Friends and Children (Second Half)

Go ahead. Don't be shy.

It's not every day Kintoki brings friends over, so I did my very best to prepare something scrumptious.

I must say though, I don't think I've ever seen outfits like yours here in Kyo before.

Perhaps you got them around Hakata, which means you must be from out west. I do hope you like the food.

？！

Not at all. Thank you so much for being Kintoki's friends.

Now, go on. Eat up.

Ooh, this venison is great! (Munch, munch)

And is this... All right! Steamed abalone! Man, what a feast! (Munch, munch)

Hehehe. I know how much you love white rice, Kintoki, so I made lots of that, too. You're welcome to have seconds, or even thirds.

Aww righ'! (Munch, munch)

Oh goodness, there you go stuffing your mouth again. I see you haven't broken that habit.

Oh, but you're so big and strong now. And you've even brought friends today.

Normally I would nag you about your table manners, but today, I'll give it a rest. Ahh, this is so lovely!

Ooh, this roast chicken's yummy, too!

It's pheasant.

Did you use hishio to season it? Interesting. I never thought about making it like this.

？！

Yes, that's true.

Lady Kaoruko's house always served very soft rice paired with soup, dried fish, and seaweed-based dishes.

I don't think I saw a single meat dish there. Perhaps it was done to follow the Buddha's teachings.

But it is a very different story here.

It's 'cause Genji warriors are cut from a different cloth than the nobility.

I suspect these much larger portions of food may be just what you need, Master.

After all, you must be exhausted from all the battles you have been fighting as of late. Now is a perfect chance for you to replenish your proteins!

Now here, have some of this pheasant. And these stewed yams.

？！

？！

Oh my, oh my♡

You do have a healthy appetite, don't you! It's almost as though you were Kintoki's long lost little brother!

It makes me want to welcome you into the family as one of my own children!

(I was a little worried how things would go earlier, but now...)

(...I think we should be able to bring up the subject of Shuten-Douji possibly coming after Lady Raikou here.)

(We may also be able to discuss the dangers of the Imperial Holy Grail War.)

？！

Oh, right. Speakin' of children, Raikou, I still wanted to ask you about

Would you like some wine too, Kintoki?

I was told it's one of your favorite things, so I brought you some from the kitchen. Aren't I considerate?

Ooh, thanks. Don't mind if I do.

Wait, hang on. Where were you up till now? I didn't see you once before sundown.

Oh, she loves to go off and play on her own. Don't you?

Oh yes, I do. I know all sorts of games.

So I know how to play all on my own. I'm fine doing that.

But I'd still like to play with friends if I could. ...Will you play with me, Kintoki?

Hm?

Will you?

...O-okay, sure. 'Sides, I still need to thank you for showin' us the way.

How about you?

Me? ...All right. Um, but only when I have time between assignments.

And how about you?

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...Oh.

By the way, RaikouI mean, Mother, is this kid one of the warriors' children?

I've never seen her before, but she seems to know her way around the house real well.

Don't tell me you actually adopted her. Did you?

No, not exactly...

I-I mean, um, yes, that is essentially what I did.

Then is she related to Lord Mitsunaka somehow?

No, FatherI mean... Lord Mitsunaka does not know about her.

It was my decision to keep her here.

Oh yeah?

He is Lady Raikou's father. He was one of the founders of the Settsu Genji, and used to lead them as well.

Indeed, I believe that is the Lord Mitsunaka of whom they speak.

？！

So she ain't one of the warriors' kids. And you're keepin' her at the house...

...but Lord Mitsunaka doesn't know about her. Raikou, is she...?

... ...

(...Is she your Caster?)

(Yeah, that's it! That's my in!)

(It's perfect. I can just bring that up then move on to Shuten and the Imperial Holy Grail War!)

...

Oh my...

What is it? Why are you clinging to me like that?

...

It's okay. We're in my house now. Nobody is going to hurt you.

That goes for Kintoki, and Kintoki's friends, too. You have nothing to worry about.

Isn't that right, Kintoki?

Yeah. We'd never hurt a kid.

...

Nobody blames you for anything. That goes for both Kintoki and myself.

It's okay.

...Young lady, would you mind looking after her for a while?

Not at all. Here, young miss, come with me.

Thank you. Now then...

You're being very rude. What do you think you're doing, hiding silently in the shadows.

Show yourself, Tsuna.

!

...! Master, you get behind me, too.

Impressive, Leader. I apologize for my poor manners.

I never thought you would notice me here, particularly with a foreign spell aiding in my concealment.

Furthermore, Lady Minamoto-no-Raikou, leader of the Genji, there is something else I must apologize to you for.

Tsuna...

I have heard about your Imperial Holy Grail War exploits. It sounds as though you're doing quite well for yourself.

It has been a long time, Leader.

I hope you can forgive my ineptitude in sending Lord Usui and Lord Urabe to the hot springs; I was unable to hold back when we fought.

You didn't do anything wrong. The fact that Usui and Urabe lost to you just goes to show they still have a ways to improve.

And above all, the Minister of the Left himself has emphasized how important the Imperial Holy Grail War ritual is.

I am honored that three of my Genji warriors were selected to take part in it.

...Raise your head, Tsuna. Your deeds are not mine to punish.

Understood.

...I am delighted to have your forgiveness, Lady Raikou.

Kintoki. I see. So you and your companions are here as well.

I heard about how you let those oni escape. So, you're still as soft on them as ever.

... ...

Listen well, Kintoki. I speak now not as a Master, but as one of the Four Heavenly Kings.

As those entrusted by Lady Raikou with Kyo's defense, our blades must be both certain and unyielding.

You should be ashamed of yourself for being so lenient, Sakata Kintoki. Ask yourself this: What should a Genji warrior be?

Heh.

...Hm?

What should a Genji warrior be, huh? That's a great question.

How about you, Brother? You ever ask yourself that?

...

...So, you still have the courage to talk back to me. Interesting.

All right, I'll bite. I know far better than you what a Genji warrior should be.

By the way, Leader.

Yes?

Do you smell that?

!

Though faint, it is clearly the scent of monsters. How did you not notice it sooner?

Monsters, huh. Yeah, you're right. I do smell 'em.

But I also learned that you don't know as much as I thought you did, Brother.

This scent doesn't just belong to monsters. In the world beyond tomorrow, they call it "magical energy."

Ain't that right...

Shuten!?

Aww. You beat me here?

Aww. You beat me here?

I'm detecting magical energy along with that voice! It's coming from the western yard!

Got it!

Hrah!

Oh my. I didn't come here to play with you, you know.

Raikou's inside, right? Send her out.

Ugh, you're STILL talking!? I've had enough! Now that we're here, I'm gonna wipe out all of the Genji!

Torakuma!

So, you finally made your move, huh, Shuten!?

Well, you're not gettin' past me. I don't know what it is you lot are up to, but it ends here.

That'll wrap things up nicely, and make it way easier to convince Raikou about what's goin' on!

Even if I have to cut off one of your arms to do it...!

？！

Lord Kintoki!

Rrraaaaaah!!!

Ugh. What a brat!

Fiiine. If you're that eager to play, I'm game. Just don't cry to me if you lose an arm, a leg, or your head. 'Kay?

I see you up there!

Come on, Fujimaru! I hate to say it, but I can't beat her alone!

Help me out here!

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Danzo, you watch over the kid! I'm sure Mother'll keep her safe too, but you can't be too careful!

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Understood! Good luck!

What a pretty full moon...

Hey brat, how long has it been since the last time we just sat back and enjoyed the moon like this?

Remember that time we had wine but no dumplings? How we just talked and laughed and enjoyed each other's company?

Or did you forget all about it? Aww, I'm hurt.

It makes me so sad, and lonely, and hot...

...that I feel like drinking your warm, steaming blood.

Although, that boy next to you also looks pretty delicious. Seems like he recognizes me, too.

Great. Now everyone will know what a fickle oni I am.

...Say, I don't suppose you'd let me have a bite, would you?

Just one liiittle bite of flesh and some nice, fresh blood to wash it down?

Hell no! What are you, stupid!?

That's an insane thing to ask someone you know well, let alone someone you've basically just met.

There's no one in the world stupid enough to just go, "Sure, go nuts. I wasn't usin' that arm, anyway."

Save that crap for the other oni in hell.

Aww, you think? I've met people who were fine with letting me have a bite.

...

...Then I guess I've learned somethin' today!

The other warriors'll take care of Torakuma. Raikou and Brother Tsuna can handle Ibaraki no problem.

So once I capture you, this'll be over for good, and the Genji'll have won!

If this was just between the Genji and the oni, sure, you might be right.

But I wouldn't be so certain if I were you, brat!

Remember, this is the Imperial Holy Grail War. Anything goes here, even oni joining the festivities!

There's just no telling what could happen!

Kintoki and my warriors are all fighting so valiantly against the oni.

Kintoki is fighting Shuten-Douji. My warriors are fighting the enormous oni in the yard.

And I...

Lady Raikou, rest assured that I will keep the child safe at all costs. Please, go lend Lord Kintoki and the other warriors your aid.

...Yes, I suppose I should.

Raikou, Raikou, please don't worry about me.

You should go help Kintoki. You musn't lose your precious child.

You're one of my dearest friends, too. I...

(Friend?)

Oh Raikou. Monjumaru. Still as needy as ever, I see.

Medea Lily! Watanabe-no-Tsuna's Servant!

There you go saying my True Name again... We must have met in another Holy Grail War.

But never mind that. Right now, I'm here to talk to you, "child."

I see you've been lucky enough to find a very kind Master.

However...you must also be aware that you'll never be able to win like this.

I am.

Who are you!? Stay away from that girl!

One more step, and I'll cut you down where you stand. I mean it.

Lady Raikou.

I don't know how the oni figured it outperhaps a familiar to spy on you, or a spell of far-sightedness but they know who that girl is.

That's why they've broken through the Bounded Field surrounding Kyo to attack your house.

And they're not the only ones. Lord Kintoki has figured it out, too.

That girl is your Caster, isn't she?

Tsunaaa!

Ibaraki.

I have no reason to cross swords with anyone who is not a Master. Go back to your mountain.

...What was that?

You are not my quarry, Ibaraki. Settle down.

Are you...mocking me?

You're mocking me, aren't you, Tsuna!?

Can't you see me!? I'm standing right here in front of you!

So who else could you possibly be looking at right now!?

Are you saying I'm not worth drawing your precious blade against!? How dare you!? How dare you!?!?!?

That does it! I'm gonna devour you bones and all! No, wait! On second thought, I'll just tear the flesh off you and throw the bones away!

Then I'll mount them up on Suzaku Avenue for everyone to see! When I'm done with you, you won't even

... ...

...Tell me something, Ibaraki.

How many people have you devoured since you began hiding away on Mt. Ooe?

Could it be...

...that you still have yet to imbibe so much as a single drop of human blood?

Shut up.

Do you still not remember anything?

Who you are? Where you were born? How you were raised?

What happened in that house?

Do you not remember that person, and what you did to

Shut up.

Shut up. Shut up.

Ibaraki.

Shut up shut up shut up shut up shut up shut up shut up shut up shut up shut up shut up SHUT UP!

Give me back my arm, Watanabe-no-Tsunaaa!

!

Ahahahahahaha! You fell for it, Tsuna! I'm not here for you this time!

I'm here for...

Lady Raikou!

...!?

Your head!!!

...Huh?

I could've sworn I cut off Raikou's head...

So then...

...why's this girl I've never seen before on the floor covered in blood?

A-ahhh! No... No! Why? Why!?

Wh-why...why did you...did you take the blow...f-for me!?

It's okay...

It's okay, Raikou. This is how it should be.

We had already grown close even before I was inscribed as a Heroic Spirit.

And why wouldn't we want...

...to save a friend...?

Ah... Ahhh... No... No...

I am...so sorry...

I rushed to her defense as fast as I could, but Ibaraki-Douji was far too strong for me to withstand her blow!

It's okay. I'm grateful to you, too.

But it's okay if I end here.

We won't really be gone for good.

Oh no, she won't stop bleeding. The blow must have reached her Spirit Core...

Why...? Why, Caster!?

...Huh?

I don't get it. Why's that kid the one bleeding? I was sure my claws struck Raikou...

I thought I could use them...

...to help Shuten, and all the other oni...

She told me to do this only a few minutes ago...

And I promised I would...

I thought cutting off one measly human's head would be m-much e-easier...

...Ibaraki.

E-eee!

It's all right, Lady Ibaraki. Please, take Lord Torakuma and go back to the mountain.

You have done more than enough. In fact, this went exactly as Lady Shuten-Douji and I planned.

You haven't done anything wrong.

We expected Caster to defend Lady Raikou if she were to be attacked.

Everything is playing out as we predicted. I'm afraid we didn't tell you the entire plan, though.

After all, it accounted for you being unable to wield your claws against anyone other than warriors or imperial officers.

At any rate, don't worry about a thing. I'll take it from here.

B-but I... This wasn't what I... How am I supposed to tell Shuten about this!?

It's okay. Lady Shuten-Douji will be thrilled with what you've done. Now please, go back to the castle and rest up.

...Now then.

So you're Shuten-Douji's Caster. Impressive trick.

Not nearly so impressive as the one accomplished by the young Heroic Spirit Lady Raikou now cradles in her arms.

She actually managed to erase her presence completely by totally suppressing her magical energy. Truly astonishing.

While I have heard such a thing was possible with certain Heroic Spirits' unique Noble Phantasms, it's another thing altogether to see it for oneself.

And indeed, I do see now how that childlike Heroic Spirit managed to accomplish such a feat.

She possesses both a great many forms...

...and none at all.

She is the embodiment of the ever-changing fairy tale... Nursery Rhyme.

Say, Kintoki.

Did you notice that girl back there was actually a Servant?

...More or less.

You lot prob'ly figured it out the same way I did. I thought Raikou might be a Master...

...and when I showed up, there was a kid here I'd never seen before. Wasn't hard to put two and two together.

Thinkin' about it now, it all makes sense.

Of course Raikou was gonna do everything she could to keep a Caster who looked like a little kid safe.

There's no way she would've ever even considered usin' a child as a tool for battle.

Not when she's always had her heart set on bein' a mother!

That's almost certainly why she's been holin' up in her house all this time...

...and why she was so wary of you and Danzo.

She was constantly on guard against another Master attacking, all so she could keep that girl safe.

And now... Dammit! It's all my fault!

If I hadn't shown up...she'd never have dropped her guard enough for the oni to sneak in!

...Thanks, Fujimaru. But no, this was my screwup.

I should've told you and Danzo about Raikou sooner, but I couldn't.

Dammit... Dammit!

？！

I'm such an idiot!

...Heh.

Hehe, ahaha, ahahahahahahaha. Oh, if only you could see your face!

It's true, you are an idiot. Too bad things didn't work out.

Ahh, this is so much fun. I am loooving this Imperial Holy Grail War things.

A little push and pull between other Masters, and suddenly I'm easily doing things I could never do normally.

Take that scary, scaaary Minamoto-no-Raikou, for instance.

She must have slain hundreds, if not thousands of monsters...enough to make a mala with heads instead of beads...

...but now, we've got her bawling like a little baby.

Why, I'd even call her adorable now. Ahh, this is sooo much fun!

In fact, you know what?

I bet we could even fight on the same side right now, even if only for a little while.

Wouldn't that be fun?

... ...

Oh well, too bad.

It won't be long now before Raikou's Caster is gone for good.

I do hope you don't mind that we broke her.

I mean, you know how inflexible Tsuna can be, right?

Besides, Kintoki. Yes, you. The brat with the blue eyes and blond hair.

You're stiiill not ready to kill us yet, are you?

...

Fufufu.

You're just like Ibaraki, aren't you?

Oh, speaking of which, didn't she say anything to you before?

Forget the Imperial Holy Grail War for now. You do know that the bigger you grow...

...and the stronger you get...the more you lose more of those wild instincts you had when you were little, right?

... ...

Where do you

Uh-oh, did I upset you? Oh my, you're scaring me!

Fufufufufufu...

So, you ready to kill now? I know I am.

I've been ready to kill or be killed for a long time now.

That's why I've told you nicely, ooover and over, that you could have it either way with me.

But you never take me up on it.

Shut up!

...!

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You too, huh!? Dammit, what's up with all these chills runnin' down my spine!?

Wait, that's it! I recognize this... It's her Divine Power!

Shuten! How much do you know about her!?

Oh no, you don't. You're not going anywhere.

...!!!

？！

Sorry, Fujimaru, but I need you to stop Raikou before she destroys all of Kyo!

I'll keep Shuten busy somehow! Now go!

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？！

？！

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Fufufufufufufufu. Hey, brat.

I bet you're worried sick right about now, huh?

You want to know how much I know?

...

Oh my, how scary. Why're you staring at me like that? Looking for an opening?

Mmm, that's fine. You go riiight ahead and cut my head off if you like.

Aww, you're no fun.

That's right. I know aaall about the cow.

Minamoto-no-Raikou, the strongest warrior in the entire Genji bloodline. She's single-handedly killed thousands of oni, tsuchigumo, and other various creatures.

Buuut...she can't actually fully control her own power.

No, the only one who can do that is her other self the part of her that sleeps deep within her heart.

Gozu-Tenno! The guardian god of the Jetavana monastery! In Sanskrit, they're known as Gośirsa Devarāja!

And in one sutra, it's said that Gozu-Tenno appears identical to Indra.

Which means the cow's other self has the power of the god of thunder...

Ushi Gozen.

Normally, Ushi Gozen sleeps deep in her subconscious...

...but I bet she'll wake up if something happens to the cow, don't you?

Not if I have anything to say about it!

Ushi Gozen is no more! I defeated her myself during a trip out east!

...Well, technically, I guess I just convinced her to go to sleep.

Huh. Is that right?

That's all well and good, too, of course. But I'm not so sure I buy it.

How about a contest then? If I win, it's going to be one hell of a festival.

Mmm, I wonder what'll happen if the raging god of thunder releases aaall of her power at once?

How many do you think will die, brat?

Let's see, there's nobles, warriors, commoners...

Lowlifes...those on their way to becoming oni...wandering tsuchigumo...

Old people, young people, sick people, healthy people...

All of them, gone in a flash.

So what do you think? A hundred? A thousand? Tens of thousands? Even more?

How many do you think will die all at once?

...

Lady Raikou!

Khh, the very air is permeated with so much magical energy it's generating lightning! I can't even get close to her!

Spectacular.

So this is a Spirit Origin Ascensiona transformation, I suppose. But so far, the transformation is still confined to her body.

She'll need to completely transform her mind as well if she's going to draw out her full magical energy at maximum effectiveness.

Perhaps this spell I prepared will do the trick.

I'm sure it will result in massive destruction, but that hardly matters.

I already gave my oath that I would never betray my Master again.

？！

Master!

The girl suffered a grave injury when she defended Lady Raikou from an attack...and now Lady Raikou is building up enough high-density magical energy to trigger a change in her Spirit Origin!

With Lord Tsuna's permission, Lady Medea has been casting her most advanced healing spells on the girl...

But I'm afraid the situation remains dire!

？！

？！

Ngh...

!

It's working...? But she hardly responded to my Age-of-Gods-level spells. How did you

Never mind. I can worry about that later! Please, give her more magical energy! It may be our only chance!

？！

Nnn...

Ghh... Ah... Ahh... Rai... Raikou...

I'm detecting signs of life. Well, more that she's recovered to the point I can detect her vital signs...

Her Spirit Core has been damaged. It's definitely a fatal injury.

But if we feed her more magical energy that agrees with her, she should be able to at least converse for a short while...

？！

...Thank...you...

(She stood up!)

(How did she do that? Her Spirit Core is almost completely shattered.)

...Thank you. It's okay. I don't need any more magical energy.

You'll die if you give me any more. So please, no more.

I'm okay now. Thank you, Fujimaru.

Why don't you repair Danzo now? That healing spell should work on her, too.

？！

...Raikou. Monjumaru.

Can you hear me?

Please don't be upset. You don't have to be upset.

Even if I disappear in this form, we'll always be inside you.

We're nursery rhymes, after all. We'll always be right there in every story you remember.

Raikou. Raikou.

Please, listen to me.

I'll always be your friend...but I'm not your child.

So please, don't get so angry over this. Over me.

Remember, we'll always be together.

Ah...

It's you...

Nursery Rhyme...you look just as you did the first time we met...

I'm sorry, Raikou. I'm so sorry.

Please, don't be. It is I who owes you an apology.

You stayed close to me because you knew I wanted to be a mother.

Even though the real you...

All of you...were my oldest friends.

...Huh?

So Ushi Gozen's a no-show? Boooring.

Well, this has been a real disappointment.

I had no idea you were so damned boring, Raik

Nothing wrong with being boring!

...Well, well.

Welcome back, my lady.

What happened here, Paracelsus?

I'm afraid our plan has failed. We assumed Lady Raikou's Heroic Spirit would be a young child...

...but unfortunately, the plan was doomed to fail when that young child turned out to be Nursery Rhyme.

...Nursery Rhyme.

Though her Heroic Spirit may embody England's fairy tales, children's stories have always existed in every time and culture.

Naturally, Japan is no exception.

So even though this is not her native land...the fact remains that, as a Heroic Spirit, she personifies stories meant to entertain.

Which means she and Lady Raikou shared a deep bond, even despite their cultural distance.

And so our plan to destroy Heian-kyo by reviving Ushi Gozen was doomed to fail.

Hmm.

Well, whatever.

I thought it'd be easier to win this Imperial Holy whatsit if all of Kyo were in ruins, but nothing we can do now.

Might as well just take out these two Heroic Spirits while we're here and save ourselves the hassle later.

Shuten-Douji is channeling her magical energy!

It is hard to believe such a small body is capable of holding that much magical energy!

Caster.

Yes, Lord Tsuna. I'm ready whenever you are.

Wait. Hold on, Brother.

It's my fault things turned out this way. All of it.

So please, let me be the one to make it right. Let me protect Raikou and the girl.

No...I HAVE to protect them!

I have to keep my promise!

...!

That sounded like a warrior's pledge to me. All right, Kintoki, let's see what you've got!

You bet!!!

？！

Of course I'm countin' on your help, Fujimaru! No...

Boss!

...Are you and your Genji buddies all done with your little cuddle party?

Then let's get to it. Go on, Paracelsus.

You who possess power. You who thirst, yearn, and struggle to make your wishes reality.

If your desires are true, then join battle and kill as you must.

For the only way forward to realizing your wishes is to use the power you possess to make your way through me!

Here they come!

This is the bloodstained battlefield of Limbo, where the losing Heroic Spirit's soul shall be consumed upon defeat! The Imperial Deathmatch Stage!

My True Name is Paracelsus von Hohenheim! This is where my sins, my regrets shall halt you in your tracks!

Hear me, O frightful gods, and laugh! Hear me, O glittering sun, and shine!

Now come, and show me the extent of your power! Show me what you will do to make your wish reality!

You and Shuten may have beaten me before, but today I'm gonna pay you back in spades!

I see your strength, and the depths of your resolve, and I'm ready to meet it in battle! In fact...

...I'm gonna slap you sober, Shuten!

Ahahahahahahahahaha! Bring it, brat!!!

Nooow I get it! You're right, Shuten! This Holy Grail War thing can be kinda fun!

Nah, more like thrilling. Ain't that right!?

Usually, it'd be damn near impossible to chase you down!

But right now, I don't have to bother fightin' you! I can just go for your friend's weak spot!

Caster!

Too slow!

...Well, well. Not bad, brat.

I can't even be mad at you. We just pulled exactly the same trick.

But you know, it's still not fair, brat.

How was I supposed to figure you'd use a fully powered thunderbolt...

...to go after my Caster instead of me?

You said it, my lady. It seems we lost this one.

That lightning struck my Spirit Core directly, and has shattered it.

It's over.

Sorry 'bout that, Shuten's Caster! I know I didn't tell you before...but a Genji warrior never loses twice.

Especially not one of Raikou's Four Heavenly Kings when he means business.

...I see.

？！

？！

My, my...

I'm not sure if it was part of another Holy Grail War or not, but...another version of me fought by your side, then?

No, on second thought, I won't pry further. I'll just say that I look forward to experiencing that myself.

As for you, Master, this is the least I can do to try and apologize for my incompetence.

Aww, you didn't have to do that, Caster.

It was no trouble. Oh, and please give my regards to Lady Ibaraki and Lord Torakuma as well.

Hmm. Now that our plan has failed, I feel even worse for tricking Ibaraki like that...

But, oh well. Nothing I can do about it now. Hehe.

Goodbye, my Master who danced amid the Holy Grail War on flames of pleasure.

...Good luck, everyone.

I will be hoping from the great beyond that none of you fall prey to the Holy Grail's bewitching power.

...So, he's gone.

That means I'm next. Would you hold my hand while I go, Raikou?

...

Ah, there it is.

It's so familiar, but so strange all at once. I wonder how many times we'll experience this.

Heroic Spirits are such strange beings...

I barely remember any of my materializations, and yet, deep down, it also feels like I'll never fully forget them.

I only hope that, after all these hellos and goodbyes...

...we'll finally get a real ending...

Maybe, if I'm lucky...it'll be a happily ever after...

Oh?

Huh?

???

What!?

The destruction of her Spirit Core had her ether body falling apart...but it's completely stopped!

Let me check her Spirit Origin. A moment, please...

... ...

...The wounds inflicted on her Spirit Core have closed. How did this happen?

I suppose it could just be that her injuries weren't as serious as we thought...

But I'm also certain that over half of her Spirit Core was shattered, which should have made her disappearance inevitable...

Then something impossible has transpired here. Isn't that right?

Yes, Lord Tsuna.

So, um... Does this mean I'm not going to die after all?

Fujimaru?

？！

Maybe it's because of the magical energy you gave me. We do seem to share a mysterious bond.

Oh, but then again...

Maybe it's thanks to you, handsome blond-haired blue-eyed Kintoki.

Me?

Yes, yes, that must be it. You were here too, weren't you!

You're a hero to Eastern children. You may not be a nursery rhyme, but you're still part of us, our fairy tales.

Your story may not be for everyone, but you still glow with its light.

So maybe it was your shiny lightning...

...that filled in the missing parts of my Spirit Core when I was on the verge of vanishing.

Huh?

???

Then again, maybe not. What do you think? Can you tell?

Do you feel anything...

...Kintarou of Mt. Ashigara?

U-uh, I'm not sure.

... ...

Um... Who's Kintarou?