Shogunate Pride

by Bluestar076

In the region of Caelum, miles away from the guild of Fairy Tail, there's a special guild made of samurais that is always ready to dive into new adventures to save their region from supernatural threats by clashing their weapons. This is their story, as a girl that controls both light and darkness joins them (SYOC Closed.)

20. Wings of Misfortune

Shogunate Pride Chapter 18: Wings of Misfortune

By Bluestar076

Hello everybody! Bluestar here with a new chapter! It took a bit longer to start working on this one, but I ended up closing myself to finally beat a certain game and put it behind me (Take that Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker!). It was hard, but now that it's over, I can finally return to my regular schedule, and since it has been long enough, we can get back on track with a new chapter! This one may be less complex compared to the others, but this is compensated with something you may have been waiting to see! What, you ask? Oh, you'll soon find out! Because we can dive into today's episode with one of the things I love the most while writing a story: character development! So, as always, I hope you enjoy it!

Note: I do not own Fairy Tail. All rights and characters belong to Hiro Mashima, A-1 Pictures, and CloverWorks.

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Chapter 18: Wings of Misfortune

Unknown Area

"…" Hoshiko opened her eyes and stood up from her bed…only to find out that she ended up in…what seemed to be a strange white room with four walls and a pink door. The strangest thing was that the furniture and the overall look were identical to her room, except…that everything was white, apart from the door…and that it all looked like…the drawing of a five-year-old kid.

Even if it was all too bizarre…Hoshiko wasn't as stunned as she would have usually been. Rather…she looked around confused.

"Is this…my room?" She wondered. She stood up and looked around. Everything seemed in place, despite, well, the look. And the questions didn't come up yet, somehow. Even though she could feel that something was missing…something was messing with her head, she didn't say anything and just looked around her, with everything she could touch.

What was happening? Was she caring about it?

She looked at the four keys. As soon as she had them in her hand, she noticed that the symbols on them weren't present, almost as if at that moment…they were regular keys. She tried to summon every one of them. But nothing. Maybe they were sleeping?

In fact…since when did she have those keys? What was…she doing?

She couldn't retell…all that she could do was observe. But soon enough, looking around at that room became boring, and wanted to do something. Maybe move out? Or maybe…finding a sense of that situation.

It was then that she looked at the pink door. Maybe…that would have given her answers. There wasn't anyone to prevent her from doing so, right? She was at home after all…her home.

She stretched a hand to the doorknob…and right at that moment, she heard something.

It seemed like the noise of an animal, but she couldn't tell clearly which one. It didn't seem that much of a deal, so she opened the door.

Once she was on the other side, everything seemed just like the room.

White. Empty.

But soon…the color started to appear, and even the drawing-like appearance started to fade away, with everything finally looking realistic. It seemed like…a long prairie with some trees and a wind that was gently blowing

For some reason, she had the feeling that place was…familiar to her. Why did she feel nostalgic? Where did that feeling come from?

What was she even doing?

But her questions…soon had an answer after a few steps, as she ended up in a place she knew even too well.

Several constructions…several houses…four familiar long walls…and most of all…

Other fellow ninjas were walking by. Some of them were busy with their duties while others were strolling…happily.

Suddenly…everything came back on Hoshiko.

"Is this…is this my village?" She wondered. It was that same sentence that made her stop for a moment. Was it…even possible that she was there at that moment?

She knew too well what happened. And yet, she was standing there right at that moment. Why? What was happening?

Once again, she had the feeling she heard the noise of an animal. It was…clearer this time.

It was…a bird?

Hoshiko didn't know what to say. But just as her suspicions were starting to grow…she turned around and noticed two familiar figures.

One was imposing and muscular, with brown spiky hair collected in a tail, wearing Japanese armor. The other one seemed to have pale skin with orange and blue hair wearing an orange kimono.

Even if they were turned around, Hoshiko couldn't help but immediately recognize them. The two people she missed the most. Even if none of that was making any sense…she couldn't help but run. Run as fast as she could. Just to see those two's faces one more time.

"MOM! DAD!" She shouted as she ran. After a few moments, she was able to reach them. She had to take a few breaths after the run. But she was standing right there. She raised her head and looked at them.

"Mom…dad…is that really you?"

But even if she asked this…they didn't reply.

"Uh? Hey…it's me, Hoshiko!" The ninja girl insisted.

And this time…her parents turned around. She was ecstatic to see them once again, even if the situation seemed surreal. But…

As soon as they turned around, Hoshiko noticed that their faces…were erased. In their places, there were only black scribbles. Like when someone didn't like a drawing and tried their best to erase it to not show the same of having made it.

Hoshiko widened her eyes in terror as she saw it. "W-What? What happened to you!?" That sudden feeling of fear made her look around, and she noticed it.

The rest of the people in the village…had the same thing. Faces erased…emotionless.

"No! What's going on!?" The girl exclaimed as she started to make some steps backward. She looked at her parents as if she wanted one last glimmer of hope that everything was ok.

At least…from them.

The two figures stretched their arms as if they wanted to take her with them.

Hoshiko couldn't understand. But…she wanted to take their hands. Even if it was all messed up…they were still her parents. She wanted to feel back…what was it like to touch them?

She tried to reach them, but right at that moment…the animal noise became more audible. "Uh!?"

This time she could tell what it was. Something that froze her blood.

A crow.

In the blink of an eye, the noise became stronger and more frequent, to the point that Hoshiko started to freak out and put her hands on her ears. "No…PLEASE! NOT THIS AGAIN!"

In an instant…the whole village was on fire, and Hoshiko was forced to live out that horror once again. That same scarring image she had implanted throughout her life.

Crows started to descend from the sky and devoured the faceless people of the village, reducing them to nothing more than bones with remnants of flesh.

"NO! STOP IT! PLEASE STOP!" She shouted out, as tears of both frustration and pain started to fall from her eyes. She looked up to her parents, who still had their arms stretched to call her out. But she could just see that they were getting the same fate as the others…

Shred to pieces, by the crow.

"NOOOOOO!" Hoshiko didn't have the time to freak out that the crows started to go down on her, attacking her from every angle. "NGH! ENOUGH!" She tried to cut them down with her ninjato. She didn't try to use her magic. Either way…the crows continued to arrive, to the point that she was forced to retreat.

She ran as fast as she could, turning back to see the destruction they were causing. But then… "AGH!" She tripped, and the crows reached her. She raised her head to see only all the pain going back to her memory…and what remained of her parents.

Somehow…while she was standing on the ground, she reverted to her five-year-old self. The only thing she could do…was to cry.

"MOOOOM! DAAAAAD!"

CAW CAW CAW CAW CAW!

The crows went back on her with all the violence they could. Hoshiko closed herself in a futile effort to defend herself. But her flesh was already torn apart by them.

"NO…PLEASE STOP! STOP IT! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" The vision became blurrier…bloodier…as the crows were eating her alive…and then….

Caelum – City of Elba – Guild of Shogunate Pride

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Hoshiko woke up abruptly in her bed.

"ANF ANF ANF ANF ANF ANF ANF ANF ANF ANF!" Hoshiko looked around and recognized her room. This time…everything was in its place, and she could see how it was still a deep night. But this sight didn't help her to fully calm down.

She was still breathing heavily with her heartbeat going as fast as she could and her front sweating terribly.

Her door was opened, revealing Dohko and Yukari in their nightwear. The Guild Master and her wife immediately ran towards her when they saw her in those conditions. Even Yukiko came out of her celestial key.

"Hoshiko! Are you all right!?" Dohko exclaimed.

"My lady, what's wrong!?" Yukiko added. But Hoshiko didn't seem to calm down.

"ANF ANF ANF ANF ANF ANF!"

"Oh God…she's having a panic attack…" Yukari explained while Yukiko started to agitate as well. But then…as If it was the most natural thing in the world…the celestial spirit cat just leaned next to her shoulder with a worried face.

Somehow…the heartbeat started to slow down, turning back to a regular pace. The breath, as well, turned back to normal. And in a few moments…Hoshiko could finally calm down.

"Phewwww…" After regaining herself, she started to gently stroke her fellow celestial spirit, who didn't move away from there. "…Thanks, Yukiko…"

"Are you feeling alright…?" The cat spirit asked.

"Yeah, we could hear you from the other rooms…what happened?" Dohko added, still worried for her.

The ninja mage hesitated to answer. But she knew that she could have been sincere with them. They still were the people she was feeling the most comfortable with.

"I…I had a nightmare. I dreamt of that night again…"

Dohko, Yukari, and Yukiko could realize what she was saying. Adding to knowing her for that long, they could tell what she was talking about, especially after briefly mentioning what happened during the operation to save Sen Hachiman.

The Guild Master could understand what she was feeling and came closer as well, alongside Yukari. "I know how you feel...it must have been all too sudden. But…" He then tried to make a smile. "Just so you know it's all right."

Hoshiko was still a bit shocked but still nodded.

"The Master is right, my lady. And don't forget we're also here!" Yukiko added, referring to herself and the other celestial spirits.

"…Do you perhaps…want to sleep with us tonight? Just to feel better." Yukari then proposed.

Hoshiko couldn't help but have shiny eyes at that proposal. She sometimes forgot how caring Yukari could have been. "…Thanks, Yukari, and…you as well, Master. But, it's all right. I think I can…handle it now."

Dohko wasn't entirely convinced by that, but he didn't want to make her feel oppressed by forcing her. So he stood up. "All right then! Tomorrow, you'll tell us the rest alongside the others. But for now…try to rest well, ok?" He spoke.

"If you need anything else, you know where to call!" Yukari added. With those words, they bid her goodnight and left the room, where they could see the rest of the guild members in their nightwear as well.

"So…what happened?" Domino asked.

"It's…a long story. But…let's leave her alone by now. She needs some rest." Dohko replied. The other members nodded and looked at their colleague's room.

They surely had a lot of questions to ask…but for the moment, it was better if they followed what their Master said.

"I never thought to see Hoshiko falter like this…" Yori commented.

"Man…whatever happened must have been bad…" Sena commented.

Rere looked at Tsukuyomi, who looked down. She could completely understand what the other mage was feeling at that moment. She didn't know the details yet…but considering her reactions, it must have been something cruel.

Even Henry looked at the door a bit worried. He hoped that the last moments at the party calmed her down, so he was a bit displeased to hear her like that. But he tried to stay positive. "Come on, guys! I'm sure she'll feel better tomorrow…I hope so, at least…"

Revany stared at the door and sighed. "Let's leave her like that for now. It's late…" With those words, she went back to her room. Shortly after, all the other members followed, with Tsukuyomi being the last one to look at the door.

"…Hoshiko…" In a way, she ended up getting harmed that night as well. But she knew that she had to rest. After all…they had the next day to talk it out, hoping that everything would be fine.

She knew they were going to talk.

Back in Hoshiko's room, the girl remained seated in her bed with her arms around her legs, while Yukiko was still next to her.

"Are you sure everything is ok?" Yukiko asked.

"…Forgive me if you saw me this way, Yukiko. I know we had confirmed in the past few days that they were still around. But…I never thought it would have come out like this…" Hoshiko said.

"I know…maybe too well, considering that it was your parents who gave us to you," Yukiko said. "But, either way…whatever happens from now on, just so you know that I don't intend to abandon you. I'm sure the others think the same way."

Hoshiko couldn't help but make a little smile. "Thanks…"

"Everything for you, My lady. Call me if you need me again!" Yukiko replied before going back to the key.

With all of that passed, Hoshiko felt like she could sleep again. It was incredible how she could rely on so many people, despite her nature as a ninja.

Yet…her worries and thoughts didn't leave her. It was clear that after what happened that night, she would have faced those ninjas again. It wasn't part of her original dream, but it was something she would have thought of making.

Yet…it started just like that, with her not being able to see it coming…just like that fateful night.

Was she able to do it? Was she able to open the door of her memories and finally face the past?

As she thought of it…she put her sheets back and closed her eyes. Even if she got the right comfort…a tear fell from her eye.

---

The next day…

The morning was starting to come, and the sun was slowly rising from behind the mountain, giving an orange color to the sky that was contrasting the already existing deep blue.

That day, Tsukuyomi ended up waking earlier than usual. "…Uh…" The short black-haired girl slowly raised her body to look up at the sky. "Is it…morning already? Man…everything that happened yesterday made me wake up early." She commented before turning around.

She didn't need to get back in bed and take one or two more hours of sleep. She could tell that it was going to be a long day. And she was concerned about Hoshiko after hearing her scream like that during the night.

Maybe things would have gotten more complicated. And she needed to be there. Therefore, she got out of her room, took a quick shower, and went down to the main hall.

Down there, she could see with surprise that most members were already sitting at the tables, with Yukari slowly serving everyone. The ones that were still missing were Dohko and Hoshiko.

Henry turned around and noticed the approaching girl, greeting her with a salute. "Oh, good morning, Tsukuyomi!"

"You're…up early as well?" She asked.

"Well, after hearing our pal reacting like that last night it's almost natural that we want to get up as soon as possible!" Nobuhito answered.

"Nobu! Show some tact!" Tammy scolded him.

"Ah- sorry…but, l mean…isn't what we want to know at this moment?" The red-haired samurai asked then.

Everyone had an embarrassed silence for a moment. It wasn't something very kind to say…but they couldn't deny that it was what they were thinking. Outside of her usual stoic and proud attitude, Hoshiko was usually a calm and collected figure, so seeing her like that meant that something was wrong.

"…Speaking of which…is she sleeping yet?" Tsukuyomi then asked, noticing how their ninja colleague wasn't there yet.

Iori shook his head. "We don't know. But we are sure that he didn't leave his room yet." He replied.

"If she's still in shock, it's better if we give her the right time. Otherwise, it will be hard for her to explain things properly." Yori added.

"Hoshiko…" After whispering her name quietly, the black-haired girl sat down at the table with the others, right between Cal and Rere, as usual.

"Feeling sad, eh? I know that feeling…" Rere told her.

"I'm pretty sure that it has to be with those two mages that we ended up facing. I…I can see when someone gets upset when they see someone in particular." Cal added.

"Is that so? How do you know that, Cal?" Sena then asked.

At that question, the other boy made a bit of a nervous face and looked elsewhere. "Well…I've heard stories about it."

Sena was a bit disappointed in that answer, but he was more surprised by the fact that some of the present members seemed to know what he was talking about, judging by their expressions, which were the same as Cal's. "Well…now that I think of it, we could start by telling us what exactly happened. Due to the late hour, we didn't get the chance yesterday. I'm quite curious!"

"Hmm. Sena's right. Hoshiko wasn't the only one who came here. You five sirs can also tell us a bit about what happened so that we can get an idea." Fern added.

Tsukuyomi, Rere, Cal, Henry, and Tammy looked at each other and agreed that it was a fair point. So they started to speak out about the mysterious assaulters.

The other members listened carefully before giving their opinions. Some of them were concerned while others seemed…curious about it.

"Crow Clan, you say? So you ended up facing two powerful mages that do not belong to a dark guild…what a peculiar situation…" Ren commented.

"And the fact that they used the word 'clan' makes it even more particular…Hoshiko also comes from one of those, right?" Rokumon then asked.

"Yes. They're usually the organizations ninjas come from. Back in the X200s, ninjas were used to be mercenaries by royalty or noblemen to assassinate a specific target. As time went by, they started to isolate themselves and form their network and hideouts to continue their deeds for their own. This Crow Clan we're talking about is probably one of the many." Revany answered.

"And it seems that Hoshiko knows them. I mean, considering how ninjas' network works, It wouldn't be that much of a surprise. But…" Henry said before making a concerned expression. "The real skeleton in the closet is to know…how does she know them."

"So…no one knows?" Tsukuyomi then asked.

"Don't look at me!" Rere replied.

"Yeah…I don't know either." Nobuhito added.

"Even if she was the first one to join the guild after the new founding members were established…not many people really know about Hoshiko's past," Fern explained.

"She did say a bit, but not too much. I mean, who could blame her, after all?" Iku said before drinking some wine. "So, in a way, this is the first time for us as well to hear the name 'Crow Clan'."

"Man, so you're all oblivious just like us!" Tammy commented before sighing. "Man…this might take a while, then. Especially if they end up being more dangerous than expected."

"And the fact that just two of them were able to make all that mess surely doesn't help…" Rere added.

"Combining the ninpo with ethernano is surely an interesting combination. But I can say for sure that it may become deadly. And I'm pretty sure we had the proof yesterday." Yori said his opinion.

"Yeah…not gonna lie, I was genuinely worried after seeing your conditions last night!" Nobuhito added.

Upon hearing that, Tsukuyomi lowered her head and made a sigh.

"…Oh gosh…did I go too far?" The red-haired samurai asked.

"No, don't worry…I was just…thinking about what happened…" The girl responded. She still had clear the image of Mitsubo almost killing her.

"Don't put too much weight on yourself. You couldn't predict how powerful he could have been. Tough challenges always wait for us at the other side of the door in every mission." Yori told her.

Tsukuyomi still wasn't that convinced, but she sighed and nodded nonetheless. "I guess you're right…"

And then…at that moment, everyone could hear the noise of door openings, and when they raised their heads, they could see Hoshiko and the Guild Master looking at them.

"Master?" Revany asked.

"Hoshiko! Are you ok?" Henry added.

The ninja girl seemed more serious than usual judging by her expression as she answered. "Yes, don't worry. I was…able to regain myself." She said before some seconds of silence. "…And…I think I owe you some explanations."

"Are you sure? If you still feel uncomfortable-" Rokumon was about to assure her, but the girl raised the index finger to stop him. She then made a small smile.

"It's fine. I…I knew this day would have come one way or another. So, it's only fair I talk about it with you guys…especially regarding the choice about it." Hoshiko said.

"Hoshiko…" Rokumon spoke.

Dohko looked at the scene and then nodded. "Feel free to explain yourself in the way you consider the fittest, Hoshiko. But how about we all discuss it in my room?" He then asked everyone with his usual smile.

Tsukuyomi slightly raised her head. "The Master's room? When he says this, it's usually when it's about a delicate thing, so…"

Cal nodded. "Yeah. This problem might be bigger than we could have thought. Especially if it concerns one of us deeply."

"Well, there's nothing much to do but to go," Fern concluded. Everyone agreed with him as they started to stand up and go towards the Master's room.

Tsukuyomi followed the others, as her concerns started to become reality. But naturally…the one who was worried the most was Hoshiko.

Was she able to look at that scar…so that she could have closed it for good?

Everyone sat down in the Master's room, with the members sitting on their legs over purple pillows, facing the Master, who had Yukari and his three daughters on his right. Above them, all stood the sword of the first Guild Master as if her spirit was watching over them.

Hoshiko looked down while waiting for her moment to talk. Even if she had to face back something like that, she tried her best to maintain her composure. Something that the others could notice.

"She's clearly uncomfortable…" Domino thought.

Dohko, on the other hand, opened his eyes and looked at each and one of the members of his guild. "As you could expect, today we are gathered here to discuss the recent mission that has been given to us by the Shinsengumi and its outcome. Normally, this would be a matter of low interest, as the mission was successful. Still, the enemies who caused the whole event in the first place turned out to be more dangerous than expected, considering that not only were they able to escape, but they turned out to be a tougher challenge than we expected, looking at how the five members we sent were reduced after they came back. And…"

He looked at Hoshiko. "It seems that they have something else to say regarding one of us. It was her who wanted to put up this meeting."

Everyone seemed surprised. They thought that it was Dohko to call them all there so that they could discuss and help out their friend… But it didn't seem to be the case.

"Is that so, Hoshiko?" Ren asked.

The ninja mage nodded. "As I said earlier…considering that it's something extremely important to me…it's better that I share it with everyone." She spoke.

"It's all right, then. We're all listening." Domino told her with a comforting smile. Everyone seemed of the same opinion as they looked at her.

All eyes were set on her.

She couldn't wait any longer. She had to talk it out…especially if she wanted to tell them her choice.

"The Crow Clan is a ninja clan that has existed for generations. Not much is known about their origin…but while they had been on their own for a long time, in the last twenty years, they started to expand themselves, in an attempt to gain more territories and power." Hoshiko started to explain.

"So, it's like a hidden dark organization?" Sena asked.

"This would explain why they've started to target big faces throughout the empire…" Ren pointed out.

"But…isn't that a bit of a suicidal move? I mean, they're imposing themselves as someone capable of wiping out the forces of an entire region!" Tammy said.

"It's not as easy as it sounds, Tammy," Hoshiko told her. "When ninjas are well-organized, they can do terrible things. Especially if they have magic to support them, just like us. They tend to act as a silent force that tries to choke down all of its opposers without getting noticed, by using their assassination skills and their experiences as mages."

"In short…it doesn't look that different from a dark guild…" Rere commented. "But they seem to know what they're doing."

"Yes. And that's what made them go step after step throughout this whole time, gaining more territories in secret, like some sort of mafia." Hoshiko continued.

"Which means that they've already implanted their mark on this land and presumably others, like some sort of parasite," Yori spoke.

The ninja girl nodded. "Recently, I was able to find out about some of their installments and take down the ones who owned it. But…I couldn't gather anything important from them, since they were only regular gangsters. For a long time, I thought that they were just an organization that liked to step on the others' suffering just to become more powerful." She said before starting to flinch. "But…after what I saw yesterday…I could see what they were truly capable of. They've started to use their true assets for something. Presumably…to bring back the same terrible things I had witnessed that day."

Everyone else could see how she was starting to get upset again.

"Are you ok?" Henry asked worried.

Upon hearing that, Hoshiko immediately stopped trembling. She couldn't falter. Not yet. "Yes…don't worry." She tried to assure them.

"If you say so…" Iku answered with her usual tone. "And do you think you have an idea of what they're trying to do?"

The celestial spirit mage shook her head. "No…even after all this time, I still don't have a clue. They've always acted unpredictably and no one could expect when they're going to attack. If anything, the idea that Makoto and the shogun put into action was a first step to intercepting them. What I'm certain of is that, surely, it has to do something with their recent assassination attempts and their use of magic. Whenever they try to get rid of a big fish…they resort to using their strongest members…just like it happened that one time…" She replied.

"…You're…talking about the reason why you know them?" Domino asked her.

Hoshiko didn't answer immediately. She looked up at Dohko, who looked at her with a comforting smile and nodded. "Go ahead."

Even Tsukuyomi tried to make some comfort by making a caring expression.

Before starting, the ninja girl took a deep breath. But she then opened her eyes with a bit of a melancholic expression before speaking out…removing the cat from the bag.

"The reason why I know them so well is bonded to the reason I've ended up in this guild. The Crow Clan…is responsible for the destruction of my clan."

Some of the others widened their eyes in shock while others became more serious, as they had the thought that it was something like that.

"Is…is that true!?" Rere asked, bewildered.

"They…they destroyed your home?" Tsukuyomi added, sounding more upset.

Hoshiko started to get more anxious and looked back at Dohko, who spurred her to continue with the stare. That was enough to give her the courage to speak.

The box of one of the samurais…was about to be opened.

"It happened…thirteen years ago." Hoshiko started…as the images were clear once again, even if unwillingly.

She could remember the image of her clan…and all the ninjas that lived there.

"As I said many times, I'm the last member of the Star clan, one of the various ninja hideouts that live in the region of Caelum. We were known to be a fierce and powerful group of ninjas that always looked for new challenges and tried to reach further peaks. But…we also had a sense of humility towards the others. We followed the mercenary nature of ninjas, but we would have only targeted those who we thought deserved to be punished. We always looked for something new, but we didn't ask too much. We had a simple mind…and we were fine with it." She started, remembering the days she was happy in the village, as she played with the other kids under the view of his proud parents.

"My father, Bang Star, also known as Black ✡ Star, was the head of the Star clan. He was known to be a hot-headed but kind and strong figure. He was also known for his strength. While my mother, Tsubaki Star, was known to be an imposing woman, yet she knew how to treat others properly. She was also…good at playing the biwa." The images of the two of them laughing and hugging her started to make her feel worse. But she wasn't done yet. She tightened her fist as she continued.

"And then…it happened one day…when we could see several crows fly above the village…and several hooded figures approaching us. They started to speak out about how we were going to be part of something great. But we could have never expected…what would have happened shortly after." Hoshiko continued with a trembling voice. She remembered the exact words to that very day.

"Listen, we're not people who like to dwell that much, can you tell us what are you talking about!?"

"Oh, it's nothing to be upset about, Mister Star. It's only about…following the natural course of things. You're going to be part of the search for immortality…and the beginning of a new era for ninjas. We're going to erase the concept of death. But to do so…some price is…necessary. To erase the concept of death, we must use death. Which means…that even if we don't want to…we must resource to some sacrifice."

"YOU LITTLE-! ATTACK!"

"My father tried to counter their forces…but they turned out to be too strong for us. And in a matter of minutes…" Hoshiko continued as her face started to get grieving.

"GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

"HELP MEEEEEEE!"

"EVERYTHING IS BURNING DOWN!"

"MOOOOM!"

"My village was reduced to nothing more but flame, smoke…and ashes. I could only see that the people I knew and loved were getting murdered and mutilated. But the final strike…was to see them right in front of me…as the figure who talked to them was approaching them with his magecraft…" Hoshiko continued, on the verge of shedding tears. Even this image, as far as she didn't want to, was clear even that day, just like in the nightmare.

"MOM! DAD!"

"HOSHIKO!"

"Hoshiko…take these keys…get as far as you can! Save yourself!"

"WHAT? NO! W-What's gonna happen to you!?"

"Remember Hoshiko, do your best to not cry…you're a proud member of the star clan! You'll grow up strong one day! Don't be afraid of what happens to us!"

"And remember…we'll always be with you…"

"Mom…dad…"

"Go! NOW!"

That day…even if hesitant, Hoshiko started to run as fast as she could. But this didn't deny her to turn around. As she did so…she could see the figure approaching them…unleashing his magic. And then…

SPLAT!

KA-BOOOOOM!

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

She couldn't even see them one last time lying on the ground. All that was left was a big explosion and a huge pile of smoke. The tears were flowing down from her eyes like two waterfalls. But she turned around.

She needed to escape. That was their final wish. She ran as far as she could. She even didn't know where she ended up. But she kept on running. And then…as soon as she knew to be far away from what once was her home…she could do only one thing.

"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

Cry. Perhaps the strongest cry she had ever made in her short life.

"Everything that I knew…everything that I had ever loved…was taken away in a matter of minutes. Even today…I don't have any clue about why they did so or what they were gonna do. But I never forgot…what I felt that night." Hoshiko concluded.

Everyone (except Revany) looked heartbroken. It was the first time Hoshiko was that open to someone, and they expected it to be something bad, considering the reaction she had the last day…but not something like that.

Some of the members could even understand what she was saying with their stars. As if…they knew something similar.

"You…had gone through all of this when you were just a child?" Tsukuyomi asked.

Hoshiko nodded. "All that I was left with…were the four keys with Yukiko and the others. They were a personal treasure of the clan that my parents were able to find before I was born. After a little time spent on my own with them…I was found by Uncle Dohko and the previous Guild Master. Due to their past bond with my clan, they've decided to take care of me. And well…you know the rest."

Rere widened her eyes in surprise. "Shogunate Pride and her clan knew each other?" She asked.

Dohko nodded. "Yes. This guild and the Star Clan had a long-term friendship ever since the times of its origins with our founder and first Master. I, in particular…knew Hoshiko's father." He replied. "Sometimes we would have been able to take a break and meet each other in free time. Eh eh…we used to have a hell of a fun, together." He added with a bit of grief. "Then…when I found her that day, I discovered what happened. So, I've…decided to take care of her, even if not as a father, to make sure that Bang's soul could have rested with ease."

"So that's why Hoshiko calls you uncle…" Ren spoke.

"Yes, that's it. Throughout all this time, he even helped me out on finding more about the Crow Clan, even if the information we were able to gather didn't seem to be enough." Hoshiko replied. "And now…they've appeared…"

A few moments of silence followed. Some members looked at her with sadness while others, like Revany or Yori, kept their composure.

"I don't know if they'll try to take me down now that they found out that a member of the Star Clan is still alive. But…I can't keep on being persecuted like this…and I'm sure none of you wants." Hoshiko continued, tightening her fists.

"We surely don't. Especially considering that they've been targeting other innocent people. Whatever thing is that they are plotting, it may be something big…with another strong enemy awaiting us." Fern pointed out.

"Which means that we need to make another big brawl, eh? Not that it is something we're not prepared for, considering that we had one just a few days ago."

"And it's something we can surely handle, right?" Domino asked everyone with a smile. She tried to bring out some optimism in the room, even if she knew that it wasn't going to help out much.

The others nodded in agreement, so she was relieved to say that at least they thought of her same idea.

"They're right…considering what they've done and what happened to Hoshiko…we need to do our best to find a way and stop them…" Tsukuyomi thought. She then looked at the girl.

It was a bit surprising to hear her talk like that. And also, for a specific reason. As soon as Hoshiko finished telling her story, The black-haired girl felt a heartache to the point that she needed to hold her chest. Not only because it was terrible to hear what a friend of hers had been through…but also because…she wasn't new to a story like that…she never expected to find someone who went through the same despair she felt.

And then…

"…No," Hoshiko spoke out.

"Uh?" Tsukuyomi went back to reality as soon as she heard her.

All eyes were laid back on her. Hoshiko knew that the moment had come. Therefore, she raised her head and looked at everyone straight in the eyes.

"…I can understand your empathy and your enthusiasm to help me out in this battle. But…this isn't something I can afford to carry you with." She then declared.

"Wha-What do you mean?" Henry asked. "It's our duty, isn't it?"

"Yes. But…I think this is fate that calls me upon. This night you gave me the strength to calm down and think rationally. If these shadows have come back to torment me…then it's up to me to face them." The ninja girl continued.

At first, the other members were confused…but it didn't take that long for them to realize. And some of them started to get seriously worried about it.

"Wait…you won't mean-!" Iori and Ronin spoke.

Hoshiko nodded. "…Yes. I intend to take down the Crow Clan by myself." She then said it. The important choice she made.

"WHAT!?" Both Rere and Tammy exclaimed, astonished.

"Uh!?" Fern added.

"H-Hoshiko?" Tsukuyomi asked.

Yori remained impassible, while Revany frowned.

Rokumon stood up. "Hoshiko, are you serious!? You can't say that like nothing!"

"I know it may sound stupid, but it's the only way I can use to put all this story and my past behind me! I don't want to be hunted by remorse and pain again!" Hoshiko insisted.

"Hoshiko, look, I'm certain that you know what you do, and I wouldn't be the right person to talk about this, but this is very serious! I know that one of the two ways to become an S-Class Mage here is to take down an entire Dark Guild all by yourself, but are you sure that you can do something like that!?" Nobuhito asked.

"More than sure! Ever since I joined this guild, I have been able to grow and affine all of myself. My techniques…my skills…my magics…my ninjutsu. Everything was for a moment like this. And now that it came I can't allow things to remain the same forever." Hoshiko continued.

"Hoshiko, you saw for yourself what they could do! Those were probably just two of God knows how many!" Cal told her.

"I was furious yesterday. I'll take it on more carefully! I don't intend to hear someone else trying to block me! This is final!" Hoshiko insisted, starting to get frustrated.

Tsukuyomi could see how the situation was putting more pressure on it. Somehow…even Iku could notice it, as she looked at the scene with more seriousness.

"B-But, Hoshiko…" Domino was starting to panic, and as such, she turned to Dohko. "M-Master! Are you gonna let her do this!?"

Yukari looked at her husband worried. Dohko, on the other hand, could grasp the seriousness of the scene and could see that, even if she seemed more resolute…there was still something wrong.

Yet…he tried to face the situation with due behavior. He simply raised his head and looked the other mage straight in the eyes with a neutral expression.

"I know how deeply this regards you. I would probably feel the same if it happened to Yukari or the three kids…and it's only normal that you feel your desire for vengeance. But…you also know that you're not isolated from all of this. So, I'm asking you…are you sure you want to do this? On your own?"

Hoshiko's expression turned into one of guilt in a couple of moments. She was still firm on her choice…but she could see how she may have gone too far. "…I'm sorry, uncle. You've given so much to me ever since you decided to greet me in my guild and teach me the path of the samurai." She turned to the others. "The rest could be said about you. And I cannot forget how often you've tried to help me…, especially last night. But…it's precisely for this reason…that I cannot let you join this cause."

Another silence followed. The other members didn't know what to say at that point. They thought that this wasn't really the best of options, but they could see her point of view.

"…I may not come back, and you may hate me for this. But I don't intend to change my opinion. I'll search for them and then-" Just as Hoshiko continued…

"Don't be ridiculous."

Everyone turned around to see that it was Revany who said that. The black and red-haired girl was now staring at the other samurai.

"Just like they said, you could have a taste of what they are capable of. They're clearly at the level of a mage coming from a Dark Guild, and yet you want to take them all by yourself." Revany pointed out. "I can get that you are furious and you want your revenge. But now you're just driven by your emotions and acting recklessly. You should take this with calm and more seriousness."

Hoshiko started to get annoyed by that. "What's that supposed to mean!? You think I'm not taking this with the right seriousness!? We're talking about the assholes who took away everything from me!"

At that, Revany stood up. "Yet you're willing to throw yourself against an enemy that you admitted to still not know. I'm just saying that before declaring something like that you should think more rationally instead of going just because you're angry. This is not how you take on a strong organization. You say that you are strong enough, and it may be right for some of them, but we both know that neither someone like you cannot take them all at once. Are you planning to throw yourself over their lair?"

"R-Revany, slow down…" Domino tried to pacify the situation, but at that point, the tension was already high. As Hoshiko started to grit her teeth in frustration.

"If you intend to go with that idea, you'll become nothing more than cannon fodder. And instead of avenging your parents, you'll join them in the Sanzu River." Revany continued.

A huge gasp came out from most of the members of the guild. True…Revany was rational and said what would have probably happened…but it was still a critical hit.

"Revany!" Henry called her out, but Hoshiko blew up.

"Oh, SHUT UP! You, of all people, want to lecture me!? I can't just accept what you're saying, because you have no idea how it felt for me to live all these years in a pit of regret and pain for what I witnessed in that fire! And besides, the fact that you're saying this shows just how much of a hypocrite you are!"

"What?" Revany asked.

"Yeah! You say all of that, but you went on the same thing just as me, so you should know how I'm feeling right now! Didn't you have the same situation with the Army of the Devil!?" Hoshiko continued.

"Oh shit…" Fern commented.

At first…Revany's expression didn't seem to change, but in an instant, she ran towards Hoshiko and quickly grabbed her by the neck, tightening the grip.

"AGH!"

"WOAH WOAH!" Henry immediately jumped out on them.

"Try to say it one more time, I dare you." Revany coldly spoke. Her eyes were glowing red. This was one of the few times when she was genuinely furious.

"See!? This is what I'm talking about! This is the same shit I'm feeling right now!" Hoshiko countered, still angry as well.

"No need to fight, girls, come on!" Domino said, trying to separate the two.

"Mom?" The three daughters came closer to Yukari, who looked worried.

"Revany, stop!" Dohko added, standing up to intervene. The situation didn't seem to change, as the two girls kept on glaring at each other. Maybe they would have started to fight in a moment or another as the others tried to make them stop…and then…

CLAP!

Yori made a single clap with his hand, strong enough to make the entire room vibrate, like an earthquake.

"WAAAAH!" Sena and Domino waved a bit due to the vibrations, while the rest of the members were stunned.

All eyes were now on Yori, who remained in the same position.

"…Forgive me." He spoke. "But it seems that this situation turned out to be more tense than we thought. Whether Hoshiko is right or wrong…we can discuss about that. But it's better if we first calm down our waters. We can't make decisions like this."

Dohko nodded. "Yes. I know you're both angry but…this isn't the type of behavior I'd expect from you." He then said, to the two girls, glaring a bit.

Both Hoshiko and Revany started to breathe for a moment…and then the latter left the grip on the ninja. She then kneeled. "I'm sorry for my action. I left my anger prevail for a moment." She spoke.

Dohko then looked up at Hoshiko. "Now that we got calm…what shall it be, Hoshiko? Are you serious in that regard?" He asked.

As he asked that question…the ninja mage didn't know what to say anymore. Even if just a few seconds earlier, she seemed unwavering on her choice…now she could see the result of her words. She could see as the others looked at both her and Revany with bewilderment.

She still thought of her idea…but she wasn't as sure as earlier. For a moment…she had shiny eyes.

"…Forgive me…it's just that…!" She tried to justify herself…but she just couldn't. Everything was so messed up that...she didn't know what to say or think anymore. She looked down as she sighed. And then…after a few moments of silence…she started to go forward the door.

"…I'm going out for a walk. I…may come back late." With those words, she left.

"Revany, wait!" Tsukuyomi tried to call her out, but Rokumon put a hand in front of her and simply shook his head.

And that was how that reunion ended. An idea of strategy hadn't been picked up yet…but they couldn't think of that yet.

All that they needed…was to recover from that moment.

---

A few hours later…

The sun was starting to set down behind the mountains.

The members of Shogunate Pride didn't still pass through just what happened…especially considering that Hoshiko didn't return yet.

Someone thought that, in the end, she did try to search for the Crow Clan and used the walk as an excuse. But after that scene and knowing her…they soon realized that she wouldn't have done that.

She just needed more time than expected to be alone, hoping she would return as they knew they didn't have much time.

They knew that Sen Hachiman wouldn't be the last target of theirs. Judging from what they'd heard, there was the possibility that they were aiming higher than just the empire. They needed to make their move.

Aware of this, Dohko contacted the shogun through a Lacrima projector, referring to everything he heard. Considering that the situation revolved around some important members of the empire and the shogunate, it was for the best to let them know.

"I see…" Akechi spoke after listening carefully. "It's surprising to hear something like that, Even though It shouldn't be. Ninjas are masters in acting inside shadows, so trying to plot something big at our backs comes up is only natural. It's not even the first time we hear a story like this or we face a ninja clan." He commented.

"True. But this time is different. They've shown powers that we couldn't expect or foresee, and I think we both know that just because they failed with Judge Hachiman, they won't stop. Whoever may be their next target is not safe." Dohko said.

"Do not worry. After getting the report of the mission from Makoto, I consulted with the empress and the rest of the army, and we took the right countermeasures. Until this Crow Clan incident is over, the most important functionaries of the empire will be protected by some of the strongest men in the shogunate. This time, knowing what awaits us, we won't be caught off guard again. Even the Shinsengumi is ready to get into battle if we need to." Akechi explained.

"Yes, that seems the most sensed choice to do. If that's so, we ask you to participate in the quest as well. As I told you…this topic regards one of my mages, so I think it's also our responsibility to face them off." Dohko then said.

"I knew you would have answered like this, and as such, I've already prepared a role for you. Even though I think you would have moved on your own as a guild." The shogun answered.

At that, the Guild Master smirked. "You had any doubt?"

"You'll investigate further about this clan, trying to figure out their intentions, find where their hideout is, and help us take them down. Feel free to ask for support from the army if you need it. What matters is that we bring this to closure and secure the safety of this empire." Akechi explained. "But knowing you, I'm sure you'll find a way, like you did other times, especially regarding that last incident at the Akihabara Market."

"What can I say? We take our job seriously. And you know that as samurais, we can't leave all of this unwatched. And as I said…I can't afford a mage of mine to keep on feeling bad." Dohko continued.

"Loyal to your mages until the very end, eh? Just like you did back in the army. I've always found that admirable in you, Dohko." The shogun said.

"Oh, please. It's the least I can do since I love these guys! Hoshiko in particular is close to me. Therefore, I'll do my best to make her calm down. And when it comes to that…I think that I've learned that from my superiors. I surely didn't forget those days, Akechi-senpai!" The mage said with another smirk.

At that comment, Akechi flinched a bit and tried to look elsewhere a bit embarrassed. "W-Well, I think we had said pretty much everything. I'm counting on you. Contact us as soon as you find out something."

"Sure do! I'll see you soon!" Dohko replied. With that, the projector turned off, ending the call, and Dohko took a small breath.

At that moment, Yukari opened the door and came closer. "How did it go?" She asked.

"We have a line to follow. Much the others said earlier, we have a new big battle waiting for us." Her husband answered.

"I see…well! At least there's more work for me once it's all over!" Yukari replied, trying to make a small joke.

"Indeed! Expect a pay rise!" Dohko replied, with the two of them making a small laugh. "But…jokes aside, I hope everything goes well. It has been a while since an enemy tried to go high with their targets, and I hope this won't end up like what happened with Tartaros and the Magic Council three years ago."

"And it rose the tension between the others too…" Yukari added.

"…By the way…what are they up to, now? Has Hoshiko come back yet?" The Master then asked.

Yukari made a small sigh before answering. "Well…they're trying to live up the day while they wait for answers or direction. Some of them even went on missions to lower the tension."

"Eh eh…glad that they're trying to move on. I hope that by the end of the day, they'll feel better. I'm not…particularly proud of what happened during the meeting." Dohko then said before sitting down.

Yukari could see that he was feeling a bit sad about the regard, so she sat closer to him. "I know how you feel, but…you couldn't know how it would have all ended up. Besides…it's not like the first time that Revnay and Hoshiko blew up in an argument. Even if this time they went a bit too much further…"

Dohko sighed. "I know…but this time was different. It was supposed to be a reunion where she could have released everything she had inside for so many years and find a solution together. But it ended up with her getting even more stressed…and retorting a bad memory on Revany. You know she can't handle when someone points out the…well, you know. As their Master…but most importantly…as someone who helped both of them grow both as mages and girls…I can't help but feel a bit responsible for that. I've wanted to let them talk, but who knew what could have happened if Yori didn't stop them?"

"Dohko…" Yukari spoke.

The Guild Master looked down. "Ever since Yoshino named me the next Guild Master, I've promised myself that I would have started to grow up and take my responsibilities. I may not be the best Guild Master, and I know to be a complete idiot, but…all of these members went into this guild and asked me or Yoshino to show them the road of the samurai…and I want to make sure to not disappoint them. Hoshiko in particular…it was something we worked for so long together and see her act like this…isn't the best."

Yukari looked at him in silence for a couple of seconds before holding him by the hand. "Hey…don't worry. I saw Hoshiko grow as well, so I feel the same. But…it's only natural, I think. True…going alone against mages that could take her down all by herself was a reckless choice but…she's upset…and she has all the reasons to do so. I know it wasn't proper behavior from either her or Revany…but…it's just them being humans, after all. Just like you're doing it now. And I'm sure that no one is angry at anyone right now. We just need to…find our way to get some comfort and face this situation, that's all."

"Yukari…" Dohko spoke.

"We've been married for so long and it has been ten years ever since you became the Master, and I can say that you've done your best. I'm pretty sure that even the others think of it." Yukari continued before lending a hand on the mage's face. "And I'm sure we'll get out of it. Maybe even today!"

The two of them looked at each other for a moment and then shared a kiss…unaware of the fact that their daughters were watching.

"Eugh!" Madoka exclaimed.

"Mommy and Daddy are doing that thing with the mouth again!" Mami added.

Dohko and Yukari couldn't help but make a small laugh. "Ah ah! Don't worry! You'll change your idea one day!" The Guild Master said. "By the way, is there something wrong?"

The three kids shook their heads. "We just saw you sad and we were worried…" Homura told them.

What followed was an acute 'awwwwww' from both parents as they hugged them. "You're just the cutest thing on Earth Land!" Yukari exclaimed.

Naturally, Madoka and the others didn't complain and let themselves get hugged.

"…Dad? Is Hoshiko coming back?" Mami then asked with a concerned tone.

Dohko was surprised by that question. But luckily enough, he just had the right conversation with his wife. So he could give them a warm answer. "Of course, she will. She just…needs some time."

"Really? That's good!" Homura exclaimed.

"It would be bad if she left…she's always so nice with us…" Mami added, remembering that one time Hoshiko tried to teach them some ninja tricks.

"Yes, don't worry. She just needs to…be for herself today, that's all." Yukari told them. "And while we wait for her to return…wanna help me out at the bar?" She then asked.

"Yes!" The three kids answered in unison.

"I'll join as well. Gotta make sure that the others are fine after all." Dohko added.

With that, the small Tenshimaru family came out of their room and went down to the main hall, where they could see some of the members trying to spend their time as they could.

Yukari didn't waste any time and went to the bar, where, surprisingly enough, she could see many people sitting at the bar, including Tsukuyomi, Rere, Tammy, Revany, and naturally, Iku.

"Oh, so you came back?" The pink-haired woman asked with a grin.

Yukari was a bit caught off guard by that. "O-Oh! Sorry! Were you waiting for me?" She asked.

"I surely was…" Iku answered back with a giggle. "Some good old gin tonic if you please."

Naturally, Tsukuyomi was starting to feel uncomfortable after hearing her like that, but she tried to ignore it and made a comforting smile at Yukari. "No worries, Yukari! We were…just sitting around."

"Y-Yeah…not knowing much on what's gonna happen, there weren't many things we could have done…and I wasn't feeling comfortable on doing a mission after what happened," Rere added.

"No hard feelings," Dohko told her before looking around. As he suspected, only one person was missing. That made him sigh. "I guess she is still missing, eh?"

"It may take more time than we could think. I know it's only natural but…I hope she gets back in time." Revany said before taking another bite of tiramisù.

Dohko then turned at her. "And what about you? Feel like you've calmed down?" He asked.

Revany stopped her meal and looked at her Master in the eyes. Dohko could see that there was a bit of insecurity in her expression, even if she tried to hide it.

"Hey…" Dohko came closer. "I'm just asking. Stay relaxed!"

Revany tried to look elsewhere. "I am relaxed…"

The Guild Master made a smug smile. "Really? 'Cause right now you're putting up that kuudere expression I know quite well!"

"Shush." Revany quickly interrupted him before making a small cough. "Anyways…I'm fine. Thanks for the question." She then added. "I'm still convinced of what I've said, but…I'll admit that I may have exaggerated a bit."

"That's already fine. As long as you understand where you went wrong." Yori told her from one of the tables. "Speaking of which, Master...how did the conversation with the shogun go? Do we have an idea of how to operate?" He then asked.

"Uh? The Master and the shogun are in contact?" Tsukuyomi asked.

"Absolutely! Shogunate Pride is also a part of the empire, after all! And apparently…Master Dohko and the shogun knew each other for a looong time." Tammy explained.

"It's a long yet funny story I'll save for another day. As to answer Yori…yes. We have an idea of where to start. But…I would rather discuss it when I have the certainty that everyone is completely relaxed." Dohko then spoke.

"I mean…I'm pretty sure that everyone here got past that. The only one is…well…" Henry said before a sigh.

Dohko nodded. "I know you're all concerned. Much like we said earlier, it may take a while. But we'll make sure to help her out."

"Are you sure, Master? She seemed…firm on her choice." Sena asked.

"Sometimes, the heart talks before the mind, Sena. Hoshiko thought to have the right idea, but it was mostly due to the moment. I'm sure she still needs to think about how to face the situation." Yori told him.

"It won't help the fact that either way, she'll have to face them one way or another…I know that she said that she had been waiting for this moment but…do you guys think she's ready?" Domino asked.

"…I'm afraid this is something only she can know," Iori answered.

"Let's hope Yukiko and the others help her out..." Ronin added.

"Yeah…Iori is right. It isn't hard to deal with your past after so long. You need to find a way that could cover up the black hole inside your heart…which sometimes is far bigger than you could think of…" Tsukuyomi said with a grieving tone.

"…Tsukuyomi? Are you ok?" Rere asked, noticing that she seemed…different.

"Uh?" The black-haired girl raised her head as if she was dreaming and looked at her friend. She then held her head. "Oh, sorry…I was just…thinking out loud."

Cal knew that there was something else, but he let it slip. "If you say so. But you are right…it won't be easy for her to pass through."

Rokumon looked down. "I wish there was something we could do."

It was then that Iku looked at her glass, lost in thought. Somehow…this made her think of something that made her put down the glass and stand up, heading for the exit.

Everyone was confused by that. "Uh? Where are you going, Iku?" Henry asked.

"Oh, nothing much. Just taking a walk to refresh my ideas, nothing more. This seems the ideal night to do so." The older member answered with a smile. "It won't take long." With those words, she started to go down the staircase.

As soon as she left, Fern turned around to Dohko. "Do you think I should follow her? I'm pretty certain she may cause some havoc!" He spoke.

"Now you're exaggerating…" Ren spoke. "…Though you're also right."

"Still…this makes me curious about where she might go…" Nobuhito added.

Upon hearing that, Tammy made a skeptical face. "That's up to her, don't you think?"

Nobuhito had a drop of sweat out of embarrassment. "Y-Yeah yeah…"

Dohko, on the other hand, looked as if the woman left the guild with interest. Since he had known Iku for a long time, he was certain of the fact that it wasn't going to be…just a normal walk.

"That's true…she's also good with that…"

---

Caelum – Unknown location

Far from the city of Elba, on another island of the Caelum region, as the night was approaching, black clouds were gathering around a tall palace. While some regular people would have found that scenario scary, to those who inhabited that lair…this was their most favorable scenario, as their nature wasn't that distant from creatures born from darkness.

Some of those people were two crows that were flying at high speed despite the strong wind towards the palace. Some ninjas that were put on guard of the palace noticed them and quickly opened the windows, as the two birds were about to enter directly at the top of it.

And as soon as those two birds landed, they changed form, revealing to be Mitsubo and Tekina, on their way back from the mission. As members of the Crow Clan, they were in symbiosis with the animal representing their organization, and as such, they developed the ability to turn into crows themselves to travel faster, though it wasn't a proper TakeOver spell.

"Welcome back, sirs!" The lesser ninjas saluted their superiors before closing the windows.

Mitsubo saluted back and then turned on the companion, who had to take some breaths. "How are you doing?"

"Anf…fine, somehow. Those guys made me a bigger number than expected…" Tekina commented.

"Oooh! So, it was true what we've heard!" A voice suddenly said from a dark angle of the room. When Mitsubo and Tekina turned around to see who it was, they could see two more figures coming out to meet them. Two other ninjas, like them.

They were both ladies. The first one had pale skin, silver hair, and clear blue eyes. She was wearing a long white dress with a white collar that had several colored dots, long white gloves, and boots, and even wore an Ushanka hat.

Nyx – Assassin of the Crow Clan

The second girl, instead, had mid-length blonde hair and one red eye while the other was covered with a black eyepatch. She was wearing a ninja uniform with golden gauntlets and black cloves, two black long stockings two dark green pointed shoes, and a short skirt.

Joy – Assassin of the Crow Clan

"I'm honestly surprised that you've come back empty-handed, dear Tekina! You, of all people! I suppose that this time, the snake wasn't that poisonous?" She asked with a malicious grin.

Tekina immediately stood up and glared at her. "Don't act like you know things in anticipation, Joy" She said with a cold tone.

"Yet you are the one who failed and got flustered. It's not like you're completely innocent." Nyx added.

Tekina gritted her teeth and tried to look elsewhere.

In the meantime, Mitsubo looked at the other girls. "Speaking of which…considering that you two came back, does that mean that you're back here, does that mean that you've cleared your assignment?" He asked.

"Yup yup! It was a piece of cake! Those guards didn't stand a chance! Although I left to Nyx the honor to kill that minister!" Joy answered.

"A ninja must be fast and immediate on their operation after all…especially if we talk about the moment we've been waiting for," Nyx added. "But it also seems that the leader wanted all of us here as well."

Mitsubo slightly widened his eyes. "The boss is here?" He asked.

"Precisely." Another voice from behind said, making everyone turn around.

They could see a man in his forties with a bald head, wearing black glasses, a black hat on his hat, and a formal outfit over a black jacket with black gloves and shiny shoes.

Kigami – Vice leader of the Crow Clan

"I'm sure you don't think that his excellency, the great leader, ordered you to start wiping out major figures of the empire out of pleasure or annoyance," Kigami told them.

"Oh, please Kigami. You think we have such a bad thought about the one who greeted us in the first place?" Joy asked.

That answer made the vice leader smirk. "The right answer I wanted to hear. But, getting right to the point, our long search seemed to be over. And the boss wanted to tell you all the details.

Tension started to rise, but they all seemed excited.

"Does that mean…it's finally time?" Tekina asked.

"Yes. The sole reason why we grew up in number and occupied as many territories as possible for all these years is finally here. Coincidentally, you and Mitsubo were the last people missing. Which means that he'll call us out in a few minutes." Kigami replied.

"At long last…I was getting tired of waiting. I'll get some operations where I could use a bit more of the brain." Nyx commented.

"Are you sure? Even if you're strong enough to not need a strategy?" Mitsubo asked.

"You do know I want to make things with more class. Even if we are shady ninjas, we must give some reputation to our enemies." Nyx replied.

"Speaking of enemies…" Another voice suddenly said.

This time, the new figures were two. The first one was what seemed like a young lady in a black dress with a white collar, two long white stockings, black Mary-Jane shoes, and a white headband on her head. She had blonde hair and yellow eyes and she had four shadow spirits that were surrounding her.

Alice – Assassin of the Crow Clan

The second one, despite his feminine look, was a man with short purple hair and black eyes. He was wearing a green kimono (yellow on the inside), tied up by a dark blue strap, white tabi socks, and black sandals. He even had what seemed like a white large ribbon around his waist. In his hand, he was holding a large scythe.

Yoshie – Assassin of the Crow Clan

"Aww, Yoshi and Alice are here as well? I'm pretty sure you were eavesdropping on the whole conversation, right?" Joy asked.

"You do know well that it's my specialty, dear Joy. And considering that the leader gathered us all I couldn't wait to see everyone here. Family conversations are just a laugh to hear." Yoshie told her with a sinister smile.

Alice, on the other hand, moved her eyes to Tekina. "And naturally, if one of us fails a mission, we should be the first ones to know. I'm sure you owe us some explanations, Tekina." She spoke.

"Don't talk like I'm some sort of trash! I almost got that judge! Everything was perfect…but I didn't expect that someone would have intervened…" Tekina answered.

"Intervened, you say?" Alice asked.

"Does that mean that there was someone who could have kept up with you?" Nyx added.

"Yes," Mitsubo answered while crossing his arms. "It appears that our operation reached out to the empire itself, which called out for the help of both their strongest squadron, the Shinsengumi, and even one of those mages guilds."

"Man, we may be professional, but we suck at hiding corpses…" Yoshie commented.

"Oh, great. Guilds. They're just the most annoying people to fight! And who's the one they called out this time, eh?" Joy asked.

"They wanted to play it safe by relying on Shogunate Pride. And…I didn't expect them to be that stubborn…" Tekina answered.

"Well…that's mostly for you. I could take them out easily. Although I have to say that they do look entertaining." Mitsubo commented.

"Shogunate Pride?" Nyx asked.

"Oh, yes. I've heard of them. That guild with the samurais. Who knew that the most classic of the matches would have come out? That is…if they even stand a chance against us." Kigami said with a smirk.

Alice assumed a colder expression as the dark spirits started to take form. "…I could take them out immediately. All you need…is to give me the order." She said with a cold tone. The others could feel an ominous aura coming from her.

"Now now…" Joy spoke, putting a hand on her shoulder. "There's no need to be that hasty. If they decide to answer, which is mostly probable, we'll just have to answer! And that will be the moment when we'll have the best of fun by playing with them. So…chill out! Your family will have plenty of time!" She told her with a naïve tone.

Alice looked at her in silence for a few seconds…and then started to make her energy fade out before making a small sigh. "I suppose you are right. A ninja's secret is to be patient after all."

"And by the way…there's another thing you should know about those mages...something even the leader should know." Tekina then spoke. "Among them… someone was belonging to a clan's old acquaintance."

"Who? Someone who owed us money?" Nyx asked.

"No…but it could be considered an unfinished job. The last survivor of the Star Clan is there." Tekina answered.

Everyone widened their eyes in silence for a couple of seconds. They could say that the news was…surprising.

"…Ah…ah ah ah…ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah!" Then, Kigami burst out laughing. "Oh, this is a good one to hear! Yes! I remember that night when we raided their village! I've never seen a fire such as that! And I assume that they were pissed, right?" He then asked.

"She had a fire in her starry eyes, I could see it." Tekina simply replied.

"Well…I'm pretty sure that will interest the leader. He's in his room, using his usual spell." Kigami concluded before stepping aside.

Mitsubo and Tekina looked at each other before moving towards the door and opening it.

The leader's room, which stood at the very top of the palace, was a circular area filled with potions, maps, ancient paintings, and books. And the only thing that made light was a large cauldron with a magical liquid that was boiling inside.

And as soon as they entered, Mitsubo and Tekina could see a coated figure in front of the cauldron. They immediately kneeled.

"We have returned…Lord Yoshimatsu…" They both said.

At that moment, the man was finishing his spell. Once again, the magic passed through his veins, making his skin young again.

"I've been waiting for you…my dear children." He spoke with a younger tone. He slowly turned around and removed the hood, revealing what seemed to be a young man in his thirties with mid-length white hair and pale eyes, wearing a black and white ninja uniform with large pointed pauldrons that covered an armor of which the iron boots could be seen.

Yoshimatsu Hinokogatsuchi – Leader of the Crow Clan

"It's wonderful to see you healthy, my lord," Tekina said.

"Of course," Yoshimatsu replied as he came closer. The step of his boots echoed in the room. "You do know that it has been my main concern for all these years. And now that we have some clues on where to start, this becomes more than just a priority. It is a duty." He spoke.

"We've heard it from the others...did we finally locate the parts?" Mitsubo asked, slowly raising his head.

The leader walked toward the painting of what seemed a painting depicting a large centipede. "Yes. I had to expand this grand domain of ours to increase the network of our ninjas…but we finally have them. We have located the position of the Great Demon Jaquio's bones. The tool of our dreams is finally at our grasp. As soon as we have them in our hands…I can fulfill what I've promised to you all."

"Yes, my lord. We are thrilled to hear this." Tekina replied.

It was then that Yoshimatsu lowered his head right to her. "By the way…I've heard that your operation to kill Sen Hachiman was a failure. How can you justify yourself for this?" He asked with an innocent grin.

But that sole question made Tekina sweat tremendously. She knew…what would have brought to anger him.

"You know that there's no need to tremble, my child. There's only one thing to do…and that is…" Yoshimatsu continued before touching her neck with his index and middle finger. "Answer. Plain and simple, right?"

"Y-Yes, my lord! I'll answer right away!" Tekina answered, trying to maintain her composure.

"Good…" Her leader said before putting the fingers away. "So…what happened? It surprises me to hear that you, the pride of our poisons, managed to fail." He then asked.

"I was interjected by the army…and a mages' guild. They'll probably go after us." Tekina answered.

The answer surprised a bit Yoshimatsu, who widened his eyes with a smile. "A guild you say? Ah ah…it has been a very long time since I faced one of them last time." He commented before turning around. "Yes…Those mages who think that they have everything in their control. Fools that they don't know that there will always be something beyond their reach. Or rather…someone. For many years…I had been the proof of that." He then looked back at his minion. "And what is it that blocked you? No one was able to put you down for a long time."

"They…they are a guild of samurais. And somehow…they're more skilled than we could expect." Tekina replied.

"Is that so? Then they're nothing different from the army. I did hear that there was a guild like that…but who could have guessed that they would have stepped in our way? Oh well…it's not the first time I deal with soldiers who want so desperately to bring order." Yoshimatsu commented.

"And there's more…one of them is a ninja just like us…and…she had star-shaped pupils in her eyes," Mitsubo added.

That sentence made Yoshimatsu stop in his steps…as he looked at the two ninjas with wide eyes. "What did you say?"

"Yes, my lord. One of them has these starry eyes." Mitsubo repeated.

Yoshimatsu didn't know what to say as he remained still for a couple of minutes. The memories of the flames of the Star Village flashed in his mind. The same fire he caused…and all the inhabitants he murdered. But there was something regarding that day that made him furious.

About one of them in particular...and some words he used.

That made Yoshimatsu tighten his fist and expose a vein in his front.

"My lord?" Tekina asked.

"…Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah…it's nothing, my dearest…" The leader answered. "So…you're telling me that one of the Star Clan has survived? And that now she's with a guild? Fine…let it be. It doesn't change what we had already set in move." He commented.

He then started to move towards the exit of the room. "Follow me."

Mitsubo and Tekina didn't hesitate and immediately joined him.

As soon as Yoshimatsu exposed himself to the other members of the clan who were waiting, these immediately kneeled, and many others joined in the same position. Tekina and Mitsubo joined the others in kneeling while Kigaru came closer to the leader.

"My children! Offsprings of the crows! For over a century, we have been searching and wandering for the answers. And after all these years of silence, we finally have clues and positions! Thanks to your hard effort, we finally discovered where the bones of Jaquio are located! They're the only missing ingredients for our wish. But it seems that someone wants to step in our way. But we all know this won't be a problem! Because we are crows, and what do we leave of our prey?" He asked.

"BONES!" All the ninjas shouted in unison.

"That's what I wanted to hear. Listen up…apart from the army that has been on our steps for so long, it seems that we gathered the attention of some mage. But it won't matter! I've trained you well in mixing up your ninpo and the ethernano that flows within you." Yoshimatsu continued before releasing a small yet powerful ball of darkness that made the room tremble. "We, as well, know how to use magic. And this one will be the key that will lead us to the fulfillment of our mission…and destroy everyone who steps in our way! It won't take too long…before all of Earth Land will become our banquet…AND WE WILL FINALLY OBTAIN IMMORTALITY!"

"YEEEES!"

Yoshimatsu made the ball of darkness fade and spread his arms. "FLY NOW, MY CHILDREN! OPEN YOUR WINGS! FIND THE REMNANTS OF JAQUIO, AND LEAVE NOTHING BUT BONES OF YOUR ENEMIES!"

Soon…thousands of feathers were left on the ground, as all the ninjas of the clan were transformed into crows, who flew up and became one with the darkness and the storm that surrounded the palace.

"Ah ah ah aaaah! Finally! This will be so much fun!" Joy exclaimed, full of excitement.

"I'll make sure that no one will escape me…I've been trained for this after all." Nyx added.

"My family can say the same. It's time to bring on the orders, much like they've been educated for." Alice said.

"I'll do my best to not leave a trace of inconvenience. It's one of my specialties after all." Yoshie added.

"Well said. Gotta be honest…I was curious about how far my darkness could go after being prepared for this long. Maybe I'll see that girl again." Mitsubo concluded.

All of them turned into crows as well and flew away.

Tekina was doing the same, but she got stopped by Yoshimatsu, who put a hand on her shoulder. "Before you leave, Tekina…I'll close an eye on your failed attempt to kill Sen Hachiman. But this…is the very mission we have been prepared for so long. This time…try to do your work properly…get it? You don't want to see me angry…"

Once again, Tekina could feel her blood getting cold, but she nodded. "Of course, my lord…this time, they won't know that my poison killed them." She said with a reassuring grin. "Yes…I'll make them pay." With newfound resolution, she turned into a crow as well and flew away.

The only ones left were Yoshimatsu and his vice, Kigami, who looked at him with a smile.

"The moment we've been waiting for is finally here! I can't even express the joy!" He said.

"Considering that I've been waiting for this for more than a hundred years, I can say the same, if not more. Soon enough…I won't have to worry about old age anymore…" Yoshimatsu spoke, as he looked from the open window.

"Yes, I can surely understand. But…doesn't that guild worry you a bit? Especially considering the Star one." Kigami asked.

But Yoshimatsu seemed confident enough. "Why should I, Kigami? You do know what we're capable of. And if that girl is on the same level as Bang and his wife, then she doesn't represent a threat." He spoke. "But if you think we could get rid of her early, then you're more than welcome to move in advancement. Our main priority now is to get Jaquio's bones, and the less troubling people we have, the better everything will be. Don't forget that I'm counting on you."

"Sure thing, boss," Kigami replied before leaving.

Yoshimatsu remained there, looking at the moon with conviction. He then turned at a minor ninja. "You. Clean up." He ordered, referring to the feathers.

"Ah! Y-Yes, my lord!" The minion replied, a bit afraid.

In the meantime, Kigami already left the palace and was already walking towards the direction of one of the bones. But he didn't forget the permission he was given.

"That kid may be dangerous…but I think she didn't see enough of us after losing her people…I think someone must teach her what her place is." He spoke. He then snapped his fingers and two ninjas hidden in the shadow appeared behind him, kneeling.

"You called, my liege?" One of them asked.

"Yes. There's a ninja mage in the city of Elba that represents a nuisance for the clan. Get rid of her at once." Kigami ordered.

"Yes!" The two ninjas nodded and disappeared instantly. All that was left was the vice leader of the Crow Clan who looked up in the sky.

"Let's see for how long the Star Clan will keep on living…"

---

Caelum – City of Elba

Back at Elba, the night had arrived, and once again, the city was covered in the light of both stars and the several street lamps in the city.

Most of the people were strolling around happy…but one of them in particular stood out among them.

After a few hours spent walking through the small city, Hoshiko was looking down at her reflection in the clean water, as there weren't many ships around that hour.

The girl still had a saddened look on her face. Even if she was able to calm down and a few hours had passed since that reunion…she wasn't able to let it go. Everyone's words, especially Revany, made her think a lot about what to do.

To the point that she didn't know what to do anymore. She knew she was going to face them since they were openly threatening the empire…but how?

Right then…even she didn't know if she was ready or not. Or if she would have had the courage to see the others at the guild after that scene.

The four cat celestial spirits appeared around her, concerned.

"My lady…you've been out for quite a while…don't you think you should head back?" Yukiko answered.

"Yeah…the others surely must be concerned about you," Sakura added.

Hoshiko simply raised her head at them. "You think?" She asked.

"But of course! True, you may not have good blood with Revany, but I'm pretty sure that she's concerned as well!" Akane answered her.

Hoshiko listened to her and then looked back at her reflection, getting pressured again. "I know that I should return but…I don't know if I can have the courage to do so."

"Hoshiko…you, of all people, ask that?" Aki asked.

"Yes!" The ninja girl replied. "I mean…I'm supposed to be one of the cool figures inside the guild! One of the rational ones! And yet…I've acted that way…I've said those words…I've made everyone worry…I don't know if their reputation will be the same after this…"

"My lady, you know well that won't probably be the case! After everything you've done as a mage of the guild, I'm sure they don't see you as a burden!" Sakura assured her.

"And…it's normal to argue with such a group. I mean…we're talking about the ones who killed your family- AGH!" Aki added his opinion, but he got a smack from behind by Yukiko.

"Don't talk it that lightly!" Yukiko scolded him before turning to her lady. "But he's pretty right, though. We've been there for over thirteen years. You've been the first member outside of the new founding ones, and they all know how much they've given to you. They surely understand what you're going through now…especially Master Dohko."

But even with that…Hoshiko wasn't convinced. "…I wish I could say the same."

Yukiko was sad to see her lady still in those conditions, so she came closer. "My lady…how long have we been together?" She asked.

"…Ever since Dad gave me your keys?" Hoshiko replied.

"Correct! And remember what I told you when we first met?" Yukiko asked again.

Hoshiko remained in silence for a few seconds. She remembered well the moment. She was suffering…yet she found herself lying around four humanoid cats that were doing their best to warm her for the night. "…That you would have taken care of me."

"That's right…just like I'm doing it now! And I think the guild thinks the same! I mean…they've practically raised you!" Yukiko told her.

"That's the point! They've given me so much ever since they've greeted me! Now that the Crow Clan has shown up, the idea that I could lose them just like I lost my parents and my village is…!" Hoshiko was starting to get flustered again before stopping herself with a deep breath. "…It's just too much to bear. I was able to regain happiness, but you know how strong they can be. I…I'm scared…"

At that point…Yukiko didn't know what to say. No one of the cats didn't.

"I…I thought that maybe If I carried all the burden for this battle, I would have saved them…" Hoshiko continued.

But she couldn't continue the sentence as she felt something that made her startle. "AH!"

"My lady!?" All celestial spirits asked.

Hoshiko immediately activated the spell in her star pupils that made her percept nearby magical energy. "Watch out…someone is looking at us now."

Yukiko and the others were surprised, but pulled out their weapons and started to look around.

"Are you sure about it, my lady?" Aki asked.

"Yes…they're camouflaging their presence…but they're close," Hoshiko replied. "This was the gift that has been granted to us of the Star Clan…through the study of the stars in the sky…we've been able to create a new feature for ourselves that helps us on sensing others' spirit…such as these guys…"

For once, she put her emotions aside to not get caught. She had to expect that someone would have gone after her. Even if she was troubled inside, she wasn't going to leave herself exposed that way.

She took a deep breath to have a better perception through her spell…and thanks to that…she was able to sense something that was going to attack her from a few meters away northeast from her.

"There!" She exclaimed, taking out her ninjato sword and cutting off what seemed to be a spider net.

"Oh gosh, she was right!" Aki exclaimed.

"WHO DID THIS TO YOU!? I'LL KILL THEM!" Sakura shouted, starting to get annoyed. But they got a laugh as an answer.

"I wouldn't be confident in that if I were you!" A voice said, revealing two figures that appeared after being invisible on the stairs.

Both of them had a ninja uniform and a mask with eight eyes, resembling the face of a spider, but while one was thin and had long claws, the other was muscular and had two large scythes as arms.

"Though if we have to be honest, I must give you the compliments. Only a few other people were able to find out about our camouflage skills." The thin one said.

"Predators surely can find each other. But I think this will be your last lucky moment, little girl. Unfortunately for you, we have been tasked to chop off that head like a wood trunk! And you just got the bad luck to deal with the two spider lieutenants!" The big one added.

Araneus – Lieutenant of the Crow Clan

Agelenidae – Lieutenant of the Crow Clan

"This shady presence…I can sense it…they're probably coming from the Crow Clan as well!" Hoshiko commented.

"What!? They've already made their move!?" Aki exclaimed.

"You expected anything less? You're ninjas as well, so you should know how we work in this world!" Araneus told them.

"And while the sneak attack didn't work…" Agelenidae added before making noise with his two large scythes. "There are plenty of ways we can use to accomplish this simple job."

"Simple, you say? I don't know what opinion you've made out of us, but we're not as weak as you think…and we surely don't intend to let you throw yourselves against our lady! Try to even move a flock of hair and you're dead!" Yukiko threatened with a cold stare.

"Nice voice, but we judge by actions instead of words, so how about we start with THIS!?" Araneus exclaimed before throwing a large spider web from his claws.

At the sight of the attack, Hoshiko quickly dashed forward. "Yukiko!" To defend her own Celestial Spirits, she quickly moved her ninjato sword around to cut through the web with ease. Once the enemy was exposed, she ran closer and transformed her sword into a chained one that she threw against Araneus.

"Trap Star!" She made a star-shaped trap with the chained sword in an attempt to catch out Araneus, but before it could reach him, Agelenidae stood in front of her and caught the trap himself, breaking It with ease.

"What!?" Hoshiko exclaimed.

"Nice trick! You should have tried something bigger!" Agelenidae exclaimed. He was about to make his scythe fall right on Hoshiko, in an attempt to crush her down, but right at that moment, Aki jumped in and pushed back the enemy with his electric gauntlet.

"How about something like this!?"

"Ngh! What the!?" Agelenidae didn't expect it, and he surely didn't expect that Akane would have jumped out as well and started to storm him with several attacks made out with her chained swords infused with fire.

"And don't think he's the only one!" Akane exclaimed. Shortly after, even Yukiko and Sakura joined the battle, trapping him in a double tornado with ice shards.

"My lady! We'll take care of him! Focus on the stick one!" Sakura exclaimed.

"Got it!" Hoshiko replied, starting to run towards Araneus, who was a bit stunned by the way they called him.

"STICK!?" He exclaimed. A second later, he already found himself in front of Hoshiko, who was ready to strike him down with the ninjato. "AH!" Out of instinct, Araneus used his claws to fight the weapon, forcing the two of them to make a little clash that provoked sparkles as they moved around.

"Dammit! These claws are as hard as steel! What's his deal!?" Hoshiko thought.

"Man! Who would have thought you were that fast!?" Araneus commented as he kept on going.

"Surprised? You're talking with a ninja and a mage after all! How about I show you something else!? Shadow Star – First Form: Chain of Blackness!" To surprise the enemy, Hoshiko activated the chained sword at its highest level to wrap up Araneus's fingers and block his movements.

"WHAT!?"

"NOW TAKE THIS!" Thinking she deprived the enemy of his defenses, Hoshiko tried to attack him by accumulating shadow magic in his hand and going with a palm attack.

"AH-HA! NOT SO FAST!" But Araneus knew already how to defend himself, as the eyes of his mask opened to shoot more spider webs to trap the girl.

"AGH!" As she couldn't forsake that, Hoshiko fell on the ground all wrapped up, letting Araneus free himself from the chains with ease.

"Alright, I can see why Lady Tekina had troubles with you, but if you're that exposed, you'll make things easier for me!" Araneus said. "Say goodbye!" He then stretched his claws to stab Hoshiko right in the body, taking advantage of his trap.

SPLAT!

He could feel his claws pierce through the flesh, making him excited. "YES! I'LL GET A PROMOTION FOR-" But he could soon see that he made a fluke.

Instead of Hoshiko, there was only a dummy made of hay with her likeness.

"WHAT!? WHERE-" Areneus looked around, not noticing that Hoshiko was already behind her with a cold stare.

"Right here." She spoke, as she delivered a barrage of cuts with the ninjato sword that pushed the enemy away.

"AGH!" Despite the damages that had been taken, Araneus was able to stand up. "Man…this may take longer than I expected…"

"Even with that attack, he stands up!? I'm sure that he's not on the same level as Tekina, but if I don't do something, he'll become a serious trouble…" Hoshiko thought.

In the meantime, Agelenidae was doing his best to resist all the attacks that the four cat siblings were throwing at him. Even if he got everything between one element and another, he still had the strength to make a boastful laugh. "Is that all you've got!?"

"What the hell!? How can he keep up!? I'm pretty sure I threw a fire blast at him!" Akane exclaimed.

"Do not be surprised…my whole body was hardened with solid spider webs. If you want to take me down, you'll have to hope to find a way to cut these strings!" The ninja from the Crow Clan answered.

"Well, thanks for telling us your weak spot." Aki simply said, making Agelenaide flustered.

"ACK! Grr…well, this won't change the fact that I CAN STILL CRUSH YOU!" The large ninja used his scythes again to crush them down.

Yukiko didn't waste any time and used her double-blade staff to freeze the scythes, but she could see that they were making some resistance. "NGHHH!" In the end, the scythes went down, generating an impact that pushed away the four feline spirits.

"AGH!"

"Dammit! We need to find a way to take out those strings!" Sakura exclaimed.

"Ok, listen up, then! It may be a bit risky move but I'll try to go in ambush with him! Try to find out where his webs could be in the meantime!" Aki then proposed?

"A-Are you sure? Those seem two big scythes…" Akane asked.

"As the only male in this quartet, I need to take my responsibilities as well! Plus, I'm sure it won't hurt that much! WISH ME GOOD LUCK!" After answering, Aki dashed at high speed against Agelenidae with his gauntlet.

The ninja answered with one of his scythes, generating a large impact that made the port vibrate a bit. But Aki wasn't going to quit there. "ORYAAAAAH!" He quickly released a barrage of electric punches that forced the enemy to put up a defensive stance. The impact of the gauntlet released several electrical electric shockwaves around the area, but nothing that Agelenidae couldn't resist.

After taking some of the hits, the minion of the Crow Clan made a parry to unleash a devastating counter-attack that wiped Aki away. "GAAAAH! AGH, SHIT! EVEN IF I'M A SPIRIT THIS HURTS!"

"AH AH! Nice try with that big box glove of yours! But don't think that will be enough!" Agelenidae exclaimed with pride.

"Anf…oh, I know it for sure. That was actually part of the plan." The cat spirit said with a small grin, catching the enemy off guard.

"What-?" Agelenidade didn't know what he meant by that, but as soon as he asked, both Sakura and Akane jumped behind him and used a long vertical cut all over his back. "AGH!"

"The decoy was a success! I can see the wires!" Akane exclaimed.

"It's all yours, Yukiko!" Sakura added.

The eldest of the cat spirits didn't let them repeat that she was already going for the last blows. "We warned you, and now it's time to pay the price-"

"I wouldn't be so sure…" Agelenidae countered with glowing eyes from behind the mask. In an instant, all the wires were released from his uniform and gathered around him and his assailants like a big ball of wool.

"WHAT!? AAAGH!" Yukiko, Sakura, and Akane found themselves trapped among the myriad of spider webs, with Aki astonished.

"Nice try, pussies! I'll admit that you caught me by surprise, but luckily, I thought of this strategy when I came up with this shell! The spider webs that protect my body are all gathered in my back, like one giant bag that is about to lose all of its stuff. Trying to attack me from behind to find them wasn't a very clever move! Now I'll just have to wait until you end up choking! I wonder what would happen to a celestial spirit, shortly after!" Agelenidae explained.

"Damm you!" Aki tried to make himself a road to reach his sisters by punching the webs with the gauntlet, but these turned out to be thicker than expected, and his electrical shockwave didn't seem to have much of an effect. "Oh, come on!"

"If only I could get free!" Akane complained, mentioning her fire.

Hoshiko, on the other hand, was still facing Araneus, but when she momentarily turned her head, she could see with shock her spirits' situation. "GIRLS! GAH!" She didn't have the time to get worried for them when she got stabbed in the back by her enemy's claws.

"Did you forget that I'm still here?" Araneus sarcastically asked.

That backstabbing made Hoshiko furious as she cut down the long nails with her ninjato in less than a second.

"AGH! Ok, you still have energies, but this doesn't change the fact that you're through!" Araneus insisted.

"Indeed! It seems that in the end, you really weren't much of a threat to the Crow Clan! Kigami will be happy to hear that the nuisance is over!" Agelenidae added.

"Don't think it's over…!" Hoshiko answered. She tried to maintain her composure and come up with a plan, even if the situation seemed critical.

But just as the celestial spirits were about to suffocate…

"Cinnamon Spice: Pepper Garden!" A burst of flames started to burn out the web releasing the cats.

"AAAAAH! GET OUT, GET OUT!" Noticing how his body was about to get on fire, Agelenidae did his best to get away from the spider web.

"We're free!" Sakura exclaimed, starting to jump out.

"Thank goodness…" Aki added with a small breath.

"That move…is that?" Hoshiko wondered as she turned around.

And right at that moment, she could see the answer for herself, as she noticed Iku already there, holding her club in her hand.

"I had to spend some time to find you out, but it seems that I've arrived in time!" The older mage commented.

"Iku! You here?" Hoshiko asked.

"Wa-Wait, THERE'S TWO OF THEM!?" Araneus exclaimed.

"We'll talk about this later. Now…how about I have some fun with the one who tried to choke out our favorite cats?" Iku said as she approached Agelenidae.

"AGH! Anf…anf…uh oh!" The minion of the Crow Clan was able to get rid of the flames, but in doing so, he found out that his armor was destroyed, leaving him with a thin body. He could see with horror that not only Iku but also the four cat spirits were approaching him. "AH!"

"You know, I have to thank you…you reminded me why I HATE SPIDERS SO MUCH!" Sakura exclaimed before the four of them threw themselves against the man.

Agelenidae started to sweat out, but he raised his two large scythes, ready to attack. "PFF! Who cares if you destroyed my shell!? I still have these two and the secrets of ni- AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" He tried to attack, but he inevitably fell to the combination of several elemental spells that made him crash against a wall, full of wounds and knocked out.

"AGLENIDAE!?" Araneus was shocked to see that his partner was down, not expecting Hoshiko behind him once again.

"Oi, I hope you didn't forget about me, right?" The ninja mage said.

Araneus gritted his teeth and quickly turned around to attack Hoshiko with a trap made out of his claws. "JUST DIE!"

But Hoshiko already knew how to answer, as she prepared her ninjato sword. "Shadow Star Masamune – Infinity!" She started to throw several swipes with her swords that reduced all the claws to pieces, leaving the enemy exposed.

"W-Wait! We can talk about this! I was getting paid-" Seeing himself both exposed and alone, Araneus tried to talk with them, but he could feel himself getting surrounded by two sides, as Iku was already running against him.

"Ready, Iku?" Hoshiko asked.

"Don't need to repeat it" The other lady answered.

Araneus resigned himself and tried to raise a small white flag, but two attacks were already in his direction.

"Shadow Star Masamune – Infinity!"

"Devil's Delight – Magnum Bash!"

A sword attack and a tremendously powerful fist were the things that made him crumble down with a large impact and a scream. A few seconds later, both girls were breathing heavily as they looked at their enemy defeated.

"We did it!" Yukiko exclaimed.

"Hell yeah!" Akane added. Later on, the four cats joined back their master.

"Are you ok?" Hoshiko asked.

"Oh, please! You know we have tough bones! Although we did start to see black in there…" Akane answered.

"To think that they would have already started to aim at us…" Yukiko commented, looking at the two defeated enemies.

"One more reason to start moving early!" Iku commented with her usual carefree tone.

It was then that Hoshiko looked at her older guild mate. "Why are you here, Iku?" She asked.

"Oh well, nothing in particular. Just getting the chance to have a stroll…and to find you, that's all." Iku replied.

"Did…did Uncle Dohko send you?" Hoshiko asked again.

"Pfft! Not really! True, everyone's dead worried about you, but I mostly came out of my initiative. After all, you do know that I really don't like when someone in our guild gets all blue." Iku answered, surprising the other girl a bit.

True, Hoshiko heard her say that in the past but…she didn't expect her to act like that, knowing her. "…Then…why did you come?"

"Just for a chit-chat between women. No pressure, no other members, nothing like that. Just you and me. What do you say?" The other mage of Shogunate Pride proposed with a small smile. "Come on, I can see that you need to talk a bit more."

Hoshiko looked at the four cat spirits who nodded and made some thumbs up. Yukiko in particular hoped that something like that would have come. This made the girl sigh. "…Ok. But as long as you don't get too close to me, ok? I know your habits." She accepted even with a bit of suspicion.

Iku smirked. "That's all I've wanted to hear. How about we do it in a proper place?"

---

After tying up the two minions of the Crow Clan and leaving behind the mess they made at the port, Hoshiko followed Iku, who led her to a bar. Shortly after, the two of them were sitting at the table, with Number III holding already a glass of wine.

"Aaaah…this is the finest in the city. Whenever I get back from a mission, I always make sure to get back here and take a taste of this." Iku commented.

"And then you get the other five glasses from Yukari…" Hoshiko told her with a skeptical face. "Seriously, how can you drink that much? Doesn't it bother you later?" She then asked.

"Nah, I've got used to it for a very long time by now. And besides, you do know that my identity as a mage rotates around it. I would lose my originality as a Requip mage if I were to become sober. Also…brr! I can't imagine myself stopping drinking. These are just my precious…" She said, cuddling the glass she was holding.

"…Yeaaaaaah…" Hoshiko wasn't convinced at all.

"But let's talk about you now. Were you able to calm down a bit, baby girl?" Iku then asked.

Hoshiko was caught off guard. "B-Baby girl?"

"Yeah! It's just you and me, and we can take a moment to be confident. That's one of the reasons bars exist, after all. Does it bother you?" Iku explained.

Hoshiko was a bit embarrassed by that. "N-No…I guess not." She answered. "And…you could say that I calmed down but…" She then sighed. "I don't know what to do, now…I feel lost."

"How so?" Iku asked.

"I mean, you could see it with your own eyes! Now that the Crow Clan has found out about my existence, they're doing their best to get rid of me and possibly the guild, and I'm pretty sure you'll start to look for them to fight!" Hoshiko explained.

"Oh, totally! Master Dohko even talked with the shogun about it." Iku added.

"…And I know that if it keeps up like that, I'll end up facing them as well. They surely won't stop sending mercenaries like those two. They may start throwing us someone powerful…even their leader wouldn't hesitate to cut my head off. And…I don't know for how long I'll be able to resist…" Hoshiko spoke.

Iku took another sip from her glass. "Really? If so, why did you tell us that you wanted to get them all by yourself?"

Hoshiko felt guilty again. "…Because I didn't want to see you get hurt because of me. I'll admit…I was very pissed after what I saw yesterday…I've spent so many years searching for them, but I didn't expect to see them back out of the blue. I thought I could have my moment but…I just made things worse. And I'm sure I didn't leave a good reputation earlier…"

Iku remained silent for a few seconds. And then smirked. "You wanna know something? You're correct!"

"Wait, what!?" Hoshiko asked, stunned.

"That idea and that tantrum that you threw wasn't the very best thing to give to your mates or behavior you would expect from a ninja of your caliber. If you want to hear my opinion, you acted like a little-whiny-bitch." Iku told her sincerely, but with her usual carefree voice, showing that she wasn't angry.

"HEY!" Hoshiko exclaimed.

Iku then took another sip, finishing her glass. "But…it's only normal that you acted that way, it's nothing that bad as you think of it. You were angry, panicked, and confused. I'm pretty sure no one at the guild could blame you for that. And you know why?"

Hoshiko shook her head.

"Because right now, you're suffering a slight post-traumatic stress. And who can tell you something bad about it? We're talking about the ones who destroyed your home. The same ones you wanted so badly to get your revenge on for many years. Seeing them out of the blue surely didn't make you such an effect." Iku told her.

Hoshiko looked down, sighing. "Yeah…you're right. Just like last night…" She said before confessing. "The panic attack I had…was because I've dreamed of it again…that day…those flames…those corpses…and even a cursed room." She started to tremble. "It's like a hateful nightmare that never ends…"

At that moment, Iku gently laid her hand on Hoshiko's shoulders. "Hey. Chill out, baby girl. You're with me now."

Somehow…just looking at her friend made Hoshiko's breath regular again.

"And we all know that it must be hard for you to get through this moment. It's always hard…to the point that it may take years." Iku continued.

"…How could you know?" Hoshiko asked.

It was at that moment that Iku looked at her empty glass. She was still smiling…but Hoshiko could say that her mood was switching to…melancholy.

"…I had a similar experience."

"Uh?" Hoshiko asked.

It was a bit painful for Iku to remember it, but if it could be used to help her friend, she was willing to remember those days.

"I was born in a small village located on a mountain that was continuously raided by bandits. We didn't have much, but we didn't ask much either. We could live and that was enough. But then a group of bandits and their leader attacked our village and started to take us as slaves. All because of the voice that the ales and the potions in our zone were the finest. I…I hated that situation. But all I could have done was to take all the bad things that they forced me into, and I was forced to work on potions and drinks like the others. One day…I've tried to oppose it and used some drinks to fight against the bandits. But it wasn't enough. My father tried to support me…and he ended up getting my place…as the victim. I could see as that bandit pierced my dad's body." Iku explained.

Hoshiko started as she looked horrified and displeased for her friend. She had known Iku for quite a while at the moment…and she knew what type of person she was. But she didn't expect her to confess something like that.

"I-Iku, I'm sorry…I-I don't know what to say…" She spoke.

"Hey, what's with the long face? The story has a happy ending! Even if my father was about to leave me, she entrusted me with the Devil's Delight. And thanks to that, I smacked that jerk's face for good, freeing the village! True…I was sad…but Dad told me to keep that smile and that he was proud of me. Naturally, I held his words dear, and, well… I started to travel around, trying to get stronger. And that's how I got here!" Iku continued.

"So…the reason you keep on drinking is…" Hoshiko spoke, figuring out.

"Mhm. It's to honor Dad…and make sure that I'm strong enough to not witness a horror like that again." Iku confessed.

This time, the ninja girl really didn't know what to say.

"…Well…now you know it. And it saddens me a bit to remember those days. But…I think you could learn something from this story. That there will always be some sort of suffering waiting for you in life. Some of them may even drive you to despair. But that is not a reason to always see things in black. When you least expect it…there can be a solution to bad moments. And I think you have it. Ever since you've joined the guild." Iku told her.

"Iku…" Hoshiko spoke. "…Yeah…this makes me feel even worse for earlier…"

"Still down? Then I have the right solution for you!" The older member continued. "Hey, Frieren! Two Shuten-Doji sakes!" She then asked the bartender, who looked at her skeptical.

"W-What!? Two!?" Hoshiko exclaimed.

The two glasses came in no time…but Iku moved one of them to Hoshiko. "One's for you."

"Wait…what?" Hoshiko asked.

"You're eighteen now, right? You can do it." Iku replied. "You need something to make you throw it all out. And let me tell you…this is the best way. Just for this time."

Hoshiko looked at the glass. It was true, she never experienced that before, and knowing Iku, she knew that it wasn't that pleasant. But…Iku was still trying to help her nonetheless. Maybe…she was right. She needed to throw It all out.

That…made her drink. And it would have been only the first glass.

A few minutes later, both Iku and Hoshiko were laughing loudly, with their faces as red as a tomato.

"OH MAN, YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH SATISFACTION I HAD WITH THAT MINION! ONE MOMENT EARLIER THEY'RE ACTING ALL COCKY AND THEN- PAM! A SWORD RIGHT UP THEIR CHEST!" Hoshiko exclaimed, drunken.

"YEAH! YOU TELL' EM, BABY GIRL! THAT'S THE BEST MOMENT OF BEING A MAGE!" Iku told her.

"THIS IS WHAT PISSES ME OFF THE MOST! THEY WANT TO FUCK EVERYTHING UP BUT I DON'T WANT TO MAKE THEM SO! IF THEY DARE TO TOUCH ONE OF YOU, THEY'RE GONNA PAY! BECAUSE I LOVE YOU GUYS! AND I WOULD DIE FOR YOU!" Hoshiko continued.

"YOU CAN SAY THE SAME!" Iku answered.

"AND IF REVANY DARES TO COUNTER ANOTHER SENTENCE OF MINE, I CAN TAKE HER LIGHTSABER AND PULL IT RIGHT UP HER-" Hoshiko was about to continue, but Iku shut her mouth.

"Woah woah! Now you're exaggerating. But I can get the message, baby girl. And let me tell you this…you're suffering, that's true…but you're not alone. Everyone thinks the same."

"Eh eh…sorry. And…Yes. I can see it now…" Hoshiko answered.

The two girls remained still for a few seconds…and then Hoshiko hugged Iku. A genuine hug for once.

"…Thank you, Iku. I…I'll be more careful from now on…especially in your regard." She spoke.

Iku was surprised at first, but then she hugged back, trying to not let the other notice that she had shiny eyes. "Anything for you guys. So…how about we say it again with the others?" She then proposed. "If- HIC! We reach the guild."

"HIC! Yeah- I bet I can reach it without tripping! HIC!" Hoshiko replied.

Another laugh followed as the two of them left the bar. Frieren looked at them with a resigned expression.

"Why do I always have the craziest clients…" She commented.

And with that…Hoshiko and Iku made their way back to the guild…well, at the best of their possibilities, since they were staggering. It would have taken some time to let the hangover pass. But if Hoshiko was to be honest…she wanted it to last a bit longer.

Because thanks to that…she found the strength to stand up again. And she had the certainty that she wasn't alone.

Even she had someone she could rely on. Someone strong…just like her.

Yukiko's key was tearing up as she and the other siblings witnessed that scene.

"My lady got better…"

"Chill out, Yukiko-" Aki told her.

---

The next day…

All the members of Shogunate Pride were stunned as soon as they got to the main hall. Tsukuyomi in particular was a bit horrified by a certain sight.

"W-What just happened here!?" Fern exclaimed.

"Hoshiko? Iku…?" Herny tried to call them out, and luckily, the two of them woke up.

Both girls were snorting while sitting at a table with a tired expression.

"WHA-? UH? What?" Both of them looked around before recognizing the place and the people.

"Oh! We made it back!" Hoshiko said.

"Damm…we lost the count of how many times we have tripped…" Iku added.

"What…happened exactly? You went out all night! We were worried!" Rere asked.

But while the others were confused, Dohko had a satisfied smile. "It seems that my thought was correct. Can you confirm, Hoshiko?" He asked.

The ninja stood up to answer. "Yes…let's just say that I…took some time to better explain myself. And…after talking about it with Iku…I can say it clearly…" With those words, she left for a moment before coming back with a water bucket.

"What are you going to do with that?" Rokumon asked.

"This." With that simple word, Hoshiko kneeled and poured all the water on the bucket at herself before even making a bow with her front on the ground.

Naturally, everyone was shocked, but some members, like Dohko, Revany, Yori, Ren, and even the same Iku, seemed to know why she did so.

"Hoshiko, what are you doing!?" Cal asked.

"It's the least I can do to apologize for my rude behavior and my rushed decisions yesterday. Truth to be said…I was scared…and tried to find the best way to deal with this problem. And while this may be what a ninja is supposed to do…the same cannot be said for the figure I became when I joined this guild: a samurai. The Crow Clan will probably start to move to get rid of us, with me in particular, and there's no way I can avoid a direct battle with them. But now I know well of the risk I can get. I may have become a strong mage…but they are the same." She spoke while still wet.

"I ask you this…as a mage of this great guild. Please…help me defeat the Crown Clan! Help me set my village's soul at peace!" She then asked.

A few moments of silence followed…and the others didn't seem to change expression. But then…

"…Gee…did you think we would have had a different answer?" Tammy told her.

"Uh?" Hoshiko asked.

Domino made a large smile. "You know that there's no reason to leave you down like that! Of course, we'll help!"

"I hope you didn't forget that samurais fight alongside each other. We're following the same road after all." Iori added.

"Aye! Leave it to us, especially if you need wings!" Ronin exclaimed.

"Guys…" Hoshiko spoke, while Iku came closer.

"What did I tell you?" The lady asked with a smile.

"We've known you for a very long time, it's only natural that we can help you," Ren told her with a small grin.

"Plus, we've got the task from the shogun. Therefore, a new job is waiting for us, sir." Fern told her.

"And I think most of us can understand your sense of vengeance towards them. So stay assured that we intend to help you. Or at least…I do."

Tsukuyomi tried to forget the image of her and Iku together for a moment to smile at Cal. "Come on, Cal! Of course, we'll all help!" She said before coming closer to Hoshiko. "I probably shouldn't say much considering that I've been here for just a while. But I could feel the sense of loss and darkness you had just yesterday. And I share it with you. So, I hope…that I can help you out with this. I get the feeling." She added with a smile.

"Y-Yes! Count me in! Well…for what I can do." Rere added.

"Don't even say that to me! You have no idea how much I got worried! But…I'm glad that everything turned out fine. I knew you could calm yourself down." Henry said.

Once again…Hoshiko was surprised by everyone's answer. She looked at everyone, who was smiling or was giving a confident expression…and they were even ready to fight alongside her.

"As you can see…we think we have the strength to face them," Dohko told her.

"Or did you have any doubts?" Sena asked with a large smirk.

It was then that Hoshiko remembered it. The thought made her almost chuckle. They were following the second trait that a samurai must have.

"忠誠心 – Chusei kokoro; Loyalty…" She quietly spoke. As she took a deep breath, it was her time to do so. "…Thanks everyone…I'll make sure to not disappoint you for this!"

"We know you won't, baby girl!" Iku answered back.

"BABY GIRL!?" Everyone asked.

"Oh, it's just a thing between me and her!" The lady answered with a wink. Hoshiko winked back, while Tsukuyomi looked more horrified.

"W-What happened between them!?" She thought.

Hoshiko then looked at Revany, who stared at her back. After some seconds of silence, the ninja girl took a deep breath. "…You were right. I acted rashly yesterday."

"…Glad that you've realized it. And…I've exaggerated a bit." Revany replied. After that, they kept on staring at each other…with a bit of threat.

"Well? That's all?" Hoshiko asked.

"Yes." Revany instantly replied.

"Fine!" Hoshiko countered.

The others looked at the scene with a drop of sweat near their heads.

"Everything's back to normal…"

Hoshiko then looked towards the exit, or more precisely…towards the horizon, as her next mission was settled.

"Well…the time has finally come…if we'll have to take the Crow Clan down, we'll do it…" She said before striking a fancy pose, which made the four celestial spirits appear beside her. "In a flashy way!"

"YES!" Everyone (except Revany) answered back. Even Madoka, Mami, and Homura went on her.

"Hoshiko we were afraid!"

"Don't ever do something like that again!"

That caused Hoshiko to make a small laugh. "Don't worry! I'll do my best!"

And then…Yukari made a step forward. "I wish to not ruin the mood, but…where do we start? The shogun said that our duty was to find out what their plan is and where their hideout is." She asked.

Everyone started to think.

"True enough…we must have something to use as a first step to know the enemy. Considering that they're ninjas, it's going to be hard." Yori commented.

But Hoshiko and Iku looked at each other with a smirk. "Actually…we do have an idea," Hoshiko said, gathering everyone's attention.

"What is it?" Dohko asked.

"Let's just say that yesterday…the enemy gave us a surprise," Iku answered before moving away to reveal Araneus and Agelenidae tied up.

A choir of 'ooooh!' followed.

"Gotta say, you've tied them up quite well," Fern commented.

"Yeah! You didn't even need to use my lasso!" Henry added.

Right at that moment, both ninjas opened their eyes, getting confused.

"What the!? Where are we!?" Agelenidae asked. They both lowered their stares and noticed seventeen menacing figures staring at them.

"AAAH!" They got scared pretty quickly…as Nobuhito came closer.

"Ah ah ah! I've been quiet all this time to not ruin the moment…but I think it's now my turn to do something! Getting information is among my favorite things to do. This is gonna be fun…" He said with a creepy tone.

Due to their conditions…the only thing that the two minions could do…was to gulp.

---

And we can finally say that it's all for today! There was originally supposed to be another scene, but to not make the chapter too long, I've cut it and we'll see it in the next chapter. First off, I've wanted to apologize for the longer wait than expected. Between the usual distractions, beating Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker, and a sudden writer's block that lasted two weeks, I didn't properly set foot on working on any story (the block wasn't properly the fact that I didn't have ideas, more than I felt like not wanting to write for over two weeks). Luckily, I was able to get out of it and get it done! I hope I can recover enough in March.

And I have to say that this chapter turned out to be more intense than I thought! While I had a general idea of what to put, I gotta say that I've passed through my regular standards with character interactions and development! Which is something I'm very happy about! We also got the chance to dig a deep further inside some of the characters and the way they think (especially with the backstories), and I'm happy I was able to give some screen time to Iku since I thought she was a bit left off by other characters. Naturally, the main star would have been Hoshiko, and I've tried my best to show off her possible reaction to the return of her hated enemies. Speaking of which, this chapter properly introduces the new antagonists, and I've wanted to make sure that they were put on a different perspective than Chimera Tribe! I hope I gave you the right curiosity about them! And speaking of them, I naturally thank zetsunaflames (Hoshiko's maker), who came up with a good portion of them and the idea of the Crow Clan as a whole! They came up with a lot of interesting things! As I said, this arc will be more complex, and as such, showing the different moods is a proper way to show off where the story will go on, and today we've seen proof of that.

But as always, I'll leave the last opinion to you! Did you like the chapters? What were your opinions on the various debates and discussions the guild mates had? What do you think of these new enemies and their leader, Yoshimatsu? Which type of battles will expect from this new adventure? Let me know with your reviews, your opinion is important!

Next, I'll work on Digimon Adventure 04 for real this time. I'll try to recover the time I lost during this month and be productive enough before my trip, because, yes! I'll be going to London for a few days, so I'll try to prepare something else for both fanfics and other projects of mine before that! Wish me good luck!

I once again thank you for reading this chapter and I'll see you in the next chapter or the next chapter of another story of mine! From Bluestar here, Arrivederci!