“Geniuses” (
Summary[]
In a flashback scene set in a park, Shiba explains the complexities of Spirit Energy to Hakuri before the Rakuzaichi auction. He describes the process of becoming a sorcerer, which involves several stages: first, a sorcerer must awaken their Spirit Energy through training and channel it throughout their body. Next, they must expel this energy to perform sorcery. Shiba notes that the type of sorcery one can use is determined by their genes.
For instance, Norisaku Madoka was able to materialize his Spirit Energy and cause it to explode. Shiba advises Hakuri to gradually focus on refining his sorcery and familiarizing himself with his abilities while discovering their potential. He believes that, due to Hakuri's Sazanami lineage, his inherent ability must be Isou. Shiba also notes that Hakuri’s body has developed to better control Spirit Energy. He instructs Hakuri to hold onto the sensation and shape of his ability once he starts to sense an output.
In the present, Soya notices the tools he once used on Hakuri, now abandoned on the ground. Meanwhile, Hakuri senses that he possesses another power in addition to Isou. Soya feels an unsettling presence and recalls his father, Kyora Sazanami’s, words.
In a flashback, Kyora Sazanami informs Soya that he will be the next heir to the Storehouse. However, this comes with a significant sacrifice: Soya will no longer be able to use Isou. Within the Sazanami clan, a member can only possess one type of ability, apart from extraordinary individuals like the first clan head, who managed to wield both Isou and the Storehouse. Given that creating a pocket dimension is a rare power, inheriting or transferring it requires a special ritual, making it a revered and sacred ability. Kyora believes Soya is the ideal successor, as Tenri, despite his combat prowess, does not measure up.
In the present, Hakuri Sazanami, now bearing the Storehouse symbol on his left eye like their father Kyora, stands before Soya. Soya is shocked but realizes that Hakuri’s appearance might explain the reappearance of the torture tools. Hakuri, who has inherited both Isou and the Storehouse, defies Soya’s expectations. Despite being battered and bruised, Hakuri remains steadfast, pushing Soya against the wall and gripping him by the throat. Soya is astonished at his brother’s resilience and finds it difficult to maintain his stance.
As Hakuri confronts his brother, he reflects on the ice girl’s final words. He regrets not having responded to her more effectively, believing that if he had shown hope outside the cage, she might not have chosen death. Hakuri mentally apologizes to her and vows to prove that there is hope now. Meanwhile, Soya, consumed by rage, demands to know why Hakuri refuses to fall and die. Hakuri recalls Shiba’s advice from the park, realizing that he may have instinctively learned to defend himself.
Hakuri responds to his elder brother with a defiant statement, saying he won’t fall because Soya’s long-standing affection for him—implying years of torment—has only fueled his resolve. The narration then reveals that until now, Hakuri had been subconsciously using most of his Spirit Energy to maintain the Storehouse. However, with a full understanding of his abilities, Hakuri can now channel all his Spirit Energy into an Isou. He unleashes his most powerful Isou yet, successfully knocking Soya out.
Meanwhile, Chihiro Rokuhira faces off against Tenri. Realizing that he cannot counter Tenri's attacks with half-hearted Mei or Yui, Chihiro decides to use his full-power Mei, possibly for the last time. Despite Tenri's efforts to keep up with Chihiro’s incredible speed, his strength gives out. The strain of holding the Datenseki too long causes Tenri’s body to explode.
Hakuri arrives at the scene and sees his younger brother’s body on the ground, while Chihiro appears distressed. Hakuri, maintaining his composure, suggests to Chihiro that they should proceed to the door and bring the auction to an end.
Quick References[]
Chapter Notes[]
- Shiba describes the process of becoming a sorcerer: awakening Spirit Energy through training, channeling it through the body, and using it for sorcery.
- The type of sorcery one can perform is influenced by genetic background.
- Shiba advises Hakuri to refine his sorcery skills, as his Sazanami lineage suggests his innate ability is Isou.
- Hakuri’s body has developed to manage Spirit Energy effectively; Shiba urges him to focus on the sensation and form of his abilities.
- Soya notices the tools he used on Hakuri lying on the ground. Hakuri senses another power within him in addition to Isou.
- Soya feels unsettled, recalling his father Kyora’s words.
- Kyora’s Flashback: Kyora tells Soya he will inherit the Storehouse but must forgo using Isou.
- A Sazanami member can only possess one type of ability unless exceptionally gifted.
- Creating a pocket dimension requires a ritual, making it a sacred ability.
- Kyora views Soya as the ideal successor compared to Tenri, who only has combat skills.
- Hakuri has the Storehouse symbol on his left eye, similar to Kyora’s appearance. Soya realizes this explains the return of the torture tools.
- Hakuri has inherited both Isou and the Storeroom.
- Hakuri confronts Soya aggressively, pinning him against the wall and grasping his throat.
- Hakuri reflects on the ice girl’s words, regrets not giving her hope, and vows to demonstrate hope now.
- Soya becomes furious, demanding why Hakuri won’t fall. Hakuri recalls Shiba’s advice, recognizing his defensive abilities developed instinctively.
- Hakuri declares he won’t fall due to Soya’s torturous affection strengthening him. He channels all his Spirit Energy into an Isou attack to knock Soya out.
- Chihiro and Tenri’s Confrontation: Chihiro Rokuhira uses full-power Mei to fight Tenri, who struggles to keep up.
- Tenri’s body erupts from the strain of holding the Datenseki.
- Hakuri arrives, finds his younger brother’s body, and observes Chihiro in distress.
- Hakuri maintains composure and suggests to Chihiro that they proceed to the door and end the auction.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
Author's Comment[]
| Author's Comments | |
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Takeru Hokazono |
I finally got to see John Wick 4. Everything about Donnie Yen is cool.
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