12. Last Chance (1)

*Present Day*

(Katagiri)

The two young researchers who are working on that saniwa project came by again today. I'm not sure what else I can tell them, other than how Yui passed away. They seem nice enough and adorable in their own way: I was even tempted to set up the grandchild with Yamano-kun, who reminds me a lot of Kashuu. His partner reminds me of Tsuru, in her relentless interest on who I slept with. I was never the type to sleep around and I won't lie in the fact that I was attracted to others, like Ookurikara or even Munechika. But Shokudaikiri charmed me over completely. And the sex was great too.

But enough of that.

I looked at the pictures that I own. I've decided to let the grandchild have them all, which I know her mother will be fine with. I've already decided to give her mother mementos of her father...and my papers to donate to the college I studied at. We never told our daughter her heritage until she was old enough to comprehend that she was human and tsukomogami. She looks like her father with his black-blue hair and gold eyes with his friendly personality and has my sense to help people. She worked at a nurse at the same hospital where I once worked.

My arm and stomach start to ache. It's going to rain soon.

My mind then wanders to Yui. I wonder if things would've been different if it was me with the Kebishii and she with my group. Would she have fallen for them? Maybe Konosuke should've made a better hero of Yui. I wouldn't have gone on a killing spree, that's for sure.

Things happened though. Even in the state she had been in, I thought she could be saved. I touched the scar on my stomach where she slashed me while I continued to beat her senseless until she gave up. Then she disappeared.

####

11 Months In

"Next month marks Sakura-chan's first anniversary here!" Jiroutachi and his brother sword had just returned from an expedition and were unwinding down. "We gonna have a party or what?"

"Brother..." (Taroutachi)

"You just want to find any excuse to drink." (Ookurikara)

"Oh come on! You guys are awfulllll", the oodachi then switched his attention to the kitchen. "Sho-chan, what will you get your waifu?"

At first, Mitsutada was confused, "Waifu?", until Ookurikara explained the term (and he knew what it is for the mumeitou had found his calling as the citadel's IT man and also developed a fondness for cute bishoujo figures). Then the tachi smiled wide, "That's a secret...but I'm thinking of making her a strawberry chocolate cake. And something nice for a dinner." Then lost in his own reverie, he continued to go on until Tsurumaru randomly popped up, "Why don't we plan a surprise party?"

Everyone looked at each other. "That's kind of what I've been saying", Jirotachi replied. "Food and plenty of alcohol!"

"She doesn't really drink..." Ookurikara was lazing outside while a stray cat or two plopped on him. "And it's annoying as hell watching everyone getting shitfaced and vomiting all over."

"Our previous master liked to party at times so Kuri-chan has a low tolerance for alcohol". (Mitsutada)

"Thanks for telling the word about something that I'd prefer to keep private, you one-eyed dope! Also, Masamune didn't drink all the fucking time. It was that Kojiro!"

"Calm down, you lot", Hasebe was practically glowing with happiness, "it really has been a fast year since Sakura-sama bought us here." He joined Mitsutada in the kitchen, "As our master, we should do something special to show our gratitude."

"I think some of us are thanking her every night already", Jiroutachi smirked at Mitsutada, who just smiled and didn't dare crack despite the obvious taunt. Oddly it was Tsurumaru who defended his comrade, "You mad, Jirotachi?"

"Jirotachi-kun, I do believe you need to sober up. What goes on between myself and our master is private and shall remain so. Are we clear?" Mitsutada, smiling ever so sweetly despite his eyes saying what he was REALLY feeling. It also helped that he was holding the biggest kitchen knife as well. Needless to say, Jirotachi got the message.

"What", Hasebe was now confused, "just happened?" Things were about to get more interesting until Honebami announced, "Master wants to see everyone."

"So, it looks like the enemy was spotted not too far from here." Sakura looked at the group that had been still here. One group was already out for a week, another group was on expedition and there was a small group out farming. "Shokudaikiri-san?"

"Yes?"

"Take your group out to see what's up. Aoe-san is already waiting." She looked at the others, "Honebami-kun...I want you to scout with them."

"Of course, Master."

"One more thing." She pointed to the pile of ema on her desk. "Take one. It's supposed to protect you. Looks like this one might be rough, guys. Come back safe...all of you."

*10 Miles Away (later that day)*

"Everything's ready to go", the yari who had been sent to spy on Sakura's group returned to Yui. "She's by herself."

This actually surprised Yui. "No one's there to protect her...like that Tenka sword or the big guy with the eyepatch?"

"Not from the looks of it."

"Not even the smartass tan guy...that one with the tattoo...or even the whitehaired smartass?"

"Didn't see them either."

"All right then." Yui couldn't help but feel somewhat sorry for the fact that she was about to send these men who had been loyal to her since her accidental appearance here almost a year ago to their deaths.

(Thank you for all of your hard work. Maybe now you can find peace and move on to the next life.)

"Remember, don't kill anyone. We want them on our side. Stay safe!"