Whilst everyone was having lunch, Blitzo suddenly appeared with a mighty book, and slammed it on the table.
« …Little shit what the fuck is that? » Verosika asked.
« This…is the "Hit List." » Blitzo declared. « It's the list of every entity that has been fucked over by the Tits-Katana. »
« …Y'know, with how many people we've resurrected or given a physical body to, I'm surprised we didn't turn into Jesus! » Angel joked.
« Some fucks resurrect fucks locked in caves, WE resurrect fucks that hate Katanas and Tits! » Blitzo replied.
« You intend to bring more enemies to the Shogun abroad, huh? Very well, in that case, I have a proposal. » Isshin replied.
« I'm all ears. » Blitzo replied.
« Years ago, the bake-danuki who guarded Chinju Forest started a battle due to some conflict between their leader Ioroi and a kitsune. In the end, most of the bake-danuki were sealed within stone statues. As the Kitsune are allies of the Shogun, perhaps we can use them to our advantage…» Kapatcir explained.
« Sentient racoons, huh? Well, I can work with that. Pentious, prepare the robots just in case. » Blitzo replied.
« It shall be done! » Pentious declared.
« Also Verosika, how would you feel visiting new places? » Blitzo asked.
« Why the fuck would I get involved in your crazy plan? » Verosika asked.
« We may need your…wondrous charm to convince the racoons to join our cause. » Blitzo explained.
« …How the fuck am I supposed to seduce a trash panda!?» Verosika exclaimed.
Xxxxxxx
After a while, Blitzo, Moxxie, Pentious and Verosika reached their destination, where they found a shrine maid with a fox mask.
« Excuse me, demons, but I have a favour to ask. » the woman pointed at a statue. « Please, look at the Sky Kitsune Statue over there. »
« Yeah? Nice statue, what about it? » Blitzo asked.
« There is a ward within it that they say can only be removed by someone who has courage, values friendship, and who is favoured by the might of Electro. » the woman replied.
« …Well shit. » Blitzo cursed.
« Let me try…» Verosika replied, as she reached the statue, and picked up the ward.
« Since when where you favoured by Kits-Katana? » Blitzo asked.
« I micht or might not got this beauty after some…intimacy with the bitch, before the Vision Hunting Decree fiasco…» Verosika smirked, before showing Blitzo her Electro Vision.
« Oh, you totally slept with her, didn't ya? » Blitzo smirked.
« I was right. You are the "Destined One."» the woman said. « With your skills and experience... Mm, this shouldn't be a problem. »
« Who the fuck starts a conversation like that? We just got here! » Blitzo shot back.
« Excuse my rudeness. My name is Hanachirusato, and I am a shrine maiden. » the woman, Hanachirusato, replied.
« Whatever. What do you want ? » Verosika asked.
« The village in front of you is named Konda Village, and there is a... barrier within it that needs to be lifted. » Hanachirusato explained. « That barrier is hidden behind a certain secret. I'd like to entrust you with a little investigation, and with lifting that barrier. »
« Very well! We shall do so in the name of the Molos Independence Liberation Front! » Blitzo proclaimed.
« I have also predicted that you fight for the Watatsumi Army. Ffffucking great. » Hanachirusato cursed.
Xxxxxxx
After a while, the group reached Konda Village.
« Well, here we are in Konda Village. » Blitzo casually said.
« Perhaps we can ask the indigenous people about the place. » Pentious proposed.
« What can I do for you, youngsters? » an old man asked.
« And you are? » Blitzo asked.
« My name is Konda Densuke, and I am the village chief. » the man, Konda Densuke introduced himself. « You must be demons, right? »
« Indeed. Only God will hear your screams now. » Blitzo replied.
« No need to worry. We're here to help with your barrier issue. Some shrine maid told us about that, and we're here to put a stop to that. » Moxxie explained.
« Of course, you will have to join the Watatsumi Army. Call it…payment for our services. » Verosika added.
« Barrier? Oh, so people still know about that old legend... They say that in ancient times, underneath the ground we are standing on right now, lay the roots of the Thunder Sakura. Indeed, this was one of the five roots that protect the peace on Narukami Island. » Konda explained. « And guarding it and its barrier was said to be a responsibility assigned to us, the Konda Clan, by the Kitsune Saiguu herself. But this was a long, long time ago. I hardly recall anything about the details. »
« So that was a fucking hoax… » Blitzo groaned annoyed.
« None the less, you're free to look around. » Konda replied.
And so, the demons wandered off. « Right, right…a secret…where the hell should we even look now? » Blitzo asked annoyed.
« Hey guys! I found this on the old man's roof! » Pentious exclaimed, holding a notebook in his hand. « Says something about a well and a key hidden in a broken house across the gully on the east side of the village! »
« Well it's worth a shot. To the house! » Blitzo declared.
« Can we stop with all the fucking running!? These clothes are already a pain to just walk! » Verosika complained. « Why did I even join this stupid idea…»
Xxxxxxx
And so, the group reached the house, and found the key.
« Excellent! We're one step closer to annex another village in the name of M.I.L.F! » Blitzo declared.
« We're NOT calling ourselves MILF! We're the Badgers! BADGER HISS! » Moxxie exclaimed, hissing like a badger to prove a point.
« …You're working too closely to the douche here. It's starting to affect you…» Verosika commented.
« Oh, and what name would you propose for our organization? » Blitzo asked.
« None. After all this isn't our organization. It's Kokomi's organization. » Verosika replied.
« Yeah. And she did some REAL progress, did she? » Blitzo asked.
« Never said she was competent. » Verosika smirked.
« Touché. » Moxxie replied.
Xxxxxxx
After a while, the group reached the well, opened the lock, and found themselves beneath the village.
« Huh. An underground base. Ya thinkin' what I'm thinkin'? » Blitzo asked.
« Blitzo. N O. » Moxxie replied.
« It's time for some Viet-Kong tunnels, ladies and motherfuckers! » Blitzo declared
« Guys, there's a shrine here! » Pentious exclaimed.
« Let's see if the ward works here…» Verosika pondered, as she placed the ward on the shrine.
Suddenly, several samurai like figures emerged, and charged at the group.
« Not today, tunnel rats! » Blitzo exclaimed, as he shot at the samurai, alongside Moxxie, quickly dealing with them.
Suddenly, Hanachirusato appeared. « Very impressive. »
« Well, jeez. That sure took ya long enough ta show up. » Blitzo complained.
« I was right to have my eye on you. You are indeed qualified to perform the Cleansing. » Hanachirusato turned towards Verosika.
« So, what happens now? » Verosika asked.
« As you may know, the Thunder Sakura trees symbolize the eternal watch of the Electro Archon, and they have the power to remove evil and purify the earth. However, the polluted tree roots will eventually be corroded, and these tainted sections will form tumours, one after another. » Hanachirusato explained. « That is why we must perform the Cleansing Ritual. Unfortunately, my... physical condition, shall we say, prevents me from accomplishing this deed. »
« What do ya mean? Yer body looks good… » Blitzo raised an eyebrow.
« Do not fret... Our priority is the cleansing. » Hanachurusato replied.
« All right, so what's next on the to do list? » Blitzo asked.
« As for the location of the next barrier, you can visit the abandoned shrine nearby. It's not far northeast of Konda Village. » Hanachurusato replied. « Due to certain circumstances, I fear that I cannot go with you. »
« Then how the fuck are we gonna meet up, ya goober? » Blitzo asked.
« "The sakura on the east and west banks differ in speed, and the flowers of the north and south branches vary their bloom." » Hanachirusato replied. « However, everything on this island is under her... Under the Sacred Sakura's shade. So long as petals still fall like snow upon this island, we will surely meet again. »
« …I don't speak Japanese…» Blitzo replied annoyed.
Xxxxxxx
After a while, the demons reached an abandoned temple, where they found a mysterious shadow.
« Hey there, fuckboy. Shrine Cleaning service here, what appears to be the issue? » Blitzo asked. As Blitzo asked that, the shadowy figure was gone. «Well fuck you too! »
« Guys! I found the statue! » Moxxie exclaimed.
« Except there is no fucking Wand here! » Verosika cursed.
« Wait! There's something written here! "The ward has been sealed within by sacred words. Although I hope the seal will never be broken, and although you have now been missing for many years... If the seal must be broken and the Cleansing Ritual conducted, I hope that you shall be the one to break it. The third line of the sacred words is something you often used to say in the past." » Pentious begun to read. « "But if the one to undo the seal is my successor, then there is one extra step you must go through. There are four great spirits, and three spokes in the Mitsudomoe. I have placed three shikigami here as guardians. Only when they are all gathered here in one place can you proceed. I wouldn't call this layer of security all that useful, but it should still serve to fend off some petty thieves." »
« I hate this nation with every fibre of my being…» Blitzo cursed.
Xxxxxxx
Five minutes later, the demons were done.
« Are all your missions this fucking tedious? » Verosika asked.
« Woman, you have no idea. » Blitzo replied.
« Well, at least we got a book here…» Moxxie noted. « Sure, it's hard to read, but I'm sure we can find a way to read it… »
« I've spotted a shrine nearby, one that is actually inhabited. » Pentious replied.
« Well to the Shrine we shall go then! » Blitzo declared.
Xxxxxxx
After a while, the group reached the shrine, and were greeted by a woman.
« Hello, demons. Welcome to the Grand Narukami Shrine! » the woman greeted the group. « If you have some trouble or just want to make a wish, feel free to ask Ms. Gendou for a fortune slip. May the Electro Archon bless you. »
« Oh, boy, where do I begin…» Blitzo groaned.
And so, Blitzo explained the situation with the abandoned shrine at the foot of the mountain
« I see. I understand the situation. » the woman replied. « The Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual is a very important rite, and there are indeed records of it... »
« I feel there's gonna be a catch here…» Blitzo groaned annoyed.
« But the actual details of the ritual have been lost. The Summary you are holding is a very valuable historical artifact in that regard. » the woman replied.
« Please tell me you can help us unseal the Ward….» Blitzo pleaded.
« I apologize, but the sacred words used to seal the ward are not some sort of specific formula. » the woman replied. « Instead, they are something created by the one who casts the seal themselves. »
« FUCK! » the whole group cursed.
« Perhaps these two items can be of aid to you. » the woman proposed. « This is the Memento Lens. »
« I trust that you must have heard of the Kamera? It's a Fontaine-made device that can record images. A long time ago, when Ritou was first founded, the Hiiragi Clan leader Hiroshi imported many new inventions from other places to prove the benefits of building a trading hub. For example, he used a Snezhnayan blast furnace to turn an old Hiiragi Clan mansion at Tenshukaku into a hot spring, before sending it as a gift and token of appreciation to Her Excellency. He also used the demon-exorcising mirror gifted to the Hiiragi Clan by the Kitsune Saiguu to create a special Kamera in Fontaine. It can record thoughts and memories. It was returned to us here at the Shrine as a token of appreciation and friendship. » the woman explained. « As the years passed, the Kamera itself ceased to function. Only the lens blessed by the Kitsune Saiguu can still see things that no longer exist in certain special places. We extracted the lens and named it the Memento Lens. The two of you have come on account of the "sakura," and I can sense from our conversation that you are trustworthy. I believe that it will come to good use in your hands. »
« I can work with that…» Blitzo shrugged.
« I suppose you may not be familiar with this as outsiders, but we believe that everything has a soul. Even stones and trees have memories! And when an item is left unused for a long time, it will grow bitter with dissatisfaction. » the woman explained. « As such, we might as well give the Lens to someone who can show it all the changes the world has gone through rather than letting it gather dust in our shrine. »
« Convenient. » Blitzo smirked.
« Legend has it that after the Kitsune Saiguu disappeared, her familiars, the Earth Kitsune of Narukami Island, turned into sleeping statues in many places, waiting for her to return. » the woman explained. « If you see a small, strange-looking fox statue, looking at it through the Memento Lens may reveal something new. »
« Thanks for the lens! » Blitzo thanked the woman. « And if you see the Kits-Katana, tell her I said "FUCK YOU!" »
Xxxxxxx
After inspecting all of the Kitsune statues in the island, the demons crawled exhausted towards the abandoned shrine.
« In the name of Narukami's envoy and of the Hakushin bloodline, bring forth the fried tofu, and go FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFUCK YOURSELF! » Blitzo cursed.
With that, the Ward appeared, and Verosika grabbed it. « WHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHEN WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWILLL TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTHHE SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUFFERING EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEND!? »
« Let's just kill the fucks…» Moxxie replied.
Xxxxxxx
Once more, the demons found the barrier, and purified it once more.
« Again, you lot have my thanks. » Hanachirusato thanked the group.
« Are we done yet? » Pentious pleaded.
« The barrier here has been undone successfully, and thus does the Cleansing Ritual come a step closer to completion. Thank you very much. » Hanachirusato replied.
« When was the last time someone bothered with this shit!? » Blitzo cursed.
« Ah. Hmm... Well, it has been so long, after all... » Hanachirusato replied. « It is understandable. I mean, so much time has passed. Don't worry, I'm not angry. Yes, it's just my memory throwing a tantrum. »
« At least ya haven't been forced ta read Moonspeech books and crawl on the ground! » Pentious complained.
« People can't read it nowadays? But it was written in the common tongue...» Hanachirusato asked.
« Lady, we don't speak fucking moon speech! » Blitzo replied.
« ...Anyway, the Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual is a rite of purification. The Thunder Sakura of Narukami Island can absorb the filth within the earth. But over time, that filth will accumulate. » Hanachirusato explained. « If too much filth accumulates, the Thunder Sakura may wither. Therefore, it is necessary to perform some "minor purifications" on the roots of Thunder Sakura scattered in five places around Narukami Island every once in a while, and to set a barrier up. This way, they are given the power to remove the accumulated filth. »
« What about the cleansing ritual? » Blitzo asked.
« When there is enough filth accumulated in the barrier, it becomes necessary to perform the Cleansing Ritual. » Hanachirusato explained.
« Cleaning service. Got it. » Blitzo replied. « But why is the corruption Samurai shaped? »
« They are the embodiment of the land's defilement. Once driven out of the roots by the ward, they will condense into a physical form. » Hanachirusato explained. « Back then... Uh, I mean, according to past records, they would turn into kasha, inugami, black jades, umibouzu, raging flames, and other such things. And not all of them would harm people, either. For example, there were the tofu boys... »
« What the fuck are you talking about!? » Blitzo asked annoyed.
« But now, they have all turned into ferocious ochimusha... What has happened to Inazuma? » Hanachirusato asked.
« We might or might not be in the middle of a civil war…» Blitzo replied.
« I'm aware of that, but that doesn't necessarily explain everything! » Hanachirusato replied.
« Anyway, back on track. What if the tree dies or some shit? » Blitzo asked.
« As I recall... I mean, the records say that the Thunder Sakura almost withered several hundred years ago. » Hanachirusato replied. « Monsters raged unchecked then. Even the seas turned black. The Thunder Sakura tried their hardest to absorb all the evil and the filth, and they almost died in the process. »
« Well that seems serious…» Moxxie noted.
« So, what now? » Blitzo asked.
« Having done and seen so much, the four of you must be tired and hungry. I have prepared some dishes. I hope you will like them... » Hanachirusato replied.
« I can dig that…» Blitzo shrugged.
Xxxxxxx
Five minutes later, the demons had finished their dishes.
« Well that's odd, I feel like I ate all of Inazuma's food supply, yet I feel like I've eaten nothing at all…» Blitzo noted.
« Please don't worry. These dishes were made with magic I secretly learned from the bake-danuki. They are absolutely harmless. Generally speaking. » Hanachirusato explained.
« Oh, yeah! We're planning to resurrect them to fight them against the Shogun! » Blitzo exclaimed.
« …You what? » Hanachirusato asked confused.
« And on top of that, we know yer secret. Yer' a spirit, right? » Pentious pointed out.
« How do you- » Hanachirusato exclaimed, before being interrupted.
« We found out with these thingies….» Pentious replied, showing the Memento Lens with a derpy face.
« PLEASE DON'T BREAK THEM! » Hanachirusato pleaded.
« Ain't plannin' to. As a matter of fact, we may or may not be interested in giving ya a metal body to fight the Shogun! » Blitzo replied.
« W-well, if it is for an old friend…I can do that… » Hanachirusato sighed.
« Wait, "old friend"? » Blitzo asked.
« The reason I have served you such suspicious... Well, delicious food, is to help heal the remaining roots. » Hanachirusato explained. « The Chinju Forest is also home to a ward and a root that requires cleansing. And I believe that said old friend of mine still dwells deep within that forest. »
« Well this is fucking reassuring…» Blitzo rolled his eyes.
« It was a very long time ago. I'm afraid that I'm not entirely sure if he remembers me. Or if he might hate me. He can't move freely, and he can't communicate with people, either. But after eating this, you should be able to communicate with him. » Hanachirusato explained. « That old friend of mine should be able to help you at least a little. So I did this, for the sake of the Cleansing Ritual. Surely, you will finish this deed for the sake of this land's well-being, right? »
« Any other place we should check out? » Blitzo asked.
« Apart from Chinju Forest, there is a tree root at a place called Araumi. I wonder if there are still people living there. I haven't been there for a long time. » Hanachirusato replied. « The last one... is outside the Kamisato residence. There is a pit on a beach northeast of there, and the root is within. I leave the Cleansing Ritual to you... »
Xxxxxxx
And so, the group reached Chinju Forest, where they found a massive Tanuki statue.
« Mm? This scent... leaves and fresh soil...» the statue spoke. « Well, I never! Someone of mine own race whom I know not! »
« Nope. It's just us demons. » Blitzo replied.
« Oh Celestia it's these buffoons…» the statue replied.
« Indeed. Only God can hear your screams now. » Blitzo added.
« I—I... Mine name is Ioroi. Do whatever you want! K—Kill me if that be your will! » the statue, Ioroi, spoke.
« Easy there, I was just messing with ya. We're just recruiting you to fight Tits-Katana. » Blitzo explained.
« …You mean her excellency Raiden Ei Shogun, correct? » Ioroi asked.
« Yeah, sure, we'll go with that. » Blitzo shrugged.
« Whilst I would…gladly join your efforts against the Shogun, in this current state, I might not be able to aid you much…» Ioroi replied.
« We can work that out later. For now, how do we clear the magic tree that keeps the island alive? » Pentious asked.
« …I have no idea of a single word you just spoke. » Ioroi replied.
« How long have ya been stuck in there? » Blitzo asked.
« I don't know how long it's been! Sunlight doesn't come through the Chinju Forest. There's no way to tell time! Back then, I wreaked havoc everywhere to lure that sneaky kitsune out, but it was all in vain. Eventually, I decided to vent my anger by dismantling one of those kitsune statues, and I found a comb inside... Which gave me an idea! » Ioroi replied. « The comb was hidden inside a kitsune statue and even had the Hakushin symbol on it, which reminded me of her white fur... Thus, I concluded immediately that it must be very important. In which case, I just needed to hide the comb, and that sneaky kitsune would surely come out! Then came one of the humans from the Yougou Three. He defeated my tribe and I, turning all of us to stone. »
« Wow, sucks to be you, I guess…» Blitzo shrugged.
« Hmph! Humans. They're so short-lived, and they can't even transform... I don't get why that kitsune likes them so much. » Ioroi complained. « That guy who sealed me up was especially infuriating. He even told me to "strike a nice pose so that I can become nice scenery." Why, that little—! »
« Well, if we unseal you fucks, can you give us the Ward AND join the Molos Independence Liberation Front? » Blitzo asked.
« HA! You're called MILF! » Iori laughed.
« We're aware, sir. » Moxxie replied annoyed.
« In that case, very well. we shall join your forces. Oh, and I shall hand over the Ward to you fellows. » Iori replied, before handing the Ward.
« Well that was easy. » Verosika commented.
« Didn't even have to seduce them. » Blitzo added.
« I will fist your fucking throat. » Verosika shot back.
« Actually, why do you smell like tanuki? » Iori asked.
« Fox mask maiden cooked us lunch and, well…here we are. » Blitzo replied.
« Mask? I don't know anyone with a mask. Don't know any shrine maidens, either. I sure do know a kitsune, though. » Ioroi pondered for a bit. « ...That said, that sneaky kitsune did appear in the form of a shrine maiden before. What does the shrine maiden you speak of look like? »
« White fox mask, shrine maiden outfit, short black hair, sure it doesn't ring any bells? » Blitzo asked.
« Hmm... Don't know her. Never seen anyone like that in mine life! » Ioroi replied.
« …Did she just fucking prank us? » Moxxie asked.
« Most likely. Then again, I wouldn't be surprised if it was that sneaky Kitsune you've met. » Ioroi replied.
« A sneaky Kitsune, huh? Ya mentioned her earlier. She wouldn't happen to have a grudge against Tits-Katana, wouldn't it? » Blitzo asked.
« Not at all, as a matter of fact. They are, on the other hand, allies. » Ioroi replied.
« ….Bitch what? »
Xxxxxxx
Once again, the demons cleansed the area, and once more, Hanachirusato appeared. « That was well done — whether it was dealing with Ioroi's illusory tricks, or the way you defeated those demons. »
« Ah, so good for you to join us, Hanachurusato. Or should I call you… "Sneaky Kitsune"…. » Blitzo greeted the woman.
«...That's quite the compliment. He was actually talking about the daughter of the Hakushin bloodline, also known as the "Kitsune Saiguu." She was worshiped as the kitsune goddess in many places long ago. » Hanachirusato explained.
« Never mind, you're in the clear. » Blitzo shrugged.
« Usually, when bake-danuki make a mess, we won't send anyone to deal with them as long as they don't cross the line. After all, although they are mischievous, they're kind-hearted and simple, just like children. » Hanachirusato explained. « But when Ioroi dared to steal the ward for the Cleansing Ritual, well, that was enough to get him punished. Since the "Yougou Three" were mentioned in your story, then it was probably Kamuna... an onmyouji from a past age, who did the deed. »
« What about the Kitsune? » Blitzo asked.
« The Sky Kitsune and Earth Kitsune were once her emissaries. After she left, they all turned into stone statues to preserve their power and await her return — and when she does, they will all walk the Byakko Plain together once more. » Hanachirusato explained. « Following her departure, the bloodline and mystical might of the kitsune on Narukami Island today have dwindled to less than one tenth of what they used to be... »
« What about Ioroi? What's his deal? » Blitzo asked.
« Ioroi may be dull and impish, but he is also kind and loyal. That's why the Kitsune Saiguu aimed to guide him to the right path a long time ago. In order to make sure that he would comply with the Electro Archon's rule, the Kitsune Saiguu set the two of them up and got Ioroi appointed as the Protector of the Grove. This made him responsible for the safety of the Chinju Forest. » Hanachirusato explained. « That's why, when the world became pitch black, the Kitsune Saiguu was worried that Ioroi might die while fighting against this inexorable evil in his capacity as protector of the forest. So she used a game of Hide-and-Seek, something the bake-danuki are good at, as a way to challenge him... »
« So what? Is the dude still waiting? » Blitzo asked.
« Based on what you said about Ioroi, that appears to be the case... But after a while, Ioroi sensed that something was wrong and started wreaking havoc. He even stole the ward in an attempt to lure the Kitsune Saiguu out. » Hanachirusato explained. « He didn't realize that it was something required for the Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual. He just thought that it was a comb of some importance to the Kitsune Saiguu. Later on, Kamuna sealed him into stone due to that misstep. »
« What about his hide and seek friend? » Blitzo asked.
« ...She was swallowed up by the darkness. In the end, after that darkness was defeated, she returned to the great land of Narukami along with the soil. » Hanachirusato explained.
« No idea what that means, but I'm sure you'll explain it to us later. » Blitzo shrugged.
Xxxxxxx
After a while, the demons had cleansed all remaining shrines, and were ready for the last part of the ritual.
« I swear to god, if we have to cleanse more fucking shrines, I will rape someone's cat. » Blitzo said annoyed.
« You did a wonderful job. I can hear the Thunder Sakura root singing your praises. » Hanachirusato replied. « ...I have something to confess to you. »
« What? » an annoyed Blitzo asked.
« When you first acquired the Konda Village ward, I said that you were the "Destined One." In truth, I didn't have full confidence in your virtue and courage at that time. » Hanachirusato replied. « But as the Cleansing Ritual progressed, you not only showed me my folly, but you also far exceeded my expectations... so much so that... I can't help but feel sad. If there had been someone like you by the Kitsune Saiguu's side, then perhaps... »
« Yeah, and if ifs and buts were candy we'd all be happy! » Blitzo replied.
« So what happens now? » Moxxie asked.
« The Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual has one more step to go. As a price for protecting the land and absorbing the filth, miasma will accumulate in the roots. You have lifted the barriers and defeated the demons created by these defilements. » Hanachirusato replied. « Just as the Grand Shrine has its branches, the Thunder Sakura are just the side branches of the Sacred Sakura in Mt. Yougou. The five roots are the main parts. Most of the filth they absorb has in fact been transmitted to the Sacred Sakura, deep within Mt. Yougou. »
« So we just have to handle this shitty tree, right? » Blitzo asked.
« That's right. The key to the Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual is the last step, which is to lift the barrier over the Sacred Sakura and purify the miasma that has accumulated in its roots over the years. » Hanachirusato replied.
« All right, let's get this shit done. » Blitzo replied.
« Thank you. Then let's get this over with as quickly as possible. » Hanachirusato thanked the demons.
Xxxxxxx
After a while, the group reached Mt. Yougou.
« This is the final barrier of the Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual. » Hanachirusato explained.
« Let's do this shit. » Blitzo loaded his shotgun with malicious intent.
« Well, I'm going to lift the barrier... » Hanachirusato lifter the barrier, draining the pool, revealing a deep hole. « The seal has been lifted. »
« FOR THE MOLOS INDEPENDENCE LIBERATION FRONT! » Blitzo declared, as he jumped down the hole, followed by the other demons.
Before Hanachurusato could say anything, an assortment of explosions and gunshots could be heard from down the hole.
Five minutes later, it was all over.
« Hey fox lady! We're done here! » Blitzo exclaimed.
« The agony that the Sacred Sakura has been going through should have dissipated... » Hanachirusato replied. « You have done well. You truly are the "Destined One." »
« FINALLY! IT'S FUCKING DONE! » Blitzo exclaimed.
« I will leave your payment for you later, as we agreed. You shall not have to worry about that... » Hanachirusato replied.
« Meh, we were just looking to recruit those racoons. Some of them aren't even made of stone, so that's good. » Blitzo replied.
« By the way, what's your story, lady? We know you're a ghost, but that's pretty much all we know! » Moxxie noted.
« I guess there's no hiding it anymore. I inherit the memories of the Kitsune Saiguu. The Kitsune Saiguu was originally of the Hakushin bloodline, and she used to defend the people of Inazuma alongside the Electro Archon. » Hanachirusato explained. « I don't know how long ago it was, but in the end, she was consumed by the dark disaster while fighting to protect Narukami Island. However, the barriers that she set up in many places protected a great many people. Even though I just happen to have inherited her memory — and perhaps I overstep my bounds in saying so — but I'm truly proud of her. »
« So are you like one of those statues that are peppered all over this island? » Pentious asked.
« I am not one of her familiars, but rather... » Hanachirusato explained. «. I... I, "Hanachirusato," am filth condensed from the memory of Kitsune Saiguu. »
« …Well shit…» was all Blitzo said.
« I'm sorry that I couldn't fight along with you. I am unable to purify the filth... because I was created from it myself. » Hanachirusato explained. « Her memories were so powerful that the dark disaster could not dissolve them completely. After the disaster was defeated, those memories flowed into the earth as fiery filth. »
« Ah, so that's what you meant earlier. » Verosika realized.
« If only the Kitsune Saiguu had someone like you at her side, perhaps she would have survived. How wonderful it would be if she had had the chance to meet you. » Hanachirusato replied. « But when I think about that, I can't help but selfishly think that... "If that had been the case, then I wouldn't have been born. I wouldn't have inherited her memories, nor would I have met you." »
« Wait, does that mean you're going to die too? » Pentious asked.
« Yes, as a matter of fact. » Hanachirusato replied. « Then again…pardon my selfishness, but you did say that you had means of giving me a mortal body…»
« Indeed. Mind standing still for a second? » Pentious asked.
« Sure thing. » Hanachirusato replied.
Suddenly, however, Pentious grabbed the woman, and begun to shove her in a small robot, resembling a racoon, before incantating a spell. « Noitanimod latot su tnarg dna ,anataK-stiT livE eht taefed su pleh ,tobor noocar eht ni teg! NATAS LIAH! »
Five minutes later, and the transferring was done. However, Hanachirusato did not seem impressed. « …What the fuck is this? »
« It's…uh…a body? » Pentious replied.
« This is not a body! This thing can't taste, or smell, or touch! I'm the physical manifestation of the memories of a dead woman, trapped in an exoskeleton! » Hanachirusato complained.
« Well, when you think about it, aren't we all just-» Moxxie tried to reason with the woman, only to be struck by a rock thrown by Hanachirusato.
« NO! » Hanachirusato protested.
« Calm yer tits. We'll give you a better body. » Blitzo replied.
« Yes, this is just a placeholder whilst we officially claim this region and prepare to build bodies for the other racoons. » Pentious added.
« Oh. Is that so? » Hanachirusato asked.
« Wait, you seriously though this was gonna be your body? Did really think I'd just trap you in a cartoonish racoon body? What kind of monster do you think I am!? » Pentious shot back.
A short silence followed. « Fair enough….»
Xxxxxxx
Many thanks to Inanna for many of the suggestions for this chapter.
I hope you enjoyed this new chapter! Please review so I can know your opinion. I'm willing to accept suggestions for what is going to happen, so stay tuned! Also, remember to like and follow, if you want!
See you on the next update!