Quarta Cantica: Kālasūtra Hell (Beginning)

Mmm, another beautiful blue sky. I love this weather!

I'm glad it's such a nice day out for our trip back. If it was raining, my kimono would get all filthy!

I paid good money for this outfit, so I want it to look nice for as long as possible!

I may only be able to make a living with my katana thanks to my lousy old man, but I still like to look good.

In fact, I had a skilled tailor custom-make both this obi and kimono just for me!

Of course I do. I enjoy looking good, you know. Though I do forget all about it when it comes time to fight a duel!

I may run around doing whatever I feel like now, but back where I grew up...I was lucky to know lots of good people.

Both this obi and kimono are proof of that. Hell, I wouldn't even have had the money for my swords without help from the various people I've met.

？！

...Anyway, at the rate we're going, we should be back at Grandpa Muramasa's hermitage in an hour or so.

Let's hustle. I bet he'll have piping hot white rice ready and waiting for us. Maybe even enough for seconds!

I can't say anything about white rice or seconds, but yes, I would love to meet another friendly Servant.

It seems that the Heroic Spirit Swordmasters didn't expect Master to be here in Shimousa...

And we now know that they see him as a threat. The more allies we have on our side, the better.

？！

Same here. Now that we know they can manipulate her mind, they may go after her again.

Still, old man Tajima said he has a plan in place, and that we'd only get in the way if we stuck around.

So we couldn't stay in the castle any longer anyway.

Not if it meant I would have to fight him to do so.

Indeed, we have no choice but to entrust Lord Tajima with the princess's care. Besides, I believe he would finally draw his sword if the time came to protect her.

(I hope so, but...that old man seems like he cares about other people's lives even less than I do...)

... ...

...Lord Tajima-no-Kami is a master of the Yagyu Shinkageryu, and one of the greatest swordmasters under the sun. We have nothing to fear in regard to the princess's safety.

？！

Hey, Danzo? Can I say something?

Very well.

It's okay to speak up sooner if you want to join the conversation. Say, when I was talking about the weather.

Understood. Today's weather is beautiful. I shall enter that into my database.

I just mean you could've jumped in around then too, y'know? We're here walking the same path together and all.

Understood. Same path. I shall enter that into my database.

Not a robot, Master. A mechanical puppet.

Understood. Robot. I shall enter that into my

You don't have to enter that one!

...Understood.

？！

Anyway, since we're all walking along the same path and all, why don't we take the time to enjoy it? It's not like we're in a hurry, right?

Correct. I have not been assigned a specific deadline by which this mission must be completed.

My new orders from Lord Tajima are to gather information around Shimousa.

And...to ensure that all of you arrive safely at your destination.

Okay, nothing in your orders precludes you from enjoying this walk. So, should be fine for you to join us for a bit of conversation!

"Precludes"... What a fancy word. You must have learned a lot in your travels, Lady Musashi!

... ...

... ...

Y-yes, Lady Danzo? What is it? Something on my face? If you're trying to hide yourself right now, I'm afraid it's not working...at all...

My apologies. I was simply observing you out in the open, as I had determined I did not need to hide.

So that was intentional then...

At any rate, Lord Kotarou, may I ask you a question? ...Are you sure you are uninjured?

During your battle, Lord Tajima-no-Kami ordered me to leave the princess and go outside the castle...

But you stayed behind and fought the villain to keep the princess safe.

Not only that, you suffered a terrible injury when you shielded that young man from a surprise attack.

And yet...you are still so sprightly...

O-oh, now I see. So you found that strange, huh?

Since you are a ninja, at first I thought it may be due to some sort of ninjutsu.

I recall you telling me you were a Sagami ninja before, after all.

But I searched my database, and was unable to find any ninjutsu that would explain your rapid recovery...

I-I see. Thank you for your concern, but I'm quite all right.

My body is quite different from an ordinary person's, but it is not because of any ninjutsu.

But, I know you are not a machine like I am.

While I have not had the sensation myself, I am aware that living creatures experience pain when they are wounded.

I am unable to feel such things as humans do, but I have also heard that pain can be unbearable to them.

Well, uh... There are certainly some wounds that can't be healed, but don't worry; mine weren't like that.

What's more, I'm still the head of a ninja clan, even if I may not look like it. Pain is nothing new to me.

... ...

...I see. Understood.

Huh, seemed like you two were having a nice talk, then it just kinda...stopped. Is she walking faster now, too?

...I wonder if I did something to offend her.

I don't think so. If anything, I think it's the opposite. Hehehe.

Right? Right? My finely tuned feminine intuition is telling me she's into him!

I may be clueless when it comes to my own relationships, but I'm always dead-on when it comes to other people's!

Hehehe. I hate to say it, Fujimaru, but you're dead wrong in this case.

Danzo's definitely into him. What a lovely puppet!

？！

So buck up, Kotarou. She only said those things to you in the first place because she cares about you.

...If you say so. I don't know what to think myself.

... ...

...What am I doing...

He is just an enemy. Nothing more. There is no need for me to concern myself with his well-being...

...Then again, a ninjutsu that can instantly heal wounds could be a significant threat. My duty is to learn as much as possible about the enemy, after all.

At least...that is what I believed...

What is going on? Could some part of me be broken...?

Or could it be that...I am feeling the effects of that evil aura from last night...

...Go on, lap it all up. Don't leave a single drop behind.

My bottle isn't just for pouring. It can also lap up suffering, regret, and hate...

...and turn them into the finest wine imaginable. Fufu. Sure you don't want some? It's delicious, you know.

Please, hurry. Before someone from the castle sees you.

I don't mind you collecting the remains of the great serpent that Lady Paraíso summoned. But please, be quick.

I know. Sorry for the trouble. I promise I'll soon be aaall done.

...At any rate, Danzo? O lovely Danzo?

Yes?

You're working as a spy under Caster's orders, right? You're not developing a soft spot for your marks, are you?

Surely you jest. I am here only to fulfill my master's orders.

Your master's orders, huh. You mean like Chiyome? Boy, you ninja sure have it tough.

Doesn't being your master's obedient little puppet get ooold? It would for me. I don't think I could last a day like that! Fufufu.

...

I know exactly what you're thinking.

All the time you were hiding up near the ceiling, you couldn't take your eyes off that redheaded boy, could you? You must really like him, huh.

What was it he said? Oh, that's right. Something about how a ninja without a heart is no more than a blade?

Nice words from a cute boy. I could easily see someone falling for his charm.

He's not quite my type anymore, but if I were still alive, I'd have been on him like white on rice. Fufu.

... ...Surely you jest.

That's how you want to play this? Are you sure? Okay, if that's what you want. Doesn't make any difference to me.

Okay, that's all of it. All the cursed remains of the great god of Ooe are mine to use as I like.

Guess I'll head back to Arakawa now then.

All right. Please hurry.

Always the responsible one, aren't you. So what if you're just a mechanical puppet?

Come on, be straight with me.

What is it you REALLY want to do?

...The Seiwa Genji...bah. The Shogun...bah.

What a deplorable state of affairs. Whatever happened to honor on the battlefield?

Are there any truly brave men among you? If there are, then I might be willing to face you one-on-one.

Lady Inferno didn't seem especially concerned, but I am. After all, your army is official, isn't it?

I see you number at least ten thousand. Some of you no doubt hail from upstanding families. And yet...

If you are willing to resort to any means necessary to hunt down monsters, then you are no better than I.

...It is terribly vexing. You remind me of myself far too much for my liking.

Where did you come from, woman!? I find you, and your presence here, very suspicious...

I was told that a woman led the army of monsters against Shimousa recently, and I think you're one of her ilk! Stay right where you are, and don't move a muscle!

Archers, advan

Wh-what the...!? Lord Shimada just...disappeared! He was just on his horse...and now he's gone!

Hm? What's this? ...A-aaah! It's Lord Shimada's torso...j-just his torso! What's it doing here!?

It must have flown for over twenty paces! That's impossible! This...this must be sorcery!

And look! That woman is still standing over ten paces away from his horse...

Oh, shut up! Just shut up!

I've never heard anything so pathetic. It's unbearable. The Seiwa Genji would be rolling in their graves if they could hear you so-called warriors now.

All your insignificant buzzing, not a word to be heard. You're no better than insects.

Insects are such disgusting creatures. Best to squash them. Quickly.

Since I'm already here, I may as well take the opportunity to exterminate this horrid infestation.

...!!! L-look out! Here she comes!

Too slow. Far too slow.

(Sigh) What's all this? Why'd you have to go and slaughter all of them?

And why'd you leave this shell-shocked idiot alive!?

Why bother killing him? He is so broken that he is all but dead in spirit.

A fool like that would make a poor sacrifice. I refuse to wet my blade when there is nothing to be gained from it.

Didn't your parents ever teach you it was rude not to finish what's on your plate?

Well, whatever. I'm a Berserker, so I can't really be bothered.

Anyway, nice job tonight, Kālasūtra Hell. As for me, I went ahead and lapped up every bit of suffering, regret, and hate I could find.

What a little sneak... If I weren't a Heroic Spirit Swordmaster, you would have been the first I killed.

How terribly irritating.

Ahaha, sorry about that. By the way, Kālasūtra Hell, I don't suppose you'd like to try something out?

You see, my Noble Phantasm's all filled up now. In fact, it's a little too full.

I'd like to go ahead and pour it all out...but if I did that, it might end up melting a whole province or two. What do you think?

That is what you wish to do? Commit a pointless atrocity when Onriedo is nearly upon us?

...Oh, very well.

In that case, why don't we venture over to the neighboring province of Sagami? I've always wanted to see the Ashigara region for myself.

Sagami, eh. What about Edo then? Shall I eat everyone there while I'm at it?

Oh yes, Edo. A city where people from all walks of life come together.

It reminds me of an anthill more than anything. In my time, the eastern lands were never so populated.

So? What do you say?

...I say no. The Lord Sorcerer has his own sights set on Edo. We should leave it alone.

Then Sagami it is.

Agreed. Let us dye its ocean bloodred. I do have some attachment to the Kamakura shogunate, but Sagami was the home of the loathesome Houjou clan.

I thought the Houjou didn't matter anymore in this period. Well, whatever.

Danzo. I know you're about. Tell the others we're going to Sagami for a spell.

...Wait, Lady Kālasūtra Hell, Lady Saṃghāta Hell! Neither Lord Limbo, nor Lord Empireo, nor the Lord Sorcerer told you to destroy Sagami.

Please, I ask that you reconsider!

Come on, Saṃghāta Hell. What are you doing?

Apologies, Danzo, that's just how it is. Hold the fort for us while we're away.

Both of you, wait...!

So you lot decided to come back, huh? And here I thought you'd gotten used to the cushy castle life.

Well, Servant or swordsman, a guest's a guest. You're probably tired after all that walking.

Onui, get some tea for our guests. Make sure it's hot.

Okay! Is it someone from the village? Like Ms. Gohei, or Mr. Numazou?

Oh, it's the nice man and Ms. Samurai! Along with Mr. Redheaded Ninja and...a lady I don't recognize!

Ga ga ga♪ Goo goo♪

I'm home, Onui, Tasuke! I'm so glad I get to see you two again!

Me too! Hey, what was it like inside the castle? Was it amazing?

It was so wide and spacious! We saw the girl we met in town there too. She was a real princess after all!

Wow, really!? I can't believe it!

Ga ga♪

A baby...

You there, new girl. You're a ninja, ain'tcha? I guess modern ninja don't even try to hide who they are anymore.

Indeed. As of late there are so many unusual characters running around that this outfit does not stand out much.

Apologies for a belated introduction. I am Danzo. I am to escort Lord Fujimaru and Lady Musashi to this hermitage, and see that they return safely.

Now that my task has been completed, I shall take my leave.

If you're not in any rush, you should stay and rest up. From the looks of you, I'd wager you're part of Yagyu Tajima-no-Kami's Edo group.

And since you were able to slip right through the bounded field I've been reinforcing over the last few days, I doubt you're one of the Heroic Spirit Swordmasters either.

...Very well then. If you insist as well, Lord Fujimaru, it would be rude of me to refuse.

Eh? What're you gettin' at? Remember, I'm technically a merchant.

If I want anyone buyin' my katana, I can't go 'round being all rude to my own damn customers.

I may be blunt, but I at least try to be hospitable 'bout running my business.

？！

At any rate. Fujimaru, the fact that you're here means you have more to discuss, right?

I also expect Musashi there to tell me how she's been treating my Myoujingiri. Come on, then, out with it.

...If you insist.

I do. Besides, just got a bit of interesting gossip myself. We can all share what we know.

Does that mean...there's been another incident in Shimousa?

I heard those monsters we thought we ran off have started showing up again in Shimousa.

But the big story I heard about didn't happen in Shimousa.

Apparently, in a field near the Arakawa River, right on the edge of Edo. An army of ten thousand

An army of ten thousand? Is that what that traveling merchant was telling you about before?

I didn't get to hear all of it that time because you made me go outside! What else did he have to say!?

...Never you mind. Let's have supper first.

Aww, no fair, Grandpa! I wanna hear too.

Goo, goo.

And so does Tasuke! Come on, please?

Hang on, Onui. Don't you also want to talk to me and Danzo and Kotarou and Fujimaru while we prepare dinner?

If you want to know what the princess's sleeping chambers were like, I can tell you all about them.

Wow, really!? I can't wait to hear about that! Okay, I'll go get dinner ready!

Thanks, Onui. Here, let me help. How about you, Danzo?

I-I, uh...

...Thanks. I didn't want the kids to hear about this.

I will. In my smithy.

Hahaha, not so fast. You're going to help us make it too, just as soon as you've finished your tea.

？！

I'll help too, of course. If you like, I can contribute some of my best hyourougan.

Hyourougan! What's that?

Hyourougan... Isn't that a kind of highly nourishing ninja ration? I've heard it's shaped like a ball...and also that it tastes absolutely terrible?

D-don't be ridiculous, Lady Musashi! The Fuumy clan's hyourougan is Warring States cuisine at its finest!

Is that true? I am not equipped with taste sensors, but I am still interested. May I see one of these hyourougan for future reference?

Uh, w-well... I-I might be able to show you one at some point!

Yay, I can't wait♪

Ga ga♪

Sheesh. Usually it's just me and the kids here. I can't remember the last time my hermitage was so rowdy.

Not really. But I'm used to it.

Maybe I am, maybe I'm not.

？！

Anyway, let's get dinner ready. Might not be no fancy castle banquet, but I'll still feed you good tonight. You'd better be grateful.

I've got plenty of sweetfish I caught in the river out back. Onui, go get the tub I left outside.

Kaaay♪

I'll help you.

Grilled and salted sweetfish!? White rice and pickled veggies!? That sounds like the greatest meal ever! I don't think anything could beat it!

What are you talking about? Food is no competition.

At any rate, I heard a lot happened at the castle, so eat up and get your strength back. We'll talk then.

Yay! Sweetfish!

？！

Hehehe, well of course I am. What could be better than this!? Oh, by the way, Grandpa, I'd love to have some udon for a midnight snack.

Don't push your luck. Now didn't you say you were going to help? Hurry up and get to work.

Yeah yeah, I know. Okay, let's take care of this one last job before we eat!

Thank you for the meal. It was delicious.

Not only were the sweetfish fresh, they were salted and grilled to perfection. Is the river out back where you caught them famous for being a good spot?

Ahh, that was great! There's nothing like a yummy meal!

？！

I was unable to partake of the food myself, but I sense that its presentation was lovely.

Flattery will get you nowhere. Besides, Onui handled the seasoning, though I did do the actual cooking.

Kunoichi, you sure okay with just water? I've heard about unusual ninja before, bu

I am, thank you. Your kindness is greatly appreciated, but please don't concern yourself with me.

Got it.

So full... Getting...sleepy...

Zzz... Zzz...

Aww, Tasuke already fell asleep. That's so cute. You look pretty sleepy too, Onui.

But...I want to hear the story... Nnn, so sleepy...

You can still hear what happened after you wake up. None of us are going anywhere.

Really...? Then...maybe I'll just close my eyes...for a little bit.

That's it. You need a good night's sleep. Lord Muramasa, may I take Lady Onui and Lord Tasuke to the inner room?

That'd be great. Thanks.

Very well then. Come along Lady Onui, Lord Tasuke. Please watch your step.

Okay... (Yaaawn)

Zzz... Zzz...

Wow, Danzo's so good with children. Her voice is so calming; just like a mother, or a big sister.

Y-yeah, I guess so.

？！

Yes, everything's fine. Now, I think this is an appropriate time to discuss what we all know.

Arakawa is far west of here, on the eastern edge of Edo. What happened there last night?

Listen up.

The powers that be realized how serious things have gotten in Shimousa, and finally decided to do something about it.

And there was that incident in Hitachi as well. That, coupled with Tajima-no-Kami's messenger telling those bigwigs about our problems...

...must have been the kick that they needed to get the ball rolling.

After all, they ended up sending a real army.

So, the shogunate finally made a move...

An army of ten thousand, to be exact. I was told it was assembled after Hitachi was burned to the ground.

Ten thousand!? I'm impressed they managed to even find that many samurai in peacetime!

Last year, the shogunate just barely managed to assemble twelve thousand for Shimabara, and only with help from the neighboring clans!

So when will this ten thousand strong army reach Shimousa? Are they already on their way?

I'm afraid not. Word is that last night...

The army was killed to a man.

No. 'Fraid not. What's more, it's something that concerns you directly.

？！

...The Heroic Spirit Swordmasters.

Looks like. There was one young samurai who survived the massacre. He crossed the river by himself and was able to relay what had happened, but he died soon afterwards.

According to him, it was two women who perpetrated the massacre. And two beautiful ones at that.

...Women? As I recall, of the four remaining Heroic Spirit Swordmasters...

？！

That's right. Two of them were women. That much I'm sure about.

A warrior able to kill a thousand is bad, but ten thousand? That's somethin' else. There's more, too.

Later that night...before the sun could rise...

The entire province of Sagami was destroyed.

What!?

？！

I meant what I said. It's completely gone.

Entire towns were either burnt to the ground, or looked like they'd been turned into molten glass.

Maybe you've heard how the mountains near Hakone were stripped bare to collect wood for Edo?

Word has it that Sagami now looks just like those mountains. It was like lightning and fire broke out all over the province.

But that sort of thing doesn't happen by accident. It's clear that the same two Heroic Spirit Swordmasters who slaughtered the army at Arakawa destroyed Sagami as well.

？！

I-I'm okay, Master. No need to worry about me. I'm a Servant, after all...

There's no one from my time still alive now anyway... Although, if I'm being truly honest...

Well, I'd be a liar if I said it wasn't at all upsetting. I'm sorry I'm still so immature...

？！

...Thank you, Master.

...I overheard everything from the other side of the sliding door. This is all news to me too. I had no idea what happened to Sagami...

Lord Kotarou. I am...sorry for your loss.

Thank you, but, I'm okay. Really.

... ...

So where are those two now, Lord Muramasa? Are they still in Sagami?

No. I heard they went on a rampage killing anyone and everyone in reach until high noon, and then they just vanished like smoke in a breeze.

Thanks to that, some smaller villages managed to survive.

Unfortunately...the same can't be said for bigger areas, like Kamakura or the Odawara Castle town.

There's a lot more dead than there are survivors. All of Edo's in an uproar about it.

...I've gone up against those monsters myself, and I still find this all hard to believe.

Fujimaru, are Servants really capable of that sort of thing?

？！

You bet. Some Servants are stronger than others, and some are better suited to certain situations than others.

Some are overwhelmingly powerful when it comes to fighting one-on-one, while others excel at taking on large groups.

I imagine these two are the latter. Of course, the worst kind to face are the ones who excel at both.

？！

I can't tell what they're after. If we take Paraíso at her word, the Heroic Spirit Swordmasters are planning to use Shimousa as the stage for some sort of plot.

But in that case, why would they need to wipe out an army, let alone all of Sagami!?

It's almost as if...they enjoy killing for killing's sake...

？！

...!

It does seem like the Heroic Spirit Swordmasters were all originally Heroic Spirits whose Spirit Origins have been twisted into something monstrous.

So then, if a Servant who had Mental Corruption, or who possessed Madness Enhancement, were to transform into a Heroic Spirit Swordmaster...

They might just be capable of something this horrific.

I don't know what those are, but it seems clear that these two are monsters in more ways than one.

Indeed. They may even be more deranged than the other Heroic Spirit Swordmasters we've faced.

...

And we still don't know when they're coming back to Shimousa. Hell, they could already be there and plotting something.

But I guess there's no point fretting about that. Now it's your turn. Tell me everything you know.

Have you figured out where their home base is yet?

Umm... Well...

You see...uh... We were very busy fending off the Heroic Spirit Swordmaster, so...

？！

Well, if they were that easy to track down, they wouldn't be such a threat. So how many did you manage to defeat?

Actually, don't answer that. Just let me see the Myoujingiri Muramasa's blade. That'll tell me all I need to know.

Really? Are you sure?

Well now, you've put it through the wringer, haven't you? It looks like you've slain three of them so far.

Fire and poison, eh.

I remember you slew one of them here, so that makes two others. It all adds up.

But why has it come loose at the hilt here? ...You threw it like a knife, didn't you?

You should have gone with a wakizashi if you wanted to toss the damn thing like a street performer. Tch.

How's a great swordsman like you not even carry a damn pocketknife!? I'll say this for your dual-wielding style: it's a lot flashier than your male counterpart's!

Ugh. If I had the time I'd lend you another blade, but I'm just too busy right now.

But, I guess it's okay. You may be treating it roughly, but at least you're not losing. That counts for a lot.

So the leader of the monsters in southern Shimousa was a Heroic Spirit Swordmaster, eh. Was the other one the villain that tried to assassinate Matsudaira's daughter?

You got it! Not bad, even for the legendary Senji Muramasa!

...It's so dark outside. It's kind of scary...

But, not a lot scary, okay? Just a little.

Zzz... Zzz...

No fair, Tasuke.

I just changed your diaper, so you're all set. But I can't wait until the morning to go to the lavatory...

Come on, Onui, you'll be okay... It's right over there.

Don't be scared. You're a big sister, remember?

... ...

Ahhh, I really wish one of the grown-ups would take me...

But they look like they're talking about something really important. I don't want to bother them.

...It's creepy out here. But, I'm not scared.

Aah!

...Was that the wind? Were those just some leaves being blown around?

Sorry, no leaves here.

So, you decided to go out to the lavatory aaall by yourself, even though you were afraid, mm? What a brave little girl you are.

But you really should've asked a grown-up to come with you, you know? Haven't they told you it's dangerous to walk around alone at night?

Do you know what happens to children who don't do what they're told?

...They get eaten by oni.

Ah.

AAAAAAAAHHHHHH!

!

Did you hear that!?

Onui!? Oh no!

？！

Lord Muramasa has already headed outside as well! You stay with me, Master!

I'll come too.

Thank you!

Onui! Tasuke!

Onui! Tasuke! Are you all right!?

G-Grandpa...! Ms. Samurai!

Yes, it's the same as when the other Heroic Spirit Swordmasters appeared! One of the remaining four must have made their way past the barrier!

？！

Please save me, mister...

My Cursed Name is Berserker Saṃghāta Hell. It's such a treat to see you again.

And mine is the Rider Kālasūtra Hell. Ordinarily, we Heroic Spirit Swordmasters can't be bothered to remember faces.

But now that three of us have been defeated, the Lord Sorcerer is done playing around.

Now we have the Master of Chaldea, Shinmen Musashi, and the insolent Servants helping them all in one place.

Now, what is it people say in situations like this? Ah, right. "Time to pay the piper."

Hahahaha, I love that! Though I'm also fond of an even simpler one: "It's payback time!"

Anyway, here is what is going to happen: we are going to kill you. Every. Single. One. Of. You.

Yes?

Well that's just great. Now they know my True Name. I didn't tell them, did I?

Don't ask me. How should I know?

？！

Wait, what? I know this isn't the most important thing to ask given the circumstances, but...

Do you know these two Swordmasters, Fujimaru!?

？！

...Shuten-Douji and Minamoto-no-Raikou are both Heroic Spirits whose Spirit Origins are in Chaldea's database.

However, I believe these two are completely different summons of them, as neither recognizes us.

Please be careful, Master. They may look like our acquaintances, but they are villainous Heroic Spirit Swordmasters... Little more than atrocity incarnate.

Shuten-Douji... She was the leader of all oni-kind back in the Heian period! And Minamoto-no-Raikou was one of the fiercest monster slayers ever, and lived in the same time!

I thought I'd already experienced how formidable Heroic Spirits were for myself, but seeing two mortal enemies side by side like this...

If this is supposed to be a joke, it's not funny!

...

？！

Sorry, but no dice. Our master really, reeeally has it in for you, sweetie.

We could fight to the death right now, but I don't want you finishing too soon. We're so much stronger, after all. Let's draw this out a bit...

Why don't we start with a bit of...foreplay?

Come forth, dark vessels of suffering, regret, and hate!

Come forth, and set your fangs upon all living creatures!

Fujimaru, get ready to fight! There's a whole lot of them this time, so I'm going to need your help more than ever!

？！

Of course! We won't let them get away with this!

Hehehehehe, you all kill so well! It's breathtaking!

Shinmen Musashi, the ninja boy, and the Master of Chaldea.

It's such a treat watching you cut down our wispy little monsters!

I'm glad to see you're at least somewhat proficient in battle. What a disappointment it would be if you weren't.

We have been stretching our legs and visiting some far-off places, but it's the same letdown everywhere we go.

It's so dreadfully boring. I don't expect you to be on par with the Great Tsuchigumo, but at the very least...

...I hope you could put up as much of a fight as an oni.

Otherwise, you won't even be worth the rust you might make on my beloved blade.

Rust? I'm surprised to see a glorified street thug caring about her sword.

(So Lord Muramasa came out too... Though I guess that's no surprise, considering what's at stake.)

(I can't say it's a good thing, though. He may be strong, but his is the kind of strength you get by not worrying about protecting yourself.)

(If he faces off against a Swordmaster, it'll end up a draw. And I've got my hands full with my own defense...)

Oh, look what we have here. ...I see. You must be the Rogue Serva

Shut up. Raikou, was it? Which blade do you have on you right now, Yasutsuna, or your Kumogiri?

Well, if you'd like to find out that badly, you could always try to make me draw it.

After you cross swords with me, you'd only have that little oni over there to deal with. Who knows? You might even be able to rescue these children.

...

？！

You think I don't know that? That's why I'm just letting them ramble on and not doing a damn thing.

...Still, you're right. I can't save the kids on my own.

Please. Get them back.

Of course we will! That said... Now that they've got hostages, we can't really go all-out.

I'm afraid it's not going to be quick or straightforward, Lord Muramasa.

(Master. I can conceal my presence and make my way around behind them.)

(While you keep them busy, I'll go and)

Wait, Lord Kotarou. They appear to be plotting something.

Heh. It seems your ideas aren't always completely worthless after all, Saṃghāta Hell. They seem very flustered indeed.

This does differ slightly from the Lord Sorcerer's plans, but that's just what happens when we Heroic Spirit Swordmasters are involved.

Now, let's begin. Perhaps this way we can have a bit of fun.

Right? Oh, they're getting all warmed up now. The meat's getting nice and juicy...

That doesn't mean it's okay to eat them.

Yeah, yeah. Hey, you there. Can you take this kid off my hands?

She's shaking so badly she can barely move. Oh, but don't go eating them, got it?

So they're keeping the children out of our reach by handing them off to one of their pet monsters. I hate to say it, but that's smart.

Maybe, but it's also incredibly tacky. Even if they've got us backed into a corner, let's still call it out for the cowardly move it is.

...I don't get you Heroic Spirit Swordmasters at all.

Having a chat while innocent children suffer as your hostages? You're a disgrace to beautiful women everywhere!

Ugh, what a waste. You're both as pretty as Otama, but I can hardly stand to LOOK at you!

...What a WASTE!

(...!)

...Yikes. That one nearly took my head off.

(Impressive. She didn't give herself away in the slightest. Musashi is pretty good when she tries.)

(Musashi's only flaw is her overly erratic sword ki. Still...this opponent is bad news.)

(She must be the real Minamoto-no-Raikou... I can't believe she deflected Musashi's strike with just a flick of her wrist...!)

？！

Thanks, Kālasūtra Hell. It's a lot better having you and your sword on my side than against me!

Don't be silly. I keep telling you, I did nothing special.

I simply swung this sword as I saw fit. I daresay my Yasutsuna handling is far more impressive.

If I strike my sword here, the enemy's blade will shatter. If I swing it here, the enemy's head will fly eight paces.

Anyone defending their home from their enemies would do the same.

Easier said than done. What's scary is...you really seem to believe it.

So, what will you do now?

I'll cut down the monsters behind you before they can try anything. If you two get in my way, I'll cut you down too.

If two katana aren't enough, I'll use three. If three aren't enough, I'll use four.

And if four still aren't enough...I'll sacrifice myself and bite through your neck with my own damn teeth!

Oh my, how brave. How adorable. You really believe that throwing your life away will make a difference?

I'm afraid that's just not how it works. On the battlefield, fortune favors the strong.

A few buzzing insects like you have no hope of victory.

？！

Yes, Master! I will do everything in my power to assist you!

...I may not be of much help, but I too will do what I can. My database says that one should always repay one's host for their hospitality.

Go ahead then. I won't stop you. In fact, I won't be stopping any of you.

I'll simply swing my sword and call down thunder and lightning. Well? Go on then.

Yeah, let's do this thing! Ahahahahaha! But just so you know, we really are strong, so at least TRY to stay alive!

My blade is the sword of execution. My authority is absolute.

Now, have at you. Let's see what sort of fight you put up!

(Ghh, so heavy! Each of her strikes has tremendous force behind it! It must be the difference in our bodyweight!)

(Thank goodness for Lord Muramasa's sword. I wouldn't be able to keep pace with her without the Myoujingiri!)

Both of their attacks are so strong that I am unable to measure them...and yet, they are still only fighting with a fraction of their power!

We can't even touch them! Whenever we get close, they always work together to deflect our moves!

...It's all we can do just to scratch them!

We might be able to handle one at a time, but together, we're completely outclassed.

(But, if I can make up the difference with my sword, we might still have a chance. They may both be monsters, but they're not equally skilled!)

I can see that you're both terrifically strong. And that you're not much for playing around.

Did your sorcerer master send the two of you together because he's finally getting serious after seeing three of you defeated when they came after us alone?

Well, I don't know about that. Kālasūtra Hell and I have always been great friends.

Touch me again and I'll squash you like the insect you are.

Yikes, that was scary! No fair, all of you ganging up on poor little me.

Well, I guess this is it for now then. See you around.

! Hold it! Give me back my grand

Rrrgh, not again! Get out of my way!

Now's our chance!

Ahahahahahaha! You really think so!? Come on then, catch us with a game of Stella Ella...Oni?

...Onui! Tasuke!

Grandpa...! Everyone... I'm so sorry!

It's all because I went outside on my own... If I hadn't, these oni would never have!

？！

Misteeer!

...Onui.

She'd only just learned how to hold her tears back, and you go and make her cry all over again. What the hell's wrong with you two?

Ooh, how scary. There's nothing worse than a stern talking-to from an old man. I guess that's our cue to leave.

Agreed. Very well then Master of Chaldea, Shinmen Musashi.

We will be waiting for you on the peak of the nearby mountain. If you wish to save these children, you will come to see us before daybre

...No, on second thought, we will wait for you there until high noon.

I won't even tell you two to come alone. Feel free to bring all your little friends with you.

The more there are to kill, the merrier your deaths will be.

Ah... They vanished...

That was like the skill we use to conceal our presence... I can't figure out the particulars, but it must be a skill that's unique to the Heroic Spirit Swordmasters...

They didn't even leave a scent behind. If we go after them with no plan, we'll be playing right into their hands.

...

Grandpa Muramasa?

They told us to go to the nearby mountain, so that's where we go. Hurry up. We don't have a moment to waste.

？！

...Of course we will. We have to pay you back for your hospitality, and I have my pride as a fighter.

...Now that I have a feel for the oni's claws and the Yasutsuna's reach, I, Shinmen Musashi, swear that I'll take their heads off the next time we meet...!