“Your illusionary suggestion seems to have been quite effective on the islanders.”
Kaizaki Makoto had come to the second-floor study of Tatsumi Yoshitsugu’s residence on Mt. Kamakura
in response to the latter’s summons. From the window he could look out over the pond in the spacious Japanese garden.
“As you saw,” Kaizaki answered his CEO. His dark suit was becoming to his muscular body. His slicked-back black hair and slender-framed glasses gave a firm impression of intelligence.
Tatsumi peered out over the nighttime garden. This venerable estate had been built in the first year of Meiji (1868). He slid his hand from the polished amber window frame into the loose sleeve of his silk haori and turned to Kaizaki.
“Nothing could have been more startling. The ogre illusion was certainly quite fearsome... I have heard that it caused a stream of evacuations. For one of the modern era, you are possessed of rare and exquisite psychic power.”
“Thank you.”
“You are worthy of being a descendant of our Satomi clan. I am delighted to be blessed with such a brilliant scion.”
“Thank you very much, Yoshitaka-sama.” Thus did Kaizaki address Tatsumi. “I am proud to be a descendant of Satomi. It is a privilege to serve my honored forefather.”
“Mmn. You shall bear our magical sword, the Murasame. I look upon our future with anticipation,” nodded Tatsumi—no, the onshou Satomi Yoshitaka who had possessed him—with satisfaction.
Satomi Yoshitaka.
Brave general of Bousou, he had survived a violent intra-clan war to lead the Satomi into becoming one of the leading military powers of the Kantou in the space of a generation.
In the «Yami-Sengoku», after having recovered their territory post-Houjou’s destruction, he had confronted a Takeda invasion and was now engaged in a fierce resistance.
In order to achieve a certain aim, he had won over a young man of the clan bloodline, Kaizaki Makoto, three months ago. He himself had possessed the president and CEO of Keibu Real Estate, Tatsumi Yoshitsugu, while his vassals had done the same to other related personnel; the company had essentially been usurped by Satomi.
“The foundation is finally ready.” Yoshitaka sat down in his gigantic office chair. “The residents have been driven out, the opposing councilor is dead, all conditions are favorable. Now we only need to wait for a response to our acquisition of E Island Shrine. —Incidentally,” Yoshitaka changed the subject, “the Uesugi appear to be on the move.”
“Yes,” Yashiro, who’d listened quietly until then, responded. —Or rather, the Satomi retainer who had possessed Yashiro: Masaki Tokishige, the possessor spirit Takaya had spotted.
“It is a certainty. Uesugi’s general, Saburou Kagetora, was there along with Kakizaki Haruie.”
“You’re certain?”
“Aye. I saw them pursue Nagano with my own eyes.”
“Hmm. So they were not satisfied with killing Nagano, and have now decided to meddle in our affairs.” Yoshitaka tsked in vexation. “Saburou Kagetora? I have heard of him. Was he not originally a son of Houjou? Knowing he is a child of the detestable Houjou only increases my desire to strike him down with mine own hands.”
Numerous were the grudges between Satomi and Houjou; they were like cats and dogs. Though ultimately Satomi could be said to have come out the victors after Houjou’s destruction in the Siege of Odawara, Yoshitaka still turned hostile at the mere mention of Houjou.
He addressed Kaizaki: “I suppose you are unfamiliar with the Uesugi kanshousha. They are monsters who have lived in this world for four hundred years.”
“Saburou...Kagetora...”
“By Kenshin’s decree, they possess the power of «exorcism». Any spirit on the receiving end is driven into the other world. They are fearsome adversaries. But ’tis irrelevant to you,” he said, chuckling. Yoshitaka appeared quite taken with Kaizaki, a full-fledged person of the modern era who was also an outstandingly skilled magic user. “You must take great care not to arouse their suspicions with our plans.”
“I understand.”
“As if I would allow them to interfere. Yet Takeda and Miura, too, are moving against us. What of the grotto, Masaki?”
“Aye! Yesterday we sealed off the grotto using the pretext of the rock-slide. The foe who forced his way inside today was likely one of the Miura.” Masaki glanced up at his lord. “As we thought, the thief who stole Koubou Daishi’s vajra was likely Miura Yoshioki.”
“Cursed Miura. They intend to bury the grotto and stop the ‘Rite of Passage to Hell’. Uppity knaves.”
“I will strengthen our defense.”
“Aye, do so, Masaki.”
Yoshitaka leaned against the armrest with one hand on his chin.
“What of Fuji Shrine, Yoshiyori?”
“Yes, Father,” answered a young man with the air of a college student standing behind Yoshitaka. “Everything has gone smoothly. The Sengen Shrine will soon be in our possession.”
“I see. Well done, I wouldn’t have expected anything less from my son.”
Yoshitaka beamed from ear to ear as he sang his son’s praises. Yoshiyori sniffed lightly and looked over at Kaizaki and Masaki with an arrogant eye.
“Hmph, but this is a roundabout way to achieve our aims. We could have easily taken over E Island by sheer force of arms without going through the trouble of purchasing it. You were the one who came up with this plan, Kaizaki? ...Hmph. It cannot be helped, given the timidity of the people of the modern era.”
Kaizaki glanced up at him.
“Father, these cheap tricks are tiresome. I can dispose of all the residents and seize E Island for you by tomorrow.”
“Do not rush, Yoshiyori,” Yoshitaka soothed his son. “The endgame is set. Tomorrow we will finish off this head of the neighborhood council—Suga, I believe. It will act as a fine threat to the inhabitants. And ’twould be a fine thing if the chief priest of E Island Shrine were to disappear. I cannot tell how many days it would take to change that obstinate man’s answer to yea.”
“The ‘Rite of the Ten Night-Demon Kings’...?” Masaki queried in a hushed voice. “Would it be suitable to use it again?”
“Use it so that we may procure E Island. As for the aforementioned sacrifice...”
“Aye, arrangements are being made.”
Yoshitaka nodded magnanimously. “There remains very little time until the appointed date. Nobunaga-sama has nearly reached the area.”
“...”
“Present E Island to me—that was Nobunaga-sama’s command. If we can accomplished this, he will recognize our claim to Bousou as a member of his alliance. Once Takeda is destroyed, he will surely entrust the entire region of Sagami, Kai, and Musashi to us.” Yoshitaka placed both arms on his desk with its beautiful wood texture as ambition blazed in the back of his eyes. “If we complete the ‘Rite of Passage to Hell’ as planned, we Satomi will be secure. We will have room to breathe. Let us exert ourselves to the utmost.”
“Aye!” Masaki promptly answered. Yoshitaka’s gaze turned to Kaizaki.
“You as well. Your «power» has developed to an astonishing extent over the past few months. Have confidence in yourself. You are a magnificent warrior. Believe in yourself, and serve me well.”
“Yes,” Kaizaki answered, lifting his eyes aggressively. “I would like to test how far my abilities can bloom. I am very grateful to you, Yoshitaka-sama, for awakening them. If I can be of use, I am willing.”
“Mmm. Then here is my command.” Yoshitaka glanced sidelong at the miniature model of E Island on his desk. “Seal the power of the Yasha-shuu.”
“... My target is the Yasha-shuu, then?”
“I warn you that they are strong. An ordinary onshou would not stand a chance against them. Happily, you are not a possessor spirit. So long as you are not killed, you need not fear «exorcism». Your power rivals theirs. Fight and grow stronger. They are the perfect adversaries for you.”
“I understand.” A faint smile curved Kaizaki’s lips. His face was full of confidence. “I will attempt it.”
“You show no fear, I see. Make use of Murasame. It will amplify your strength.” Yoshitaka shook with laughter. He leaned back against this chair and murmured, “Now then, why don’t you gather the scalps of the Yasha for a gift?”
Leaving the Tatsumi residence behind, Kaizaki returned to his street-parked car.
He stopped as he caught sight of the man emerging from its shadow, who was in his late thirties and wore a duffel coat. They seemed acquainted.
“It’s you...” Kaizaki stepped up to the side of the car.
“How did the conversation go?”
“Smoothly and as planned. They seemed satisfied; we have nothing to worry about. Though I do not yet have a firm grasp on the matter we discussed.”
“I see. And the synchronization?”
“Yes, as you see.” Kaizaki put a cigarette to his lips and lit it. Smoke rose gently into the darkness. Kaizaki gazed at it for a moment before casting his eyes downward. He said in a low voice, “—I saw them at E Island today.”
“Them? ...You met...?!”
“Yes.” He fell silent, a serious look on his face. What was he thinking of? After a moment, he smiled faintly with his eyes still lowered. “He looked at me with such cold eyes...”
“...” He fell silent once more. The man gazed at Kaizaki’s profile, trying to peer into his heart. The smile had disappeared from his lips. He finally asked in a low voice, “You are not yet able to discard your doubts, then?”
Kaizaki’s eyes widened.
“I presume you are unable to completely accept it from an emotional standpoint. You wonder whether it would not constitute an act of treachery, and I understand. Since it is you and not someone else. However—”
“You don’t have to say anything else,” Kaizaki interrupted him firmly, and the man closed his mouth. “My hesitation is entirely directed towards my own strength. I am merely pondering whether it would be a good thing for me to accept.”
“There is no need. Everyone believes in your strength whole-heartedly.”
“What flattery...” Kaizaki smiled sardonically. “You may say that, but I can see that you’re the one who distrusts my strength the most.”
“...” The man’s expression stiffened: bullseye.
Kaizaki gazed at him for a moment and smiled. “It’s fine. You have cause, after all. I will only be able to convince you with actual results, I suppose.”
Kaizaki’s smiled disappeared as if he had stuffed his emotions into a bottle. He pressed his lips together and stared at the cigarette smoke for several seconds before forcing himself to resume a business-like expression. “And the matter in question? Any progress?”
“Yes, we are heading for Yokohama tonight in order to establish contact.”
“I see,” Kaizaki answered, and got into the car. “Withdraw for today. Report back to me to tomorrow. I’ll leave the rest to you.”
“Understood!”
He shut the door and turned the key in the ignition. The roar of the engine reverberated through the quiet night of the high-class residential neighborhood. The car glided into the darkness and disappeared.
“!”
She brought down her whip. At the signal, the pack of stray dogs charged at Chiaki and Kotarou all at once.
“Guh...!”
Barking and baying furiously, the dogs bared their fangs as they rushed to the attack. These were no ordinary dogs—a red eye glowed in each of their foreheads. Chiaki’s eyes widened in surprise.
(Three-eyed dogs...!)
He elbowed a canine in the face as it snapped at his windpipe and shot his will blindly into the pack. Ear-piercing howls resounded across the harbor. He sent dogs flying away from him like rubber balls, but they instantly regained their feet and charged at him once more.
(Are they demonic hounds?)
These were the souls of dogs who bore deadly curses, a type of animal spirit brought forth by magic, also called inugami.
“You little—!”
He continued to strike with his will, but there was no end to them. The pack of three-eyed dogs attacked from front and back. There was a limit to his will. They bit at his clothing, and he feverishly tore them off, yelling, “You...damned freakish dogs!”
With the fwoosh of something bursting into flames, all the demonic hounds surrounding Chiaki were enveloped in blue fire. Chiaki They hopped and rolled on the ground, writhing in the inextinguishable flames.
“Yasuda-sama!” someone shouted from behind the warehouse: alerted by the commotion, one of the «Nokizaru» had come running.
“! Stay back!”
“Yeek!”
Chiaki’s warning came too late. Now that they had found a new target, the demonic hounds all turned to the «Nokizaru» and charged.
“Gyaaah—!”
The choked scream lingered as their sharp teeth sank into the «Nokizaru»’s flesh and ripped open his veins. Fresh blood showered down as the demonic hounds fought each other greedily over his body.
“You too will soon be their victim, Yasuda!” the courageous warrior Yamagata Masakage yelled in his blonde vessel’s high voice, swinging the whip. Chiaki filled his body with «power» and resolutely charged towards the advancing dogs.
“You’re the one going to the dogs, Yamagata!” Chiaki yelled, forming the ritual gesture with his hands. A fiery aura blazed from his body.
“Ari nari tonari anaro nabi kunabi!”
The demonic hounds’ third eye glowed with the need for blood. Chiaki threw everything he had into a «ressa-choubuku».
“ (bai)!”
Shyuurp!
They vanished as if sucked into a vacuum. Weaving his way through, Chiaki advanced his assault. “Out of my way, you blasted things!”
Multiple vacuum whirlwinds sprang violently into being in multiple spots, sucking demonic hounds in and killing them. A berserker aura exploded from Yamagata as he readied himself to meet him. Chiaki yelled, “Sorry, but Kawanakajima ended a long time ago!”
“Die...Yasuda!”
Yamagata attacked with his will, only to be deflected by Chiaki’s «goshinha». Yamagata’s whip blazed incandescent red and elongated. Chiaki blocked it with his right hand just before it could wrap around his neck.
“Guuuh!”
The heat of it scorched his skin. Gritting his teeth against the pain, Chiaki pulled at the whip with all his strength.
“Waugh!”
Perhaps handicapped by a woman’s body, Yamagata was yanked forward and lost his balance. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Chiaki mercilessly attacked with his will.
“Gyah!”
Asphalt spurted fire and crumbled. Yamagata was possessing the body, which meant he could be «exorcised». Chiaki gathered his «power».
“Prepare yourself, Yamagata!”
“Graaah!” With a ferocious roar Yamagata pressed both hands against the ground and shoved his will into it.
“What?!”
The asphalt squirmed, bulged, and mushroomed. Then it peeled back with a groan to reveal a giant black shadow emerging from underground. The enormous tube-like black lump danced in front of his eyes and raised its head.
It was a centipede. A grotesque, demonic, lumpish centipede.
“Woah!”
It spat a yellowish mucus at Chiaki. Chiaki struck with all his «power» at the thing’s guts.
“!”
Strange dark red flesh flew in all directions. Chiaki continued his assault. The centipede convulsed and fell with a thud flat to the ground. Yamagata turned on his heels and ran. Trampling over pieces of flesh, Chiaki followed.
“Weren’t we gonna settle things, you asshole?!”
“Graah!”
Kotarou was engaged in a hard fight. Chiaki turned and fired his will like a machine gun. The pack was sent flying, but one with its teeth sunk deep into Kotarou’s arm refused to let go.
“Damn it!” Kotarou clenched his teeth hard and wrenched open the jaws of the dog clamped to his arm, firing his will directly into the eye on its forehead.
Gwarl!
Green blood burst from its head as it was crushed. Flinging away the corpse, Kotarou rolled away from a fresh assault. He grabbed hold of a crystal ball in his jacket pocket and hurled it out over the waves.
“Awaken, spirit-beast!”
Rumble.
The crystal ball glowed as it churned up waves. A large lion appeared out of it.
The demonic hounds charged it in a pack. The lion shook its mane dramatically. Its roar was more resonant than a ship’s steam whistle. Battle was joined.
“Boss!” One of the Fuuma yelled, rushing up. Kotarou’s mangled right arm had soaked his tattered sleeve with blood. “Are you all right?!”
Roar!
Demonic hounds with their throats torn out by the lion raised howls as of confession and penitence as they were flung to the ground. In the blink of an eye the pack had been defeated at the lion’s fangs.
Kotarou confirmed the last kill. As the three-eyed demons breathed their last, they melted like wax, turned to sand, and were swept away by the harbor breeze.
“Boss! Allow me to treat this terrible injury!”
“It’s not serious. What of Yasuda-dono?”
“He went off in pursuit of that woman!”
Kotarou stood, panting.
“Takeda’s Yamagata Masakage... That such a commander would appear...”
“Stop running, you asshole!”
Attacking with his will, Chiaki chased after Yamagata. But this woman, though she was wearing high heels, was bizarrely fast. Even at his top speed Chiaki couldn’t catch up. In fact, she was lengthening her lead.
He was going to lose Yamagata in the maze of warehouse streets.
(He’s getting away!)
The distance between them widened again, and he was about to lose sight of the distant figure when—
Flash.
A car’s lights suddenly barred Yamagata’s way. Dazzled and stunned, he covered his eyes.
Someone climbed out of the driver’s seat.
“Who are you?!”
“...You will go no further, Takeda.”
Behind him, Chiaki also inadvertently covered his eyes against the headlights’ glare. He couldn’t see the other’s face.
(Who is that?)
“Who are you? Identify yourself!”
“I am sorry to tell you the Takeda atake-bune has sunk.”
The words rattled both Yamagata and Chiaki.
“What?!”
“It was attacked by a group of merpeople in the seas off Miura Peninsula. The ship capsized and sank with the spirit-stone to the bottom of Sagami Bay. Thus your long-awaited transit plan has ended in failure.”
“You bastard, you’re kanshousha, aren’t you?” Yamagata warily scanned his opponent’s aura: “If you’re an enemy, you’re not leaving this place alive!”
“Look out, get out of here!” Chiaki yelled, but Yamagata was already running, about to fire his will at the other man.
“Haaaaah—!” He shot off the will gathered in his hand! But the man moved at the same time. His magnificent «wall» blocked the heavy bazooka-like attack, where it shattered.
(He’s...!)
Chiaki caught his breath again. What the man did next could not be done by anyone save themselves.
“ (bai)!”
Instantly rooted to the spot, Yamagata’s body convulsed as if he had touched a live wire. He had been caught by a strong paralysis. He was unable to move no matter how much he struggled.
“You...graaaah...!”
“Noumakusamanda, bodanan baishiramandaya sowaka!”
Vibrant energy overflowed from hands locked firmly in the ritual gesture. Standing at the center of the gathering light, he chanted that well-known abjuration without a word out of place:
“Namu Tobatsu Bishamonten! For this demon subjugation, lend me thy power!”
Yamagata struggled, face twisted, but he could not escape from the outer bind. He was about to be struck by the full force of that power...!
“You’re...Uesugi? Curse yooou!”
“«Choubuku»!”
A flash of light more intense than the headlights overflowed from the man’s hands. Yamagata screamed and continued to struggle. Chiaki covered his eyes with his arm. The swirling light engulfed Yamagata with a sound like a mountain of sand collapsing.
At last the sound grew distant and faded as the darkness of night leeched away the light, and the last misty eddies of «choubukuryoku» subsided.
The formerly possessed woman lay between Chiaki and the man. Her long blonde hair curled on the asphalt like a spool of gold thread.
“Looks like he got away,” the man smiled wryly. The «exorcism» had failed. It’d been a long time since he’d last used it, and he seemed to have lost the knack. Yet he didn’t seem much bothered. He straightened the collar of his mountain parka and turned to properly face Chiaki. “It’s been a long time, Nagahide.”
Chiaki stared in dumbfounded amazement at this unexpected apparition. He hadn’t thought he would perform kanshou on an adult. For Chiaki, this was actually a reunion 30 years in the making.
“Y-you...”
“She’s going to catch a cold if we let her sleep here. Give me a hand, Nagahide.”
The man carefully lifted the blonde woman. Chiaki only stared dumbstruck at him. Then he sank to the ground as if all the strength had gone out of his legs and pressed his hands around his head.
They’d never found him even after searching so hard...
“Why are you here...?”
“...”
The fifth member of the Uesugi lifted his head and smiled that smile he hadn’t seen for so long.