“The Kamunabi's Weapon” (
Summary[]
Hakuri initially sought Chihiro's help to shut down the Rakuzaichi auction, controlled by his own family, the Sazanami Family. Chihiro questioned why Hakuri would oppose his own family, to which Hakuri explained his past involvement and the family's devotion to the auction. Sazanami members are trained in sorcery from a young age to defend the auction at any cost, but Hakuri's weakness led to him being disowned. He described the horrific nature of the auction, involving the sale of living humans and corpses, which he had once accepted but now finds repulsive. Wanting to end the suffering caused by the Rakuzaichi, Hakuri asked if Chihiro cared about saving people, but Chihiro was solely interested in the auction itself. Chihiro then inquired about any inside information to steal Shinuchi, the auction's main attraction, which would effectively shut it down. Though Hakuri was not high-ranking among the Sazanamis' hierarchy, he knew Shinuchi was this year's headline item. Their shared goal excites Hakuri, prompting Chihiro to suggest in mind that Hakuri should calm down.
After learning that Chihiro's goal is to steal Shinuchi, Hakuri asked what he plans to do with it once he succeeds. Chihiro admitted he wasn't sure either, feeling scared. To him, Shinuchi holds significant sentimental value as it belonged to his late father. The fact that someone is attempting to auction the sword suggests nefarious intentions, likely leading to bloodshed. Chihiro fears that if he does nothing, the enchanted blades could end up in the hands of those who would misuse them, recalling the tragedies caused by the late Sojo while using Cloud Gouger. He cannot bear the thought of innocent lives being lost due to his inaction.
As they talked, their conversation was abruptly interrupted by a phone call from Shiba, who informed Chihiro that someone was coming after him. Hakuri asked about the call, prompting Chihiro to urge him to come along to the base.
Exiting the area, Chihiro recounted the call from Shiba, warning about an individual named Hiyuki Kagari from the Kamunabi who was pursuing him. Hiyuki wielded the Flame Bone of The Starving, which possessed powers akin to the enchanted blades, according to Shiba. Just then, Hiyuki approached Chihiro and Hakuri, claiming she had been searching for Chihiro. Hiyuki demanded Chihiro surrender the Enten enchanted blade, in exchange for shelving the flame bone she held. Hakuri, standing nearby, only just realized that Chihiro possessed an enchanted blade and also made a realization about Chihiro's surname. Simultaneously, Hakuri noticed that the people who had been in the building earlier had vanished, and the atmosphere had shifted. The receptionist, who seemed to be a sumo wrestler, explained they were in a sacred sumo ring-like domain, which he had expanded and isolated from the ordinary world until Chihiro's confrontation with Hiyuki concluded.
Although Chihiro had no desire to fight someone from Kamunabi, Hiyuki interrupted him and launched an attack, prompting Chihiro to activate Aka to defend himself. Despite Chihiro's efforts, he struggled to fully absorb Hiyuki's flame bone due to its immense spiritual energy. Hiyuki inquired about the Cloud Gouger, learning it had been broken, much to their surprise. Believing that wielding enchanted blades was self-serving, Hiyuki insisted that such weapons should be controlled by Kamunabi for the nation's benefit, as she began attacking Chihiro with flaming rib-like structures called forth from the ground. Amidst the battle, Hiyuki mentioned Kazane, a survivor from the Anti-Cloud Gouger Special Forces, emphasizing the tragedies associated with possessing sacred blades and warning Chihiro of further misery if he continued wielding one.
Meanwhile, Hakuri, who had been observing from the sidelines, realized Chihiro was in serious trouble and had adopted a defensive stance. Initially hesitant, he was inspired by Chihiro's determination to confront the issue of the enchanted blades, which spurred him into action. Just as Hiyuki was about to strike Chihiro, Hakuri intervened, sustaining a fatal injury in the process. Covered in blood and slumped on the floor, Hakuri acknowledged that he might not fully grasp Chihiro's situation regarding who should wield the sacred blade or the complexity of it all. Nonetheless, he recognized that Chihiro had saved him, noting Chihiro's intense gaze directed towards him, shocked at Hakuri's selfless decision.
Quick References[]
Chapter Notes[]
- Hakuri's Revelation and Decision: Initially seeking Chihiro's help to shut down the Rakuzaichi Auction controlled by his own family, Hakuri reveals the horrific nature of the auction and his disownment due to his weakness. Witnessing Chihiro's determination, Hakuri decides to support him despite his initial hesitation.
- Chihiro's Fear and Sentimental Attachment: Chihiro fears the potential consequences of Shinuchi falling into the wrong hands and recalls the tragedies caused by another enchanted blade, Cloud Gouger. He also holds sentimental value towards Shinuchi as it belonged to his late father.
- Hiyuki's Threat and Attack: Hiyuki Kagara from Kamunabi threatens Chihiro and demands he surrender the Enten enchanted blade. Despite Chihiro's reluctance to fight, Hiyuki launches an attack, prompting Chihiro to defend himself with Aka.
- Revelations during the Confrontation: As the confrontation unfolds, Hakuri realizes Chihiro's predicament and the significance of his possession of an enchanted blade. Simultaneously, the disappearance of people and change in atmosphere indicate they are in a sacred space, isolated until the confrontation concludes.
- Hiyuki's Ideology and Attack: Hiyuki believes that enchanted blades should be controlled by Kamunabi for the nation's benefit and launches attacks to retrieve Chihiro's blade, emphasizing the tragedies associated with wielding such weapons.
- Hakuri's Sacrifice: Observing Chihiro's dire situation, Hakuri intervenes and sustains a fatal injury, saving Chihiro in the process. Despite his limited understanding of Chihiro's circumstances, Hakuri acknowledges Chihiro's actions and recognition of his sacrifice.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
Author's Comment[]
| Author's Comments | |
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Takeru Hokazono |
Volume 1 is now on sale in Japan! Please buy, read, and put it on your bookshelf!
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