Welcome to the next chapter of DxD – The Last Amagiri, but before starting. Let's answer some reviews:
Guest: I have no context to respond to that because I don't know what's "trash".
Altajir95: Thanks. And I'll continue doing that.
Cesar117: I'm happy to hear that you like the story. I could see the appeal in their characters, but in this one, in particular, it might not fit that well.
The Queen's Closure
In Urakyoto, the acting Queen, Kunou, joined Claire, Alice, Lingqi, and Ravel, who found themselves in combat against the modified Youkai sent by Yami. There were some issues as these Youkai had access to traits irregular for their specific species, such as being unable to speak and think rather coherently. Claire, who could create an assortment of angelic weapons with access to light abilities proved efficient in handling them. However, even the Youkai's weakness to light seemed dimmed compared to normal. But, due to her training over the summer, their light power was much stronger than before.
"These things are much stronger than I thought."
Claire stated, holding an angelic rifle in her hands as she continued firing off light blasts at the Youkai who chose to approach her. The light burned a Bird-type Youkai, burning its body, but if it wasn't for the powered-up light, then it wouldn't have done much damage.
"Also, it is me, are these Youkai regenerating too?"
Ravel asked, finding herself covering Claire's back, releasing wind blades from her clan's third ability based on manipulating wind, leaving a wound on a group of three Youkai. She looked carefully at the three Youkai and then noticed their bleeding wounds seemed to slow down as time passed.
"I'm guessing that these things got modified with regeneration. Hm, I wonder if this is what people will feel going against me."
Alice wondered out loud.
Standing beside her was a new monster, one resembling a five-meter-tall reptilian humanoid, bearing a striking likeness to a Kaiju. It opened its mouth as lightning seemed to sparkle from its body and spine, before unleashing a blast of lightning from its mouth, hitting the biggest Youkai among the group and sending it backward. Overall, in terms of quality and appearance, the monsters Alice could create seemed to be somewhat more "defined" as if Alice was finding a strong foundation for creating real monsters.
Just then, the thinnest but the most agile of the group of Youkai had managed to move as fast as the wind itself, to get right behind Alice. From its first, a blade seemed to spring out, as it'd aimed directly at the weakest part of her neck. But, it didn't seem to work, as with the quickest response, Alice managed to push the blade aside as it passed her face. And with one swift movement, she tossed the surprised Youkai to the ground without even the slightest hint of effort.
Just then from Alice's shadow, several scaled tendrils reached the Youkai, then tossed it far from their master, as if it were a nuisance.
"Kunou believes that her father modified these Youkai with high regeneration, but it seems incomplete," Kunou in a rational tone stated as she blasted two of them with a flash of Kitsunebi. "But, it seemed weaker in comparison to people like Ravel-san."
"Of course, regeneration isn't an easy ability to remake, especially higher level ones like the Phenex's Immortality and even the Werewolves' regeneration," Ravel explained as she released a wave of flames that caught up the Youkai surrounding herself and Claire. "I guess that he modified their natural regeneration, but it's still simply in the testing phase of development."
"Well, I believe that's the point of this attack."
Lingqi had no trouble knocking back all of the Youkai in front of her using her punches and kicks without Shimon Mouko. Most of the ones attacking her seemed to include those whose strength seemed to be the higher among them without showing fear.
"Also, it seems as if there are some that are simply watching us instead of attacking," Lingqi added, as she could sense no ill intent from the Lion-type and a Weasel-type Youkai watching from the sidelines. "It's almost as if the Youkai attacking us are aligned more with Arata instead of Kunou's father. But, there's something else…."
"What?"
Claire asked as the Youkai seemed to be getting back up, almost ignoring the damage done to them as all their wounds seemed to be closing up more and more.
"I'm getting this weird feeling that there's something else here."
Lingqi stated, knowing more than most that trusting one's intuition would be the greatest advantage of all in comparison to writing it all as paranoia. Hearing those words from Lingqi of all people, Kunou, Claire, Alice, and Ravel could doubt her unique intuition.
"Hm, let Kunou see."
Kunou started sensing the different Ki around them, sensing the malicious Youkai surrounding them, and the Youkai from Urakyoto's main parts, with the attendants watching over things. But, as she was surveying the area above ground.
"…hm?!"
Kunou looked down at the ground, causing the others to glance towards her.
"What's wrong, Kunou?"
Claire asked.
"There's something underneath us and…it's gigantic!"
Kunou replied, catching their attention as the malicious Youkai seemed to catch onto their suspensions, some of them smiled as it seemed as if enough time passed.
Soon enough, the twenty-nine Youkai aside from the Lion and Weasel teleported to another location just as the ground trembled. It was almost as if there was an earthquake occurring underneath them, with the presence that Kunou picked up and they could now sense was coming towards them. Sensing it coming, Alice brought back the previous monster, then summoned one of her Dragons which brought them on its back, and went into the sky.
Just then, the ground unearthed, causing chunks of earth to be sent into the ground as a gigantic hole opened up and whatever was underground came up. Staring at the creature, Kunou, and the others couldn't help but wear a surprised look.
"An Omukade?!"
Kunou called out.
In front of them, there was a gargantuan centipede with a black exoskeleton, bringing its extraordinarily long body out from the earth where it remained, which seemed long enough to wrap around mountains. It was among the most gigantic and hostile Youkai around, if either one of them was found, then someone from the Five Principal Clans would seal from their locations. However, the Omukade were elusive and could burrow underground, however, the number of attacks from them was rare nowadays.
"Um, what the hell?"
Claire couldn't hide her surprise.
"Isn't this the same kind of Youkai that could eat even Dragons and is long enough to wrap around mountains," Alice asked, staring at the Omukade with great interest. "Is it me or does it look even bigger than that?"
As she explained, the Omukade seemed far bigger than the one either of them heard about in legends at some point in their lives.
"Well, this could be a full-grown one that has been modified, but there's no doubt that the youki it's emitting is the stronger than the others. Also, I could imagine that this thing is the closest to, if not on the same level as a Daiyoukai, with the modifications that Kazuo did to it."
Lingqi stated, finding herself sensing the presence radiating from it.
"Kunou will inform them about putting up the barrier," Kunou stated, getting into contact with the attendants who were watching the entire thing. "I'm giving the order to activate the barrier, there is an Omukade here likely on par with a Daiyoukai. If it continues going towards the people there, then it'll tear through the towns without even the slightest hint of resisting its rampage."
[Alright, Kunou-sama, we'll activate the barrier as planned.]
"Thank you," Kunou stated before reaching and retrieving her Oracle Phone. "I'm sending a signal to Zane-san and the others to assist. An immature Omukade is troublesome enough for Dragons to handle, with the mature ones being troublesome if there aren't that many people to contain and defeat it."
At that, Claire and the others could see more and more the reason that Kunou would become an ideal Queen in the future, acting with the most rational mindset. From different corners of Urakyoto, several magic devices made by the Kibou Alliance were placed, no different from the ones used in Kibou Town. Once activated, a barrier was placed around the entire location, sending the Sword Team and malicious Youkai into the artificial space that replicated the area.
"Alright, now we can fight without being worried about collateral damage. Besides, I could see that trying to fight this thing in a confined place would be troublesome," Lingqi stated, finding herself standing up on Alice's Dragon and staring down at it. "So, Kunou, what's the plan?"
Despite being older and more experienced than Kunou, Lingqi would respect the acting Queen's decision as an acknowledgment of her rational judgment. Kunou found herself feeling the respect that Lingqi showed toward her, but controlling the feelings bubbling up inside of her.
"It'll be troublesome fighting against something of that size in such an enclosed space, at the same time. So, can you please lead it towards the replicated town, Lingqi-san? Among us, you're the strongest and fastest."
"Alright, got it."
Lingqi stated, then without hesitation found herself leaping off the Dragon and landing on the ground without the slightest hint of stress or discomfort. No matter if it was Shimon Mouko or Balance Breaker, she was, in fact, the fastest and strongest among the group. Lifting her hand in the air, she gathered her spiritual power into a dense sphere. A basic, but efficient and effective technique among the Amagiri-ryuu, Reidan, where one condenses their spiritual power into a bullet. Based on the Demonic Bullet used by Devils, which she and Hisui learned from Kensei over the summer break.
She unlocked spiritual power in Shiamano, but the amount raised enough to be classed as a Master-class which was a remarkable enough feat in that period. But, as Shikigami stated before in terms of potential, hers is no different from Kensei's. Lingqi manifested the Reidan in her hands which combined Ki resulting in the unique fusion of both energies into one.
"Alright, let's see if this catches your attention!"
Lingqi punched the Reidan towards the matured Omukade, sending it at high speeds at the gargantuan Youkai and striking its head. It then produced an explosion that caught its attention, causing its black eyes to be aimed at her.
"Chiiiiii!"
It yelled at Lingqi almost from irritation, then moved its gargantuan body towards her at surprisingly high speeds, causing her to produce with the plan. She ran straight in the direction of the reproduced town without hesitation, managing to get ahead of it despite the speed it was rushing at her. Not much time passed until she chose to use Shinsoku to propel herself forward reaching the first building without much time passing.
"Let's see."
After leaping across the first building, Lingqi masked her presence and muted her footsteps using a rather unique stepping technique. If it was like a normal centipede aside from sensing its intended targets, it meant that it could sense vibrations too.
Crash!
As expected if it went through the actual town, several buildings were broken apart into little pieces as it arrived there without resistance. It wasn't as if the buildings were made weak or normal, most of them were enhanced to withstand particular conditions. But, its gargantuan size compared to the Omukade they heard about in legends granted it strength proportionate to its size. The Omukade continued bulldozing through the replica town without the slightest hint of hesitation in an attempt to find its attacker.
"…."
It wasn't a simple rampaging monster, this particular Omukade ensured to focus on locating its prey, befitting a creature who could kill and devour Dragons. As Lingqi continued moving through the replica town without making the slightest vibration and masking her presence, Claire and the others remained in the air.
"Alright, let's see how this attack works."
Claire stated, holding out her hand, then manifested Nemesis Astrum, the angelic bow she used aside from guns and other artillery. But, now its shape seemed to be much more defined compared to the last time she brought it out in front of the others. Similar to Annihilation Maker, White Nemesis could be considered the strongest among Creation-type Sacred Gears but caused more by Radueriel being sealed in it. Nonetheless, it was still limited to the user's imagination and will, causing Claire to focus most on mastering the fundamentals of demonic power, the powers of imagination and creation.
It was such a thing that led to her developing her second demonic power, Second Sight, something Diehauser and his peerage praised her for as not even a Pure-Blooded Devil would do such training. As such, Claire was training to make her demonic powers focus on creation.
Pointing her Nemesis Astrum into the air, she concentrated light into the arrow, then released it high into the air, causing it to soar into the air. After that, the light arrow split apart into innumerable light arrows that rained down on the Omukade. Each one of them touched its armored exoskeleton, with each of them slamming against the creature's defenses. But, it didn't seem as if there was much damage done to it, showing that it was too modified to be more resistant to light damage.
"Jeez, of course, this thing is too hard for normal light arrows to pierce?"
Claire stated, letting a sigh escape from her mouth.
Of course, Claire didn't go all out and wanted to see how high its durability was, but that didn't mean that the attack was weak. That assault alone would be enough to slaughter an entire peerage several times over who wasn't an Ultimate-Class Devil team.
"If I remember correctly, the Omukade had a weakness to Human saliva, which was mixed with its poison," Kunou informed them, but her face scrunched up. "But, I doubt that Arata would overlook that fact and would've had that weakness dealt with."
"So, our sole option might be to simply overpower and kill it, or at least force it to escape."
Ravel stated, with the others agreeing with that.
"Well, at least this might serve as a show of how effective our summer training was. And our opponent ended up being a giant centipede who can eat Dragons."
Alice added with the other women agreeing with her in that regard.
"So, let's show off a bit."
Kunou finalized as Lingqi seemed to have found herself in a comfortable position.
"Alright, seems as if it's time to show off," Lingqi stated wearing a smirk on her face as she shared the very same thought as Kunou and the others. "Let's roar, Shimon Mouko!"
Shine!
Lingqi summoned Shimon Mouko, then extended her dominant right arm back as spiritual power radiated from its gauntlet. Her weapons haven't reached completion yet, but the presence they released by them was much greater than before. And such a thing made them wonder what would happen if it reached actual completion, reeling her fist back, Lingqi appeared in front of the Omukade.
"Byakko Kenpo: Saiga!"
Lingqi slammed her clawed hand against the Omukade, causing a shockwave as it clashed against the gigantic centipede's hardened exoskeleton. She kept pressing on the attack showing no fear or hesitation in fighting such a creature with a much smaller body than it. As the women continued with the assault against the Omukade, it was also a wait for the backup up which would be coming in too. But, until then, the women would test and see how durable this Omukade is.
Meanwhile, in Okinawa, where Kensei and Yasaka were in the process of fighting against 20 modified Youkai too sent by Yami. In the air, Kazuo was still watching as the entire battle took place in front of him. He was interested in Kensei most of all considering that he was a person that a Primordial God viewed as his ideal vessel to inhabit. And in front of him was an untainted body belonging to the Amagiri Clans whose genetics interested him. A variable however wasn't something that the doctor was expecting.
"Hm, I didn't think that Yasaka would appear here in a teenage form. But, it does sound like Doctor Aozaki makes a de-aging serum, then immediately tests it out on Yasaka. Though, I did expect that there would be some complications in returning to a teenage form while maintaining most of her powers as an adult."
Kazuo wondered thoughtfully.
She wasn't sticking to support and instead joined Kensei in fighting against the surrounding Youkai without being a burden. Radiating from her hands were Kitsunebi, with Yasaka releasing the blue flames at all the surroundings causing the two to be surrounded in a flame circle. Staring at her, Kazuo could see that her control of the Kitsunebi was as strong as ever, not that he was aware of how much Yasaka's technique improved. Leaping outside of the flames, Kensei struck the first Youkai, an Oni with an elbow strike.
"Kuh!"
The Oni grunted from the force concentrated in that strike, then found himself following up with a double palm in its abdomen, releasing Ki from his palms. Blood escaped from the Oni's mouth before being sent backward with a propelling force. Another rushed forward wielding a cleaver great sword in his hand swinging it right at Kensei without the slightest hint of hesitation. Before it could reach him, he found himself stopping the cleaver by locking it right in between his knee and elbow.
In a fluid move, he'd knocked the cleave out of the Oni's hand, then caught it in his hands then slashed him right and deeply across the chest.
"Hm, not bad."
Kensei stated, swinging the cleaver around.
[….]
Just then, Kensei sensed a presence from Kurogane almost as if he was receiving a complaint.
"Come on, I didn't mean that it was better than you. You'll always be my favorite."
[….]
It seemed as if that satisfied Kurogane, who seemed pleased by those words. A Houtou was, of course, one of the sentient blades in the world, but after absorbing the cores from the Spiritual Beasts, it caused the Houtou to further develop its sentience. However, it was becoming apparent that Kurogane was becoming more and more of a glutton from the 'taste' of the powers it absorbed.
As the Youkai continued rushing at Kensei, some of them released their youki, activating their particular Youjutsu, and released an assortment of attacks at him. All ranging from elements, poisons, weapons, and curses soared at him. Each of the attacks was stored at him, with Kensei avoiding and countering them using the stolen Oni Cleaver in his hands. He stepped aside, ducked his body, twisted his side, and slashed the sword, each action looked to be flexible and fluid showing the utmost skill of a master swordsman.
In response to that, Kensei leaped forward at the Youkai, using the same stepping movement and speed to distract and get the drop on them. He swung the Oni Cleaver around, slashing one after another, but simply the ones that attacked him, instead of those who seemed to be watching the entire situation unfold. One of them included the modified Kaisame whom the two met before.
"…hm?"
Looking back, Kensei could see that the wounds that he caused on the Youkai had their bleeding stopped after a time, with the wounds lightly closing.
"Regeneration, huh?"
"Not quite regeneration, I just modified their bodies natural healing abilities to be much higher. Something such as outright regeneration is still something I'm unable to replicate," Kazuo explained from his position, almost as if he were a teacher. "Arata is demanding a lot from someone who hasn't joined for that long, but that's the best I'm capable of doing without causing aftereffects."
"Heh, I guess the oh-so-great doctor hasn't progressed much."
Yasaka stated, almost mockingly, as if her teenage side was making her more honest and aggressive.
"Ah, hearing your aggressiveness is so nostalgic. It reminds me of that one time when you got mad after I…."
"Don't you dare mention that?!"
Yasaka demanded releasing a burst of Kitsunebi at him, just to be blocked by the telekinetic barrier.
"I have almost no idea what to make of this."
Kensei stated, finding the interaction between Kazuo and Yasaka a complicated one, with him being surprisingly nice, whereas she was reasonably mad at her ex-husband.
"Don't mind this. Ugh, seeing him again is making me more aggressive than I thought I would be," Yasaka stated, grunting with an irritated look. "Hah, the pent-up emotions that built up over the years are coming out, because I returned to my teenage age. Ugh, this is so frustrating that I need something to vent on because I am unable to hit this Telekinetic Asshole Doctor!"
In response to Yasaka's emotional outburst, the circle of blue flames seemed to respond, raising in height until it seemed as if her figure was blocked. Right then, the youki from the Kyuubi Queen was being released from her, making it impossible to imagine her powers were supposed to be limited in this teenage form.
"Well, how about the Youkai here?"
Kensei suggested, pointing at the Youkai who found themselves feeling fear and the intensity from the Kyuubi's aura which made them see more and more why they're among the strongest species of Youkai.
"Alright, then!"
Yasaka agreed without any kind of hesitation at all, with her waving her hands with a strong wave until they were spread outwards. In response to that, Kensei leaped into the air, causing the circle of flames to spread out with an incredible amount of speed. Reacting to that the Kisame, Kisame leaped into the water to avoid it, while the others who seemed to be related to Kazuo, counting to two more avoided it through their means.
However, the other Youkai who remained were touched by the intense circle of Kitsunebi without being capable of resisting the blue flames that enshroud them. Their skin and flesh burned from the aftermath with the force of the flames pushing them backward, with the remnants of blue flames scattered around. In that instance, Yasaka took out the seventeen Youkai, who were left on the ground burned by the flames she unleashed.
"Hah, that was refreshing!"
Yasaka stated, feeling as if the emotions and aggression she wanted to direct at Kazuo were being sated.
"Truly, teen or adult, you are really strong."
Kensei added landing on the ground.
"Well, I'm the Queen for a reason."
Yasaka responded back.
"Well, this is about what I expected. I told Arata that sending the Youkai here wouldn't amount to much against opponents such as yourselves, but he still wanted to test them out here. He's just showing more and more that he doesn't care as long as his allies are strong and prepared."
Kazuo explained, showing some annoyance with Arata despite aiding him.
"You didn't need to help him in the first place," Yasaka stated, glaring at him. "He's looking to revive a Primordial God who wants to return Shintoism to its original state which is nothing, but not before he turns it into a real hell on earth! You told me you wanted to help people, but he's planning on burning everything to the ground out of nothing but spite and vengeance, Kazuo!"
Yasaka shouted out loud, staring at Kazuo who seemed to flinch at those words about the chances of people all dying in the aftermath of the incidents Yami caused and has caused. It was evident that he was someone whose research and experiments were with the best intentions for the people in the future, viewing it as something that's for their benefit. He wasn't someone with a savior complex or someone who believed that he was right and those around him were wrong. Kazuo was simply someone who wanted to accomplish a goal and assist those for this goal was meant.
"You weren't wrong about me, Yasaka. I soon reached a snag in what I could achieve through researching alone and found myself unable to pass that final barrier to doing what I wanted. I needed something no one could give me. As much as I dislike Arata and his personality, the information that could be provided by a Primordial God and Yami's resources could lead to me breaking the final barrier of creating transcendental beings."
Kazuo stated, finding himself speaking in a calm tone, almost as if he were trying to explain himself.
Hearing those words didn't seem to satisfy Yasaka as she clenched her fist and the emotions she felt towards him for all these years started coming to the surface.
"You, you're still so…!"
Yasaka shouted, but she and Kensei stopped as they noticed a new presence that was irregular, but powerful as it took their attention from Kazuo.
"What the hell?"
Kensei asked, staring at the ocean to find that there was a gargantuan silhouette coming up to the surface.
"…this is why I don't like him, he sent them."
Kazuo sighed recognizing this presence as Kensei and Yasaka received their answer.
Came from the surface with some of their upper half-revealed, but the two could see that this creature had a full black body, almost as if they were cloaked in darkness. All that could be seen on its face was its glittering eyes, which seemed to stare at its intended target.
"A Umibouzu?!"
Yasaka shouted surprised about the gigantic Youkai's presence.
"Of course that asshole would find one of the most elusive Youkai and then convert it into another member of his force."
It was an Umibouzu, one of the most mysterious and elusive Youkai, who appeared from the oceans and sinking sailors, bringing them to their deaths. The aura radiating from it was close enough to a Daiyoukai, but Yasaka in her adult form was still superior. But, then the Umibouzu wasn't alone, as two more, much smaller ones came up to the surface themselves with their presence being weaker than it, comparable to a strong Youkai.
"I told him those Umibouzu were prepared for combat. I shouldn't bother giving my opinions if he isn't going to be bothered to listen or consider them. And now this is going to cause more trouble."
Kazuo stated, but then the people there started noticing shifts in the atmosphere.
In their presence, the ocean seemed to shake and shift, producing waves as dark clouds were manifested from out of nowhere, making them wonder if it would start raining. And it began happening as the wind looked as if the wind was picking up as if a storm was brewing. There was something else unique about the Umibouzu, the ability to influence the weather to some extent. However, there was a total of three of them, which expanded that ability almost three times than normal.
"Ugh, this is going to reach the people in Okinawa if the storm these things caused gets worse. I can imagine and sense that people are starting to get worried and are beginning to return to the hotel."
Kensei explained, sensing the panic and surprise from their location.
"So, we're going to have to push them back and force them to retreat."
Yasaka stated, knowing that this was getting out of hand.
"Yeah, if it gets worse than this then I'll…," Kensei was going to mention if things get worse, then he'll call for backup. But, then he noticed that the leading Umibouzu seemed to have opened its 'mouth', and breathed in air. "Ah, shit."
Kensei could sense what was about to happen next, as the Umibouzu breathed out a stream of water right at him without hesitation, functioning almost like a water jet cutter. It left a deep cut into the sea and ground as it trained on Kensei, who retrieved the Oni Cleaver and Kurogane before blocking it.
"Ugh!"
He groaned as the youki-enhanced water pushed him backward without much resistance.
"Kensei-kun!"
Yasaka called out worried.
"Ngggh."
Kensei started putting more strength into blocking the assault trained at him. But, it wasn't for him, it was for the people behind him. If he deflected or moved aside in the wrong manner, then the water jet cutter could continue forward until it wounded someone and/or left a permanent scar down Okinawa. Preparing his countermove, Kensei infused spiritual power into the Kurogane and Oni Cleaver causing both to shine with a brilliant light. But, then mixed Ki into it, causing an abrupt reaction from the fusion, resulting in the aura surrounding them almost exploding with greater power.
"Tougen Amagiri-ryuu: Niten Oudan!"
Kensei used the same technique he used to block Lingqi's previous technique, but then instead of ensuring that it was easier to dodge. He instead used the increase in power to send the water stream straight into the air without reaching the people he was defending in Okinawa. After deflecting it into the air where the water dispersed into a miniature rain, Kensei floated in the air before looking down at the three creatures in front of him.
"Well, this is going to be a pain in the ass. From this distance, the barrier that he put up around that location isn't going to be enough to hide them from everyone."
Kensei reasoned, finding himself coming up with a solution to solve that situation.
He raised his hand in the air, with his spiritual power increasing, causing Kurogane and the Oni Cleaver to float in the air through telekinesis. Due to the freedom, he formed a sign using his hands, then constructed a barrier that was massive enough to cover the particular area. It did not cover the whole of Okinawa, but it would cover the battlefield which was now between them and three gigantic Youkai.
"Alright, now that that's taken care of," Kensei stated before turning back towards the three Umibouzu in front of him, with them staring right at them. "Well, what a way to end the summer break. If I do this right, then I'll be able to kill a giant Youkai."
With that in mind, as a wide smirk formed on his face, Kensei found himself preparing himself and propelled right in the direction of the three giants at high speeds. Both Kurogane and the Oni Cleaver remained beside him as he headed forward without hesitation. After reaching them, he caught both blades, then infused spiritual power in them before slowing down to swing Kurogane with the intent of sending a slash. But, before it could fly, he took the Oni Cleaver and then swung it in the horizontal direction.
"Tougen Amagiri-ryuu: Niten Juujizan!"
Calling out that name, Kensei unleashed a strong and large cross-shaped slash right at the lead Umibouzu with no hesitation at all. It soared at the creature at high speeds, with it being able to avoid it on time, causing the dual slashes to make contact with its face. In that instance, the two conjoined slashes lead to a notable mark on its face, while causing it to move backward as the waves moved along with them. A trail of black blood could be seen as it received the first wound right then and there.
"I haven't fought an Umibouzu before. I mean, I heard someone from my family fighting one, but I didn't get any real detail about it," Kensei stated wearing a smirk. "But, it's going to be one hell of a story to tell my friends and my newest disciple. Besides, I have to finish this up, then return to my last day with my woman."
"My aren't you ever the sweet talker."
Kensei heard Yasaka speaking as she assumed her Nine-tailed Fox form, being much smaller than her adult one but big enough for some people to ride on.
"Well, am I wrong?"
Kensei asked, turning her head to face Yasaka.
[No, let's finish this.]
Yasaka replied as she intended to fight alongside Kensei herself. And wondered if this was what Claire and the others felt when fighting alongside him, the feeling of being able to support and aid someone who held such a confident and defined presence. And so started the new couple's match against the three mysterious and hostile Youkai, while defending the people behind them.
During all this, Kazuo didn't look from the fight as he witnessed a subject of interest and his ex-wife fighting side-by-side against the creatures that were sent by Yami. His gaze was ever sharp and examined every single detail while wondering about more of the situation in front of him.
Back in the replicated town, Lingqi found herself leaping in the air as more and more debris was released right at her. She was almost sailing in the air without aid looking on to find most, if not 50% of the replicated town was all but turned into rubble after fighting against it for that long. On the Omukade's body, there were superficial injuries, with its exoskeleton remaining as strong. Since using Shimon Mouko, her punches and kicks could affect its hard exoskeleton, but not crack it.
"What can damage this thing aside from brute force?"
Lingqi thought, as she landed on the roof of a building and looked on as the Omukade fought against yet another creature that Alice produced. For Alice, it was obvious that fighting against this thing using a normal creature was a foolish idea. Despite its massive size, the Omukade was fast and with its nimble and flexible body, there wasn't almost a single maneuver that it couldn't do. So, she brought out a monster that could match that idea. Facing it was a gigantic snake monster with darkish red scales, bearing some draconic features, most notably having dark gold horns that seemed to connect like a halo.
She named the monster Ophiuchus, which moved around at high speeds and wrapped around the Omukade, as it reacted to that action. As the two gigantic monsters continued fighting against one another, almost competing with each other in who had the strongest and most flexible body, the Omukade seemed to have the advantage. But, Ophiuchus remained strong and managed to bite down on its giant body causing damage to its exoskeleton and injecting an amount of venom into it.
"Chiiiii!"
The Omukade groaned, then tightened its grip on Ophiuchus, showing far superior strength that could crush the scales of a Dragon and crush its organs. As Alice's monster seemed to be struggling in its grasp, the creator was able to sense that pain from her location.
"Alright, that's enough, come back!"
Alice called out.
After that, Ophiuchus seemed to melt into its shadow, escaping from the Omukade's grasp, and then the shadow all but moved from location to location until it melted into Alice's shadow.
"Good girl."
Alice congratulated as she felt Ophiuchus feeling pleased by her creator's praise.
After that, she brought out a large wolf from her shadow and then leaped on it as it started running in another direction at high speeds. It seemed as if the Omukade became confused by Ophiuchus' sudden escape and wasn't able to tell where she went. From that confusion and discomfort were caused by the paralytic venom that started running amok in its gigantic body. It did have resistance to venom and poison, but that was something that was going to take time to get over.
"Well, Alice-nee's monster worked well against it. I don't know how long that's going to last though."
Claire stated as she and Kunou found themselves hiding behind a building while masking their presence. Each of them was well aware that the Omukade could sense vibrations and ensured to be at a far enough distance, in addition to using stepping techniques taught to them by Kensei.
"Yeah, still Kunou is surprised that it's still going strong without slowing down. Our attacks are working on it, but nothing is working as much."
"Well, we are dealing with a predator that hunts Dragons. Unless we go all out there isn't much damage that we can do against it. But, despite that, the modifications on it are insane, I heard about them being durable, but this is a bit more than what I learned about."
Claire stated as the two remained standing there.
"Ah, yeah. I read records about it and it seemed as if Kunou's father modified and enhanced it more than its original limits."
"Hey, if you're going to start apologizing or saying that it's your fault. I'm going to be the one you spank you."
At that, Claire could notice signs of Kunou beginning to find herself blaming herself, because her father was the one responsible for this assault. With that comment, the Kyuubi Princess found herself letting a sigh escape from her mouth as she ran a hand through her hair.
"Hah, you're right. Kunou just doesn't know what to think here. All of the Youkai here were modified because of Kunou's dad and the Omukade would have torn through the entire Urakyoto. A lot of people would have gotten hurt and likely killed," Kunou said, finding herself leaning against the wall behind them before thinking about what Claire was telling her. "But, you're right, Kunou shouldn't blame herself and everyone else wouldn't blame Kunou for this happening. So, let's handle this together."
"Now we're talking."
Claire smirked at Kunou with a kind air between them.
"Well, this brings up another issue. Among us, Lingqi-san and Alice-san are the only ones capable of using large-scale attacks that can cause some damage to it."
Kunou started.
"You're right, Lingqi-san is primarily a Power-type, no matter her strength alone is the highest in the Kibou Alliance. But, she's also a Technique-type who aimed more for honed and focused destruction who'd aimed for a definite strike. Due to the summer training, Shimon Mouko and martial arts improved further than when she often trained alone. If she'd entered Balance Breaker, then she'd be capable of greater damage to it. But, at the moment she'll test out its defenses before going straight into Balance Breaker."
"Alice-san created larger monsters that could match it for a time in combat and cause damage to it compared to us. But, she is far more skilled at and used to creating much smaller monsters that are strong, durable, and agile. As a much larger monster took more effort from her than beforehand. But, since the summer she got far better at making large monsters," a tactical tone could be heard from Kunou as she spoke about the situation. "So, we'll need someone capable of moving around without issues and launching more offensive attacks at it."
[So, does that mean that we'll be a good addition?]
A sudden and familiar voice caught their attention reaching their minds.
"Zane-san."
Kunou said, finding herself feeling happy to hear from him.
[Sorry for the late entrance, kinda busy finishing up a project.]
[Well, we're here now. And it means that we'll get to test the results of our training against a real threat.]
Zane and Maria gave their responses.
[Also, there seemed to be some more Youkai in hiding, but our teams are dealing with them. Hisui found a lot of them and is handling them. Though, it seems as if some of them are being retrieved through the shadows.]
Even Abigail was there with them, with Kunou and Claire hearing that there were more Youkai back in Urakyoto, but Layla and the others were handling them.
"So, three trained Numbers are coming in and aiding us. That's perfect."
Kunou stated, knowing that the Numbers among the Kibou Alliance are the strongest of them and the leaders the individual teams follow with respect and acknowledgment.
[Well, since we're here for support. You can let it rip Lingqi.]
Lingqi, who was also on the other end of the line heard that signal from Maria who entered the battlefield and was aware that she was examining the situation thus far.
"Alright."
Lingqi stated, finding herself looking forward to the actual attack.
After that, she found herself leaving her location without using her unique footwork, causing the Omukade to become attracted to her presence. Finding herself in the road ahead of it from a distance, Lingqi ensured that her presence would be known to it.
"Chiiiii!"
The Omukade seemed to growl at Lingqi, who continued rushing towards it without fear or hesitation. As she ran forward, she raised her spiritual power, causing the aura to manifest around her.
"Balance Break!"
At that utterance, Lingqi was bathed in a white aura that enshrouded her body, then manifested as a white armor, with characteristics of a Tiger. During the summer break, she not only awakened Tiger Qi, but the 'beast power' in her increased from the further training. As a result, the amount of aura that Byakuren Mouko Raiment released was far greater than anything that Lingqi could output before. It wasn't just that, but because spiritual power was a product of Spiritus Armiger, both those energies influenced the Balance Breaker too.
Crack!
After a single forceful step, the ground cracked under the pressure, and then the armored Lingqi propelled herself at the Omukade with her first reeled back. It seemed almost surprised as someone much smaller than it appeared in front of it without fear almost with the intent of striking back. And then Lingqi released her punch straight at its face without hesitation.
Bang!
After making contact, the strike seemed to knock the Omukade's head backward almost as if it wasn't able to withstand that strike and maintain ground.
"…!"
A person much smaller than it managed to knock back its head, almost as if it was being suppressed.
"Byakko Kenpo: Renda!"
Lingqi called out her technique, then started punching the air, releasing white shockwaves from the punches that rained down on the knocked-back Omukade. It felt the impact from each shockwave that had impacted its hardened exoskeleton. But, it wasn't aimed at new spots, instead, it aimed at the places where it suffered from attacks before, causing more damage in those areas.
"…!"
Hostility leaked from the Omukade, who immediately responded, turning its body around, then started running all around, building up speed. After that, it swung its giant tail right at Lingqi with the built-up momentum, resulting in Lingqi being launched in another direction.
"Smart bastard!"
Lingqi stated, finding herself almost amused by that action before stopping herself by using Geppo to stop herself from being sent further. After that, she found herself being sent almost out the border of the replica town but then noticed two figures heading in the same direction as the Omukade. The first among them was Abigail, whose ten angel wings were unfurled, but the second one was surprising to see through her flight method. It was Maria, who was donned in armor with fairy wings protruding from them.
During the summer break, she focused on further training Blade Blacksmith which is said to have infinite potential abilities it could manifest. Not satisfied with the swords alone, she wanted to explore their 'infinite potential' which is something no one explored. She inherited the Light Element, no Holy Sword, but learned to empower the created holy swords using that Light Element. Due to Zane, Maria learned the fundamentals behind forging weapons and armor to reaffirm her imagination.
However, it was her strict training with Vasco Strada, that she obtained to make her final goal as someone who uses Blade Blacksmith possible. And with the Strongest Exorcist, who ended up with Sacred Arts, because of that she could obtain and cultivate a holy aura through the Light Element within herself. Maria increased the holy power she had and could shroud herself in a holy aura, functioning similarly to Touki.
And that turned Blade Blacksmith into a Sub-Species, which obtained the ability to produce not just Holy Swords, but also Holy Armors and Garments with different properties.
"Well, it seems as if the Fairy Armor is doing good," Maria stated, finding herself feeling gratitude for that. "I didn't think that our opponent this time would be a modified Omukade."
"Well, this is something our group would, of course, get involved in."
Abigail stated, finding herself floating in the air alongside Maria.
"I can't blame them for calling out like this. It's the first time that we're fighting against a creature this gigantic and it's one that Dragons should be worried about. A mixture of strength, speed, flexibility, and hardened shell, makes this thing a gargantuan sentient tank that can wrap around and devour us. And more than that, it's a Daiyoukai, which has been modified."
"So our option seems to be simplest."
"Yeah, having our strongest people continue pelting it with attacks until it crumbles."
Maria stated, almost feeling exasperated by this plain and simple strategy that was being forced upon them while facing this gargantuan Youkai.
[Well, we certainly have some people with the strength and firepower to make that happen.] Zane could be heard over the communication between them. [I'm getting my thing prepared on this end. Youkai or not, this thing is still a gigantic centipede, so I'm guessing that it can regenerate, more so after molting. And that's going to be quite a thing to be worried about because it'll likely be bigger than before.]
At Zane's comment over the other end, everyone listening could understand those words and concerns it meant it'll be dangerous if it recovers and gets bigger than it already was after molting.
"Well, let's get this started."
Abigail stated, finding herself floating in the air and raising her hand in the air.
Around her, numerous light spears were produced through her improved light powers, which were almost close to the level of a Seraphim. Each one was trained at the Omukade, but she wasn't alone as Maria placed a hand on her chest almost in a prayer.
"Mind lending me a hand?"
[Of course, we can sense a deep bond with Mari~]
Maria heard a cheerful and excitable voice resonating in her head.
Aside from Blade Blacksmith, Maria ended up forming contracts with fairies, both of whom seemed to start taking a liking to her. It was then that she linked it to her blood connection with Sir Lancelot, who was said to have been loved by fairies and spirits. After that, a gold light could be seen from Maria's hand, with a smiling fairy appearing in her hand as power sparkled around it.
After getting permission, Maria found herself placing the fairy gently right at her chest, causing the letters written on her armor to shine with the same light. In response to that, the armor released electrical force with a stronger presence emitted from it. It was a unique trait, as aside from the fairy wings, Maria could integrate the powers of a particular Fairy into the armor.
"Sword Formation: Lightning!"
Maria raised her hand in the air, manifesting an assortment of swords around her, which then proceeded to fly at the Omukade. Each one radiated with a lightning aura much stronger than the swords, with the swords' designs being more superior and defined than before too. Not a single one was aimed to attack it directly, but the swords seemed to catch its attention. As it seemed to try to break them, Abigail launched her light spears at the giant Youkai, striking it at its side, causing the Omukade to react the light spears continued to strike it far more with the light contained in them exploding on contact.
"Thunderbolt!"
Maria raised her hand forward, manifesting a new sword in her hand, bearing a more regal shape as it radiated a much stronger lightning aura almost splitting the air. The Lightning Sword Formation soon appeared to encircle the Omukade. Each of them radiated lightning, then linked together around the gargantuan centipede, creating a giant circle of lightning. She concentrated Holy Lightning into Thunderbolt, then released a blast of lightning from the Thunderbolt, targeting the Lightning Sword Formation.
The ring of lightning surrounded the Omukade, with the holy lightning released by Thunderbolt surrounding the gigantic centipede in a massive burst of lightning that roped around it.
"Chiiii, Chiiiii, Chiiiii!"
The Omukade was being electrocuted by the lightning that surrounded it, with them centered around its nervous system, causing it to become further paralyzed. At the same time, Abigail continued pelting it with the remaining light spears under her control, causing greater damage to it. For a creature as big as it, receiving such an attack aimed at its body and nerves, it would without a doubt still stun it. As its mind was wracking from the damage to its nerve, the Omukade looked in the air to find there was a shining white figure coming down at it.
"Byakko Kenpo Ougi…!"
Lingqi called out, preparing to unleash her Hidden Technique, causing the fusion of Spiritual Power and Ki, with a burst of explosive power radiating from her and concentrated around her right fist. Same as Kensei, she had an additional kind of energy, Tiger Qi, which would be included on top of the fusion. But, the fusion of that additional power which originated from powerful creatures could become unstable if it isn't fused right. So, doing so would be something that would need to be done in an instant or else it'll cause drastic and negative feedback.
"…Mouko Houken!"
Just as Lingqi included Tiger Qi on top of the fusion turning it into a fusion of three energies, producing a brilliant white flash as she punched the Omukade in its 'center' with a straight punch slammed into its exoskeleton. In that instance, there was a flash of brilliant light and a shockwave that caused the ground to crumble right under the Omukade as its exoskeleton around its chest cracked.
"…chiiii."
From its 'mouth,' purple blood escaped from it as it leaked from the wound caused by the attack as Lingqi leaped into the air. Just then, the Omukade looked up and spat out the venom from its mouth towards her as she was still right in the air. Reacting to that, Lingqi manifested a barrier made of spiritual power around herself, causing the purple substance to avoid her body. Knowing that it would be dangerous to remove the barrier if the poison remained in the air around her, she maintained the barrier.
But, knew that this would lead to a predictable outcome, as the substance smeared the barrier, but she could feel the Omukade pouncing forward at her. Its fangs were opened wide to bite down on Lingqi, who didn't look at all worried in the slightest. Just then the reason was answered as something was wrapped around her barrier, an angelic rope from Claire who manifested her angelic wings, and pulled Lingqi back.
Just then, Alice could be seen underneath the Omukade shadow looking straight up, and then from the shadow, a total of four Dragons came out from it. Instead of their full bodies coming out, it was instead their heads as their four massive fanged maws opened up. It was then that the four unleashed a combined fire breath towards the airborne Omukade. And the conjoined fire breaths turned into an inferno that was aimed at the same part that Lingqi attacked. After which, the cracked exoskeleton enlarged causing greater damage to the Youkai who found its body descending from the ground injured, causing an earthquake as Alice was moved by the wolf monster.
"…!"
It was feeling more pain than it had ever experienced in life since it matured into an Omukade, and then modified to be much stronger than that. A total of seven people who weren't even as big as one of its legs were dealing this much damage to it. As it was preparing to get back up, it looked to notice that there was 'something' on the tallest building that it was facing.
Standing there was Zane and in his hands was Donnerkeil, one resembling a heavily modified black rifle with it being almost impossible to see in the night. If not for the shining red lights which could be seen on it, being the newest weapon he designed.
"Alright, Donnerkeil, let's see what you can do against this thing."
Zane stated as lightning could be seen being charged up into Donnerkeil, causing it to emit a dangerous light and magic power that made the creature worried.
As it was intending to run, there was a sudden number of barriers manifested around it, some large that kept its movements blocked and smaller ones centered around its limbs. It originated from Kunou, who found herself at a building further from it and holding out her hands. As the Omukade used its large body and strength to crumble a barrier, Kunou reconstructed it without skipping a beat. It seemed as if the barriers were undergoing a continued process of destruction and reconstruction, seeing no end to it.
"I might not be strong enough to fight you yet, but I'll be good enough to support and lead the people here who could defeat you."
Kunou stated with a strong and courageous tone as the Omukade destroyed the remaining barriers.
[Charging complete, Donnerkeil is prepared to fire.]
A mechanical voice came from Donnerkeil, causing Zane to smirk.
"Alright, fire!"
At that Zane pulled Donnerkeil's trigger, causing an enormous beam of concentrated lightning to be fired from the long barrier. In essence, Donnerkeil was a modified Railgun constructed through magic and alchemy, something which turned electromagnetism into a weapon. As expected, the lightning beam continued sailing aimed straight at the wound caused by Lingqi and Alice, and then penetrated its armored exoskeleton, separating the Omukade from its upper and lower half.
"…wow, that was awesome!"
Zane sighed, letting a breath escape from his mouth as he marveled at his work.
[So, glad he isn't an enemy.]
That was the thought running through their minds as the women looked at the destruction that Zane caused by his newest invention. Among the Numbers, there was no doubt that Kensei stood among them as Number 1. But, the Number 2 was someone who had high firepower in terms of magic and ordnance, with tactical and technical know-how, something that made him a dangerous enough threat to even Kensei. And that was the purpose of the Numbers 1 and 2 being promoted like that, being a foil to one another.
Just then, the Omukade seemed to still be alive, with whatever wounds it suffered closing up even in that state. It was at that moment that the group, of course, noticed its shadow moving around before wrapping around its body and sinking into it without a trace. After noticing that, the entire group of seven gathered together wearing the same look of irritation on their face.
"Of course, Arata summoned it back before it could die."
Claire sighed, feeling annoyed as if she could imagine his face.
"Well, we'll need to expect this thing to become more of a pain in the ass later."
Maria stated, knowing full and well that Arata is the type to continue coming up with contingencies for them. But, in the end, their Kibou Alliance would be prepared and determined to challenge, whatever and whoever would be targeting from. It was something that a lot of them have done ever since they were brought to Hagun Island and then placed in brutal situations ever since.
Afterward, the group noticed that two Youkai were approaching them, one of them was the Lion whom the previous group encountered. It was a non-hostile one, but neither of the newest groups found themselves aware of that fact.
"It's fine," Kunou stated, causing Zane, Maria, and Abigail to notice that there was no hostile presence originating from it. "You're Youkai related to Kunou's father."
"Yes. Princess Kunou, there is a message that your father, Doctor Enomoto wanted to give."
"Hm?"
Kunou replied, feeling surprised about that.
After that, the Lion continued to speak with Kunou about the message as the others stood beside her listening to the entire conversation. Hearing the message from her father, whom she hadn't heard about throughout her entire life, she looked forward maintaining her strong look.
"Alright, I understand. Kunou wants you to tell her father this."
Kunou stated before giving her response.
Back in Okinawa, Kensei and Yasaka remained in the air as the storm produced by the three Umibouzu was all but increasing with wind and lightning running amok in the particular area. Both of them floated around in the air through their means, releasing their attacks at the three gargantuan creatures. In response to that, the three Umibouzu caused the water surrounding them to be raised and shaped into different attacks aimed at them. Numerous amount of water tendrils and blasts were directed straight at them, in response to this, Kensei and Yasaka released flame attacks that dispersed them into mist.
"Not giving us much of a chance to counter-attack, huh."
Kensei stated, feeling somewhat irritated from the three Umibouzus' attempts at striking him, all while swinging Kurogane and the Oni Cleaver without stopping. He found himself getting used to aerial combat during training in Shiamano from fighting the flight capability Spiritual Beasts.
[Well, are known for being troublesome Youkai. Still, there is no doubt that Kazuo increased their cognition much more than normal.] Yasaka explained as she kept fighting against the water bindings without being caught up in them, knowing it wouldn't end well in her current form. [And it doesn't help that three of them seem to be skilled at coordinating with one another without getting in the other's way.]
As Yasaka noticed whenever the lead Umibouzu attacked them using the same water jet cutter, the other two got out of the way. But, when signs of it doing that occurred, she and him moved aside to avoid the attack striking the island, in particular, the barrier surrounding it. Fighting against a Daiyoukai with the aid of two other Umibouzu was a difficult task for them, feeling that the two functioned also as additional sources of youki.
Surprising as it was, Yasaka found herself capable of using more of the power that she had as an adult even as a teenager. Hinata did mention that there would be some issues due to the difference in development between both ages. It was then that Yasaka thought about those different 'moments' with Kensei, where he would perform Bouchujutsu with her. During those moments, she felt the tangled-up aura inside of her body becoming more loose and spreading throughout her.
So, there was a chance that it was the power that her teenage power couldn't control and remained inside her without being touched. But, those loving moments with Kensei made it more and more possible for her to access power that she wouldn't have been capable of ever accessing as a teen. However, that wouldn't be enough as the Umibouzu were working in unison with one another to challenge them. As expected, Kensei continued to fight it despite the obstacles in front of him, one of the reasons that she and others adored him.
In this battle, there would be no doubt that Kensei could come up with a solution for defeating it as he always did throughout his adolescence. But, that was the reason that people such as Claire and the others have felt as if the team needed to become stronger to take care of themselves instead of being reliant on him. However, there was a difference for Yasaka, she wasn't a common person, she was a Queen and a Daiyoukai, someone who was to represent Urakyoto as an important figure.
For this vacation, she wanted to escape from, not get over her past experiences with Kazuo and being alone and with the person who promised love for not just her, but her daughter. She never expected to be turned into a teen but that happened and Yasaka was experiencing the kind of freedom she lost after becoming the Queen at a much earlier age than what she was supposed to have been. And now, the past that she was expecting to have gotten away from was right in front of her.
Yasaka wanted to free herself from it, she wanted to free herself from the sadness, and from the husband who'd left without ever receiving a single word about it.
[….]
She determined to settle her past and sadness right then and there, as a golden aura started to manifest all around Yasaka's body. It wasn't something that didn't go unnoticed by Kensei and Kazuo, as the aura seemed to be greater than what she released beforehand. Kensei looked to notice that there was a change in her Kyuubi form, seeming bigger than what it was before. It didn't end there, as Yasaka seemed to be taking much more of an active role in fighting against the Umibouzu.
"…."
Turning its eyes at Yasaka, it released a blast of water from its mouth, to which she responded by releasing her Kitsunebi as a blue flame breath at it. Both the water and flame breath clashed against one another, producing steam from the collision. It seemed to hold the advantage as the water breath appeared to be overpowering the blue flames. But, same as before, the gold aura around Yasaka continued increasing as it seemed as if she was accessing a deeper reservoir of power. Like before, her Kyuubi body continued increasing in size, almost as if the woman was returning to normal. And—
Her blue flames soon overpowered the water blast, covering the top of the Umibouzu's head and causing its face to be scorched by the flames. As blue smoke could be seen rising from its head, experiencing actual pain for the first time against the Kyuubi.
"…Ooooooooo."
The lead Umibouzu released a painful sound, almost as if it were a ghost wailing in pain as it spread throughout the entire area and echoed. In front of them, instead of the previous form, Yasaka took the form of a ten-meter tall giant nine-tailed, which was releasing a much stronger aura compared to before.
"Yasaka-san, you're back to normal!"
Kensei stated, surprised about that phenomenon, not expecting such a thing to happen. It also looked almost as if she had a stronger aura than before, causing her to glance toward Kensei and seem to nod her head.
[I don't think that I could remain a teenager forever. I enjoyed the freedom in the last three days which seems as if it was worth years of freedom I thought I lost as the Queen. But, I've enjoyed myself long enough and thought it would be better to fight alongside the man I love.]
"Alright, then, let's take care of this thing then!"
Kensei stated, smirking at Yasaka's comment with held the strength and confidence that he expected from her.
At that, the lead Umibouzu looked to have been enraged from the burns caused by Yasaka and the previous hit landed on it by Kensei beforehand. Due to that anger, the weather started becoming more unstable with lightning seeming to be produced by the clouds overhead.
"Well, this thing is making a mistake by influencing lightning around me."
Kensei stated finding himself heading straight into the air as the Umibouzu was releasing attack after attack at them by using the seawater underneath them.
He and Yasaka moved around more and more in the air as the two found themselves dodging all the continued assaults from the vast amounts of seawater underneath them. But, the Kyuubi released her Kitsunebi which kept on evaporating the water aimed at them. And as water tendrils started focusing around Kensei, who continued to soar ahead of them, then turned around and found himself heading straight for them. He held his swords in his hands without hesitation as the wind gathered around him while focusing Dragon Ki into them.
"Tougen Amagiri-ryuu: Kenbu, Tatsumaki!"
As Kensei swung his swords, it turned himself into a tornado seeming to be shaped into an Eastern Dragon that clashed against the concentrated water blast, causing the blast to be disassembled, causing the water droplets to be dispersed into the air. Just as the leader of the Umibouzu was preparing to counterattack, something came from the tornado and was covered in the remnants of wind. And—
Pierce!
"Oooooooooooo!"
The Umibouzu shouted again as it was revealed to be the Oni Cleaver which was tossed, then curved slashing it across the face, getting its eyes, essentially blinding it. After that, the other two seemed to have taken the role of defending it from assaults, making them realize that the orders were through whatever means originating from the lead one. And without him, the others were without much efficient command.
"I kinda liked that sword too. Alright, now the finishing touches."
At that, Kensei ascended in the air as lightning seemed to be being released from the thunderclouds overhead, standing underneath them. He further influenced the weather phenomena by manipulating the natural energy, causing the crackling of lightning to increase. Kensei positioned Kurogane in his hand in a position similar to a Joudan-no-kamae found in Kendo, with spiritual power and Ki being concentrated into the blade.
At that, lightning was amassed around Kurogane, causing the lightning from the skies to be attracted towards it and consumed by the black blade. It manifested as a giant, focused sphere of lightning that was started right at the lead Umibouzu. And that wasn't alone, Yasaka turned her head to the lightning sphere, focusing Kitsunebi above it. But, there was an odd phenomenon that occurred as the flame produced lightning around it, something a normal person wouldn't have witnessed from normal Kitsune.
However, a Kyuubi was a special Kitsune for a reason aside from being the Queen able to access leylines, their Kitsunebi can produce blue light and lightning, aside from blue fire. Yasaka was talented enough to use that phenomenon, which hasn't been seen in a long time among the Queens. As such, the lightning produced from it was included among the lightning gathered in Kurogane.
"Yasaka-san, you truly are one hell of a woman," Kensei stated with a wider smirk, with the technique completed, infusing Dragon Ki into it, resulting in a strong reaction. "Tougen Amagiri-ryuu: Shin Raimeiken!"
He released the giant lightning sphere at the lead Umibouzu at high speed as the two tried producing a barrier of water to defend against it. But, it was too late as the attack collided with the lead Umibouzu, resulting in one giant explosion of lightning that caused a greater disturbance in the water and produced a contained wave. After that, Kensei found himself landing on top of Yasaka's back.
"Huh, I think that this is the first time I've done this."
Kensei stated, feeling the softness of Yasaka's golden fur.
[Well, so you're the one riding me for a change then, huh?]
Yasaka responded as a light joke.
"Heh?"
Kensei replied.
Both of them looked forward, noticing that there was an occurrence in the ocean as the three Umibouzu could be seen again. But, the lead one seemed to be heavily damaged, with the other taking the full brunt of the hit, with parts of their faces damaged and missing, having lost one of their eyes each and suffered from burns. It also didn't help that the lightning attack struck the ocean, surrounding it.
"Alright, one more hit then."
Kensei started getting into position with Kurogane pulled back as if he were preparing for a piercing attack instead of a long-distance slash.
But, just then, the shadows seemed to enshroud them as the Umibouzu found themselves being brought down in the shadow. However, that didn't dissuade Kensei who covered the black blade in lightning before unleashing a quick thrust forward that traveled through the shadow as it vanished.
"Of course that asshole made it so that they'd vanish."
Kensei stated finding himself sheathing Kurogane and returned to sitting down.
[Well, this isn't over yet.]
Yasaka stated, turning her attention to Kazuo who was focused on the battlefield the entire time.
Landing back on the beach, Kensei leaped off Yasaka and found himself standing in front of Kazuo, who descended from the air and positioned himself a fair distance from them. The Queen herself assumed her normal form, while assuming her clothing as the leader and stood there in her adult form.
"And there's the Yasaka I know," Kazuo started, still seeming friendly in front of Yasaka despite being glared at by her. "I didn't plan on this happening, I was just here as an observer."
"Yet, you didn't come in to stop it," Yasaka found herself calling him out on that, as Kazuo's expression turned to one that had guilt in it. "I don't care about that. You were never a part of our lives since you'd decided to leave it without a single word. I won't lie that hurt me because I trusted you all that time and thought you would come back. But, that never happened, instead, you focused more on your research and even aided a terrorist that is attacking the group our daughter is a part of."
"…."
Kazuo hadn't uttered a single word and instead allowed Yasaka to continue speaking.
"I don't know the reason that you decided to come here. But, it only proved you'll do whatever it takes to achieve your goals, even if it means joining people like Yami. I thought that you weren't involved because you wanted to become a doctor to help people. If you remained hidden, I would have thought that it was someone else. But, this incident proved that you're helping someone who's planning on burning out home and country to the ground."
As Yasaka got out those words, she found herself feeling more and more of the emotions and things that she'd wanted to get off her chest coming out, to the point where tears seemed to well up in her chest. But, she kept up the strong look as Kensei didn't show signs of intervening and instead allowed Yasaka to get it all out.
"I don't know what was going through your mind, and I don't care anymore. I wanted to trust you, I wanted to give you the benefit of the out. But, it turned out that I was wrong," Yasaka stated, finding herself letting a calm breath escape from her mouth. "If you're going to continue aiding Yami, then there's nothing more that needs to be said anymore. I'm the Queen of Urakyoto, and I'll stand beside the people who've continued supporting me. Hinata, my friend. My assistants, and citizens. Kunou, my precious daughter. And…."
At that, Kunou wrapped her arm around Kensei, who had been standing there and supporting her throughout that entire time, and looked forward.
"…my lover, Kensei Amagiri."
Yasaka declared without fear.
"…," At that, Kazuo took in the words that Yasaka said, then started scratching his head and sighed. "You're right, I shouldn't have come here. It was another mistake on my end. I honestly didn't know what would happen here. I just wanted to confirm what you felt about me. I'll leave."
It seemed as if Kazuo was doing what Yasaka wanted him to do, and leave from there. In a normal situation, it'd be a good idea for them to detain him, but there was a reason Yasaka didn't attempt to capture him. It would have been more troublesome than dealing with the previous Youkai that the two fought against before and the Umibouzu. Kensei agreed with that as despite how much he progressed in Senjutsu, it was a clear fact that he couldn't sense the man's presence in front of him.
And his level of mastery of Telekinesis is something that eclipsed anything that Kensei could achieve now. In that instance, Kazuo contacted the Youkai related to him through telepathy, informing them that it was time for them to return. After that, he turned around, seeing no point in Yasaka seeing his face any more than what he did thus far, as his shadow stretched out. And it showed that he too had access to the same ability as Yami's higher-ranked members of using shadows to travel around.
"…shadows," Kensei sounded that odd as there was one more thing that went through his mind. "That's some nifty trick that you and the others seem to have. It also seems kinda odd that asshole knew that Yasaka and I would be here. Not as surprising as finding tickets someone purchased wouldn't be difficult. But, sending a half-assed Daiyoukai to fight a real Daiyoukai is a dumbass move for Arata. Almost as if he knew that Yasaka wasn't in her adult form and that she wasn't at top strength."
"Arata is so wrong about you being a moron, you know," Kazuo stated, almost amused for someone reason, still not turning around, but Kensei heard his voice in his head. […that Primordial God didn't escape from the sights of the Chief God for no reason. He can have 'shadows' everywhere.]
[Sure this isn't a betrayal?]
[Not really, this is simple information that wouldn't matter. Besides, you thought about it already.] Kazuo stated as he maintained the telepathic connection, with this figure sinking into the shadows. [Even I, a Telekinetic Asshole Doctor can do at least one thing for his daughter and ex-wife.]
[…sure. But, you do know that I'm still gonna have to kick your ass, or Kunou or Yasaka would?]
[Yeah. And it'll be well deserved.]
Those were Kazuo's last words as he cut off connection with Kensei and vanished from sight.
After going through that, Yasaka felt herself taking a seat down beside Kensei, letting a breath escape from her mouth. It was an ordeal that she hadn't expected, but it felt as if a MASSIVE weight was off her shoulders, feeling more true freedom than ever before.
"Thanks for being there with me, Kensei-kun."
Yasaka stated as Kensei remained standing.
"Well, I'll always be there for someone I care about, especially, my lover," Kensei stated, retrieving Kurogane out of from its sheath. "That just leaves one more thing."
"What's that?"
"Hey, Kurogane, since you're such a glutton how about eating this."
Kensei stated, stabbing Kurogane into his shadow for reasons that Yasaka couldn't understand or question as it had to have a reason.
After doing that, 'something' in Kensei's shadow started squirming around as an additional 'shadow' seemed to be absorbed and almost consumed by Kurogane whose hamon turned black for a moment before returning.
"A shadow, did Arata or Amatsu-Mikaboshi leave that behind in your shadow."
"It could've been Amatsu-Mikaboshi the last time he tried possessing me as a child, which would explain how the other asshole knew where Hagun Island was. I had an insane fucking Primordial God as a stalker."
Sheathing Kurogane, he took a seat beside Yasaka, as the two looked to find that the storm started to cease. In response to that, the sunlight started beaming through the dark clouds, with some of it touching the couple that sat side-by-side.
"Well, this was a terrible, but fulfilling third day."
Kensei stated, with Yasaka laughing at that.
"Yes, it started fun, then we fought, and finally, I got closure. It's funny how things turn out sometimes."
Yasaka replied, feeling as if she would smile as bright as the sun right now.
"Hah, it sucked because there was something that I wanted to do after the day. Now, after this, the timing might just be bad."
"Oh, if that's what you're talking about, then there's no issue with it," Yasaka said, smiling with the kind of mature allure, as she'd found herself wondering if them having sex again was what Kensei was talking about. "So, come on, the swordsman can't be scared to do what he had planned."
"Alright, if you say so. But, close your eyes."
"Alright."
Yasaka agreed closing her eyes, but then found herself feeling Kensei grabbing onto her hand. And then felt that there was something that had slipped on her finger. It felt familiar as there was something that was familiar done in the past and caused her to open her eyes wide.
"…!"
Yasaka looked at her finger to find a ring similar to the one worn by her daughter and the others on her finger.
"I wanted to give you that ring today, but then everything started happening," Kensei stated, still feeling flushed no matter how many times he did this. "I love everything about you, Yasaka. Your kindness, courage, maturity, and leadership are all things that would make anyone happy enough to be in your presence. And that's why I wanted to make this an official thing. So, will you…?"
"Of course!"
Before Kensei could finish Yasaka leapt on him and wrapped her arms around him as she kissed him on the lips as happiness filled her heart. There wasn't a single thing that she wanted aside from someone to love her and it was something she received from the young man wrapped in her arms. In response to that, Kensei hugged the mature Kyuubi back, almost giving her the utmost sign that he wasn't going to let her go.
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
In that instance, Kensei received a call and answered to find—
[Ken-chan, Hahaue!]
Kunou answered finding herself looking at them through the phone.
"Oh, Kunou, dear did something happen there too?"
Yasaka asked.
[Yes, there was some Youkai that attacked and….] In that instance, Kunou looked to find that her mother was in her adult form again. […ah, Hahaue you returned to normal.]
"Yes, and I quite like this age better."
Yasaka stated, smiling at her daughter something that caused her to feel at ease in her mother's presence even if it was over the phone.
[Yes, me too. Well, an Omukade attacked, but we managed to handle it and Zane-san, Maria-san, and Abigail-san came over to assist us. But, I'm guessing that something happened there too.]
"Speaking of which, tell Claire that she jinxed us."
Kensei stated, hearing Claire over the other end saying: "I heard that!", Kensei responded by sticking out his tongue with a blank look.
"Yes, but Kensei and I handled it."
Yasaka replied, finding herself smiling.
[That's good to hear, I'm glad that Hahaue and Ken-chan are fine. Kunou heard from Kunou's father, but she told the Youkai to tell him that Hahaue and I belong to Ken-chan. And that if he wants to apologize, then it should be after we arrest him.]
Kunou explained with a proud expression.
"That's my girl," Yasaka stated smiling at the strength she heard from her daughter. "Well, you're now right about you and I belonging to Kensei."
[Hm, how so?] Kunou asked, tilting her head to the side, then looked to see the ring on Yasaka's finger, causing her to squeal with happiness. [Hahaue, Kunou is so happy for you! Now we do belong to Ken-chan!]
"Hehehe, yes dear. We do."
Yasaka stated, smiling as she leaned her head against Kensei's shoulder as he smiled at what was happening in front of him. Right then and there, the Kyuubi Queen and Princess have no issue belonging to him, showing more of the love that the two shared for him. And Kensei planned on returning that without loving one or the other, being someone who belonged to them as much as they belonged to him. So, the brand new fiance and fiancee sat on the beach wearing a smile on their faces.
A/N: And there goes the next chapter of DxD – The Last Amagiri, well, this was an insane battle on both ends as an Omukade and three Umibouzu attacked Urakyoto and Okinawa causing the most trouble. But, their groups all pushed them back through different means, with those in Urakyoto showing some of what they achieved during the summer break. Lingqi's improved Sacred Gear and Balance Breaker. Maria's Sub-Species for Blade Blacksmith, which creates holy armor and garments aside from swords. Zane's brand new firearm which is a Railgun.
In Okinawa, both Kensei and Yasaka handled the Umibouzu, with the Queen returning to her actual age and getting her longtime closure with Kazuo. And last but not least, he managed to give Yasaka her ring, making her his official fiancee.
I hope that you liked the chapter, until next time.
Also, Happy Fourth of July.
Kensei's Harem: Alice, Claire, Hisui, Kunou, Yasaka, Lu Lingqi, Sarah, Minako, Koneko, Kuroka, Ravel, Amaterasu, Brynhildr, Rossweisse, Ophis, Misaki.