Here is the link to the Vol 21, Chapter 5 (Part 1)



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Under a strange circumstance, he came to the “Warring Underworld”.

Takaya had never heard of the Redwhales. It had always been difficult to get any intelligence out of Shikoku. Was it due to the revival of the Chousakobe ? There was no clear information about the current establishment of the organization. And the eighty-eight boundaries were much stronger than expected. Under normal situation, all the ladies in white would remain in Shikoku. But currently, there were only three. It was a place known to be the blackbox of the “Warring Underworld”. It was notable that nothing significantly extraordinary had occurred at this point, and not a foothold of any major player.

Takaya was initially worried that his “Uesugi Kagetora” self would be exposed. Fortunately, Kusama and his men did not detect anything amiss. They only knew that “Ougi” belonged to the current world. Like these men, the wild warriors of the village were equally in the dark too. As for the current affairs of the Uesugi, he had no idea how much they knew. However, since they were unaware that he was a possessor, Takaya could safely assume his identity would not be exposed any time soon.

After folding up their tents, both Takaya and Ushio boarded the car and were brought to a village that the Redwhales resided. Their full names were Kusama Seibee, Kada Reijirou and Iwata Eikichi. They were the ‘Ichiryō gusoku’ of Tosa. Kusama appeared earnest and serious; Reijirou had a stubborn temperament, something expected of a leader of the brigands; and Eikichi had a comical appearance, often invoking laughters of both Kusama and Reijirou with his jokes.

“I’m sorry, Ougi…….”

Ushio muttered softly into the ears of Takaya while in the car.

“It all because of my uneasiness, I felt like being swept by the waves.”

“…..really don’t know what to do with you.”

The potential of Ushio was indeed not normal, and it was unclear how it would be tapped by Kusama. As they thought of the matter, it began to weigh on both of them.

They traveled for about an hour by car. From Iya, they entered into the deep forest at the base of Tsurugi-hama. That was where the Redwhales located.

They occupied a village which originally belonged to a certain clan. There were no less than 200 people, and it appeared that their comrades were scattered throughout Shikoku.

“You are back, Kusama-san.”

The first person to greet them was a young man by the name of Hikawa Samanosuke. He appeared to be an up-coming team leader. An old hand, and a capable assistant of Kusama. He recognised Ushio, but not his companion. Quickly he sought for clarification.

“It’s a new companion. He is Ougi, a man of potential. He’ll be training with Ushio in future. Do give them your full attention.”

“Oh I see….I’m Samanosuke. How do you do ?”

As he voluntarily extended his hand, Ushio, without second thoughts, held on to it immediately. Instantaneously, Eikichi laughed aloud.

“Samanosuke, that’s a popular gesture indeed. Well done.”

“Oh…Someji thought me that.”

The custom of shaking hands was unheard of during the Warring Period. So heartily he kept laughing, very unlike a Resentful Warrior#.

Soon, Takaya and Ushio were taken around and introduced. Within the village, there were about thirty people. None of them was a possessor, just spirits attaching to bodies.

“……The Redwhales’ core is the ‘Ichiryō gusoku’. Some were warriors who died while trying to overthrow the feudal lords, while others were just ordinary villagers. All have the same wish, ie the revival of the Chousokabe.”

“Ho! You’re back, Kusama! Isn’t that Ushio ?!”

“Yup. Allow me to introduce. This is Someji Shingo, a member of the Tosa-Kinnou-tou (ie The Kinnou unit of Tosa).”

He was a man of around forty years of age. Humbly he shook hands and spoke the language of Tosa-Kinnou-tou. During the Bakumatsu (ie late Edo period), he served under the leadership of Takechi Hanpeita. In order to protect his lord, he had exterminated the non-hans, and tried to overthrow the Bakufu. Though his spiritual age was different from the others, he had been their outstanding companion.

However their demeanours were quite unlike the typical Resentful Warrior#. In fact, most have the affable nature like Eikichi, very approachable, showing a high level of trust even to new recruits. It amazed Takaya and Ushio. It could have been the nature of the southern people not to bother about trifles, but more likely, it was the plain characteristics of the Tosa people.

There was an exception. As they were brought to administration office, they were introduced to a man dressed in kimino. He had a sharp pair of piercing eyes, full of pragmatism – a compelling-looking man.

Something puzzled them. While they were with that man, Reijirou was serious and solemn while Kusama was full of smiles.

“Lord Akutagawa Chikamune was originally the loyal vassal of Chousokabe, now acting as the consultant of the Redwhales, or better known as our trusted advisor.”

“In fact, more than that.”

As he uttered, Akutagawa stepped forward. Instead of Ushio, indifferently he headed towards the direction of Takaya. Wary of his body’s poisonous effect on others, Takaya retreated a couple of steps. Akutagawa’s glare glued on to Takaya.

“You don’t have to hold your breath. This is the base of Tsurugi-hama. I’m just conversing with you and wouldn’t be poisoned.”

Takaya was shocked again. Ushio and the others looked on with confused faces. This man had high spiritual-sensing power.

“Looking at the extent that you’ve been poisoned, I bet you haven’t been leading a normal live. Well, rest and recuperate first. We shall see about it at a later stage.”

“That man over there, do you think that my training is tough?”

Eikichi laughed before adding if he was referring to the use of “strength” in his training.

“You……. aren’t you guys going to teach me how to recover my memories immediately?”

“Be patient. If you’re able to master the basic techniques, in no time you’ll recover.”

Ushio clenched his teeth. He only wanted to regain his memories, and had no intention to stay here for long.

Next, Kusama allocated some empty rooms for them. But upon hearing that training was to begin immediately the next day, hurriedly as if to dispose of a bothersome task, he handed them over to Eikichi, and dismissed them for the day.

Night fell.

“We certainly got ourselves into some strange affairs.”

One really had to admire Ushio’s persistence in dragging Takaya into the matter. And appearing disappointed he muttered, “This sucks.”

“Didn’t you notice that they are souls attached to bodies while at Kouchi-ken?”

“I did…….but you see. It’s very common to see souls attaching to human bodies, there are lots of them around.”

“I don’t mean that. A soul that seizes the control of a body, is a very powerful spirit. Don’t you find it strange ?”

“Am I suppose to know such things ...... ?!”

Annoyed, Ushio covered himself up with a blanket.

“They told me they could help me recover my memory. That’s why I followed them here. I’ll do anything to regain my memories !”

“……then spare a thought for the person who has been unwittingly and willingly dragged here by you.”

“Damn. It’s the fault of those fellows and their words. How dare to say that I was once dead. Aren’t they pulling my legs ? Spouting nonsense about me possessing the body of someone --such unbelievable nonsense. Do you really think we can trust their words ? Damn. Taking advantage of my weakness at the time when I’ve no memories, and abusing it; telling me that I’ll regain my memories here. Lies. I’ll prove to you that they’re lying.”

“What’s the point of covering up with a blanket and mumbling to yourself ? Though you’re saying you don’t believe them, but I can clearly tell you’re still very bothered by it “

“…….perhaps for the sake of the future, it’s better to disappear soon.”

Takaya looked up at the ceilings. He was supposed to completely sever ties with the “Warring Underworld”, and yet it landed on him in the most unexpected way. It was like an invisible force directing, and leading him on.

(It is a real mistake to take care of such a fellow like him.)

With a deep sigh, he stared out at the window, looking at the administration building. Kusama and gang were drinking away. And he could hear their hearty laughters. It puzzled him. Generally, Resentful Warriors# were supposed to be bitter and resentful……strange fellows.

“I know that I’ve been nothing but trouble to you, but really, Ougi, if you don’t have anywhere else to go, please keep me company a little longer. Just two to three days will do. I would like you to check things out with me. I’m begging you, so please.”

He ended the last sentence by bowing and tapping his head on the floor. Takaya wanted to tell him to save that gesture, and just let him go. While in a dilemma, came a sudden fierce knocking of the door. Ushio rose and went to the door to verify the cause. Standing right there was Iwata Eikichi, who was holding a bottle of liquor, with face in crimson-red, looking even more monkey-like than previously, and completely drunk.

“Come. Let’s drink together ! It’s a welcome session, let’s have a toast together.”

“You mean to drink ?! Drinking at such a moment…….?!”

“It’s alright. Everything is fine. Shut up and come out now !”

Using the enormous strength in his drunk-stage, Eikichi dragged Ushio out.

“Hey …hey ..hey there. What’re you doing ?!”

“It’ll be a thrill if we would to drink through the night !”

The lamenting Ushio was forcibly dragged away. Takaya was left standing there, speechless. He still could not believe that man. Could he possibly have stayed awake for the sake of the drinking session? Takaya was a little unpleased.

(In anyway, he can’t stay here.)

He put on the rucksack on his back.

“Where do you intend to go at such a wee hour ? Climbing the mountains ?”

The moment he stepped out of the building, the voice called up to him. Takaya turned around and noticed it was Kada Reijirou -- he had already left the rowdy drinking session and now stood there watching him. His hair was no longer bundled up, but was left naturally flowing on his shoulder, radiating a tinge of ruggedness, resembling the nomads of South America. Since they met, his presence had been rather distracting and discomforting. As he had seen Takaya carrying his rucksack, thereby he called him. No, he had been expecting it and had been staking-out, an ambush.

“You intend to dispose of your friend and run off alone ?”

“……..the truth is, he’s not any special friend of mine.”

Coldly Takaya replied and proceeded walking on.

“I only knew him for two days. It was a mere coincidence that we got together. Moreover, I’m not running away. If I would to stay in the same room with him, my poison may kill him. My intention is to sleep out here.”

“You care about him a lot.”

“It’s not concern. I just don’t want to hear anyone moaning at night.”

“How many people have you killed with the poisonous body of yours ?”

Takaya’s shoulders shook a little, slightly trembling

“……about that….probably fifteen or sixteen….”

“The cruelty of the truth. It’s sad not to be able to live normally.”

Takaya turned silent, with back facing Reijirou. In the moments of silence, they could faintly here the laughters of Eikichi and the rest, echoing through the wind in the night.

“Nothing to do with you.”

“I just want to know the real poison that resides in you. It’s definitely extraordinary. I can sense it’s a very unusual kind of evilness.”

“What do you know ?”

Takaya placed his heavy rucksack down, preparing to setup his tent.

“During the time when we converse, as you hear my voice, you’ve already been cursed. The poisonous curse of my voice will eat away your brain, causing it to rot. The longer it remains in your memory, the more venomous it gets. The same goes to your companions. Though all of you may appear fine at the moment, but soon, your face will swell, and your skin will blister. It will be followed by shortness of breath, and your eyes will protrude out as they began to decay from within. Eventually your senses go. In the final moments, your stomach will bleed before death follows. So, do you and the others still want me to stay around ?”

Reijirou turned pale as his lips stiffened into a horizontal line on his face. Impassively, Takaya took up the poles and starting setting up his tent.

“If you’ve understood, then for you own safety sake, dismiss me immediately.”

“……do you know about the Tosa dogs ?”

Puzzled, Takaya turned around.

“They have strong jaws. Once they bite, they refuse to let go no matter how one struggles. In other words, they’ll foolishly grip on.”

“Then they are bothersome dogs.”

“Your body has been encircled with a dark grave curse. The intensity of which indicates it’s a resentful soul of great spiritual age. It’s different from the likes of us, who are only able to attach our souls to bodies. Have you got into trouble with some violent malignant deities or fiends?

Takaya froze and stared straight at Reijirou.

“How do you want us to help you neutralize the poison?”

Takaya widened his eyes.

“……What’re you talking about ?”

“It may be difficult to completely purge the poison, but to neutralize it to a point where it poses no harm to others, I believe, it’s still within our means. We have specialists. Same goes to that eye of yours. We should be able to do something about that.

Takaya was taken aback, covering his left eye instantaneously.

“If that eye of yours is the cause of your self-isolation, then we’ll definitely try to think of something to fix it. “

“It’s a stubborn problem that can’t be easily fixed. I wouldn’t have gone through so much trouble if it had been that easy.”

“You’ve underestimated the Redwhales.”

Reijirou grabbed the pole out of Takaya’s hands and started putting up the tent himself, before continuing.

“We are in the midst of mastering the use of vital energy of our body. Just wait another week or so, we’ll think of something to help you on that.”

“Why do you have to go such an extent to help me?”

“Because it is such a waste for a person like you, to be held back by this poison, Ougi.”

Reijirou stared at the one-eye fox with belligerence, before giving him a wide smile.

“Let me put it plainly. We felt that you possess more potential than Ushio. This is the opinion of Kusama.”

“Well, then I’ll really have to thank you for that.”

Takaya replied in a half-hearted tone.

“Did you know about Ushio’s past before trying to recruit him?”

Reijirou told Takaya that they were not aware before adding,

“……….hmm…I’m not referring to his body. But believe it or not, that guy’s really a dead man. Though he died, but he seizes the body of another, possesses it, and stubbornly remains in this world. The body of his belongs to this current world. In fact, he has the same spiritual age as us. ”

With mixed emotions, Takaya continued listening.

“Don’t give me that look. We’re no different from normal human beings.”

“I’ve heard that your master is Chousokabe……..Is it Chousokabe Motochika?”

“Master ? Oh…I see. You mean that. Well…you do know quite a lot.”

Takaya’s heart skipped a beat, and instantly he tried to cover up.

“Because I love history.”

“Well…he was known as the “founder of the Tosa”. From just a lord of Tosa, he transformed into a ruler of Shikoku, he’s certainly a remarkable person. But, he was someone that you could only admire afar, in the battlefields. This was the impression we had on him.”

Appearing elated as he spoke, but with no traces of reminiscence. Was this the ‘Ichiryō gusoku’ ?

“In anyway, Motochika-sama had attained enlightenment. He is no longer here. Only his son, Nobuchika is still around. If you like history, you will know all this.”

“……I remembered. He is the eldest son of Motochika. And he died during the Battle of Hetsugigawa.

“Correct,” like a teacher, Reijirou nodded in affirmation.

“He was a gem to Motochika. When he was tasked a punitive expedition to Shimazu, he made a special visit to Kyūshū and fought with Ōtomo, Sogou and the rest. A lot of our companions died there with him. Kusama intends to let the spiritual remains of Nobuchika assume the position of General. “

It was not the original intention of the Chousokabe to be in Battle of the Hetsugigawa, but a response to the request of backup support by Ōtomo. Riding on the power of Chousokabe and the various Shikoku’s clans, Hideyoshi deployed troops to the battlefields. It was a war that Chousokabe shouldn’t have involved. In that war, Motochika lost his beloved son, Nobuchika -- a man with brain and brawn, an outstanding young strategist as well as a brave warrior. It was not only Motochika, all the henchmen had placed high hopes on him. It was learnt that Nobuchika fought bravely till his very last breath, and died right in front of the troops of Shimazu Iehisa.

“Kusama had already retrieved his soul back from Ōita. He is now consecrated in Sekkiji of Urado. He is a like a shining star, a source of hope to Kusama.”

“……..”

If this was how Nobuchika meant to Kusama, how about Reijirou? Did it not mean the same to Reijirou too ?

“……Sigh.. compared to the Yamanouchi period, the Chousokabe era was definitely a much better time.”

“How did you die ? In a battle ?”

“During the uprising of the peasants. It was known as Revolt of the Urado Peasants.”

With a practiced hand, he got the tent poles up skillfully before continuing,

“With the fall of the Chousokabe, a new contender entered Tosa. We fought. Thereafter, Tosa came under the regime of Yamanouchi-sama. Bravely we fought, but the land-conferment decree that we had been fighting so hard for, were reduced to useless papers even before we could get hold of them. We could not keep mum on such things.”

Land-conferment decree was bestowed by the Lord to his deserving supporters or subjects, as a promise to accord rewards. Should the ruling clan fell, such conferment would turn into useless papers.

When Motochika left the army of Hideyoshi, the Ichiryō gusoku was yet to be given shares of land as promised. If they had been issued the Land-conferment decree, there were chances that they could assert their claim despite obstacles. But as they were subsumed under the regime of Yamanouchi-clan, all hopes were dashed. The unyielding ‘Ichiryō gusoku’ tried to stop the new ruler by staging an uprising. This was known as origin of the “Revolt of the Urado Peasants”. But they were defeated by the ruling clan, and Reijirou was among the subjugated.

“It was from that point onwards that Tosa entered the dark era. The clan of Yamanouchi and its henchmen were known as ‘upper-class warriors”, while the Choukosabe clan was known as “villager-class warriors”. The villager-class warriors were bullied. A number of ‘Ichiryō gusoku’ warriors were dismissed as commoners. Wasn’t this the period of miseries ? If you were a commoner, forever you would be a commoner, continuously farming the land that you’ve been assigned to; unlike the children of the ruling clan and their families, they would continue to rule over others even without any capabilities. This is something that one cannot ignore, right ?”

“……”

“We’ll continue to fight on. As long as we succeed, the land will continue to grow regardless of the locations. And we’ll be richer. Compared to the Tokugawa period, the Chousokabe period was indeed a very good era.”

Was it how things were ? Battles were fought for monies ? As long as their ruler expanded their territories, their land would expand too. During the Warring Period, warriors fought for a living. It was only after the Edo Period, that battles were fought out of loyalty and righteousness.

“But thanks to Tokugawa that the world had turned into a place where one cannot die.”

The fuming Reijirou glared at Takaya.

“Who can guarantee life? You cannot view the matter plainly from a single perspective.”

“Oh sure. You are modern man favoured by the environment.”

Reijirou spouted mockingly at Takaya.

“It’s because you are genuinely living in this world.”

Takaya gave Reijirou a thoughtful look, and decided to change the stifling sinister mood. At this moment, he noticed that Eikichi was singing ‘Virtuous Koinobori Festival ’, a song that he heard before. He recalled it was a song that Someji thought him.

“……he said he loves the wine of Tosa. Just can’t stop him.”

Suddenly, Reijirou laughed bitterly.

“The war has just started. In Tosa, there exists lingering souls of the Ichijō Kanesada and Aki clan. In order to defeat them and recover Shikoku, we will make use of all possibilities, including tapping on the power of modern human beings. This is one of the principles of the Redwhales.”

With confidence, Reijirou stared into the darkness.

“If we haven’t done that, the Miyoshi clan of Awa would have long submitted to the Oda. It’s obvious that Oda Nobunaga had already gone on the offensive to seize Shikoku.”

Takaya turned biting cold.

(Oda Nobunaga………)

“If we’ve been indecisive, Shikoku would have been captured. Since it has been the case, then let the evil eye of yours see some interesting stuff.”

Takaya could not really figure out Reijirou meant.

What did Chousokabe mean?

(Or is it……?)

Reijirou stood up the moment he completed what he was doing.

“Check it out, the tent is up.”

“What?......Oh….thank you.”

“Don’t you think that quilt is something one yearns after ? Quilt is very comfortable, nice and warm.”

“Stop the verbosity. ”

“It’ll be cold at dawn. To sleep here ? Forget it.”

Having said it, Reijirou started to leave, but in the midst, he turned around.

“Why don’t you join us for a feast in a couple of days?”

Without waiting for a response, he clutched his own body, mumbling “It’s so cold, cold, cold”, Reijirou headed back to his own room.

He had an air of dignified arrogance, thought Takaya, as he gazed at the enigmatic man’s disappearing form. Through the lights, he could see the shadow of Ushio and the others on the translucent window plane, laughing happily away.

“Are these…..the Redwhales ?”

A cold gust of wind swept through the night and the chill bit into Takaya’s neck. Clutching his body with his arms, he gazed at the sky. The stars had appeared. Up above, the red star was twinkling in loneliness.

**

That night, Takaya had a dream, one which he had not had for a while.

It was a happy dream….a dream with his friends.

Under the cherry blossom, they were having a party. There were Irobe, Ayako and Chaki. They were laughing. Takaya was laughing too. And with gentleness, Naoe was gazing at him, smiling………

**

On the second day, the “power excavation” training for Takaya and Ushio began.

Ushio was all motivated, probably from the feast the night before. Iwata Eikichi was his personal trainer. It was not an easy task to coach a greenhorn to tap on spiritual power, and half-heartedness just would not work. Takaya knew it was an uphill task. However, the Redwhales were applying the amazing Spartan training.

All except Reijirou, had high hopes on Ushio. As Takaya was viewed as a normal man, everyone was lenient towards him. On the other hand, Ushio was subjected to intensive training. Each day, he would be brought to the training grounds of Tsurugi-hama (ie Mount Tsurugi), and underwent harsh training akin to the likes of training of monks. He had to run around the mountains, encircling the summit to raise his morale, and if at any moment his will was lacking, he was not allowed to stop till he could uncover his own “strength” unaided. After completing the summit trips, he had to go through the training where he was required to synchronize his body with his mind. He was made to endure having his various body’s vital points burnt by a fire torch. It was supposed to help him concentrate, they told him. If he failed to focus, he would be scorched. The foundation of exercising spell was the ability to focus on one’s ‘power’. So, Ushio endured on, even when his half-naked body was tied to tree.

(It looks like they have gone overboard……..)

When night fell, he was completely expended. And like a dead log, he slept, repeating the cycle the next day. Takaya was impressed by his enduring power.

Subsequently, Takaya accompanied Ushio, going through the summit training. It was not a matter of following instruction blindly, but with the intention of raising his own spiritual power preventing further leakage of Kihachi’s poison. Henceforth, he needed to train his body. During the initial rounds, as his body was strained, his power dipped significantly. But with persistence, he gained results.

Soon, the reason to train did not matter any more. As he jogged, he was able to focus, leaving behind the unhappiness, emptiness and disappointment – a void nothingness. He had meant to pursue but ended up uncovering. For this, he continued running regardless of circumstances. As for the reason, let it be for the sake of Ushio then. But he must keep feigning that he could not uncover his “power”. He figured that if he trained hard in front of Kusama and the rest, they would be satisfied. Reijirou appeared unusually pleased.

“Ougi, you’re doing very well.”

“Yes indeed. Just like what you’ve claimed, he has potential. But, there seems to be a problem.”

“Are you referring to his body?”

“I could tell that he is talented. It’ll be a waste if we disregard his potential. But, I’m a little concerned.”

“What is it? Are you referring to the issue that the poison could become an effective medicine ? Is that so ?”

It was something that was yet to be confirmed. However, for Kusama, his target was only Ushio.

“It has been one week, and we are yet to see any results. Are you sure there is no issue, Eikichi?”

“Uhh?.......It’s only a week.”

“If he’s a possessor, rightly we should see some results in a week. Should we increase the intensity of his training ?”

Although Kusama was a leader, he had a panicky trait. Nervously, he was biting his fingers.

“The sooner they could use their power, the sooner we could reinstate the Choukosabe clan. And we would be able to officially receive Nobuchika as our General. We can’t keep on delaying this.”

“Probably live training could bring out their power, Kusama.”

Kusama was taken aback by Reijirou’s words.

“You mean a live battle ?”

“Yes! Training alone won’t do much for them. If you could recall, the ‘Ichiryō gusoku’ only shines during battles. Let Ushio take part in our battles.”

“But……isn’t this too binding on them, Kada?”

“I’m not kidding. Let Ushio participate in the ambush that we discussed.”

“The ambush that we discussed?”

Swiftly, Kusama got what Reijirou meant.

“Are you sure you want to proceed ?”

Reijirou nodded. At his moment, Kusama was giving the matter some serious thoughts.

“I see. If we succeed, it indicates our readiness. At the same time, the Redwhales will stand out. Besides, it is beneficial to the revival of Nobuchika-sama…..”

“Kusama, it’s not because of Chousokabe, but more to have possession of it.”

What? As if faulting Reijirou, Kusama glared at him reproachfully. However, Reijirou was firm.

“Kusama, we’ve been rigidly adhering to the resurrection of Chousokabe. It seems that whatever we do, Chousokabe has always been the over-riding consideration. We are the ‘Ichiryō gusoku’, aren’t we? Not warrior dogs that keep on wagging our tails.”

“How can we be dogs ?!”

Kusama was fuming as he shouted.

“It is completely natural that warriors work for their master. How can you address ourselves as dogs ? Even if it were you, I don’t allow such impudence ! How dare you belittle our Lord ! Haven’t you said before --- that if the Ichiryō gusoku did not have a master, then we don’t exist, Reijirou ?”

Kusama was a man who believed whole-heartedly in his master, completely loyal to the Chousakabe clan. His belief was stubbornly strong, and would not neglect his own clan. His Lord was equivalent to his world.

“To resurrect our Lord is our responsibility. It’s because of Chousokabe-sama that we work for the Redwhales. We’re no ordinary Ichiryō gusoku, we’re the Ichiryō gusoku of Chousokabe !”

Rejirio closed his eyes. Feeling slighted, it further agitated Kusama

“Samanosuke ! Where is Samanosuke ?!”

Immediately he gave orders to Samanosuke, who hurriedly arrived, to discuss about the battle plan which they had last discussed and ready themselves. Just before leaving, the furious Kusama turned to Reijirou and said,

“Only the Chousokabe can pave the road of fame for us. We are the Ichiryō gusoku under Chousokabe. If you have any other thoughts, I shall not forgive you. Do reflect on your attitude, Reijirou !”

Kusama left. At a little distance away, Akutagawa appeared, stopping by and conversing with Kusama. Not knowing what was transpiring between the two, Reijirou frowned. Akutagawa gave Reijirou a disdainful smile just before walking off with Kusama -- arms in shoulders -- heading towards the building.

(‘Kusama’s confidant’?..............really ?)

Feeling stifled, Reijirou leaned on a tree, and with a leaf in this mouth, he gazed at the form of that person.

A cold gust of wind blew into the base of Tsurugi-hama.

He was feeling the early arrival of late autumn.


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For those who've wondered how Takaya got involved with the Redwhales…that’s how it happened. Thanks to Ushio.

And, the training that Ushio went through, most probably because of him, I find it hilarious. I kept having this image of him going through the training…

If you have read my earlier translation, you would know who Reijirou is -- the guy who barged into room where Naoe and Takaya were (in the later part of the story, ie Vol 24, Ch16).

*