Seconda Cantica: Inferno (Ending)

...Lady Inferno!

Lady Inferno! Please, wait for me! Where are you going!?

Do you mean to go to the southern edge of Shimousa!? If you continue in this direction, you'll pass through Kazusa and end up in the ocean!

... ...

...Oh, how foolish of me. I didn't realize I was running as fast as I could.

Apologies, Lady Danzo. Please forgive me. I promise I wasn't trying to leave you behind.

Not at all, my lady. Please, do not concern yourself with me.

I can easily keep pace with the fastest steed. But I worry you were running too fast, Lady Inferno.

Anyone but me would have fallen behind long ago. Please, do try to restrain yourself.

You are one of the rare Heroic Spirit Swordmasters. You must not exhaust your Spirit Origin so carelessly.

Furthermore, I need not remind you that your temperament is fire. Again, do please try to restrain yourself.

No need to remind me. I know that very well. I shall be sure not to bring shame to the name of Inferno.

Do not worry about me. My fire is

...Hmm, what is that floating over there? Why, it looks like fire, and not my fire...

It is a lantern. It must belong to villagers living nearby.

(...What a terrible stroke of luck for these people. Inferno loathes everyone, and these people are directly in her path.)

(But, I suppose it shall all be over soon, at least.)

Well that simply will not do. Do they not realize it's dangerous to be out this late at night?

...What was that, my lady?

No one should be out and about at this late hour. Especially not here in Shimousa, where monsters roam free.

...I'm afraid I don't understand, Lady Inferno.

Oh, the lantern is coming this way. We must greet whoever's carrying it.

Hello there. Where are you two off to so late this evening?

Oh, hello. I could ask the same of you. It's so dark I can't see you very well, but you sound like a young woman of good breeding.

Are you perhaps the daughter of a samurai? You're so kind to concern yourself with a couple of shriveled up old prunes like us, but don't worry, our house is just ahead.

There was a meeting in the village tonight, and grandfather here had a little too much to drink, so we're only just getting home now.

Go on, my lady, tell him he's too old to drink like he did when he was young.

Now I see. Hehe, she's right, sir. You shouldn't go making trouble for this lovely lady.

Oh my... Me, a lady? I'm just an old crone, but that's very kind of you...

I'm told that there are many monsters prowling about at night these days. It's dangerous to be out right now.

So make sure you don't go out again tonight once you get home. Is that clear?

Well, if the daughter of a noble samurai says we should go home and stay put, I guess we'd better do just that.

That's right, dear. You know we're too poor to be out drinking at dinnertime. ...By the way, my lady, I can't help but notice you and your companion are all alone.

Are you lost? Do you have a room for the night? Perhaps at an inn somewhere?

No, we don't...

Well, if you have nowhere else to go, you are very welcome to stay with us in our humble home.

No, thank you. I am grateful for your kindness, truly, but I am afraid we still have much to do.

As such, we cannot afford to sleep just yet. Have a lovely evening, you two. Oh, and...

...a good couple should make sure to get along every day, okay?

How right you are. Thank you again, and do be careful.

(First she had an amicable conversation with them, and now she's seeing them off... Is the Curse of Annihilation no longer having an effect on her?)

Lady Danzo, let me ask you something.

Of course, my lady.

...Am I correct in presuming that there is a village in the direction that old couple came from?

Yes, my lady. It matches the location on my map data. It appears to be a fairly large village for this area.

I see.

In that case, Lady Danzo, Shinmen Musashi can wait. I shall massacre this village.

Since the village just held a meeting, there may yet be people remaining.

In which case, I can burn the lot of them to ash at once.

Family, relatives, friends, acquaintances, parents, siblings, wives, children, grandchildren...

...Ahh, this world truly is hell.

What are you saying, Lady Danzo? We exchanged pleasantries and expressed concern for one another.

Whyever would we want to hurt them? You ninja certainly say the oddest things.

If I did something that cruel, I would be condemned to hell.

AH, AH, AH, AAAHHH...

AAH, AAH, AAAAAAHHHHHH! I DETEST EVERYTHING. EVERYTHING. EVERYTHING...

I detest it. I DETEST IT. DETEST. DETEST. DETEST. I hate it. I HATE IT. HATE. HATE. HATE.

GENJI, PEOPLE, JAPAN, THE WORLD... I DETEST EVERYTHING! EVERYTHING! EVERYTHING!

WHERE? WHERE DID YOU GO...?

LORD YOSHINAKAAA!?

(...This is bad. It's happening too soon.)

(It would be one thing were this simply a large-scale massacre, but I do not understand why Lady Inferno insists on heading northward!)

(Toke Castle is an invaluable strategic point for both my master and Lord Sorcerer, which is why Lady Inferno had to cease her duel with Musashi. So why is she heading there now?)

Lady Inferno, if you will no longer listen to me, then I am left with no other choice.

I shall use my secret Karakuri Genpou to

Wait, Danzo. Hahaha, do not be too hasty.

I have received your report. You say that Lady Inferno has been reduced to hellfire from which there is no return...?

Yes, master. She no longer responds to anything I say...

Hehe. Hahaha, how wonderful! Then she has finally freed her chronic disease from its restraints!

So heartwarming it makes me want to nuzzle her. So spiteful it makes me want to strangle her.

Ahh, even with the Curse of Annihilation embedded within her, she still ended up facing the darkness in her own soul. Mmm, how beautiful.

But, nonetheless.

That is neither here nor there.

Your concerns are warranted, Danzo. It would set us back considerably were she to incinerate Onriedo's foundations again, like she did in Hitachi.

So naturally, we must get rid of her, along with those irritating interlopers.

...I must say, women certainly are fragile, aren't they.

Ahh, what a lovely day!

Yes! It's so nice and sunny out!

It sure is, Onui.

I'm just glad nothing else eventful happened during the night. I slept great once we got back!

Wh-what? "Got back"? "Slept great"?

Goo goo goo?

Nothing you two need to worry about. Right, Fujimaru?

？！

I'm sorry I wasn't able to help. I wish I could have fought alongside you, Master.

I'm grateful that you stopped my magical energy loss, but unfortunately my Spirit Origin isn't stable yet, so I am not strong enough to fight.

Nevertheless, if the time comes when I am needed, I will fight, even if it kills me.

？！

Thank you, Master... To think I came here in order to help you, and so far, you're the one who has been helping me...

I understand how you feel, but Fujimaru is right. You shouldn't overdo it, Kotarou.

Besides, it's amazing you're up and walking after being that out of it. You Heroic Spirits are something else.

Or does that have more to do with you being the head of the Fuuma clan?

I don't know much about Heroic Spirits, but in human terms, you were basically on the brink of death.

？！

You are too kind.

I only wish there was more I could tell you.

Didn't you say Fujimaru's body was still in a coma in Chaldea, and showing no signs of waking...or something?

Also that you don't know if his mind has gone off to a Singularity, or if all of Shimousa is just part of a dream he's having, right?

ALSO also that it's clear dreams are involved in some way, but it's not clear how.

So I guess you pretty much told us all you knew when you were delirious yesterday, huh?

I'm so sorry I couldn't be of more help...

Oh no, I'm not blaming you. I just wish we had a little more info on the Heroic Spirit Swordmasters is all.

(After all, every single one of them is stronger than I am. Grasping at straws is about all I've got here...)

Anyway, you have nothing to worry about, Kotarou. You did admirably.

And now you're here just when your Master needs you. So go on, hold your head high!

Oh, and try not to hide your eyes, either! How's anyone supposed to see your handsome face under all that hair!

I think you're really cool, Mr. Red Hair!

N-not at all. I am merely a ninja... I appreciate your compliments, but my appearance does not affect my job.

？！

You too, Master? Th-thank you. By the way, is there a festival of some sort taking place today?

There is quite a commotion down the street. I wouldn't normally expect to see crowds in a place like this.

Hmm, I'm not sure. I didn't THINK there was anything special about today...

I don't think so either. Then again, history here is slightly different from what we know.

From what I know, I'm pretty sure neither Toke Castle nor its town were ever this prosperous during the Edo period.

It could also just be that something unexpected happened. Something noteworthy enough to draw a huge crowd this early in the morning.

？！

Me too. In that case, let's go take a look! Here Onui, hold my hand. I don't want you getting lost.

Okay!

I shall lead the way. Even in my weakened state, I can still manage to slip through a crowd. Come, Master.

Where the hell did all these people come from!? How'm I supposed to get to my construction job like this!?

There's so many in the way I can't get anywhere! Hey, you! What's all this about? Some new festival or what!?

Festival? You mean you don't know? Samurai have come all the way from Edo to vanquish the monsters!

I heard there are over five hundred of them. You can see them all marching along in perfect synchronization.

Huh, is that so? Samurai from Edo, eh? Hmm, I see, I see. It does have a different feel to it from the usual daimyo procession.

All the same, I never thought I'd ever see so many Edo samurai all in one place like this!

...Oh yeah, since this isn't a daimyo procession, we shouldn't have to bow our heads, right?

Phew, we finally made it through that crowd! I also heard all this is because there's a big group of samurai here.

Really? There's lots of samurai here??

Goo goo, ga!

Five hundred samurai is a large group indeed. I wonder if they are part of the shogun's retinue? I believe the Shimabara Rebellion ended last year, so...

Yeah, they might be samurai who have seen real action then. If so, then they should have something as simple as defending a town pretty well covered.

In fact, this town probably couldn't ask for any better protection. I wonder who's leading them? Whoever it is must be a famous warrior in his own right.

I'm not so sure. As far as I can tell...

...the samurai in the procession are all of fairly low standing. ...What's more, they're armed to the teeth, rather than the usual simple armor.

Wait. There's someone riding a horse coming up from the rear.

...He may well be a samurai of high standing. What's more, the aura surrounding him is incredible.

...

I see the people of this town have come to view the proceedings. This may be a good time then. Stop the procession, Sakon.

Yes, sir. Everyone, haaalt!

People of Toke, listen well! Lord Tajima-no-Kami has come all the way from Edo, and he wishes to speak!

Quiet down, and pay attention!

(Tajima-no-Kami!)

(Who's that? Is he someone important?)

(Tajima-no-Kami is the title for the ruler of Tajima Province, up in the mountains. But in this time period, I believe he was)

...I am Yagyu Tajima-no-Kami Munenori, chief inspector for the shogunate.

I understand that a procession this large headed for the castle is bound to draw attention. But there is no need for concern.

We five hundred samurai have come here on an official mission from the shogunate.

No doubt some of you have heard reports of an army of monsters attacking innocents in southern Shimousa.

...Hmph, monsters. What a joke.

Rest assured, all of you. These so-called monsters are no different from burglars and bandits! I shall soon be setting out with the Lord of Toke Castle, Matsudaira Shimousa-no-Kami himself, to bring them to justice!

My retinue consists entirely of veterans of the battle of Shimabara who have proven themselves in combat, and who have spread the glory of the shogunate to the south!

As such, I ask you all to wait patiently for good news.

Very soon, I, Tajima-no-Kami, shall put an end to the rumored monsters terrorizing Shimousa.

We will not repeat the mistakes of Shimabara. Not with me here to ensure our success.

Yagyu... Did I hear that right? Is he really THE Yagyu Tajima-no-Kami!?

His swordsmanship is supposed to be unparalleled. They say there are none in all of Edo who can defeat him.

As I understand it he's a prodigy who spends his time tutoring the shogun in swordsmanship. I can't believe he's here in Shimousa!

Are the monsters really that big of a threat? Oh, I hope everything is all right in the south.

It's probably just someone mistaking bandits for monsters. Some people have overactive imaginations!

Lord Tajima ought to have no problem with them. In fact, this is great news! Now Lord Matsudaira will be able to rest easy!

I knew it! That WAS Tajima-no-Kami! I never thought I would see a legendary figure like him here.

？！

I do. He is the son of Yagyu Sekishuusai and the father of Yagyu Jubei; a famous swordsman who left his mark on history.

He was a genius with the sword, and the strongest swordsman of his time in Edo. The third shogun is said to have said he was invincible.

He is also a strategic genius. He saw the threat posed by the Shimabara Rebellion long before anyone else.

Some even think that if the shogunate had sent him to Shimabara right away, he would have brought the rebellion to an end much sooner.

One of his most famous deeds was when he was protecting the second shogun, Hidetada, during the Siege of Osaka...

...when he is said to have cut down seven fully armored warriors in an instant.

Seven fully armored warriors, in an instant? ...Man, that's kind of insane.

Ugh, why'd a scary old man like that have to accept the fight I picked with him? I could have ended up dead.

Now he's here acting all stiff and formal and stuff, giving speeches in public like it's no big deal.

？！

... ...

...Well, kind of.

I might have got a taste of him when we faced off just a little bit some time ago?

？！

I swear, all I did was rattle my katana a tiiiny bit! Just a bit! I wasn't REALLY trying to cut him down or anything!

Besides, I was the only one who ended up worse for wear afterwards.

Still, that can't have been here in this world, since I never visit the same place twice.

So strictly speaking, the Tajima-no-Kami I met must have been different from

You there, woman. I know that face.

The last I saw of you, you vanished to who knows where with some sort of sorcery. What are you doing here in Shimousa?

(Huh!? D-don't tell me it's the same one!?)

I don't know. What do you think I'm doing here?

...I see you dress as unusually as ever. It has been six months since we fought; have you thought of a better name than Shinmen Musashi in that time?

Ahaha. Well, it IS my name, even if it is kind of confusing. You kinda don't have any room to talk when it comes to confusing names, though, y'know.

So, I guess from your perspective, it's been six months since our duel, huh.

Sorry about that. I should have known better than to rattle my sword on a whim like that.

Oh, but for the record, I don't use sorcery or curses, okay? The only reason I wander around like this is thanks to Lady Kannon's protection.

...Weird. I thought I never visited the same place twice.

(And yet, here I am in the same place AND time as then. On top of that, it looks like it's all part of a dream that Fujimaru's having too.)

(Has this sort of thing ever happened before?)

(...No, it hasn't. Not once.)

Hmm, this is really strange.

(Still...)

(Since Fujimaru is also involved with this place somehow...)

(...Maybe it's not so strange that normally impossible stuff is happening.)

I see your penchant for gab remains as strong as ever.

It also seems you have new consorts now. And ones that are as eccentric as you at that.

...

？！

Master!

？！

Please try to breathe, Master. Good, now exhale. ...It's okay, you were just overwhelmed by the energy of his gaze.

It's no fault of yours. His sword ki is incredible. Even as a Servant, it was enough to make my hair stand on end.

That was uncalled for, Tajima-no-Kami. Just because I acted rudely to you before is no reason to take it out on him.

You're a big shot on an important mission now, right? You were pretty classy during your speech earlier; don't mess that up now.

... ...

...Please?

Hah. It's gratifying to see the vagrant who provoked me into a duel like an animal learning to act human.

Very well then, woman. I shall see for myself what it is you are up to now.

And just what do you mean by that?

Uh, hey, mister!? There are big birds flying towards us. Do you think they're crows or something?

They're so high up...they've got to be crows, right? Or maybe black kites?

I'm afraid not. I believe those are flying monsters, and coming from the south. Could they have a connection to the monster army that brought the samurai here!?

They're fast! And coming straight towards us! Master!

？！

You don't have to tell me!

Whoa!

You slew such swift flying monsters with a single sweep of your blade! So that's your Niten Ichiryu!

...Thanks. But that's all I did.

You realized it too, right, Kotarou? Tajima's aura stopped them in their tracks before my blade even reached them.

What was that, Nikaidou-Heihou!? Why didn't he do something more in line with his Yagyu Shinkageryu!?

His sword ki is impressive even when he's not doing anything. I never thought a non-Servant, flesh-and-blood human could possess an aura like that...

？！

I bet. That old man definitely likes to blast you with his aura.

Still, I don't think it's the same sort of aura that Heroic Spirits...that Servants have.

He's just a man whose sword reaches the gods. If a human can manage to truly master something, they can become a god unto themselves.

But some merciful god you turned out to be, Tajima-no-Kami! How can you still keep your katana sheathed at a time like this!?

I told you: my techniques are only to be passed on to those of the ruling class. Otomeryu is not meant for the eyes of the common folk.

Yeah yeah, I see how it is! Good thing a vagrant like me can show off her stuff all she wants then, huh!

Master, there's a second wave coming, this time with greater numbers! They definitely seem to be coming from the south!

What are those birds!? Maybe sea eagles or giant black kites!? I can see something flying this way. What the hell IS that?

Geh. I thought everyone would be gone after Tajima-no-Kami's speech, but we've still got a big crowd hanging around. We can't fight those things off here!

？！

Sakon, get these people out of here. Tell them to remain indoors for the next thirty minutes. Hurry!

Yes, sir! All of you, listen up! I have an announcement from Lord Tajima-no-Kami!

...Well well. So you're going to help us fight them off?

Don't be ridiculous. YOU will be helping ME. Do try to impress me with your ability to follow my orders, and keep up, if you can.

Yeah yeah, I'll get right on that. Sadly, I'm not really much for following orders, especially from old men, AND I hate flying enemies. Oh, well. Let's make some lemonade.

Okay, Fujimaru. I'm counting on you for backup!

This must have been a scouting party. Sakon, tell Lord Matsudaira that he must hurry and deploy archers.

The castle's defenses can make do with a bare minimum of soldiers. Concentrate our forces on the southern region and stop any earthbound monsters dead. Do not let even a single rat through your ranks.

Position four-hundred of our men at the front line. Each one has proven his skill in Shimabara; they should be able to hold their own against these monsters.

Understood! I shall ride to Lord Matsudaira at once!

Hurry. Time is of the essence.

？！

It seems their minds are on the battlefield at all times. They must have been planning their next orders even while you were fighting, Master.

The samurai are moving around so quickly! Oh, where are they going with the horses?

I wonder where they're going. Is the parade over?

Goo ga ga.

I guess they're all off to their duties. Impressive how they kept cool while they let us do all the fighting.

I must say, their confidence is amazing. Perhaps a truly skilled samurai knows he has nothing to fear from monsters, demonic beasts, or ghosts.

Especially if he carries a katana that grows closer to a Mystic as they age.

I bet they've got that part pretty well covered. Right, Tajima?

Who do you think you're talking to? The shogunate rules this country completely. Of course they are prepared to deal with monsters and the like.

However, I will say that it is highly unusual for monsters to band together like this.

That's because they're not just wandering around aimlessly. There's someone leading them. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see them come at us with even greater numbers next time.

？！

Oho. It sounds like you know more than you've let on. Perhaps you are the masterminds behind this attack?

...No, I suppose that is out of the question. Nonetheless, time is of the essence. Tell me everything you know.

...I see. So these Heroic Spirit Swordmasters are the disgraced remains of dead souls.

Ordinarily I would cut you down for spouting nonsense, but it would seem that things here in Shimousa are no longer so simple.

Based on your account, this Archer of Inferno woman is the leader of these monster attacks.

Yeah, I think so, but I'm not entirely certain.

That said, she did attack us yesterday evening, so the timing makes sense if the trouble in the south started last night.

But if she IS responsible for that, then something doesn't add up. I might just be imagining things, but...

？！

One cannot expect a dead soul to act with integrity. It is no surprise that this one may have gone mad.

(He certainly doesn't mince words.)

(I'm sorry, it would just take too long to explain to him exactly what Heroic Spirits are. But it's not like all normal Servants are crazy, right?)

(No, normal Servants go crazy too. In fact, insanity is more or less the hallmark of the entire Berserker class.)

(Huh, I didn't know that.)

Hmm. In that case... Woman, I have orders for you and your companions, not including the young children.

A hundred of my finest men are about to depart from this town in order to track down the monsters' leader.

I will not tell you to go with them. They are nothing more than a diversion, a detached force.

Instead, your party will be the one to infiltrate the heart of the enemy's operations and kill their leader, this Archer of Inferno.

Wait, what? Did I get that right? Because I THOUGHT I heard you telling us to go out on a monster hunt.

Aha, ahahahaha. No, that can't be right. A great, noble samurai, asking for MY help?

Hmph. I am not telling you to face their legions head-on. You would do well to circle around them from the mountains, and ambush on their leader from behind.

This is not a request, woman. It is a command. Remember, I speak with the shogunate's voice. My commands are their commands.

Huh!?

Wh-What!?

Huh? What's going on?

？！

Hold it, hold it! No fair, abusing your position like that!

Not to mention, how are we supposed to take out Inferno if we don't even know for sure that she's there!?

Don't be a fool. Do you think we came here in response to reports from just last night?

Shogunate spies have long been in place throughout Shimousa to verify the rumors of monsters in the area.

According to these spies, a woman who appeared to be commanding these monsters was spotted among their ranks a short while ago.

It all lines up with what you told me.

And so...I am giving you another chance to battle this Archer of Inferno.

N-no fair! Who do you think you are, squeezing us for everything we know, keeping us in the dark, then calling all the shots!?

Simple. I am a samurai, and you are a mere vagrant.

Grr... You're a nasty old man, is what you are! You're even worse than udon after it gets all soggy!

Why udon...?

Udon is the gods' gift to mankind! It's one of my favorite foods! But if it gets soggy, it is RUINED!

I understand, Ms. Samurai. I can't stand when a bowl of delicious udon gets soggy, either.

Ga goo ga.

See! Onui and Tasuke get it! Right!? But still... What are we going to do now...

Citizens of this country can't refuse an order from the shogunate, but what is your take on this, Fujimaru?

？！

That's true. I'm not sure even I could have defeated Purgatorio if I hadn't borrowed this katana.

Samurai are only human, after all. And in the Swordmasters' case, even a normal Heroic Spirit would have a hard time.

So if it really is Inferno leading these monsters...I guess we have no choice but to go.

I may not be of much use in battle...but I will do what I can to help you cross the mountain pass!

Mountain pass? Are we going mountain climbing now?

？！

Aww. But...okay... I like Otama's room. It smells like incense!

Ga ga!

(Sigh) A march over the mountains, huh. It's going to be a long and exhausting walk, so I'll have to prepare lunch boxes, otherwise we might starve to death.

Hmm, that's true. One cannot fight on an empty stomach. I shall have rice balls prepared for you to take along.

Now let's see... Are you there, Danzo?

I am here, Lord Tajima-no-Kami.

Wh-whoa! That lady just came out of the shadows! That's amazing! How did she do that!?

(Wow, she's cute! I have to give old man Tajima this: he's got good taste!)

This is the spy who saw the woman leading the monsters. She will serve as your guide. Is that clear, Danzo?

As you wish, my lord.

So you're a lady ninja. I guess that makes you a kunoichi? There probably aren't many of you out there, huh? You must be amazing if you're acting as a scout for the shogunate!

Anyway, it's nice to meet you. Danzo, was it? That name sounds vaguely familiar...

Yes, my name is Danzo. I shall take you where you need to go, as my lord commands.

...

？！

No, it's nothing. She just bears a strong resemblance to someone I know.

...But I'm sure it's only a coincidence. I apologize for my rudeness.

Really? She does?

Yes, she does. Again, my apologies.

Now then, Lady Musashi, Master, we should hurry! We must cross the mountain pass and take out the Archer of Inferno!

Not bad. I like your spirit. Very well then, I am trusting you to handle the monsters' leader.

With no one to lead them, the monsters will pose no more threat than shadows and mist. My samurai will then be able to handle them with ease.

Now, go forth and defeat this woman before she puts all Shimousa to the torch! I expect good news when you return!

These monsters are fairly slow moving, with the exception of the flying beasts. Consequently, they are still quite some distance from Toke.

If we hurry, we should be able to reach them before nightfall, even with a detour.

So we're splitting up from this group of elite samurai, huh.

If they're here to take out those monsters too, shouldn't they have come with us?

Not to worry. They should arrive before us, as they are meeting the enemy head-on.

Once they have engaged the enemy in battle, we will approach their leader from behind.

...Now I see. So he'd already thought that far ahead when he gave us our orders.

Ugh, with skills and smarts like his, it's no wonder that old man's such a big shot.

Man, I wish I had a cushy government job with cuties waiting on me hand and foot.

... ...

Lord Kotarou, was it? Is something wrong? Surely I am not the first kunoichi you have ever met.

Or perhaps...is it because you have doubts about my name?

I can only tell you that I am indeed Katou Danzo. I apologize if I am not what you expect.

But unfortunately, there is nothing I can do in that regard.

N-no, it's not that.

I'm the one who should apologize. I don't doubt what you say at all, Lady Danzo.

You must know the stories too, right? Katou Danzo is the most famous ninja from the age of war!

I don't know much about the ninja world, but even I've heard of the flying Katou and his exploits as master of puppets!

What about you, Fujimaru? Do you know her name?

...That is really rather embarrassing for a ninja. I never intended to stand out like this, so it feels rather odd.

Wow, really? I guess that's what happens when you experience so much history firsthand!

？！

Still...the age of war was quite some time ago, wasn't it?

I also hadn't heard that you were still working as a spy for Lord Iemitsu. Plus, you seem awfully young...

？！

... ...

You're...a puppet, aren't you?

...Yes, I am. I had no idea you knew. I can only presume you must have heard the truth of Katou Danzo somewhere.

I hesitated to share this fact myself because it is usually such a difficult thing to explain, but if there is no need to hide it, I would be glad to do so.

Yes, I am indeed a puppet, animated by machinery. I am over one hundred years old.

That's right. Think of her as a kind of magecraft. It's certainly rare to see something like her in this time, but she is on par with the magecraft used in the modern day.

I believe there are a few puppet masters that exist in your time as well, aren't there, Master?

In fact, there is a long history of mages controlling puppets with magecraft, although it isn't usually called "magecraft" in this era.

She is indeed. I knew you would understand, Master. It's certainly rare to see something like her in this time, but comparable magecraft exists in the modern day.

It is basically the same process used to make homunculi or golems appear human.

While I am sure the differences would be apparent to an expert, I still know very little about magecraft and sorcery, so I'm afraid that's my best explanation.

？！

(Just so we're clear, Master, I can assure you that if nothing else, she is not a Servant.)

(I sense nothing to suggest she is. As such, I believe she truly is a personer, puppet, from this time.)

Wow, a mechanical kunoichi! I've seen machines and ninja before, but never a MACHINE NINJA like this!

On top of that, this combination turned out to be Katou Danzo, a ninja so famous even I've heard about her.

And on top of all that, she's suuuper cute! That's what really matters.

You're so slim, with such slender legs. I bet other people tell you you'd look good in anything all the time, huh?

N-no, I can't say that they do... Please don't tease me, Lady Musashi.

Kotarou reacted the same way. Do ninja just not care about being cute or something?

No, we don't. And I am NOT cute!

Ah, so you are a ninja too, Lord Kotarou. I suspected as much from your demeanor.

Yes, that's right. My full name is...

On second thought, my True Name would be confusing. You can just call me Kotarou.

I am from the FuuI mean, the Sagami Province.

I see. That's quite a coincidence. Some of my installed ninjutsu are from the Sagami clan as well.

... ...

...You don't remember me, do you?

Pardon? What did you say?

Never mind. Just forget I said that. Besides, I'm sensing something strange up ahead.

Wow, now that's a Servant for you! Even though you're not fully recovered, your instincts are still dead on!

I'm sensing one...two...three... No, there are even more than that. They must have wandered off from their pack; they're clearly not acting as a unit!

？！

I agree. Danzo, I hate to ask, but would you mind helping? I don't know much about ninjutsu, but I'm sure you can hold your own in a fight, right?

Absolutely. Part of my job is to ensure that you reach your destination safely.

Katou Danzo, activating Combat Mode. Objective: destroy hostile entities and resume expedition.

Initiating battle!

These flames...! I sense magical energy at work. It could be magecraft, or a Servant's ability!

And then there's the sky. It should still be midday, but our surroundings are as dark as night!

Right, Kotarou hasn't seen it yet. This is how it always goes. The Heroic Spirit Swordmasters can make that blood-soaked moon appear in the sky.

Then again, this wasn't the case last night. Maybe they only make the moon come out if they feel like it.

Or...when they're about to get serious.

We have successfully made our way behind enemy lines. But stay alert. There is no telling when they may attack us.

Right now they are simply moving north, but if their leader were to notice us

I think we'll be okay there. It looks like the old man really does know his strategy.

...Those are Lord Tajima-no-Kami's hundred samurai! They will keep the monsters busy so we can slip through unnoticed.

？！

There's only one Servant aura nearby, about two-hundred meters ahead!

...Honestly, what are they thinking?

I'm just doing as my Curse of Annihilation tells me to do, and they see fit to send fifty...no, a hundred coarse warriors my way.

That's excessive for dealing with a lone woman like me. Perhaps they simply fear these monsters romping around?

There you are, wicked creature! Are you the one who has been leading these creatures and terrorizing Shimousa!?

Yes. Something like that.

It is too late to turn yourself in. We shall not leave this battlefield without your head! We defeated the Christians that threatened our country. Now you shall witness our might for yourself!

Oh my... How scary...

Scary... Yes, that is scary. It's dreadful and loathsome. If this world is hell, you must be the devils that torment those of us who are trapped here.

What rubbish. We are the keepers of the peace in this world! In one swift stroke, we shall cut down wicked creatures like yourself who threaten our safety!

We fear not the sorcery you use to control these foul beasts. We all carry famed katana that have proven their worth in battle. Your defeat is all but certain!

My... How impressive...

But, I doubt any of your blades are on par with the Myoujingiri Muramasa that defeated Purgatorio. As such, they cannot hope to kill me.

I am nothing but firewood now.

I have used my soul, my Spirit Origin, and my body to stoke the fires of fury, and become flame itself. No ordinary human stands a chance against me.

Th-the flames are getting hotter!

If she uses her sorcery, just cut right through it, push forward and kill her!

I am loathing. I am anger. I am hatred and fury! Behold how brightly I burn!

I shall descend upon all of you...

You, your parents, your brothers, your sisters, your wives, your children... Everyone...

Everyone, everyone, everyone...

I shall melt your eyes, sear your hearts, and char every bone in your body until only ash remains!

NOW BURN!!!

A-aaagh! I'm on fire...I'm on fire! It won't go out!? P-please, stop! I can't breathe! It burns, it burns!

Aaaggghhh! H-heeelp!

AAARRRGGGHHH!!!

Ha!

Looks like I made it just in time! I've never cut fire before, but there's a first time for everything!

They're still breathing! Lady Danzo, please take the injured to safety, and give the others instructions!

They may be able to hold their own against these monsters, but it's impossible for humans to fight a Servant!

Understood. I will take care of the injured and instruct the other samurai.

... ...

...What a surprise to see you here.

Wait, who are you again?

Yeah, it was just last night. So kind of you to remember us.

Yeah. You don't usually forget people you met just yesterday.

？！

Still, I suppose I should announce myself anyway, since we're about to face off.

My name is Musashi. Miyamoto Musashi! Though you Swordmasters seem to prefer calling me Shinmen Musashi.

You may have forgotten us, but I haven't forgotten you, Archer of Inferno. Is our last fight already in your distant past or something?

I'm sorry, I don't know who you are. But, if you're people who live in this world...

...I will have to burn you all the same. That is simple. Very simple. I would like you to die now, please.

And do stay out of my way. You see those thirtyno, hundred men over there?

I have to burn them all up. After all, I'm firewood, right? And you need fire if you're going to roast sinners in hell, right?

？！

...Inferno.

I don't like the way you fight or kill. Burning everything does not eliminate the root of conflict.

Left unchecked, that root only grows into the next war. One with nothing to gain, and everything to lose.

What can you possibly gain from this? This isn't even your time; nothing happening now should affect you personally.

And I doubt burning everything in sight is going to make someone want to give you something like the Holy Grail.

So why kill all these people when there's nothing in it for you? Why fight at all?

I can't hope to understand if you won't talk to me! At least tell me why you're doing all of this!

There is nothing to understand. I am firewood. Firewood does not speak, or think, or

...How dare you attack me while I'm still talking, you coward!

Don't talk to me about cowardice when you literally spread fire as easily as breathing! I know full well you're stronger than me.

In which case, you better believe I'm going to try and lop off an arm or two before you get serious!

Here I thought this conversation would continue, but instead, you lash out at me in fury... I see. So that is the sort of cowardice you prefer.

In that case...why don't we take this elsewhere. A plane where there's no strategy or technique at all!

...!!!

...!

Raaahhh!

RrrrrrAAAAAA! Gngh, GRAAAAAAAAA!

This strange magical energy...! Lady Musashi, I believe this Servant is likely

...An oni!

I guess those horns on her helmet weren't just for show!

RRRRRRAAAAAAAAAHHH! Ghh...AAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!

HOW...DARE YOU! I DETEST YOU...I CAN'T STAND IT!

LORD YOSHINAKA...! LORD YOSHINAKA...!

AAAAAAHHHHHH!

Yoshinaka!? Did I just hear her right!?

The only Yoshinaka I can think of off the top of my head is Kiso Yoshinaka, one of the greatest generals from hundreds of years ago!

You really know your stuff, Fujimaru!

？！

So if she had ties to Yoshinaka...I see. Makes sense. I can understand why she would hate all of Japan.

All the more so now that things are peaceful in the Tokugawa reign, since the Tokugawa family is supposed to be descended from the Seiwa Genji.

Kiso Yoshinaka was a general who helped Minamoto Yoritomo overthrow the Taira regime. He was once lauded as a great general, but ended up being persecuted by Yoritomo after he had outlived his usefulness.

I've heard his name before. As well as his beloved wife's, who was always by his side.

...R, Rr, RRR...

She was a courageous woman, and an incredibly skilled warrior. An armor-clad battle maiden who fought better than any man.

The daughter of Nakahara Kanetoh, and the younger sister of Higuchi Kanemitsu and Imai Kanehira.

The one who always fought by Yoshinaka's side, yet couldn't bear witness to his death.

...That's who you are, isn't it? A woman who burns with hatred and detestation...Tomoe Gozen.

？！

It must be the karma implanted by that Curse thing. Her soul has been dead for a long time, just like Lord Inshun.

The thing in front of us now is nothing more than a huskthe vestiges of what Tomoe Gozen the Servant used to be. At least, that's how I see it.

But no matter how tragic her story is, or how justified her anger may be, I'm not going to hold back.

(...That's right. I won't hold back at all. I can't afford to against her, anyway.)

(I refuse to take pity on her. But, can I still defeat her? This katana may be up to the task, but my skills sure aren't.)

(It's not her soul I need to cut...it's her karma. I have to sever her grudge itself. And my skills haven't reached a point where I can do that!)

But so what! I should be thrilled I get to go up against Tomoe Gozen!

This is a once in a lifetime chance to prove myself against an unrivaled master! If I back down now, it would bring shame to my Niten Ichiryu style!

The only thing I need to worry about doing to this flame in human clothing is to cut it down with my crossed blades!

I'm glad I brought you with me, Myoujingiri Muramasa! Now come on, Inferno! It's time we settled this!

RR, RRRRRR...AAAAAAHHH!

MY...NAME...IS...TOMOE... NO...NO, IT'S NOT...!

I...AM...

THE ARCHER OF INFERNO...! THE ONE WHO SHALL BURN THIS WORLD TO CINDERS!!!

Come forth, my blood-soaked frontier! This mountain of bodies and river of blood shall serve as our stage, and consume the loser's soul upon their defeat!

My blade's Cursed Name is Archer of Inferno! My vessel's True Name: Tomoe-Gozen!

Prepare yourself, Shinmen Musashi! Our final battle is upon us!

...Let's do this!

I cannot overlook the Taira clan's tyranny. I doubt they will stop at ravaging the city.

If they are not stopped, they will ruin all of Japan. Someone must stand up to them. Someone must fight.

I will not fight for the Genji's sake. I will fight so that all who live in this world can do so in peace.

That's so selfless of you, Lord Yoshinaka.

It is, isn't it.

...Hahaha, as well it should be. I was trying to say something selfless, after all.

If anyone were to ask me why I do this, that shall be my answer.

Lord Yoshinaka...?

But I will be completely honest with you, Tomoe. The real reason I will fight the Taira clan...

...is to make a brighter future for us. That is all.

I fight, Tomoe, so that one day, the fires of war will no longer burn...and we can be together.

...Lord...Yoshinaka...

I remember now...

You smiled at me so bashfully, Lord Yoshinaka.

I loved that smile of yours. I would never forget it. At least, I thought I never would.

Resentment, hatred, anger...

I thought I had let all of it go. I never thought they would flare up and drive me to such madness.

How mortifying... But...

It seems that too is over now. Thank goodness...

Now, I no longer need be firewood.

...Thank goodness.

？！

...According to legend, Tomoe Gozen could fell a hawk with her bow, or split a large tree with her sword.

They were right. I could never have beaten her without the Myoujingiri Muramasa.

Rest in peace, Lady Inferno.

...The enemy ranks have collapsed.

You did it. The monsters are scattering. The samurai should be able to deal with them before nightfall now.

Tomoe Gozen was a truly fearsome foe...but I knew that you and Master would be able to defeat her, Lady Musashi. How sharp your techniques were.

I guess so, huh. In fact, they were pretty great, if I do say so myself! I deflected her arrows, and wove between every strike of her sword!

I didn't have a plan for dealing with her flames, but aside from that, I'd say I more than held my own!

Anyway, all that's left now is the cleanup. Let's go help Danzo and the samurai! Oh, but not you, Fujimaru. You get some rest!

...You too, Tomoe Gozen. I only hope my sword was able to free you from your karma.