Final Chapter: Dear Dragon, Race across the Waves of Wadatsumi

What the hell is that!?

Th-that's...the Kishin you told us about back then...

That's right. Everything I've done, including building this city, has been leading up to his completion.

By incorporating a Holy Grail, Nobunaga's head, and Ama-no-Sakagami...

...I was able to create a man-made god capable of rewriting entire Singularities.

S-stop! This isn't what we agreed upon! You and I had a contract, remember!?

You were meant to create a body fit for a god, to replace the one I lost!

Yes, which I did. I never said I'd let you use it however you wanted, though.

You tricked me!?

Yep, sorry. I've always been good at that kind of thing.

Besides, you've had plenty of fun, right? Now, it's your turn to be useful to me.

Go on, Arahabaki! Absorb him!

W-wait! Stop! Don't do thiiiiiis!!!

Wow, he was infuriating. Kind of frustrating to have needed him for my plan to work.

Anyway, enough of that. Back to the present. Mage of Chaldea, I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long.

I'd say luck played a role too.

If you all hadn't come along, it would've taken much longer to complete the project.

I didn't exactly hide that, did I? I told you the first time we met.

Besides, you can't tell me this is all completely out of left field for you.

？！

Then, were you lying when we talked about our wishes for our comrades, and the future of Japan? Was it all a lie?

No, it wasn't. My goal was always to make a new country that would improve the lives of all of its people. It still is.

Then why are you doing this?

You see, I want a true restoration.

A true...restoration...

I wanted to rid the government of its weak and ineffective rulers and install in their place a strong kingone everyone would fear and obey unquestioningly.

No human could ever fill that role though. A human just isn't enough to change this country.

History has shown us that every human king, no matter how great, will eventually decline and fade.

And you're not going to change the core of a country like that.

No mere human could ever suffice.

Which is why the solution is to create a new, permanent being! One that can serve as king forever!

This Kishinthis miraculous godwill stand watch over Japan for eternity, leading its people with undeniable power.

That...is Kishin Arahabaki!

Th-that's insane. You...you can't call that a restoration at all!

See, Takechi? This is exactly why you're no fun.

The Kinnou ideals you profess would see you restore a human emperor to power, which would just continue the same cycle of history.

The Imperial Court... The Tokugawa clan... None of that matters. The names are different. Everything important remains the same.

That's not true! The Kinnou Party's ultimate goal was to help those who have faced oppression under the shogunate!

Yeah? And what're you gonna do about the people who'll be oppressed in the future?

All these surface-level changes do is take from the ones who'd been doing the taking previously.

What a joke. What an absolute joke.

And it's all because humans have been the ones on top.

No, what people need is a king with power more like a god than a human.

Otherwise...they'll never be able to keep their humanity in check.

Wooow, that one stung! But yeah, you're right. There isn't.

Yeah! Spout all the platitudes and lofty ideals you want! It doesn't change the fact that you betrayed Ryouma, along with a bunch of other people!

？！

Clearly, I need to do a better job of explaining myself. Let me explain so even the idiots here can understand.

Talking with Takechi there tends to make me overly verbose, but basically, all I want...

...is for things to be interesting.

Wh-what are you saying...?

Think about it. If you guys had established the Kinnou Japan you wanted after the Holy Grail War...

...there wouldn't be a single interesting thing about it.

So I thought I'd take it upon myself to liven things up.

Takasugi...have you gone mad!?

Or has Ama-no-Sakagami invaded your mind, too?

Who knows? I thought I did a pretty good job manipulating him, but he IS a descendant of gods who controls incredible Mystics.

He very well might have rubbed off on me a bit.

But so what!? Remember what Mr. Shouin used to tell us!?

He'd say, "Go mad! Be crazy!"

So that's exactly what I'm going to do to make my restoration a reality!

I can't believe this guy...

Now then, you all should make good test subjects for seeing how powerful my Kishin turned out.

...Tell me something, Takasugi. Do you like persimmons?

Persimmons? What are you talking about?

They say it requires three years for peaches and chestnuts to bear fruit, and eight years for persimmons. Or, put differently, it takes a long time to achieve something of value.

What's your point?

My point is, I hope you can forgive me for stealing all the fruits of the labor after you've clearly spent many long years of work on them.

...Because I'm going to take every last persimmon from your yard.

And now, the moment you've all been waiting for!

Wh-what is that!?

Wooo! Long time no see, Lord Takasugi!

I hope you don't mind if I cut in from up here.

I'm about to show you one of the greatest kabuki shows of all time!

This will be the first public performance of the sealing shrine maidens' legendary seal passed down from the Age of Gods: the Great Bounded Field Sealing Circle!

Now watch as I seal away Kishin Arahabaki forever!

Zan!

Hahahaha! So what if you're a sealing shrine maiden from Izumo?

No single Servant can make a Bounded Field strong enough to seal away Arahabaki here.

Ah, but it's not just me. For this show, I've got an incredible guest star with me!

As a shrine maiden of Izumo, I couldn't be more excited to introduce her!

Give it up for THE OG shrine maiden and first queen of Yamataikoku: Queen Himiko!

Hi, Futuro! Can you see me up here?

Yamataikoku... Well I'll be damned. So Queen Himiko really was with them.

And that's not all. I've also got a lineup of Shinsengumi and Warring States superstars ready to make this the show of the century!

Look, this sounds like a show I'd really love to see, but I don't have time for entertainment right now.

Arahabaki, take her down and ...Huh? What's wrong? Wait. What's going on with your magical energy!?

That's right! You know those six Magical Reactors you placed all around the city? We claimed them for ourselves.

And thanks to Queen Himiko's power, I can channel all the magical energy they gathered straight into my Bounded Field stage!

Why did you think I was able to create the biggest sealing Bounded Field circle the world's ever seen!?

You mean, you people weren't trying to destroy the reactor? You wanted to hijack them!?

You see, Takasugi? I told you I was going to take all your persimmons.

Was this your idea, Takechi?

Ryouma's, actually. I just came up with a way to do it.

Sakamoto, huh... I see. He always did have some interesting ideas.

But so what? All you've managed to do is slow Arahabaki down a bit.

The Holy Grail and Nobunaga's head are easily strong enough Magical Reactors to keep him running.

I beg to differ! This Okuni performance is still just getting started!

All right, everyone, let me direct your attention to the heavens! Or rather, the starry sky!

What's that light up in the air!?

Is it a bird? Is it a plane?

No! It's the planet of Ranmaru shining bright in the night sky!

That's right. Our real star tonight is none other than Mysterious Ranmaru X!

Here we gooo!

Hell yeah! Kick it into gear!

Are you seriously going to ram it at this height!? This is crazy!

Whoa, whoa. Don't tell me you're planning to charge straight at Arahabaki?

You'll just be killing yourselves. Arahabaki's armor is too strong for that to break it.

Armor, huh? Doesn't matter how damn strong your armor is!

Not in the face of my spear here!

Smile! Ningen Mukotsuuu!!!

Way to go, Lord Nagayoshi! You cut through that thick armor like it was sponge cake!

Now, Lady Chacha! Get Lady Nobunaga's head!

Ugh, Chacha really wishes Chacha didn't have to be the one to carry Auntie's head!

Oh, good, it's in a box. Chacha might be okay with that!

Now let's get out of here! Ranmaru Strahl!!!

You see that, you wicked president!? I just took Ranmaru's Noble Phantasm back!

Looks like you got me good, Takechi.

It wasn't me. It was Ryouma, and this boy here.

？！

Well I'll be damned. So much for the smooth operation I expected.

But that's okay. It wouldn't be any fun if everything went to plan!

After all, there are few things less interesting than a plan that goes exactly how you expected.

Okay, then! You want to settle this? Let's settle it!

I've been working towards the Kishin my entire life. Now, I'll show you exactly what it's capable of!

Get them, Arahabaki! Bring this whole era down on their heads!!!

Orchid Rounds X!!!

The Okuni Special, Izumo Aragami Kabuki!

They might have done it!

Oh, whoops! Chacha didn't mean to tempt fate! Forget Chacha said anything!

I destroyed as much armor as I could, but it's still just as damn tough as you'd expect from such a big brute!

Not necessarily. I hate to say it, but you've definitely got me on the ropes.

So you're just going to give up and admit defeat? I doubt it.

Come on, everyone! One more push, and we've won! Just keep your guard up!

This might sound strange coming from the evil mastermind, but the truest joy is found in the midst of adversity!

Now things are getting interesting! I'm going to enjoy this as much as IUrk!

Takasugi!?

...You've got to be kidding me. Not again.

Why now, of all times? Just when I was about to really enjoy myself...

Takasugi... Are you...?

Looks like, even as a Heroic Spirit, I can't catch a break.

Why couldn't I have lasted just a little longer? If I have to die, I'd really rather do it in battle.

I mean, whoever heard of an evil mastermind dying of disease?

...It's over, Takasugi. When you get right down to it, we're all already dead.

The only one here truly suited to building a new world are living humans, like Fujimaru.

...

...So you think a dead man can't build a nation, huh. Man, you really are boring as hell, Takechi.

(Cough, cough!)

You haven't changed a bit from the time we met.

Aw man, I guess I lost this one.

Oh well. At least I accomplished some big things, and got to fight some interesting people.

If only this frail body of mine had lasted a little longer, I could have had a little more fun.

Oh, there's no need to give up just yet.

Lord Takasugi! Behind you!

Gaaah!

Hahahaha! Thanks to all your hard work, I was finally able to slip free from the Kishin's binding curse.

And not only that, you gave me a perfect opportunity!

Ama-no-Sakagami...! You're still alive!?

Now then, Takasugi, it's time you paid for your treachery...with your very body.

Dammit! I can't move!

(Cough, hack...!)

So weak, Takasugi. You humans are so weak in both mind and body.

But don't worry. I'll be your new god, and build this "fun" world you so wished to see.

All right, Arahabaki. Show them your true power.

Show them the power of the body the ancient gods banished from the heavens...

The power of Ama-no-Sakagami!

What was it you said, Takasugi? Humans cannot keep their humanity in check? You are exactly right.

Humans are meant to bow and scrape in service of the gods.

Human society? Kinnou? Restoration? Ridiculous. You humans are barely fit to crawl at my feet!

Things just got a hell of a lot worse! What do we do now!?

How the hell should I know!? I thought taking Takasugi down would be the end of it!

Hahahahahahaha!

Ever since I lost my divine body countless long years ago, my only choice was to reside in the corners of human minds, just to stay alive.

But now, at long last, the time has come for me to return as a true god!

Not if I have anything to say about it.

...Huh? That voice...

Ah! His foot! Something's glowing by his foot!

Is that...the light from Lord Sakamoto's spear?

No. It can't be. You should be wandering the path to hell right now...

What are you doing here!?

...Where am I?

...I see. I guess this time I really did die.

Or maybe this is the path to hell he mentioned... Who knows if I can even die properly or not.

...

...No, wait. I think this place is...!

Is that...Oryou!?

That's right. That is the inhuman monster banished from the heavens. The devourer of lives, and one day, of nations.

Ama-no-Sakagami... No, you're not him, are you?

Don't tell me you're actually one of the gods?

It doesn't matter who I am. What matters is that you have a duty to destroy this monster.

For you were the one who drew out the Amasakahoko binding it.

What are you saying? Oryou is

No, she is not dead. The monster you called a companion is merely a copy of the one sleeping in this abyss.

One day, it will awaken. It will become an evil nation-devouring god and lead Japan to ruin.

The Amasakahoko was cast down from the heavens specifically to prevent such an outcome.

...She's sleeping in this abyss?

I see... So this is where Oryou has been ever since the day I died...

Now, destroy this monster for good. The Amasakahoko is the last vestige of the Age of Gods.

It is the only thing that can destroy so powerful a monster from that very era.

...I'm sorry I kept you waiting so long, Oryou.

What are you doing?

There's something I wanted to tell you the day I died...

Something I never got a chance to say before.

...

So I'm going to say it now.

Oryou...I'm sorry.

...Foolish human. You actually care for this thing?

As far as I'm concerned, Oryou will always just be Oryou.

So now, I'm going to wait here for her. Just like she waited for me...

...

...I see. So that is your answer, human. No...Sakamoto Ryouma.

...Go on. Leave me be. I'm going to stay with her until I wither up and fade away.

You humans are so strange.

Even when you know something is wrong, you cannot help but do it anyway.

Even when you know something is right, you cannot bring yourselves to do it.

That must be what separates gods from humans.

That must be why this creature came to love you. Why she chose to sleep in this abyss rather than ascend to the heavens.

...

You have proven yourself, human who rejected the path of godhood. Now, I will tell you about Amasakahoko's true purpose.

That spear's true power lies not in dispelling evil. For that matter, it is not even truly a spear.

It was cast down to welcome that monster back to the heavens as a new god.

It is a symbol of my regret for branding her a monster all those years ago.

You mean...this spear is actually a way to return Oryou to the heavens?

Now, raise the spear aloft!

Let the monster be reborn as a new god. No...as your guardian!

Now rise, and declare your new divine name!

White Orochi of Takachiho!!!

The spear... It's going to Oryou on its own!

...

...What's this smell? It's...familiar.

... Ryouma? Ryouma, is that you?

Yes, Oryou, it's me. I'm sorry I kept you waiting so long.

Ryouma!

Oryou's been waiting for you forever!

There's so much Oryou wanted to tell you.

Oryou wanted to apologize. Oryou's sorry for not being there to protect you.

And Oryou also wanted to thank you.

Thank you for saving Oryou. And for giving Oryou a name.

Oryou's wanted to say that for a long, long time!

I know. I'm sorry I took so long.

There's something I've been wanting to say to you for a long, long time, too.

...I'm glad I met you.

...

Come on. Let's go.

Yeah. The sea of Wadatsumi awaits.

...I see.

It took many, many years...but the monster finally found someone she truly cares for.

Someone for whom she would forsake returning to the heavens as a god.

Human. Sakamoto Ryouma.

...

...Take care of my daughter for me.

That form...!

Will you look at that, Takechi?

I always knew they'd find a way back.

？！

Sorry to keep you waiting, Master. It's good to see you all again.

"It's good to see you again"!?

Is that all you've got to say for yourself, you...you...idiot!

Heh. Took you long enough.

We've been eagerly anticipating your return, Mr. and Mrs. Sakamoto!

"Mrs. Sakamoto"!?

Well, well. It looks like the true star of the show has finally showed up.

Zaaaaaan!

What is that power surging from within you!?

Is that the power of the Amasakahoko? No. It's something else!

Yup. If you made me come up with a name, I'd call it the power of love.

H-how did you

Well, Oryou? How are you feeling?

Oryou's feeling great. After all that sleeping, Oryou's got energy to spare.

Then let's do this.

Get ready, Ama-no-Sakagami.

You're about to face our two-person Kaientai!

Dear Dragon, Race across the Waves of Wadatsumi!!!

Raaaaaahhh!

I-impossible! How can a human, a mere human being, destroy a god!?

Aaahhh!!!

Hahahaha! Serves you right, Ama-no-Sakagami!

Now you know what Sakamoto Ryouma can really do!

I didn't contribute to this AT ALL, but I'm not letting that stop me from rubbing it in your face!

Oryou! Go help Takasugi!

On it!

Aw man... I wanted to self-destruct along with the god. Perfect ending for an evil mastermind.

Sorry, but I wanted to save you.

Hmph. Shady as ever, I see.

Aaahhh...!

It looks like this is the end for the Kishinno, for Ama-no-Sakagami.

...I wouldn't be...so sure...

It's not over yet! He's still

...!!!

Urk...!

He's taken over Takechi's body!

Hahahaha! I will never die!

This is exactly how I've survived ever since the Age of Gods!

The only way you can defeat me now is by killing this man! And you'll never do that!

...I thought as much.

What? ...Wait. What is this? What did you do to your body!?

It's simple. I carved a mark into my body designed to seal you inside.

Fortunately, I had the sealing shrine maiden there to help me. It's the perfect coffin for you, don't you think?

Y-you did what...?

This can't be! How could you possibly know I would go after you!?

You're a demon who thrives on weak hearts and minds.

Since I have the weakest heart and mind of us all, we knew you'd come after me from the start.

Takechi...!

What the hell!? Why didn't you tell me about this!?

Sorry I kept things to myself once again, Izo. But I had to do this on my own.

This...thing didn't only make a mockery of the Kinnou Shishi.

He made a mockery of everyone who loves their country!

Like all those who died honorably for me...for Tanaka, I will die honorably for everyone else. This is the least I can do to atone for my compatriots' sacrifices.

...I'm coming, comrades!

...Hrn!

A-aah! It hurts! Did you just cut into your own belly!?

Wh-what are you doing!? You'll kill us both!

Settle down. This was only the first cut. Tanaka wouldn't so much as blink at this.

Eeeeee! S-stop! It hurts! It huuurts!

Not yet!

P-p-please, stop! Th-the pain...

The paaaiiin!!!

Oh, we're not done yet! One more to go!

Aagh... P-please...no more...

No moooooore!!!

Aaaaahhh...

...

Ryouma... Izo... I'm sorry for the trouble I put you through.

Takechi...

Takechi! Back then, I...!

I know, Izo. I know you better than anyone.

The retainers told you they'd spare our lives, right? There's no other reason a kind man like you would have told them.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Takechi-sensei! If... If only I hadn't been so stupid...!

Your sword was always meant to protect people. I'm the one who twisted it into something murderous.

...I'm sorry, Izo. I hope you can forgive me.

From now on, I want you to use your sword as it was meant to be... I want you to keep people safe with it.

Takechi-sensei...

Ryouma... I hope you'll do everything you can to help this country...and that upstanding young man.

I will, Takechi. I will...

These years have been fleeting, yes...

...but at least I die now without regret.

Farewell!

...

...

Well done, Takechi.

All right, Sakamoto. Go on, get out of here. This Singularity's not going to last much longer.

You're an even bigger softie than Sakamoto, aren't you?

Ha. With Takasugi Industries basically bankrupt, that's a pretty empty title.

？！

Well, regardless, this body of mine was never going to last much longer. I can't believe this disease is cutting my life short even as a Servant.

This Heroic Spirit business didn't turn out to be as much fun as I thought.

Here. A little souvenir for the road.

This is...the Holy Grail...

Hey, thanks, Prez. I can't stand you, but I'll be damned if you didn't keep things interesting.

What a coincidence. I like you too. I especially wish I could've modified your armor and kept you as a subordinate.

Those Restoration Manjyu we had at your office were really, really good!

Well of course. They were SAITAMA brand, Takasugi Industries' pride and joy. Help yourself to all the rest in the warehouse.

All right... If I've got to die, I'd rather do it alone.

Go on. Leave me be.

It was good to see you again, Takasugi.

You're the exact same child prodino, you're the same prodigy you were when I met you in Edo.

A heaven-soaring dragon, and a prodigy, huh. I bet we could've done anything if we put our minds together.

Man, why is it I always come up with my best ideas at the last minute?

...Bye, Sakamoto. Mage of Chaldea.

If you only remember one thing, remember this: I always was the handsomest man in Choushu.

？！

Master, look! There are the others!

Oh, there you are! Do you have any idea what we've just been through!?

There were a zillion of those weird humanoid weapon things!

Aw man, you beat my Kiheitai that easily? I was pretty proud of their mobile armor, you know.

Just how much did you get up to behind the scenes, President?

I did only what I knew I must to live an interesting life in this dull world.

It's a good line, right? Make sure you remember that, too.

...Well, see you later, Takasugi.

...

Good, it looks like they're all gone now. That aside, did he really just say "see you later"?

What kind of thing is that to say to someone who's about to die, Sakamoto?

Looks to me like you're still doing fine.

You're still here? What, you didn't go with them?

No, Lord Takasugi. Our contract is still in effect, after all.

Besides, when else am I going to get a chance to have you play the shamisen for me while I dance?

Hmm... The famous Izumo-no-Okuni, dancing to my shamisen, huh.

Now THAT sounds like fun.

Let's see... Where did I put it...?

...Ah, here we go.

Let's see...

...All right, my distinguished guest. Sit back, relax, and enjoy Izumo-no-Okuni's dance of repose.

...Hey.

Yes, Lord Takasugi?

I never realized how surprisingly cute you are.

Y-you only just realized!? And what do you mean "surprisingly"!?

What the shit!? Are you kidding me!?

Do you have any idea how many powerful men I've had wrapped around my finger with my charms!?

Hahaha, if I'd only realized it sooner, I could've brought you back to my place for a night of...

...fun...

...

...

...There you go.

Rest in peace, Lord Takasugi Shinsaku...

...Hero of the Restoration.