“Storehouse” (
Summary[]
One of Kyora's servants is making his tea when Chihiro notices an odd discoloration and pattern on Kyora's eye. Chihiro instinctively reaches for his sword, Enten, its suddenly-black blade reflecting his readiness for combat. However, Kyora calmly stops him, explaining he has no intention of fighting. Instead of answering Chihiro's question about Shinuchi's whereabouts, Kyora focuses on examining Chihiro's sword. He recognizes it as the work of Kunishige Rokuhira, despite its ornamental appearance, acknowledging its supernatural capabilities.
From this interaction, Kyora deduces that the young man on his couch is Chihiro, surprising Chihiro himself. Kyora's deduction is based on Chihiro possessing an Enchanted Blade. Meanwhile, another person present, Shiba, wonders how Kyora could have known Chihiro's identity and questions if there's a spy among the Kamunabi. Despite the tension of confronting an Enchanted Blade, Kyora remains composed and in control.
Shiba recalled the conversation when they shared their plans with Hakuri. Initially surprised, Hakuri soon understood their reasoning, especially since only Kyora knew the location of the Storehouse. Hakuri then offered information about the estate, but warned them about the Tou. He explained that the Tou were the elite guards of the Sazanami family, consisting of the top four fighters among the clan's 50 sorcerers. Their primary duty was to safeguard Kyora, the clan leader.
Hakuri mentioned that all the children admired the Tou, and he himself aspired to join them one day, though he admitted they were much stronger than him. He emphasized the formidable power and intimidating nature of the Tou members. When Shiba inquired about the "scary" aspect, wondering why Hakuri would be in danger from his own family, Hakuri clarified that the Tou would not hesitate to eliminate him if they discovered him.
Back in the present, Shiba is puzzled why Kyora hasn't arranged for the Tou to arrive yet. He reflects that they didn't bring Hakuri because they anticipated a confrontation. Meanwhile, Kyora advises Chihiro that if he wants Shinuchi, he should bid for it like everyone else. Chihiro promptly rejects this, stating that Shinuchi belonged to his father. Kyora gestures, and Chihiro and Shiba notice a display case materialize behind Chihiro, containing Shinuchi's box.
Chihiro recalls his father's discussions about the Enchanted Blades, particularly his mixed feelings about Shinuchi. He moves to take it, but is surprised when his hand passes through the case and box. Kyora reveals it's just a holographic preview generated by his sorcery.
Kyora then praises Shinuchi as a masterpiece, grinning as he emphasizes the value of life and how the sword, having taken many lives, should be appropriately prized. He suggests to Chihiro that since no new Enchanted Blades will be made due to Kunishige's death, the market value of Shinuchi becomes clearer.
Both Chihiro and Shiba are upset by Kyora's purely financial perspective on Shinuchi. Shiba gets ready to act, but Chihiro is quicker, holding his sword just centimeters from Kyora's neck. He demands Kyora give up Shinuchi and reveal the location of the Storehouse. Kyora admits it's a bit complicated and cryptically suggests it's "inside" him.
When pressed by Chihiro, Kyora reveals that the Storehouse doesn't actually exist in the physical world; it's a sacred storage space created by sorcery. Only those of the Sazanami bloodline have authority over this magical space. As he explains, Kyora uses his sorcery to project the Storehouse's interior into the room around them. Chihiro and Shiba are wary of Kyora's casual reveal of this important information. Shiba notes that not even the Sazanami family is aware of this, as Hakuri had stated they didn't know where the Storehouse was.
Kyora concludes that only those from the Sazanami bloodline have access to the subspace without permission, and he has full control over it. If Kyora were to die, the subspace, along with everything in it, would be destroyed since it's his domain. Despite Chihiro's request, Kyora refuses to hand over Shinuchi, asking rhetorically if Chihiro is willing to risk the lives of everyone in the subspace, including himself, by attempting to take it by force. Chihiro, seeing the projections of numerous captive people within the subspace, feels powerless.
Shiba notices that Kyora isn't interested in direct conflict, so he opted for a dramatic display of power from the Storehouse to avoid it. Shiba threatens Kyora with torture unless he gives up Shinuchi, but Kyora remains unfazed, agreeing to the threat but promising to harm one of the residents for each fingernail taken, as he sees people as expendable compared to the value of Shinuchi.
Shiba realizes that Kyora manipulated their unwillingness to gamble with lives to his advantage. Chihiro also understands and lowers his blade, earning a smile from Kyora. Kyora dispels the projection and thanks them for being reasonable, admitting it's difficult for him to reveal the extent of his powers. Shiba wonders if Hakuri could interfere with the Storehouse, but knowing Hakuri lacks sorcery skills, he feels discouraged.
Shiba suggests to Chihiro that they retreat for now. Kyora interrupts him, chastising the two uninvited guests and requesting them leave him a gift in the form of Chihiro's blade, as Tenri, Tamaki, and Enji—three members of the Tou—suddenly appear. Shiba is frustrated to see the elite sorcerers present, especially after Kyora had discouraged them from fighting. Kyora asks about the fourth member, Soya, who is absent, and the Tou respond that he had gone searching for Hakuri again, prompting Kyora's annoyance. Tenri prepares to use Isou and begin battling Chihiro and Shiba, as do the other two.
Meanwhile, Hakuri recalls a conversation with Shiba where he admitted his lack of sorcery skills. Later, Hinao asked him to run an errand, so Hakuri decides to do what he can. He bumps into Soya, who reveals he was looking for Hakuri, causing Hakuri to feel anxious.
Quick References[]
Chapter Notes[]
- Kyora says he doesn't want to fight and examines Chihiro's sword.
- Kyora's words make Shiba suspect there might be spies within the Kamunabi.
- The Sazanami Clan supposedly has 50 sorcerers, with the top four forming the elite Special Defense Corp, also called the 'Tou'.
- Hakuri confesses that, like many Sazanami children, he used to admire them and dreamt of joining them, but now he finds them terrifying, knowing they'd kill him without hesitation.
- Kyora shares his opinion on Shinuchi's immense value, which upsets Chihiro and Shiba. Chihiro even points his sword at Kyora's neck.
- Kyora describes the Storehouse as a special hidden space accessible only to those of Sazanami lineage. He uses his sorcery to show Chihiro and Shiba images of this space.
- Among the items stored there are living people, whom Kyora keeps as hostages to make sure Chihiro backs down.
- Three members of the Tou—Tenri, Tamaki, and Enji—arrive, ready to confront Chihiro and Shiba.
- Meanwhile, the fourth member, Soya, encounters Hakuri, who is outside running an errand for Hinao.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
Author's Comment[]
| Author's Comments | |
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Takeru Hokazono |
I'm happy how it's slowly starting to warm up. I'll be getting more aggressive with my walks from now on.
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