Hello dear Readers! Before continuing to the chapter, be safe from currently spreading Covid-19. Decrease all activities on the outside, frequently wash your hands and keep your health in check to stop the spreading of the viruses. I hope all of you save from the viruses.
This chapter will begin the first part of the Thunder Brothers. In this story, the flow will goes like Canon but with some differences.
And for the one can guesses, the first deceased Tokyo Ghoul characters that makes an appearance in this story is Hinami's mother: Ryouko Fueguchi. She'll play a big part in this part.
That's it then. Enjoy the chapter!
/N: InuYasha is written and illustrated by Takahashi Rumiko. Tokyo Ghoul is written and illustrated by Sui Ishida. I don't own both of them.
Chapter 4
Castle Raid
Since yesterday, Hinami had stay in the Land of Musashi's castle with Tsuyu, who unexpectedly become her friend after Tsukumo no Gama's incident. The young princess proved to be friendly and even accepted her after knowing her Ghoul heritage.
Tsuyu already told Hinami about her heritage. She's the daughter of Daimyo from the Land of Kai and also had an older brother that she now heard becoming the new Daimyo after their father's passed away. She also tells about her friendship with Amari. Of course she's told mostly about Amari absent-mindedness, which even makes her giggling hearing it. But then she tell her one incident that she's take the kick of the horse to save Amari that almost being kick, making her must going extra treatment for her recovery and her father doesn't let Amari to see her for three months. That's sadly also the last time she ever saw her, because three months later, her father told her that she'll be engaged with the young prince of the Land of Musashi, forbid her to go outside and focusing her on learning royal manners. Of course she's sad at that time; however that was paid by her husband kindness. So despite the wedding is being arranged, she not regret it.
Hinami can't help but wonder that the Ancient Japan is so cruel. There's no freedom in marrying someone that he or she love and there's big chance that women becoming widow due to their husband perished in war. This is so different from the Modern Japan which she lived.
"So Hinami, can you please tell me your story? I already told you mine you see." Tsuyu asked while curious about her friend's life.
"Well… What should I say…" She then look down. "M-My life is not something that very happy like you… Are you even ready to hear it?" She asked seriously this time. Surely, compared to what she'd been through, Tsuyu's life seems still happy enough because she rarely seeing the cruelty of others. Her father must be guard her so much that make her developing such kindness.
"I tried my best to follow." Tsuyu assured her.
Hinami then take a deep breath, sighing before beginning to tell her. "You still remember that I tell you before that I'm type of Yokai known as Ghoul right? Well that statement is correct. At least in this time." She said.
"This time?"
"The truth is… I'm not from this era Tsuyu. Kagome-san from the last night also the same. We're from the modern time of Japan, in other words a time-traveller." Hinami revealed, which make the young princess widen her eyes. "I know it sounds strange, but it's okay if you don't believe me."
Tsuyu then shook her head before smiling at her. "I believe you Hinami. Because… I can't see from your face that you're lying about it. The clothes that Kagome girl wears and the strange things she carried on her back also gives a tell, because although I'm secluded, I've never saw an uniform like that before." She said.
"Thank you." Hinami thanked the princess for believing her. "Well… Although I'm from the same time as Kagome-san, she's live in a more peaceful time. My time however, it's a different story. In my time, Ghoul is being hunted and killed by humans who built organization called CCG, an anti-Ghoul organization with one goal: To eradicate every Ghouls in Japan."
"Eradicate… Like killing all of them?" Tsuyu asked while horrified. In this time, even humans still view some Yokai as their guardian and in return, some Yokai is friendly enough toward humans. "Is the reason… Like you said before? Does that mean you also hunt humans?"
"No Tsuyu. Like I can't bring myself to kill others, I only eat dead humans like suicide victims. And yes, the reason is like I said before. You must be thinking that why don't we finish the problem with human by peaceful talking right? It's impossible, because in both human and Ghoul side, there are those who resented peaceful negotiation and acts like those of an evil Yokai such as Tsukumo no Gama. Humans also the same, as many of them only acted on revenge because a Ghoul kills someone precious to them while others also kill us for their personal gain and pleasure. So in the end, it's only an endless cycle of hatred that remains." Hinami explain.
"Hinami…" Tsuyu can't do nothing but feel pity for her. A young girl like Hinami is forced to live at such cruel world? "If you don't want to tell it it's okay. Seemingly I've brought back some unpleasant memories do I?" She said feeling regretted about asking Hinami to tell her past.
Hinami shook her head. "It's okay Tsuyu, because it's all in the past. I'll begin then." She said.
And so, Hinami beginning to telling Tsuyu her story. Of how she's living in fear with her parents because her father have a dangerous business with psychopath Ghoul known as Jason, she and her mother that's forced to flee from her home, and of course her happy memories of meeting Kaneki and learn many things from him. She even tells her about her parents murder by a sadistic CCG member, something that Tsuyu didn't expect.
"I can't help but think that Kaneki is such a kind person." Tsuyu noted. 'But… To think she's already an orphan when thirteen years old, I don't know if I myself can handle such things…'
"He's very kind. I think you can get along with him easily…" Hinami said before her expression turn sad. "But now… He's changed. He's forgotten about me and all the others that close to him and becoming an investigator of CCG."
"So… He's like having amnesia?" Tsuyu asked.
Hinami nod. "But… There's a hint that CCG probably brainwash him."
"But… Speaking about CCG, the one that brutally killed your parents… Why'd you don't seek revenge against him?" Tsuyu wondered. Normally, everyone will be thirst for revenge if their loved one is murdered.
However, Hinami is an exception.
"Because at that time I thought to myself… If I somehow got my revenge by sending him to his death, then what's next? My parents won't return to me either and what I got is just a temporary satisfaction for killing the man that brings me that much suffering. And much worse, if he's having someone close to him, the cycle of hatred will keep continue by the one that's close to him wanted to take my head for revenge." She said although her voice is shaking because no matter she now gets through it, it stills horrible memories. "Because of it, I let myself to hold that cycle of hatred so it won't continue but… Big Sister later killed him. Later from what I've heard… He has a daughter, who then swore to kill me for it."
"But why-"
"No human will ever listen to a Ghoul in my world. They all hate us with passion but I can say the exception for only two though." Hinami said referring to Kimi and Hori, the two only humans that she knows accepting Ghoul to their lives.
Tsuyu then clench her palm. "If only… If only I can do anything to help…"
Hinami shook her head. "It's okay Tsuyu. It's already in the past and besides… I can't keep wallowing in sadness right?" She said with a smile.
Meanwhile, on an open plain, two forces of Daimyo are ready to go to war against each other when the clouds suddenly turn dark. It's like a thunderstorm is coming. Then lightning strikes intensified and from it, Hiten is seen flying along with another Yokai that flying using some type of clouds. He is a rather ugly Yokai, with almost reptilian features and a large bald head. He has a small braid at the back of his head and shaped just like Hiten's long braid. He wears very elaborate armor, which is near identical to that worn by his Hiten, although his shoulder pads and other portions of his outfit are blue, whereas Hiten's are orange. On his waist, he wears a pelt that make from something like a Fox Yokai.
Hiten smiled wickedly seeing the armies below. "Time to hunt Manten!" He said to the other Yokai, who is revealed to be his younger brother.
"Yes! Hiten-aniichan!" Manten agreed, revealing he had two Shikon Jewel Shards on his forehead.
Pointing his favorite weapon, the Raigekijin toward the army, it shooting massive Lightning Bolt Attack decimating a large portion of them. One of them even hits the samurai that leads it. The Raigekijin is a pike that had the shape like a lightning for his blade, while the pole is long and seemingly made from not ordinary wood. It has the ability to fire bolts of lightning.
"Flee Little Rodents!" Hiten then throwing his Raigekijin to the ground, creating a huge Thunderbolt Explosion the moment it touches the ground and decimating all of the army. Hiten then telepathically called back Raigekijin to his hand.
The opposing army samurai is astonished by the carnage. This pair of Yokai is helping their land from being conquered. "They annihilated the enemy with a single strike of lightning. Are these Yokai proving to be our allies?" He wondered.
Manten who hearing this is feeling insulted because these mortals dare to say that they're allies with them. "Humph. Allies you say? Don't make me laugh!" He then open his mouth toward them, shooting his trademark attack, the Lightning Breath which consists of lightning and flame, decimating the entire opposing army with a single strike.
This event is what Hiten and Manten called exercise. Both of them fearfully known as the Thunder Brothers after they've got the Shikon Jewel Shards, and starting to massacre many armies just for the sake of testing their new power.
Hiten however, grip his Raigekijin tightly. He seemingly unsatisfied with something.
Manten is noticing his behavior. "aniichan. You're space out." He called.
Hiten then awaken from his thought about something when he heard Manten called him. "Sorry Manten. Let's go back to home then." He replied as both of them then flies back to their castle. "Humph. But I must said this Shikon Jewel Shards is giving me this much power is unreal." Hiten admitted. Ever since he heard that Shikon Jewel is shattered into many shards, he and Manten are starting to hunt down every Yokai or human they've encountered that possessed it. Since then, Hiten acquired three, while Manten have two.
"Yes indeed Hiten-aniichan." Manten agreed. "But I wonder why'd you didn't let our Soten-chan also have it?"
He then smiled. "Soten is just a kid Manten, different than us. She had no need for living like us. Even if we somehow did manage to collect all the shards, I won't let her have it. Besides… It stills not enough…"
"aniichan… Don't tell me you still remember that day till' now?" Manten asked, somehow knowing what Hiten mean.
"Like the heck I could forget it! The day when that damn bastard come to this land and injuring our Tou-san! I'll make sure that after I've got enough jewel shards; I'll go there and kill them myself!" He declared. "I'll make sure that Tou-san can rest in peace, knowing that his children are stronger than him and can make him proud." He and Manten then flying at high speed back to their castle.
Meanwhile on the castle of the Thunder Brothers which is revealed located in Raimei Valley because of its thunderous weather, Soten is seen drawing on the paper using a brush while humming happily. Beside her, Ryouko is seen watching her handiwork with a smile. This scene makes her wondered of what her true daughter doing now. Did she manage to escape from CCG and now have a happy life even though without her parents?
Ryouko herself also had no idea why'd she fall to this era at the first place. It was all happened four months ago, when she somehow still alive after being killed by that deranged CCG's investigator.
(Feudal Era – Four Months before the start of InuYasha Canon Story)
Ryouko is slowly opening her eyes as she senses that she's being carried in someone's back. 'This feeling… Why'd I'm still alive?' She thought in confusion because she's pretty sure she was decapitated by the Quinque that once her beloved husband Kagune. 'Hinami, did you manage to run away… At least to Anteiku…'
"So you already awaken my dear?"
Ryouko can't believe what she just heard. She then realized who's the one that carrying her. "My Dear…" She said as she realized it was her supposedly dead husband, Asaki Fueguchi.
"We'll talk later! There are groups of strange creatures that come after us!" Asaki said as he keep running away, revealing that the one that chase them is a groups of Yokai. Seeing that they're won't give up on chasing them, Asaki then releasing his Rinkaku to grip the branch of a tree then jump into it, before using the same tactics to slowly get away as far as he could while still carrying her wife.
The time later skip to nightfall as Asaki has managed to escape from the Yokai. Currently he and Ryouko are hiding on a rocky cave that located in the forest. He then lit up fire camp to heat their bodies. "I see… So you're being killed as well? Did the killer are a pair of investigators? One is a crazy old man and the other one is a serious young man?"
Ryouko sadly nod. "I was killed… By the old man…"
"Hinami… What's happen to her? Did she at least return to Mr. Yoshimura?" Asaki asked. He also worried that Hinami is being killed.
"She managed to escape from the CCG. I manage to hold them off for a while, although… I still was being killed in the end." Ryouko replied. "For that I still don't sure but I know that she's safe."
Asaki then chuckling. "Khu khu khu, you're right about that. Hinami is a strong kid. I'm pretty sure she will make it." He admitted. "But… I wonder where we are now."
Ryouko smiled. "I'm also sure of that. But this sensation, the air feels clean, and from what we know, there's no kind of monsters like that in Tokyo. And I don't see any tower or building. Its more like natural forest to me."
"What are two low-classes Yokai doing in my cave huh?"
Both Ryouko and Asaki are shocked to hear the voice and from the depths of the cave emerges a pair of spider Yokai with the upper body of a human and the abdomen of a spider.
"Those strange creatures again!" Asaki noted as he unleash his Rinkaku.
"Huh. You're tried to fight against us?" One of the Spider Yokai mockingly asked.
"My dear, I'll help." Ryouko said to Asaki as she releasing her Koukaku.
"No!" Asaki disagreed. "Listen! You've got to get away from here as quick as you can! You can't fight and you know that better than anyone!"
"But-" Ryouko unable to finish her word as her stomach suddenly being pierced by one elongated arm of one of the Spider Yokai. She coughed some blood because of the attack. Her Kagune is dispersed as a result.
Seeing it make Asaki snapped. He quickly slices the arm using his Kagune, making the Spider Yokai stumbled backward while roaring in pain.
"Argh! My Arm!" The Spider Yokai roared.
"Aniki! Damn you!" The other Spider Yokai then rush toward Asaki who jump away from him before it can attack using his sharp legs.
Asaki later turn his attention to his wife, who touch her pierced stomach to desperately heal it. "Ryouko!"
"I-I'm fine…" Ryouko assured her while struggling to stand. 'Ugh. Due to that attack, my strength-'
Suddenly, a rumbling was heard, and from the darkness of the cave, a larger Spider Yokai emerged. "Oh? And now I wonder why my son had making such a noisy surrounding. I see some low Ghoul dares to use our den huh?"
Asaki is shock to seeing there's another one is emerge. Due to her size, he's pretty sure that's more powerful than the other two.
Now, he had to make a bold decision. "Ryouko."
The one that's called look at her husband. "Yes?"
"Sorry." Using his Rinkaku, he swipe her to the air with all his strength, throwing her out from the rocky cave that's revealed located in a short cliff. "However, you must keep live." He said as his body later being pierced by four legs of the Mother Spider Yokai. 'I never thought… That after meeting you for a short moment, I must go again. At least, you're save is enough to calm my soul.' He voiced his last thought as life is fading from him.
Ryouko widen her eyes, realizing that her husband intending to fight to the death against the Spider Yokai. Her eyes then showing tears on it. However, she had no chance to cry or yelled as her head is hit the ground, knocking her unconscious.
Feeling her head is being laid in some-kind of wooden wood, Ryouko slowly opening her eyes. Her mind is cloudy for a moment before she remembered the scene of her husband being killed. She immediately sits up and yelled. "My Dear!"
"Awaken I see?" Ryouko is look at the source of the voice, only to seeing a young man that wearing elaborate outfit. He had red eyes with snake-like pupils, long black hair that tied to long braids, and pointed ears. He's sitting close to her.
"Who're you?" Ryouko demanded while unleashing her Kakugan to threaten him.
The young man however chuckled. "Khu khu khu. You really think that you can match Hiten of the Thunder Brothers?" He then bring his hand forward. "Make a move and I'll burn you to a crisp." He warned.
Ryouko gulp. She can't help but feeling an immense killing intent from Hiten. His threat is not a joke. "W-what're you going to do with me?" She asked while a little stuttered.
"With you huh? Let see." Hiten wondered by putting his left hand to his chin, like thinking about something. "Even though you're lowly Ghoul, I'm impressed by how beauty you look. It's rare for a Ghoul to developing such beautiful face and body. So I just thought that maybe I take you for my own pleasure." He said while bring his left hand to touch her chin.
Hearing that put some bravery in Ryouko's heart. She unleashing her Kagune, smacking Hiten to the side and crash him to a wall before he can react. "Sorry. But I won't become some pleasure for a man!" She said.
Rising up from the rubble, Hiten's face shown anger. "That's it!" Hiten yelled while telepathically called Raigekijin to his right hand. "I'll more than happy to make a hole in your face!"
"Hiten-niichan!" Suddenly the door to the room is being opened, and from it emerged another Yokai that look like a child version of Hiten, although from the voice it was certain that it was a female.
Hiten who recognize the voice, turn to the younger Yokai that seemingly his younger sister. "Soten…"
"T-Tou-san is…" Soten then suddenly crying.
Hearing it make Hiten immediately cancelling his intention to kill Ryouko. "What's happened to Tou-san Soten!?" He then asked as his tone turn into worry.
"Tou-san…. He passed away…" Soten said between her cries. "Manten-niichan… Is already in Tou-san…"
"Let's go there!" Hiten quickly pick his sister on his arms and run to the outside of the room, but not before he glanced at Ryouko. "You're lucky Ghoul. If it not my younger siblings that called me your beautiful face will be filled by hole right now." He stated as he quickly run outside the room.
After Hiten is gone from the room with Soten, Ryouko drop to her knees while panting. The killing intent that emitted by Hiten is so immense that it swallow the one that emitted by the investigator that killed her. She then cried while put her legs to her chest. "My dear, what shall I do? With you now gone, I-"
"You must keep live."
Ryouko widen her eyes suddenly remembering her husband's last word. She then manage to let out a small smile. "You… Idiot." She uttered.
The next morning, Ryouko is seen asleep sitting, leaning her body to a wall. Sensing something familiar, she slowly open her eyes and look to the door that is opened, revealing that Soten is peeking on her. 'That child…'
Soten is shrieked in fear once Ryouko spot her and immediately hide.
Ryouko instead of confused is giggling because of it. She then stand up and walking toward the door, looking for Soten that is futilely hiding behind a vase. "Come out girl. I won't hurt you." She assured her.
After hearing those words, Soten is showing her head while her body is obscured by the vase. "Y-you're awake? But-"
"You're afraid of me." Ryouko noted. "Why?"
"B-Because you're Ghoul…" Soten replied. "They… Known to consuming young Yokai since them generally can't match the adult Yokai or a Daiyokai."
'Yokai? Daiyokai? What's that?' Ryouko confused. She also realized that since Hiten bring her to this mysterious house, her outfit is changed. Instead of wearing her usual outfit, she wears a pink kimono with blue flower pattern on it. "This outfit…"
"I-I was the one t-that choose it for you Ms…"
"You can call me Fueguchi-san. If I not wrong, your go by the name Soten." Ryouko smiled at her. At least she must assure her that she's not a threat.
"U-um…" Soten replied as she's still scared of the female Ghoul. "However… You're lucky for escaping Hiten-niichan wrath. When someone's making him angry, he'll kill them on the spot."
Ryouko is unfazed by her statement. She can easily look that Hiten is not the type that respect women.
"I see." Ryouko said. "It seems… I'm lucky enough didn't I?"
Soten however tried to brace herself since she can't see that the female Ghoul is a bad person. 'I know that She's not bad.' She thought as she tried to trust Ryouko by walk from behind the vase.
(Flashback End)
Ever since then, Ryouko built a positive relationship with the youngest of the Thunder Yokai Tribe. She even begin to view her like her own daughter, particularly due to her hobby of drawing. She sometimes seeing that Hiten or Manten is bringing her scrolls and ink from the human that of course they killed for making their youngest sister happy.
Now talking about the Thunder Brothers, Ryouko deduced that from the two brothers, Manten is kinder than Hiten. Despite his fearsome reptilian-like face, he rarely punish her by physical like Hiten did, even often did so because Hiten is around. However, she also seen that Manten sometimes boil innocent women, said that it was for his hair to grow.
For Hiten, Ryouko obviously known that he's the most vicious between the two. A battle maniac at heart, all did she heard when he return is his delight in battle or his proud of slaughtering thousands of innocent. But, she still sees him as a caring older brother to his siblings.
A trait that seems strange for a murderer of innocents and battle maniac. However, she lived on a broken world before anyways, so this trait is usual for her. 'Hinami…'
"Fueguchi-san look!" Soten proudly presenting her drawing, which is revealed to be a painting of her and her older siblings. "What do you think?"
Ryouko is silent for a moment, before patting Soten's head with a smile. "It looks good." She compliment the youngest of the Thunder Yokai. 'Somehow… It much better than your drawing, Hinami. I hope that you're safe out there.'
"I wish that Hiten-niichan and Manten-niichan can see this, but they're too busy gathering this so-called Shikon Jewel Shards." Soten uttered. "Even now they rarely come home… Instead more focusing on those stupid shards…"
"Don't be sad Soten. I'm pretty certain that both of them still love you. If not, they won't bring you any gift like this painting scroll and its ink." Ryouko tried to cheer her up when she heard the entrance to the house is being opened, revealing that Hiten and Manten already return.
Soten immediately run toward her brothers. "Hiten-niichan!" She yelled while jump and hug him.
"Whoa whoa easy there Soten." Hiten said as he rub her forehead. "I take it you're like the last present that I gave you?" He asked as he put her down.
Soten nodded cheerfully. "Yes Hiten-niichan! You better look at what I've just draw! Fueguchi-san is helping me finish it!" She explained.
"I see." Hiten commented while looking at Ryouko, signaling her to have a talk with him. He then look at his younger brother. "Manten. You go and watch over Soten for a while. Maybe he can draw you with many hairs on your head." He teased.
"C'mon Hiten-aniichan! That's just a painting! What I want is true hair like you and Soten-chan have!" Manten complained, feeling shy being drawn by his younger sister.
"But I can draw you with lots of hair Manten-niichan. So all the beautiful girls will know how handsome you are after seeing your pictures." Soten said.
"Still-"
"Woman." Hiten said to Ryouko with demanding tone. "I won't say it twice."
Ryouko just nod before following Hiten to the outside of the house.
The scene then changes to the house terrace. Hiten is seen standing while watching the thunderous clouds, while Ryouko is stand behind him.
Hiten then begin the conversation. "I must say. You did a good job wench, for watch over Soten for many times. However, you do know the reason I spare you right?" He demanded.
Ryouko just silent. She already knows why'd the oldest of all the Thunder Yokai is sparing her from being killed. The reason is because Soten likes her enough that it preventing him from killing her. Despite his bloodthirsty personality, he still put his siblings' happiness about all others.
"If you know then you know must do something for me." Hiten stated. "You see, in the Land of Musashi that is located in the east, I've heard a rumor spread that a Toad Yokai that infiltrated the Daimyo's castle is being killed. And what's important is, he had a Shikon Jewel Shards that's probably still inside the castle. So the case is simple: I want you to attack that castle and take the jewel shards."
Ryouko narrowed her eyes. "Even if it means I'll die by your hands, I won't kill innocent people."
"Or the alternative." Hiten now turn to look at her with his trademark smirk. "I've heard that castle Daimyo have a beautiful wife. If the Shikon Jewel Shards is not there, kidnap that princess for me. I think that's easy enough for a Ghoul right?" He said.
"You-"
"Or you'll die." Hiten's right hand is sparking electricity. "Don't worry; as much as I hate your gut, Soten won't be happy anymore if you died. However, I can make your death like an accident if you want."
Ryouko is now facing a dilemma. Should she following this heartless order? She knows that Yokai in general look down on Ghoul and humans. But to think that Hiten currently didn't want his hand dirty… "Fine. But like I said before, I won't kill every single person on that castle." She stated. 'I wonder how rotten I've become now…'
"Hmph. Such confidence." Hiten then reach something in his pocket, picking up a paper and throw it at Ryouko, which she catch. "That's the map to the castle. I recently got it from the last sport that I did with Manten." He then walking passing her. "I'll be waiting for your success. Well, I doubt a low-class can fight hundreds of army by herself though. I can't wait to sense your body how many men you killed in that castle? Since you're killed someone's father due to lost control of that ability of yours."
Few days had passed. On Tsuyu's castle, Hinami is seen standing alone inside an empty room. Opening her eyes, she facing several training dummies made of log. She then taking a deep breath before unleashing her Rinkaku, cutting all the training dummies swiftly. 'My aim is still not precise.' She thought.
"I see that you still training." Hinami look to the entrance of the room and seeing Tsuyu's husband wearing body armor and a katana. He seemingly wants to train in this room.
"Um… If I not wrong, you're Tsuyu's husband?" Hinami guessed since she rarely seeing him around the castle. Maybe he's busy on governing his land.
"Correct." He replied while slightly bow. "Thank you so much for freeing me from the curse of the Demon Frog."
"Well you should thank Inuyasha-san actually since he's the one that defeated him. I'm only protect Tsuyu from the toad." Hinami said.
"Glad that you're here. This is sounds rude since you're outsiders but can I ask a favor?" He asked.
Hinami seen that the tone of Tsuyu's husband is a serious one. She nod before sitting. He also do the same.
"Actually, I want to go to my ally's castle for diplomatic matters. Few days before, my ally armies is being decimated by a single strike of lightning."
"A single… Strike of lightning?" Hinami shivered when hearing it. Could it be it's a powerful Yokai like Sesshomaru.
"I don't know why'd that event is happened, maybe it was the work of Yokai. Due to it, I myself will lend half of my own army to my ally in the north, meaning that I'll leave for few weeks. During that time, can I entrust Tsuyu's safety to you? I've known she becoming so close to you recently." He asked.
Hinami widen her eyes for a moment, before nodding. "No need to worry. I promise that I'll protect Tsuyu while you're gone My Lord."
"Thank you so much." He thanked.
The scenes later changed to Tsuyu's husband along with his armies are marching to their allies in the north. Tsuyu is seen watching the departure of her husband in the front gate of the castle. She can only pray for her safety. Hinami is standing beside her.
"Don't worry Tsuyu. Your husband is strong I promise." She tried to ease the worries of the princess.
"I know. Thank you Hinami." Tsuyu thanked.
The time then skip at night. On the closest trees from the castles, a cloaked person is seen standing on the tree branches. "So this is the castle of the Land of Musashi…" The person lifts the cloak that obscured her face revealing herself to be Ryouko. "I hope that the so-called Shikon Jewel Shards is in here, so I don't have to kill anyone." She then jumps down from the tree, walking toward the castle.
On the castle entrance, a guard is seen guarding the front gate, spear in hand. However, he didn't realize that Ryouko is jumping to the front gate roof from the closest tree. She then jump down toward the castle front garden, only to meet with handful of guards.
"Who're you!?"
"State your reason!"
However, Ryouko suddenly releasing her Koukaku, revealing a pair of giant flower-like petals. Using it, she smash the guards, knocking them unconscious by hitting them hard to the ground.
"What is that!?"
"She's Yokai!"
"Move from my way. If you do, I won't hurt any of you." Ryouko stated.
"Like we will!" One of the guard run toward her with katana on hand.
"I see." Brandishing her right arm, it suddenly morphed into that of a giant Mantis Yokai sharp front-leg. It later parried the guards attack.
Inside the castle, Hinami's waking up from her sleep after hearing the commotion. "What's happening?" She uttered before tried to use her super hearing. 'The commotion is from the guards. What they're fighting is… A Yokai?' She then immediately stands up.
"Hinami." Hinami then glanced at Tsuyu, who also awake because of the commotion. "W-what's happened?" She asked.
"Tsuyu, you just stay inside. I'll check outside." Hinami said to her as she opening the door and run toward the front garden. 'But, it feels strange. This scent, It can't be!'
On the front garden, Ryouko is seen still fighting against the keep incoming guards. She using the combination of her Koukaku Kagune and her mysterious right arm that can morphed at will. Some of the guards being knocked unconscious or lightly wounded. She didn't want to break her promise that she won't kill anyone in the castle. However, if this keep goes on, she'll do just that.
'Ugh, this is had no end! Where is it!? Where's the Shikon Jewel Shard or the princess? If both of those things is not exist in here, what shall I do?' She thought a little frustrated as she keep swinging her appendage. Suddenly, a spine-like tentacle is being launched from inside the castle toward her. She then parries it by morphing her right arm once again into a giant Mantis Yokai front-leg, turn the direction of the attack to the side. "T-T-This Kagune… It can't be…"
From inside the castle, Hinami is seen running out with a Rinkaku that she used to attack is still emerge. 'My attack is being deflected!' She thought while keep running to the outside. When she reach the outside, she widen her eyes in shock. "I-It… C-Can't be…"
Ryouko is shocked to look at the one who's attacking her. 'H-H-Hinami…'
"M-M-Mommy…" Hinami uttered. She can't believe that the attacker was the one that taught her to be pacifist. The one that sacrifice her own life to protecting her from the investigator now is seen being alive and well. 'B-But how!? Mom is supposed to be dead! How could she's in here?' She thought in pure confusion.
'Hinami… I see that you're grown into a beautiful women. But… Does that mean you also dieat the hand of a Ghoul investigator?' Ryouko wondered. Her heart is actually happy that her daughter already grown into a beautiful young women. However, she couldn't bring herself to face her after what she did.
Since she fall into this Sengoku Era and being abducted by Hiten, Ryouko must force to hunt for herself. Since she still don't know about Ghoul's true nature in this world, she occasionally hunt down human or weak Yokai to survive. This forcing her to developing battle moves as well dirtying her hand more than before.
She's the one that taught Hinami to be a pacifist, yet in here, she becomes a killer.
'No. I have no right. Not if I becoming like this!' Ryouko thought as she steel her resolve, regaining her composure. Her eyes now glint with killing intent, meaning now she must force to dirtying her hands. 'I'm sorry.'
Hinami meanwhile, start to approach her mother from the castle front terrace. Her face is shown confusion. "M-M-Mommy… I-Is that really you?"
Instead of replying, Ryouko swing her Koukaku toward her own daughter, who keep her guard down. It hit her head on, smacking her against the ground.
"Hinami-sama!" One of the guards said in concern.
"Damn you!" One of the guards dash toward Ryouko with katana ready to strike.
"All of you leave with no other choice." Ryouko stated as she slash the guards that close in proximity to her using her Koukaku, heavily injuring or kill them. She later walk slowly toward the castle building while swinging her Kagune to keep anyone from get to close to her. Her direction is passing one guard that is already down. She then hold him by the neck and lift him to the air. "Tell me where the princess of this castle. If you do, then this needless killing shall stopped." She ordered.
"L-Like I'll tell you!"
"I see." Suddenly, an insect leg is growing from her back and stabs the guard through his stomach, killing him instantly.
Meanwhile, Hinami managed to get up only to seeing the horrified scene that her mother did. Currently, what her mother is doing is no different than those in Aogiri done toward lesser Ghouls when they tried to reclaim new ward as their own.
Except what her mother killed was group of humans.
'Mommy… Why are you doing this!? This scent is you, I'm pretty sure of it!' Hinami thought while she slowly walking to her supposedly deceased mother while holding his left shoulder, which seemingly injured. "M-Mommy… Please just-"
However, what she got is a Mantis Yokai arm that being almost stabbed to her neck, making Hinami stand in her place. Ryouko later look at her with disinterested look.
"I've never known you. Don't mistake me as someone dear to you." She stated while dropping the corpse of the dead guard to the ground.
"B-But you're Mommy right?! I know because of your scent! I recognize it everywhere! Why? Why are you doing something like this!?" Hinami argued.
Ryouko narrowed her eyes. Hinami sense of smell surely more good than she was a little girl. "Since you seemingly know the princess, tell me where you hiding her would you? Or you want me to decapitate your neck right here?" She threatened.
Hearing it make Hinami gasp in shock. This is not like what her mother is. However, she can't fool her scent. She then makes her last card, eyes narrowed at her mother. "Do it then." She said.
Ryouko widen her eyes.
"Tsuyu-hime is my friend, there's no way I'll betray her. Besides, if you think you can kill me, do it." Hinami challenged her mother. She knows from what she experienced that her mother is such a kind woman that never dared to hurt others. Although maybe she killed all of those guards, she must be can't kill her own flesh and blood. Judging from her first attack at her, she only intended to make her unconscious.
"What's wrong? Do it." Hinami taunted.
"STOP IT!"
Both Hinami and Ryouko turned to the source of the voice, who's revealed to be Tsuyu who seemingly panting from running all the way from her bedroom. She's only wearing her obi without her usual long kimono and had panicked look on her face. "Please… Don't massacre my men and friend…"
"Tsuyu! Why'd you're come in here!? It's dangerous!" Hinami yelled, warned her.
Ryouko later look at Tsuyu. "Judging from your clothes, I presume you're the princess of this castle." She noted. "I can stop this killing actually." She said. "But, you must come with me. If you do so, the life of these men and your friend over here will be saved."
"What?" Tsuyu never expected the condition.
"Don't Tsuyu!"
Steeling her resolve, Tsuyu look at her seriously. "I-If I surrender myself to you, w-will you spare Hinami and all the other inhabitants?" She asked.
Ryouko slightly nod, signaling she'll keep her promise. She then dispersing her Kagune and her morphed right arm that is pointing at Hinami is return to normal.
"No!"
"Hinami." Tsuyu later look at her. "I'm sorry. However, as a princess that is responsible for my people safety, I'm ready to give my life for it." She stated.
Hinami is stunned hearing her words. "B-but…"
"You hear the girl." Ryouko then walked toward Tsuyu. After she reaches her, she pat her shoulder. "You don't need to change, let's go." She said.
Tsuyu nod, while Ryouko turn around and walk toward the castle gate. The princess later following her, passing Hinami and several dead guards, Tsuyu later whispering something when she's close to Hinami.
"Sorry Hinami." She whispered as she walk away following Ryouko.
Hinami later turn around with some tears in her eyes. "Tsuyu…" She shook her head and run after her. "TSUYU DON'T!"
Glancing at her, Ryouko suddenly releasing a scorpion tail from her back that later she used at her own daughter, slashing her chest downward. Hinami later starting to fall to the ground. "M… Mommy…" She said as she falls unconscious to the ground.
Shocked, Tsuyu later turn around. "HINAMI!" However, she soon be wrapped in her entire body except her neck and head by Ryouko's Kagune. This time, she only releasing one petal from her left shoulder.
"That's what she got for attacking me." Ryouko said as she walk out from the castle. However, when she turn her gaze forward, a lone tear is escaping from her eyes. "I'm sorry… Hinami…" She uttered as she continued walking with her scorpion tail is being dispersed and she carrying Tsuyu with her Kagune.
"Hinami." Tsuyu uttered while crying seeing her friend that being injured. "I'm sorry…."
The time later skip to morning. Hinami then slowly opening her eyes while sitting up. "T-This is… Tsuyu's room?" She wondered. Who's bring her to here?
Curious, she touches her slashed chest, and found that the wound is not as deep as her thought. She then smiled while have some tears on her eyes. "Mommy… I know it. You never intended to kill me?" She asked.
"So you already awake Hinami-sama?" The door to Tsuyu's room opened, revealed an old woman that seemingly Tsuyu's caretaker.
'This old lady… Is the one that Amari-san mistaken to be Tsuyu.' Hinami realized. She then smiled at her. "Thank you baa-san." She thanked.
"No need to thank me Hinami-sama." The old woman replied. "Everyone that close to Tsuyu-hime we considers friend of our own. Our princess had such a kind soul after all." She then bring a set of food for Hinami. "But… I can't believe it that Tsuyu-hime… Sacrificing herself like that just for the safety of lowly vassal like us."
"Please don't say it like that baa-san." Hinami shook her head. "Tsuyu-hime treated you all as her equal. She's such a kind person. That's why." She then take the food that being prepared for her. "I'll save her. Cause she's the first person that said to me that I'm her friend." She stated. 'I still remember Mommy scent. The tracks mean that she's not far away from here.' She thought. 'Wait Tsuyu! I'll save you!'
Meanwhile on the forest that few kilometres away from the castle, Ryouko is seen sleeping by leaning her body to a huge tree. Beside her, Tsuyu is seen sleeping as well, being constrict by Ryouko mysterious scorpion tail to preventing her from escaping.
The mother of Hinami later open her eyes, seeing the sunlight meaning that night had passed. "I… Can't sleep well." She uttered. "Hinami…" She then realizing the movement from her captive.
Not long after, Tsuyu is awake as well, only to found her being constrict by the scorpion tail. "This is…"
"So you're awake." Ryouko said to her before releasing her constriction. "No need to worry. I only do that to prevent you from escaping, princess."
'That's right. Last night, my castle was attacked by this Yokai, and I was captured to save my men.' Tsuyu remembered, before she widen her eyes, remembering something important. "Hinami." She then look up to Ryouko. "How about Hinami?"
Ryouko never expected that human princess called her daughter so casually? What's connection of this human princess to Hinami exactly? She then avoid Tsuyu's gaze. "… Not deep…"
"Eh?"
"The wounds… Are not deep." Ryouko said with neutral tone. 'Hinami… I'm glad that you still optimistic as before. Seemingly you did well even without me around.'
Tsuyu then bring her palm to her face, cried in relief. "I-I'm glad…" She said between her tears.
"Don't lie to me." Ryouko then look at her with narrowed eyes. "Humans always betray us Ghouls if you have a chance." She stated.
'Ghouls…?' Tsuyu then look toward Ryouko while she's still crying. "Y-You're Ghoul like Hinami?" She asked.
'That means she knows.' She thought. But why'd instead of fear, this human only showing sad look on her face.
"I-I'm sad for your kind." Tsuyu later look down while wiping her tears. "Hinami already told me, about how'd your kind is being hunt down just because you can only eat human flesh. In turn, some of you also fight back against humans. It's truly sad kind of life." She then look at Ryouko again. "And… I don't know why… But you truly resemble her." She noted.
"Maybe it just a coincidence that I resembles that young Ghoul." Ryouko denied. "But… I've never expected a human to befriend Ghoul despite you already know our food source." She then stand up while suddenly an insect wing is emerged from her back along with the scorpion tail. "Anyway, let's get going. It should be faster this way." She then constricts Tsuyu using her scorpion tail.
"You… Sad about something aren't you?" Tsuyu guessed. Each time Hinami's name is emerge from her lips, the Ghoul seemingly disturb or sad. Meaning that this Ghoul must be having relation with Hinami.
Ryouko is confused. Did her face look so obvious to the princess? Anyway surely she's sad, because she's injuring her daughter that she loved so much. "Hang on tight to my tail." She advice as she take off, flying toward the Raimei Valley.
Meanwhile, Hinami already finishing her recovery and starting to follow her mother scent. She only carrying a katana on her waist despite she knows this won't be useful at all. However, she decided to carry it since the guards keep insisting her.
'I know they're worried, but I can defend myself without using these.' Hinami thought as she keep running following Ryouko's scent. However, she suddenly stopped. 'The scent feels thinner. That means she already move on, and my hearing won't work since I can conclude that Mommy already far away.' However, her nose picks up another scent. 'This scent.' "Inuyasha-san and Myoga-jiisan are nearby!" She then run at the direction of the scent.
Meanwhile on the place where Inuyasha is, the Hanyo's arm is seen being pinned by a rock statue that has a silly expression on it. He's struggling to free himself but to no avail as the rock is place by a Spell Tag.
"Why that little fox! He'll regret doing this to me!" Inuyasha yelled in frustration. He then pick up a scent and look upward, only to seeing a mysterious winged Yokai with humanoid body and scorpion tail is constricting someone. 'That women is the princess of the Toad's castle. And as for the Yokai, I don't know why but she had the same scent as Hinami.' He thought. He then hear a rustling on the closest bush.
"Inuyasha." Suddenly from the bush, something is jump and landing on top of Kagome's oversized backpack that being put close to her bicycle. He is very small in stature that signifies he's still a child with copper hair, green eyes, and a cream-colored, fluffy tail. He wears blue sashinuki hakama, a turquoise happi coat patterned with leaves, and a tan fur vest. His feet look like those of a fox. His hair is kept up in a tiny ponytail with a turquoise bow. His ears are narrow and pointed, as is with most Yokai. This without a doubt a young Kitsune. "I'll help you on one condition." He then jump down from Kagome's backpack close to Inuyasha. "Which is, you promise not to hit me anymore." He stated.
Inuyasha however, narrowed his eyes as he feeling something amiss. "Where's Kagome? Why don't she come back with you?" He asked seriously.
Few minutes before, the young Kitsune is stealing the Shikon Jewel Shards and pinned Inuyasha down using the statue, making Kagome is chasing after him. Unfortunately, they met with Manten and Kagome was captured.
"Will you promise or won't you?" The young Kitsune pressed.
Inuyasha is annoyed by his condition, but anyway he can get his revenge on him later. "Okay I won't strike you." He promised.
Jumping slightly, the young Kitsune take the Spell Tag off and making the statue shrink and disappear. "Allright, I'll tell you where she is." He said.
However, Inuyasha immediately punching him repeatedly in the head to satisfy his annoyance. The young Kitsune later lies on the ground with multiple comical head bump on his head. "I've thought we had a promise." He said.
"Hmph. That reminds me." Inuyasha seemingly remember something. He then pick the young Kitsune by the tail, lift him up while he's standing, and shaking his body up and down. "You have something that belongs to me."
The young Kitsune feeling dizzy as Inuyasha shaking him. Moment later, the Shikon Jewel Shard, which was keep in the bottle that Kagome have, is fall to the ground. Inuyasha immediately take it.
"Aha." Inuyasha said in relief. "Thank goodness is safe." He said.
"Inuyasha-san!" Inuyasha look to the right and seeing Hinami is running toward him.
"Hinami. I thought you're staying on the princess castle for a while." Inuyasha noted.
Hinami later stopped when close to the Hanyo. "Tsuyu is being captured!" She said.
"That princess? What Yokai dares to attack a castle?" Inuyasha asked in confusion.
Hinami want to continue but later had her cheek slightly red seeing the young Kitsune. 'He's cute.' "Who's this child Inuyasha-san?" She asked.
"Oh. He's a young Kitsune dared to steal our Shikon Jewel Shards. Meet Shippo." Inuyasha introduced him while throwing him down. Fortunately Hinami catch him with her hands. "Hinami, do you sensing Kagome's scent anywhere?"
Hinami shook her head. "I don't." She replied. "Is Kagome-san missing or something?"
"Damn." Inuyasha grunted.
"See. That's why finding Kagome now is more important than the Shikon Jewel Shards! She's being abducted by the Thunder Brothers or their cohorts!" Shippo, the young Kitsune is yelled to Inuyasha.
Inuyasha gasp. "You mean that the same brothers that killed your father abducted Kagome!?" Inuyasha asked in worry. He already heard about this Thunder Brothers many times and their cruelty. Hearing them capturing Kagome is the worst scenario he ever imagined. "You let them get away!?"
Shippou look away.
However, Hinami take note that Shippo is also an orphan. 'He's just like me. And he's probably younger. Poor thing.' She thought while sympathized with their circumstances. "Inuyasha-san, let me ask him." She said.
"Hmph. Fine." Inuyasha huffed.
Hinami smiled before looking at Shippo. "Your name is Shippo right? You can just tell us if Kagome really being captured by the Thunder Brothers?" She asked kindly.
Shippo is hesitant to answer, but finally he speaks. "Y-Y-Yes… But…"
"Let me guess. You're concealing yourself in the bush and let them get away with her?" Inuyasha guessed what Shippo actions is. Although he can't blame it that Shippo is just a child and his fear toward stronger Yokai is expected.
Shippo then tried to defend his cowardice. "Why'd you put all the blame on me!? She's your woman! You should at least do the solo rescuing!" He yelled.
Inuyasha stumbled. "She ain't my women!" He then look to Hinami. "Anyway Hinami. Before you're arrival, I see the princess you've been searching for."
"You see Tsuyu?"
Inuyasha nod. "There's no mistake. I still remember her scent. But the strange thing is, she's being carried by a Yokai that had the same scent as you"
"A same scent…" Hinami then look down, knowing who's the one that Inuyasha meant. "So that's right. It was my Mommy that abducted Tsuyu…"
"Your mommy? If I not wrong, she's dead back in your time isn't it?" He stating the obvious since he already heard from Kagome how bad Hinami past is.
Hinami nod. "Yes. But I don't know why'd she's alive in this time." She uttered.
"Well then let's follow her! I already pick up her scent! She's going straight ahead." Inuyasha said while looking forward.
"I see. Let's go then." Hinami said while running passing Inuyasha.
'Hmph. She's so afraid her friends being put in danger isn't she?' Inuyasha thought while carrying Kagome's oversized backpack and bicycle before looking down to Shippo. "You want to come or what? We're got a lot of work to do Shippo. Let's move out."
Shippo's not expecting that even after what he did to him, Inuyasha still want to help him fight against the Thunder Brothers. But then he remembered something. "Oh no! I've gotta tell her. Wait!" He said while chasing after Inuyasha and Hinami. 'If what that Ghoul said is true then… That woman Inuyasha being mentioned is Hiten's cohorts that assisting him in killing my father! I've gotta to warn her of this!' He thought.