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Summary[]
Hiruhiko lies in disbelief, unable to even move. As Samura begins walking to him, Chihiro notes in his mind Hiruhiko's inability to move is not unexpected; the sheer scale of his actions had undoubtedly drained his physical strength and spirit energy. However, Samura's actions were abnormal, having nullified Hiruhiko's destruction and set up Owl on a massive scale for days on end, yet he himself looked unfazed. Chihiro then thinks back to Hiruhiko's wondering if Samura was immortal, and Chihiro internally states Suzaku did not grant that capability. Suzaku could only regenerate, not resurrect the dead, and consumed copious amounts of spirit energy, which was ultimately finite. Chihiro admits that's only how Suzaku works in theory and adds he's seen numerous things never recorded before the war, indicating that somehow Samura's abilities with Tobimune had evolved since 18 years ago.
Samura mutters that he would finish Hiruhiko off first. To his right, from a door labelled the Hibiki Room, Samura senses something and whirls around to block a slash from Kuguri as he cuts through the door. Kuguri thrusts forward and Samura severs his katana blade. Samura prepares another slash but Kuguri quickly uses his sorcery, Twilight Wave. It is explained that Twilight Wave allows Kuguri to store heat his body produces during battle and unleash it whenever desired, with no limit as to how much heat can be stored. It is stated that Kuguri has only used his sword in combat and has not released Twilight Wave in seven months. The resulting blast eradicates a massive section of the wall and continues for a great distance afterwards. Samura, having evaded the attack, calmly notes that the Hishaku have withdrawn.
In an alleyway near the hotel, Toto teleports Hiruhiko in, and Kuguri lands shortly after, asking about Hiruhiko's condition. Toto sarcastically asks Kuguri to look for himself and Kuguri admits Hiruhiko's condition is not good. He states he was unable retrieve Hiruhiko's arm and Toto remarks Hiruhiko will be out of commission for some time. Continuing, Kuguri recounts he was unable to get Kumeyuri, Samura having placed his foot over it, and adds they were unable to retrieve Iori as well. Toto points out that they had suffered a major loss, commenting that Hiruhiko was lucky to be alive and voicing her surprise that Kuguri had managed to distract Samura. Kuguri cautions that now, when their deal with Samura was finished, they would have zero options to counter him with.
With surprise, Kuguri suddenly looks up, Toto noticing it is snowing. Kuguri speculates it is because Owl had been covering the sky for so long, and expresses his disbelief that Tobimune could even affect the weather. Toto notices Kuguri's usual sword-fighting mania is gone and Kuguri explains that his desire had been trampled by the insane display of power. Changing the subject, Toto reports that Yura should be acting in Tokyo, Kuguri concurring that they would have to rely on the Hishaku members over there, as there was little chance they could do anything against Samura. The two are interrupted as Hiruhiko weakly groans for someone to kill him, thinking back to Chihiro's eyes that felt nothing towards him, not even hatred.
Back in the hotel, Samura turns from the destroyed wall back to Chihiro, asking him why he picked up Enten once more. Chihiro, with hesitation on his expression, explains he knows about Malediction and the sins of the "Master Swordsman". Samura curses Shiba for likely having told Chihiro and states Malediction was entirely the work of the Master Swordsman; Kunishige had only created the weapon, and was a hero who had done everything he could for his nation. Chihiro replies that Shiba had told him the same thing, and Samura internally states Chihiro still doesn't understand.
Samura continues and tells Chihiro if he knows about Malediction, he should agree that the Master Swordsman cannot be allowed to live. Chihiro questions if Samura was willing to let the sword bearers all die in the process, including himself and Samura retorts that it was vital to stop Malediction and ensure the safety of Iori's future. Samura says to Chihiro that if he were to oppose him again, he would cut him down again. Chihiro states that what Iori needed for her future was Samura himself, before replying to Samura's earlier question of why he had picked Enten up once again; it was to stop Samura.
Above Kamunabi Headquarters in Tokyo, Yura and the Hishaku Sorcerer begin their attack. Within headquarters, a Kamunabi sorcerer sits on a pillow levitating above a pool, a lantern-like structure connected to the ceiling attached to his head. He twitches in surprise at something. Within the meeting room, the Kamunabi leaders meet, Azami relaying the Masumi's report. He reports that Owl has cleared, and the Masumi encountered Samura and three members of the Hishaku with Kumeyuri in Kyoto.
A hole in the floor suddenly forms, a lantern-like structure arising and the prior sorcerer reporting through that enemies are attacking. He specifies that the barrier portion directly above Shinuchi has been attacked by pine tree sorcery. The leaders immediately realise the Hishaku are attacking, Ichiki surprised they would attack headquarters. It is reviewed that both Shinuchi and the Master Swordsman are held at Kamunabi Headquarters, the latter deep under the building. The Tokyo headquarters house over 500 employees including non-combatants and the complex is encased in a cuboidal barrier. On the surface, tree branches and roots destroy much of the street as the fedora-wearing Hishaku sorcerer comments on the barrier's strength as he tries to break through.
The bearded leader immediately orders for the attackers to be let into the first floor, to the surveillance sorcerer's surprise. The bearded leader continues, stating their primary mission is to protect the civilians, and thus a battle on the surface was unacceptable. Acquiescing, the surveillance sorcerer complies and partially takes down the barrier, shortly after detecting seven intruders on the first floor. Ichiki recalls Chihiro's statement that there were ten members of the Hishaku and reasons these seven must be the remaining Hishaku members, given three were in Kyoto. The bearded leader immediately moves for a top-level force to be sent to intercept the Hishaku and Azami stands, volunteering to join the strike force.
Ichiki muses on the situation, having thought the Hishaku would continue to have Samura hunt down the other blade wielders first, which is why he assigned Shiba and Hiyuki to guard them. He believes the Hishaku should know eliminating Kamunabi Headquarters would be impossible without an Enchanted Blade, wondering if their plans had shifted by Samura's delay, but rejects the notion given their plan seemed to hinge on Owl disappearing. Concerned as to what the Hishaku's plans were, Ichiki expresses dismay over how headquarters had turned into a battlefield. After the meeting was adjourned, Kudo heads to Hakuri's room, where he has just woken up. An announcement blares for all non-combatants to proceed to beneath the third floor while Kudo informs Hakuri there is an emergency and asks if he can move. Hakuri reports that he can do as required.
Quick References[]
Chapter Notes[]
- Chihiro views Samura's prowess as far surpassing the reports of the blades' abilities from 18 years ago.
- Samura moves to finish off Hiruhiko but is distracted by Kuguri, who uses Twilight Wave to escape.
- Toto teleports away with Hiruhiko into an alleyway outside the hotel, where Kuguri joins them.
- Toto and Kuguri lament their failure and what it means for dealing with Samura as it begins snowing.
- Hiruhiko is near-comatose, having seen only indifference in Chihiro's eyes.
- Chihiro reveals to Samura he knows about Malediction and refuses Samura's view that they should kill the Master Swordsman and by extension the remaining wielders. He states he is there to stop Samura.
- The Masumi submit an after-action report to the Kamunabi leaders, who hold a meeting.
- A surveillance sorcerer reports to the leaders that the Hishaku are attacking.
- The bearded leader orders the Hishaku be let into the first level and the surveillance sorcerer reports seven entrants, which Ichiki reasons to be the remaining seven members of the Hishaku.
- The bearded leader organises a strike force which Azami volunteers to join.
- After the meeting, an evacuation order is issued to all non-combatants and Kudo goes to Hakuri's room, asking if he can move. A now-awake Hakuri replies he can.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
Author's Comment[]
| Author Comment | |
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Takeru Hokazono |
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