Kintoki's Oni Slaying at Mt. Ooe

Um, a clean...up?

Yah. Just a little business I've gotta do. I need Boss to come along with me.

Won't take long. It'll be a breeze.

Alright! That's my Boss! You get me!

You're going to Rayshift instead of using the training simulator, correct? What for?

You'll see soon. Mash, come on, let's do a cool golden shift!

？！

Here's the specific coordinates. Right here.

Oh, you wrote it down? All right then, let's

!?

Th-this place... A short-term Rayshift may be possible if it's not for a Holy Grail investigation... But...

But I've taken all possible measures to prepare for this. You're going to THAT era, after all.

Da Vinci! Oh, so you know already.

Yup. Kintoki came to talk to me about it last night. He seemed to have really given this some thought, which is not at all like him.

I ain't thinkin' too much about it. I just got feverish for half a day mullin' over it, that's all!

Y'all hate long explanations, right? So I just cut to the chase. Got a problem with that!?

No. But if you can at least tell us your reasoning...

？！

...Oh right, Senpai. We are Rayshifting to the B.C. era.

There ya have it! And I told ya it was for a cleanup job. Gotta take care of a family matter.

Yo, Fuuma! If you're there, come on out! The more Servants, the better!

...Impressive, Lord Kintoki. You've detected me...

As an Assassin, I am quite ashamed of this. But even my skills are no match for the legendary Lord Kintoki.

(Uh... Well, I just took a shot in the dark in case he was there... Lucky I said something.)

Whatever. That's my golden luck, I tell ya! We've gained a great ally!

Countin' on ya, Fuuma! Yo, Mash. Gimme a big-ass golden shift, got it!?

Senpai...

？！

Right, Senpai. Understood. Rayshifting to the B.C. era, before the end of the battle at the Demonic Front!

Sorry Mash, I need your help on my end. Like I said before, I'll have to do all I can to prove Fujimaru's existence.

Y-yes. I, Mash Kyrielight, shall support you with all I have!

Senpai, please come back safe! And don't forget your scarf!

Fooou!

Oh, Fou!? I was wondering where you'd gotten to... What are you doing in the circle...? Ah!

Foufou fooou!

Kyaaau!

Fooou...

？！

We're on...a mountain? And it looks quite steep.

Thankfully, there is a path. Whether climbing up a mountain or going down one, the presence of a path is of the utmost importance.

？！

That's right, Senpai. You've been there before. That's Mt. Ebih, the sacred mountain tied to Ishtar's myth.

Last time we, um...fought against some aesthetically disastrousI mean, very strong demonic statues there.

Well, looks like they ain't around. And if they are, we'll just haveta take care of 'em!

Please proceed with caution, Lord Kintoki. Those particular statues' kicks were beyond powerful...

They were more destructive than a low-tier Servant's Noble Phantasm. They were certainly dangerous.

Well, yeah. Either way, if they do show up, it's not like we'll be able to just tiptoe arou

Hm? Wait a moment. Those statues over there... Are they the ones you fought?

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...She should be a goddess who governs beauty, so why were they so hideous?

Unless the sense of beauty in the Age of Gods was very different than what we're used to...

Fou, fooou.

Hm?

Are looks that important? Don't bother me much.

Are you speaking only about how a demonic statue looks? Or...

Demonic statues, humans, tsuchigumo, it doesn't matter. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Regardless of outward appearance, there's good, and then there's evil.

Strong folks're strong, and weak ones are weak. Some folks joke around, and some are serious.

...There are even some who are beautiful, but scary at the same time.

Oh, my. There's no need to speak so harshly.

Why say such a thing when they're so adorably sweet. Don't you agree, heehee? This goddess of Sumer has wonderful taste.

...That voice!

I-I'm sorry, she told me to keep my mouth shut! One more Servant Rayshifted with you!

But I didn't expect... No, she is approaching along with what looks like several hostile responses!

Shuten-Douji! You said you wanted to help Senpai!

Heehee. Mash, don't be so harsh with me. I didn't do this maliciously.

Three giant demonic statues incoming! And on one of their shoulders...that's...Shuten-Douji...!

I saw these cuties lying around, so I gave them a sip of my wine.

I did nothing wrong. I didn't turn it to poison like when I release my True Name. It's just wine.

All I did was offer it to them.

Heehee, they're so energetic. Look. Their arms, legs, and bodies are all so puffed up.

If they're connected to the gods, see, it's only logical for them to spring to life or grow stronger.

It's the Divine Wine... The Shinpen Kidoku! That's the oni's godly poison!

B-but according to legend, it's only supposed to strengthen humans! I've never heard of any godly beings getting stronger...!

Zip it, boy. All we gotta do is smash 'em to pieces.

I don't care how pretty their faces are or how beautiful their skin is. I got business at the end of that mountain trail!

They'll be a good warm-up! Yo, Boss! We only just Rayshifted, and already we got a golden battle on our hands!

？！

Let's do this!!!

Oh, my. But those were three godly oni

How disappointing. Heehee. I see you are strong as ever, golden-haired, blue-eyed brat.

...Shut up. The hell're you doin' here, anyway?

Wait, Kintoki! Shuten-Douji really does want to help you and Master out!

She voluntarily Rayshifted. She said she wanted to head out quickly, even if it could be dangerous.

Even for a tough Servant like her, a hastened Rayshift makes it very hard to maintain her existence.

Even then, she

That ain't somethin' praiseworthy. That thing there's an oni. No matter how human she acts, she ain't.

Oh, how could you be so cruel? You shouldn't say such a thing just because of how I look.

Ain't your looks. Not one bit. I'm sayin' it based on what's underneath.

...Heehee, like he's checking out my underthings...

So, what? Want to keep at it until we die? I'm game, brat.

Lord Kintoki. Unnecessary combat...

I know. She may be an oni, but she's still Boss's Servant. Besides, I'm not the leader of this marching troupe.

Boss, I'm leaving the decision to you. I'll play along.

All right. Can't complain if Boss says so. Let's get goin'.

...You serious, Boss? That thing there's quite a headache.

Actually, I had the same hunch... I guess... Well, at least I ain't the only one, then.

？！

What, what? Quit your whispering!

Let me in! Me too, me too! Right, Master?

Too close! Don't you get near me...or Boss!

Heehee. Oh, come on. What a wicked thing to say.

... (Gasp!) My mother's intuition is telling me something bad will happen!

Something that will sadden this mother, something shameful and wanton... Somewhere...

Could another pest...be bothering Master or Kintoki...?

Yes, yes, snap out of it. Pay attention when you're holding a knife.

You were the one who wanted to learn how to cook dishes from various countries and eras. You need to concentrate.

Got it? Right now, we're the teachers, and you're the student.

Y-yes. My apologies, teacher. What was I thinking...?

Ready? Then let's move on to the next step. Though I have to admit, your knife skills are impressive.

It's something of a unique technique, but in the end things are cut properly, so I really shouldn't criticize.

No, no. We should be warning her about that, don't you think?

Slicing ingredients by throwing them into the air is...you know...probably not ideal.

Yeah... That's no good. Let's start over, with the basics.

Right. Then let's begin with the proper handling of a knife.

...Yes, I have a bad feeling about this.

Foufou, fou. Kyuuu.

I don't want to think about what's awaiting us when we return to Chaldea... No, no, it's just a wild hunch...

Look at this. It's like a harem of my very own.

I have a golden-haired, blue-eyed brat to my right. I have Master on my left. Ready to take me from behind, a red-eyed boy.

I have good wine. All I need is a moon in the sky above, watching over it all...

I can't ask for anything more. Heehee, what do you think? Why not spend a night with me like this?

You know, take me out. The red-eyed boy may look innocent, but in truth he is a savage.

He has a kunai ready to slip between my ribs if I do anything silly.

Or maybe he has a thing for me? Yours may be a bit diluted, but we are still of the same blood. Let's be friendly.

N-no. I was simply admiring... (She's not wrong about me watching her, though...)

That's my Boss! Hit her where it hurts! Tell her you ain't listening to her hogwash!

Oh, you two meanies are no fun. Well then, how about you? Kotarou, was it?

Why not relax a bit? You are all so busy all the time. It wouldn't kill you to take it easy once in a while.

？！

No. Staying here too long would be dangerous. We must do what we came here to do, and return immediately.

That's a sound argument. Now, floor it. We're almost at the summit.

Fou, fooou!

Yeah, you're right. A long stay's a no-go since it's a short-term Rayshift.

We just came here to get some cleanup done. Nothing more, nothing less. Let's get this over with.

From what I heard, the history of the Singularity after the Grail gets retrieved is different.

Yes. The irregularities that occur in a Singularity do not get properly recorded into human history.

However, based on what King Gilgamesh said, they don't get entirely undone, either...

Right. It doesn't completely go away. It's not like tears and screams can just be erased.

Besides. If bad things are left behind, they might have an effect on the periods that come after.

That's what this cleanup is about. Just a little finishing touch on the Demonic Front. We gotta put a stop to the misdeeds of any family members who might be affiliated with us!

Affiliated with us? That means...

Oh. How very odd.

...Got a problem with that?

No. I'm not sure what, but something in my chest... See, hold out your hand. Right or left side, doesn't matter. See?

Huh!?

Cop a feel of my chest. Oh, Master. Master. I want Master to do it. See?

Boss, she'll eat you up. You better stop.

That's the right answer. She'll eat you right up if you just grope at her.

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Oh don't say that! I wouldn't just eat Master! Probably. Maybe.

Wh-what do you mean maybe!?

What the brat said just triggered me. I didn't know he thought about me that way, and so I...

And so it made me a bit peckish and eating a human or two would be just the thing. My bad.

I was serious, but not serious. Heehee. I'm sure Master won't understand.

Please don't just eat us on a whim! Shuten-Douji is exactly what I had heard... Truly wicked, even for an oni!

That's right. She's an oni. Ain't no two ways about it, she's nothin' like a human.

Oni live as oni. They kill as oni. They live their lives however they want and don't change for anyone.

They ain't just mere beasts. They got some things in common with humans, but you better believe they ain't human!

That's probably why things turned out the way they did here. They don't give a rip what happens to human history.

Teehee. You understand us well.

How strange. The brat should be human, but...

He understands us so well. More than a certain someone who would do just about anything for the promise of chocolate.

You sure know what we're all about.

You guys weren't exactly subtle, either. Even if it's something you like, you destroy it. Kill. Backstab.

Enemy signals up ahead! I detect multiple large magical energy responses, Senpai!

...They've finally made their appearance. Boss, let's have at 'em!

...?

...Who goes there?

This mountain is mine. You don't seem to know what happens to those who trespass.

I shall shred your bodies and devour your flesh. I shall gnaw at those bones of yours and toss them away!

I am this mountain's master. I am also the leader of the very first group of bandits!

？！

She's...! Ibaraki-Douji, one of the seven Servants summoned by King Gilgamesh!

According to Chaldea's records about the Seventh Singularity, her whereabouts were unknown. But who would have thought...!

Oh, it's you. You're that nasty king's friend!

No, wait. Aren't you the red-eyed boy? Did you finally decide to work for me?

Haha, I knew it! You finally realized that I am a much better master to serve than that stupid king!

Tomoe was terrifying, but you're acceptable! As a foreign oni, let's rain terror on this kingdom together!

...Um, I hate to say this, but this is the first time we've met. The "me" that you're talking about is different than "me."

What? Hmmmm, now that you mention it, you smell different. Are you a ghost or something?

No matter. I'll say it again: I won't obey anyone!

I'm an oni, the master of this mountain! Tell your king that the king of oni rules here!

Uruk's king is not around anymore. He completed his task and died. He pulled back at the right time.

As for you... Well, I know you don't care about human history.

I bet you didn't form any bonds with the King of Heroes, so you don't feel any obligation to anyone.

Which means you just have to live on as an oni. And while that may work for you...

Quit roosting on someone else's mountain! You're the oni of Mt. Ooe! Master of the ten raging flames!

Wh-what!? Why do you talk like you know me?

You may not know, but we know, you idiot!

Now, now, she's still being true to who she is, so don't blame her.

Right, Ibaraki? Is being on a different mountain really that fun?

That form, that voice... Could it be Shuten? Shuten-Douji!? Wh-why are you here?

Is this an illusion? A dream? No, no. Looking closer, the big brawny guy looks familiar...

He looks like he has some colored plates over his eyes, but that golden hair and those thick arms that're too big for any human... YOU!

SAKATA KINTOKI!?

Damn straight!!!

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Yes, so it seems. How the Servants retain their memories in the Singularity...

...is something the staff is looking into, but it seems like she has absolutely no memory of Chaldea!

Ain't no thing! A chance encounter is a sign of divine approval!

We can't just let a familiar face causin' trouble slide! We gotta do somethin' about it!

...Wh-what!?

You're just tryin' to live your life. Not your fault, really. I wonder what I would've done in your shoes.

But it ain't right for you to stay here forever!

Just think of human history as the surface of a pond. You bein' here's like someone tossin' a pebble in.

Y'know what happens on impact? Makes a splash, and every droplet in that splash represents a different person.

Can't really know what'll happen, to be honest. There may be people who will cry, or some might laugh.

But even so...

There's a possibility that someone who shouldn't've gotten hurt will get hurt.

...

...No. Not just a possibility. People WILL get hurt. Then they'll scream. That's right. Someone definitely screamed. They wanted my help.

I heard it. I don't know how or why, but I heard a cry for help.

So... Sorry, Ibaraki-Douji. I've got no choice but to boot your ass back to the Throne of Heroes.

I don't understand! Not at all! Not one bit! What are you even talking about!?

You heard a voice? What? I don't hear anything at all!

But yeah... One thing's clear. Sakata Kintoki. As long as I make a great show of killing you right here...

...Shuten over there will snap out of it. Good, good, that's good!

...I have to thank you, Kintoki! You brought my friend right to me!

I shall slaughter you all, and create a new Mt. Ooe with Shuten!

Ibaraki-Douji is approaching!

Senpai, please be careful! Ibaraki-Douji is not the only one there!

Hah! Demonic Beasts from the Age of Gods, I see! They're formidable opponents! Let's do this!

Behold my golden broadaxe shining in the distance! Watch as it suppresses celestial demons and strikes down yasha!

I'm goin' golden full throttle! This is gonna be Sakata Kintoki's great oni extermination!

Defeat of the enemy Servant has been confirmed! Senpai, you won!

Why... Why? Why must I disappear...?

I didn't do anything wrong... I didn't even eat any of the humans who fled here from Uruk or whatever it was...

They didn't think they'd survive there... All I did was make them my minions for a while...

I was just...living my life... That's all...

With the weaklings... With those unknown deformed beasts... Together... That's all...

...Oh, but... Yeah, that's right.

For the longest time, it wasn't enough for me... It didn't matter that there were humans around or that those conniving beasts would slink over.

There's nobody here. Do you understand? No one who knows me, or who talks to me...

It wasn't long before the humans left. Said they were gonna check on Urukexcuses like thatand just up and left.

None of them ever came back. I'm sure they died.

The deformed beasts are getting weaker by the day. Had they not been killed, they would've died out soon...

...They were all trembling with fear. They just treated me like a bonfire to huddle around for warmth.

But really, I was trembling just like them.

...

Shuten... Kintoki...

I... I...

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Hmmm? Say it, Ibaraki.

Shuten... Oh, you're right there. Shuten-Douji...

Atop this unfamiliar mountain, all by myself... I was...

...I was so lonely...

Confirmed disappearance of Ibaraki-Douji. Same with the demons.

...Lord Kintoki.

Yep. That'll do it. Sorry I roped you into my family problems.

Oh, no need to apologize! I didn't... Please don't worry about it.

You and Master made the right choice, Lord Kintoki. If you hadn't intervened, the incarnated Ibaraki-Douji would likely have affected history.

Right. You had no choice. And if you were killed during this deadly battle, that would be the end of that.

Besides... Heehee...teehee hee...

I've never seen the brat be so... Heehee... Oh, too funny! This is too much, I just don't know what to do with myself!

...The hell?

That's the second time you've called us "family." I wonder what I should tell Ibaraki once we get back to Chaldea.

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!!!

Well, that... Don't you dare! That's not golden at all!

Oh that is absolutely not my problem. This has been such a treat. Mash, hurry and take us back.

Uh, okay. All right everyone, the temporary Rayshift ends here. Commencing return Rayshift from the Seventh Singularity!

...What? I have no business with you lot. Scram.

I need to meet up with Nitocris. Move it or die. And die, Sakata Kintoki.

Shut up. Maybe you don't got business with us, but we got business with you!

Oh???

You see... Um...

What? Use your words. You're not just teasing me, are you?

Uh, well you see... Yeah... Just wanted to say sorry. I was trying to tell myself it's okay but it just didn't seem right to me.

I know it's pointless telling you this, but I won't be satisfied if I don't!

So... Sorry again. Sorry on a buncha levels.

Fool! You're making no sense!

...Yeah, guess not. At least take this. Here.

A pouch? What's this? Something's inside...

(Rustle rustle)

...What!? Could it be...!?

You like chocolates, right? I put in a buncha different kinds. Ain't exactly an apology gift or nothin', but...

At least I wrapped it in golden wrapping paper. Well, if you like it, have at it. See ya.

Don't you dare come say you want it back! (Munch) (Nom nom)

Like hell I'd say that!

Wh-wha-wha-what...!? What is going on? Why is my dear, sweet Kintoki giving that pest a present!?

This...this is not acceptable! I didn't raise him right! I must act! I have no other choice but to assail Hmmmf!? (Munch)

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Master, but...! No! They say that one mustn't get too attached!

Heehee. Oh? Are we no more than household pets to you? That may be, but do try not to be so silly.

But still... Whether that brat treats us like someone's child, or a dog or cat...

He does have a few human qualities left to him...