“Greeting” (
Summary[]
Yura remarks on how much Chihiro had grown up. Chihiro is momentarily overwhelmed by the memory of his father's death, and, moved by his emotion, attacks Yura, slamming him into a wall and raising his wakizashi to his neck, frantically asking about his reason for being here.
Yura is impressed that Chihiro was still capable of attempting to interrogate him, revealing himself as the leader of the Hishaku and the mastermind behind Chihiro's father's death. He idly comments he would only speak when he felt like it, and urges Chihiro to keep fighting. Yura prises two fingers to Chihiro's wakizashi with his right hand before shoving his left arm underneath, hitting Chihiro's neck. Knocked back, Chihiro quickly realises Yura has moved behind him, raising a leg to kick, and Chihiro ducks away, Cloud Gouger's lightning crackling around him. As his left arm swipes forward to slash, Yura catches Chihiro by the hand, before kicking off the wall and slamming Chihiro into the wall of trees, branches quickly entangling Chihiro.
Yura notes that Cloud Gouger's output has decreased. He speculates whether the blade is losing its power due to damage or because Chihiro has just begun using it. Despite not using any sorcery, Yura had overwhelmed Chihiro, much to the younger man's displeasure. Yura then explains to Chihiro that he couldn't allow any disruption to the Rakuzaichi auction, particularly since he has gone to great lengths to present the Shinuchi as an item.
At that moment, a commotion is heard above as Kyora Sazanami presents the Rakuzaichi's headliner for the day, Shinuchi before the auction proper began. During the Seitei War 18 years ago, all sorcerers from Japan united against an unnamed enemy but were at a disadvantaged until Kunishige Rokuhira's Enchanted Blades turned the tide. Five of the blades shifted the balance, and the sixth, Shinuchi, led Japan to victory.
Questions resonate in Chihiro's mind as he rapidly loses his composure, and while he first asks about the Hishaku's plans regarding Shinuchi he shifts to demanding a response for why they killed his father. Pleasantly, Yura responds to both of his questions at once; their actions are so that he can wield Shinuchi. He specifically orchestrated giving the blade to the Rakuzaichi and helping the Sazanami Clan, considering it just a few more steps in his overarching goal.
Chihiro, bewildered by this revelation, internally questions how the auction ties into the ability to wield Shinuchi, but quickly realizes that asking such trivial questions is pointless, and the only important thing was to stop them. He angrily vows to prevent them from accomplishing their goals. In response, Yura calmly explains that an Enchanted Blade doesn't select its wielder; rather, it becomes a servant to its user. Chihiro then questions why Yura hasn't killed him yet. He replies that Chihiro 'isn't ready to be harvested' and that his only asset, Cloud Gouger, is nearly exhausted. If Chihiro continues to fight, his situation will only worsen. Yura attempts to open conversation, curious as to how Chihiro had changed after he had caused such trauma to him three years ago.
Despite this, Chihiro forms a deeper bond with Cloud Gouger, even though it is damaged, resonating how he had spent more time with it than anyone else, and urging it to die by his side. He surpasses his limits and unleashes Mei: Shred, black sparks erupting around him as his eyes regain a determined resolve.
Quick References[]
Chapter Notes[]
- Chihiro attacks Yura, who reveals himself as the leader of the Hishaku and claims responsibility for Chihiro's father's death.
- Chihiro is quickly overwhelmed by Yura, who traps him against the wall of trees without using sorcery.
- At the auction hall, Kyora Sazanami introduces Shinuchi and recounts its historical significance in Japan's victory during the Seitei War.
- Chihiro demands Yura answer why he had auctioned off Shinuchi and why he had killed his father.
- Yura answers both questions by revealing his goal to wield Shinuchi, explaining that supporting the Sazanami Clan with the auction is part of his plan.
- Chihiro struggles to understand the connection between the auction and Yura’s ability to wield the Shinuchi, but ultimately resolves not to let anyone with corrupt intentions wield the Enchanted Blades.
- Chihiro recalls his bond and time spent with the fading Cloud Gouger and pushes beyond his limits, activating Mei: Shred with black sparks flickering around him.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
Author's Comment[]
| Author's Comments | |
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Takeru Hokazono |
The pork soup full of veggies that's been keeping me healthy has disappeared from the menu at my neighborhood restaurant. I hope they bring it back.
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Trivia[]
- Through the chapter, two close-up panels mistakenly show Chihiro's left arm in bandages instead of his right.