ayarr supremacy

posts and reblogs of the best game to ever exist 🪷 sootekine on twt 🧡💛🤍🩵💙

[lullabyfox]

Come to think of it, Kagemaru uses both "she/her" and "he/his," right? If so, does that mean he's a Genderfluid?

Also, I saw Kagemaru being very possessive/affectionate towards Akiyasu. I don't know if I'm imagining it, but sometimes it goes beyond just being friends.

If that's the case, then Kagemaru is bi-genderfluid, right?

[shonenkun309]

ISN'T HE LOVELY😫😫❤️❤️

[quietbooklion]

I've wondered if during the 1,000 years between the Heian period and the Meiji period, if the boys had some kind of incarnation they don't remember. It makes sense since a thousand years is a VERY long time. Long enough for any of them to have some past life after the one where they met Futaba's past self. It would make some interesting stories. Like if one day an old ayakashi approaches Kuya and mistakes him for a previous incarnation. I can imagine the drama and angst that would cause.

[shonenkun309]

⚠️ 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑐𝑙𝑎𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑟 ⚠️

This is a fan-teanslation so expect some misspelling and misinformation here and there, this the first time I translate something THIS big so bear with me ... Each post will be 2 chapter until I finish because I can't post all chapters in one post or Tumblr might die on me ...

LIKES, COMMENTS, AND REBLOGS ARE APPRECIATED PLEASE AND THANK YOU !!!!

Tags : @colourless-hydrangeas @the-bird-and-the-flute @just-somehuman @randomf2p @blackmond11 @tzetzgo @kogasimp1 @mamoon-ka

Chapters : || 1-2 || 3-4 || 5-6 || 7-8 || 9-10 || 11-12 || 13-14 ||

CHAPTER 15

I finally realized what "Kiryu’s true goal" was—

I spoke my mind while looking straight at Koga.

Futaba: "Whether someone is human or Ayakashi doesn't matter—Koga, you and your father both believe that, don't you? Kiryu has always denied that."

Koga: "…"

Futaba: "He wants to make you feel, with your entire being, that the conviction you both share was a mistake— I think he’s trying to take the resentment he should have directed at your father and take it out on you instead. Maybe that’s why he went out of his way to appear in your 'Oni' form."

Koga: "…"

Koga is listening intently to what I have to say, as if lost in thought.

Futaba: "If his goal is to isolate you from humans by framing you as an 'Oni'... The incident in Asakusa was likely just the beginning. I believe similar things will keep happening from now on."

(That's why...)

I took a breath and spoke from the bottom of my heart.

Futaba: "That’s why I will catch the real culprit. I will protect you in the Capital, Koga."

Koga: "Futaba……"

(—Ah)

I was startled when I saw Koga's eyes widen.

Futaba: "No, um... I didn't mean just by myself! I'm planning to ask Toichiro and the others for help too..."

I hurriedly mumbled an addition, feeling embarrassed that I had spoken so boldly, as if I could solve everything alone.

However, Koga looked at me and his brow softened slightly.

Koga: "…You really are strong, Futaba."

Futaba: "…Koga."

Koga: "I understand. I'll leave the Capital to you. But, don't do anything reckless."

Futaba: "—Yes!"

I nodded firmly at Koga's words.

Koga: "Kiryu's objective is likely exactly what you said. And apparently, there's a rumor among some of the Ayakashi that I'm selling them out to the government."

Futaba: "Selling Ayakashi...?"

Koga: "Basically, it’s not just humans—the Ayakashi want to make me look like the villain, too."

Koga stopped talking for a moment, and his eyes suddenly took on a distant look.

Koga: "...No matter how much Kiryu hates my old man, taking it out on me isn't going to change a thing. Because my old man... he's not even around anymore."

Futaba: "...Koga..."

My heart aches seeing Koga with such a lonely look in his eyes.

(...You're right.)

(I feel like hating someone who isn't even here anymore is just... so empty.)

(Even if you directed that hatred elsewhere, it would only lead to more people getting hurt unnecessarily—)

(And the person doing the hating would probably never truly find peace in their heart, either.)

When I instinctively looked down and fell silent, Koga rested his elbows on his knees and leaned in, tilting his head to look into my face.

Koga: "But... You know? You're more level-headed about this than I thought."

Futaba: "Huh?"

Koga: "I totally thought you’d try to stop me from going to Kobe."

As he said that, Koga brought his face right up to mine.

Koga: "I'm going to feel lonely being away from you."

Futaba: ".....! W-well, I feel the same way!"

Startled by what he said, I looked at him in a hurry.

Futaba: "I'll be lonely, and I'm worried... honestly, I want to be with you every single moment and never leave your side. But right now, this isn't the time for me to be selfish like that..."

Koga: "I know."

Koga laughed and gave my hair a messy rub.

Koga: "I'm relieved to hear you feel that way, too."

Futaba: "Koga..."

Gazing at his smile, I gathered my courage and opened my mouth to speak.

Futaba: "......Um,”

(It’s embarrassing to say something like this...)

Futaba: "If... if it's alright with you, Koga—!"

My words were cut off by Koga’s kiss.

Koga: "...Is it okay if I stay with you until morning?"

(......I was thinking the exact same thing.)

Koga’s gentle gaze and voice made my chest tighten with a sweet ache.

Futaba: "Ah, ha… —Mmm."

Before I could even finish nodding, Koga’s lips covered mine again.

Futaba: "Mm, Koga......"

Koga: "Futaba......"

The kiss grew deeper, and I was slowly pushed down onto the bed.

Koga: "....."

(Ah...)

I looked up to see Koga looking down at me with feverish eyes.

Futaba: "...Koga, please make sure you take the sachet with you."

Koga: "Yeah. I won't let it leave my side for even a moment."

Koga reached out and turned off the lamp on the side table.

Futaba: "Nn..."

The kissing resumed, and in an instant, I was swallowed up by that heat.

(...I will never, no matter what happens, leave Koga's side.)

As if to pour all my feelings into it, I wrapped my arms around Koga’s back.

Koga: "Futaba...... I love you. As long as you are here, I will return safely."

Futaba: "Yes...... I know."

We kissed repeatedly as if confirming each other's presence, exchanging whispers in between—

(...This is the Koga I love so much.)

Wanting to engrave that feeling into my very soul, I desperately responded to his kisses.

Koga: "...Don't make such a cute face. It makes my resolve waver."

Futaba: "And don't you look at me like that—Ngh, mm."

The sweet kiss makes it hard to breathe, and I can't think of anything but Koga.

(...Koga)

(Please, stay safe—)

Feeling as if both my body and soul were melting, I simply surrendered myself to the heat radiating from Koga.

—The next morning.

(Mmm...)

(—Wait, where's Koga?)

When I woke up, Koga, who was supposed to be sleeping next to me, was gone.

(Wait, did he leave already!?)

I hurriedly got dressed and rushed to the living room.

Futaba: "Good morning."

In the living room, there was Toichiro, fully dressed, and—

(Oh...)

Koga was there, sitting across from him and talking.

Toichiro: “Ah, good morning."

Koga: "Morning."

The two of them noticed me and turned around with a smile.

(That's right... he did say he was heading to Kobe tonight.)

I felt a wave of relief, having worried for a moment that I might have missed the chance to say goodbye.

—Click (sound of a door opening)

Shizuki: "Good morning, Mistress Futaba. I've brought the morning tea. Is milk tea alright with you?"

Futaba: "Ah... yes."

Toichiro: "Well, come over here and take a seat first."

As I sat on the sofa, Koga spoke to me as if to confirm something.

Koga: "You're planning on going back home for a bit today, right?"

Futaba: "Yes, that's the plan. I did send a message yesterday, but I don't think that explanation alone is enough..."

I had intended to return home once while it was still light out to explain the situation to my father and the others.

Koga: "Normally, I'm the one who should go and explain, but… It would be a problem if someone saw me and might cause an even bigger scene."

Saying that, Koga took an envelope out from his clothes.

Koga: "I wrote a letter to Mr. Mototaka. Sorry to ask, but could you deliver it for me?"

Futaba: "...I understand."

(Koga hasn't done anything wrong… Why does he have to hide and move around like a real criminal?)

Regret and sadness flood my heart all at once, and I feel overwhelmed with helplessness.

Koga: "Don't make a face like that. It's only for now. Also, I'm going to have Toichiro go with you to your house."

Futaba: "Eh?"

Toichiro: "After all, I am taking charge of being the young lady's bodyguard."

(Toichiro… He is one of my father’s clients, so I'm grateful to have him help explain things.)

Futaba: ".....Thank you. I appreciate it."

Toichiro: "Yeah."

Koga: "Well then, now that we've settled that..."

Koga stood up slowly.

Koga: "I should get going soon.”

Futaba: "What!? You’re leaving at already...?"

Koga: "Well, there are a lot of things I need to get done before then. I’ve got to find a way to wrap up my work business, too."

(Ah... I see.)

(Since he’s leaving the Capital for a while, he has to think about his work, too.)

Then, Shizuki, who had been watching Koga, quietly interjected.

Shizuki: "...Master Koga, are you truly going to Kobe all by yourself?"

Koga: "Yeah. In that case, I’m sorry, but as for what comes next—"

—Click (Door opening)

Kuya: "I'm going too."

Interrupting Koga’s words was a listless voice that could be heard the moment the door opened.

(......!)

Everyone turned toward the voice at once—

Kuya: "Yawn..."

Kuya, who was standing in front of the door, let out a yawn.

°°••°°••°°••°°••°°••°°••°°••°°••°°••°°••°°••°°••°°••

CHAPTER 16

Standing by the door, Kuya said, "I'll go to Kobe with you."

Kuya: "Koga, you’ll just do something reckless if you're on your own."

Koga: "Kuya, you..."

Shizuki: "...I suppose so. It’s just as Master Kuya says."

Toichiro: "True, it would be more reassuring for someone to be with him. Especially in Koga's case."

(Toichiro and the others are worried about Koga, too.)

(They call it an "inseparable bond," but there's no doubt they really care about each other.)

Futaba: "Kuya, I'm counting on you."

Kuya: "Yeah."

Koga: "Hey, hey, don't just decide things on your own..."

Koga scratched his head awkwardly, then looked at Kuya.

Koga: "It takes over half a day to get to Kobe by train, you know."

Kuya: "What? That's long..."

Koga: "We're using a carriage as well so we don't stand out, so the trip will take a full day."

Kuya: "Oh man..."

(He looks like he's already regretting saying he'd go.)

Kuya thought for a moment, then looked up with a resigned expression.

Kuya: "...Fine, whatever. I’ll just sleep the whole way anyway."

Toichiro: "Then it’s settled—Kuya will be Koga's handler."

Koga: "Good grief... fine."

Koga accepted it somewhat reluctantly, then looked at me and smiled.

Koga: "Well, I'm off."

Futaba: "Take care, Koga."

(I hope they make it back safely.)

With that prayer in my heart, I saw Koga and Kuya off.

After parting ways with them, I headed toward my house with Toichiro.

Futaba: "I wonder what's written in the letter from Koga to my father?"

Toichiro: "Ah, I know the contents. I believe it was an explanation regarding the Asakusa incident and something about your future.”

According to Toichiro, the Asakusa incident was a setup orchestrated by someone to frame Koga.

Toichiro: "‘We have a lead on the mastermind. Since they are aware of my existence, I will go into hiding at Toichiro’s house for a while.’"

That is apparently what was written in the letter.

Toichiro: "Explaining the details too thoroughly would only increase your father's anxiety, so I've kept the information about Kiryu hidden. I just hope this is enough to convince him."

(It’s true that he might understand the incident itself, but...)

Futaba: "Um... Toichiro."

I decided to tell Toichiro what had been weighing on my mind.

Futaba: "To be honest, I'm also worried about leaving my father and Nachi at home. I'm afraid they might try to do something to my family too."

Toichiro: "Koga has already taken care of that."

Futaba: "Eh?"

Toichiro: "It seems the Onikiri will be guarding your family."

Futaba: "...! The Onikiri?"

Toichiro: "I don't know how Koga negotiated it, but for now, they are supposedly on our side. They’ll be patrolling the area around your house and providing an escort when necessary."

Futaba: "I see..."

(Maybe Koga asked them for this favor when he was alone with Aizen?)

Toichiro: "There was the option of having your father and the cat come to my house, but… That would restrict your lives too much and be quite inconvenient. So, it was decided that relying on the Onikiri was the better move."

Futaba: "...I suppose you're right."

(If the soldiers from the Onikiri are there, I can breathe a little easier.)

Toichiro: "Though, the extent of the protection still needs to be discussed with Mr. Mototaka. Koga wants you to live as normal a life as possible. Besides, Koga believes that the Kiryu Trading Company is unlikely to make contact with your father."

Considering their past movements and Kiryu's goals, it seemed unlikely they would target someone specific to cause harm— Rather, it was more likely they would cause a major incident targeting an unspecified large number of people.

Toichiro: "Well, you are the exception. Kiryu has contacted you multiple times, and the culprit has recognized you."

Futaba: "Yes…”

Toichiro: "I'm just asking to be sure, but you didn't happen to do anything in Asakusa to earn the culprit's resentment, did you?"

Futaba: “… Um…”

Fake Koga: "......I am me. I am stronger than anyone."

Futaba: "...No, you're wrong. Koga is much stronger."

Fake Koga: "...! I am...... strong......!”

(I wonder…… about that?)

I'm not sure if I'd call it resentment, but I have a feeling I may have provoked the culprit.

Futaba: "…"

Toichiro: "By the look of things, you have an idea of what happened then?"

Toichiro let out an exaggerated sigh, as if he couldn't believe it.

Toichiro: "That's so like you. You never fail to meet my expectations."

Futaba: "…S-Sorry. Um, Toichiro, thank you so much for everything."

Toichiro: "Well, it's fine."

With that, Toichiro turned his gaze out the window with a meaningful look.

Toichiro: "…Besides, there are things I'm curious about as well."

(……?)

Futaba: “what does that mean…"

Toichiro: "We've finally arrived."

Toichiro told the driver to stop the carriage, cutting off what I wanted to ask.

Arriving home, I hand the letter from Koga to my father.

Mototaka: "…"

After Father finished reading the letter, he let out a heavy sigh.

Mototaka: "…Things have become quite serious, haven't they?"

Futaba: "Yeah…"

Mototaka: "Ever since I learned about the incident in Asakusa from the newspaper, I've had a feeling that the culprit wasn't the young Kitamikado."

(Thank goodness, Father believes in Koga too.)

Nachi: "But still..."

Unusually, Nachi looks at me and Toichiro with a lack of his usual energy.

Nachi: "Is the Oni doing alright? Since we know about Ayakashi and Onmyoji, we can guess that someone just transformed into him... but for a normal human, it’s not like that, right?"

Futaba: "Yeah..."

I remember the liquor store owner who shielded me in Asakusa.

Nachi: "I’ve been worried since the incident, too. I went out into the city in my cat form to check things out… It seems there are a fair amount of people—mostly those who actually saw the Asakusa incident—who believe that Oni actually did it."

Toichiro: "We'll just have to deal with that part gradually as we go."

Toichiro answers Nachi’s words bluntly and then looks toward Father.

Toichiro: "For the time being, until things are settled, I was wondering if you would allow me to keep the Young Lady at my house."

Mototaka: "I see..."

Toichiro: "It’s alright. Both hizuki and I are quite skilled, after all. Whether the opponent is an Ayakashi or an Onmyoji, I will protect Futaba."

Mototaka: "...Thank you. I’m counting on you."

Toichiro: "Also, there is talk of assigning Army soldiers to you, Mr. Mototaka. What do you think?"

Mototaka: "..."

Father puts his hand to his chin and sinks into thought at Toichiro's offer.

Mototaka: "...Since things have come to this, it's not just us who are in danger anymore. Is the army going to patrol the Capital again?"

Toichiro: "Yes, that is the plan, from what I’ve heard."

Mototaka: "In that case, it would be enough if they could just patrol around the house at that time."

Father looked down at Koga’s letter, then raised his head once more.

Mototaka: "To let our daily lives change because of a criminal is like being played right into their hands. I’m sure the young Kitamikado wouldn't want that either."

(Father...)

It seemed Father also understood Koga’s feelings, which I had heard about from Toichiro in the carriage.

(...I’m so glad that my father is who he is.)

Toichiro nodded, as if he truly understood Father's heart.

Toichiro: "I understand. I will pass that along to the army."

Nachi: "It's okay! I'll be the one to protect dad!"

Mototaka: "Thank you, Nachi. You're very reliable."

Father smiled, then turned back to Toichiro and bowed his head.

Mototaka: "Please, take good care of my daughter."

Toichiro: "Yes. I will certainly take her into my care."

And so, it was officially decided that I would be staying at Toichiro’s house.

To be continued >>>>>>>>

[anti]

I Like Choices

One of my favorite choices is whether to click the left or the right mouse button. Once I have made my decision, I don’t want to hold down a key or do anything else, I only want to click. It makes me happy.

[starlightdragon321]

They would be SO good platonically. They would be so good dying in each other's arms, confessing how much they mean to each other as they bleed out on the dirt. They would be so good sharing trauma and figuring out their weird issues and relationships, knowing that they have each other to rely on when all else goes to hell. Their souls would be bound. They are the same creature, built apart miles and miles away, and yet eternally connected. They would see through each other's eyes. They would share each other's minds. They would go through hell and back just to keep the other happy, safe, and sane.

And at the end of the day? They don't marry each other. They don't date. Because they are friends.

Glorious.

[randomf2p]

「出会いの日」

“I’ve never seen you around before… Did you just move to the capital?”

Those were the first words the young man in a vivid crimson kimono spoke as he greeted the orange-haired girl amidst the bustling festival crowd.

“Y—Yeah…”

The girl answered shyly. It was the first time she had ever spoken to a stranger around her own age in the capital.

“Are you lost?”

He asked, concern evident in his voice.

“I—I was so busy looking at the carp streamers… that I kind of wandered off…”

“Hah… hahaha.”

Unable to hold it back, the young man let out a quiet laugh at her honest answer.

“So this is your first time at this festival, huh?”

“Perfect! Then I’ll show you around today~”

Before she could even respond, he grabbed her hand and started leading her deeper into the festival without asking for her opinion.

The girl hurried after him as he wove through the lively crowd. Above their heads, colorful carp streamers danced gently in the spring breeze.

Along the way, the young man kept trying to start conversations, hoping to ease her nervousness. Every so often, he would glance back to make sure she was still following.

“By the way, what’s your name?”

“Akane.”

“Akane… That’s a lovely name.”

“Th—Thank you. Um… what’s your name?”

The young man paused for a brief moment, caught off guard that the timid-looking girl had asked him the same question so quickly.

“Koga.”

“Kitamikado Koga.”

He answered with a cheerful smile.

After that, their conversation continued naturally as they strolled through the festival, neither of them realizing that this small encounter was only the beginning of their story.

[colourless-hydrangeas]

Have this. It is too dangerous out there.

[rjthirsty]

This is going around again in otome circles, but I noticed the one that was shared with me had two characters with the same voice actor sharing a row. So I got an idea.... and....

I made this.

[arr-supremacy]

dont know anyone except for aizen, and realistically he's not gonna bother me since im not futaba nor an onmoyji/ayakashi so nr2

[shonenkun309]

⚠️ 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑐𝑙𝑎𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑟 ⚠️

This is a fan-teanslation so expect some misspelling and misinformation here and there, this the first time I translate something THIS big so bear with me ... Each post will be 2 chapter until I finish because I can't post all chapters in one post or Tumblr might die on me ...

LIKES, COMMENTS, AND REBLOGS ARE APPRECIATED PLEASE AND THANK YOU !!!!

Chapter 1 - 2 || Chapter 3 - 4 || Chapter 5 - 6 || Chapter 7 - 8 || Chapter 9 - 10

Tags : @colourless-hydrangeas @the-bird-and-the-flute @just-somehuman @randomf2p @blackmond11 @tzetzgo @kogasimp1 @mamoon-ka

CHAPTER 11

Only the sound of the trees rustling echoed through the area.

Koga: "...Give me a reason."

After a while, Koga finally spoke quietly.

Koga: "Why did you go out of your way to tell me that?"

Kagemaru: "...That bastard Kiryu is an eyesore to the Senkitai, too. So, just like you, I don't want him meddling any further."

Kagemaru blew out a puff of smoke from his pipe and smiled.

Kagemaru: "If you want to stop Kiryu, I’ll lend you a hand. He's the leader of a bunch of thugs in the Kansai region. If we just leave him be, he’s going to become quite a headache."

Koga: "..."

Koga remained silent, staring at Kagemaru as if trying to read him.

Kagemaru: "If you want my help, come here tomorrow at the same time. Well, regardless of your answer, I’m going to act on my own anyway."

After saying that, Kagemaru looked up as if sensing something.

—Whoosh!

In the next moment, a whirlwind kicked up between the two, and a large man appeared from within it.

Kagemaru: "Zantetsu, you’re late."

Zantetsu: "My apologies."

Zantetsu glanced at Koga and swung the large scythe he was holding.

—Whoosh!

An even larger whirlwind rose up, and when it settled—

Kagemaru, Zantetsu, and the Ayakashi that Koga had defeated had all vanished.

>>>>

Koga: (My father was the former leader of the Senkitai...)

He headed home, turning Kagemaru’s words over in his head.

Koga: (...I have no reason to doubt Kagemaru’s story. If that’s true, it explains why my father never wanted to talk about his life before joining the military.)

And the reason why Kiryu hates Koga’s father—

Kiryu: "Don't tell me you don't know? About your own father's past. Lord Ouga... once betrayed us, those who were supposed to be his comrades."

Koga : ("Betrayal"... huh?)

If the story from a moment ago is true, then Kiryu’s feelings are understandable.

Koga: (...But the only father I know is the one who became a soldier.)

"It doesn't matter if they're human or Ayakashi—I will protect everyone who lives in this country."

That was the conviction of the father Koga knew.

Koga: (There’s no way my old man would "abandon his comrades just because he wanted to live." ...Am I just thinking this because it’s convenient for me?)

A question without an answer that he has been carrying for a long time now.

Koga: (There is no way to know what my father was thinking back when he was in the Senkitai. That’s exactly why… I can’t deny the possibility that the father I know and his true self are different—can I?)

Koga: "..." (...Hm?)

Deep in thought, Koga suddenly noticed the piercing gazes of those around him and looked up. People passing on the street stopped in their tracks, whispering to one another while stealing glances at Koga.

Man 1: "Shouldn't someone call the authorities?"

Woman 1: "But... did Mr. Koga really...?"

Man 2: "It’s beyond just looking like him; they say it was him. Except he had horns growing out of his head or something..."

Koga: (What... what are they talking about?)

Man 3: "Well, it's not like I actually saw it myself."

Woman 3: "Look, I don't want to doubt Mr. Koga either, but… According to those who saw the scene, Mr. Koga’s appearance at the time was just like… a 'monster,' they say."

Koga: "..."

When he looked around, the eyes fixed upon him were a mixture of doubt and terror.

Boy: "Y-you, what on earth are you— U... Uwaaaaaaaaah!"

Koga: (Tch… No, stay calm.)

Koga: "......"

Koga took a deep breath, fixed his expression to look as normal as possible, and spoke to the owner of a nearby dry goods store.

Koga: "Yo. Did something happen?"

Shopkeeper: "Eek...!"

Being stared at by Koga, the shopkeeper clearly had a look of terror on his face.

Shopkeeper: "What do you mean, 'did something happen'... I mean..."

The shopkeeper's wife intervenes, and Koga is suddenly surrounded by soldiers.

Shopkeeper's Wife: "Help! He's Over here!"

A woman came out from the back, grabbed the shopkeeper, and pulled him inside the store.

Koga: "...! Hey—"

Just as he tried to call out to stop them, he suddenly felt multiple presences behind him.

Koga: "Tch...!"

Guarded, Koga turned around to find—

Ichijo: "You are Kitamikado Koga, I presume."

Members of the Onikiri were lined up in a row.

Ichijo: "Please accompany us to the Headquarters."

••°°••°°••°°••°°••

Koga is taken to headquarters, where he reunites with Futaba, only for things to turn hostile.

Koga: "..."

Koga was led by the Onikiri soldiers to Headquarters. Opening a familiar door, he found Kyonosuke and—

Koga: "Futaba!"

Futaba: "Koga!"

Futaba, who had been standing facing Kyonosuke, spun around.

Futaba: "Thank goodness... Koga."

Futaba showed a relieved smile and tried to run toward him.

Kyonosuke: "Wait."

Futaba: "...!"

Moving faster, Kyonosuke stepped forward to block Futaba and drew his sword.

Futaba: "No, Aizen!"

Kyonosuke: "I'm sorry, but there's no guarantee that Ichijo hasn't been deceived."

Kyonosuke pointed the tip of his drawn sword at Koga and asked in a sharp voice.

Kyonosuke: "Where have you been until now?”

Koga: "What are you...?"

Kyonosuke: "Answer me."

Koga: "... I was at the Shrine of hidden god. meeting with Yura."

Even at Koga’s answer, Kyonosuke didn't lower his sword; instead, he glared at Koga even more sharply.

Kyonosuke: "Then, what is the proof that you are indeed 'Koga Kitamikado'?"

Koga: "..."

After staring silently at Kyonosuke for a moment, Koga reached into his garment and pulled out a satchet.

Futaba: "...! That’s..."

Koga: "...I guess I'm busted."

Koga looks at Futaba and smiles, appearing just a little bit shy.

Koga: "I've been carrying it with me ever since then."

Futaba: "Oh..."

Futaba clutched her hands together tightly and stared at the satchet before turning her gaze toward Kyonosuke.

Futaba: "...There is no mistake. This is Koga... My Koga."

Kyonosuke: "...I see."

Kyonosuke finally exhaled and lowered his sword.

Koga: "Hey, what kind of farce is this? Why the hell did I have to have a sword suddenly pointed at me?"

Kyonosuke: "...If you read this, you’ll understand the situation."

Kyonosuke handed Koga a single sheet of paper that had been on the desk.

Koga: (A newspaper...... extra edition?)

Written there was an incident that occurred in the Capital earlier that evening—

>>>> Earlier: Futaba's POV :

It was after Kagari had left the sweets shop, leaving behind some unsettling words.

Crowd: "Someone was pushed off the Asakusa Twelve-stories tower!" "The culprit looked just like Mr. Kitamikado—"

Such commotions could be heard one after another from outside the shop.

(Lies... that can't be...)

Just as I turned pale instinctively—

Woman: "Kyaaa!"

An especially loud scream echoed from the direction of the street.

(What!?)

Drawn by the sound of voices, I stepped outside the shop and saw—

A massive crowd of people running toward me, as if fleeing from something.

(W-what is going on!?)

(—! That’s...!)

The moment I saw the figure behind the fleeing crowd, my feet felt as though they were nailed to the ground, and I couldn't move.

Futaba: "K-...Koga...?"

???: "Guaaaa!"

The person standing there, gripping a katana in the form of an Oni ogre and letting out a roar, was unmistakably Koga, no matter how I looked at him.

(It can't be...)

Liquor Store Owner: "What on earth happened, Mr. Koga...?"

Someone beside me muttered with a trembling voice, and then suddenly noticed me.

Liquor Store Owner: "Wait, aren't you that young lady…?"

Futaba: "Ah, from that time...!"

Liquor Store Owner: "No, no, it was just small talk. Mr. Koga was waiting for you, wasn't he? Hurry up, Mr. Koga, take your lady friend somewhere nice."

(It’s the owner of the liquor store who was with Koga when we met up.)

Liquor Store Owner: "Young lady, what is the meaning of this?"

Fear was seeping into the owner’s eyes as he looked at me.

Liquor Store Owner: "Why Mr. Koga is like this...?"

Futaba: "—That... that isn't Koga!"

The moment I answered instinctively, I felt a gaze and turned around.

???: "......"

My eyes met Koga as he sheathed his sword, and a chill ran down my spine.

(No, this person is different...)

They look nothing like Koga’s warm eyes that used to gaze at me so gently.

He is looking at me with eyes like those of a predator targeting its prey—reminding me of Koga when he's in carnage form.

Futaba: "...You are not Koga."

As I whispered those words clearly, perhaps my voice reached him—

???: "...”

He slowly walks towards me.

°°°•••°°°•••°°°•••°°°•••°°°•••°°°•••°°°•••°°°•••°°°

CHAPTER 12

The person approached me slowly and placed his hand on the hilt of his sword while keeping his eyes fixed on me.

Fake Koga: "......"

Then—

Liquor Store Owner: "No!"

The owner of the liquor store from earlier cut in between us.

Liquor Store Owner: "What do you think you're doing to a young lady? Get a hold of yourself!"

Futaba: "No, Leave, it's dangerous...!"

The owner spreads his arms and stands in my way as if to protect me.

Fake Koga: "......Move."

The person swung his sword, still in its sheath, toward the owner.

(—!)

Liquor Store Owner: "Urgh!"

Having taken the blow from the sword, the owner clutches his chest and collapses on the spot.

Futaba: "Ah......!"

Feeling a heat behind my eyes, I kneel down beside the owner—

(Why did it have to come to this......)

I glared at the person who looked exactly like Koga.

Futaba: "Koga would never do something like this...!"

Fake Koga: "......"

Futaba: "Who are you? Show me your true form."

Fake Koga: "......I am me. I am stronger than anyone."

Even the voice that answered was exactly like Koga’s, making the heat in my eyes sting even more.

Futaba: "...No, you're wrong. Koga is much stronger."

Fake Koga: "...!"

The moment I said that, the fake Koga’s expressions distorted for the first time.

Fake Koga: "I am...... strong......!"

Screaming that, he drew his sword and swung it down toward me.

(Ngh...!)

Just as I instinctively twisted my body to try and dodge the blade, a white cloak fluttered before my eyes.

Clang!

Kyonosuke: "......"

Futaba: "Major Aizen...!"

It was Aizen's sword that caught the blade.

Fake Koga: "Tch..."

After a brief struggle of clashing blades, the fake who looked exactly like Koga leaped backward.

Fake Koga: "......"

Kyonosuke: "It's useless to run."

Before anyone knew it, members of the Onikiri had surrounded him with guns drawn.

Fake Koga: "......!"

Poof!

In the next instant, a cloud of smoke erupted around the man.

Futaba: *Cough, cough*...

Kyonosuke: "A smoke screen...?"

By the time the smoke finally cleared—

(He's... gone!)

Kyonosuke: "Search the area. He couldn't have gone far. Medical unit, tend to the wounded."

Onikiri Members: "Yes, sir!"

As the Onikiri members scattered, Aizen turned back to me.

Kyonosuke: "Are you hurt?"

Futaba: "No, I'm okay..."

Although his voice was soft, Aizen stared at me with an overwhelming pressure that demanded no excuses.

Kyonosuke: "—Now, I'm going to need you to tell me everything."

And so, I was taken to the Headquarters.

>>> Now

Kyonosuke: "Between this and the incident at the Asakusa Twelve-Stories tower, this has become a major disturbance with several casualties. The newspapers have even issued extras, reporting the culprit as 'Koga Kitamikado.'"

Koga: "...!"

(That’s right... because that person really did look exactly like Koga.)

(But...)

What I remember is what happened right after Aizen brought me to headquarters.

When I was shown into the office, I’m sure I looked up at Aizen and said:

Futaba: "That wasn't Koga! I’m sure it’s the same person responsible for the street killings that happened before!"

Kyonosuke: "We don't have evidence yet. However..."

Aizen answers while letting out a small sigh.

Kyonosuke: "I'm starting to think the same thing."

(It seems Aizen also believes it wasn't Koga’s doing.)

(The problem is how to prove it...)

Then, Koga, who had been silently reading the extra edition of the newspaper, looked up.

Koga: "...I have an idea of who the mastermind behind this incident might be."

Kyonosuke: "And that would be?"

Koga looked straight at Aizen.

Koga: "From here on, I want to talk to you alone."

(!)

(I wonder if Koga intends to talk about Kiryu.)

Kyonosuke: "...Very well. Ichijo."

Ichijo: "Yes, sir!"

Kyonosuke: "Take her to another room. Sorry, Saotome, but I’ll have to ask you to wait there."

Futaba: "...I understand."

Ichijo: "This way, please."

I followed the man called Ichijo toward the office door.

Just before leaving the room, a wave of anxiety washed over me, and I looked back at Kouga-san.

Futaba: "Koga..."

Koga: "It’s okay. Don't worry.”

My favorite gentle-eyed man smiled at me, as if to reassure me.

°°°•••°°°•••°°°

Once the two of them were alone in the room, Koga turned to face Kyonosuke once more.

Koga: "First off, I don’t trust you military guys as far as I can throw you."

Kyonosuke: "……"

Koga: "But, we both want to catch the culprit, don't we? I want to stop those people in the Capital from being put in any more danger. In that regard, our interests are aligned. We should lend each other our strength."

Kyonosuke: “…I see. However, there is something I want to make clear first."

Kyonosuke paused for a beat and stared intently at Koga.

Kyonosuke: "Since that incident... have you ever turned into carnage form again?"

Koga: "…"

Koga stared back at Kyonosuke, as if trying to gauge the true intent behind the question.

Kyonosuke: "There is no clear proof that the man who appeared in Asakusa wasn't actually you. I've been considering the possibility that... the carnage transformation, it happened against your will."

Koga: "... I haven't… not since then."

Kyonosuke: "…Is that so? But if you ever lose control of yourself again……"

Kyonosuke fixed Koga with a piercing, sharp gaze.

Kyonosuke: "—This time, I will cut you down without mercy." (DON'T YOU DARE LAY A FINGER ON HIM😤)

Koga: "…"

For a while, silence filled the room—

Koga: "……Yeah, I understand."

Koga gave only a short reply.

Kyonosuke: "…Good. Now then, shall we get to the main point?"

The atmosphere shifted, and the threatening look in Kyonosuke's eyes softened just a little.

Kyonosuke: "Who is this 'mastermind' you speak of?"

Koga: "It’s likely…… the people from the Kiryu Trading.”

Kyonosuke: "......! The Kiryu Trading, huh?"

As soon as he heard that, Kyonosuke knit his brows in displeasure.

Kyonosuke: "Even the military is aware of their existence. But they are an opponent we can’t carelessly make a move against."

Koga: "......Can't make a move, huh?"

Kyonosuke: "It's partly because they have connections with foreign countries. They’re a troublesome lot."

As Kyonosuke finished saying that, he looked at Koga again.

Kyonosuke: "Regarding this current matter, it seems like their intention is to set you up. Is it a grudge related to your work?"

Koga: "No. Kiryu... to be precise, they don't hate me; they hate my old man."

Koga continued while watching Kyonosuke's reaction.

Koga: "My father was part of the Senkitai”

Kyonosuke: "......"

Kyonosuke’s expression did not change in the slightest.

Koga: "As for how he became a soldier after that... you probably know more about that than I do."

Kyonosuke: "...I suppose so.”

Koga: "Kiryu has actually approached me once before. At that time, he said my father was 'the kind of guy who abandoned his comrades out of a desperate desire to live.' It seems he still hates my father for leaving the Senkitai to become a soldier."

Kyonosuke: "...I see. So it's a feud dating back to your parents' generation..."

Koga: "I’m going to Kobe to settle things with Kiryu once and for all. I want to know why he’s so obsessed with my father and me... if there's something more between them than just 'betrayal'... I’ll meet him again and find out the truth. And I’ll put a stop to this nonsense."

Kyonosuke: "Is he really the type of person you can talk sense into?"

Koga: "I don't know. But..."

Koga: "To make sure there aren't any more useless sacrifices, I have to go to Kobe."

Kyonosuke: "......"

Kyonosuke stared intensely at Koga, then nodded.

Kyonosuke: "...Understood. We will capture the culprit behind today's incident. They should still be in the Capital."

Koga: "Yeah..."

After responding, Koga looked at Kyonosuke intently once more.

Koga: "Aside from that, I have a favor to ask of you."

Kyonosuke: "...?”

Kyonosuke raised his eyebrows slightly and waited for Koga to speak.

𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐔𝐄𝐃 >>>>>>

[randomf2p]

ヴィラン

[randomf2p]

Gender swap

[bookwyrminspiration]

sometimes a theme recurs in your work without your permission. and sometimes it reaches a threshold where you're like. well now i think this is saying something about me against my will. don't know what though

[ilikesillycat]

When you put your hair down

Author note: I never claim to be a writer, I just write for fun. There will be mistakes, english is not my first language. The character will/may be out character since I don't remember/Understand their personality that well

Character: kuya, Aoi, Shizuki, Nachi, Akiyasu

(it gonna be short)

Kuya: was sleeping but the moment his eyes open, he start to scan your usual tie up hair now down "why the sudden hair down?" "You look..nice i guess" and went back to sleep more happily.

Aoi: Freeze the moment he saw you "W-woah!, you put your hair down?!" with a hint of light blush and denying even looking at you. "You should really...put your hair down more...it suit you a lot"

Shizuki: "hm" he walk over to you. It was getting awkward with him just staring and not talking. "You look nice, miss/mister. Perchance we can buy you some accessories to fit your new hair down"

Nachi: oh, his tail held high and vibrating? Well he just generally excited, happy after all, who knew you look pretty with your hair down "you look so different! I didn't even think it was you!" "N-no!!!not in a bad way! I mean you look...good!"

Akiyasu: his eyes follow you "look different" and when you ask if that suppose to be a bad or good thing? he just nodded in approval. If anyone Insult your hair style or look at you in a bad way, he just put a curse on them.

[ilikesillycat]

His reaction to you stealing his clothes

Author note: I never claim to be a writer, I just write for fun. There will be mistakes, english is not my first language. The character will/may be out character since I don't remember/Understand their personality that well

Feature: Ginnjo, Yura, Kuro, Yakumo

Ginnjo pass out the moment he saw you, not in a bad way!! You just look so beautiful in his clothes...And it also doesn't help much since his clothes have expose arms yeah. After he calm down, Ginnjo will make sure you feel comfortable in his clothes.

Not gonna lie, I would steal Yura clothes too. He looks so fluffy and huggable in his character. Of course Yura would be surprised and the pleased I think? He should be! You look absolutely lovely in his clothes. Definitely say something like "Thou art a teasing woman".

Happy. Very Happy Kuro! He would love how you look soooo gooddd in his clothes!!! Giggle and laughing a lot. He so so going to hug you,spin you around, cuddle with you while telling that he like you wearing his clothes.Kuro think you should try more of his stage/cirus clothes! Definitely show you off to everyone.

*Chuckie* Why aren't you a lovely doll? Yakumo is enjoying this more then he should. The way his clothes fit so well with you made him wanna let you try some more clothes he have! or pretty doll clothes. If Yakumo ever get his clothes back (he might just give it to you), he never washing it, he put it in a glass cage and leave it there until it too dirty to handle.

[shonenkun309]

⚠️ 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑐𝑙𝑎𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑟 ⚠️

This is a fan-teanslation so expect some misspelling and misinformation here and there, this the first time I translate something THIS big so bear with me ... Each post will be 2 chapter until I finish because I can't post all chapters in one post or Tumblr might die on me ...

LIKES, COMMENTS, AND REBLOGS ARE APPRECIATED PLEASE AND THANK YOU !!!!

Tags : @colourless-hydrangeas @the-bird-and-the-flute @just-somehuman @randomf2p @blackmond11 @tzetzgo @kogasimp1

Chapter 1 - 2 | Chapter 3 - 4 | Chapter 5 - 6 | Chapter 7 - 8

CHAPTER 9

The next day, on my way home from school, my feet were once again leading me toward Koga's house.

(Koga told me I didn't have to come every day, but I'm just so worried...)

(Besides, I want to be of help to him in any way I can.)

(...I wonder if there's anything I can do?)

Lost in thought as I walked, I eventually came to a stop in front of a certain shop.

(Oh, that's right. I bought the satchet I gave to Koga from this shop.)

It was a shop that primarily dealt in fragrant wood, and also sold miscellaneous goods made from it.

(...I wonder how Koga's condition is doing?)

(I haven't heard any talk of the carnage form happening since then, and he always seems well, but still...)

Suddenly, someone calls out to her.

??? (Kagari): "Buying a gift for the ‘gentleman’?"

Futaba: "—Eh?"

Turning toward the familiar voice, I saw an unexpected person standing there.

Kagari: "Ah... like, 'Remember me by this scent'? How sweet."

Futaba: "—!"

(He's one of Kiryu’s men... his name was "Kagari," right?)

Futaba: "Wh-what are you doing here?"

Kagari: "Oh? Am I really that scary?"

As I reflexively backed away while asking, Kagari raised both hands with a smile.

Kagari: "You don't need to worry so much. I'm not going to use my powers in a public place like this."

Futaba: "...If it were Koga, it would be different."

Kagari: "I know. Actually, I have business with you today. Could you give me a bit of your time?"

(Even if you ask for my time...)

I instinctively looked around the area.

Kagari: "It's okay. I'm not here on Kiryu's orders today. In fact, I'd rather not be found by Kiryu, to be honest."

(Doesn't want to be found... really?)

Futaba: "...What is this 'business'?"

As I asked while remaining on guard, Kagari broke into a broad grin.

Kagari: "It's about your precious ‘gentleman’.”

>>>>

Kagari: "Now, now, come on, have a seat. Oh, excuse me, miss! One zenzai, please. Without the bean paste."

Proprietress: "Huh?"

The proprietress, coming to take the order, does a double-take at Kagari.

(If he asks for no bean paste... isn't it just going to be plain mochi?)

(Why did we even come to a sweets shop?)

We had arrived at a traditional sweets shop in Asakusa.

Proprietress: "Um, and for you?"

Futaba: "Then, I’ll have a zenzai too… A normal one."

Proprietress: "Understood."

After a short while, the bean-less and normal zenzai are brought to the table.

Kagari: "I see. Here, if you say 'zenzai,' it comes without the soup?"

(...Does he mean it’s different in Kobe?)

(Wait, that doesn't matter right now.)

Futaba: "Um, what was it you wanted to talk about, Kagari?"

Kagari: "Ah, that's right."

Behind his glasses, Kagari's eyes flashed.

Kagari: "Want to make a deal with me?"

(...A "deal"?)

Kagari: "To be blunt, the only one who's actually interested in your 'gentleman' is Kiryu. I couldn't care less about him. It’s no fun chasing some guy's tail all day. We have 'things we need to do.' Normally, we wouldn't even have time to mess around with that guy."

Futaba: "Things you need to do...?"

Kagari: "Didn't Kiryu tell you? About the 'vendetta'. Though 'vendetta' isn't exactly the right way to put it. It’s not like he’s our sworn enemy. Well, what we’re doing is basically the same thing, though."

(The "vendetta" Kiryu mentioned…)

Kiryu: "You've known for a long time, haven't you? Exactly 'what' it was that killed your parents."

(At the very least, Kiryu believes it was the government that killed Koga’s parents.)

(...Which means Kiryu Trading wants to overthrow the government, doesn't it?)

Aki-kun, who caused the 'Red Eyes' incident, also hated the military and the government—in the end, he even released wraiths upon the Headquarters.

(It’s different from the 'revenge' Kiryu talks about, but I wonder if Kiryu has a grudge against the government too.)

Futaba: "Is it really alright for you to be telling me all this?"

Kagari: "Even if you know, it’s not like you have the power to do anything about it, right? Or are you going to go report this to your 'friends' in the military?"

Futaba: "......!"

(He’s even investigated my connection to the military...)

Kagari: "Reporting us won't lead to anything since you don't have a shred of evidence… So, I actually have a favor to ask of you. I want you to tell the ‘gentleman' to team up with us. If you do that, I'll make sure things don't go badly for him."

Futaba: "'Don't go badly'...?"

Kagari: "It means I'll put in a good word with Kiryu so he doesn't lay an unnecessary hand on your man."

(......Which means if things stay as they are, he intends to do something to Koga.)

Futaba: "...why is Kiryu so obsessed with Koga? He mentioned being betrayed by Koga's father... is that the reason?"

Kagari: "Seems that way. I don't really care about some old guys' stories from the past, though."

(...This person really has no interest in Koga at all.)

Kagari: "I just want Kiryu to stop being so obsessed with that guy. Because of that, he keeps saddling me with all this extra work. You want to protect your man. How about it? I think our interests are aligned."

Futaba: "......"

Kagari: "Even he wouldn't be able to refuse a request from the woman he loves. I think this is the way for everything to be settled most peacefully, don't you?"

Futaba: "...Koga refused you clearly back then."

I looked Kagari straight in the eye and spoke firmly.

Futaba: "Koga would never lend his hand to something like that."

Kagari: "......"

The smile vanished from Kagari's face, and he reached for his teacup.

Kagari: "I know.”

Kagari’s fingertips spin his teacup round and round, as if toying with it.

Kagari: "I’ve done quite a bit of digging into your ‘gentleman'. I hear he's incredibly well-loved by the people of the Capital."

Futaba: "...What is it you're trying to say?"

Kagari: "For a businessman, reputation is everything, right? Especially for a man like him, who basically sells himself on his character. But reputation is surprisingly fragile. It takes forever to build up, but it's so easy to just... smash to pieces."

Futaba: "Wh—"

Kagari: "...Well, in his case, he might end up losing something even bigger than his reputation, though."

(...!)

Kagari: "The gentleman’s future is decided by your answer."

Futaba: "...How could you..."

Even though his tone is light, his expression is deadly serious.

(...So the street killings incident really was their doing too?)

(I don't know what they're planning... but there's no doubt it's something bad for Koga.)

Kagari: "I’m not a patient man. Decide right here, right now, what you're going to do."

A chill runs down my spine as I look into his emotionless eyes.

(Even if you tell me to decide...)

It’s as if time has stopped; I can’t speak, I can’t move—I can’t even look away.

Futaba: "..."

Kagari: "..."

For a while, I just keep staring at Kagari as if I've lost my mind—

Futaba: "...I... can't do it."

Before I knew it, the words had left my lips.

(Koga wouldn't want revenge.)

(And I don't want to see him do something like that, either.)

Kagari: "...Oh, really? I thought you, of all people, would understand."

Kagari let out a sigh of disappointment and stood up.

Kagari: "Well, it's the answer you chose for yourself. That's fine, isn't it? But in exchange— You’d better keep your eyes peeled for what’s about to happen."

With those final words, Kagari walked out of the shop.

(What should I do...?)

The moment I was left alone, my hands began to tremble uncontrollably.

(...Because of the way I just answered him, Koga might end up paying the price.)

(No—it’s worse than that. Koga himself could be in real danger.)

There was no longer any doubt: Kiryu and his group are about to make their move.

(...Calm down.)

(First, I have to tell Koga about this...)

I clenched my fists tight, trying to force the shaking to stop. Just then—

???: "Wait, really...!?”

???: "Which way did they run?"

Outside the shop, things suddenly became noisy.

Proprietress: "What's all this? A fight?"

Perhaps noticing it too, the proprietress opened the door halfway and called out to someone passing by.

Proprietress: "Did something happen?"

Man: "They say someone was pushed off the Asakusa Twelve-Stories tower."

Proprietress: "Oh, how awful… Who on earth would do such a thing...?"

Man: "Well, it seems there was someone who witnessed the scene..."

Man: "Apparently, they said he looked a lot like Mr. Kitamikado."

Proprietress: "Mr. Kitamikado?! That can't be right."

(—!)

I could clearly feel the blood draining from my head.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

CHAPTER 10

Around the time Futaba was reuniting with Kagari in the Capital, at the Shrine of hidden god—

Yura: “Sorry to keep you waiting, Koga.”

Emerging from the shrine, Yura handed Koga a medicine that had just been prepared.

Koga: “Thanks.”

Yura: “You’ve been looking quite well lately. Is it that ‘power of love’ I’ve heard about?”

Koga: “Yeah, something like that.”

Koga let out a light chuckle as he took the medicine from the teasing Yura.

Koga: “Well, I’ve finally got a reason not to die so easily. I can’t afford to let something like this hold me back anymore.”

Yura: “......I see.”

A sudden gust of wind blew, and Yura looked up at the sky where the darkness of night was beginning to close in.

Yura: “I hate to dampen the mood at a time like this, but...... you should be a little more careful.”

Koga: “Hm?”

Yura: “Lately, the mountains have been restless. It seems the Ayakashi who usually stay far from human settlements are growing agitated. I cannot help but feel it is a premonition of something terrible to come.”

Koga: “...”

Yura: “I hope it is merely my imagination, but......”

Koga: “No, your gut is right.”

Yura: “What?”

Koga: “It’s already started. And it's going to be a real pain in the ass to deal with.”

Yura looked at Koga with a startled face, then his expression softened slightly.

Yura: “If anything happens, you can tell me anytime. I… and the others will also lend you a hand.”

Koga: “...Yeah. I'll be counting on you then.”

Koga gave a faint smile as he replied to Yura, then raised a hand and began walking away.

—Then, on the path home.

Koga: (—Well, that didn't take long.)

Koga noticed the presence of someone following him and narrowed his eyes slightly.

Koga: (...The vibe is different from when that "Kagari" guy was tailing me. This is pure bloodlust...... and it's not just one person.)

He walk along, pretending not to notice, while focusing all his senses on what is behind him.

Koga: (There are quite a few of them. Are these guys also Kiryu's lackeys?)

Just as that thought crosses my mind and I take another step...

Koga: (—!)

Koga instantly leaps backward as several Kunai thud into the ground where he just stood.

Koga: (...So, they’ve come.)

The shadows of about ten Ayakashi appear.

Koga: "Hey, hey. That's a pretty rough way to say hello. What do you want, exactly?"

Ayakashi 1: "Don't play dumb!"

Blue flames surround Koga, blocking his escape route.

Koga: (Foxfire... no, is it Onibi?)

Ayakashi 1: "Even though you're an Ayakashi, you're out here fawning over humans...!"

Ayakashi 2: "It is common knowledge by now that you are involved in that plan."

Koga: "Plan...?"

Ayakashi 3: "It's no use playing innocent. We know you've been selling out Ayakashi to the government."

Ayakashi 2: "How many of us have been sacrificed for the 'Yuujin'...?!"

Koga: "'Yuujin'... what the hell is that?"

Ayakashi 1: "Curse you, acting so nonchalant!"

Ayakashi 2: "We will never forgive you...!"

The Ayakashi pounce toward Koga all at once—

Koga: "Hey, just listen to—Tsk, doesn't look like you're in the mood to listen!"

Ayakashi 1: "Guh...!"

Koga also transforms and fights back against the Ayakashi with his sword.

Ayakashi 3: "D-Damn it...!"

In the blink of an eye, the Ayakashi are overpowered by Koga, falling to the ground one after another.

Koga: "...Damn it. I ended up knocking them all out."

After defeating the last one, Koga looked around and grumbled.

Koga: "I should’ve left at least one of them standing. Now I can’t get any info out of them."

Koga scratched his head. In the next moment—

???: "—Tsk, what a pathetic sight."

Koga: "…!"

Looking back toward the voice, there stood Kagemaru, puffing on a pipe.

Koga: "You are..."

Kagemaru: "I was looking forward to seeing you go berserk again... but I guess these guys weren't enough to make that happen. Dumbasses, letting themselves get danced around by rumors like that."

Kagemaru looked down at the Ayakashi rolling on the ground with exasperation, then shifted his gaze to Koga.

Kagemaru: "Sorry my people caused you so much trouble."

Koga: "… What do you mean by 'your people'? Weren't you the Ayakashi contracted to Akiyasu?"

Kagemaru: "Ah... come to think of it, I never did properly introduce myself, did I? Name's Kagemaru, Jorōgumo spider woman. Leader of the Senkitai."

Koga: "The Senkitai... if I recall, they're..."

Kagemaru: "I'm sure even you've heard the name before. An Ayakashi organization plotting to overthrow the state, an anti-government force... Well, people say all sorts of things about us. None of those labels are exactly wrong, though. Most of my guys are just a bunch of folks who harbor a grudge against the government and the military. These guys are the same. That’s why they fell for the rumors and attacked you."

Koga: "…What was that talk earlier about a 'plan' and ‘Yuujin’?"

Kagemaru: "It's a secret military project to strengthen the army. It's been in the works for years."

Koga: "Strengthening the army……?"

Kagemaru: "You were cozying up to the military, yet you didn't even know about this? ‘Yuujin' are semi-immortal soldiers created by embedding Ayakashi cells into humans. By incorporating those cells, they’ve made it possible for humans to have physical abilities beyond normal limits and incredible healing powers. 'No personality, no emotions, and eternally loyal to the commander's orders'—apparently, that's what the creators are most proud of."

Kagemaru let out a low chuckle as smoke drifted from his pipe.

Kagemaru: "While you guys were playing nice with Akiyasu, the military folk were busy treating Ayakashi like nothing more than food.”

Koga: (Incredible healing powers... Loyal to orders?)

Kyonosuke: "—Kill them."

Soldiers: "......"

Koga: "Those guys, huh..."

Kagemaru: "Looks like you have at least some idea who they are, don't you?"

Koga: "...Yeah, I guess. But I don't recall ever being told I was involved in something like that."

Kagemaru: "I figured as much. The one who spread the rumors is that bastard."

Koga raises an eyebrow as if he realized it immediately this time.

Koga: "You mean Kiryu? You know him too?"

Kagemaru: "...Yeah. He’s a former member of the Senkitai."

Koga: "......!"

Kagemaru: "Mind you, he left the Senkitai before I was even born."

Having said that, Kagemaru slowly approached Koga.

Kagemaru: "His recent movements have been bothering me. So, I took the liberty of looking into things, including stuff about you. Want me to tell you why that bastard is pulling this kind of stunt on you?"

Kagemaru exhales smoke with a smirk.

Kagemaru: "It's because your father was the first leader of the Senkitai."

Koga: "...!"

Kagemaru: "The Senkitai has a bit of history itself, you see. It all started back in the Bakumatsu (the final years of the Edo period). At first, it seems they got along quite well with humans. After all, they were a volunteer army of patriots fighting on the side of what is now the government."

Kagemaru curls the corner of his mouth in a teasing way.

Kagemaru: "Have you heard the story about how the Senkitai contributed to the Meiji Restoration long ago?"

Koga: "...I know at least that they were on the side of the New Government when they were first formed."

Kagemaru: "That's exactly right. The Restoration wasn't accomplished by the Satsuma and Choshu clans alone. A volunteer army where Ayakashi gathered across tribal lines under the ambition of creating a new world—that was the Senkitai. They fought with the strength of 'a thousand Ayakashi,' achieving great military feats and contributing to the Restoration. And the one leading that Senkitai was your father."

Koga: "..."

Kagemaru: "But after the Restoration, the government turned its back on them. They decided that in a new era, the existence of Ayakashi was just a nuisance. The Senkitai were branded as 'enemies of the state.' Every last one of them was captured and thrown into prison. Far from being rewarded for their service, their very existence was about to be erased."

Koga: "…"

Without a single tremor, Koga listens to Kagemaru’s words.

Kagemaru: "However, the government offered the Senkitai just one condition. They said—'If you abandon your identity as an Ayakashi, followed us, and become soldiers, we will spare your lives.'"

Koga: "…"

Kagemaru: "Your old man accepted those terms. To stay alive, he threw away his pride as an Ayakashi and abandoned his comrades. The rest of those who were left behind eventually managed to break out of prison and rebuilt the Senkitai. The second-generation leader was my father, who brought them together... but it seems things didn't go as smoothly as they did with the first leader. A few people who were disillusioned by the first leader's actions left the Senkitai back then. Kiryu was one of those who defected."

Koga: "…"

Kagemaru: "Your father was apparently a man of great popularity and charisma. It’s an unacceptable story, isn't it? The leader they all looked up to was the first one to turn tail and run like a coward."

Exhaling a long breath of smoke, Kagemaru looks at Koga, who stands there in a daze.

Kagemaru: "I bet that bastard still hasn't forgiven your father for what he did."

Koga: "…"

Without showing any outward emotion, Koga clenched his fist so hard it shook.

𝐓𝐨 𝐁𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐝 >>>>>>>>>>

[akiyasu-appreciation-blog-deact]

Akiyasu posting #11 : This image makes me giggle because their expressions are funny.

[just-somehuman]

The aftermath: