Section 7: Saika Elegy

I don't remember much of my hometown.

I can recall the color of the ground and the water. That's about it.

When I looked up, I saw grown-ups leering at me. When I looked down, I saw my hands clapped in chains.

That was when...

...I knew I'd been sold.

Not many girls with hair this color. She ought to fetch a good price. Don't worry. There's plenty of people with "rarified tastes" in Japan, too.

Give her something to eat. We don't want her looking like a scarecrow.

I was lucky. Far luckier than the kids who starved to death in the hold.

One day, about when I'd stopped counting the number of sunsets and sunrises...

...I arrived at a country called Japan.

Wh-what's going on!?

It's bandits! They've set fire to the ship!

What!?

I can't believe this happened the moment we made port in Japan. Hurry and unload the merchandise!

You too! Get over here!

Agh!

Dammit! I can't believe these bastards are trying to skim off my profits.

That's rich, coming from a damn slave trader.

Wh-who're you!?

Me? I'm Saika.

Saika Magoichi.

Urk...

Man, these slave traders are everywhere nowadays. Well, at least that means it's easier for us to make a livi

Hm? Who're you?

...

That hair... She must be from another country or something.

Seeing someone die didn't shock me.

By then, I'd seen so many dead children tossed into the sea. I just figured I would be next.

Yeah...

Maybe I can get thrown away here, too.

Hmm, I wonder if I can communicate with body language.

You. Me. Go. Together?

...What is he saying?

Damn, guess not. Now what do I do?

I know...some words.

But...why did

Oh, you understand me? Great. Then you've got a choice to make.

You can come with me. You can stay here on the ship and burn to death. Or you can jump into the sea and try to swim home.

It was the first time I remember anyone saying something like that and meaning it.

Looking back, it wasn't really a choice at all.

Understand? This is your decision.

But at the time, I felt like I had to decide, so I did.

That was the first choice I made of my own volition.

So, what do you want to do?

...Go with you.

Got it. Then from now on, you're a Saika kid.

I'm Magoichi. Nice to meet you.

That was how I became a Saika.

Damn. That one hurt.

So, you've been waiting for an opportunity all this time, Saika?

...

An opportunity? What are you talking about?

Thaaat's it, Hotaru. You did a great job.

What was that?

You ordered her to do this, Itou?

You say that like I'm the bad guy here, Nagakura. I'm only here to help.

That is, help Hotaru get her revenge.

Revenge?

Huh? You mean you really don't know?

Saika Magoichi, the leader of the Saika Group and Hotaru's precious father figure, was summoned here during the Holy Grail Rebellion...

...and Takeda Harunobu was the one to kill him.

Saika Magoichi... The Holy Grail Rebellion... Is that true, Harunobu?

...What if it is?

Then, she really did have cause to seek revenge...

The thing about Saika Magoichi is they have a very unique skill. When one of them dies, another is automatically summoned to be the group's next leader.

Which means Hotaru there is now officially Saika Magoichi the Third.

Historically, Saika Magoichi has always been a mysterious figure. But them being multiple people carrying a single name...well, that explains a lot.

The Saika will never die. Not as long as there's a Magoichi leading them.

You see? What could be more heartwarming in this war-torn world than someone avenging their leader, especially after they died in a cowardly setup.

Can you blame me for wanting to help?

Then, the only reason you joined us was to get close to Takeda?

...

I can't believe this.

Takeda Harunobu...just tell me one thing before you die.

You knew I was trying to kill you. Why didn't you do anything to stop me?

...The Takeda are made of stern stuff. I wasn't worried about you killing me.

I was just making use of you while you were around.

Is that it? Well, now it's time for you to die.

Stern stuff, my ass! You're practically on death's door right now!

Shinpachi! Master! We need to get out of here!

？！

Oh come now. Did you really think we'd let you get away, after everything else went so well?

Please, go on, Lord Yoshimoto. Now's your chance to finish off Takeda and Uesugi for good.

You've fallen far, Harunobu.

But I suppose this is a fitting end for an oath breaker.

Well, Master of Chaldea, I'm a little disappointed you didn't put up more of a fight. But it's time to end this.

Khh!

Forgive my impertinence, Lord Yoshimoto.

Huh?

You, there, Saika. Don't even think about moving, either.

What are you doing?

Hattori... You defended us?

Go, Master of Chaldea. I'll handle this.

What?

What is the meaning of this?

Did you order this of him, Kashitarou?

Me? Of course not. Seriously, what do you think you're doing, Hattori?

What am I doing, sir? I'm helping the Master of Chaldea, just as you ordered.

Can you not tell we're done with that? Is your helmet so thick it's muffling your hearing?

You should cut some earholes in that thing.

My alliance with the Master of Chaldea is still in place.

There is no greater dishonor for a warrior than breaking one's word. That would make me no different than those Shinsengumi bastards.

Hattori...

For the love of the Buddha, Hattori...read the damn room.

If you insist on going after him, Lord Yoshimoto, then I am prepared to fight you. Even if it should cost me my life.

Oho. Is that so?

(Sigh...) Great. Juuust great.

You truly mean that, Takeo?

Every word, my lord.

Come on, Master. They're distracted, arguing amongst themselves. This is our chance to leave.

No need for thanks. I'm simply honoring our agreement.

...

？！

Shinpachi! I'll bring up the rear. You look after Master and Harunobu.

G-got it. Come on, General, kid. We can talk later.

...

Hey, you.

...

Is this what the Saika means to you?

!? ...What are you trying to say?

You'll have to ask yourself that.

...Myself?

What are you babbling about? Come on, let's go!

...

Damn. I can't believe they got away.

Then this was clearly no plot of yours after all.

I'm honored you think so highly of me, my lord, but no. There's nothing for us to gain by letting them escape now.

And what are we going to do with you, Hattori?

I'm prepared to face the consequences of my actions.

I understand that to draw my blades on my lord is an unforgivable offense, whatever the reason.

Please punish me as you see fit.

...

What shall we do with him, Lord Yoshimoto?

Very well then. Die.

Ghh...!

Hrn.

Urk!

Well, well. So you can still stand, even after that?

Fine...

Takeo, the strength of body and spirit you have exhibited here is exactly what I want in this new Imagawa order.

What's more, Kashitarou is partly to blame for this debacle.

I can't argue with you there, my lord.

I knew Hattori wasn't cut out for these sorts of assignments, but I never expected him to be so stubborn.

Forgive me...Mr. Itou. But now, my oath has been fulfilled.

Now, I can wield my blades without hesitation.

Okay then, let's change gears.

We did get rid of the Northern God of War, and with those wounds, Takeda's not likely to be back in action anytime soon.

...Indeed.

As for you, Hotaru, I trust our contract is still in effect until you've claimed your revenge?

...That was my intention.

Great. Revenge is one of those things you really don't want to half-ass, after all.

At any rate, Lord Yoshimoto, we've had our ups and downs, but now, at long last, we can head for that land.

Indeed. Let us make way for the linchpin of my new Imagawa order...

Kawanakajima.

It looks like we're in the clear. I guess Hattori What's-his-name really did come to our rescue.

That bastard... Where's he get off acting like our ally all of a sudden?

You don't see that kind of integrity often. You could learn a thing or two from him in that regard, Harunobu.

Anyway, we need to find a place to rest and recover, or we'll never have a hope of stopping them.

The Takeda have a hidden hot spring up past this mountain. Head there...

A hidden Takeda hot spring?

I've got a number of them all around Kai.

Great. Then let's hurry and find it, before they change their minds about coming after us.

Good point. Let's go, Master.

Yeah, I guess we ought to talk about her, too.

Shall we make a pit stop for some sake and snacks?

？！

...

C'mon, Okita. Enough playing possum. I already took care of the guards.

Hi, Mr. Saito. It looks like everything went well.

I'm not sure. This might just be them giving me enough rope to hang myself with.

But we can talk later. We need to get you out of here.

Thanks, Mr. Saito. So where's Master?

Oh, don't worry about him. He's fine. We're in way more trouble than he is.

So, you still don't know what happened to Nobbu or Mr. Hijikata then.

'Fraid not. No idea where they're being held.

I'm sure they're both alive, though. Neither of them stays down, even if you kill them.

Come on then. We should hurry. If we're going to get out of this, we'll need more than just the two of us.

You're not wrong. Since we're short on time, we might as well just smash our way out.

How's the wound?

Don't worry about me. I'm fine.

All right, then let's go.

Well, this place sure looks shady. What is all this?

From what I know, we should be near the middle of the castle... Hey, look! Over there!

...

Mr. Hijikata!

Hang in there, Vice Commander! We'll save yo

Damn! It's some kind of magical energy barrier.

Step aside, Mr. Saito.

Mumyou, Sandanzuki!

Even my Sandanzuki couldn't break it...

It looked like it was repairing the damaged segment. We'll have to cut it off at its source.

Okita... Saito...

You're awake, Mr. Hijikata? Hang in there. We'll find a way to break you out.

Never mind me.

You two need to get out of here. I've got a message for you to give to Fujimaru.

A message?

Yeah. It's about what Itouwhat Imagawa, is up to.

What do you mean?

They're not planning on staying in this Singularity.

They're not?

But isn't that why they made this Singularity? To create a new Imagawa order or something?

No. Itou's plans are much bigger than that.

They want to remake all of Japan's history.

And they mean to do it with one hell of a power move.

Power move?

Itou's planning to literally destroy Japan and remake it from the ground up.

"Literally destroy Japan"? You mean, the whole country?

That's right, Saito. We're going to destroy the entire nation, then redo its history.

That's the goal we've been working towards.

You...!

Hey there, Okita. Long time no see.

Hya!

I don't think so.

Gunfire!?

Attacking before I've even had a chance to speak? Well, you haven't changed.

Oh, good work, Hotaru.

...

Hey, weren't you contracted with our Mas

...I see. So that's how it is.

She's contracted with Master?

Yeah, you know what he's like. He just can't help getting mixed up in other people's problems.

Well, look at that. The First and Third Unit captains all together again. Doesn't this bring back memories, Hijikata?

Shame Nagakura couldn't make it to this little impromptu reunion of the Shinsengumi.

Nagakura...

So Shinpachi's here, too...

Well, Saito? Now do you understand our vision for a strong nation?

Are you kidding me? You want to destroy Japan so you can remake it?

Absolutely. And I'm hoping you'll help us make the era we never got to see.

Era?

Unlike Okita there, you actually left the Shinsengumi, so I thought it might be possible to reason with you.

I think you'd be much better off joining us, especially with your Vice Commander already being out of commission.

Oh, but we don't have a spot for you, Okita. You're too scary.

...Not even if you begged.

Yeah, same. Now let the Vice Commander go.

I figured you'd probably say that. Well, now that negotiations have broken down, why don't we get started?

Aaaaaaaaghhh!!!

Mr. Hijikata!? What are you doing to him!?

Oh, I wouldn't touch him if I were you. Not that you could even if you wanted to.

What the hell is this!?

This? It amplifies magical energy by sacrificing Servants.

You're going to sacrifice Mr. Hijikata!?

I don't know what you're up to, but you let him go, now.

You want me to let Hijikata go? Why do you care what happens to him? You already left the Shinsengumi, didn't you?

Ah, so silly of me. You died of illness before you could leave, didn't you, Okita?

Poor Hijikata. With all of his captains gone, he was sent up to the far north all on his own...

...and died miserable and alone like a dog past its prime.

Whereas you, on the other hand, got to happily live out your days on your government pension, didn't you?

Not. Another. Word.

I don't know how strong that girl you've got with you is, but in a two-on-two fight, I like our chances.

Well, well. I guess this is two-on-two, isn't it?

I could have Hotaru deal with you, but I'm no match for Okita. She might well kill me again.

Again?

Oh, you don't know, Saito? It was Okita who killed me.

...

That can't be right. Okita was already on her deathbed back then.

Besides, I'm pretty sure it was Oishi that killed you.

Oh, please, even drunk, I could keep up with Oishi and a few Shinsengumi soldiers for good measure.

But I definitely couldn't have guessed that the Vice Commander there would actually send Okita after me as well, especially given how sick she was.

I guess you must have realized ordinary assassins might not get the job done, huh, Hijikata?

Bastard...

Really, I'm impressed. For a man always going on about honor and the warrior's code, you had a real knack for playing dirty.

Vice Commander...

...Then I'll just have to kill you again.

Oh my, how frightening. Okay, Lord Yoshimoto, go ahead, please.

What the...!?

Mr. Saito!

Of course I wasn't going to show up here on even ground. Go on, Lord Yoshimoto, wipe them out, please.

...

General Imagawa Yoshimoto...

Gotta say, I didn't think you'd be bringing your boss along.

N-never mind me! Get out of here and tell Fujimaru...

...that they're planning to ram this castle into the country!

They're using a castle as a ram!?

You heard the Vice Commander's orders, Okita. We've got to fall back for now.

I'm afraid I can't let you do that.

Also, mind your back as well.

My back!?

...

Huh!? Wh-what's going on!?

Oh come on. You've gotta be kidding me.

Huh?

There's two Imagawa Yoshimotos!?

Surprised? I could explain, but I don't see the point. You're all about to die anyway.

And I think I'll start with...

...you, Hotaru.

Huh!?

...Why are you doing this?

The hell!? I thought she was on your side!

Oh no, not at all.

She's one of the Saika Group. You've heard of them before, right, Saito? Mercenaries who'll do anything for money?

That's not true. The Saika always uphold their agreements.

Exactly. You will fight for or against anyone, based entirely on your contract.

And what would be the point in letting a bunch of lowlifes like that live?

In fact, that's exactly why they died out.

No. The Saika... I...

Go on, Lord Yoshimoto. An ingrate like her is bound to be a problem eventually. She's served her purpose, so we may as well dispose of her now.

I don't think so!

Okita? What do you think you're doing?

You saved me?

Just get up. We need to get out of here.

But, why did you

That's what I want to know. Why would you help your enemy? You did hear how she already betrayed your friends, right?

If Master formed a contract with her, that's enough for me to trust her.

You...trust me?

Sheesh. You really are as terrifying as ever, Okita.

Ah, I don't know what I was thinking. You were never going to listen to me.

Take her and get out of here, Mr. Saito. I'll catch up.

Yeah, good point. If Master was here, he'd be telling us the same thing.

Doesn't make it any easier, though. Come on, Saika girl, let's get going.

I...

Hang in there, Mr. Hijikata! I promise we'll be back for you!

My, oh my. They really did abandon you, Hijikata. Well, so much for that vaunted Shinsengumi solidarity, hm?

Ghh... Y-you'll see...

Well, I suppose it wouldn't do the reactor any favors if two Lord Yoshimotos were to rampage in here, so this works out nicely.

We'll just finish them off outside. It's not as if they have any chance of escaping, anyway.

Phew... This hot spring's not very big, but it's still really nice.

...What're you doing in here?

Oh, please, don't mind me. By the way, do you have any sake around here?

Of course not. Now give me some space.

Fine, fine, if you insist. How about you, Master? Care to join me?

？！

Here. Use this.

So, now what?

What else? We take down the Imagawa, just like we planned.

Well yeah, but how?

Imagawa Yoshimoto was even stronger back there than he was when we first fought him.

And then there's the whole thing with Saika Hotaru.

Guess we should talk about her, too. Is it true you killed her leader, General?

Yeah. I finished Saika Magoichi off myself.

Okay, what exactly went on with the Holy Grail Rebellion?

When I was first summoned to Kai, the Imagawa had already seized most of the neighboring lands.

At that point, it was still just a normal Holy Grail War with Servants mostly just fighting each other.

That's how I got summoned here, too.

But things went screwy after archerMagoichigot taken out.

For some reason, when he died, his mage disappeared too, and a new archer possessing a Holy Grail was summoned. That was Yoshimoto.

Hm? So Yoshimoto wasn't here from the beginning?

I don't know all the details, but the Imagawa were originally being led by the Servant of that mage.

I figured it was Sessai, but I guess not.

About Taigen Sessai...

They say if he had still been alive at the time, the Battle of Okehazama would have gone very differently...

...and that he was Imagawa Yoshimoto's right-hand man.

A Caster like that would certainly be a good fit for the Imagawa's tactician. But if it's not him, then who's leading them?

Probably Itou, no?

I had that same thought. But the order of events doesn't add up.

If Yoshimoto summoned Itou, who brought with him knowledge of the future, then used that knowledge to make this new Imagawa order...

...then I could understand how Kai ended up this way.

Knowledge of the future...

But if Itou was summoned first, why would Imagawa be leading them?

Shinpachi's told me about Itou's connection to the Shinsengumi, but he doesn't have any ties to the Imagawa.

What if Itou's using the Holy Grail to control Yoshimoto?

That can't be it. You all saw how strong the best archer of the Highway is for yourselves.

Holy Grail or no, you just can't control power like that.

True, Yoshimoto is certainly no ordinary general. Maybe this means he was the one who rebuilt the Imagawa then?

But he couldn't have, not according to the order all this happened in.

At this point, we can only guess how that might have happened.

We've still got a bigger, more important question that needs answering.

What's that?

How did this Singularity form to begin with?

That IS a good question...

Someone had to have found the Holy Grail and used it to make this Singularity.

So we

The ground's shaking... Earthquake?

Whoa! It's a big one!

It just...got dark. Master? Why are you looking up at the sky?

？！

You've got to be kidding me.

I-is that

Okay, Mr. Saito, we made it outsiwh-what the!?

No way. We're on a freaking floating castle!?

A floating castle? I can't believe it...

You should believe your eyes.

This is the anchor of the new age about to unfold. An airborne fortress we like to call...

...the Goryoukaku.