Terza Cantica: Paraíso (Middle)

Please wait here. Lord Tajima and Lady Kiyohime will be with you shortly.

Lady Kiyohime was overjoyed to hear about your arrival. However...

I respectfully ask that you understand your place, and not take what she says at face value.

？！

I must say though, I'm surprised to see people so young were responsible for slaying that monster.

Lord Matsudaira said you must have trained very hard indeed, especially given that the world is at peace.

Oh, I wouldn't go that far! I mean, I guess I am a bit stronger than most people you come across?

But trust me, there are plenty of swordsmen out there who are waaay stronger.

Of course, there are also people like Kotarou and Fujimaru, who have a different sort of strength to them.

But if we're strictly talking about martial arts, then I'd say old man Tajima is easily stronger than me.

Well, of course he is. He's the invincible Yagyu Munenori.

If we're discussing who the greatest swordmasters under the sun are, there are two names that come to mind.

The first is Miyamoto Musashi, the master of dual-wielding. And the second is Edo's own Yagyuu Tajima.

...I-is that so.

？！

Edo period? If you mean the city of Edo, yes, I understand they talk about Miyamoto quite a bit there.

Even now that the age of war is over, our lords still love to discuss who would win if Musashi and Yagyuu Tajima were ever to cross swords.

Ahahaha... Y-you don't say.

(Hey, does that line up with your history? 'Cause this is seriously the first I've ever heard of this!)

(Yes, it does. There are records that date back to the early Edo period that describe your popularity. I believe you were the most popular among the people, Lady Musashi.)

(Huh. I'm surprised they didn't root for the home guy.)

(Miyamoto Musashi has always been popular. You have appeared in countless stories well beyond the Edo period.)

(Oh, I guess that part does kind of sound like me. I do end up wandering into all sorts of times and places.)

(That isn't what I meant...)

All right, I shall go and fetch the princess. Please wait here until I return.

Oh, don't worry about us. We're happy to wait.

...Phew. This is kind of nerve-wracking, isn't it.

？！

I know...but we were already overstaying our welcome. Grandpa was pretty upset, and who can blame him?

We were supposed to bring them back later that same day, and we ended up disappearing for two days without a word.

What were you thinking!?

I come all this way to the castle town myself after you never came back, and what do I find?

You and the kids spent not just one, but TWO nights in a geisha's room!? Why didn't you call me!? Thinkin' I wouldn't've enjoyed a geisha's company too!?

Uh, I mean, that's a part of it, but that's not the point! 'Sides, I ain't got time to spend with women right now.

First I hear you went down to the south to fight a monster, and then I get here to find out you just LEFT Onui and Tasuke to fend for themselves?

？！

That's right, Mr. Muramasa! You tell them!

Not only did they not leave when they said they would, they started treating my room like they owned the place.

Granted, it WAS a little lonely staying in such a large room all by myself...

So I thought a little company might not be so bad. But still! It's the principle of the thing.

If nothing else, the men could've been considerate enough to stay in a nearby room!

Hm? Oh, yes. Good point.

I can't believe you made this much trouble for a lady you'd never met before. Anyway, things may have worked out this time...

But don't go making a habit of this. Got it?

？！

Y-yes sir. I'm sorry, Grandpa!

Better. All right, I'm taking Onui and Tasuke back to the hermitage with me.

You can keep staying at this fancy inn of yours if you want, or go and get work at the castle.

You can even come back to my hermitage if you like. ...The kids'll probably miss you if you don't.

I'd be glad to go back with you after we finish our business at the castle. Are you okay with that, Fujimaru?

I know I feel a lot more at ease inside its barrier, and I bet Kotarou will feel much the same way.

Besides... If worse comes to worst again, there won't be any innocents getting killed.

？！

Wait a moment. Back when Inferno attacked, didn't she say she couldn't involve the town in your battle?

If that's right, wouldn't it also be safe to remain here? I just thought it was worth asking.

？！

Understood. To be honest, Master, I knew you would choose to avoid the town, so that its people wouldn't suffer.

Hey. Redhead.

Yes?

...I don't recognize your face, but I can tell you're a Servant. Who are you?

It's been one honor after another, getting to meet Lady Musashi and Senji Muramasa. I can't believe he's a Servant!

Of course, I'm sure he's a Heroic Spirit that was summoned to this world for some reason, not a Chaldean Servant.

And yet, he's neither a Heroic Spirit Swordmaster, nor a candidate to become one.

At least, PurgatorioHouzouin Inshun never said anything to that effect.

So the only possibilities I can think of are a chain summon, or...

Hey, Kotarou?

Yes?

How were things here while I was out all day? Did you and Danzo get to know each other better?

I... Huh? Where did that come from!?

？！

Not you too, Master. Please don't tease me like that. Whatever it is you think I have to feel guilty about, I don't!

Besides, I haven't seen her all day. I believe she went back to Lord Tajima.

At any rate, there's nothing to be gained from teasing me. Serving you is the most important

Hehe, you all sound like you're having so much fun!

Please tell me what you were discussing, Lord Fujimaru!

My lady, you are standing much too close to your guest. I implore you to give him some space!

Hmph. And why should I?

...Princess. Try not to make too much trouble for your retainers.

Oh...all right. You're so strict, Lord Tajima-no-Kami. But, I suppose a lady does need to behave modestly.

It is a pleasure to see you and your retainers again, Lord Fujimaru. Oh, I see you have another in your retinue now.

It's a shame you didn't bring those darling children with you as well. I do love children.

I know! Each day felt like a year!

Is something wrong?

？！

(Her resemblance to the Kiyohime we know is uncanny! It's just like Otama and Tamamo-no-Mae!)

(But, this Kiyohime isn't a Servant. I can't sense anything like that from her. She is definitely human.)

(And even putting her affection for Master aside, her personality seems a bit different from the Kiyohime we know.)

(Does this mean Shimousa really is a Singularity, or something like it? ...No, that doesn't quite feel right...)

(Holy Grails distort the history of the period where they appear. But I haven't seen anything like that here...)

(It feels more like...something is different about the fundamental premise of this world...)

Oh, are you discussing secrets amongst yourselves? I guess men do like to do that, no matter how old they are.

I don't have many secrets myself. Though I suppose others might not see it that way.

In fact, I can talk to snakes! My retainers don't believe me, but it's true.

？！

They even have that in common! N-no, wait. The Kiyohime we know doesn't converse with animals...

But it's still an uncanny coincidence that she would have some connection to snakes!

She has snakes in common with someone? Who are you talking about?

Hmm, I'm afraid I'm not quite sure what you mean. Are you referring to me, or someone else?

... ...

...Princess, might I suggest that we focus on the matter at hand?

Oh, yes. Sorry, Lord Tajima. Distinguished guests, thank you all again for coming here.

I am told that you were instrumental in the battle against the monsters that attacked Shimousa.

On behalf of my father, Matsudaira Shimousa-no-Kami, I commend you for your achievement.

I shall ensure that you are well rewarded. Please be sure to see my retainer about that later.

I would also like to thank you from the bottom of my heart, not as a princess, but as a citizen of Shimousa.

I cannot tell you how happy we all were to hear the news. I have no doubt that everyone in Shimousa feels the same.

You are far too kind to these commoners, my lady. Don't let it go to your heads, you rabble.

...Pfft. Verily, thy praise doth instilleth great...eth joy in our hearts, milady!

What she said.

Haha, no need to be so formal! Class need never come between us, Lord Fujimaru!

How insolent.

It's fine, Lord Tajima. Lord Fujimaru can say whatever he likes to me.

？！

Well then, Lord Fujimaru! Now that we have gotten that out of the way, let's move on to more urgent matters!

I believe you have all heard the rumors concerning me?

We have. They said you'd received a letter. And judging by your expression, I'm guessing it wasn't a very nice one.

...No, it wasn't. Indeed, it was the most painful letter I have ever received.

And with so many lives lost when it was delivered, I doubt it is merely an ill-considered prank.

No, I'm afraid that there truly is someone out there who means to end my life.

I have many warriors serving me here. And we also have Lord Tajima and his five-hundred-odd elite samurai, all of whom took part in the Shimabara Rebellion.

...Perhaps it isn't proper for me to say this, but...even so, I am frightened out of my wits...

They are all doing their best to keep me safe, so I feel terrible that I'm still so ill at ease...

Princess... I do not blame you for feeling that way at all, what with such an awful letter arriving so soon after this monster business.

Still, I will say this nonetheless! Lord Fujimaru!

Please, I beg of you: protect me from this vile villain who threatens my life!

...I see. The princess has entrusted these commoners with her protection without considering the consequences.

Indeed, my lord, there is no other way to put it! I understand that the princess is fond of them, but they are still commoners!

It would be one thing if they were all masterless samurai, but some of them are not even that!

Even letting them into the castle is madness! Why, this could even affect the clan's very existence!

I see. So you say that these people are a threat to the clan. You may be right...if this were a time of peace.

However, times are anything but peaceful now. These monsters pose a threat we cannot ignore. If there are skilled warriors willing to aid us in defeating them, their station in life is no longer relevant.

And I can personally attest to their combat prowess.

They put an end to the monster that attacked us. Indeed, many of my own men who were present at that battle are still singing their praises even now.

...Or do you doubt my judgment?

N-no, my lord. I-I would never dream of it.

Hahahaha, I was merely joking! Yes, I may have referred to them as untrustworthy strangers, but, uh...haha.

With the princess personally requesting their protection, and your endorsement of their skill, I have no objections!

Hahahahaha! Wh-why, it is most reassuring to have such upstanding young warriors helping us!

All right everyone, make sure you all take good care of the princess!

...Hmph.

Very well then, you WILL see that the princess's safety is assured. Fail, and your heads will roll.

W-well... Uh... What do we do now, Master?

Same. I figured you would say as much, and you didn't disappoint. I wonder why you turned out like that.

We've both been to all sorts of places, so what is it that makes us so different in that regard?

Anyway, I agree with you. If we don't do something, the princess will definitely end up dead.

I agree. It seems very unlikely that this is a wholly new threat. It must be one of the remaining five.

And given that this is imperial land that's fairly close to Edo, I doubt it's politically motivated.

So yeah, there's no way we can ignore this. It's lucky they're letting us stay in the castle.

？！

I'll go along with whatever you decide, Master. ...I knew you would want to help.

Mmm. Mmmmmmm. I don't know if I care for how this matter seems to have been settled without me. Shouldn't I get a say in it too?

Oh well, it worked out how I wanted while I was off fretting, so I guess it's all right. Hooray!

I can't believe you'll be protecting me personally, Lord Fujimaru... I'm so happy I could die...

？！

Hehe. I'm sorry... I'm just so happy, I couldn't help myself.

By the way, Lady Swordfighter? I'm told you were the one who defeated the monsters' leader.

...Is that true?

It's not that I don't believe it. It's just that if it is true, you deserve the highest of accolades.

Oh yes, it's all true. I sliced her clean in half.

Though I couldn't have done it without your beloved Fujimaru's help, or this expertly crafted sword.

Oh my, that's amazing! I guess it just goes to show how strong women can truly be!

I knew you were someone special from the moment I saw your sword ki in town.

As a woman myself, I couldn't be happier. You've truly inspired me!

？！

In fact, hehe, I'm actually something of a martial artist myself! As the daughter of a samurai family, I've spent a lot of time training!

？！

I...I promise you, I'm not a burden. I will gladly accept your protection, of course, but I assure you that I won't be a burden.

And to prove it, I would like to ask for you to spar with me, Lady Swordfighter. Would you be so kind?

Me? I'm sorry, but I don't go around fighting unless there's something to be gained from it.

Oh, there's no need to worry about that. How many ryou will it take to satisfy you? Ten? Twenty?

I have thought about it carefully, and nothing would honor me greater than to spar with you, princess! For thirty ryou, I'll even show you my secret techniques!

？！

Ahaha, oh come on, sure you have. Anyway, will you be sparring alone, princess?

Of course I'll go easy on you, but I still wouldn't recommend facing me all by yourself.

Very well, then I shall add to my numbers. Danzo!

Yes, my lady. I am here.

This nice swordfighter will be joining me for a training session, and I would request your assistance.

As you wish, my lady. Lord Tajima-no-Kami has ordered me to obey your instructions, so that is what I shall do.

... ...

Oh, if it isn't Lord Kotarou and Lady Musashi. I see you are here too, Lord Fujimaru.

Thank you all again for your cooperation with the monster hunt the other day.

Now, since we do not have anything to catch up on...let us proceed with the princess's training.

Indeed. That is how we puppets are.

Good.

？！

Very well then, Lady Swordfighter and Lord Fujimaru! I shall demonstrate the flammable water I imported from foreign lands!

？！

Now, let us begin! ...Um, right after I change into my training outfit!

GRAAAW! (Flump)

Th-this battle is ours! The tiger(?) the princess summoned has rolled over and shown its belly!

...My apologies, princess. I simply wasn't strong enough.

(Sniff) You win! I can't believe you tamed my imported tiger so easily!

But I am tremendously impressed by your skill, Lady Swordfighter and Lord Fujimaru. You are both equally wonderful!

Ahaha, thanks. It's a little embarrassing to be praised THAT highly.

Anyway, uh, you haven't forgotten about our financial agreement, right...?

Oh, come to think of it, Lady Swordfighter...earlier, I heard you addressed as Musashi...

Did you...perhaps name yourself after the famous swordmaster, Miyamoto Musashi?

Uh... G-good question. Ahahaha. I don't really remember where my name comes from.

You MUST be as strong as the real Musashi! In fact, I'm sure of it! That's amazing!

May I ask what sort of training you underwent in order to become so strong?

W-well, uh, I don't think my regimen will be of much help to anyone besides me, but...

Basically, I travel around visiting different countries looking for opportunities to train, I guess? Huh, when I put it like that, it actually sounds kind of normal.

So you travel to distant lands, training wherever you go!?

I can't believe you travel around like that by yourself... I'd love to hear more about it!

Oh, but first, we should have supper.

Then we can take a bath and throw pillows at each other, then you can tell me all about your exploits! It'll be a wonderful sleepover!

Wait, huh? We're going to throw pillows at each other?

Now come, right this way. Supper should be ready by now! Quickly, quickly!

H-huh? Hey, stop pulling my

What a heartwarming scene. Though I'm afraid it looks like you've been dumped, Master.

？！

I see. I'm glad to hear that, Master.

Very well then, I shall be taking my leave. Lord Kotarou, I was most impressed with your ninjutsu.

...Not at all. I was more impressed by yours.

Now, if you'll excuse me.

...

Oh my, so you really have been to countries outside of Japan!? That must have been a terribly difficult journey.

Being in a strange land, where you can neither speak nor read the language? And all by yourself, no less!?

I can't imagine being in a place like that all by myself, with almost nothing familiar nearby...

The thought terrifies me... But, for some reason, it also sounds kind of wonderful...

I could never do something like that... But, part of me would love to try!

You'd be surprised how well you can get by, even with a language barrier. Some people will help you learn to speak, and you can also get pretty far with gestures.

People are basically the same no matter where you go, and scary things are scary no matter where you are.

So I'd say the scary stuff and fun stuff balance each other out.

Sure, there are times when I'm suddenly overcome with an urge to go back home...

But on the whole, it's a lot of fun to meet so many new people.

I see. That sounds lovely.

The only unusual thing that has ever happened to me is rescuing a baby snake out in the castle garden.

Ever since then, I've gotten along well with snakes. I can even tell what they're thinking.

So you have a telepathic bond with them! That's awesome!

But you know, princess, Shimousa is pretty diverse. There's all sorts of people to meet right outside the castle doors.

You met that snake here, after all, and you met Fujimaru, Kotarou, and me here too.

Oh, that's a good point. Hehe, you've got me there. Come to think of it, Lady Musashi...

Did you know Lord Fujimaru before you met him here?

Yeah, I first met him on an island not too long ago. That was a pretty rough time.

At first, my memories were so fuzzy that I didn't even know who I was or where I was from.

Oh my, that sounds dreadful! What sort of island was it!?

Well, it was a small island, but it had a surprisingly steep mountain...

... ...

？！

...

？！

Yes?

？！

My apologies, Master. However, I must stand near you. I have to keep you safe.

With the assassin's threat hanging over us, danger could strike at any moment.

We must remain vigilant, even in our sleeping quarters.

The Heroic Spirit Swordmasters know you are a Master of Chaldea, right? Then we can't take any chances.

？！

I-I'm so sorry, Master. However, I am the only Chaldean Servant who has been able to properly materialize here.

As such, it falls to me to ensure your safety. So I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe.

And since Lady Musashi is staying with the princess, it is my job to guard you.

So, you may not like it, but

...!

？！

Yes, I can sense them. They're here.

Go on men, get her! This villain has had the gall to infiltrate the castle. See to it that she never leaves!

How courageous. Indeed, you samurai certainly do talk a good game.

Come to think of it, there was another one yapping up a storm earlier. At first I thought it was a guard dog, but it seems he was actually one of your comrades.

Here, maybe you can tell me who he was. I just happen to have a souvenir here with me.

A severed head! You're a monster... It looks like it was removed with one clean cut.

You may be our enemy, but I can see that you are terribly skilled. As such, we will not hesitate to attack you five...no, ten at a time!

... ...

...How terribly dull. This is why I don't enjoy fighting you little knife-wielders. You're so used to killing and being killed.

No doubt that holds true even in this newly peaceful world. And of course, there are still those of you who survived Osaka and Shimabara.

Still...even the most battle-hardened samurai collapses into a quivering mess as his entire body is twisted apart.

Grrr! You impudent little ninja!

Good, they're here. Listen up! We have no fewer than twenty men on our side! You were arrogant to come here all on your own!

Well well, look at you all scurrying around like cockroaches... How idiotic. Indeed, this is the very height of stupidity.

Enough! Give yourself up, or die!

...Ordinarily, I would be glad to indulge your idiocy.

But alas, it seems the Master of Chaldea and his pet ninja have arrived sooner than I expected.

Men of Matsudaira! Leave this monster to us!

Y-you're the ones who were entrusted with the princess! Fret not. She can't overcome so many of us!

I'm afraid you are mistaken. Remember what happened during the monster hunt.

？！

H-hmm... I suppose you have a point. Even some of Lord Tajima-no-Kami's men said they were helpless against that monster...

I cannot tell if this ninja is one of their ilk as well, but...!

Oh, very well! I will let you lot deal with this...thing! But should you lose, we will not hesitate to step in!

Of course. ...Master, may I ask for your assistance?

Hmm...

Well? Are you done chattering with each other? Which of you will be the first to die?

？！

What is it, Master of Chaldea? Something not to your liking?

Hmph, what is that pitiable gleam in your eyes? I sense no intent to kill, or even the will to do battle.

？！

Pfft. Heh. Hahahahaha! It seems you are not only a Master of Chaldea, but a master of comedy too!

Of all the things I thought you might say, I never expected that.

I haven't laughed so hard in ages.

That said... You may make an imposing figure, but you clearly still have the mind of a child.

In that case, I should have snuck into your bedroom and killed you in your sleep in order to spare you the shock. Hahahahaha!

That's enough, Heroic Spirit Swordmaster! You will cease mocking my Master at once!

？！

...Indeed, my Cursed Name is Assassin of Paraíso, one of the embodiments of the Curse of Annihilation.

And you are the Master of Chaldea, along with one of your Servants.

Good, good. It is unfortunate that Shinmen Musashi is not here, but I suppose I cannot wait any longer.

Here is our message, direct from our master! Make no mistake: this is a declaration of war!

The Lord Sorcerer will wield the power of Lucifer, the great Satan himself, against Shimousa, using it as a sacrifice to bring about the end of the world of men!

？！

This world created by the Tokugawa clan shall end once the Lord Sorcerer's ambitions are realized!

Rejoice! Rejoice, and die while you are in the throes of joy! Shimousa shall be the first to fall; a sacrifice made so our master's wish will come true!

Therefore, I must dispose of the next in line to rule this land. Of course, I am referring to Matsudaira Shimousa-no-Kami's beloved daughter.

News of her death will devastate Shimousa's people, and their despair will make this land so easy to destroy.

... ...

So making the people despair is all part of your plan...and killing the princess will accomplish that?

Hehe, correct. My orders are clear. I have been told to be sure that the people know of our plan before I carry it out. Truly, the life of a ninja devoted to her master is one of endless difficulty.

Now then, Master of Chaldea! I will of course be taking your life as well!

It seems that the princess is very fond of you. I wonder how horrified she will be when I toss your head into her lap!

？！

We shall see about that.

In fact, let me show you just how easy it will be to take it.

What the...!? A snake? I can't get it off! G-gaaaaaah!

!

U-urk! G-gaaaaah!

？！

...There we go. Did you see how easy that was?

I just took all twenty of these men's heads. If I include the ones earlier at the rear gate, and from when I delivered the letter...that makes forty dead.

Human life is a fleeting, fragile thing. Almost too fleeting, in fact.

As you can see...

Once my snake-charm techniques swallow them up, their heads are the least of their worries. If I wish, I can take their entire bodies without leaving a trace.

Indeed, their lives are so frail that I could easily swallow up a hundred...or two hundred of them.

So, Master of Chaldea...let us see if your life is any different.

You'll never get the chance. I'll make sure to stop you.

You are free to do whatever you like. I shall do the same. Come forth, my dark minions!

？！

Yes, Master!

Eeeeeek! M-monsters...!

Their distorted voices drip with malice... S-so these are the monsters terrorizing Shimousa...

L-Lady Musashi, I...I'm so ashamed. I'm so scared I can't even stand.

Yeah, that scared the hell out of me! Not to mention the shock of sensing their evil ki! Where do they get off popping up in our bedroom like that right after we put out the lights!?

Who do they think they are, the bat monster I fought in Himeji Castle!? Princess, get behind me!

I'm going to make these shameless creatures wish they'd never surprised me and interrupted our sleepover!

The battle is over. We've defeated all the hostiles!

Think nothing of it. Those creatures were no match for me. I'm the one who's grateful for your assistance, Master.

Thanks to you, we completely dominated the enemy despite their greater numbers. Now then...

Oh, I suppose I did. I guess that's because I'm now in the same position of keeping you safe, just like she used to!

I must have unwittingly modeled myself after her! Now then...

？！

I have a question for you, Assassin of Paraíso. Do you harbor a Curse of Annihilation as well?

Are you certain you aren't going against your ownyour original Heroic Spirit's wishes by acting like this?

What sort of question is that? Who do you think we Heroic Spirit Swordmasters are?

We are the shadows of figures who have made their mark on humanity. We are neither ghosts, nor evil spirits, nor vengeful specters.

And of course, we are not Heroic Spirits.

We Heroic Spirit Swordmasters carry blades created to slash this world to pieces. Storms of power given form.

We kill men. We kill women. We kill the old and the young. Not even infants escape our grasp... That is what Heroic Spirit Swordmasters are.

We skewer with spears, burn with fire, and twist off heads. Our means of cleansing this world are endless.

...Doesn't doing those things eat away at your soul?

My soul? What a strange question.

Soul... My soul, hmm? What a sentimental Heroic Spirit you are.

What about your Holy Grail War rituals, where many of you Heroic Spirits come together to kill one another?

Would you rattle on with the same nonsense during one of those? How does your soul feel when you kill other Heroic Spirits to grant your lord's wish?

Don't make me laugh.

I didn't ask you that because I'm a Heroic Spirit. I asked you as a fellow ninja.

So once again, tell me: Doesn't doing those things eat away at your soul?

... ...

It seems that sincerity can devolve into obstinacy, or even madness, if left unchecked. It pains me to see what an immature whelp you are.

You're wrong. I'm stronger than you are.

I've defeated every monster you've thrown at us. You can't stop me with creatures so weak.

Surrender, Assassin of Paraíso!

You little brat!

A mere Fuuma boy like you is in no position to make demands of me!

I'll twist your head off and feed it to my snakes! Let's see if your righteous soul makes you taste any better!

I am no boy. I am the fifth head of the Fuuma ninja clan... My True Name is Fuuma Kotarou! I will fight you with all my strength!

Thank you, Master! I'm counting on your help!

I was actually just copying you, Master! Besides, many other Heroic Spirits have done the same thing!

Not to mention that I was obligated to say something, given my position!

...At any rate, it seems there is nothing left to do now but fight!

？！

...

How!? How is this possible!? You are just an ordinary Heroic Spirit, and I possess the power of a warped Spirit Origin!

This...cannot be happening.

...No matter how incredibly strong you may be, even you still have moments of vulnerability.

You should be ashamed of yourself, Heroic Spirit Swordmaster. You refuse to face the terrible truth of what it means to become nothing more than a blade.

A ninja without a soul is nothing more than a hollow blade. In forgetting that, you proved your immaturity.

...I'm sorry for getting so sentimental, Master.

...I know. Lady Musashi told me about them.

？！

Go on, why don't you pick yourself up now? I know you're not really dead.

What a boring little boy you are. You could at least act surprised when I come back to life.

Indeed, decapitation will not kill us. Surely you know as much from what happened with Purgatorio?

There, you see? No matter how sharp your techniques may be, they have no effect on us.

And so, I'm afraid all your boasting from your earlier "victory" amounts to nothing.

We are neither heroes that once lived, nor their Heroic Spirits. We are merely their vessels!

More than that, we have been strengthened beyond belief! We are invincible! No one can kill us!

(I knew it. She WAS holding back during our fight!)

So my blades cannot reach your Spirit Core after all. And without Lady Musashi's Myoujingiri Muramasa, there's nothing I can do!

Here ya go!

Huh!?

What!?

(Sh-she threw her Muramasa!? A one of a kind masterpiece of a sword!? What a waste!)

Damn, I missed! Nice catch, Kotarou! Let me have that back now!

Of course! Here you are, Lady Musashi!

I never thought you would try to strike me down from behind! I am an Assassin. How did you sneak up on me?

...Now I see. You didn't sneak up on me; you simply threw your sword at me from a distance! What a poor excuse for a swordsman you are, Shinmen Musashi!

...

Oh my, that was truly incredible! I'm amazed you were able to strike at her with such accuracy from so far away, Lady Musashi!

It's a shame that this villain was quick enough to evade it. I'm afraid my own naginata and flammable water won't be of much use here...

？！

M-Master is right, Lady Musashi! You should have at least left her with Lord Tajima!

What were you thinking, bringing the princess here!?

I know, I know! I didn't CHOOSE to bring her here! She just sorta...tagged along!

...How fortunate.

Huh?

I'm disappointed in you, Paraíso. Resorting to kunai at this point? Did you really think Lady Musashi and I wouldn't notice?

Hardly. If anything, I was certain you would. ...Even I am no match for Fuuma Kotarou and Shinmen Musashi together.

Spoken like someone getting ready to slither away. Do you really think we'll let you escape?

Of course not. I know very well you would never let me go. Which is why I already made arrangements.

...Hrn.

？！

The sky...!

Huh? Was that an illusion? A clone? Did that assassin just up and disappear!?

Looks that way. Ugh, I hate dealing with ninja. They always have some trick up their sleeve!

I'm, uh... I'm sorry, Lady Musashi...

We ninja aren't used to fair fightsor at least, it isn't something we usually plan forso we tend to resort to tricks without really thinking...

Oh, I'm not blaming you. Come on, chin up. The fact that I find you tough to fight is a compliment more than anything.

You ninja sure are strong. You plan ahead for all sorts of situations, so you manage to survive even when it's one against many.

Take that kunoichi we just fought, for example. Um... What was her name again? We saw her in the bamboo forest too.

That's it!

Really?

？！

So, this Assassin of Paraíso woman is the third Heroic Spirit Swordmaster you and Master have fought.

There aren't many kunoichi who are adept at combat, and even fewer opportunities to meet them.

Uh, what I mean is...we may be able to figure out her True Name!

After all, there just aren't that many famous kunoichi in history!

？！

...Oh. G-good point. I'm sorry.

Hm? Why're you looking at me like that?

N-no reason. We just happen to know a lot of examples where historical figures who were thought to be men turned out to be women.

So I was just thinking about how history is much deeper than we usually think it is. Oh, and I'm sure there are examples of the opposite as well.

Feels like you swept all that under the rug a little quickly... But, I guess it's okay. Right, Danzo?

...I am here. My apologies; I did not wish to interrupt your conversation.

Lord Tajima has called for every samurai under his command to assemble at once. He will be here momentarily.

As long as Lady Musashi and Lord Fujimaru are here with me, I don't really need anyone else...

By the way, what happened to the castle's retainers? I would have thought they'd be here long ago...

Lord Fujimaru...?

...!

？！

I... I see... So, they perished at that villain's hands...

...Then, even though there's no trace of their bodies, this blood here must be...

...

Whoa, that was close.

？！

Poor princess... You can't blame her for being in shock.

She must have passed out from sheer anguish. Not to worry, I shall attend to her with the utmost care and precision.

Lord Kotarou, I see that you too are injured. Allow me to treat your wounds as well.

Th-thank you, but I'm all right. I can't be treated by ordinary means, since I'm not huma

... ...

Wait, did you not hear about me from Lord Tajima?

I'm sorry?

N-never mind. It's fine if you haven't. My point is, I'm all right, so please just look after the princess.

...Understood.