Chapter 13
Elsewhere…
"Wait, I shouldn't do this…"
Another lost soul had wondered into Aokigahara. Also known as suicide forest.
Life had not treated this man well. His wife got sick and they barely scraped by to pay for her medical bills. Yet, despite all the treatment, it was in vein. His children had become sick and soon followed their mother. Leaving him alone to face the burden of their loss.
It became all so pointless for this poor man. There was nothing worth living for. Work has become a dead end place for his hopes and dreams. Even now, he is still burdened with debts with no possible way of paying everyone back let alone the interest payments on time. This was the only choice, and soon, he would be with his wife and children once more.
He found a small rock formation and a tree that hung over it just right, as if it were waiting to help someone meet their final end. He prepared all his papers ahead of time and kept it in his backpack. He took a moment to take everything out. He had one final stiff drink, his favorite take out and then, finally, a thick enough rope.
He consumed his final meal and then prepared for the last obstacle he would ever face. The rope went effortlessly over the sturdy tree limb, the noose large enough to fit over his head and tightened just right. He paused as he peered off the side of the rock formation, one step, and it will end it all.
Yet, as he took a deep breath to go through with it. His wife's voice came to his ears. "Ending your life, does not end the pain. It merely transfers it. Live to the fullest, and die without regrets…"
His legs trembled now. He was hesitating…
Then, a stiff push came from behind him!
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She couldn't wait for this one to decide his end, so, she did it for him! Besides, it's been a while since she had fresh prey. They always taste best when they realize they are making a mistake. But she refuses to allow them to go back on their commitment! Oyayubi waited just a moment for the man to gasp and plead for some miracle. But she couldn't let him dangle there too long…
When he turned and saw her. The look of utter fear in his eyes just wet her appetite! He was more afraid of her than dying!
It was the greatest sensation to feel, as well, it made them taste all the better. She didn't hesitate as she began to devour him alive. Slowly but surely until he finally died. She was only able to get half way through her meal when he went cold. "What a shame…" she said with a sigh and left the rest of his body dangling in the tree.
"You were always wasteful… even now."
She paused to the voice, she didn't even sense them arrive and yet, there they stood with their arms crossed. She snickered to him. "As I breath… I haven't see you since we all met after the master was sealed away…"
Taron lingered about as he peered up at Oyayubi. "It's been a while, hasn't it? Can't say I am pleased to see you, however I feel I should come and see how your cultivation is going… you have been cultivating haven't you?"
She giggled at the thought of it all. "Of course, I have." She said with a bloodied grin on her lips. "I've become far stronger than all other women who have pursued the master, I am determined to become the strongest so he would take me as his wife… Imagine the children I will bare him!" she said and cackled aloud.
"I doubt master is interested in that…"
She came down and took a closer look at Taron. The thing with him was that he hasn't gained extra limbs. His markings are thicker and darker on his body, and yet the true sign of a demon sorcerer to her was the extra arms or even the augmented body that comes with the power they obtain. Taron was a giant of a man, well built and very strong even before he became a demon sorcerer.
"So, what brings you here?" she asked curiously.
"Have you heard from the others?"
"Hmm, well, I know two are dead. Chukan and Paum. They rushed into it, they knew damn well that the odds were not in their favor. I mean you go up against the former vessel to the master and now, that disgusting clone of his, the two cleared out nearly half the legions on their own!" she protested to him.
"What about Ryōte Kiki?"
She froze.
Her eyes glared at Taron. "What about him?"
"I have yet to find let alone come in contact with him, I do believe though that he has sent his own plans into motion. He has been manipulating curse and divine users behind the scenes, and yet I don't know his end objective yet."
"To revive the master of course! That's always been the goal."
"Indeed it is, Oyayubi. However, none of these actions appear to be part of the revival notion. Why have the divine users go after the demon vessel? Why have them target a necklace that is worn by the clone of our master? These actions make little sense to me. I have come to see if you have any insight on it?"
She sneered at the notion. "I want nothing to do with that guy. He was always a kiss ass to Sukuna. Yet, I swore, master was pleased to have him as a possible disciple" she muttered bitterly.
"I've been curious about that too, I've been trying to peer into his past but found nothing, yet, there is something about him that troubles me."
"I want nothing to do with Ryōte!" she protested. "If you have an issue with him, leave me out of it."
Taron sighed aloud. "He is of no importance, I was merely curious to know if you have come across him recently. He was the most secretive out of all of us."
That troubled her too, she even heard a little rumor among those who were serving Sukuna that he himself approached Ryōte many times before he was defeated and sealed away. Yet, why? Did he really favor him? She tried to push the notion out of her mind, why would Sukuna favor one with less talent than her!
"Now then, just keep on your toes there Oyayubi. I am merely stating this due to our past connection…"
Taron left shortly after. She cleared the blood from her lips before sneering at the notion. What did Ryōte Kiki have that she didn't? Her good mood was now spoiled, even her nice meal felt wasteful after hearing the name of her most revered rival!
