Senya and Reimei

The time has come to atone for your sins...

Soon eternal night shall reign...and the world shall meet its end.

Senya!

What just happened? Did all the cursed miasma come out of Senya's sword when it broke?

The sky's all dark too!

The gate to Meigoku is open. Now the world will be enveloped in chaos.

No...

Judgment has been passed, and your fate decided. Humans are beyond saving, and therefore must be exterminated.

...This is bad. Now that the gate has been opened...

The miasma'll turn all the revenants into specters. I reckon things're already lookin' bad out there.

...So we failed. We could not stop the worst from happening.

Senya...

H-Hey! Senya!

Wait. I'll go after him. Aldo, you and the others head back to town. No doubt the streets are flooded with specters by now.

Reimei…

Lord Reimei, please forgive us for leaving you here. But I know if you were still alive, you would want us to save the citizens first.

...Yeah, let's hurry back. We've gotta protect the people from those specters.

No...!

There's so many of 'em... Could they all have been revenants?!

The specters that appeared during the siege on Kurosagi Castle were also revenants... But their number is so great now. It makes me wonder just how many of the people were revenants in disguise.

I can't imagine this is only happenin' here. The whole of Garulea's no doubt affected, I fear.

We can't purrotect that many people!

Perhaps not, but we must start somewhere. And the people of Izana need us!

Huff... Huff...

Rei... I can't believe he's...

Yip! Yip!

A...specter?

......!

...Dammit!

Ungh... AHHHHHH!

Senya.

Goodness. I know your sword is broken, but leaving it behind is unbefitting of a samurai.

Here. Return it to its sheath.

......

I can't... I can't do this anymore. Not after what just happened...!

What happened to Reimei is truly unfortunate.

But an unprecedented calamity is unfolding before our eyes and countless lives are at stake. You fight to protect, don't you? That means your battle is not yet...

It's OVER! I can't fight anymore, let alone hold a sword!

...I see.

Then you'll die here?

......!

(I can sense his bloodlust. Is he really tryin' to kill me?!)

What's the matter? Won't you fight back?

Tch...

You're shaking. It's been a while since I've seen you looking so weak. Now I'm going to put everything I have into this next stroke. It's a large downward swing that will leave me wide open. You should be able to slip right past it.

(He's not gonna hold anything back...)

Ready?

Huff... Huff...

...So the blade you hold in your heart really is broken.

Senya. In my eyes, you've already put up more than a good fight. I understand if you want to end your journey here.

......

You can leave Shion to me. I promise I'll take care of everything. ...Farewell.

...But before I go, please remember: even if our blades should break, that doesn't mean the end for samurai like us. Come back if you figure out what that means.

Yip?

......

Let's go, Kuramaru. Though...I don't know where.

Yip...

Yip...

It's you, Sen... You're not a shadow. No... You're the light. Please... This world...needs your light......

Found ya.

You sure came a long way. I've been lookin' all over for you, y'know?

...Just kiddin'. I found you right away this time. I had a feelin' you'd be somewhere around here.

He did. That's why I'm here. I also came to give you this.

I just looked around the castle. But it wasn't easy, y'know.

...And you're okay with that? Is that really what you want, Senya? 'Cause I don't think it is.

Senya...

It wasn't! I'll admit, at first I thought war and revenge and all that was stupid. That you didn't need to get involved with any of it.

But now it's different! After meetin' everyone on this journey, I've changed! I care about everyone that we've met. I love this world, and I wanna protect it. That's why I'm gonna fight. Because I know we're the only ones who can!

Don't say that!

Well, you've done a great job protectin' everyone so far! Chihiro, the people at the Cat Shrine, and Itoise... You've done so much to keep 'em safe!

What happened to Reimei wasn't your fault. I mean, the one who cut him down was...

You idiot! Don't ever say that! EVER! Because for me...meeting you has made me so happy...

But Kaguya...

......

Y'know, Senya, I didn't come here to bring you back.

I came here 'cause I was worried...and 'cause I wanted to know how you really felt. If you don't wanna fight anymore, that's fine. But only if that's how you really feel.

But I don't think anything you said is true.

I know you are. I can tell. I mean, you look like you're in so much pain, like you just wanna disappear...

Sniffle...

...Thank you, Kuramaru. You're so sweet.

Senya... I don't think anyone's born strong. People become strong by accepting and overcoming their own weakness as well as the weakness of others. Like Aldo and Shigure...and everyone else.

Did Shion say that? I don't know much about him, but... are you sure that's true?

I've been wonderin' this whole time... Just what is Shion fightin' for?

You're wrong. It can't be easy to throw away your whole life, let alone all your friends. If I went through something painful enough to make me do that, I'd never wanna touch a sword ever again.

It'd hurt too much.

Please don't blame Shion... He wasn't trying to kill me. He couldn't... because I'm already dead.

Yip!

A specter! Run, Senya! I'll take of this!

Ack! There's more?!

Yip! Yip!

Yip...

They're strong! Senya, take Kuramaru and run!

Yip?

S-Senya?

That's the clothes your mom gave you, right, Senya?

It suits you! And I'm glad Kuramaru's okay.

Huh? What do you mean?

Good! I'm sorry I hit you like that, but I promise I was holdin' back!

Yeah, they're fightin' the specters.

Yip!

...I'm so glad he's okay.

It's just like Shigure said.

...And that's why I need you to go there right away.

But I don't think he'll listen to anything I say.

I'm not saying you have to convince him. Just talk to him. You're the only one who has a chance to get through to him.

Hehe. They're all such worrywarts, just like Yahiko.

There's too many of 'em! At this rate...

Make way! Someone much more important coming through!

You look like you could use a hand. Why don't I lend you one of mine?

Shigure? What're you doing here?!

That face... Could you be me in this world?

Wait... You can't be...

Shigure, from this world?

Oho, another me?

Hmm... A chiseled jaw, handsome visage, oozing charisma.

Hahaha! Yes, there's no mistaking it! The heavens have never been so generous with anyone but myself. Brother said there was another version of me running around, but seeing you puts all my doubts to rest.

Knowing there's a whole other world out there is a rather romantic notion.

...You're quite the character. It's hard to believe you're a samurai.

Samurai? Don't be absurd. I am a well-traveled merchant, friend, who has found no small measure of success in his pursuits.

A merchant? Are we sure this man is Shigure?

Yes. I saw him several times in Kurosagi Castle. Aside from his appearance...he is exactly as I remember him.

Speaking of, you taught Senya the sword there, right? We heard you quit teaching to travel the world, but...

More importantly, you mentioned a "brother," yes? Does that mean you're married?

I have a fiancée, Akane. Is it not the same in your world?

Wha? Me...and Akane?! No, we aren't engaged. But isn't your Akane...

I'm sorry, Shigure. By the time we found her, it was already too late.

You don't need to apologize. It wasn't your fault she died.

Besides, now is hardly the time to mourn the deceased and wallow in despair.

A rational appeal. You've got a heart of steel.

Hah. Pomp and pretense are a merchant's bread and butter.

Now then, Brother asked me to deliver a letter to you.

If he is Akane's brother, then...you mean the tactician?

Yes. He was imprisoned on Reimei's orders, but I set him free.

Though I can't say how he's faring at this moment.

What do you mean?

After he was locked up, he began gathering information on the unusual events taking place in Garulea. Based on the vast info he collected on geography, population distribution, casualties, rumors, and legends... He was able to discern the truth behind these odd occurrences.

Wait, you mean he learned about Meigoku and Tsukuyomi from inside his cell?!

That's right. He even predicted this would happen. So he wrote down thousands of strategies to help humans fight back against the specters.

Th-Thousands?! You've gotta be kitten me!

Most of the letters were meant for Mi's army, the Land of Shin, and the Land of Ro. They describe enemy number and predicted actions as well as the necessary armaments and stationing to combat them. They also detail ways to communicate if nations are isolated and ways of protecting people if this becomes a long-term war. After simulating every possible scenario, he drew up a detailed plan. And it's my job to deliver it to you.

I can hardly believe he accomplished such a feat while imprisoned...

Then does that mean other places are standing their ground against the specters?

Not quite. Everything happened so quickly making such a perfect execution nearly impossible. How well the damage is mitigated will hinge on the ones in charge.

Nagsham has Hozuki, so I can't imagine they'll be defeated easily.

And if only the deceased turn into revenants, then Ro should escape relatively unscathed as they have few casualties.

As with Itoise. And the people there can hold their own just fine.

Then our biggest concern would be Mi. Fortunately, this is the land a genius tactician calls home.

Chaaarge! Save the people!

Listen up! We need to form platoons and take those specters down one by one! The rest of you, get the civilians to safety! Don't fight unless you have to!

The soldiers... They're taking charge of Izana.

Indeed, it's a perfectly coordinated offensive that should be enough to stand against the specters.

Purrfect. 'Cause I'm about ready for a cat nyap.

I suppose "genius" is no exaggeration if he was able to coordinate such an intricate strategy from behind bars.

Yes. But Brother's results don't come naturally. They're the fruits of his painstaking labor.

...Indeed.

With these plans, Izana should be safe. But what of the surrounding settlements, like Kogane?

Don't worry. Brother's plans extend to even the furthest reaches of Mi.

Well, that's a load off my mind!

Suzume! Kamome! You're safe!

Sure are. The rebel army ran into some pretty big trouble, so they're basically disbanded now. But...

Lord Reimei...

We heard what happened...and that he passed.

Yes... If only we had gotten there sooner...

We can deal with all that later! Right now, you've gotta stay sharp! You're the only ones who can save the world now, right? So keep it together!

We'll be waiting for you, Tsubame!

...And I promise to return. Please stay safe until then.

Now all that's left to do is to get to the root of the problem.

Nyat yet! Senya and Izunya still haven't returned.

Ah, Senya... Are you sure he's really coming back? Every time that slacker saw my face, he fled. When I was his instructor, he didn't exactly strike me as the type to come running when the world was in danger.

Hmph. You may be a merchant, but you have a poor eye for value. He is no longer the boy you knew. I admit he is still a bit cheeky, but he is brave and kind.

I know he will not run away. He will be back, I am sure of it!

Oho... What say you, other me? Will he return?

......

Hah. Of course he will. I'd bet my life on it.

Hahaha! Well, this certainly is a surprise. To think his friends would have such confidence in him!

Very well, I'll wait. If he's truly grown so much overnight, I look forward to seeing the man he's become.

Who're you talkin' about? I wanna gossip too!

Izuna! You're back!

I told you Senya would return, didn't I?

...Speaking of, where is he?

Oh, um. Yeah. He ran away.

...Oh my...

W-Wait, lemme explain! We both came back to Izana together, but...

He saw that guy over there and was like, "Gotta go," then made a run for it.

So...he's not a fan of yours, huh?

Heh. Yes, well, I did have to drag him to training countless times, and see that he was disciplined accordingly.

Now, leave this to me. I know just how to catch that fleet-footed boy.

Here you go. One runaway, as promised.

How the hell'd ya find me?!

Consider it a genius merchant's sixth sense.

Senya, I have decided to never again speak highly of you so long as I live.

Huh? What'd I do?

Hey, Senya. Are those the clothes Reimei was talking about?

Yeah. Izuna went and found 'em. They're a memento from my mom... One I plan on wearin' it into battle, as a samurai.

Seems that sword's back to bein' sacred now that the curse is gone.

Haha. I reckon you've grown into a fine samurai, right before my eyes.

Anyone can look good in the right clothes. Save your compliments.

Don't be so modest. I barely recognized you myself. So, did you find your answer?

...I did. Thanks. I see ya finally found who you were lookin' for. Did ya pass along your message?

I was just about to in fact.

Shigure, I imagine you've heard about what happened to your father and grandfather.

Of course. I also heard that you were with them when they passed and that you laid them to rest. But I would like to hear their final words.

Well, it all happened shortly after we arrived in this world...

"Tell them to always support each other and live their lives to the fullest." That sounds like Grandfather alright. It's unfortunate I won't be able to fulfill his wishes, but...I appreciate you passing along his final words.

I'd like to ask you something. You abandoned the path of the sword, forcing Akane to become the next grandmaster in your stead. But now that she's passed, you're the only one left to carry on the Fugen Itto-Ryu clan. You understand that, don't you?

I'll reserve judgment on the matter until everything has been settled. But I can promise you one thing. I have no intention of throwing away anything important to me.

...Fine. I will choose to believe your words.

Right then. Shall we go put an end to all this?

To put a stop to this plan, we've gotta get Tsukuyomi to change his mind. The problem'll be gettin' to Meigoku.

Hold on.

What's up, Nyaldo?

I know the people here might've been able to fight back against the specters thanks to Shion, but... Do you really think it's enough to save all of Garulea?

Oho. You doubt Brother's plan?

Aldo. I understand how you feel, but we have to focus on what we can do, And that is stopping Tsukuyomi before anyone else gets hurt. Don't you agree?

You're right, but I also wanna make sure we do everything we possibly can.

...Sounds like you've got a plan.

Yeah, I've been thinking about it for a while now. I can't say for sure it'll succeed, but... I think it's worth trying.

...Yeah, that does sound worth tryin'.

The key to this working is Yukino, Necoco, Kagurame, and...

Me. Don't worry. I can handle this. (If anythin', I want to do this.)

I have no qualms either.

The great Necoco doesn't know the meaning of the words "give up"!

I'll gladly do whatever I can to help.

Thanks, everyone.

Then let's get started. To the Cat Shrine!

So this is Meigoku... It is slightly bigger than I imagined, but that should not be an issue.

Now then, to begin the greatest gamble of my life.

...And so, we were hoping we could use this shrine. Would that be okay with you?

Of course. I would be happy to help in whatever way I can.

It sounds like you will play an important part, Necoco. Best of luck.

Thanks, Nyanji! I won't let you down.

Nyow, let's get started!

Hold on. Mind givin' us a quick review of the plan? Sounded pretty complicated, and we've gotta do things right, else we're screwed.

Yeah, I don't remember a single thing that I'm supposed to do.

Then why the hell were you so confident earlier?!

Haha...ha... Right, well, let's go over it again.

You know how Shigure, Necoco, and I all came here from a different world? It wasn't because we went through a portal, but because someone called us here.

Uh-huh. For me it was the Sacred Beast!

So I was thinking we could try the same thing. If it works, we'll be able to bring over a ton of help from our world.

Do you, perhaps, have an army at your disposal?

Whoa, are you some kinda royalty?

No, it's nothing like that.

I just have a lot of friends who I know'll help if I ask them.

Hmm... I'll admit, gettin' help from another world never crossed my mind. But how do ya plan on doin' that? You don't even know exactly how ya got here.

Well, a similar thing happened when we fought the dark god. We summoned former kings who wielded the holy sword. We were able to win the battle thanks to them.

Oh yeah, I remeowmber that. Thanks to them, we didn't get sucked into the vortex. But Nyaldo, weren't we able to do that just 'cause a bunch of other stuff happened by coincidence?

Yeah, and that's what we have to replicate.

I thought about what could've allowed us to summon those three kings. First, space-time became distorted causing the boundaries between dimensions to grow unstable. With the gate to Meigoku open, we can check this off the list.

And then there was Feinne's spirit resonance. With that power, she was able to cross time and space and summon souls that resonated with hers, and that's what we're gonna try.

Go for it, Senya!

Right... Open!

You're up, Kagurame!

That's my cue. Let me show you what these eyes can do...

...This shadow's connected to Meigoku, that's for sure. It was forcefully opened, so it's unstable. We won't be able to get in there ourselves... But a former guard like me can cut the connection.

The deed's done. Necoco, you're up next, hon.

Supurr! Time for Miracle Necoco to shine!

Now that I'm connected to the Sacred Beast from this world, I've got a good feline I can reach the other world...

Hear my call, Altena!

The Sacred Beast... It's resonating with someone.

Is it you...Necoco?

There's no mistakin' this warm fuzzy feelin'. We're connected to the Sacred Beast from our world! Your turn, Nyaldo!

Right. Let's do this, Ogre Rancorem!

Okay, that should connect our world and this one. Showtime, Yukino!

I'm ready. I will put all our heart and soul into this song!

Is her singing reaching your world through the Sacred Beasts' resonance?

Yeah, with a song of hope and conviction.

...Thanks, Senya.

Huh? Why me?

I didn't want you to have to use that power again...but it's all going well thanks to you. That's why.

It's no big deal.

(If anythin', I should be thankin' you, Aldo.)

(You helped turn my curse into a blessin', one that's gonna save this world I almost destroyed.)

(So thanks...everyone.)

I felt as though Aldo were calling me, so I came, but... What is all this commotion?

I felt as though someone were calling me, so I came, but... What is all this commotion?

I see now why I was summoned.

Come, fiends! I shall put the fear of the Soaring Swallow School in you!

This place feels different than our Izana...

I don't understand what is happening either, but the townspeople are in danger and we must save them!

I honed my lance as part of my bridal training, and I shall wield it now to protect the people!

I know, I know. You be careful too.

What are all these specters doing here?

I suppose my question will have to wait. The Wicked Meadow should be just beyond here...

My homeland of Ro once stood behind these gates, and I will not let you set foot inside. Come, specters! If it is a fight you seek, I will gladly be your opponent!

Hey, what do you mean it "once stood" here? It's still there, Heena. I mean, I'm not even close to conquering the world yet!

Wait. You're...!

"Once stood"? It's still there! I mean, I'm not even close to conquering the world yet!

...What? You're....

Don't let 'em scare you! Surround 'em and cull their numbers one at a time!

...So the revenants really did turn into specters, just like Senya and that tactician said they would. Thanks to them, we're fully prepared. And I'm gonna protect this land and Her Majesty no matter what it takes!

Oh, my... Look at what we have here. It's downright chaos in the streets. But something about this place seems... different than the Nagsham I know.

That doesn't matter! This is the city I was born in.

I won't let these specters have their way!

Yes... I suppose you're right. This is no time to be embarrassed...

We must work swiftly and ensure not even a single one gets away!

You would protect your home, even knowing the danger? Your love for this place is truly beautiful. This town is like a second home to me. Please, allow me to fight beside you.

Come, fiends! Have a taste of the strongest fists in the world!

Wh-What's going on here?

You've got nothing to worry about, miss!

W-We'll protect you!

Begone, specter scum! We shan't let you lay a finger on this young woman!

Huh...?

Is this...the Inanari Plateau? I thought I heard someone calling for my aid, so I followed that voice...and here I am.

In any case, it seems these circumstances are far from ordinary. But I do not know how many of these beasts I could handle on my own...

Don't worry. I'm here to help!

You!

Been a while, Tsukiha! Glad to see you again.

This is quite the surprise. It truly is you.

It's been a while, huh? We're about the same age now.

Indeed. It is almost like looking in a mirror.

Haha. Yeah! But only on the outside. I'm nowhere near as ladylike as you...

You are you, and I am me. That is all there is to it. And I am glad to see you again.

Same! But it doesn't look like we'll have much time to chat.

Indeed. Could you tell me what is happening in this world?

You're...me...

Been a while, Tsukiha. Glad to see you again.

...Have we met before?

...Oh, guess we haven't yet.

Um, could you tell me what is happening in this world?

I don't really know all the details myself, but I rushed over when I heard the news. It seems like specters're popping up all over the continent. Whatever the reason, it's real bad.

I was in the middle of a ceremony, but I just left.

A ceremony?

I'm guessing Suzaku'll be here soon with the Ro soldiers. I'm sure I'll get a heated lecture about running off on my own.

The soldiers of Ro should be here soon. If Suzaku's with them, I'm gonna get in so much trouble for running off on my own...

The soldiers of Ro should be here soon.

Then we simply have to stall until they arrive.

You carry the weight of an entire nation on your shoulders. Do not push yourself too hard.

Don't push yourself too hard either! In fact, could you leave the specters alive? I want them to be my citizens too!

What?!

Don't tell me you forgot! I'm gonna be friends with everyone, humans, demons, specters, you name it! And then I'll have 'em become my citizens. That's how I'm gonna conquer the world!

...Yes. How could I forget?

Grrr... It won't be easy getting rid of all these monsters.

Still, I won't let any of you reach the shrine! I, Otoha the feline deity, shall protect the Cat Shrine with all my...

Wh-Wh-What?! Who's there?! Ahh! You're...

So your friends should be here now, right?

Yeah. I'm not sure how many of 'em came, but I'm sure they're here.

That certainly seems to be the case. I can see their otherworldly souls all over theplace.

That's a relief! Now we can focus on stoppin' Tsukuyomi.

He's the one pullin' all the strings. Never thought I'd be up against him, of all things.

Well, not all gods are good. I say we sharpen our claws and teach that baddie a lesson!

For a shrine maiden, you certainly are...violent. Do we even know where we can find Tsukuyomi?

Meigoku, of course. No doubt he's shut himself up there to keep his scheme goin' full force. Wish I knew where he opened that gate, though.

Ah, yes. Brother mentioned something about that.

No way. He did?

Based on past cases and legends, he managed to identify several locations where the gate might open. According to him, Mahora Lake was the most likely of them all.

Mahora Lake...

That's on the other side of the mountain. It'll take ages to get there.

There's no way I can carry everyone over either...

There's no need to go over. There's a path that goes underneath the Inanari Plateau. It should take you to the lake.

What?! That'll save us a ton of time.

...So you're sayin' that old bastard even made an underground tunnel so he could invade Ro?

I don't say this in defense of that scumbag, but that passage was made a very long time ago. It's been sealed off ever since Ro renounced the war, but I was able to find a way in.

Then what're we waiting for? Please, show us the way.

Look at all these specters! It's gonna take time to get rid of 'em all...

Hold on. There's someone there.

It's Otoha! She came!

And she's not alone either.

That's Nekoko! She came back!

And she's helping Otoha fight the specters. No doubt to protect the Cat Shrine.

Otonya!

Ah, Necoco! Aldo! I'm glad to see you're all right!

...Wait. Why're there two of you?!

And which one's the real one?!

We both are! But this Necoco's gotta scurry, so I'm leavin' this place to you two!

Grr... I don't get what's going on, but okay! Leave the shrine to me!

Don't mind if we do.

Thanks, Otoha! Be careful, okay?

Thank you. Next time, let's talk, as ourselves.

Is this the road you said was sealed off?

That's right. The way to Mahora Lake is just ahead. Follow me.

It ain't much, but this li'l trick should protect y'all from the poison in Mahora Lake.

Thanks, Kagurame. I completely forgot about the poison, so this is a big help.

So, is the gate to Meigoku up ahead?

Got that right. The dark energy's strong here. No doubt the gate's near.

Then the rest is up to you. Be sure to teach that arrogant deity a lesson, as many times as you must!

You're not comin'?

That's right. I may have fulfilled my Brother's dying wish, but there is still something I must do.

Wait! "Dying wish"?! Don't tell me the tactician is...

Gone, yes. From drinking a deadly poison.

What?!

No... Shion...

How...unfortunate.

Don't despair. His battle is not yet over.

But how can that be?

Wait. Don't tell me he chose death as a way to get into Meigoku.

You're saying we have to DIE to get there?!

There's no reason to yell. If we use the gate, we'll arrive alive 'n' well. But I can hardly believe anyone'd be willin' to go so far. Just what's he tryin' to do?

He trying to retrieve something, Something more valuable than his own life.

Now then, I must be going. I need to see Brother's fight to the end. That will be my revenge. You'd better not lose, boy. You were once my apprentice, after all.

Callin' me "boy" till the very end, huh.

He's practically become a man overnight... Now, I suppose I should give him a parting gift, as his former instructor.

...So this is the entrance to Meigoku, huh.

The dark miasma is just pouring out...

Yes, I can feel it. It is even more frigid than the air in the Kunlun Mountains.

It's, uh...a little scary, actually...

I'd tell ya not to be a chicken...but I kinda agree with ya.

The world of the dead is just beyond here.

And we're up against a god. There's no guarantee we'll make it back. If you're not prepared, you're better off staying here.

Exactly. I'm not gonna force anyone to come along. You've all got somethin' to protect. Somewhere to return to. Whatever this is might not be worth it. So I want everyone to think real carefully before settin' foot inside.

......

What about you, Senya? Are you prepared for the possibility of never coming back?

'Course. But I don't plan on dyin' either. I made up my mind, I'm gonna carry out Rei's will. No matter what.

Then I have made my decision as well. It is my will to see Lord Reimei's dream fulfilled too. I am with you until the end, Senya.

Me too. I've come this far. I'm not turnin' back now!

That's the spirit, Izunya! As for the great Necoco, I'm gonna beat that big ol' baddie Tsukuyomi and become a supurr goddess in his place!

I would not be able to face my people if I returned home now. Besides, I am not afraid. I know we will return victorious.

Heh, y'all are so kind. Now allow me to speak my mind. I'm prepared to come along. It's my fate to take you to that place after all.

...I feel like I know what you two're gonna say.

Yeah, we've made up our minds. But I don't think we have anything to worry about. I know we'll return safe and sound.

...Right.

I'm just gonna say this once. Travelin' with you guys was...

Forget it. It ain't somethin' I should be sayin' now anyway.

How come? If there is something you'd like to say, you should say it.

No use forcin' it outta him now, hon. Besides, the anticipation is half the fun.

Were you about to say somethin' nice? 'Cause the longer you put it off, the higher our expectations are gonna get, y'know...

I said, "forget it"! Now let's get movin'!

Haha. Well then, shall we...

Wait.

Huh?

...I knew it.

Shion!

What're you doing here?

I had a feeling you would be here. You mean to go to Meigoku, yes? I've come to stop you. I will be going in, alone.

You mean to fight a god all by yourself?

Answer me, Shion. Why'd ya kill Rei?

Let me ask you this. Do you know any other way to save a revenant?

What?

They may seem alive, but they are merely a corpse being controlled by a specter's soul. Was it not better to lay him to rest before he became a specter, lost the esteem of his people, and hurt those around him? Could any of you have done what I did? Kill a revenant even if it looked human?

I...

Is that why you wanna go in alone?

A mortal blade cannot kill a god. But one soaked in blood may just.

Stand back, everyone.

Shigure?

Shion, I feel like it's been years since we talked to each other like this.

......

You give a plausible excuse, but your true feelings are different, aren't they? You want to fight that god to avenge Akane. There's no greater ending for a path stained in blood. You came here looking for a place to die. Isn't that right, Shion?

And if I did?

So you admit it.

Shigure!

Back then, you were enchanted by the sword of strength. I saw it with my own eyes. But if you claim to feel joy in slaying your enemies... Then you must claim to feel the same when slaying revenants. But I don't believe that's true.

......!

You speak of bloodshed, but your actions betray your words. If you ask me, you haven't changed at all, Shion.

You're wrong. I strayed from the path of the sword. I abandoned the oath I made to the heavens!

Then why do you still wield that sword?!

Tch...!

After what happened to Akane, after losing your purpose, you swung your sword without reason. Your heart wavered. But you haven't abandoned anything. You still have your sword and the path you walk with it. The way you showed up here to spare us from death is proof enough.

...Pretty words. Nothing more.

You could never understand me!

But I do. Because we're friends.

Will you not stop them? They are your friends, yes?

...It is because we are friends that we do not intervene.

Yeah. I think they need to work this out.

The only thing we can do is watch. But honestly, I can't imagine how we'll get Shion to come back.

...... Y'know, I realized somethin' after talkin' to Izuna. Shion's been fightin' ever since he left us, just in his own way.

He's been cuttin' down revenants left and right. His heart must be stained in blood from that tough, lonely fight.

Shion is still Shion, even now. But the only one who can bring him back from that place... Is Shigure.

Senya...

How long's it been since we crossed swords like this?

......

I enjoyed traveling with you, Shion. That's why I was hoping that hard head of yours, bound by your mission, would soften up a bit.

I've never felt bound by it. This is the path I wanted. The path I chose.

Your oath became your purpose. But with Akane's passing, it turned into a curse, A curse born of love and kindness. That's why carnage ill suits you.

......

...Hmph.

That's enough of that! There's no point in arguing with you now, it's absolutely no fun at all.

What?

Shion, I thought it was my job to bring you back from that place. But it seems for once I was wrong.

He's all warmed up now and ready for you... Senya!

What?

You have something you want to say, don't you?

......

Yeah.

Senya...

...Shion.

Senya's gotten stronger, hasn't he?

Of course. He trained hard and built a good foundation. Now to see what he can do. What better way to judge his progress than by watching him battle his master?

You mean, "one of his masters." He's got two after all.

Two? I can't imagine who the other might be.

You chose to be alone. But I didn't, and that's how I came to realize the truth, What you told me wasn't exactly right.

What?

Where do you think the heart of a sword is?

The heart...of a sword?

I used to think it was the blade itself, the part that cuts through my enemies. But I realized it's also the hilt that supports the blade and the sheath that protects it. It's everything that makes up the sword.

Hngh!

You once told me that truly strong swords are the ones that don't break. But that ain't quite right, least not to me. I think even strong swords break. But as long as you've got the hilt and the sheath, it can be brought back to life over and over again. Just like me. And that's my strength!

......!

Hm... For your first time with a blade, you hold it quite well.

Th-Thank you...

But your form is a little stiff. A warrior's heart can be seen in his stance. Tell me, Shion. Why do you learn the Fugen style?

Because I... I want to be strong. So I can protect Akane.

...... I...

Senya...

He won!

You said before that my style's closer to Shigure's sword of skill, didn't ya? But your sword of strength is part of me too. It's part of my own style, the sword of Senya.

My...my sword is...

Gimme a break already.

Agh!

That's payback. Feelin' like yourself yet, Master?

......

Yes. I concede.

Heh. I did it. I...won...

Oh! He's up!

Don't tell me I fainted again.

Yeah, but you weren't out for too long.

You faint so much that I'm startin' to get used to all this waitin' around.

Where's Shion? And Shigure?

They went out. Shion wanted to have a chat.

......!

Not again! Senya!

I wonder what they're talking about. Could it be that Shion...

I think I've grasped how they sort the crimes depending on their severity, and which sinners are sent to which layer. Now then, time for my final job... As both a tactician and a brother.

What?! You aren't coming back?

Of course not. The crimes I have committed do not just disappear. Even if I were in a trance of sorts, I killed innocent soldiers.

And the revenants I slain were also once innocent people.

Wait! Are you really going to leave before Senya wakes up?

We have both said what we needed to say.

And what about Akane? Do you just plan to abandon her?

......

You know what you have to do to atone for your sins, don't you?

I...

Shion!

Akane?!

Shion's lookalike told me to come here, but didn't say why.

I finally found you.

I can't forgive you for what you've done.

......

You do not need to. I spilled the blood of others before your very eyes...

I'm not talking about that. Those were "revenants" or whatever, right? They weren't even human. What I can't forgive you for is saying the brother I knew is dead.

But that is true, even now.

Liar! You aren't dead! You're standing right here in front of me! So why do you keep saying that?!

That isn't what I mean, Akane. I...

No. Akane's right. What about you is "dead"? Don't you think that's disrespectful to those who've died? Those who've become revenants?

......

Shion. I want you to have this.

What is this?

A kite. You and Shigure were searching for something to bring to the dojo, so I thought I'd help. Kites are good luck, so I'm sure the previous grandmaster will approve.

A kite...

We used to ride them together, remember? To make it easier for Mom and Dad to see us from heaven. There was something I wanted tell them. I wanted them to know that they didn't have to worry about us. Because you were always there for me.

But all I did was cause trouble for you 'cause I didn't know better. I drove you crazy, didn't I? It's my fault that this happened to you.

No! You didn't do anything wrong!

I promise you, Shion.

I'm gonna get stronger so you won't have to worry about me anymore.

So please...come back already. Let's ride kites together, like we used to. And then we can tell Mom and Dad...

Enough.

Akane, you have it backwards.

It was you who saved me, not the other way around. I swore to protect you, which is why I...

Shion.

...Yes.

I will make you a promise, too, Akane. I will never again run from that oath I made.

Oh, Shion!

Shigure! Where's Shion...

Ah, you're awake.

As you can see, there is only one person who could return that stubborn old sword to its sheath.

When we return, I must visit their graves. I need to apologize for straying from my path and swear this oath anew. Shall we go see them together?

Yeah! And we can ride our kites there too!

I appreciate the thought, but...

I will have to watch you ride your kite from the ground.

I knew there was a reason you were going around killing all those revenants.

You're really awful at expressin' yourself, not that that's news to anyone.

No matter how I try to explain my actions, what I did was inexcusable. I killed your best friend right in front of you.

I don't hate you for it. If anythin', I'm grateful.

His life was comin' to an end. If you'd let him live, he would've turned into a specter.

Thanks to you, he was able to live his last moments as a human.

......

I think we've talked enough on that matter. Don't forget we still have a job to do.

Yes, but...what do we do about her?

M-Me?! I, uh, I'm Akane!

Nice to meetcha! Are you all friends of Shion's?

Y-Yeah. I'm Izuna, a raven tengu. Nice to meet you too.

Whoa, a tengu?!

I've heard so many rumors about your kind! They say you can use godly energy!

W-Well, that's true...

You seem pretty strong. Let's have a duel!

CAW?!

As you can tell, Akane here is a handful. But she's quite good with a sword.

What do you think, Shion? Should we take Akane with us?

No. We will leave her here. Meigoku is a land of the dead. It is no place for Akane.

What?!

Don't be like that, Shion! Let me help you guys fight!

Shion, I understand your concern for your sister. But are you sure it is safer to leave her in this world as it is now?

You misunderstand me. It is not out of concern that I wish for her to stay behind.

Akane, I want you to stay here and protect the people from the specters.

......!

But fight within your limits. Flee at once if you feel you are in danger. This is not a fight you must win, but one you must survive. Do you understand?

Shion...

Yeah, I understand! Good luck, everyone!

You sure about this? After what you said, I get the feelin' she's gonna overdo it.

Her sword arm is strong. I do not think she would lose against the specters.

And besides...

Fear will get me nowhere.

I have faith in her. Just as you and Akane had faith in me.

...Good.

You're here, aren't you? Show yourself.

How arrogant for a mere soul to strut about Meigoku and call out to a god... But I commend that tenacious spirit of yours that allows you to maintain the same form you held when you lived. Who are you?

I suppose even a god could not remember the names of each and every human.

I am Shion, a tactician from the Land of Mi.

So you were one of those spearheading this war. Are you here because you were killed in the rebellion?

No. I took my own life.

Why? I refuse to entertain any pleas for a lesser sentence.

And you will not hear any. I came to talk to you, Lord Tsukuyomi.

Are you hoping to fool me with one of your tricks? I advise against trying to deceive a god.

I am not so arrogant to think I could outsmart a deity. I just want to speak. To lay everything on the table.

Impossible. There can be no such candor between a destroyer and the destroyed.

I beg to differ. I know you are fascinated by human beings.

And I am a sinner who chose his own death to come and see you. This alone is something I know you cannot ignore.

...Hmph. You certainly are confident.

Very well. I agree that I find your decision an interesting one. And now that my plan has been set in motion, I doubt I will ever have a chance to speak with humans again.

Then let me begin with a question.

You devised this plan to determine the fate of the ever-warring humans. And the outcome was such that you deemed mankind ought to be destroyed?

I deemed nothing. It was you humans who chose the path of your own destruction.

But you are the one who paved that path. Entrusting the fate of an entire species to a single child is rather reckless, don't you think?

Remember your place. Humans were fortunate to even get a chance to prove themselves. Your wars raged on for ages. You are not fit to embody Order.

I see. So this was decided on a whim. I do not believe determining the fate of an entire species so arbitrarily to be within my capabilities. Such an arrogant and bold move is truly godlike, as is the crude the plan behind it.

......

You said humans are retainers of the mother goddess. But, as a god, is it in your right to decide single-handedly to end all those lives?

...I see that you are trying to reverse my decision by winning this argument.

How interesting. Then I will entertain your queries until your flesh fails you and you lose all sense of self.

Much obliged. Now then, I would have your answer.

So this is it, huh. I don't care if we're going up against a god. He's gonna feel every swing of our swords.

Kuramaru...

......

Haha, I know. I'm not leavin' ya behind.

We came all this way together. Let's go, buddy.

Right. Into Meigoku we go.

Whew. Looks like we all made it just fine.

So this is Meigoku, huh.

The place where sinners' souls are judged. It's no paradise, that's for sure.

I feel kinda funny. Like everything's...fuzzy.

You're in a physical body in a place where only souls belong. But you'll be used to it before long.

Kagurame. Do you know where we might find Tsukuyomi?

Sure do. Why don't I give y'all a quick rundown of Meigoku?

I remember you saying it was a place where the souls of sinners were purified... or something.

That's right. They're punished depending on the weight of their crimes. Roughly speakin', the deeper they are, the worse their crimes.

I see...

So how do they decide how severe someone's crimes are?

There's a bunch of regulations, but basically, the more lives a person's taken, the more serious the offense. A lord who started a war or a frontline general who killed a lotta soldiers will be punished pretty heavily.

......

I'll bet Tsukuyomi is down in the deepest part of Meigoku.

Then we'll make our descent.

Ungh...

That's the Uya ninja who attacked Kogane!

No... Nooo... Ahhh!

He's gone...

He was sent to whatever layer fits his crime. That's where he'll serve his time.

I suppose you reap what you sow. He did commit a terrible crime, after all. ...That said, I myself am quite the sinner.

......

...You said he's in the lowest layer, right? Let's get movin'.

Everyone I've ever used my power on must've been sent here too... If I'd known what was gonna happen to 'em, would I've hesitated to use it...?

Yip...

What are you doing?

Shion...

Everyone has already gone.

I understand you have unresolved feelings that you will eventually need to face.

But for now, clear your head and look straight ahead. Focus, Senya.

...Hah. I figured you'd be rushin' off ahead of everyone else, and yet here you are.

But I hear ya. I'll follow your lead and try to stay focused.

He might've found something. Let's go after him!

This place seems different than the others.

Yeah, and those are...

I've seen 'em before. They look just like the warders on Light's Fading.

Those are the guards of Meigoku. That's what I looked like before I was reborn. They're each in charge of a layer where they dole out punishments of all forms.

...Guess I oughta tell you the truth.

Like you guessed, I was a guard in charge of Kaguya's soul. And to someone like me, without a name or a will of her own, she was a strange one.

Honestly, I couldn't understand what she was sayin' at the time.

But she regretted what she'd done, the heavy destiny she'd forced on her son.

After that, she and I started talkin'.

It was the first time I'd ever heard her sing, y'know. And somethin' inside me started to grow.

Talkin' to her got me curious about humans. And then one day, she told me everything, about Tsukuyomi's plan and Senya.

After hearin' that, I made up my mind. I was gonna reincarnate and meet her boy.

Though I can't recall if it was outta curiosity or to fulfill Kaguya's wish.

I see...

But there was one problem. Reincarnatin' usin' Meigoku's rules is easy. But as a guard, leavin' the place behind is considered a betrayal of the gods. And so I decided to talk to Kaguya about it.

Her words helped me make up my mind. I decided that it was my destiny to meet you, to find out the reason behind Kaguya's tears.

Ohhh, that's why you keep sayin' Senya's your "destiny."

Hehe. Maybe.

You must've really cared about Kaguya if you did all that for her.

...I had no concept of emotions before bein' reincarnated, so I can't say for sure that I cared.

But I do think it was Kaguya who helped me become self-aware. I still remember gettin' my name. 'Cause it was like Kaguya's, I felt warm inside, like a flame.

Senya, I'm awful sorry for not tellin' ya sooner.

I didn't wanna change your fate by sayin' anythin' I didn't need to. Besides, I wanted you to hear the whole thing from Kaguya herself.

And I still do, but that's somethin' ya gotta figure out for yourself. Senya, do you wanna meet her?

Then we gotta reach those deepest depths I told you about. She'll be there, without a doubt.

You're there, aren't you, Kaguya?

Is that her soul? It looks...

Fainter than the others.

The punishments here wear at the souls. It weakens memories of their previous life and their sense of self too. As she is now, Kaguya doesn't remember a thing. Not her past or who she is. She's no different than a baby.

Is there any way for her to get those memories back?

Before I was reincarnated, Kaguya told me somethin'. Said she left three mementos for Senya.

She did?

A divine sword to shoulder the curse. Clothes for his coming-of-age ceremony. What could the third one be?

Kaguya hated humans and was reincarnated as a specter, one of the strongest of all. A fox spirit.

A fox spirit? You mean like the one possessing Hozuki?

Not quite. There are all kinds of fox spirits out there. Unlike the one residing within the general, Kaguya had the power to control hearts.

A fox spirit...?

You mean...

Before she passed, she shared those powers with a fox.

She's been lookin' after her little boy this whole time, from right by his side.

Kuramaru...?!

Kuramaru... No...

Mom...?

The fox spirit's power that was left in Kuramaru is resonatin' with Kaguya's soul. It's awakenin' those faded memories. But Meigoku's force field is tryin' to interrupt it. She won't be able to hold on for long.

...I get it.

Been a while, Kaguya. You haven't changed one bit.

You... You're that guard. I am glad to see you were able to reincarnate.

I don't go by that title no more. My name's Kagurame now. I fulfilled my promise, Kaguya.

You did... Thank you, Kagurame.

Senya. I never imagined we would be reunited like this.

...... Yahiko told me why ya came to hate humans...

And why ya cursed me to get revenge on the world. But I wanna hear your side of the story. Tell me what happened.

...Of course.

Please, give me back my children.

I know you've done a lot for us in the past, but things have gone too far. The whole village has decided that you and your family must go. I hope you understand.

No... How can you say that?!

Mom!

Senya!

Mom, it's Sakuya!

He... He's dead!

What?!

Stop!

Senya...?

How...dare you...

You hurt my children! You will PAY for this!

Kaguya!

Wha... What happened here?!

Yahiko... I'm so sorry... Senya and Sakuya... They're both dead...

No... It can't be... We lived our lives protecting the weak and yet... Were we wrong?

...Yes. It seems so.

Kaguya? What are you doing?!

This world...and these people... They aren't worth saving.

Wait, Kaguya! Don't!

Goodbye, Yahiko. May you live on... in the light...

Hold on a second. You had two kids in your past life?

Yes. Senya and Sakuya, twin boys.

I had...a twin...

My soul became a snowman in Itoise, which is where I spent my last days in this world.

After I melted, I was sent to Meigoku where Tsukuyomi approached me with his plan.

At the time, I was a well-known mountain ascetic who abhorred humans, making me the perfect candidate.

I see.

With his help, I was reincarnated as a fox spirit and became the concubine of Genshin, On the condition that both Senya's soul and my curse would reside in my child that was yet to be born.

You are a shadow... You were born as a shadow in this world...

You will lead the world to chaos. Let us get revenge on all the ugly things that brought death upon you...

My beloved Senya.

But everything went astray when Senya's curse was discovered.

Why'd ya let yourself be exiled? If ya wanted revenge, ya could've killed Genshin and put me on the throne or something.

Back then, my heart was consumed by anger and despair.

I'd gotten so swept up in the thought of revenge, I was even willing to give up my own child for it. I cannot begin to imagine just how much pain that must have caused you.

......

But that boy helped me remember what it meant to be a mother.

What boy?

Senya's body double, Reimei. I knew at a glance he was the reincarnation of Sakuya.

Wait. Then that means Senya and Reimei...

Were twins in their past life?!

It came as a great shock. Who knew Sakuya's reincarnated soul was so close by?

It was inevitable that Reimei was chosen to be Senya's body double. And as I watched them grow up together, just like brothers, my desire for revenge gradually...

My heart wavered. I wasn't sure if I wanted to go through with the plan or protect the world that they so happily lived in. It was then that Senya's curse was discovered. That news helped me make up my mind, I decided I wasn't going through with the plan even if it meant betraying a god.

I begged Genshin to exile us to a remote village. Even though it broke my heart having to separate Senya and Reimei, I thought I could suppress the curse that way. That I could give them both a normal life.

I'm sorry...Senya... I brought...this tragedy upon you...

I could never atone...for the sins I've committed... Still... That sword...

That's when you imbued his sword with the power to suppress the curse's miasma.

Yes. It's also when I shared my specter powers with the little fox nearby.

I didn't want Senya to be alone. I wanted that fox to keep him company.

Yeah... That's right.

I remember now... All of it...

I'm so sorry... If I knew this was going to happen... I never would have had a child...and forced him to bear this curse... I just wanted you to... For us to... Live...a normal...life......

We got a live one here! Should we kill the kid too? ...Huh?

What in the hell?! What's that shadow...

...So that's what ya meant when ya said, "I never would have had a child." I've had those words runnin' through my mind for so long, and they weren't even the whole story.

Kaguya. I'm afraid you're almost outta time.

...Of course.

Senya. No matter the punishment, it will never be enough to atone for what I've done to you.

I won't ask for your forgiveness, and I won't begrudge you for hating me. But I will say this...

You turned the curse I gave you into a blessing. Your friends that surround you is proof of that.

And please, know that Yahiko and I... from the bottom of our hearts, we...

......

Why don't you tell him how you really feel, Kaguya?

No. I don't deserve to utter such words.

...Mom. I don't hate you. Everything I have now is because of you and Yahiko.

Senya...

I'm gonna put an end to this war with Kuramaru and my friends, usin' the sword you gave me.

You've become so strong, Senya.

My soul will remain trapped here for all of time. This is probably the last time we'll ever met.

So please...let me see your battle to the end.

...Of course.

I learned so much about people out there, their kindness, their sorrows, their beauty.

And none of that would've happened if I hadn't met you, Kaguya. I found my destiny, so thank you.

...I'm glad. Thank you, Kagurame. I am glad we could meet one last time.

Yip...

Senya...

......

...Let's go. Tsukuyomi's gotta be close.

...Hm, I admit, this has been quite a fascinating exchange.

I am glad you think so.

Allow me to ask the next question. The current situation was brought upon humanity by itself. What would you have done to prevent this outcome?

I suppose from a god's point of view, war seems foolish. But when looking at humans as a species, could you say it was all a mistake? That it was Chaos without Order?

Explain.

I cannot imagine how many years you spent observing the conflict between humans. But surely you cannot think every last one of them was evil.

A meaningless argument. It changes nothing in the long run.

But it does. Humans DO change. Or at least the ones I have seen have tried to change the world for the better. Free from external and unnecessary interference, we may have had a peaceful world by now.

But you did not consider that possibility and instead decided that all this is meaningless.

......

You are an impatient god who has shut out the very idea of human potential. This, more than anything, is the end of Order. Would this not make you a bringer of Chaos, Lord Tsukuyomi?

A bold assertion. But I admit, you do have a way with words, tactician.

But the time for questions is over. It seems you have been preserving your sense of self with willpower that is almost inhuman. But you have likely reached your limit. You will lose your human form and memories and be punished like any other sinner.

I am well aware. The weight of one's punishment here is determined by a person's actions during their life, yes? If a strong soldier kills ten men, a tactician kills ten thousand. According to the principles of Meigoku, I will receive the heaviest punishment of all. Isn't that right?

Oh? You mean to say you are prepared? But you are too late. Atoning now would not spare the world from its fate.

Let's not rush to any conclusions. The real conversation begins now. Because, in truth, I did not come here in hopes of saving humanity.

Then why have you come?

I gave up my life so that I could...

Tsukuyomi! And...

Shion?!

...I shall leave the rest to you, Aldo. And everyone else who has come to fulfill the young lord's will.

...I shall leave the rest to you, those who have come to fulfill the young lord's will.

Master Shion!

Quite an impressive man, choosing death to speak with a god. ...Though that does not seem to be the case with you.

Sorry for crashin' your party, but I promise we'll be just as entertainin'.

Ridiculous. That strategist was a far better conversationalist than any of you will ever be. I was sent to this land to protect it from the dark god, to safeguard Order from its Chaos. That is why I kept watch. I created Meigoku to purify tainted souls, but no matter how much they were punished, nothing changed.

And so I was convinced that humans were not retainers of Order, but outsiders, harbingers of Chaos.

Yeah, we know. That's why ya wanted to test us, right?

Nurarihyon tried to get Senya to use his powers a bunch of times.

The "test" was just an excuse. You wanted to destroy humanity from the beginning, didn't you?

No. I left him to his own devices. All is as it should be. It is time you accept the downfall of man.

...Well, there ya have it, everyone. So what're ya gonna do?

I have never once prayed to the gods for help.

So I will continue to protect Suzume with my own two hands, as I always have.

I always thought humans were scary.

But I've met so many that I've come to care about. So I can't just stand by and let you destroy them!

To me, a god is someone who makes people feel safe and brings 'em happiness.

That means you have no right to call yourself a god! And the great Necoco is gonna punish you!

Tsukuyomi, I can't imagine how long it's been on your mind, bein' downright disappointed in mankind. But I absolutely adore 'em and this world too. So I'm gonna stand with 'em and fight against you.

Putting specters' souls into the corpses of humans and parading them around as if they were still alive...

That is an affront to life itself! You are no god!

A samurai would never give up a fight before it'd even begun.

I am Shigure of the Itto-Ryu Clan. Prepare to face my blade!

I have no need to explain myself.

I am Shion of the Itto-Ryu Clan. Prepare yourself for a fight.

You used Kaguya and Senya to "test" humanity, and I can't just let that slide. I don't care if you are a god! I won't accept the world's fate without a fight!

And there YOU have it. You might be a god, but you have no power here.

Your hubris knows no bounds. Do you truly think mere humans can kill a god?

Arrogance and greed are humanity's greatest sins. And they shall spell your doom!

Our attacks aren't landing!

It's almost as if he can predict our very moves...

I can. I know every swing of your sword before you make it.

Could that possibly be true?

Seems like he's usin' the souls here in Meigoku to read our movements.

But how?

Souls can resonate with each other. Our thoughts reverberate among the souls in Meigoku, and Tsukuyomi can sense these movements.

So he's readin' our thoughts?! That'd make it impossible for us to hit him!

I created Meigoku. You could never lay a finger on me here.

Hrah!

Senya! You okay?!

The cursed child... You know better than anyone the foolishness of humans, yet you fight most ardently. Why? It was these very humans who brought you and your mother to the depths of despair.

...Yeah, you might be right. But Rei was tryin' to end all the fightin', even after ya bastards turned him into a revenant.

So I won't let ya crush his dream! Not when he worked so hard for our future!

...You just don't know when to give up.

What's goin' on? Our bodies're glowin'!

No... This is real bad!

Your souls are about to embark on a journey... To a hell of utmost suffering.

What?!

There you will be forced to face your true weakness. In a place from which you will never return.

No! What do we do?!

Just try it, Tsukuyomi! Even if you send us to the ends of the earth, we'll find our way back! Listen up, guys! No matter where ya end up, meet me back here! No matter what...

They have been sent to a space made of their own memories where the most painful things imaginable will seem real. It is one of the worst punishments that exists in Meigoku. It will be interesting to see just how long they last there.

Farewell, humans. The darkness of your sins shall be your companion for all time.

Is this place...really hell? Kuramaru's gone... Were the others sent somewhere else?

...Perfect.

Mom? Dad? When're you coming back?

What's the matter, Sakuya? Afraid you're gonna miss 'em?

N-No! But fighting a sorcerer sounds dangerous, and I'm worried...

We'll be fine. I promise your father and I will be back home before you know it.

Everyone in the village will be looking after you. And don't go causing any trouble just because we're not here to scold you. ...Especially you, Senya.

What's that supposed to mean?!

Haha. That's 'cause you're always pulling pranks!

Tch... Whatever. I promise I'll be good.

How dare you... I will never forgive this world or anyone in it. You will PAY for what you've done... with your lives!

Suzume... Kamome...

Is this the fate of all ninja? In that case, what do we fight for?

Senya... Yahiko... Why? If we'd stayed in the mountains, none of this would've happened...

I'm scared... Someone, please...!

Nyo... This can't be happening...

The Sacred Beast is dead. You are no longer relevant. You are hardly worth exterminating, but we will do so as one last favor.

...Go ahead. I don't have a reason for livin' anyway...

Hey. What are you doing here?

I'm looking for Kaguya, I mean, the female soul that was here. Where did she go?

She's not here anymore. Her soul was destroyed for defying the gods. You should've been assigned your next soul already. Return to your post immediately.

......

No... The Land of Shin would never betray us.

Run, Yukino! There's no hope left for Ito...

Cover your ears! This witch controls people with her song!

Kill the specters! Don't leave a single one alive!

...My song cannot reach anyone...

Huff... Huff...

Akane...

...Forgive me.

There's no one here...

Shion, Akane, Father, Grandfather... My friends, my disciples... No one to even brandish my blade against. There's...nothing.

(Is this Professor Chronos's house?) (Am I...Kyros?)

Eden, can you check on Cecile? Is she sleeping all right?

I'll go look.

She's fine, Mommy. She looks happy. Aw, she's drooling a little.

Thank you, dear. She must be dreaming about something tasty!

Sleep is a little like death. You slip away from the world, unable to say goodbye to the ones you love...

(Is this a dream? It looks just like what I saw back then...) (These are the days when Eden was still around...)

(A phantom!)

Aldo... No. Kyros. Everything you did was for naught. And I will prove it to you.

(No... Stop. Stop it!)

This family will be sucked into the dark dimension and forced to wander through chaos for all time!

(No... No!)

(That voice...!)

...I will fight, so that this tragedy never befalls anyone else!

I can't run away. Not after everything I've learned from my friends!

It's nyot over yet. So long as there are people who believe in me, I'm gonna keep fightin'!

People can change. That's what she taught me.

And I'm gonna grab hold of my destiny with both hands!

...There's always something left. Something I can truly believe in.

...Yes.

I can hear you calling for me...Akane.

I can always make something new.

Life is long, and the world is vast! There's still so much more out there for me!

...You're right. It's always been inside of us. A blade to chase away the darkness!

Ungh... Where am I?

The place where we found Kaguya's soul. Seems everyone made it back whole.

Everything we saw just now was like our own personal hell...

It was so scary, and it felt so...real. I never would've thought it was an illusion.

I was just about to be swallowed whole by the darkness. But then I heard a voice and came to.

Yes. And that voice belonged to...

...This is a surprise.

I did not expect to see all of you return. Are you truly the son of man?

Are ya truly a god seein' as ya don't listen to a damn thing people say? I told ya we'd be back.

Haha! That's the spirit, Senya!

If gods can make mistakes, then it's only natural humans would too.

You must understand by now, Tsukuyomi. Humans are weak. And they make mistakes over and over again.

But it's by overcoming these setbacks that they're able to move forward!

Silence! Just how long do you think I spent watching you humans?!

Your return has changed nothing. Your attacks won't reach me...

What?!

Shion!

It's you!

The tactician? But how?

By hiding in plain sight among the countless other souls here. It is a strategy that can only be pulled off by the deceased. You were deceived quite magnificently.

But perhaps I owe most thanks to your own conceit, in thinking all humans are fools.

I see... So that was your aim from the start. You feigned reaching your limit, then waited for a chance to strike.

Precisely. And while I waited, I made it so that you can no longer read our movements. You sense the movements of souls to predict our actions. So as one myself...

You integrated yourself in order to disrupt the reverberations... A brazen act.

Negotiation IS one of the few skills in which I excel. But more importantly... Will you simply continue to stand there and listen to my story?

What...

A solid strike.

Yes. Now the real fight begins!

When will you humans learn?

If you are so insistent on fighting me, then I will see you punished myself, with the fury of the heavens!

Wh-What's going on?! Why's the ground shakin'?!

Because he's finally gettin' serious.

Then I suppose it would be impolite of me not to do the same.

I have faced him as a tactician until now. But from this moment forth, I do so as a samurai.

Here he comes!

Now you show your true colors. We'll show ya just who's insolent, Tsukuyomi! So prepare yourself!

No... Impossible! How could I be defeated by mere humans?!

Human, god, who the hell cares? Besides, even if humans are supposed to be the retainers or descendants of gods...

That doesn't make us weaker than you!

I tire of your drivel. If humans are indeed gods' descendants... I regret all of you were ever born!

Ngh!

Senya!

What are you doing to him?!

I called out to the souls of those sent here by that cursed child. Do you hear their cries of lament? Does it torment your very soul? As it should, as this is your punishment.

Agh... Aaaaaaagh!

No...! His heart ain't strong enough for this!

I admit that your existence, your curse, was a threat to godkind. You should never have been born, and I will take it upon myself to destroy you!

Shi...on?

I have been taught that a master must take responsibility for his disciples' misdeeds.

Is that so? But you cannot pay for the multitudes of sins this child has committed.

Do not misunderstand me, Tsukuyomi. ...Or perhaps "god of calamity" would be more befitting a deity such as yourself. You are the reason Senya bears his curse, and if you are to call that a sin...

I will bear his sin with him and answer your judgment with my steel!

Shion!

You...!

...Hah!

I couldn't stand by and let you have all the fun, Shion. Hope you don't mind if I join in.

Fugen Itto-Ryu Style... Sword of skill!

C'mon, Shion!

Fugen Itto-Ryu Style... Sword of strength!

Secret Art...

True Dragon Flight Tiger Slash!

Gah...

Shion... Shigure... Heh. I have to admit, that was pretty cool.

Did we win?!

...No, not yet.

I am a god... And you, mere humans... You ought to be wiped from the face of this planet! I will NEVER lose to you!

Senya!

Wha...

Yahiko?! What're you...

You bastard... How dare you lay a hand on my son!

You...!

It's time to use this godly energy on an actual god. Come, Tsukuyomi!

I'm going to have a chat with him. You stay here...

Wait, Yahiko. How'd ya get here? Don't tell me...

...So you figured it out.

I'm sorry, Senya. Izuna. This is goodbye.

What?

I'm sorry for lying to you, Senya. It was hard for me to tell you who I was after I failed as your father in our past life.

...It's fine. Not like I would've believed ya back then anyway.

H-Hold on! What do you mean, "goodbye"?

...Yahiko's dead. He died fightin' Nurarihyon.

N-No... What are you saying...

His wounds appeared to be fine when I went to help him!

I'm sorry, miss. I just made it look that way with the godly energy I had left. But by then, I'd already become a revenant.

...And you took your own life before becoming a specter?

No. I'm a tengu. I died putting up one last fight against those creatures.

You're lying! There's no way you're dead!

...I can't keep that god waiting. I have to go now.

Senya. Izuna. You two will play very important roles in the future of humanity...

But don't worry too much about it. Just enjoy your lives. Got it?

Y-Yahiko...

Yahiko! Nooo, don't go!

Yahiko...

I just realized... When I found out he was my father in our past life...it actually made me really happy.

...I hope Mom and Dad can be happy together, wherever they are.

You certainly took your time, tengu. How dare you keep a god waiting.

God? I don't see one here.

Have you looked in a mirror lately? Your face is contorted with anger... Just like the very people you sought to destroy.

......!

Oho. Perhaps I said too much. Tsukuyomi, I came to ask you to reconsider what you're doing to those humans.

What?

Kaguya stands to be imprisoned in Meigoku for all of time. Meigoku is meant to be a place to punish sinners. But what crime has she committed? All she is guilty of is betraying a god by abandoning a plan she had agreed to carry out.

She also took the lives of the people who killed her children.

You speak of the Kaguya from her past life. You transformed her into a specter soon after she died, before her good and bad deeds had been squared. And besides, she saved far more lives than the ones she took.

......

That makes you the one in the wrong, Tsukuyomi. Can you justify going against the rules of Meigoku for your own interests? Perhaps the true traitor here... Is you, for defying the will of the mother goddess.

To think I'd hear such blasphemy twice in the same day.

Don't you think this is a little unfair? Kaguya was a noble woman who fought with everything she had for this world. And yet she and her son have been forced to bear the weight of humanity's sins... If such an absurdity is considered to be just, then the existence of Meigoku itself is questionable.

You speak in extreme. Without Meigoku, humans cannot atone for their sins.

But you do have a point: I will take that woman's circumstances into consideration. It seems there is room to reconsider the potential of man as well.

Then you promise to close the gates of Meigoku?

What arrogance. Do you think mere words can move a god? I leave the final decision in their hands. Let them show their resolve with their actions.

...Good grief. Something is really wrong when a tengu needs to lecture a god.

That fool of a boy is really putting his old man to work, isn't he, Kaguya?

Hehe. You haven't changed one bit.

And neither have you. You're just as beautiful as the day we met. Meanwhile, I've become a withered old man.

I've been watching you through Kuramaru's eyes. Thank you for looking after Senya. I want you to know how sorry I am for leaving you alone too.

I certainly never thought I'd be looking after him in his next life too.

But...there's no reason for you to apologize. No amount of training could suppress the love a mother has for her child. Even a god couldn't blame you for what you did.

...Thank you.

Shall we be going?

Those voices...

Huh? Did you hear something?

...No. Forget I said anything.

Well, in any case, it's been a while. Maybe Tsukuyomi's not coming back?

I'm right here.

Where's Yahiko?

He returned to the cycle of souls. With Kaguya.

What?!

Did you release Kaguya's soul?

That was the decision reached after reviewing her sentence following that tengu's appeal. She has served enough time and was sent back to the cycle, all as the rules of Order decree.

Yahiko...

So they were able to pass on together... Oh, Kaguya...

Now then, Senya. Kill me. That will close the gate.

What?!

Your blades may have reached me, but it is not enough. To save the world from its fate, show me your resolve is strong, strong enough to slay a god.

...Ugh. Seriously? Do your "rules of Order" decree that too? I don't care if you wanna die, but don't make it our problem.

How dare you... I am giving you an opportunity. Do you not wish to save the world?

If we gotta do it by force, then it's no different than everythin' that got us to this point.

You do it. Save humanity of your own free will.

......

Hmph. Like father, like son.

Very well, Senya, and all those who follow in his will. You have shown me the potential of humanity. And so I will suspend my plan and allow the world to continue as it was.

It seems the time for us to part ways has come.

Yeah... Thanks for coming, though! It was really great getting to fight beside you.

See ya, Tsukiha.

Is everything really back to normal? If I find out you're lyin', you and I are gonna have a purroblem!

...You are a tiresome specter. I should cast you into Meigoku for your irreverence.

As I said, I will suspend my plan. I pray you do not forget the lessons you learned by incurring a god's wrath.

And you called us arrogant!

He's right, though. We haven't really proved anything yet.

Anyway, Tsukuyomi, since you're here... could I ask ya one more thing?

Tsukuyomi said it should be just ahead.

Yes. I think we are getting close.

Then let's keep goin'.

Alright! Our attacks are working!

What?!

This is his true form?!

Don't worry. We got this.

You're really underestimatin' us, Tsukuyomi! We'll show ya just how strong our blades are! C'mon! This is the last battle, give it everythin' ya got, guys!

'Scuse me, Mister Tactician.

Can I help you?

There's somethin' I wanna ask. Accordin' to Meigoku, you're a sinner of the worst kind. Did you choose to take your life with that fact in mind?

I did. Because there was someone I wanted to see no matter the cost.

Your mind's definitely sharper than most, you've still got your body and sense of self. But do you know where you might find this "someone" you're lookin' for?

I have an idea, based on the information I received from both the guards and Tsukuyomi himself. I believe this is the right layer, but I do not know where to go from here. Whether I reach my limit before I find her is for the heavens to decide.

Findin' a certain soul in this vast world is near impossible for a human.

Is that so? Then I need only find a way to overcome such limitations.

...Good grief, you're a stubborn one. Why not just ask for help when you need it, hon? Tsubame told me your story. I know who you're lookin' for.

And?

I can see people's souls and call out to whatever faint memories linger inside of 'em. Which means...

Wait! You can't just wander around here!

What's going on? How did that soul return to its human form?!

Ah...!

Oh! Brother!

What is this place? I heard a woman calling me, and when I came to, this is where I was...

Brother?

...Akane...

Akane!

Brother?! What's wrong? Are you injured?

No... I'm fine.

But I owe you an apology. I thought the further you were from the war, the safer you would be. But if I had kept you with me, then you would still be alive...

......

Do not look so sad, Brother. I may not understand what you mean, but I wish not to see you like this. I made a promise to protect you, so please make me one in return: promise that you will keep me close at all times. Let me fight with you. Let me stay by your side.

Akane, I'm afraid that... It's just not possible. After all, I am already...

I do not want to lose you, Brother. If you are dead, then let me be so too. There is no one dearer to me in this world.

......! Akane, I...!

...Glad I could be of service. Still, he didn't know for sure if he could save her, but he still gave up his life to come here...

Anyway, Tsukuyomi, since you're here... could I ask ya one more thing?

And what might that be?

Before that, pray allow me to interject.

My job here is done, so I shall be on my way.

Where are you going?

To fulfill my true purpose for coming here.

What does that mean? And what "promise" was he talking about?

Before you arrived, he came to me with a proposal.

Yes. My true purpose... Is to bring Akane back to life. If you grant me that, I will be willing to accept any punishment.

Then you have died in vain. As the one in charge of the cycle of souls, I cannot allow any exceptions.

Of course, I am not asking you to do this out of good will. I have an offering prepared, My very soul.

He proposed an equivalent exchange, His soul for hers.

......

...A sacrifice he must have been prepared to make when he drank the poison.

But is that allowed? Would it not go against Order itself?

I refused, of course. But even that was likely part of his plan.

What if I agree never to be reincarnated?

You would throw away all lifetimes ahead of you for the sake of a single family member?

Yes. I do not care if I am never reborn. But in exchange, I ask you to give just one of those lives to Akane. This may go against your rules, but is it not a grand enough sacrifice for even a god to consider?

Are you out of your mind? Doing so would mean you will cease to exist.

Yes, but the countless lives ahead of me are worth nothing compared to the one and only sister I have now.

So then he went to say goodbye to his sister for the last time...

But even if she comes back to life, he will be gone forever...

It may seem like a steep price to pay for some, but I can't imagine it was for him. Shion. Would you agree to the same deal if it meant saving Akane?

Without a second thought. It is a cheap price to pay.

But finding her soul will be near impossible...

Unless he has the help of a guard.

Kagurame. Mind lendin' him a hand?

...You got it.

He was ready to risk it all, huh. Honestly, I can respect that. But I couldn't do it myself, not after what my mom and Yahiko gave up to keep me alive.

...Right.

That's why I've got no choice but to rely on a god this time.

Here me out, Tsukuyomi. What I want is...

I don't get it...

Somethin' wrong?

I'm supposed to be in charge of this soul, but...I got a message from Lord Tsukuyomi saying it's been exempted from punishment. But also that it's not supposed to return to the cycle. I just...can't figure out what it all means.

Yeah, that's on me.

Why don't ya let me handle this? I've already arranged everythin' with Tsukuyomi.

Ah, I see... Then I'll leave it to you.

Alright... You listenin', Tsukuyomi?! We're all good here!

Senya! Just make sure you don't have any regrets!

Yip...

Right. I'll be back.

The Garden of Petals, huh. Gotta hand it to that god. He's got good sense. Or were we the ones who chose this place?

...Yes.

This is where we promised to meet. Although...I guess you might see it a little differently after everything that's happened.

Hah! Got that right.

I can't believe you... Your friend died and you're laughing?

...You leavin'?

Yeah, I am.

Just gonna leave your country behind? Some leader you are.

Hah. I'm not worried. I told you, I know I can leave everything in your hands.

You are my body double, after all.

Tch... Are we doin' this or what?

Yeah, let's.

I used to win without breakin' a sweat, but you've gotten pretty strong.

That's because I never skipped out on my training. I was determined to beat you.

This really brings back memories... We used to do this all the time back then.

Yeah. We'd sneak out of the castle to Inanari Plateau. Ya kept pesterin' me about winnin', so I had no choice but to go with ya.

You know I hate losing.

This is fun, isn't it, Sen? You know, I've been looking forward to this day for a long time.

Yeah? Guess prayin' to a god was worth it for the first time in my life.

You did that for me?

Yeah. So show a little gratitude.

Hah. You're still a terrible liar. But thanks, Sen. I'm really glad I met you.

Same here, Rei.

...I'm glad. It seems it's really happening this time.

Their souls are melting together, one living and one dead. Truly unprecedented. It leaves me no choice but to take exceptional measures.

...Hmph. They certainly seem to be enjoying themselves. I wonder if I will ever understand humans. But could they truly change this hellish world with a blade? Regardless, do your best, souls of creation.

Hnnh... Mrgh...

Calm down, Izunya. You're not the only one who's hungry.

I'm not hungry! I'm worried. I hope Senya's okay. He's been gone a while now...

I'm sure he's fine. This is Senya we're talking about.

The fact that he hasn't returned means he managed to meet with Reimei. I'm sure they have a lot to say to each other.

Yes. And I'm positively jealous. Say, Shion. Since we have some time on our hands, why don't we pick up where we left off earlier?

Have you not had your fill of fighting? Samurai are such strange people.

Truly. Or maybe it's just men who're unruly.

Since Senya isn't around, perhaps I could finally pet Kuramaru...

Yip?!

Tsukuyomi?

I agreed to your request this time, but... Do not forget that I have merely suspended my plan. If you continue to make the same mistakes, I will not hesitate to set it in motion. ...Be sure to tell him when he returns.

Before you go, could you tell me one thing? Why did you grant Senya's wish?

I have no intention of granting wishes as a god. I was simply interested in seeing what would happen. Just like that tactician and that tengu, you humans who would give up your very lives for others and even face a god... You fascinate me.

......

Now, I have said what must be said.

...I suppose that means the real trial for mankind begins now.

Yeah.

Hngh...

Senya!

Yip! Yip!

Did you say everything you wanted to say?

Yeah. Thanks. ...Let's get goin', guys.

......

Ungh...

Good morning, Brother. You sure took your sweet time.

This is...

Ah! What happened to Akane?! And why am I alive?!

Easy there. You don't want to hurt yourself. You just came back from the dead, after all. Take a deep breath or two. You'll want to be calm when you receive your guest.

What are you talking about? What guest?

You can come in now!

Thank you.

......!

I am glad to see you well, Brother.

...No, it is I who should be sorry. But there will be time for that later.

Akane... I am so happy you've returned.

And I am happy to be back.

Well, it seems like the specters are pretty much gone.

And I don't sense those revenants anymore. Seems like everything's calmed down.

...Let's go see how things are in Izana.

Yeah, good idea.

......

Now that I think about it...it all started that day.

Yip?

I'm only gonna say this once, so listen up.

Thanks, Kuramaru. I'm so glad I met ya. ...That was one hell of a journey, wasn't it, buddy?

Yip, yip!

...That's all, sir!

Understood. Please continue with the recovery effort.

Between the population drop from the revenants' disappearance to the rebel army survivors and the people's general anxieties... The damage is so great, I can tell the road to recovery will be a long one.

Yes, but playing life on easy mode isn't for everyone.

Besides, we've got time, thanks to you and Senya.

I told you not to slip into the castle unannounced. What if the guards see you? ...Are you leaving the country again?

I am, and I don't intend to be back for a while.

I wanted to help rebuild the dojo, but Akane wouldn't let me. If I had it my way, I'd make it into a fine landmark, the likes of which would be a hit with women and children alike.

...Before you go, tell me something.

I asked one of my ninja to concoct a deadly poison. One that I later drank. Yet somehow, I am still alive.

......

So whatever I drank obviously did not kill me, but put me into a state of suspended animation.

And you are the one who gave that concoction to my ninja, claiming it to be a lethal poison. Is that correct?

...More or less.

Do you have any idea how poorly that could've gone?!

I fully intended to take my own life so that I could negotiate with a god.

If he suspected me of faking my own death, it could have ruined everything. Yet you...

Okay, enough! I get it! I'll be sure to get you exactly what you order next time!

With that said, I must be going. Look after Akane while I'm out, Brother.

...Safe travels, Lord Shigure. And thank you for your help.

I must also give that other Akane my thanks. If it weren't for her coming to see me in that cell, I never would have had the courage to take on a god.

Now then, back to work.

Next is... Ah, yes. The arrangements for the unveiling of our new lord.

Good grief, the man sure can preach.

My cunning gamble saved his life. Would a simple "thank you" be too much to ask for?

But...I don't understand. Master Shion has already stopped breathing. It's too late to revive him now.

Don't be so hasty. We can't declare him dead just yet. That "poison" is a special formula from a foreign country, one which kills 90% of those who drink it. The other 10% survive.

This is a gamble, and I bet that Brother will return alive with Akane in tow.

But the odds are extremely low, sir.

Oh, don't be silly. Do you have any idea how much that man cares for his little sister?

If he manages to find her on the other side, he will be back, of that I'm certain.

...Heh, I know I sounded like a man convinced, but I never expected him to wake up like that.

Ah, Brother truly is the best of men! It was so much fun, not only did I get my money's worth, I even turned a profit!

Now then, off to see the world again!

......

Are you sure you don't need my help?

Yes. I agreed to inherit the dojo, after all. You have your own path, and I am certain the late grandmaster and the one before him would want you to follow it.

Haha! What a twist, being chased from my own home by my future partner! In that case, I will focus my full attention on expanding the Fugen Company as its president.

I leave the dojo in your capable hands, Akane. When I return, let us visit their graves together.

I would like that.

I know I said I did not need his help, but... Where do I even begin?

It's you!

And you are...?

You needn't worry. It is the duty of samurai to protect people.

Hm?

Oh, I was just wondering how I might go about rebuilding the dojo...

I see... I would appreciate that. I do not think I could manage it on my own.

The grounds look good as new now thanks to all those people who helped rebuild. Because of them, I can now embark on my own journey.

The Sacred Beast is steadily regaining its power. The last loose thread is poor Nekoko. Do not worry, my girl. I will find you, wherever you may be...

Ah...!

Nekoko, you've returned. Welcome home!

Kamome! We're all done!

Oh yeah? Great job, you two!

This village is gonna be back on its feet before we know it.

...Thank you, Suzume. And Kamome.

I don't feel so lonely with everyone around.

Chihiro...

You will never have to worry about feeling lonely ever again.

Tsubame!

A little late, aren't ya? Not that I'm complaining... I got these two all to myself.

Welcome back, Tsubame.

Thank you. It is good to be back.

...I'm home. I made it back in one piece. The mountain's never been this quiet before. It's actually...kinda lonesome.

But it'll be okay. Everyone said they'd come visit, and... He did tell us to enjoy our lives. So I'm gonna go down and see the humans more often and learn even more about 'em!

So...

YAHIKOOO! Are you listenin'?! I'm gonna be just fine! You don't have to worry about me one bit, okay?!

...And thanks for everything. See ya in the next life.

No one's here... Not the snowmen nor the other villagers... Did they all disappear because I took too long getting home?

What do you think you're doing?

I don't need any surprises!

Sigh... You all have some weird ways of expressing gratitude.

But thank you, truly, for protecting the village in my absence.

Made it back to our own world.

Yeah. It felt like were gone forever, but it wasn't really that long.

I still have no idea what you guys were up to in that other world, but...

Did you do what you needed to do?

I wish I could say. But we did a great many things on our journey.

And I think the memories we got out of it will pair very nicely with a drink or two.

It was the cat's pajamas! I saved the Sacred Beast and fulfilled my role. I couldn't have asked for a more purrfect journey!

There's a lot to unpack, but...

I'm glad we were all able to move forward.

How about you, Shion?

I...

I see. So the Akane from this world...

Is alive and well again? Yes, exactly. I owe you and your friends a debt of gratitude. You raised the odds of my gamble quite splendidly.

...No, it is I who should be thanking you.

I will say that I left nothing undone in that world.

Are you sure about that? You seemed reluctant to say goodbye.

No. This is our world. This is where we belong.

Are you saying that out of loyalty to that scumbag?

Yes. I must fulfill my oath. That has not changed.

But...the methods in which I carry it out just may.

......

What's the matter, Akane? You look upset.

I...I'm not upset! It's not like there's something I really wanted to do with Shion or anything!

......

Hahaha! Go on, Shion!

We're already horrendously late to Grandfather's birthday party. A few more minutes will hardly make a difference.

I wanna fly too! When you're done, could I give it a try?

Since I'm here, I'd like to see it for myself.

Please, Aldo...

I will only say this once, but I am not riding a kite. I will help get it into the air, though.

That's fine with me! Let's go over there!

I guess we'll never know just who called us to that world.

Maybe it was some god here who wanted to stop Tsukuyomi's plan? ...Nah, I'm probably overthinking it.

...Eh, I suppose thinking about it is pointless.

Hey, wait for me!

There he is! Over there!

Ugh, you tryin' to bore me to death?

C'mon, Kuramaru. Let's make a run for it!

Yip, yip!

Phew... I think we lost 'em. Bet they'll never find me here.

Hey, Senya!

What's the hold up? I thought you were never gonna show!

Sorry. I wasn't expectin' to get chased all over town. So, is everyone here?

Pretty much.

They're all waitin' over there!

Feels like it's been a while since it was this lively, huh, Kuramaru?

Yip! Yip!

Haha, havin' fun already? Ya did look pretty sad when we had to say goodbye.

...I wonder what's takin' him so long. From what those guards said, it sounded like he already left. Can't believe they mistook me for him, even when I was in disguise.

Is it really that surprising? I mean, we're originally two sides of the same coin, shadow and light.

......!

What took ya so long? We've been waitin' for ya, Your Lordship.

Ready to go?

Yip!

You're really leaving?

There's no one after you anymore. You could even live here if you wanted.

Yeah, but settlin' down in a town just ain't for me. Besides, there's nothin' to do here, 'cept be some borin' ol' body double.

Still the same old Senya...

Do you even know where you're going?

Nope. But that's how it's always been.

'Cept I was out for revenge before, but now I'm gonna find out what I can do with this sword.

So, I'm leavin' this country in your hands. Got it, Your Lordship?

Oh, stop calling me that. I want to be able to forget that title when I'm talking to you.

Besides, you should be thanking me for standing at the helm. This is where YOU were supposed to be, you know. At least, that was the intention when I became a revenant.

Don't make me laugh. Can ya imagine me tryin' to rule a country?

You're the right man for the job. Don't you agree, Kuramaru?

Right now, this country is gravely wounded. People are grieving the families they lost and are terrified after what happened with the revenants... They're mad at this crazy world we live in. It'll take a long time until they're able to move forward again.

Yeah, but we can't stand still, right?

...Right.

Farewell, Senya.

...Yeah. See ya.

(...Senya. I took half of your life from you.) (But I will live on, carrying the weight of that sacrifice.)

(Rei, it only cost half my life to bring you back into this world.) (And it's a sacrifice I'm damn proud of.)

Sen!

I'm going to keep training so that next time we meet, we can settle this once and for all!

...Heh. It's a promise!

(Let's grow stronger together, Sen. So even if we're apart...) (We'll both keep moving forward, through the days and nights ahead.)

Alright. Where to next? ...Guess it doesn't really matter, huh.

C'mon, buddy. Let's go!

Yip! Yip!