Ultima Cantica: The Stage of Carnage, Onriedo (Middle)

Come on, hurry! There's no time to waste! We need to get out of here while the samurai are keeping those monsters busy!

Close the wooden shutters! Yes, those! There's a bunch of those things trying to come out! Hurry!

The grounds south of the castle should be safe! Ugh, how long does it take to close a simple shutter!?

Oh my, you're so strong, Mr. Samurai! ...Er, I mean, come on, you lot! Hurry it up!

You heard the man! We need to head south! All you big, strong men, carry the kids and the elderly! Go on!

Aaah! Forget the ones who've turned into monsters; there's nothing we can do for them! Discretion is the better part of valor and all that!

Just think of them as a big fire and run away as fast as you can! Got that? You're running for your lives from a fire, not monsters!

Some fire this is! Dammit, I'm gonna survive this if it's the last thing I do!

No sooner do we set foot in town than we're hit with a bunch of monsters! There are too many of them! Don't tell me this is

I've just finished scouting out the town. As we suspected, Toke Castle appears to be at the heart of this phenomenon!

Whatever happened there, it not only caused a great number of monsters to appear, it also transformed many of the people into monsters as well.

Fortunately, this area seems relatively unscathed, but...

So you're telling me those howls I hear off in the distance...are from monsters who used to be human?

？！

The eastern area appears to have been completely wiped out. Not a single person managed to escape.

You've got to be kidding me. I've heard that people can change, but this is ridiculous!

The east has the keep, right? Maybe that means you're more likely to transform the closer you are to the castle?

That could be it. I believe Master should be okay thanks to his Mystic Codes, and you should be fine as well, Lady Musashi.

I have seen you shrug off countless magical attacks with no adverse effects.

It's as though you have some sort of innate resistance to magical energy.

Wait. Was that a compliment?

Uh, yes, it was.

... ...

As far as I can tell, the samurai are maintaining their chain of command. Otherwise, they wouldn't be able to help the townspeople escape.

So I would imagine they made sure the royal family got out safely first and foremost. At least, I hope so.

？！

So people transform if they get near the castle, eh. In that case...

I should never have brought Onui and Tasuke here. I thought they would be safer with us, but that clearly backfired.

Fujimaru, make sure you keep the kids close by so they don't get lost.

Hehe, your hand is so warm, mister.

Goo ga ga♪

It's okay. I'm not scared with everyone else around. I know Grandpa and Ms. Samurai will beat the monsters!

Are you scared of them, mister? Is that why you're holding my hand?

Goo ga ga♪

？！

Can we ride the horse again? That was so much fun!

We left the horses tied up outside town, so I'm afraid we'll have to walk from here.

I'd like to leave you two somewhere safe if we can, though...

I'm okay. As long as you and everyone else is around, I won't be scared. Same with Tasuke.

Goo goo goo♪

Haha, so I see. You're excited about this, huh, Tasuke! You're such a brave girl, Onui. But all the same...

I'm afraid we can'tHm?

Hey, Fujimaru, see that lady over there leading people away from the town?

Haven't we seen her before? Didn't she help us out a lot the last time we were here?

Okay everyone, line up nice and orderly now! Hurry up, or the monsters might come and eat you!

Remember, children and the elderly go first. No pushing! No shoving!

Try not to look at the castle! We can't have people feeling ill and slowing everyone else down.

Besides, there are some samurai or something over there who look to be doing a good job slaying the monsters.

So now's our chance to escape to the outskirts! Come on, hurry along!

？！

Well, of course. I didn't become known as the top courtesan in Yoshiwara for nothing.

"Fights and fires are Edo's flowers" after all. Of course we know what to do in a time of crisis.

...Wait. You're those freeloaders!

Nice to see you again, Otama! We were just slaying monsters over there when we caught sight of you.

I hope you don't mind, but we have another favor to ask of you. You're going to stay here and keep helping people evacuate, right?

More or less. As you can see, that's what I'm doing right now. What about it? You might have a hard time finding another free room at a time like this.

Oh, well, uh... This is kind of hard to say, but...

Hurry it up, Musashi! Some of the creatures from near the castle just wandered over here!

Heat sources detected. They are approaching us at incredible speed. I'm afraid combat is inevitable.

Lord Kotarou has already gone on ahead to try and hold them back, but

？！

You heard the man, Otama! We'll come back after we've taken care of those creatures!

Huh!? Look, I'm just a geisha. Once I finish helping these people evacuate, I was going to run away with them!

Ugh, you people never listen!

...Huh, you guys are pretty good at this. Are you all famous swordsmen or something?

You took care of those monsters so quickly. That should give everyone more time to escape.

Anyway, I'd better be on my way now. Thanks again for helping us, and take care.

Hehehe, you're not leaving us just yet. Didn't I tell you we had a favor to ask?

Ugh, what's this about? Is this REALLY the time to be asking for MORE favors!?

Besides, it's been an hour since this started. Most of the survivors have already escaped.

If there's a silver lining to this mess, that would be it.

Good question, but I'm afraid I don't know.

？！

Luckily, Yagyu something or other's samurai kept the monsters distracted long enough for us to get away.

Huh, is that so...? I see...

So how come you didn't escape already, Otama? We're pretty far away from your room here, after all.

...Well, you know.

I just happened to notice there were a lot of children and elderly here, so I came to help.

？！

I-it's nothing like that... I just figured we all have to do our part in times of need.

Oh, right, I just remembered. Do you know where Lady Kiyohime is?

？！

I heard her servants screaming bloody murder earlier, though I couldn't make out what they were saying.

Then I saw them running off seeking refuge at the town's outskirts.

In fact, I was just about to head that way myself.

Good. Now I see why Musashi thought to entrust you with this.

Oh? Who's this strapping youngWait, I recognize you!

Thanks again for taking care of my grandkids the other day. Now I'd like to ask you to watch them again. Come here, Onui.

'Kaaay. Oh, hi, Otama!

Ga ga♪

Well, well, so you two are here too. Let's see, Onui and Tasuke, was it?

I didn't think there was anywhere I could leave them, but I can tell they'll be safe with you. You seem like you can handle yourself in a fight.

Hope you don't mind watching them a second time.

Huh? Hang on!

We have to go to the castle and find the mastermind behind all this. It's too dangerous for the kids to come along.

Sorry for the trouble, but I know you'll keep them safe.

Wait. Huh? You're kidding me, right? You're actually going to the castle? Now?

Yep! That's what we needed, Otama. Thanks for watching them!

...See you later, Onui.

Be a good girl and wait for us with Tasuke until we get back. Make sure to listen to Otama, okay?

I will! See you later, Ms. Samurai! See you later, Grandpa! Bye, Mr. Kotarou! Bye, Ms. Danzo!

Be careful out there, mister!

？！

...You really are serious about this castle business, huh? Ugh, it's just one thing after another with you people.

All right, you win. I promise I'll take good care of them, so go do what you have to.

And make sure you all finally pay a visit to my establishment when you get back!

Let's get a move on. We can't have the nice geisha looking after Onui and Tasuke forever.

Oh, is that how it is?

Hey, Grandpa, you really took a liking to Otama, didn't you? Is she your type or something?

Nothing to do with type, girl. What's not to love about a woman of principle? Or are you still too young to understand that?

Wait...are you saying I'm NOT a woman of principle?

In your case, I don't think I'd call it principle.

If anything, I'd say you're more like...a giant flower, perhaps?

Otama's a flower too, but in your case, there's no stem. You're just all flower.

What's that supposed to mean!?

Don't worry, it's a good thing. You're the kind of flower that stands out just by being there.

Wow, so you're saying I'm a flower blooming in a sea of grass!? That's beautiful! I should've known you'd be good at compliments after all the years you've had to practice!

Don't get the wrong idea. I never said you'd bloomed yet... But never mind. It looks like we've got more foes to face.

I have confirmed it is another Orochi! No, wait... There is a second one!

？！

Look out! Large hostiles incoming!

Got it!

We defeated the Orochi! Nicely done, Master.

Those Orochi were exceptionally strong, weren't they? I wonder if it has anything to do with us getting closer to the castle?

I'm relieved to hear that. I may not be able to help as much as I would like, but I'll still do everything I can!

If we are to take Paraíso and Saṃghāta Hell at their word, these serpents are kin to Yamata-no-Orochi, who is said to be a Divine Spirit.

So it's not surprising that they would be such a challenge. I'll have to redouble my efforts as well.

？！

Good, you've finished. Then let's hurry.

Wait, Lord Muramasa. Just a moment. May I ask who you are?

...Heh.

Surely there is no need for introductions now. I am just a passing missionary.

That's right. I see you remembered me, Fujimaru. I'm also surprised to see you heading straight for the heart of this disturbance.

I don't know who that is. I'm nothing more than a missionary. Not every dream you have is connected.

But, feel free to call me whatever you like.

？！

You Christians are something else. You were fighting one of those giant serpents off by yourself, weren't you?

I've never seen black fire before.

Hardly anything special, I assure you. Just some burning water imported from foreign lands. I'm told there's plenty of it to be found further west of Tianzhu.

So you're knowledgeable and talkative, eh. I guess you really are a missionary!

...Um, would you happen to be from Chalde

Now, it looks to me like you're headed for Toke Castle. Is that right?

That ominous aura surrounding it is a curse designed expressly to keep people away. The fact that you are advancing toward it despite that tells me that you are all either hopelessly dim-witted...

...or that there is something giving you the strength to endure its fury and malice. Either way, you made the right choice, Fujimaru.

There is no need for you to cease your advance. Continue on your way.

A sorcerer is using the keep at Toke Castle...

...or rather, Onriedo Castle, as it ought to be known now, to perform a ritual.

Onriedo... Paraíso mentioned that. So, that's what this castle is called...

Onriedo... Paraíso mentioned that. I suppose the last part DOES rhyme with "Edo Castle"... I wonder if that was intentional?

？！

If that name doesn't betray his true intentions, I can't imagine what would! Indeed, that name is undoubtedly meant to be a play on words.

It is not merely the embodiment of rage, regret, and agony. It is a curse. Or, perhaps, anger towards a god who has yet to provide salvation.

The deeper the depths of one's love, the easier it is for them to fall prey to hate.

Though he is certainly not the only one to blame for this, he has also grown well past the bounds of any one person.

It is up to you to stop him, Fujimaru.

Huh? What are you talking about?

He's saying the mastermind is in that castle. I figured as much, but it's good to know for sure.

Although, how do you know so much? Are you in league with this sorcerer person?

Depending on your answer

Hmm...

I am not connected to the mastermind at all...but I do have a small connection to a different man who looks exactly like him.

...?

But no matter. Hehe, hahahahaha! Let me just say that as a fellow Christian, I can understand how he feels!

？！

At any rate, you must hurry, Fujimaru. The sorcerer is not the only one in Onriedo's keep.

Matsudaira's daughter is sure to be held captive there as well. What was her name again? If your memory serves

？！

Driven by revenge, the sorcerer means to cast a far-ranging, multilayered curse on the entire Tokugawa regime! His curse is so powerful that it will threaten the stability of many parallel worlds!

And since his aim is to curse every possibility of a Tokugawa regime, Matsudaira's daughter would make for the perfect catalyst, given her Tokugawa heritage!

Her blood may be a bit lacking compared to someone from the immediate Tokugawa family, but it should still serve for his plans.

I mean, given that Iemitsu is only the third shogun, her blood is still more than strong enough. ...Aha, I see.

Perhaps he had been looking for a parallel world where Matsudaira's daughter was living near Edo soon after the Shimabara Rebellion.

Then it all makes sense. Hah. Fascinating!

Okay, so, what exactly does that all mean!?

Well, once Kiyohime's soul is sacrificed, Onriedo Castle will be complete, and this world, along with many others, will be destroyed. Now hurry!

Well? What are you waiting for? Go on, go!

？！

Let's go!

Er, um... There's a lot I'd like to say, but I'm afraid it will have to wait until later!

...I must be going too.

Heh. Run, Fujimaru! I may not be able to guide you on your way...

But I can tell you this with absolute certainty! The keep of Onriedo Castle...

...will be the stage of your final duel to the death!

...This is the same castle we were at before, right?

Look at how much it's changed. If there was ever a castle made just for monsters, this would be it.

Danzo was right about this place. I can't even imagine how much evil stuff you'd have to mix together to get something like this.

I can see why that missionary guy had a lot to say about it. No wonder there's no one else around.

Do you hear that, Fujimaru? Is it just me, or does it sound like the castle has a heartbeat...?

？！

Sheesh. They're not even trying to be subtle, are they?

And here I was wondering where our enemy had hidden their base of operations...

I guess they deserve some credit since we didn't find their hideout before this happened. Now they've got us on the defensive.

But, that all ends tonight. Are you guys ready for this?

Of course. I won't back down now. Not after having come this far.

I may not be fully recovered, and Master's wound may not yet be healed. But, as long as we're all together, I can't imagine us losing.

Let's go. It's time to settle this once and for all.

？！

True, and we don't know which it'll end up being. But the important thing is that we're ready for anything. Now, we just need to figure out how to get inside this creepy-looking castle

Heat sources detected. A large number of monsters are materializing inside the castle grounds and walls. Preparing for combat now!

Looks like this is the opening act: a pack of monsters, and a man-eating monstrosity!

No more grumbling. Let's cut our way through these things and make our way inside!

Hostiles eliminated! We now have a clear path forward into the castle!

This way. My enhanced vision confirms that this castle's interior is identical to Toke Castle.

We shall take the shortest path available to the keep. Please, hurry.

Phew. Okay, let's get going then! After all our walking and horseback riding, this is the last leg of our journey!

That sure is a tall keep, isn't it? This last leg could be especially hard for an old man like me.

Don't be ridiculous. I'm the one who'll be carrying you if you get tuckered out. I may be old, but I'm still in my prime.

That's what I like to hear.

？！

All right, everyone...in we go!

...Well, at least this place looks familiar.

I think this is where we first met with Kiyohime inside the castle, and where we fought Paraíso.

I believe it is. It may look a lot creepier than it did back then, but the castle's layout appears identical.

As such, it seems safe to assume this is the same area. That aside, I wonder why we haven't run into anyone yet...

It works out well for us in that we neither have to fight nor rescue anyone, but I can't help but find it unsettling.

Much as I'd like to think it's because everyone in the castle managed to escape, I doubt they were that lucky.

Just listen to that heartbeat. If you told me this castle suddenly grew a mouth and ate up everyone inside it, I'd believe you.

This is clearly no place for humans.

？！

I agree. Still, it's strange.

I figured we'd run into more monsters in here. It's almost like they weren't expecting any intruders.

Beats me. Now come on, let's keep going. Tell us where we need to go next, guide.

... ...

Lady Danzo?

...I...

I have something I need to tell you.

Hm? Is it about the castle?

No... No, it is not about the castle, or our route. But if I miss this chance, I may never be able to say this.

As such, I believe would be best to do so now, when there are no monsters around.

Although, when it comes to making decisions...

...my ability to judge matters correctly is severely diminished right now.

Is that how it feels to you, Danzo? I certainly don't get that impression.

You're here helping us out, after all. I don't think you need to say anything you're not comfortable with.

But, I... I...

...(Sigh) You just can't let this go, huh.

In that case, let me guess what it is you want to say:

You've actually been on the sorcerer's side all along. Am I right?

...!!!

But, how...? I never mentioned anything of the sort...

In fact, I am certain I never gave away any information about my circumstances or loyalties!

How did youNo. I should ask: When did you first suspect me?

Hmm... Pretty much from the start, I think? It was less that I had an actual suspicion than just a...feeling.

...!

Is that true for all of you? ...Even you, Lord Kotarou?

Well, I didn't catch on as quickly as Lady Musashi did, but we ninja are trained to always be vigilant of others and their motives.

After we fought Paraíso, my suspicions that you were hiding something were confirmed.

And since there's only one thing a ninja could be hiding...that confirmed you were working for our enemy.

Yeah. Why do you think I invited you into my hermitage?

I'd rather have you gathering intel where I could see you than sneaking around behind my back.

...!

Th-then...did you know too, Lord Fujimaru...?

I-is that so...

I see... Then, all of you knew...who I really was.

Oh yeah, good point. Danzo was seriously flustered when that happened, wasn't she?

？！

...

... ...

So you knew about me all along, Lady Musashi. Then Lord Kotarou figured it out soon after...as did Lord Fujimaru.

And Lord Muramasa saw through me right from the start.

Then...why?

Why didn't you kill me...?

With your skills, you could have done so easily.

Why would I do that? Everyone's got their own troubles to deal with, and it's not like you attacked us.

Whatever your job might be, you still risked your life to help us. That's more than enough for me to trust you.

？！

Even if you had been secretly planning an attempt on Master's life, I was prepared to keep him safe.

I have both the ability and the confidence to pull that off.

If I didn't, I could never have let an enemy ninja accompany us. Besides...

This sort of thing happens all the time during an age of war, Lady Danzo.

Also, I couldn't help but notice that you started to wrestle with something along the way.

I can't speak for everyone else, but personally...

I wanted to wait and see what answer you arrived at.

...Why...?

Because you're beautiful, of course! Erm...kidding, kidding! I was just...trying to lighten the mood!

What I meant was, you're not a bad girl at heart. ...Oh, right, you're older than me. So...not a bad woman at heart?

Anyway, that's what I thought, and it looks like I was right.

After all, the reason you decided to speak up now is because you felt you couldn't wait any longer to say something, isn't it?

...I'm glad I was right about you, Lady Katou Danzo.

I-I... As a ninja, I cannot fail my mission...

Thus, I was planning to kill all of you. Although Lord Empireo told me to assist you when you fought against the Heroic Spirit Swordmasters...

...Lord Limbo also told me to kill you if the chance presented itself...

But...back then, when Lady Saṃghāta Hell and Lady Kālasūtra Hell abducted Lady Onui and Lord Tasuke...

...I was surprised to find myself feeling a great pain weighing on my chest.

...

From then on, I...I was no longer sure what I should do...

... ...

What, you think the kids were abducted because you did something to my barrier?

Don't be an idiot. I'm a Servant. There's no way any flesh-and-blood ninja could get through it.

You didn't do anything to my barrier. It just wasn't good enough to keep those two oni out.

Besides, I don't have any great military strategy. I'm just a swordsmith.

If I had it to do all over again, I would.

Huh...?

So...you do not blame me for placing your grandchildren in danger?

Why would I? That wasn't your fault. If I blame anyone...

I blame Musashi and Fujimaru! All they did was eat my food and use my hermitage as a hideout!

？！

...

So, every one of you knew all along...and you were still kind enough to keep me by your side.

I never would have guessed it. I was the only one who didn't realize what was going on.

I am well and truly broken... No, perhaps it is more accurate to say that I was never fixed.

I am a machine whose only purpose is to carry out its master's orders. In that sense, I am no different from a sword, or a spear, or a matchlock, or a wheel.

I am...a tool. A thing whose only purpose is to be used by another.

...Lord Kotarou.

Yes?

According to my records, you told Paraíso that a ninja without a soul is nothing more than a hollow blade.

...I agree with that completely, and that's what I tried to be.

But, I couldn't. As I am now, I am neither a proper ninja, nor a hollow blade.

At some point, I gained a soul.

...And so, there is something I wish to tell you all...

Please believe me when I tell you that I am here now of my own accord.

I have led you to Onriedo Castle of my own volition, in the hope that you will prevent its activation.

？！

No. That missionary we ran into was correct. Once Lady Kiyohime is sacrificed, and this castle takes her soul...

...Onriedo Castle will activate its curse, and fully take root here in this world's Shimousa.

We must stop the sorcerer before that happens, or the darkness will destroy this and many other peaceful worlds...

...and then flow into yours, Lord Fujimaru.

...!!!

So then...this whole abnormality can actually cross into different worlds!?

...Haha, hahahaha. What a joke.

Your own volition? A motive to rebel?

Did you really think a broken-down puppet like yourself would be permitted such things? Haha, how absurd.

Free will? An automaton, becoming conscious!? How utterly absurd, laughable, even. Never in all my life have I heard anything so preposterous.

Admittedly, I am enjoying watching you squirm and agonize over all this. At the very least, it serves to alleviate my boredom.

？！

Caster of Limbo! Dammit, I thought you would still be with the sorcerer!

Please be careful, everyone! His sorcery is tremendously powerful! If it hits you directly, not even you will escape unscathed!

Even after you betray us, that is the best advice you can offer them? What an utter joke. I must make sure to do a better job repairing you next time.

Or perhaps, I should have broken you more thoroughly.

Up until now I was only breaking you a bit at a time, simply because it was so comical to see you flailing about in a state of disrepair.

Maybe I should have fixed you properly after all. Hehe, yes, that's it. Next time, I shall crush about seventy percent of your brain.

What...? What did you say...!?

I said that I broke you. What about it?

When I found you, your limbs and exterior were severely damaged.

I suppose you had shut down due to a lack of magical energy. So I broke you.

I mixed up your mental records, turning you into a broken-down puppet.

...!

Oh, but I did fix your damaged body, of course! Hehe, I do hope you appreciate that!

...I don't like your voice. You're the kind who wields words like weapons, using them to batter your opponents.

I'm the kind of person who will do anything to win too, but there are three things I just won't abide.

First: one-sided slaughter; the killing of unarmed people.

Second: toying with other people's pride and beliefs for your own amusement.

Third: stealing food from someone who's hungry!

And you're already two out of three.

Let me guess: you're sticking to the shadows because you're just too damn ugly, right? Stop hiding, you deviant! Show yourself!

Very well then... I shall comply with your request, Lady Shinmen Musashi. I believe this is the second time we have met in person, yes?

I believe the last time was back in the bamboo forest? How good of you to come all this way to our Onriedo Castle.

(Wh-whoa, he's actually really handsome! I-I mean, he's not my type or anything, but, whoa!)

？！

Huh!? D-don't worry, I'm fine! That was just a reflex!

...Anyway, just pretend that didn't happen. So, you've finally shown yourself, villain.

Your voice may be ugly, but I admit the rest isn't bad. You do strike me as the beautiful predator type, though.

An accurate appraisal, thank you. Now that we have properly met, I would ask that you call me...

...Abe-no-Seimei.

？！

Seimei? YOU'RE Seimei?

...You've got to be kidding me.

I've heard that name! I think...he's supposed to be fairly well-known in the Caster community.

Abe-no-Seimei. Guardian of Kyoto, and a genius among the onmyouji.

He was a legend. The highest rank of astrologers and a master of yin and yang techniques. It's said he even knew secret spells that could bring the dead back to life.

It's also said that a man with that True Name defeated the white-faced nine-tailed fox, one of the three great monsters that threatened all of Japan.

Some stories say he was a superhuman born to a fox, who went on to live an exceptionally long life. It makes sense that a person like that would leave his mark on humanity as a Heroic Spirit, but...

You sure don't look like a guardian of anything to me. If anything, I'd have to say...

...you have the face of an irredeemable villain.

Hehe, hehehehehe. You've got me there!

Ahahaha. It's nice to see you've got a sense of humor! In that case, maybe we can find a way to resolve this without

A barrier!

Indeed!

Lady Musashi, look out!

...I see you went after Lady Musashi from behind, Lady Danzo.

I-I didn't mean...! Oh no. I can't stop. I can't stop myself! Lord Kotarou!

I am so sorry... It seems that I was actually playing into the Caster of Limbo's hands all along...!

I thought that I had brought you here of my own accord, in order to stop the sorcerer!

I really believed that I was acting of my own free will...

That is truly how it felt to me!

But, in fact, I...

It seems I was nothing more than a foolish puppet. Lord Kotarou, everyone, I must kill you now.

I believe you, Lady Danzo. And, I thought that something like this might happen.

Hehe. Hehehehe, hahahahahaha, wonderful! I'm so glad you turned out to be kindhearted souls willing to play along with my little farce!

Then come, and dance with my puppet! Of course, I doubt a broken-down doll will be enough to satisfy you...

...so I've also prepared a smorgasbord of monsters to go with her! Oh! Also, allow me to explain why you have yet to come across any monsters within this castle so far!

I've been holding them back for this very moment, so I could witness your deaths for myself.

Since the world is coming to an end anyway, you may as well put on a good show for me!

Dream on, heretic.

You said it. No chance in hell I'd let a creep like you walk away from this! I'm gonna wipe that smirk right off your face!

...Goodbye, Lord Fujimaru. One way or another, this is where we part ways!

？！

Oh yes, Danzo's stronger than you might think, so be careful not to drop your guard! You see, I've imbued her with a special form of my sorcery.

One that recreates the Curse of Annihilation's karma through machinary! It is one of my greatest techniques, easily capable of destroying even a Servant!

I do hope you enjoy it, Master of Chaldea! Shinmen Musashi!

...So fast!

No, you are just too slow, Lady Musashi.

!

Damn, she's keeping pace with Musashi. Guess Seimei wasn't bluffing about that karma nonsense.

...Before I go, let me say: thank you. Thank you for treating this foolish puppet like a real person.

And, forgive me.

Lady Musashi.

Danzo!

Farewell.

That sound... She just activated something inside herself! Lady Musashi, get back!

Nnn...ghh...

That one hurt... I'm sorry, Danzo. I'm sorry I couldn't stop you...

I'm okay. Never mind me. Danzo's...!

？！

Ko...ta...

Lord Kotarou... Lord Kotarou...

I cannot see. Where are you...? I must have gotten separated from them...

All of you, please... Hurry, and stop the sorcerer.

It's my fault those two children...endured such a nightmare...

I have to...make amends...

...Oh, that's right. Lord Kotarou.

I have...met you...

...somewhere before...haven't I...?

Mother...!!!

...There. Now I'm good to go!

Thanks, Fujimaru. It's lucky for me you're so good with your hands.

This isn't so bad as wounds go. It's a mark of Danzo's feelings.

Yeah. Me too.

...Yeah. I do too.

？！

She said she wanted to protect the world. Even after that bastard destroyed her insides...

...That was what she wished for. Right to the very end.

Maybe she thought her death was dishonorable. Maybe she thought it was all for nothing.

But we won't let it turn out that way. We can't let her go out as just another tragic figure.

Isn't that right, Fujimaru?

Then in that case...

I thought you would say that. In that case...

？！

Thanks for holding down the fort, Grandpa Muramasa! Sorry we left you to fight on your own for a while!

Don't worry, I didn't have to do anything. He's just been sizing me up while you were gone.

...Why're you wearing that eyepatch? What happened to Fujimaru's Mystic Code?

I'm afraid it didn't work this time.

I thought Fujimaru would be able to heal me with his Mystic Code like he always does, too...

...but this wound on my right eye just refuses to close up. He did manage to stop the bleeding, though.

I've heard of wounds that refuse to close before. Swords that reach the demonic realm sometimes have curses like that.

So, given that this villain is calling himself Abe-no-Seimei...

...I bet he knows about all sorts of curses. You must've imparted something really nasty upon Danzo, didn't you?

...I did indeed. You are most perceptive, distinguished elder.

I must say though, I'm surprised to see you crawling back to the fight with that unseemly eyepatch, Lady Musashi! Hehe, how embarrassing!

...!

(That was a brilliant slash. It should have taken his head clean off.)

(But he stopped it easily!)

Hehehehe. Hahahahahaha! Is that the best you and your Niten Ichiryu can do, Shinmen Musashi!?

And after you've gone to the trouble of applying such a hideous eyepatch, no less!?

This won't do at all! I haven't had nearly enough fun yet!

Great, now there's even more of them!

... ...

...In the end, I never managed to call you "Mother." Not even once.

I'm sorry. I hope you can forgive me. I am a Servant, and above all, a ninja.

I must fight according to my Master's orders.

I would be lying if I said I have no regrets, but, I do like fighting by my Master's side.

I really do. And fighting to save the world isn't bad either.

It really isn't, Mother. I can see why you pushed yourself so hard to do the same.

Fighting for what's right feels very different from struggling to survive in an age of war.

That's why

What is this...?

...I can feel magical energy coursing through me. It's the same type as mine... My mother's Fuuma energy...

...I remember...she said there were two people who created her. Kashin Koji...and the first Fuuma Kotarou.

That means...this is the magical energy the first Fuuma embedded into her!

I've lost count of them! They just keep coming... It's getting hard just to breathe!

？！

I'm sorry to have kept you waiting so long, Master. As the fifth Fuuma Kotarou, I ask that you let me handle this!

Kotarou!

Well look at you, all grown-up and handsome now. I take it you're done saying your goodbyes, Kotarou?

Lady Danzo entrusted me with the magical energy left to her by the first Fuuma. Every cell of my Fuuma blood is crying out!

A ninja without a soul is nothing more than a hollow blade...and a soulless, cackling human is nothing more than a demon!

A ninja's path is not one of justice and righteousness. And yet, my mother tried to walk it anyway.

If I don't try to follow in her footsteps...I'll never be able to give her the farewell gift she deserves!

Mm. Mmm.

Mmm...? Hehehe. And just what do you think you can accomplish all on your own, ninja boy?

I can see you giving off some unusual form of magical energy, but now that Onriedo Castle is on the verge of activating

I'm not on my own. Lady Danzo is with me now! Prepare to die, Caster of Limbo!

No, no, no, sorry, I'll not be making any such preparations. After all, you'll never get close enough to even try!

？！

Yes, Master!

...Useless, fruitless, pointless, meaningless!

Even if you do have more magical energy than most Servants, there is nothing you can do to me while Onriedo Castle enjoys Satan's protection!

It is impossible for the likes of you to take my head! Hahahaha, hehe, hehehehehehe!

Are you sure about that? We have destroyed ninety percent of the monsters shielding you.

Soon I'll finish off the few that remain and cut you down where you stand!

Mmm? It seems that Fuuma boy is going on about something. Well, it's nothing that concerns me.

The redhead clearly doesn't understand. They are not the ones making their way to me.

I am the one making my way to them. Now, I think it's time to end this...

...Master of Chaldea. Shinmen Musashi.

Hahahahahahaha, go ahead and pray to your Buddha all you want! Go on, my little pentagram, eat up their light!

Huh...!?

I can't move...! This must be one of his curses...!

Now let's see... The Curse of Annihilation... I think I'll imbue you with a special one!

...!

Hahahahaha, I see it! I see your soul! You seem to have some doubts, just like the Lord Sorcerer, but you cannot hide anything from me!

Hehe, this takes me back. Inshun, the others...they all displayed the most wonderful expressions of shock and agony during their transformations.

You're doing your best to fight it, but it's pointless! There is nothing at all you can do!

Dammit...!

Hahahahahahaha! I shall remake your soul, your will...everything about you!

Goodbye, Shinmen Musashi! Hello to our newest Heroic Spirit Swordmaster!

What a delicious joke, turning you into a Heroic Spirit Swordmaster while you are still alive! Indeed, you deserve nothing less than a hell of

？！

What!!!??? What is this!!!???

Looks like we're the ones who made our way to you, Caster of Limbo.

...!!! ...???

Th-this cannot be happening... How could a mere human dispel my sorcery!? How dare you mock the protection endowed by Satan, by Lucifer himself!?

And...is this a wound...? How could you break my multilayered barrier. My defense should be impenetrable...

...I've seen through your karma. I could never have done it without fighting against Kālasūtra Hell and her lightning-quick techniques.

I have taken my first steps into the void. I may still be immature, but understand that by reaching emptiness, my sword has become invincible.

Curse you...

Curse you, Musashi!!!

I shall obliterate your very soul! In the name of Lucifer, the great Satan himself, we shall do battle!

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

The Cursed Name of my blade is Caster of Limbo! The True Name of my vessel is not worthy to mention!

Come forth, great spirit of the Shimousa Souma clan! I have found you an opponent who has defeated several Heroic Spirits already!

You are more than worthy to serve as my champion in this duel to the death!

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

...Let's do this!

Impossible...! There is no way you could have cut through my great spirit...my talisman...

Of course I could have. Thanks to this, I now have a good idea of how to fight while wearing an eyepatch.

Impossible...!

...!!!

No blade other than the accursed Muramasa's sword should be capable of wounding us Heroic Spirit Swordmasters... Of wounding me...

Are you sure about that? Now that my mother's protection is with me...?

...!!!!!!

Are you telling me such insignificant things as her prayers, her wishes, her feelings...

...gave you the power to wound me!? The Caster who commands limbo itself!?

...Long ago, there was a woman who raised me.

She wasn't a living creature, but a machine. She's the one who taught me the Fuuma clan's ninja arts.

She was a bit broken down, and forgot things constantly.

She would often smile sadly, and say she might even forget me someday.

But she was the kindest person I had ever met. She was my mother in everything but blood.

？！

This is for Lady Danzo... This is for my mother.

...Human sentimentality, hm?

I won't give you the chance to wander in limbo. Hell is the only place for you now.