What Comes Next (これからの
Summary[]
With the Rakuzaichi over, the Hishaku organise a meeting. One member comments everything is going according to plan, with Shinuchi in the hands of the Kamunabi. Another is ecstatic that the Kamunabi are acting in accordance with their plans. Yura notes it is time for their next move.
In beds within an apartment building, Chihiro and Hakuri wake up. Shiba greets them and tells them they had fallen unconscious from exhaustion the previous day; it was now 11:00 am on the 9th of November. Looking forwards, Chihiro sees Shiba and Hiyuki currently engrossed in a fighting game, Shiba nonplussed and Hiyuki angered. To the side, Tafuku and Char provide support, advice and wild gestures for Hiyuki.
Pausing their match, Hiyuki notes she and Tafuku had been playing video games with Shiba to pass the time, though Shiba had won every time, prompting Hiyuki's ire. Chihiro asks about the prisoners and Shiba replies they left for their homes. As Hinao arrives to pick up Char, Char tells Chihiro a thank-you message from Yuu, and Chihiro thanks Char back for the message. Hiyuki comments it was typically the Kamunabi's role to keep the peace and protect the weak, but the Kamunabi weren't able to control the criminals due to lacking manpower and in Hiyuki's view, grit. She thanks the three for the help.
Shiba notes the events were far beyond what he had expected, recalling the many times he had recommended a withdrawal that Chihiro had ignored, and expressed his gratitude Chihiro and Hakuri were okay, the two apologising. As Chihiro asks about Enten, Hiyuki hands it to Chihiro, adding that Shinuchi had been taken to Kamunabi Headquarters by the bidding team, and they would be heading there soon. Shiba remarks Chihiro's decision to hand over Shinuchi and join the Kamunabi made sense given Chihiro had encountered a Hishaku member, but adds they had to act carefully, contemplating the possibility that the Hishaku's plan was for the Kamunabi to acquire Shinuchi.
As Shiba proposes methods of preparing that did not involve the Kamunabi, Hiyuki cuts in, saying the decision had already been made. Tafuku also comments the Kamunabi weren't guaranteed to seal Shinuchi, and the leaders may decide to use the blade. Shiba internally concedes the point but ponders there are too many concerns regarding the circumstances that they had to discuss. Chihiro then asks why the Kamunabi would use Shinuchi, and Tafuku states it is to move the balance of power in the Kamunabi's favour. Chihiro brings up that if he were to propose a method of breaking the deadlock, Shinuchi would not need to be used.
The Sanso. From right to left:
- Senkutsuji Temple
- Kokugoku Hot Spring
- Kuentaisha Shrine
- Sushi Subaru
Chihiro concedes to Shiba that he might be acting hastily, but he was making an informed decision, and had Hakuri on his side. At Hiyuki's prompting, Chihiro reveals his plan is to steal the Enchanted Blades from the Hishaku by having Hakuri register the blades' bearers and then transport the blades to them. Chihiro asks where the sword bearers are and Tafuku replies that with the exception of Akemura Soga, the sword bearers were housed in heavily guarded fortresses known as Sanso, where the majority of the Kamunabi's forces were stationed near. Access to the Sanso could only be permitted by the Kamunabi leaders.
Hiyuki adds the focus on the Sanso was why the Kamunabi lacked manpower. Hakuri questions whether with the Enchanted Blades returned to their sword bearers, the Kamunabi could be freed up to make the world safer, and Hiyuki confirms his statement. Hakuri is then fully onboard with Chihiro's plan, Chihiro asking for his help and Hakuri earnestly agreeing, his volume prompting a surprised Shiba to tell him not to yell.
Later, Chihiro, Hakuri, Hiyuki and Tafuku ride in a car bound to Kamunabi HQ. While Hiyuki agrees Chihiro's plan is an excellent idea, getting the Kamunabi leaders to agree to trust Chihiro was a different matter altogether. The leaders had no reason to trust Chihiro, and were in fact primed to exact punishment given the opportunity. Hiyuki calmly emphasises the two needed to prove themselves.
The four enter the meeting room, Chihiro in wooden handcuffs as he moves to the center of the room. Kasen asks for his name and Chihiro declares it.
Quick References[]
Chapter Notes[]
- The Hishaku note the Kamunabi are acting in accordance with their plans and Yura orders for their next move to begin.
- Chihiro and Hakuri wake up to see Shiba and Hiyuki playing video games, Tafuku and Char nearby.
- Hinao picks up Char and Hiyuki gives Enten to Chihiro, noting they would be moving to Kamunabi Headquarters soon, thanking Chihiro, Hakuri and Shiba for their help at the Rakuzaichi.
- Shiba comments on the deal Chihiro had made with Hiyuki to hand over Shinuchi for it to be sealed and join the Kamunabi, and emphasises the need to make decision carefully, proposing ways of preparing without involving the Kamunabi.
- Hiyuki refuses and Tafuku adds the Kamunabi leadership may use Shinuchi rather than seal it for the sake of breaking the deadlock.
- Chihiro proposes an alternative idea; with his abilities, Hakuri would be able to register the Enchanted Blade bearers and transport the Enchanted Blades out of the Hishaku's possession.
- Tafuku reveals the sword bearers (excluding Akemura Soga) were held in fortresses known as Sanso, where the majority of the Kamunabi's manpower were stationed.
- Upon realising the Kamunabi would be free to help protect the peace of Japan if the sword bearers had their blades back and no longer needed protection, Hakuri agrees to Chihiro's plan.
- Chihiro and Hakuri are brought to a meeting with the Kamunabi leadership, where they are placed in wooden shackles. Hiyuki and Tafuku also attend.
- This is the first chapter of the Sword Bearer Assassination Arc.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
Author's Comment[]
| Author Comment | |
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Takeru Hokazono |
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