Here we are --- The start of Volume 22. Prologue/Chapter 0.

It starts off from the aftermath of the battle between the Redwhales and the Sogou – raid of the star, Reitsumyousei, at Hoshi-no-Iwaya.

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Prologue(Chapter 0) – Hot Gravel


The storm had swept across with astonishing force and in absolute unrestraint, leaving behind trails of destruction. The granite roof covering ‘Hoshi-no-Iwaya’ of Shoukoku-ji(2) had completely collapsed. The huge granite piece that fell into the waterfall generated huge waves splashed in all directions. A monument of ancestral heritage was completely wiped out.

Looking at the vaguely in existence cornerstones, one could construe the magnitude of the force that created such destruction. As there was danger of further cave-in, the police at the scene, could not perform a thorough inspection. Hastily, they investigated and wound up the case. But, it was obvious that it was no ordinary cave-collapse.

There was a man standing behind the police barrier line, watching attentively at the operations. It had been a while since he last stood there.

The man, who was tall and wore a black suit, did not blend well with the background of the deep mountainous region. A grand hall or a business district would have fitted him much better. He was almost certainly not one of the locals, the police or the reporters. He stood out distinctly.

Gusts of cold biting wind blew over the mountains.

Right besides the man, was a young man. He was pulling the collar of his shirt, drawing his neck close to his shoulders.

“……..They were one step ahead of us,” he uttered.

The contrast was distinct between the two. The young man was in a loosely-fitted worn-out casual wear and canvas shoes. Squatting sloppily and chewing on a piece of gum, he gazed into the same direction as the man -- the location of Iwaya(1). The mismatch between the young man and the man-in-suit, was glaringly obvious.

“I’ve intended to settle it appropriately, but the crucial Retsumyousei is now stolen. All efforts are wasted. Really out of luck……,” said the young man as he shook his head.

“What should we do next, Bro ?”

With a frightful expression, Naoe Nobutsuna continued to stare at the Iwaya(1).

From where he squatted, the young man gazed at the side profile of Naoe. He was further discouraged.

“We were so close, almost there and now it’s all lost. Really infuriating. I wonder who did it. All the efforts spent in getting close to the Sogou unit are down the drain, wasted, completely wasted. Ahhhh…….I don’t get it. Why did I buy intelligence from the Sogou in the first place? The main issue is that Retsumyousei is snatched away from us. We’ve wasted our efforts for nothing.”

The young man continued to wail. He just could not accept it.

“How do we go about it now, Big Bro? Naoe ? ”

Naoe did not respond. His anger was clearly marked on the frown between his creased brows.

(Gosh…..It looks like he’s really mad……)

Ichizou understood Naoe’s temperament well. He learnt it ever since traveling with him. The man before him had a frightening temper when enraged. He did not want to be at the receiving end. Cowering cautiously, Ichizou called out to him.

“Bro…..Big Bro…… You don’t have to be so mad.”

“Ichizou. Do you know who did it ?”

Naoe’s voice was much calmer than expected. Surprised, Ichizou cast a side-glance at Naoe. But the later was still staring at the Iwaya(1). Ichizou sighed. Scratching the back of his ear before responding,

“As for this……I’m not too sure but…probably could’ve been the ones as speculated.”

Naoe widened his eyes.

“You know who did it ?”

“Well…it’s probably them. But…..”

If it were those men, it would be a thorny issue. Listlessly, Ichizou lowered his face.

“Please give me some time to investigate. The guards of Iwaya(1) are completely wiped out. So, it may not be easy to probe.”

(No choice.)

Naoe checked his raging temper, and continued gazing at the ruins and waterfall. Someone had got here before them, it was pointless to mull further.

(It was so close)

He was fuming at the person who stole Retsumyousei. Clenching his teeth, he cursed at his ill luck. It was a repeat of a disastrous attempt, completely played out by his bad fortunes.

(It was within grasp)

“Not only that. Those guys aren’t ones that can be taken lightly. I can’t exactly pin-point the culprits based on the residual spells left here.”

The bandits had been careful. They had used the fox-witchcraft(5) to jumble up the remaining incantations before leaving the scene. Residual incantations are like fingerprints to the person who executes it. They had intently done it to remove all traces of evidence and hide their identities.

“By putting in so much effort in removing their traces, they’re actually exposing themselves…….,” said the young man.

He was Katsuragi Ichizou, a weird dweller-spirit(7) whom Naoe met in Tokyo. He had been harassing Naoe since the day they met. Ichizou had a demonic flute known as Red-Cloud Pill. At the time when he met Naoe, he was wandering about aimlessly, relying on hunting to feed his demonic flute. As the liver(4) of a possessor was the highest form of food, and knowing that Naoe was a possessor, he harassed Naoe, with the motive of getting Naoe’s liver(4).

(Hence, the initial reaction-- to exorcise him immediately.)

Indeed, that was Naoe’s original intention. His identity was being exposed by Ichizou. Not only Ichizou knew he was a possessor, he also knew all the important details of Uesugi.

(He must die, absolutely)

But Ichizou was a weird man. Along the way, he voluntarily chipped in to assist Naoe. When Naoe probed for a reason, his response was “Because you’ve abandoned Uesugi. You’re indeed a very interesting person.”


****

It had been five months since.

Naoe had been incessantly searching for Takaya. After being discovered by Ayukawa at the villa-in-the-mist(6), he sunk into an obsessive-compulsive disorder - mentally-spent, physically drained but would not give up searching for Takaya. He was no longer capable of extricating himself from the fixation. He must find Takaya, regardless of his physical state. Only this, he would live. Only this, could spur him on. Hysterically, he dragged his worn-out body out of bed. Ayukawa, unable to tolerate it further, helped with the search. But the information that he painstakingly gathered, drew no results. Takaya’s whereabouts – unknown.

Indeed, there was no sign of his location. He had completely disappeared. After hunting for one month, finally Ayukawa told Naoe,

---- It’s impossible, Naoe. Please give up and return to Uesugi. Re-assume the position of the General. Kagetora must have committed suicide and been purified. There is no point to continue the search anymore. If you would to stop and think--- what other choice could Kagetora have in that kind of situation ?! For you, you must keep the agreement with Kenshin. Please do not continue your unrealistic hallucination. Wake up to reality, please !

But the words did not reach Naoe.

How could he give up when he could not even find his (Takaya’s) body ?

(That man has not died.)

Besides purification, there is no other means -- he kept denying this very thought that was driving him mad, he could not wipe it out of his mind. So, he decided to take the path of his choice.

---- That man is waiting for me to catch up.

He declared to Ayukawa.

As if looking at a monster, Ayakawa trembled violently, before yelling in exasperation.

---- Do you really want to give up the post of the General? And forsake the Uesugi ?! Because of Kagetora-sama ?! Are you going to betray us ?! ”

Ayukawa refused to give up. Prior to being a subordinate of Naoe, he was Naoe’s close friend.

---- What are you thinking of ?! This is no longer normal.

---- Here, you’re alive, thanks to who? Who is the person who bestowed you with this life of yours? Do you want to betray Lord Kenshin ?!

---- Do you want it to go to naught ?! What will happen to the wishes of Lord Kenshin? Don’t you care about the developments of the “Warring Underworld” ? Do you intend to betray the trust given to you? Even if this mean squandering away the great enlightenment of Lord Kenshin, and yet you still want to go ?

--- I don’t allow it ! Never !!….Never will I allow it !!

Ayukawa, who did not shed a single drop of tear even when his family members died, was now sobbing as he denounced it. But Naoe was determined. He had to go, despite Ayukawa disregarding all self-respects crying and pleading with him. He had to go, despite branding himself the mark of heavy sin. He had to go, even if it was hell and punishments that laid before him. He could only look ahead, no turning back now.

He had decided.

---- Uesugi……I won’t return to Uesugi.

From the months he spent with the broken Takaya, he had come to understand his own feelings.

Naoe had been brooding over the issue to the extent of wrecking his own mental state. Continuously he mulled over for months. The answer – came from the sorrowful smile on Takaya’s face, just before he departed. It was crystallized in Naoe.

The path was already laid out before him, right from the beginning.

Naoe left Ayukawa.

(This is where it started.)

Naoe gazed at the ruins at his feet as he recalled the days of his relentless search.

From that day, he had been scouring meticulously near the location that Takaya vanished. But he could not win against the castigation of time. After cutting himself off from the Uesugi, he could no longer tap on their intelligence. He could only work independently. So, he came to Tokyo alone. He needed to expand his own network.

In Tokyo, he met Ichizou. Although he knew of Ichizou’s motive – to snipe the liver(4) of a possessor – he did not care. Other than Takaya, there was nothing else that concerned Naoe. Eventually, Ichizou learnt of his identity.

In Tokyo, Naoe also met another person.

It was Irobe.

Irobe saw through Naoe’s intention and figured out his movements. Even Ayukawa was kept in the dark of the incident.

Irobe’s words were once again on Naoe’s mind. Irobe was a person who was good at dissecting one’s thoughts. Although Ayukawa had hidden the news on Naoe from him, but being honest at heart, Ayukawa could not cover up his guilt towards Irobe. Soon, Irobe found out the reasons behind the remorse --- Naoe had helped Kagetora while in Aso.

Because Kagetora was not returning to Uesugi, Naoe was not too. Even at this point.

He could no longer evade it. No, perhaps Naoe was contemplating it. He needed to meet Irobe, and to let him know the whole truth --- Ayukawa thought.

---- …....In this world, the person who can cast aside all heavy responsibilities and walk on to this point ….probably is you, only you. How is he ? Still alive?

Irobe was asking about Kagetora. Naoe knew a negotiation was due. With sincere determination, he spoke through stiff lips -- he had been with Kagetora since in Aso. Unreservedly, he revealed the truth. And finally, he told Irobe of his decision, his only intention.

Irobe did not appear shocked. He was calm.

(I’m sure you understood)

---- Naoe Nobutsuna is a man who possesses, lives and dies for Kagetora. He will not waver even if he has to shoulder the heaviest sins or be condemned forever……. He has chosen his path.**

---- I’m giving up Uesugi. Together with the position of the General, the Warring Underworld, the unnatural existence through possessing, all the responsibilities assigned by Lord Kenshin, I’m giving up. Even if this means, renouncing the trusts by those people who cannot return.

(Everything –I’m giving up)

---- As for Uesugi, I’ve to leave it to you.

He had articulated clearly the murmur of his hearts.

To Irobe, who was fiercely loyal to Lord Kenshin, Naoe’s decision was unforgivable. Naoe knew that too. It was not an easy decision. He had been tortured by his own guilt and condemnation. The responsibilities he renounced were overly heavy. It was no surprise if he crumbled at this point. But, he would still stick by his decision, even if the whole world condemned him. He had deviated from the main path and could no longer return. It was not that he was indebted to anyone, but the nurturing force within him that overcame the 400 years of abnormal living in the purpose of ‘Uesugi’s cause’. He could no longer conceal his own belief and live on as before.

Irobe could not forgive Naoe. He was as determined as Naoe. He believed that the Uesugi’s cause could not be compromised and was non-negotiable. He was not going to give in to Naoe. If neither party relented, the outcome could only be disastrous. Naoe had prepared for the worst. He knew that a fierce face-off was unavoidable if both parties stood firm.

But at the end, Irobe did not call upon his power. It was not forgiveness. Neither was it comprehension. But……..

---- The force that spurs you to live on has overcome my ‘existence’. …….I’ve no confidence.

He told Naoe he would wait. It was not forgiveness, but to wait for an outcome.

Irobe’s thoughts and words were the reflection of Irobe’s greatest compromise. Naoe understood.

(Even if that is the case….still…..)

---- Do not let Kagetora-sama ……..die.

Before Irobe departed, he said,

----- Perhaps this would be their last meeting

Irobe’s words were deeply imprinted onto Naoe’s heart – the heart that trampled on Kenshin’s resolve, the heart that renounced his own promise.

(Lord Kenshin…..)

He had run off without fulfilling his promise.

He had renounced himself.

It had come to an end. He thought.

The moment he revealed himself to Irobe, he had severed himself from the past. No more hesitation. He was no longer the Naoe Nobutsuna of Uesugi.

He was only a man.

A man who lived only for the Kagetora’s spirit. A man without a name.

Katsuragi Ichizou overhead his conversation with Irobe. Since he had left Uesugi, it did not matter to him that Ichizou discovered his secrets. But to the Uesugi, the leakage would be detrimental. Henceforth, the least he could do for the Uesugi was to prevent the information from leaking out. Although Ichizou was just a spirit and did not belong to any side in the ‘Warring Underworld’, there was no guarantee that he would not let the cat out of the bag. It was necessary to exorcise him. Unexpectedly, the cards on Ichizou’s hands saved him. He knew of something that Naoe needed.

---- Do you really want to save a dying man ? I know of something useful.

Ichizou told Naoe of the Retsumyousei of Shoukoku-ji(2) .

---- This is a meteorite that had been previously used as a spell by our country in the past. It possesses enormous power. If we can get it, it probably can save the person whom you wish to save. It is the meteorite with a powerful spell that was yanked out of the sky by Koubou-dashi.

Transforming the impossible to possible --- a miraculous star.

(And that Retsumyousei is now taken away right before our eyes)

Naoe’s heart was wrenched with remorse. He had not stopped pursuing Takaya the moment he vanished. From the clues he gathered from Roki, he pursued the trails, right from Osaka to here, but yet Takaya’s whereabouts was still an unknown. But, based on the description of various eye-witnesses along the way, there was indeed someone that resembled Takaya greatly. Henceforth, he could roughly conclude that Takaya was still alive after he left the villa.

(That man is still alive)

The news had rekindled his hopes and given him strength.

The information about a man resembling Takaya having arrived in Shikoku was actually from Ichizou. It happened sometime back, but the news was reliable. Moreover, there was another piece of news.

---- Retsumyousei may be offered to Oda. If we want it, we must hurry.

Unexpectedly, Ichizou was able to gather news pertaining to the ‘Warring Underworld’. Naoe, unaware of Ichizou’s intelligence sources and unclear of his motives, but upon noticing that Ichizou was a talented information-gathering peddler that could help him find Takaya, had allowed him to stay by his side. Ichizou seemed to take a liking to Naoe too. Without being asked, Ichizou self-assumed the role of a side-kick, running about for errands and gathering intelligence. Soon, the intention of ‘exorcising’ Ichizou faded away. The overriding matter was Takaya. If there was anything useful that could help in finding Takaya, be it anyway, Naoe would tap on it unreservedly. Moreover, the legend of Retsumyousei was reliable.

---- It’s worth an investigation.

Having come to a decision, Naoe continued searching for Takaya. At the same time, it inspired Ichizou to take the investigation on Retsumyousei seriously. Soon, Ichizou managed to link himself up with the Sogou unit and infiltrated into their camp. While in the midst of making preparation to get Retsumyousei, someone got ahead of them.

That night, upon hearing news of Takaya, Naoe had headed to Kawajimamachi. And Ichizou was at the Sogou’s gathering, attempting to gather further information. At the very moment, a raid occurred -- right here.

It was a fierce battle. All the guards were wiped out. Retsumyousei was stolen. And the bandits had vanished.

(To kill two birds with one stone ? Gone astray.)

The urgency of the matter was pressing on Naoe, he could not be defeated by the hurdles of fate.

(Have to find Takaya !)

There were many things that he must tell Takaya -- the things that they needed to do; Takaya was more important than Kenshin’s belief; his soul was gradually fading and it was coming to an end --- not much time left !

If he was not ‘exorcised’, his soul would disintegrate and shatter into pieces. And if Takaya would to die in this way, he could no longer reincarnate or re-possess. If he was not ‘exorcised’…….

(I still can’t do it……..)

Naoe was once again tormented by the impending outcome. To suppress the pain, he bit his lips hard.

(I need to find him)

There got to be a way to save Takaya. There got to be a way to stop the disintegration of the star.

(I need to find the means.)

He knew it was an uphill task. As he had already cast away all the responsibilities that he was supposed to shoulder -- the enormity of such responsibilities that he threw away -- he could not be defeated by such obstacles. He had to forge ahead regardless of the impediment; even it was demon he was facing.

(Regardless if it is demon or even Buddha, I’ll kill whoever tries to stop me !)

“I guess we just have to do it,” said Ichizou.

“I’ll go find the whereabouts of Retsumyousei. The priority is to get hold of Retsumyousei – your outmost concern, Big Bro.”

Ichizou was all full enthusiasm. From his accent, he appeared to be a local of this place. Consequently, he had no difficulties handling the various affairs in Shikoku. Shikoku was a tough place to maneuver, so a local who was familiar with the place, would increase the chances of success. But Naoe doubted that Ichizou was not related to the ‘Warring Underworld’. Who exactly was him? On one hand, Ichizou was full of contempt on those involved in the ‘Warring Underworld’s struggle’ and on the other hand, he was able to maneuver freely in it.

(Who exactly is that man ?)

“But, it’s not going to be easy. Everything is in total ruins now,” continued Ichizou.

He was gazing at the ruins of Iwaya(1) with admiration-- though it was not the time to be awed.

Naoe was also looking at the collapsed granite piece. The remaining spiritual traces, that was messed up by fox-witchcraft(4), was gradually dispersing. Evidence of a fierce battle could be traced from the various prints left behind, just beneath his feet. There had been massive exhaustion of enormous spiritual power. Remaining traces were still permeating through the air. Such spiritual power could mean that within the bandits, there existed a significant number of elites.

Crossing his arms as he quietly deduced the identity of the enemy. Suddenly, something stirred his sixth sense. He felt something. Immediately he widened his eyes. That faint scent, just a spilt second ago….

(What is that…….? )

“What is it, Big Bro ?” Ichizou was greatly terrified by Naoe’s behaviour.

It was Naoe’s reflexes. The reaction of his senses. How could that be? But it was indeed very similar.--- that residual spiritual scent.

(Very similar)

It was his spirit that first detected it. Logically, it was impossible for him to be at this place. At this moment, Naoe began to waver. It was a scent that no matter how faint, Naoe would still be able to recognise. A scent that he would never forget. It was almost similar to the scent of a body, deeply branded into innermost part of the body. That spilt second ago…..

(Isn’t that….the smell of Kihachi’s onnen?)

He needed to ascertain it. Suddenly, he dropped down on his knees. Shocked, Ichizou retreated several steps backwards. He was not prepared for such an unexpected behaviour of Naoe. With his left hand against the ground, Naoe tried to gather all the residual spiritual traces. He began activating his sensing power, focusing at whatever spiritual traces that remained at the scene, almost to the point of dissecting every single minute cell, just to investigate and confirm. One minute, two minutes…….

Ichizou could not comprehend. The suppressed anxiety froze his body. Finally, Naoe open his shut eyes.

(Why is this so……..)

He still could not ascertain. There were simply too many other scents jumbled up. It was just not possible for him to clearly capture it. All he could manage was a faint grasp of something similar. But…….

He got up from the ground. The ground was very cold. He gazed at his own left palm, looking at the ugly wound marks on it. These marks were caused by himself. That was the time when his palm was holding on to despondency, the time where he held on to a broken glass shaft. The wounds from losing Takaya.

“Big Bro……”

Naoe gazed up at the sky, piercingly. Although Ichizou was used to Naoe’s frowning, it was the first time seeing Naoe appearing so fiercely intense. Chills ran down his spine.

His gaze was like a newly sharpened blade.
Holding his breath, Naoe stared at the far distance ahead of him.


Footnote
(1) 星の岩屋 ie Hoshi-no-Iwaya, literally means The Rock House of Star.
(2) Shoukoku-ji (星谷寺) means Star-valley shrine. The shrine is in located in Katsuura-chō.
(3) Shoukoku (星谷) means star-valley
(4) The kanji word used was (肝), means ‘liver’. But as interpreted by ayatsjik previously and I share the same comprehension, it should also imply spiritual energy.
(5) 狐蠱 – It roughly means a kind of fox witchcraft .
(6) 雾の山莊 or 雾の别莊. I’ve just roughly used the term villa-in-the-mist. That’s the place where Naoe spent his days with the broken Takaya (Vol 20)
(7) 憑依靈 or 凭依灵 (ie hyoui rei). Formerly, I’ve used the term ‘body-attaching spirit’. After much thought, I’ve decided to update it to ‘dweller-spirit” (I think the anime uses this term too). For consistency, I’ll update all my earlier translations into the same term subsequently.
** Naoe emphasized his resolve to Irobe, by using a third-person-expression on himself.

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Finally, Naoe appeared. Not much again in the next few chapters. So cherish his presence then.

Takaya has a sticky Ushio, and Naoe has ….an equally sticky Ichizou.

I’m not sure if Vol 22 is written before or after the side Vol 20.5. I didn’t check the publication dates of these two volumes. If it is after, then the intent of this prologue of Vol 22 is to summarise Vol 20.5. The other main part consists of a mini-recap of Vol 21, Chapter 2 (the part where Ayukawa found the dejected Naoe).