The Different Story of Ushi Gozen's Home

Phew! Oh man, that simulation today totally kicked ass!

Not as cool as the real Rayshifts though... Riding the Golden Bear into the winds...

Well, can't complain much. Mash and Doc, thanks for your help!

Oh, not a problem. Just let me know whenever you want to run a battle simulation again.

I can do it between system adjustments, and Fujimaru can gain combat experience too.

I can learn a lot from these simulations as well. Thank you very much, Kintoki.

Fighting Gazers and ultra-large ghosts back to back... It was a good training for me to practice my defense.

Right! Hit me up again sometime, Boss!

Damn, you're right. I didn't known the sun has gone down already. It's pretty late now.

I mean, you can't see outside from here. And you can only pick day or night on the simulator thing.

Sorry about that. Circumstances prevent us from expending too many resources.

No prob. Losing yourself in a fight is a man's joy. Getting home late isn't anything to get mad about.

？！

...Oh, you two. As your mother, your actions are making me sad.

Not just Kintoki, but Fujimaru, as well... What were you doing, wandering around at this hour?

Swinging swords and axes about, running around the countryside until you forget the time, no doubt...?

I won't blame you for being energetic and naughty... Why? Because I love you. Yes, I love you very much!

I think you two are so adorable I just want to squeeze you. I mean it... Like this♡

Hey, quit getting smoochy all the time! I ain't a kid anymore, Boss Raikou!

Oh, what are you saying? You're still just a big kid.

You coming home this late without telling me proves it... Do you understand why I'm sad?

Um, well... Because I kept Boss Fujimaru running around?

I am kinda sorry for battling all day. I mean, I do feel bad for coming back this late...

Forgive us, Raikou. The battle simulation dragged on a little too long...

You've done nothing wrong, Mash. Please pay it no mind.

Kintoki was probably so caught up in it that you didn't want to mention the time, right?

It's always this way. Kintoki with his likable smile, leading friends down the path of dallying.

The most diligent person will nod unquestioningly and end up carousing and rabble-rousing all night...

Kintoki is free to cause himself harm, but a samurai should never cause trouble to others.

As the one responsible for his education, it always pains my heart when he does so...

(Yes, Senpai. Is this what you'd call the embodiment of motherhood?)

(Y-Yes, I have a feeling it does...!)

？！

Kintoki, do you understand why I'm saying all this? You do, don't you? Don't you?

(Yeah, what's the big deal? I got home before midnight. I swear to the Thunder God, I didn't do nothin' bad.)

Kintoki!

Yikes! Uh... Well... You see... It's not like I don't understand... I'm sorry, I guess...

V-Very sorry, I guess...

...Kintoki, can you look me in the eye and say it?

...Sorry. I mean it. For missing dinner...

？！

I totally forgot. That's right, today it was your turn to cook.

Come to think of it, Raikou was in the kitchen with Emiya and Boudica.

I help out in there too, when I have the time.

For those dear to you, capture their stomachs first, hearts second... this is such a useful class!

Yes, you may be right.

？！

Do you understand, Kintoki? Fujimaru?

I am not angry about the fact that you did not eat the food I cooked.

Of course I'm angry, just a bit. I only broke about three cutting boards, so you can relax.

Oh, um, I didn't mean that...

It's just, I so carefully made the things you like, so carefully with much effort and love,

and I was so looking forward to you enjoying it, and telling me...how good...it tasted...

...and then, to be treated so cruelly... (Sniff)

I didn't make her cry! Besides, you're guilty too, Boss!

H-Hey, say something nice to her, Boss... I'm terrible at this stuff when she gets like this...

？！

(Sniff) Be silent.

It's cruel, honestly... This means both of you habitually forget about eating meals, don't you?

Rayshift this, simulator that...

Ember this, Ascension materials that... Tearing around on the disciplined Bear...

Are you not aware that you are one of my Four Heavenly Kings and my Master? Why can't you just compose yourselves?

Well? Look at me in the eyes and answer my questions.

Whoa, a full-on bow!? That's one hell of an apology, Boss! Bravery!

I'm just as sorry, Raikou. It was my bad.

Hey, hey, Master, hold on... Now I'm the only one makin' an apology!

？！

...For heaven's sake. You're both still such children.

Playing hard is fine under these circumstances. But, in return, eat well and sleep well. Understood?

C-come on, I said I'm not a little kid...

NO.

No, a mother mustn't neglect her child's health. Kintoki, it seems I need to make it extra clear to you.

So, why don't I stay by your bedside tonight telling you until you fall asleep.

Of the knowledge you must have as my child. Of what you must always obey. And just how precious you are to your mother, to me!

Oh, I know all that stuff already. Heard it so many times, it's in one ear and out the other.

You know what, I'm already drained from all the training today. I'll hear you out tomorrow, so just let me go today!

...

How could you... Your mother so wishes to speak to you for the first time in a while...

Do you hate me, Kintoki...? (Sniff)

Tell me, Kintoki... Where am I failing as a mother?

Perhaps the reason you didn't eat the rice balls that I made...was because you hated your mother so...

？！

Are you on her side now, Boss!?

That's right... Not only did Raikou make dinner, she golden waited for Kintoki...

Yes... That's right... (Sniff)

All right! All right! Lecture me all night if you want!

...!

Really, Kintoki! Mother is so happy! Then, I'll prepare lots of midnight snacks before giving you a lecture.

...Wow, seriously?

Amazing. A man of unrivaled power who rides the Bear can be treated like a little kid.

I'd heard Raikou was like a parent to Kintoki, it looks like it's true.

Mothers are distinguished.

Yes, Senpai. It's a rather heartwarming scene.

？！

Oh, Fujimaru. Why are you talking like an outsider?

Once Kintoki's gone to bed, it'll be your turn, of course.

Wait in your room and don't fall asleep. Am I clear?

Hee hee, very well. Until later, then.

Of course it would. Then, until later.

？！

Oh... Story time with your mother as you go to sleep... An ancient Japanese education style!

How the elderly have spare ti I mean, a sense of duty.

It's not just Kintoki. She considers Fujimaru to be her child as well.

...Are you still awake?

Ah, good. I'm sorry. It took time getting Kintoki to bed.

He kept begging me to get out, and it made me sad... Tears welled in my eyes...

Actually, I may have shed a few...

In the end, he understood his mother's feelings. I'm sure he'll be a good boy.

Yes. Now, you're next.

Oh I don't think so. Hee hee, I just got here.

？！

You can stay lying down in bed. I'll just sit here... Yes, right at your bedside.

Oh... Is this the first time you're being put to sleep?

When he was a child, I'd do this for Kintoki. It's a distant, nostalgic memory, and yet here we are again.

It's a cherished goal of elders to watch everyone grow. Although tonight, I've come to lecture you as well.

I don't like having to scold you for naughty behavior. Please understand that.

However, there will always be someone caring about you, worrying about you.

I just want you to know that. Think of that person, and don't make them sad.

Hee hee, is it me?

Hee hee hee...

？！

...Oh I know, let me tell you a little story.

Being naughty doesn't matter. Having an excess of energy is also adorable.

However, if you think only of yourself, and end up disregarding others...

You'll surely make someone sad. And sometimes, blood gets spilled over it.

For example...

Yes, once upon a time... there was a girl.

A heaven-sent girl born to the gods Kitano-Tenjin and Gozu-Tenno.

After staying in her mother's womb for 3 years and 3 months, she was born in the year, day, and hour of the Ox.

The girl, named Ushi Gozen, was born with fangs, long hair, and eyes that shone like the morning sun.

In other words, an oni's child had been born in the capital.

...

That was what they called children born with odd appearances in ancient Japan.

？！

Since she's an oni's child and not regarded as a human, her father, a samurai, ordered people to have her killed...

But her mother took pity, and left her at a temple in the distant land of Yamato.

Raised in secrecy, the girl grew stronger than any human, having strength of a god.

Naturally, for she was a demigod, as shown by Kitano-Tenjin in a dream when the mother conceived the child.

The girl grew up not knowing this. Only that her father was a renowned samurai in the capital.

And so, at age 15, a messenger from the capital came to the temple.

The messenger spoke. The father wished the girl to return.

Overjoyed, she returned to the capital. ...And there, she was given a new name.

You are the eldest child of the Genji clan. Thus you shall be given proper armor and weaponry...

Make sure your endeavors do not bring shame to the family. Slay all those who dare defy the capital.

Depending on your service, you may someday lead Genji.

...Yes, Father.

Without hesitation, I will assail the traitors. If ordered, I will become an oni.

Not an oni. You are my child, a human child, my eldest who carries the proud blood of Genji.

Minamoto-no-Raikou. That is your new name. Never, ever forget that.

I will not. I shall strive to slay traitors as one of Genji!

...The girl killed many enemies.

Those born of men and not of men. Wielding her supernatural strength, the girl slayed many enemies.

Really, so many were killed. Rarely did she meet the sunset unbathed in blood.

Kill, kill, kill, kill, and kill some more...

She abided by her father's words. So that one day she will lead the Genji.

And then, eventually, amidst the battles...

She realized she had trusted friends and a loving family, a younger brother, next to her.

？！

...

Comrades. Family. There really was... Nothing else that could equal them.

However... One day, the girl had a thought.

Was there meaning in her distinguished service? Wasn't it all for naught?

Her comrades praised her. Her students showed her dazzling smiles, too.

Still. Once born an oni's child...

Could she ever truly lead the Genji? Would she be truly accepted?

By her father, by those of her house, by the people of the city. By the humans...

...She was afraid. Though she was stronger than anyone.

Did he? Not only was she born a woman, she was also an oni's child.

If only she'd been a man, a genuine human... How much better it would have been... That was her thought.

She understood that she was oblivious in that quiet country temple.

By staying in the human crucible of the capital for even a short while, she realized how they feared anything strange.

？！

...The girl decided. She would now live up to her father's expectations.

To escape her days of fighting traitors and move onto the center stage of history.

And to do that... She would have to kill herself.

She tried to cut loose her demonic nature and deformity, along with her former name.

？！

...Yes.

Boss! I know you can hear me, Boss Raikou!

I don't get this! I see no reason why we now need to head to Azuma-no-Kuni!

...What is it, Kintoki.

The area around the Asakusa River is empty wilderness. Why would a Genji general leave the capital to go there?

Even onis and spiders don't go out there. And then there's you.

You've been acting weird lately. How to put it... Almost absent-minded...

You just look at me in a daze, frozen, at least twice or thrice a day. It's weird.

Weird...?

Nothing's changed about me. Your mother's still the next leader of the Genji clan, who still loves you.

...Forever and ever.

She must... be...

Hey, Boss! I'm not finished talking yet!

And so...

In Azuma-no-Kuni, far from the capital, the girl fought against herself. At first, through deep meditation.

After an intense battle, the demonic nature within her... Ushi Gozen was finally awakened.

She separated from the girl's body, manifesting as an incarnation of Gozu-Tenno.

Yes. And so began their battle to the death.

Oh, I know of that. It's, you know, what ninjas use in stories from the generations born after me, right?

No, this was different. A single girl, completely divided in two...

And then fighting to the death.

？！

Ushi Gozen manifested truly as a ravaging demigod. The skies blew, lightning crashed, the earth split.

In order to kill it, she and her comrades attacked "herself."

...It truly was a foolish act.

And the foolish girl finds out. The foolish conclusion of one who could only see herself.

Behaving without consideration for others, injuring her beloved child...

Making the child she least wanted to sadden feel so much sadness...

...(Sniff)

Mother has never regretted anything as much as that. Such a sad, sad...

Nothing is worse than that. Honestly...

That's why... I never want you to feel that...

...Oh? Fujimaru?

Well, you've fallen asleep. In the middle of my lesson. Bad child.

Still... Perhaps this is for the best.

You ended up not seeing my embarrassing tears. That would have made the lecture pointless.

Heh, how adorable you look asleep. So defenseless. I want to poke your cheeks.

I almost want to hug you tight and use you as a pillow.

But... You're tired from your late training. I'll refrain from my selfishness.

With that, for tonight, have a good night, Fujimaru.

...You're finally here. It's your turn now, Boss!

I've been waiting, Boss. For once, I can't handle things alone.

Yeah, you definitely fell asleep! You're asleep now!

Yup, exactly like I hoped.

？！

It's where a Master and Servant are linked in a dream. This is a dream. A really dangerous dream.

Although, it's not my dream. Well, maybe I've dreamed about this...

But this is Boss Raikou's dream.

And we're nearly at the scene where the Ushi-Oni, some of the most formidable enemies in her stories, show up.

The Ushi-Oni are pretty strong enemies, but this is the biggest of the big ones!

Ushi Gozen... The manifestation of Raikou's demonic side.

？！

When this happened in the past, I stopped it. Well, kinda stopped it, but it turned out all right.

Boss Raikou, you see... tried to kill her demonic side, which manifested as Ushi Gozen.

Old story, she got her priorities backwards. You can cut part of yourself away, but it's still you.

What happens if you kill yourself? You die, right?

？！

Yeah. She was worrying and suffering all by herself.

She chose to die as a human by killing the oni side of herself.

I objected. Despite her screaming, despite her cries for me to let her die.

Did I tell you what happens after that? I beat up Raikou and stopped the fight.

Right. Well, that's how it went.

Ushi Gozen vanished. We never saw her again.

It's not something I like to talk about... Anyway, I stopped Raikou from killing herself.

Screaming at her, telling her not to be a fool. Down on my knees begging her, pathetically sobbing.

In the end, Ushi Gozen surrendered. She willingly got hit by my lightning and passed out.

Literally stunned herself. Ushi Gozen hasn't appeared since.

？！

But, this time things are going differently. You need to fight her. As Raikou's Master.

To see if you can accept Minamoto-no-Raikou, you must confront Ushi Gozen, the one usually dormant within her!

？！

Good! I'll help you as much as I can!

I see, it's you. My new child.

Admirable that you would amiably arrive here with Kintoki. However, hmm. Simply no good.

You're just a human. Hearing you'll save the world, I wondered how much of a monster...

...a hero with demon blood you would be, yet you're merely a child with slight knowledge of sorcery.

Raikou is a troublesome one as well. Since we can't choose our parents, we should at least choose our children.

You say some cruel things ya know. The avatar of Gozu-Tenno sure is a dangerous fella.

But you're not all that cool or golden!

Don't underestimate us, or you'll get burned! He is a great Master, who can bond with gods, onis, and humans!

Is that so? Well, well, how impressive.

How do you do, dear child of man. It's not been long... but how was it being at my side?

I think nothing. Hee hee hee.

No way humans and oni can understand each other.

You're honest. Well, I doubt you would understand.

？！

Let me show you. What sort of being Raikou is, what I am. How frightening an oni, a demon, an aberration can be.

Show me your power! My child! Show me power worthy of being the child of Ushi Gozen...

To me, master of heaven's vengeance! If you even have a piece of ash left of you after being embraced in my arms!

If so, I shall love you! While crying a flood of tears for my sake!

Ha, sick story! Quite the cool beauty we have here! Here she comes, Boss!

Take this seriously! This may be a dream, but if she cooks you, you're done!

I dunno about Authority and stuff, but an angry god is a dangerous being that breaks all the rules!

All right! We'll hit her, full throttle! We'll knock the Monster of Id back down the well!

Am I? That's not golden! Okay, once we deal with this, take your time and teach me!

？！

Okay, let's slam her! Engine, full power. Let's go with the non-stop Golden Drive!

Ah... Good morning, Fujimaru.

It's a fine morning. I don't know what it's like outside, but it's a wonderful day for Rayshift.

What's wrong? Why are you staring at me like that...

Heh heh, your sleepy eyes are adorable, too. Breakfast is ready.

Mash helped out, too. She's a good girl. Nothing like those terrible insects.

Oh, but listen to this. I couldn't believe it but... Kintoki helped out this morning, too!

My, my, look at him go... It's enough to make a mother shed tears of joy!

Actually, I did shed a few...!

？！

Yes?

What are you saying? I accepted you as my Master long ago.

？！

I don't know what you mean...

If I hadn't, I wouldn't be taking such good care of you. Didn't you realize that?

Now then, go wash your face. I don't mind bringing you a basin and a towel.

...If you don't mind overprotectiveness, I won't hold back.

？！

...Hee hee hee.