorter than Yukari. The grandson is maybe about a whole room away, even then, both looked human, and weak.
They're dropping by to train?
The ensuing slew of gossips he overhears throughout the day as he goes through his usual routine was nothing short of expectation.
"Ho? Both of his grandchildren?"
"Isn't the granddaughter very young?"
"I heard she's not even in her double digits."
"What about the grandson?"
"He's also young."
"That's not the main issue, I'm surprised he's allowing her out of his turf."
"Maybe she's here to watch his grandson train?"
"Preparing for war?"
"No way." One chuckled, immediately dismissing the ridiculous notion.
Well, two days had passed and night had fallen by the time their escorts returned at long last, with the current hot topic of their village in tow. Both Itaku and Awashima found themselves entrusted with a new charge to instruct, much to the gangs' vague amusement. However, he thinks he's got the longer end of the stick. From their last conversation, at least Nurarihyon's granddaughter seems rather pleasant and doesn't cry easily. Due to her young age, he probably doesn't even need to train her as intensively as Itaku needs for her older brother. It'll be a breeze.
Or so he thought. But that's something for tomorrow's him to find out. For now...
Now that his daily chores—along with a few others'—are all chucked to their newest apprentice starting tomorrow, he finally got a couple days off to relax and enjoy himself. Awashima stretches his arms up and above his head, letting out a pleased sigh as his joints pop and trudge towards the main hall to meet the new trainees. By golly, he's going to savour this rare treat, starting by sleeping in tomorrow just for a little while longer.
Once we neared Iwate prefecture, Tohoku region, the temperature took a gradual plunge despite the evening sun's perfect visibility in the orange sky, fresh cold breeze that still carries the scent of rain pricks against my skin. Straw rain boots make brief contact with the muddy grass, creating barely detectable sloshing sounds, their owners' speed much too fast to have left proper footprints behind.
Seems like the thunderstorm that is now in Tokyo had initially made its round here. I huddled deeper into my red scarf and winter coat as Ittan-Momen kept pace with our Tōno escorts, squinting my eyes against the chilly north wind hellbent on drying my eyes out.
We've been on the road for a few hours, almost five to be exact. The time used to travel from home to Tōno no Satō is about the same as if we had just taken the bullet train, although it is a nice change to get around like this. Once the city of Oshu is almost within sight, we began to veer off from the bullet train railway, heading into the forest to cut straight through to reach our destination.
Even though my tired body is complaining from sitting too long, it does little to dampen the bubble of gradually growing excitement in my chest the closer we are to the village. I'm about to meet the Tōno gang. I had been rather fond of them in my old life, so I'd hope that we could actually get along. The anticipation is however, subdued, due to the fact that right after this arc is a freaking war and there is that constant reminder hovering over me that I am here for serious business, which is to get stronger. There certainly won't be any free time to play there, that is a fact.
I cast a glance at my brother's limp form, still slumped over the head of the blue Namehage as they expertly weave through the underbrush, while my ride and I simply flew over them. I'm vaguely surprised that he hasn't puked himself awake, what with the angle his torso and head is resting at.
Large sections of fields, rice paddies, and a couple clusters of countryside village houses greets us when we leave the cover of nature. The trio of mercenaries led us straight towards the imposing mountain looming ahead, where green foliage is densest. At the foot of the mountain, we passed by a babbling brook which looked like it is a rather well-loved fishing spot for the locals, heading deeper into the shadowy woodlands where sunlight is unable to shine through due to the thick canopy.
The further in we venture, the trunks of each tree we come across gets larger, sturdier and more ancient than the previous. Vegetation, moss and fungi grow abundantly and unchecked, leaving absolutely no space for a visible trail to be formed. Our surrounding temperature takes a major nosedive as Osore hangs thickly in the air, physically manifesting itself in the form of dense purplish-grey mist.
It's invigorating.
We came to a halt at a juncture between two great trees, the size of which is astounding. It'd require around twenty people to be able to complete the circumference of the trunk. The red Namehage took a step forward, raising an old but well-kept butcher knife up into the air. Youki congregates upon the sharp end of the blade, with a sharp exhale, he releases it in a quick burst and brings it down, cleaving through the village's Osore, leaving a strange purple-black like portal hovering in the air.
The residents of Tōno step through it without another word and I urge Ittan-Momen to follow. Slipping through the 'gate' feels a little odd, the sensation liken to going through a warm waterfall without getting wet.
A silver of the bright orange sky could be seen on the other end, framed by dense leafy branches stretching towards each other on either side of a path. Mountain peaks loomed in the near distance. A flight of old, worn, grass covered stone stairs sits in the middle, mist creeping along the steps which leads up to a Torii gate and then, an ancient mansion. Traditional stone lanterns are positioned here and there along the pathway, making a picturesque landscape.
We're here.
"Welcome to Tōno no Satō." The red Namehage rumbles, sheathing the knife.
...
A spacious area with concrete floor and firewood stacked neatly to the side is the first thing I see when I step inside the Ōshu Tōno Family's mansion. It is followed by a dark main hall behind a wooden sliding partition and elevated upon a platform, functioning as a receiving hall, dining hall and meeting room. Candles flicker eerily in the dark, illuminating the room just sufficiently by yōkai standards.
I roughly notice a looming red figure sitting at the very back within the shadows, flanked on both sides by many yōkai and deduced that must be their chief, Akagappa-sama. It seems that quite a number of their members had gathered around, and there is a significant amount of beast-type Ayakashi present. In particular, the kappa, dog and ape yōkai.
Despite having to formally greet their leader in front of so many eyes soon, I feel unusually calm. Guess attending all those monthly general meetings to desensitise myself to these kinds of situations had paid off. Now, all I have to do is follow Karasu Tengu's etiquette lessons and I should be good. I slid down from Ittan-Momen by the front door and briefly stretched, joints popping and leg muscles screaming in relief. The long ride here is unforgiving. I follow our trio of escorts' example in placing their shoes at the side of the entrance.
Sensing a small presence hiding beneath the floorboards, I tilt my head marginally as I examine it. It doesn't feel particularly small, I suppose it is more of a 'flat'. When I place my zoris there, straggly jet black hair creeps out and slowly pulls all pairs of shoes beneath the wooden floorboards.
'Hm. Efficient use of space.' I thought, hopping onto the dark wood platform and venturing into the main hall, careful not to jostle the gift box in my hands too much. The cloth Tsukumogami floats close behind me with my backpack, as I quickly strode through the mass of Tōno Ayakashi and their open curious gazes, each one of them tall and built. The atmosphere is solemn and heavy.
The interior of the mansion is spick and span, polished hardwood floorboards so clean I could almost see my reflection on its surface, the pillars and beams are well-kept too. The left side of the room is covered in shōji doors, probably leading out into the garden. The whole place reeks of diligence, discipline and even a dose of clean-freak in it. The inner mild OCD in me rejoices.
Despite their rugged appearance, Tōno yōkai aren't your disorderly mercenaries with questionable hygiene habits. They are professional soldiers. Just one look at their humble abode proves at least that much.
"I've brought them." Their second-in-command rasps before stepping aside to join his commander to his right, letting out a mild, almost disbelieving, chuckle with a shake of his head. "He said we can do whatever we will."
Blue Namehage lowers my unconscious brother down onto the hardwood floor and the duo vacates to join the others at the sidelines. I finally got a good look at their commander.
Akagappa is humongous up close, donning pale cream-white coloured outer clothing, with bold black-white markings along the sleeves and collar, a brown fur shawl draped over his shoulders. His face wizened with age and from the cold, brutal weather of the north.
With no one in front of me, and the absolute silence ringing in the room, I take that as my cue to step forward and get ready to offer my greetings alongside presenting our visiting gift. Best not give them the impression that the Nura Clan had raised spoiled little brats.
The moment I was seated respectfully before the ancient leader of Tōno no Satō, he spoke first, his voice liken to a deep rumble when he hums thoughtfully, leaning in to get a better look at me.
"So you are... Nurarihyon's granddaughter." He casts a brief look at my sleeping brother, and hums again, seemingly gauging our human appearance.
I blink once. Seems like they are vaguely intrigued with us. Even though I know it is most likely a rhetorical question... it still feels a little rude to not say anything in reply to the older yōkai. Placing my hands together, palms touching the cool wooden floorboards, I kept my back straight as I bow low enough to be deemed respectful.
"Hai. I am Nurarihyon's granddaughter, Nura Retsu. Please allow me to express my gratitude to everyone here in Tōno for agreeing to train my brother and I. Please take care of us."
Tactfully bringing forward the three-layered lacquered gift box from my side to the front, drawing their attention to it, I continued. "This is our Nura Clan's special homemade Sakura jelly cakes. These desserts possess health benefits as they are made from our Sakura tree that blooms all year round for over three hundred years. The benefits had been tested and certified by our fellow Yakushi Clan. We hope our humble visiting gift is to your liking."
Akagappa hums again, staring at the treat with an arched brow, interest piqued, before carefully settling back into his seat. His joints had been complaining due to the rainy weather lately. "Then, we shall accept your thoughtful gift."
An ape yōkai steps forward to retrieve the gift, and I hand it to him. Tōno yōkai are also—albeit, less—well known for majority of their members' love for desserts, simply because it was such a rare delicacy up until the past one or two decades. Once the gift box disappears behind the throng of yōkai, quite a few were inching towards it subtly in hopes of getting a glance and or a sniff at its contents.
"It is not often we have a guest... give her a tour of our village. As for the grandson..." Akagappa looks over to Rikuo. "If he doesn't wake up by breakfast tomorrow, you may all eat him."
To my mild surprise, by the time I turn my head, a huge bowl appears from thin air and they proceed to dump Rikuo inside of it. When it comes to potential food, these guys move fast.
"I hope that's not an issue." The ancient leader sounds almost amused as he peers at me, waiting patiently for my reaction.
I nearly wanted to say to save some for me and recommend making stew to tenderise the meat so they slip right off the bones. However, I am not sure how well the higher ups would take dark humour from me just yet. Instead, I smiled gently. "I am but a guest in Tōno no Satō, naturally, we will adhere to the Clan Head's wishes."
Akagappa huffs what almost sounded like a chuckle.
Their second-in-command takes over. "Alright, show her to the guest house."
I recognise the chill approaching me long before I even saw her. All Yuki Onna emits an unmistakable cold air and Reira is no exception. Distinct pale skin cold as freshly fallen snow, ringed amber eyes and long bubblegum pink hair tied up into twin buns, bangs framing her face. Her smile is gentle as she comes over to escort me, and accompanying her side is Tōno's residential Zashiki Warashi, Yukari. She's pretty.
When I stood up, I was slightly taken aback to find out that I am literally the shortest humanoid being here. I stare up at Yukari, and her big, blank dark eyes blink down in surprise when the top of my head only comes up to her ear. '...She's half a head taller than me.'
"I'm Reira, a Yuki Onna." A soft almost melodious voice came from the pinkette as she introduced herself, before gesturing to the small yōkai at her side. "And this child is Yukari, a Zashiki Warashi. We'll be showing you to your lodgings."
I incline my head politely. "My name is Retsu. Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you." Reira parrots back, copying the slight bow while Yukari utters a soft. "Hello."
Retrieving my travel bag from Ittan-Momen, I sling it over my back as the Tsukumogami curls around my neck, doubling as a second scarf, and I am led away from the main hall by Reira and Yukari. Some of the residents chose to disperse then, heading back to their rooms, while a number of busybodies openly gathered around the gift box behind my now turned back. Meanwhile, my brother continues to softly snore away in the iron bowl.
...
The sun has set by now, taking with it every last shred of warmth and brightness from our surroundings. Deep shadows and thick mist crawls along the leafy forest trail liken to ghostly hands. The trek from the main building to the guest room was quite some distance. We descended the same flight of stairs I had previously scaled to get to the main mansion, the traditional stone lanterns now lit up, and we head further into the woods.
Reira is making small talk as we go, unlike their leader—who had been gauging my reaction like it was entertainment—she is simply treating me like another child slash guest. The paved pathways ended and we went into the underbrush, sounds of grass rustling and crunching beneath my zori with every step I take.
"Tomorrow, we'll be showing you around our village. Do you like sweets, Retsu-chan?" She chimes from the front, her face angled towards me. It was rather easy to see her light-coloured kimono, bright pink hair and snow white skin in the dark. Yukari on the other hand, nearly blended into the background with her darker colours.
I nod. "I like them."
"That's great, we have a sweets shop here called 'Atagoya', and they sell a variety of desserts. They also have some new items on the menu that I heard are rather popular in recent times."
"Their Anmistu is nice." Yukari chips in, dark eyes peering back at me and I perk up at the familiar name.
"We're here."
Once I finally laid eyes upon what I suppose is the visitor's lodgings, with its comely dry straw roofs, I found out that it could very easily house every single Ayakashi in my growing group. Including all sixteen Ōkami members that Yūga had brought from his home on Mount Echigo. I'd say it's about a quarter in size of the Nura Clan's main compound... which is larger than what I had been expecting, and I was thinking more along the lines of a guest room. Although, I suppose it does make sense, since Tōno no Satō do have the entire mountain region to themselves, there is more than enough land to build these.
Simplistic stone garden decorations along with a lit lantern sits at the right side of the entrance. I spot what seems like smoke billowing out from the roof, a natural heater-stove located somewhere inside warming up the place for its guest.
It's a vacation mansion.
"This is your lodgings for the duration of your stay in Tōno~" Reira smiles, gesturing to the mansion. "Once you've settled in, dinner will be served shortly. We'll show you to our hot springs afterwards. They are located near the mountaintop, soaking in it after a gruelling training session really does wonders~"
Yukari nods, softly coughing twice.
I stare for a second longer at the mansion in muted surprise before replying. "Thank you for your hospitality. It is most generous."
"I'm glad you like it. Then, we'll come back later~" Both Reira and Yukari bid a temporary farewell before taking their leave.
I head inside with Ittan-Momen, glad to finally have some time to unpack and relax, the Tsukumogami immediately took to the high ceiling rafters. Leaving my shoes at the well lit entrance, I take a moment to soak in the warm and cozy temperature once I step onto the hallway, before travelling further inside to find a room to deposit my luggage.
...
The bathhouse and hot springs is all the way at the back of the main mansion, a little further uphill. Therefore, hiking there in my human form takes about fifteen minutes if I speed walk. It actually reminds me of that one school camping trip in my previous life. The distance between the toilets and my sleeping spot is about ten minutes, the bathroom also happens to be located uphill, and the temperature at night can get pretty cold too. Not to mention that the trek there is practically in pitch black darkness. Not that it was an issue this time, having night vision really helped lots.
Obviously electricity doesn't run here, so they heat up the bathwater, fetched from the nearby river, using chopped firewood, much thanks to Reira. Unlike back in my old school camp, where there is no such thing called a heater nor firewood—it wouldn't kill us, since we live in a tropical climate, but still, it was quite unpleasant the first few seconds as we got used to the water. I got to enjoy the luxury of warm showers this time instead of bone-piercing, cold ones, not that the latter has any negative effects on the Yuki Onna.
After a nice soak in the hot springs once all the men got out, I settled in for the night and sleep was peaceful.
In the shadow of the main hall, dim candle lights flickering, Akagappa carefully unboxes the present with his large fingers. Neat rows of cute, small, pink jelly cakes with Sakura flowers frozen in place by clear gelatine sit within the box.
"Do they really have health benefits?" His second-in-command queries disbelievingly, peering at the contents with a skeptical look.
The commander merely picked up a piece, pinched between an index finger and thumb, then tentatively took a sniff. Smelling nothing amiss, he plops it into his mouth, rolling it around his tongue, then chews slowly. He swallowed.
It's mildly sweet, and fragrant, like cherry blossoms blooming gently on his palate.
He picked up another one and allowed his comrade to try some himself.
A minute passed.
"Hmm, my joints seem to have stopped hurting." Akagappa mused.
The other kappa shifted his head to look at him incredulously. "...Huh?"
Birds are chirping vibrantly up in the lush green treetops, speckles of sunlight filtering through the thick canopy. Clear blue skies can be seen where the morning mist is thinnest, dewdrops gathered upon the abundant plants growing on the forest floor, swaying gently in the chilly breeze. Somewhere within the forest range, a familiar voice screams. Looks like brother dear is finally up.
The air in the countryside really is fresh and crisp compared to the pollution in the city.
After breakfast, Reira and Yukari came to fetch me to begin a brief tour around Tōno no Sato, with Ittan-Momen accompanying me as a double scarf and portable transport should I require it. As they had mentioned yesterday, the duo brought me to visit Atagoya sweets shop. The store is located somewhere along the outer mountain trails, near the outskirts of the forest. We had a small snack there, consisting of castella cakes and some sweet drinks, before it is time for my training session.
As we made our way over, we passed by a rocky terrain where a wide, beautiful river with crystal-clear glistening water runs through the land. The Tsukumogami's wide, triangular yellow eyes took in the rare sights of the elusive yōkai ninja village with open curiosity, meanwhile, I was informed that a deep, yawning chasm surrounds the village along their borders, and try not to go too near it. Although, as long as Ittan-Momen is with me, the scenario of me falling to my untimely death is pretty low.
Sometime later, we finally reached one of the largest training grounds Tōno has to offer. An ancient, probably thousands of years old, gigantic tree had clearly once stood there, but it was cut clean through, leaving behind a smooth tree stump which served as a battle arena... or four. I spot a few pairs of Ayakashi in each of the four sections, sparring with their partner heatedly. Flurry of blows were exchanged, coupled with the occasional special techniques being used. The presence of mist is thicker here, weaving in-between large trees in swarths, following the invisible path of a small breeze.
I had to hitch a ride on Ittan-Momen to get here. There is no way I am able to transverse the overgrown tree roots spanning the forest floor in record time without embarrassing myself.
A red haori caught my attention, and my eyes were immediately drawn to the owner standing at the sidelines, watching two figures dancing around each other in the arena. Well, one is darting about while the other is hurling out water attacks. It is nice to see Awashima after about half a year since our last encounter. The ash blonde is quick to spot us, sticking a hand up in greeting. No sooner had our presence been registered, the other two, Dohiko and Amezō, halted their sparring match. The green yōkai visibly perks up, ambling over.
"Oh? Is that the guest?"
A quick scan around yields no hide nor tail of a certain Kamaitachi, so I can only guess that he is off keeping an eye on my brother. While Reira and Yukari make their way over to rejoin the group, I vacate from my seat on Ittan-Momen, sliding off the side and onto the ground. The Tsukumogami flies off into the treetops, hanging around until it is called.
"That's right." Reira replies easily. "Awashima is put in-charge of her training."
My brows raise in mild surprise at that piece of tidbit, not expecting to be trained by someone I already know.
"I'm Amezō, a Numa-Kappa." He introduces himself and promptly leans down marginally to get a better look at me, since the top of my head only comes up to his diaphragm. Yellow eyes studying me with a slight tilt of his head, before glancing towards their residential Zashiki-Warashi, then back again, seemingly perplexed. "I've heard that you're young but..."
He raises a webbed claw as if to measure my height. "You're pretty small."
I smile, finding his demeanour endearing and holds up two fingers. "I'm turning eight in two months."
"Huh. Guess the rumours are true." He blinks, taken aback. "It's really not even double digits."
The blonde smoothly cuts in just then, a hint of a friendly smile on his face. "We've met before some months ago, but I don't think we've properly introduced ourselves. I am an Amanojaku, you can call me Awashima."
"Hello, it's been a while." I respond in kind.
Awashima gave a curt nod and the final member stepped forward, the ape demon a little wet from his previous sparring match. "I'm Dohiko, the Futtachi."
"Nice to meet you. I'm Retsu." I bow slightly in greeting.
"Nice to meet you." The group parrots back, mirroring my action.
"I heard that your brother woke up sometime ago." Dohiko tells me with a grin, taking a step back before attempting to wring out some water that got on his clothes. "He should be doing our chores now."
"Yeah, I think I heard him too. About time. He's been out for nearly three days now." I say without missing a beat.
"Are you serious?" Amezō gapes at the information, while the rest of the group looks on in surprise.
"Wait." Dohiko held up his hands, perplexed. "What do you mean you heard him?"
"I mean I heard his echoing scream early this morning when I was having breakfast." I shrug, and the ape demon pauses for a second, before huffing a disbelieving laugh. Even Awashima raised his brows.
Amezō simply gape at me. "You actually heard him from all the way at the guest lounge?"
"It's a little faint, but I heard him."
"Wow, your hearing is pretty good." He notes.
"So, three days huh? That's quite a long time to be out." Awashima comments, both parts bewildered and skeptical. "What happened?"
"He took a blow from Ojii-chan." It goes without saying that he lost, spectacularly.
The blonde winces, as if mentally picturing that hit too. "That bad?"
"Nah, the idiot just didn't guard with his Osore. Forgot to teach him survival tricks." I sigh, despondent.
Awashima blinks in surprise. "What? And he's the heir of the Nura Clan?!"
"That's why we're here. We're both weak and sometimes, I honestly don't know where his common sense flew off to. Good news is that he tends to learn faster under pressure, so hopefully it'll make up for some of his weak points."
The Amanojaku hums.
"By the way, I heard some news that reached even Tōno. Is it true that Umizatō is currently at the Nura Clan's main house?" Amezō queries curiously.
"...He's around." I reply ambiguously, unwilling to divulge too much about him, not quite sure what sort of reputation he wants to upkeep.
"Woah! So it is true!" His yellow eyes immediately sparkle in excitement, and it was then that I recall that he is rather well-versed in yōkai profiling. He must have read about Umizatō in old texts before.
Dohiko spots his chance and jumps in on the gossip bandwagon. "According to rumours, you guys took down the Shikoku gang?"
"Shikoku? I thought they were crushed a long time ago?" The Numa-Kappa questions back in confusion.
'Even until now, the second-hand embarrassment is real.' I huff, rubbing the back of my neck. "That mess was cleared up before it escalated, thankfully. Although, I did manage to reap some rewards from that event..."
"Rewards?" Amezō perks up, leaning close. "What kind?"
"I took care of some annoying 'loose ends' leftover from Niidaime." I replied simply, unwilling to divulge too much, just in case.
He blinks. "Whew, you sound like a true yōkai Yakuza."
"I am one. Though I'm still a trainee."
"Alright." Awashima cuts in, bringing our chit-chat to a halt. "Should we get to sparring then? I'd like to see what you can do, so I know what to work with."
Time for the moment of truth.
I had some reservations about being able to maintain my demon form like my older brother while inside Tōno, time to find out if my concern is true. I close my eyes to better tune in to my surroundings, attempting to bring the temperature of my blood a boil, but... I can already sense that it is hopeless. My Osore is too weak, too young. It is stronger than when I was outside of the hidden village, however, it is still not quite strong enough to instigate a demon transformation in the day. Damn it.
A sigh of mild disappointment left my lips, and I opened my eyes to look up at my instructor. "Sorry, looks like you'll have to wait till sunset. I can't change into my night form."
Narrow brown eyes gazed down at me in sudden enlightenment. "Oh. ...Isn't that quite inconvenient?"
I shrug. "It's alright, I guess. Nothing I can do about it anyway, so I just make do with whatever I have on hand."
"Well, she can't help it." Reira comments gently from the side, a consoling smile on her face. "Just like how you turn into a woman at night, and Itaku into a weasel in the morning. She is a human when the sun is up."
Awashima straightens his back, brows furrowed as he rolls the toothpick up and down between his teeth contemplatively, muttering to himself. "Then what do we do now?"
I have an idea. I kind of prepared for this ahead of time anyway. "I would like to learn something else in the meantime."
"What is it?"
Looking towards Amezō, I point at him. The Numa-Kappa blinks slowly, before glancing around to check if I was maybe gesturing at someone else near him, then tentatively points to himself with a webbed claw, taken aback. "Me?"
I nod firmly.
"Yes. You." A smile encroaching on creepy territory splits my face. "You will do just fine."
Amezō looks like a chill suddenly ran down his spine.
"Teach me some water manipulation techniques."
Absolute silence is my immediate answer. I can practically hear the crickets chirping in the background.
The Numa-Kappa helplessly turns to look at the group around him for guidance. Everyone seems quite reluctant to be the one to break the 'bad' news to me. Seeing no aid is extended, he could only turn back to me and brace himself. "...Only water type yōkai can use water style techniques."
Twirling my fingers, I condense the water vapour from our surrounding mist-saturated air with ease and show them the small globs of crystal clear liquid floating around my fingertips. I mastered this much from our resident Kappa's water controlling lessons 101, though it hadn't been all smooth sailing initially. Amezō's jaw drops, while I can see the others' eyes widening in surprise.
Dohiko leans in. "How—"
The Amanojaku's eyes nearly cross from how close his face is to the hovering water droplets around my fingers, as if he might be able to physically see the mysteries behind this. "How can you use water type?!"
I wiggle my fingers. "Magic~"
He nearly fell over at the answer.
...
Amezō brought me to the riverside to hone my control in an area where there is an abundant amount of water. Even back at home, due to the fact that I can't be seen performing such a feat by anyone—yōkai nor human—in order to maintain the element of surprise, my best option of practice grounds is the Kappa-made pond located within the privacy of our garden. It certainly does not help matters that the river we do have in Ukiyoe runs through the middle of the city where all eyes could see from miles away.
The only reason I am allowing the Tōno group to be privy of one of my trump cards' ability is because they will be helping me to hone them. Aside from the existence of Gyōza and Sunny, there is no need to hide the rest of my capabilities. I am in dire need for more battle experience and guidance, so holding back information now wouldn't be beneficial to me. The priceless advice and input they could provide on how to further along my current strength is essential for the future battle that is to come.
And I need everything I can possibly get my hands on.
For now, I am allowed to get used to having access to a near endless supply of water at my disposal. Testing out just much of it I can manipulate at one go and how well I can control it. From small waves to as big a waves I could produce—which is pathetic to be honest, at my current mastery, I could probably just score a pass to an interview as a wave maker in the children's pool section—to making the water bullets Ame always uses, timing the amount of energy and concentration I need for each technique. I completed the long overdue trial-run to my heart's content.
When Amezō gives his input every now and then, I listen attentively and correct myself accordingly. Finding certain motions allowed the water to flow much more naturally and swiftly, reducing the timing in which I could defend and or strike. The Numa-Kappa is actually a pretty good instructor despite his relatively younger age.
...
Some time later, a loud scream echoed throughout the forest, followed very closely by a deafening explosion.
Concentration broken, the glob of water splashes back into the flowing river as I look up in alarm. Amezō turns his head in the direction of the training grounds from where he lay on his stomach upon the boulders, suntanning his shell.
"Hm, that's a first. Is someone getting murdered?" He muttered quizzically to himself, while I squinted in suspicion the moment I registered the voice.
'What is Rikuo screaming about this time? ... Oh well, guess I get to rub the screams in his face later.' Having figured out the identity of the mystery person yelling bloody murder, I quickly lost interest and resume my training. "Eh, it's just my brother."
"...You can seriously recognise him from just that?" Amezō sounds amazed, yet highly amused at the same time.
I contemplated my answer, thinking of a way to answer that will not cause my brother to lose too much of his dignity before the Numa-Kappa even officially met him.
"I'm sure if you heard him make that sound nearly every single day by catching him off guard, you'd recognise him anywhere too."
Well, can't say I hadn't tried to protect his image when he made it so hard to do so.
...
During lunch break, Amezō leads me back to the training grounds to eat something, saying something about a bento box. I see my brother there, currently on lunch break as well. Alive, awake, in his night form and looking like he'd barely just army-crawled his way through a thorn-filled grove. The warm training Hakama he's wearing is already looking a little roughed up.
And oh, there's Itaku, just chilling atop one of the humongous branches, nearly hidden among the shade. It is great to see him again, after that last scare of a first meeting.
My hunger takes first priority rather than Itaku's presence, and I glance around for it. I think I spotted that lunch box Amezō mentioned sitting in Yukari's hands, making my way over when the Zashiki-Warashi made eye contact and held it up to confirm my suspicions. Rikuo looks up upon sensing our approach, and immediately face-faulted once his gaze lands upon me.
I smile none too pleasantly in greeting, further raising his hackles as I help relieve Yukari of my lunch with a mutter. "Thanks."
It's a little heavy. 'Is it soup?'
"You." He says the first thing on his mind, shifting to face me. "Did Jiji send you here too, or did you come here on your own?"
He's getting sharper. Good for him.
The Tōno gang collectively turned their heads towards us, finding our conversation rather interesting all of a sudden.
"Well, I missed you too. You've been out for three days. Per chance, did you wake up just as they were cooking you? If so, was it stew or barbecue?" I shoot him a sweet smile, picking a spot nearby to sit down and eat. My stomach growls.
"I'd prefer stew, there isn't much meat to grill." Dohiko comments to Amezō, who made a complicated expression between a grimace and disgust.
"Eh, I prefer cucumbers."
'Spoken like a true Kappa.' I smirk, while Rikuo pointedly ignored the others.
"Don't avoid the question. ...And I wasn't being cooked." He mutters the last part.
"Well, if you must know, I asked Ojii-chan and he said okay." I shrug, undoing the bento cloth wrap and fishing out the utensils. Our grandfather did let me out, but it was with great reluctance.
He doesn't look like he believes me.
"Why did you want to come here?"
I blink, unperturbed, chopsticks in hand. "I did say we both need more training. This is one of the best places to gain battle experience."
He accepts my reasoning for the time being. Looking up and down, he squints at me in suspicion. "...How come you don't need to do chores?"
Languidly, I flip my hair. "Cuz' I'm here as a guest. By the way, I heard a scream early this morning when I was having breakfast, and another one not too long ago followed by an explosive blast. Both of them sound awfully a lot like you."
He avoids my judgemental stare while Awashima snorts incriminatingly in the background, allowing me to confirm my suspicions that the latter scream is his doing.
"Please tell me you didn't lose that spectacularly at least." I gaze at him with an earnest expression. "I'd hate for all of our efforts to be in vain, however meagre they were."
He huffs. "I managed."
"More like Awashima 'managed' you." Dohiko snickers and the aforementioned blonde walk up to give him a high-five. Rikuo shoots them a look.
"And? What about the first scream?" I probe, vaguely intrigued how things might have changed since he already has an idea on how to use his yōkai techniques. I pried off the lid of the lunch box, eyes lighting up at the dumplings swimming in the hot soup. I take a deep whiff, noting the gentle and mild scent.
Rikuo warily glances over when the Kamaitachi vacated his high perch and lands near us with barely a sound. Somewhere deep, deep down, I can hear the tiny fangirl in me cheering with equally miniature pom-poms. Even though the teenage hormones haven't kicked in for this body yet, I can vaguely see why past-life-me used to adore him so much. Handsome face, sharp mahogany eyes, tanned skin, a Tsundere, oh yeah. He is built, in a lithe kind of way, just like the weasels. I wonder if his fur would be as soft? What about his winter coat? Would it be fluffy and white?
I was snapped out from my brief daydream of petting soft, soft fur when Itaku spoke up. "He walked right off a cliff."
'... Cliff? Did he find the chasm?' I thought, blinking. "On one hand, it's nice to officially meet you."
"Itaku." He says, and I just realised that we haven't introduced ourselves. Thank Sunny I didn't shoot myself in the foot by suddenly knowing his name. "Kamaitachi no Itaku."
"Right, I'm Retsu."
He inclines his head in acknowledgement and I turn to deal with my brother. "... So... you walked off a cliff?"
"... I thought there was a bridge." He grumbled after a prolonged beat of silence, refusing to meet my eyes.
"But there isn't one." I deadpan, finishing his unspoken sentence.
"..."
I sigh, channeling every single drop of disappointment I possess in my tiny body into that one word—
"Dishonour."
"Oi."
"Dishonour on you. Dishonour on your cow."
"We don't have a cow— Are you quoting 'Mushu'?"
I gasp indignantly. "After everything he's done for us, how could you forget Gyūki so soon?"
"He's not actually a cow—"
"You've brought shame to us all."
"Do you have to be so dramatic—"
"Our species is the personification of illusions and you—" I take one look at him and sigh deeply, too pained to continue. I gingerly take a bite out of a dumpling, exposing the insides to cool whilst I chew.
He narrows his eyes at me, choosing not to give me a verbal reply. I have the sudden feeling that he might just be scheming some petty prank to pull on me once my guard is down. If he is, then he's going to be waiting for a long, long time. I dig into my meal with gusto, and the conversation ends there.
...
Once lunch break is over, I went to practice some more with Amezō before he sends me and Ittan-Momen back to the guest lodgings when my mental exhaustion has reached its peak, preventing me to keep going. That, and my internal biological kiddy clock is telling me it's nap time. It must be around two to three o'clock.
Manipulating water for a long period of time seems to drain me in a different way, leaving me extra tired and hungry. Although the good news is, I can last for at least three full hours of non-stop water control, four hours if I push it.
After a long nap, the sky gradually gets darker as the sun prepares to descend for the day. I laze around the empty mansion as I wait for dinner to be delivered. Reira did inform me beforehand about the mealtimes and estimated training schedule. Once the sun completely sets over the mountains, plunging the forest in shadowy depths, the food tray arrives alongside a familiar cold visitor.
I subtly took a sniff, doing a little happy inner dance at the prospect of trying a new cuisine. There's the standard bowl of rice, a grilled fish, and a bowl of soup with veggies in it. Tohoku's chilly climate forces their inhabitants to turn to hot soup in order to warm themselves up, so a bowl of the delicacy is a staple sight upon the food tray.
Once I've finished up with my dinner, I swiftly shift into my night form, double checked my hakama training clothes, readjusted my scarf and head over to the main training grounds with Ittan-Momen in tow.
To say Itaku is bewildered at the sudden knowledge that Retsu is able to manipulate water is an understatement. After all, Nurarihyon was not known to possess any water controlling Osore, and last he checked, neither does anyone else in her family. So where did that ability come from? Awashima told him exactly what the little girl said to him when he had asked; Magic.
Itaku huffs in mild exasperation. Fine, if she doesn't wish to tell them, then he'll figure it out himself.
The little tidbit does explain why Amezō had been absent for majority of the early afternoon. He's been off by the riverbank instructing her, and now, he is back with his observations. A quick question on why he is back so soon revealed that the kid and her cloth Tsukumogami had gone back to the visitor's lodgings when she could no longer continue with the water training. Mental exhaustion or so it seems.
They are intrigued as to just what sort of knowledge he has brought back. Since both Awashima and Itaku are supposedly overseeing her training, information on their charge is crucial in order to produce the best results within the shortest amount of time. However, Amezō is now more involved in her training than he had bargained for due to unforeseen circumstances. Even he didn't think he'd actually be teaching one of Nurarihyon's grandchildren, lest of all about water techniques. The Numa-Kappa suspects Reira would probably be involved sooner or later too, since Retsu could technically use ice.
"Her water manipulation is a bit more complex than just forming water and shooting it out. She can change it into ice and then reverse it back to water. So... more like anything to do with liquid, she can control it." Amezō tells them, and isn't that news.
"Then it's pretty nifty, ain't it?" Awashima questions him distractedly, keeping half an eye on Rikuo who is duelling against Dohiko on the arena.
Despite the other's larger build, he is extremely nimble, as he is an ape-based yōkai. He jumps around, swiftly avoiding Rikuo's attacks with ease, all the while egging on the younger yōkai here and there. ...Until he found out that the Rikuo he had been taunting turns out to be just an illusion, and the real body has already closed in on the Futtachi from behind, wooden stick raised high and about to give him a bruise.
Awashima, the appointed referee for this match, quickly calls it off.
Rikuo wiped off the sweat accumulated upon his brow while Dohiko grins at him, saying something to which the other replies with a light, tired smile.
'So the illusion can be used as a feint.' Itaku muses to himself. His battle tactics isn't half bad at all. So this Kyōka Suigetsu can be used to attack and defend. If utilised wisely, it will be a very effective technique.
"Yep. Remember how she pulled water out of thin air when she first showed us that ability? She actually got it from the mist." Amezō resumes the conversation after the match is over and both parties aren't distracted.
"Oh, right." The blonde muttered, not quite having made that connection before until then.
This means she has access to a wide variety of sources and uses for it. Given that solidifying the water into ice is a possibility, then, she could rather easily impede her opponents' movement by freezing them, or even just a part of them to slow them down. Mahogany eyes flickers to the side in thought before his sharp gaze moves back to the green yōkai. "Amezō, you'll be teaching her water techniques during the day from now on."
"Hai, Hai!" He raises a claw up in a mock salute.
Itaku looks at the other. "Awashima will train her during the night."
The Amanojaku replied. "That was the initial plan.
...
It's finally nightfall.
Over the course of the afternoon, Itaku has successfully made a vague estimation of his charge's current strength.
Rikuo's battle skills and tactics are pretty good, although it is still somewhat mediocre. Not half bad, but hardly good enough by Tōno's standards. He has yet to master how to use his "Hatsu" and "Hyoui" based on the circumstances of the battle. He could use more refinement and experience. It simply means more battles and fighting a wider variety of good opponents, in which Tōno has no shortage of.
The young boy may have a relatively good grasp on his yōkai abilities, but his constant Osore activation ability is shaky. It makes protecting himself that much harder if he doesn't keep his Osore up throughout the duration of a battle. He heard that was why he got knocked out cold for three days by Nurarihyon. His youki has to be disposable at a moment's notice, delay would mean certain death or crippling injuries in real life-and-death duels.
So he just has to make sure Rikuo doesn't over-rely on his special skills while also working on his plain combat power. Because if he had to hire someone to fight a war, Rikuo is only placed somewhere in the middle of the list.
As for the little sister...
Like her brother, when the sun has set, her hair changes colour and grew longer, her height taller. He notes some similarities in the two siblings' current facial features, most notably their naturally narrow crimson eyes and arched brows. Although her hair is entirely jet black instead of the brother's dual silver-black colours.
Awashima too, had changed into her female form with the absence of the sun, and is currently acting as Retsu's sparring partner while the rest stood on the sidelines. Despite the fact that the Amanojaku is in-charge of her, Itaku is still assigned as an overseer of her training, since the elders' knew of the former's tendency for absentmindedness on certain occasions. He did find it a little odd when he was informed of Nurarihyon's puzzling parting words when he handed his grandchildren over to them.
Something about how his cute little granddaughter isn't so cute when she fights.
'Does she fight dirty?' He wonders, not quite liking how Nurarihyon himself deems it necessary to give them a warning. He crossed his arms over his chest, sharp eyes trained upon the small girl. 'Time to see what those words meant.'
Retsu slides into a loose battle stance, feet shoulder-width apart, a blade in her grasp, practically mirroring Awashima from where she who stood across the arena. The air around her seems to change with a snap of a finger, so tense he could nearly see it. Her eyes harden, the blood red depths darkening ominously.
Itaku frowns.
The aura she gives off is completely different to Rikuo's. Sharp and focused. Experienced. If they hadn't accepted to train them, he'd think she really had it out for Awashima. The ash blonde reacts in kind to the serious mood, jaw set as she upped her guard.
Prickling unease creeps along his back when a sharp burst of dense, destructive Osore flows forth like coiling black snakes and congregates around the child. Osore markings bloomed and grew, framing the underside of her left eye. This wasn't shown by Rikuo before.
She moves.
In the split second she took to spin around to gain momentum, an alarming amount of Osore is already condensed upon her blade, and she flings it towards her opponent. The obsidian coloured energy tore through the training grounds ruthlessly, sending splinters and fine bits of debris flying. Awashima hastily dove to the side and out of direct line of fire.
A quick tuck and roll, the Amanojaku is up on her feet again. Wide, wary brown eyes flicking to the side to gauge the damage. One end of her red haori did not make it out unscathed. The shortened, frayed end flapping in the wind created from the aftershock.
The dense Osore draws back and a familiar cold chill fell over the area. Itaku glances over just in time to see a swirl of black engulfing the child and she disappears from sight.
Meikyō Shisui.
Awashima falters a little, but quickly regains her composure, face set into a determined look. She had sparred with Rikuo earlier before, so this sight is familiar. Osore gathers around her as she activates her own Hatsu, Dance of the Battle Maiden.
Until Retsu interrupted her, appearing in front of her to deal a painful looking roundhouse kick straight to her gut.
Awashima's concentration broke, and she was knocked back a couple meters, a surprised and pained grunt leaving her throat. She rolls twice and pushes herself up, one hand cradling her abdomen. Her eyes quickly scanning her surroundings for her opponent's whereabouts.
Only to have Retsu disappear in a swirl of black again.
'She's keeping her distance.' Itaku narrow his eyes, shooting half a glance at Rikuo, who is watching the mock-fight with rapt attention. 'Their fighting style is drastically different.'
The blonde sucks in a breath, straightening up as much as she could with a wince, which isn't by a whole lot. Her face marginally pale.
Gaze zeroing in on where exactly she's covering, Itaku finally realised why Awashima isn't recovering as quickly from a hit as she should have. Tōno yōkai are trained to have a higher pain tolerance, however, they are still not immune to feeling pain.
The kid nailed her in the liver.
Prickling sensation. Danger. That destructive Osore again.
The Amanojaku swerves towards the source, eyes widening when Retsu appears no more than half a meter from her, her blade already charged and swirling with youki. Awashima raised her own Osore charged blade to shield herself on reflex and in the next second, a huge blast sends the older yōkai flying back some distance away, nearly sliding right off the edge of the arena.
Retsu charges up her blade again, blade poised and Itaku gets ready to call off the match when she stills, unmoving. Her sharp gaze trained upon her downed opponent.
It was a show that she could have kept on attacking.
A low groan came from Awashima's crumpled form, the Ayakashi pushing against the ground with a hand and hastily gets back up onto her feet. The Amanojaku is looking worse for wear in a long while, and the Tōno group looks on with raised brows.
The match lasted less than a minute.
Itaku felt an astounded smirk split his face, huffing out a small, "Heh."
'So this is what he meant by "not so cute". What he truly meant was; "Do not underestimate her or you will suffer greatly."'
She kept her distance because she knew Awashima has the upper hand in close-combat. In size, strength and skills. Although young, she is cautious and swift, never staying too long in one place. Hatsu and Hyoui activation time alongside their usage in battle is efficient. Excellent Osore control. She successfully bewilders her opponents and took advantage of the subsequent openings without delay.
"Enough. Come here." He calls off the match, having seen enough in the meantime. Besides... he has some questions.
"What?! I'm not done yet!" Awashima squawks indignantly, the multitude scraps and cuts on her body seemingly brushed off for the moment. They are borderline superficial wounds then.
"You can pick up where you left off later." Itaku's tone left no room for negotiation. The blonde could only grumble and make her way over to the group, knowing that they do indeed have plenty of time for rematches.
'Her Osore control still has room for improvement, she can be a bit more faster in utilising it.' However, while decent, he doesn't see much of a specific sword style in the way she wields her blade just yet. Despite being smaller, Retsu has plenty of viciousness in her crafty attacks to make up for her weaknesses, unlike Rikuo, who still has some ways to go to hone the usage of his techniques.
Interesting.
'But why didn't Rikuo use that particular Osore? It would have drastically boosted his offensive abilities.' Now that he thinks about it, the young heir has practically been fighting defensively. That won't do.
"What is that Osore? It's completely different from your Hatsu and Hyoui." He queries Retsu once she is within range. If he wants to oversee and train the both of them to the best of his ability, he needs as much information on them as possible.
The child blinks, placing one hand on her hip. "Oh. That's Offense Osore. Like it's name suggests, it allows us to launch destructive close to mid-ranged attacks with ease."
Itaku cast a questioning stare over at his charge. "Why didn't you use it?"
A small displeased look crosses Rikuo's face, lips pursed into a near pout as he crossed his arms over his chest defensively. "That's cuz I haven't figured it out yet."
The Kamaitchi arches a brow at the information, but before he could say anything, Retsu shoots her brother a side eye.
"Onii-chan only know how to use Defense Osore so far. Meikyō Shisui and Kyōka Suigetsu belong in that category. I didn't want him to learn this just yet because Defense Osore is much more suitable for dealing with opponents stronger than we are. Our Offense Osore is only really good if he knows how to switch between the two modes within a split second and make use of it to give us openings. That technique alone is not enough to clash with Ayakashi over the age of a thousand years at his current strength, not to mention it broadcasts our presence to everyone like a honing beacon, he'd be a sitting duck if he couldn't switch back to Defense Osore."
Itaku takes a moment to mull over the influx of information. 'Their Osore is a lot more versatile than I initially thought. Although there's some concerns, still, it could only be beneficial to have more abilities in his arsenal. ...Still, something's odd.'
He glances at the younger sibling. 'Why is she speaking like she's his teacher? Deciding what techniques he should and shouldn't learn.'
"Then he'd better start learning how to activate and switch between them now." Itaku finally gave his simple verdict. They are here to train after all, besides, if it really doesn't work out quite like he expects then he can still call it off later.
The young girl blinks, gaze shifting to the side in a contemplative silence, a small furrow to her brows before looking back up at him once her mind was made up. "Okay then."
"That was quick." Rikuo comments, arching a brow at her disbelievingly. "You were quite adamant I master Kyōka Suigetsu first."
"But I'm changing my condition."
Rikuo immediately deflates, having spoken too soon. "Of course..."
"You can only use Offense Osore during a real battle when you're able to switch between the two modes within a three-second time frame." She held up three fingers for all to see, her gaze earnest. "Once this technique actually helps you instead of being detrimental to your survival rate, only then are you allowed to utilise it."
Her brother gave a barely audible sigh, then chuckled, a determined glint in his eyes as he looks back at her. "Fine. Challenge accepted."
Out of the corner of his eyes, he sees the rest of the group exchange looks. He could probably guess what they're thinking. She's taking her brother's training very seriously.
"If there's nothing else, then I want a rematch!" Awashima immediately steps right up to her side, clasping both hands on her smaller shoulders. Her initial surprise at having been thrown about swiftly morphing into excitement at a promising spar.
She had underestimated her charge. It won't happen again.
"Sure." Retsu replies calmly, and Meikyō Shisui is quick to wrap around the both of them. Startling the Tōno group when the other also disappeared from their sight.
'So it works on others too?'
The next time they hear and see Awashima, was when she was sent flying a couple meters away with another blast of the now identified 'Offense Osore', her yell echoing across the training grounds.
Itaku nearly shook his head. 'Idiot got caught off guard again.'
When the Tōno yōkai got back onto her feet, straight away, she activates her Hyoui: Perfect Motherhood, Izanami, stopping Retsu in her tracks as she bewilders the child into letting down her guard. Immediately, the younger one relaxes, katana lowered to the side as her eyes clouds over in a trance.
The reason Awashima's technique is fearsome is because it allows her to trick her opponents' into thinking that they are safe, as if held within a mother's warm and loving embrace. Allowing her to not only get close to them, but also subsequently makes them lose the will to fight.
Gentle smile morphing into an evil grin, the Amanojaku gets ready to land a hit with the back of her sword. Retsu, at the same time, robotically raises her left hand to grab the other's arm, fingers digging sharply into the underside of her upper arm, shocking Awashima into halting the attack prematurely.
For one twist in that spot, her muscle would tear right off her bones with ease.
The blank look in her red eyes gradually clears, much to the Tōno gang's bewilderment, for they knew, that technique is supposedly extra effective against small children.
Crimson red flicks up to meet brown ones, the neutral look quickly morphing into a livid glare. Tightening her grip, she kicks at her opponent's shin and all the Ayakashi present winces. Rikuo in particular.
"Ow, shoot!" Awashima sputters, taking a step back, barley raising her sword in time to deflect the katana aiming towards her face to the side. Sparks flew as steel clashes against steel. The blonde pushes Retsu's sword away easily, forcing her guard open, and she moves closer to hopefully disarm her in that brief moment.
The child's blade erupts into blue flames, forcing Awashima to swiftly put as much space as she can between the two of them. Even from this distance, Itaku can sense the ominous feeling the fire gave off. It would be a very bad idea to be hit by it.
Retsu brings the blade down and a high wall of bright blue flames is erected on Awashima's left. Within the next second, another wave was sent to cut off the right side, trapping the Amanojaku between the raging inferno, leaving her with only the front, back and high up in the air as her only escape routes.
Awashima eyes went wide when an Osore concentrated strike is blasted right towards her. Gathering her wits, she executes her other technique, Hyoui: Perfect Fatherhood, Izanagi, leaping into the air and successfully slices through Retsu's attack with a war cry.
Standing there, twin walls of flames still raging on either side, the swirling mass of black Osore in front of her finally clears up and Awashima readied to clash with her opponent once again.
Only, she wasn't there anymore.
She freezes, realising her mistake.
Distract, wrench an opening in her opponent's guard and attack. That was how Retsu fights.
Behind and above her.
Awashima twirls around to face the two sides, wondering where the child will attack from when she registers a small weight upon her back and the glint of sharp, cold steel poised over her throat as Meikyō Shisui is undone.
'The... side?' Brown eyes glances over to the opening between the blue flames on her right, her heart dropping within her chest cavity from her own carelessness.
Of course. These flames are hers. Just because Awashima herself couldn't escape from there, doesn't mean the caster can't go through from there.
"Unfortunately, I have more than enough mother figures in my life." Retsu's child-like voice informs her matter of factly, leaning in so close the Amanojaku could feel the warmth of her breath across her cheek and feel the slight scrap of her long side-bangs brushing against her shoulder.
Awashima stayed very still, wary brown eyes trained upon the very, very sharp blade hovering mere millimetres away from her throat. The kid better have a good footing on her back.
"But..." Retsu's voice turns a little mischievous. "If you wish to dote on me outside of battle, I wouldn't reject it."
"Heh. Who wants to dote on you?" Awashima shoots back with false bravado, forcing a grin on her face as a bead of sweat slides down her temple.
She lost. In a battle warring for youki and deception.
"There's already quite a few, I am pretty cute."
Wow, this kid is full of herself.
"Oh yeah? Tough luck. I'm not one of them."
"Is that so? That's too bad." The child sighs in mock disappointment, and slowly retracts her blade away from her neck, then, gets off her back. The smouldering flame walls on either side of them finally disperses, allowing a chilly breeze to erase the heat. They see Itaku's hand signal to stop and gather, and the duo heads over.
Awashima is pretty impressed, although just a little bummed. She's supposed to be teaching the kid, not get her ass whooped by aforementioned person. Although... that was the ultimate goal, wasn't it? This kid should surpass many more others eventually, given the fact that she has Nurarihyon's bloodline running through her veins. Even though the Amanojaku had expected it to happen a long while from now, it is not necessarily a bad thing that the kid can hold her own against most yōkai now.
Because if what Rikuo said was true about going to Kyōto, then it is reassuring that Retsu could at least manage herself against lower levelled demons and the occasional stronger ones.
She rolled her shoulders to loosen up the previously tense muscles there, a small breath escaping her. A smile tugs at the corner of her lips. "Heh, not half bad. You actually came from the side, using the other two openings as a distraction."
"I actually considered coming from the back, but the distance is too far, the same goes for the up and over method. I have to get to you before you regain your bearings, so when I passed by from the side, I thought; Why not just go through from here? You're right beside me."
Awashima casts an incredulous look at her. "You mean to say you just thought of it?"
She shrugs. "I've never tried that method before. Since it works, now I know."
The Amanojaku shakes her head in disbelief.
"She great at thinking on the fly." Rikuo offers once they neared the group to switch opponents, having overheard them.
"And you need to start thinking more on the fly too." Retsu shot back without missing a beat.
"Touché." Her brother replies, a small smirk on his face.
Itaku can see that she had been training hard. Her strength is lacking, so she made up for some of it with getting in a couple rotations before she strikes. As for her agility and speed, they are pretty decent for her age. The younger sibling is hardworking and learns fast.
He couldn't help but wonder what could possibly be her motivation in order to push herself to advance to this level at such an age. Tōno yōkai needed to get stronger due to their harsh environment. Her upbringing... must not have been easy.
Best heed Nurarihyon's warning, he already saw what happened with Awashima firsthand, and Tōno no Sato has a reputation to upkeep.
"Your next opponent is me." Itaku informs her, and she nods.
"Okay."
Immediately, he dashes forward, simultaneously drawing two of his sickles for an overhead double bladed strike.
Right where she stood, Retsu instantly slides one foot back and aims a horizontal swipe at him with her blade, her Osore coating the weapon swiftly. Although, there isn't enough energy on it for one of her mid-ranged attacks.
So, he couldn't catch her off guard like he did the older brother by striking without warning. Too bad then.
Itaku only has a second to wonder what her aim is—swinging from that distance—he could stop right before it hits and let it sail past then go in for the opening, when all of a sudden, the sword is right next to him.
'?!' He brings up his sickles to block the sword from cutting into his arm, putting majority of his weight onto his right foot to prevent himself from toppling over from the anticipated strength behind the strike. Only for it to disappear in the next second and reappear from above. He parried the vertical overhead swing, shifting his centre of gravity accordingly, only to realise it barely packed any strength behind it, watching as the blade disappears—no. Itaku narrows his eyes, spotting the sharp glint of something clasped in her right hand. 'It shrunk?'
Within an instant, she steps forward, thrusting her blade towards him and it enlarged, drastically. The cold steel nearly hits him square in the chest, his twin sickles blocking it from reaching his flesh just in time with a clang, and it pushes him back with alarming speed when it continues to extend. Forcing his balance backwards.
Black, destructive Osore soon follows along the length of the blade and Itaku meets it head on by summoning his own Osore. With a growl, he quickly shifts marginally to the side and pushed the katana away with all his might before he is forced out of bounds of the arena.
He looks towards her just in time to see Meikyō Shisui enveloping his opponent, taking advantage of his momentary distraction. Her expression is bland and almost unsettling as the swirling black tendrils covers her form and Itaku feels a small surge of unease, which he quickly morphs into excitement for battle. 'A special sword, is it?'
So not only will it not break when Osore is attached to it, it can also shrink, enlarge and elongate with frightening speed.
His eyes harden, mahogany colour shifting into an eerie amber glow, pupils morphing into slits and he quickly move. If she fights like how he thinks she does, then she won't waste any time to exploit his weakness if he just stood there. He has to cut through her Osore, and quickly. He leaps high up into the air.
That blade eliminates her weakness of close combat with stronger opponents, and nullifies her reach disadvantage. It's troublesome, but... only if she uses it expertly.
Immediately, he activated his Hyoui and flings his two Osore coated sickles out. 'Yokai ninpou: Rera Makiri!'
His weapons slices through a couple more of the closer trees surrounding them, and they fall into the forest floor with a resounding boom, stirring up huge clouds of dust.
Rikuo leans forward from the sidelines, marginally worried since his Osore was dispelled by that exact same technique before.
"Oi, oi, there won't be anything left of the training ground at this rate." Awashima complains from the back.
He lands deftly, keeping his eyes and ears peeled for any sign of his smaller opponent.
One second.
Two seconds.
Three.
Nothing.
'How? Did she avoid it?' He give the arena another quick sweep, before he registers that sharp and dangerous Osore coming from somewhere above and swiftly looks up.
Descending towards him with a yell, she brought her Osore condensed blade down.
He leaps out of the way just as the ground was pulverised, leaving a crater behind. So she hid high up in the trees to avoid his attack from dispelling her Hatsu. 'Crafty.'
Quickly closing the distance, he executes a double-handed horizontal strike and she leans back in record time to avoid them. Performing a backflip and spinning out of his sickles' reach. Ducking and weaving beneath and around his strikes, she retaliates. Spinning towards him, her blade suddenly elongates, offense Osore congregated upon it. He felt air pressure around them increasing, and he barely avoids the hit by leaping back.
She is relentless in her attacks, spinning seamlessly to gain enough momentum to deliver powerful swipes. Her blade slices through the air in arcs of white and black blurs, and Itaku has to avoid them lest he suffer great damage without proper defense. Finally gathering up enough Osore of his own, he raises his sickles and parried her blow.
Her offense Osore went wild upon impact, and they were both blown apart from the shockwave that was created.
His clothes were torn up in places while scraps and cuts littered his body. He tucked, rolled and swiftly got back onto his feet, swiftly spotting that Retsu too, has done the same, shifting in a low crouch, the action reminding him of a feline.
He closes in again, hoping to force his lesser experienced opponent in engaging close-combat, limiting her time to disappear from sight. Although her Offense Osore is not making it easy to close in when it spirals out from her threateningly, tearing up and slicing apart anything nearby.
She hasn't activated Meikyō Shisui nor Kyōka Suigetsu yet. Good.
'One more.'
Activating his Hyoui, and he hurls his sickles out once more, aiming close enough to the girl that the tail ends of the sharp wind could catch her. He's not aiming to kill her.
She kneels, and did something he didn't expect. Stabbing the her sword into the ground, it enlarges within an instant, until it towers over the trees within their vicinity and into the sky. Itaku could clearly see his own reflection upon the surface of the blade, with her own Osore still coiling around it when his wind technique cuts past the spot.
The blade stood firm against his razor sharp sickles, not a scratch in insight. She actually used her sword as a shield and further amplified it's durability with her own Osore.
But.
He drew two more sickles from the wooden wheel-sheath secured upon his back, where it holds all six of his weapons.
He's not done yet.
Meikyō Shisui is reactivated as the large blade shrink and disappears from view. Itaku hurries along.
He throws out the other pair of his wind knives, and the sickles aiming where Retsu is last seen before hitting. The wind blades gouged out the ground, carving two deep slashes into the surface of the tree stump before returning back to him a couple beats later than the first pair he threw out.
Still no sign of the girl.
Without missing a beat, he wields the four curved blades back-to-back with pinpoint accuracy, the sharp wind peels the tough tree barks of Tōno with laughable ease, and he weaves the long strips of bark into a large net to snare his prey in it, wherever it may be. The bark strips crisscrosses across the arena, and with a single hard tug, the holes within the net shrinks, hauling in whatever may be weaving between them.
Retsu is forced to use activate her Offense Osore, revealing her to be up in the air once again to avoid his previous attack. The nets within a meter or so distance practically disintegrates when her violent Osore rips through it.
The Kamaitachi weaves another layer of net, relentlessly carving more bark strips from the trees to congregate his attacks on the now visible opponent. Upon seeing more traps flung her way, the small child twists mid-air to begin spinning around while activating the blue flames. It took on the form of a mini fire vortex as the deadly flames burn the nets around her, leaving nothing behind. Without delay, she sends a generous wave of fire in his direction.
Itaku quickly dodges it while throwing a sickle in her direction and the girl took her chance to immediately reactivate Meikyo Shishi. She disappears again in a swirl of inky black before the sickle finally reaches her, and sails through the leftover smoke harmlessly.
Itaku narrows his eyes. Her technique is a little annoying. A little more so than Rikuo due to her offensive ability that could seriously deal some alarming damage, which is good. If he lets down his guard, he might just end up like Awashima. Looks like he need to up his attack range and tear through her Meikyō Shisui.
But there's something bothering him. Why didn't she use her Hyoui, Kyōka Suigetsu? Not to mention, according to the rest of the gang, she can manipulate water. So where is it?
He should hurry and tear through her Hatsu. Seeing that his net tactic isn't quite working out as well as it did with Rikuo, once he recollected all four of his sickles, he decided to get a bit more serious.
'Yōkai ninpou: Rera Makiri' has three levels. The first level only requires two sickles, while the second one needs four, and last one, is utilising all six of his sickles.
Dense Osore congregates upon his blades as he readies to fling out the second level technique.
'Rera Makiri Inep.'
"Oi, oi!" Awashima lets out shrilly from somewhere behind, Amezō parroting his fellow comrade, but it's too late.
Once the four sickles left his hands, the wind whistles sharply as the weapons whizzes past, kicking up a mini storm as it slices through the area with twice as much devastation as compared to before. More trees fell and crashed into the forest floor, stirring up huge clouds of dirt and dust.
The sickles returned back to him and he snatches them out from the air one by one and finally, sheathes two. Waiting to see the form of Retsu.
"A little overkill don't chu' think?" The Numakappa waves the clouds of dust away from his face with a webbed claw, squinting as he scans the arena for the little girl, the others copying his move. He must have shredded her Hatsu by now, given the vast area destroyed this time.
Seconds passed, yet, there was not a single response nor a shadow of her as the dust cloud settles.
For a moment, Rikuo felt his heart sink.
"Where did she go?" Awashima finally say, getting a clear view of the training grounds yet, still no sign of the girl. "Oi, Itaku. You didn't actually cut her right?"
"As if it would be that easy." The Kamaitachi scoffs, however, a slight uneasy look flickers over his eyes as he too, scans the area, before just as quickly discarding the brief doubt. "I don't smell blood, she's fine."
"Then where is she?"
"Think she fled?" Dohiko suggested, scanning their surroundings instead.
If she did, then the kid runs fast.
Amezō turns towards the only teen within their ranks. "Oi Rikuo, can you sense her with your sibling bond thingy?"
He opens his mouth, about to refute that it doesn't work like that, but, ponders earnestly for a moment with a furrow of his silver brows. Everyone watches him, before he helpfully provides a—
"...I don't think she's dead."
"...I suppose that's still an answer." Amezō relents.
"If she's not dead, she'll come back eventually." Itaku shakes his head.
Laying upon a large tree branch deep within the forest, I hug the tree, soaking in the solidness and roughness of the bark as if it might help reassure me of my existence. Taking one deep breath after another to ease my rapid beating heart, I focus on the smell of fresh leaves as Meikyō Shisui undos itself. My heart no longer calm enough to keep up the technique.
'I saw my goddamn life flash before my eyes.' But I suppose there is still one good thing about this. I managed to tick him off enough to use his second or third strongest technique. Thankfully, I haven't pissed him off sufficiently to warrant transforming back into his true form and go full out apeshit on me.
Letting out a sigh, I push myself up into a sitting position, taking a moment to completely settle my emotions before mentally hyping myself up before heading back there.
The training in Tōno is turning out to be a whole lot more mentally and physically draining than I've initially thought.
...
"Oi! So you did run!" Dohiko grins at me in amusement, drawing the attention of everyone else to my current whereabouts. "Quite the expert escapee, eh?"
'You have no idea.' Houdini-the-second in the making. Hell, with my yōkai abilities, I'd surpass him. "Only an idiot wouldn't run."
Awashima opened her mouth, then closes it as she earnestly considers my answer before ultimately shrugging. "True."
Not one person within the Tōno gang is dumb and foolhardy enough to take any of Itaku's wind techniques head on.
"Itaku didn't scare ya too much did he? He tends to go overboard." Amezō chuckles as I gingerly land on the training field, eyeing the Kamaitachi standing to the side warily. I'm mostly unscathed, save for a stray few leaves clinging to my hair, which I proceed to shake out.
'The only thing that could plausibly make him scarier is rabies.' I scowled, huffing.
"Are you going to run when you meet stronger opponents?" Itaku queries, arms crossed over his chest. His tone is slightly irritated, but it is not condescending, it is more of a complicated mix of disapproval, skepticism, curiosity in a how-the-heck-are-you-going-to-win this way.
"For now, the answer is 'yes', and it's called tactical retreat. I can't do anything when I'm dead obviously." I replied, but felt the answer was a little lacking and added. "I'm just here to learn some combat skills so I don't die too easily when I happen to meet stronger opponents. As for taking them down... I'll think of something."
... No one could refute that.
"How did you run so fast?" Awashima leans in close, genuinely curious.
I arched my brows. "Wanna see?"
She nods eagerly.
I stab Honjo Masamune into ground, shrinking it down a little so that it is easier to step on handle, then elongate and enlarge it rapidly, sending me off to whichever direction I had aimed the handle at.
The blonde raise her brows. "Hoh? That's one way to use it."
"I heard you can use water techniques. Why didn't you use it?" Itaku asked.
I pause, just recalling that tidbit, and said. "Ah, my bad. I forgot."
Awashima nearly fell over.
"Because my control is not that good before, I don't use it in real combat, it slows my reaction time. I'm thinking of resorting it to be a method to catch stronger opponents by surprise in order to create an opening."
"Then start getting used to it from now on."
"Dully noted." I mutter.
"Alright, I'm up next! Let's see how you'll apply what you've learnt this afternoon in combat." Amezō chirps.
"Okay."
Rikuo watches as as his little sister sparred with Amezō, using what she had learnt from the Numakappa earlier in the day. He has yet to see her really use it during their sparring sessions back home, probably due to the fact that she is not yet proficient with it. So it is rather interesting to see it in action now.
Whatever water based attacks Amezō flung her way, she can redirect most of the smaller-to-middle class techniques and turn it back on him smoothly. The larger ones, liken to miniature waves, however, takes more effort to parry or split apart—having to dodge them at times even—for she is only able to take control of a smaller portion and counter-strike.
However, if she faced water typed yōkai as her opponents, she will have the advantage of controlling her opponent's offense and maybe even defense. Coupled with her own yōkai skills, as long as they aren't executive level and above, they will not pose as a threat. The current problem is the lack of water source. If her opponents do not possess the ability to call upon water, then... Rikuo wonders where else will she pull water from.
There are sewers, water coolers, and the occasional drinking water treatment plant, there's also rain, river and streams, but she would have to be close to those sources. He recalls a Tsukumogami called Kameosa amongst her group, alongside that rain yōkai named, Ame. If those two are nearby, she'd have some supplies on hand, since those two are the type that are able to summon water, unlike Kappa, who mostly relies on large water sources in order to bring out his full potential.
Next up is Reira.
Retsu has to dodge the pinkette's large blocks of ice when they are launched towards her near immediately at the start of the mock-battle, escaping with great speed using that special katana so as not to be caught in an icy fortress. The ice solidifies and creep frighteningly fast and the drop in temperature is exceedingly steep. Faster, abundant and more ferocious. As expected of a Yuki Onna that has existed for a good couple of centuries, they can indeed bring about a blizzard with ease.
Rikuo shudders as the sudden chill seeps beneath his clothes and pierced his bones, raising goosebumps all over his body.
Blue flames were utilised to clear mass amounts of the creeping ice, before the remaining is transformed back into water to strike. Reira is a fairly harder to deal with, what with her free manipulation and creation of ice, acting as both her defence and instant snare-traps. Rikuo thought that his little sister hadn't been this... fast or vicious during their trainings. He realises that at his current level, he didn't warrant it. He's got much to learn and do.
"Break time is over. Get up." Itaku told him and Awashima makes her towards him with a near vindictive grin.
"Alright! I'll show you the might of the maiden, Awashima!"
Rikuo slides into a battle stance. "Bring it on."
The large hot spring is located directly at the back of Akagappa's main mansion, it is surrounded by rock formations and an ever present cloudy steam rising up into the sky in wisps. The males gets first dibs, since there's a whole lot more of them, while the scant few females that are present wait till they vacate the bath to make use of it. I am accompanied by Reira and Yukari. Awashima is just about done in the showers, last I saw.
With nothing better to do, I lean against the back of the large protruding rocks, while eavesdropping on some of their conversations. The area is nicely shaded and warm, due to its close proximity to the hot springs, its a pretty good spot to rest my eyes. I hear my brother wincing when he got in and quickly dispelled the small sadistic smirk that creeped its way onto my face.
Initially, Amezō and Dohiko is having a great time ribbing Rikuo for his training mistakes, but much too soon, the light hearted atmosphere steered towards sombre when that word was brought up.
"Say, Rikuo, how come you're so stuck on Kyōto?"
Immediately, the grogginess in me fled, and my face morphs into a relatively blank expression. My eyes blink open on reflex, before I close them again. I hear my brother make a curious sound at the Numakappa, waiting for the other to elaborate.
"Speaking of Kyōto, strange rumours have even reached us here in Tōno recently. Something about the revival of a nasty yōkai. Isn't it dangerous?"
'The rumours have already spread this far huh.'
My brother considers his answer for a moment before replying. "Yeah, it probably is... for Yura-chan."
A loud splash erupted from within the Onsen and disrupts the peace, much to my mild annoyance. Amezō and Dohiko simultaneously exclaims excitedly— "YURA?!"
"Hey, is that a girl?"
"You're going to rescue her? She must be pretty."
With the most lacklustre voice, Rikuo replies. "Nope, just so-so."
"So-so, huh." I can practically see the conspiring grin spreading across the Numakappa's face.
"Nah, judging by your behaviour, she must be pretty." Dohiko refutes.
I can feel my brother sweat-drop from over here as I heave a small sigh. 'Boys.' Then again, there isn't much entertainment here in Tōno. They sure as hell do not have electricity, let alone TV.
"That girl endangered herself to save me. I don't want to just forsake her. Though, there are other reasons too... I guess you could call it yōkai chivalry." My brother says.
He's being awfully vague. Well, it's no surprise that he doesn't like to talk too much about them. Just hearing the name of the prefecture already had my face turn stony. Then again, it reminded me that no matter how close we may be to the Tōno gang in the future, currently, we are still not that familiar with them. Some things are better left undisclosed to newly met strangers. At least he's guarded. I should follow his example a bit.
"Oh~ Now you sound like a yōkai yakuza." Amezō sing-songed.
"So that means Kyōto is your enemy? I don't like them either." Itaku finally deigns to join in on the conversation.
"Our territory is freezing cold and definitely not abundant. That's why the yōkai here became strong, in order to survive on our own. As the overseer of all martial arts factions, the Tōno family has sent skilled fighters to organisations throughout the country. But we swear allegiance to no one. We, the Tōno yōkai, also known as yōkai ninja, are very proud of that. And yet, those guys look down on us and try to take advantage of us."
Wow, that's the first time I hear so many words coming out of the Kamaitachi in one go. Must have been a long held grudge.
"Yeah, they're so conceited." Amezō agrees.
"Right, right... They look down on us and demand our soldiers like it's their right."
'... Demand soldiers...' I nearly slapped myself. 'Why do I keep forgetting about things related to Kidōmaru? Did he traumatise me so much that I subconsciously blocked most things regarding him? This won't do. I completely forgot that he's coming.'
"As if we'd work for them!" An unfamiliar voice, another Tōno yōkai probably, exclaims heatedly.
"Yeah, yeah!"
'When did he come to Tōno again? Tomorrow? The day after? I only know that Rikuo met them by the riverside while doing the laundry.'
"Let's slaughter 'em the next time they come!" Amezō cries out, impassioned.
"Damn right! Never mind what the elders say!" Dohiko seconds.
'Should I take the chance to kill Kidōmaru and the other two while they're here? ...Can I even do it? The other two isn't a problem for me, but Kidōmaru...'
"Right! I hate them too!" Seems like Awashima is here.
I ignore the strangled sound from my brother, tuning out the rest of the background conversation. 'Both Sunny and Gyōza just barely recovered a small fraction of their power to lend me some abilities; one being hostile intentions detection, another exorcism flames and lastly, some control over the water element. The old geezer's over a thousand years old. Despite pairing Honjo Masamume and the exorcism flames together, it is still not quite enough to end him, not to mention he's making that appearance around noon. I'd be in my human form.'
Water techniques may be able to catch him off guard but not for long, and only if he sees that it is coming from me. Otherwise, he'll be guarding against any and all attacks from the Tōno yōkai, it won't work.
'I guess I do not have the ability to kill him just yet.' Seriously injure however, that might be possible... but in exchange, I'd be showing my trump cards. It is not worth it. Our final goal is the fox, best save them up for that if at all possible. Besides, in Canon, Kidōmaru is defeated by who again? Rikuo was there, along with Tsurara, but ultimately, I believe it is a Matoi technique with Kurotabō that allowed him to secure a victory.
Honjo Masamune alongside all my current tricks and abilities still aren't enough to take down Kidōmaru, but... isn't there one blade that could kill a yōkai with just a single slash? I perk up, blinking stupidly.
A blade that has never left Rikuo's side ever since it was passed down to him.
'Where's Nenekirimaru?'
OMAKE: Tōno's Blacklist
The hot steam of the springs wafts upwards into the air, the warm liquid soothing my very sore muscles and making me melt further into the onsen in relaxation. Due to my shorter height, however, I could only opt to kneel by the sitting area lest my head went under.
A few minutes passed in comfortable silence and darkness as I rest my eyes, mentally and physically drained from the day. The sound of light splashing as Yukari paddles around the onsen our occasional background music. I pry my heavy eyelids open from the brief eye rest when I sense a presence nearby. Blinking a few times, I squint past the rising steam of the hot spring, scanning the area groggily for the source.
A flash of white.
My gaze hones in on it. Between two rock formations, a tiny silver of a crack, I think I see someone behind them. Silver-white hair, and some sort of metallic forehead protector with black letterings on it. I think it's a male. His presence feels... off, and I don't sense any youki from him.
'Who is he? What is he doing over there?' My brows furrow together in deep thought. He feels somewhat familiar. 'Did I see him before?'
Just then,Reira glance over at me, curiously following my line of sight to the spot I am staring so intently at. A small sound of surprise and something liken to 'Uh oh', came from the rocks, and as the person began to flee, I spot a red haori and long spiky silver hair tied in a low ponytail. The dull thud of wooden clogs hitting the rocks echoes in my ears as he leaps away and into the trees in a shadowy blur. Almost like a ninja.
Our surrounding temperature suddenly drops and Yukari quickly paddles towards me, away from the simmering Yuki Onna.
"YOU AGAIN!"
Shards of ice flew towards the disappearing escapee, Reira practically growling as she hurriedly threw on some clothes to give chase.
The whole of Tōno had been awoken from their slumber upon the disturbance in the village's flow of Osore. Soon, every single fighter armed themselves with their respective weapons and rushes out to hunt down the peeping tom. Shouts and yells resounding throughout the once silent forest. I think I hear Awashima's voice being the loudest amidst them.
"That guy comes here every now and then." Yukari informs me with a habitual cough, brows furrowed in slight exasperation, getting ready to leave the onsen. "He always managed to escape though."
I arch a brow in surprise, getting up as well. It wouldn't do to fall asleep in here. 'Even the Tōno yōkai couldn't pin him down? This guy must be quite the challenge then. ...The next time he shows up while I'm around, I'll give hunting him down a try.'
Author's note:
I was wondering why it seemed endless writing this chapter when I checked the word count about one to two weeks ago, and discovered I've already written 20, 000 words but it is still not done. It was then that I realised I had been attempting to write for the ENTIRE Tōno arc and not just this chapter. TTATT I forgot I HADN'T split up the freaking Arc and the worst part was I had been skip writing the later sections ASDFGHJKL. This is one reason why this chapter took longer than anticipated.
As for my absence... all I can say is, the clean up required after an entire block's toilet renovation is no joke. I am still finding fine dust in my home here and there. Not to mention the construction works had reactivated my sinusitis, no worries, it's much better now. Got sick twice, once is the typical flu which went into my ears, screwing up my balance and making me nauseous whenever I walk (it wasn't because of my new glasses), the other is a case of bad food poisoning, so that's some weeks gone spent on recovering.
Thank you all for much for your patience, love, encouragement and support! We are now at 528 Favourites and 573 Follows! X3
Current members:
•Amefurikozō (Ame)
•Sunekosuri (Neko)
•Tozen (bow Tsukumogami)
•Uwan (the bush)
•Kogane no Gyōza (Koi fish)
•Saki (Flower Ayakashi)
•Fūri (blue fur with leopard patterns)
•Enenra (smoke yōkai)
•Umizatō (the blind one)
-Sazae-oni (clan member)
•Ittan-Momen (cloth Tsukumogami)
•Kameosa (jug Tsukumogami)
•Hidama (small fire bird)
•Yūga (wolf yōkai)
-Kōga [Clan Head, father of Yūga and Ryōga]
-Kiba [childhood friend]
-Ryōga [younger brother]
•Suzu (maneki-neko)
•Kirin
•Kyō (computer-dwelling spirit)
•Menreiki (Gigaku mask Tsukumogami)
•Shizuka (miasma butterfly)
•HoneOnna (bone spirit)
~kirakira_bluemoon