Chapter 128.4

Chapter 128.4

[Part 4/4]

"...!? Stop it!!"

"Shi—"

"... You!"

Seeing the daring act of the kidnapper in front of her, Murasaki flared up in anger. This time, it was Shinobu's turn to warn. The sparrow on the princess's head had spread its wings conspicuously, making it impossible to further accuse them. A stalemate...

"... What a surprise! Isn't an ambush from behind quite despicable?"

Her actions gave the impression that she had been aware from the start. The smoking pipe swayed. Simultaneously, flames danced around the kidnapper and hostage, forming the shape of a dragon. Then it consumed and obliterated the temporary shikigami that had sneaked in through the back window.

"When dealing with monsters, it might be expected, but isn't poison a bit much against humans?"

"Tch. You figured it out..."

Responding to the call from above, Shirowakamaru, who had been working curse on the rooftop without entering the room, cursed. Though she redirected her attention to Murasaki and the others, the attack of poison-infused feathers from the Shikigami sneaking behind the kidnapper had failed. The plan to exchange an antidote for the release of the hostages was futile.

(So, the smoking pipe is a curse tool after all. And it's adept at detection, being under the guidance of the true way... Quite impressive...)

Given what they had been informed about beforehand and considering her role at the Omnyouji Bureau, they would likely have limited experience with interpersonal and youkai combat... Yet the kidnapper seemed quite skilled. She was definitely not just a mere wastrel. Or could there be errors in the information released by the Omnyouji Bureau?

(While it's not impossible to consolidate and crush her under a single blow...)

On the other hand, facing the kidnapper head-on, Murasaki pondered. To rescue the princess without harming her. It wasn't impossible. The various sword techniques passed down in the Akō family were not for show. There were undoubtedly techniques for situations involving hostages like this. By combining the family's walking and thrusting techniques, she could likely eliminate both the sparrow and the kidnapper before they could react. Without harming the hostage, not even leaving a single poisoned feather. However, training was one thing; this was real combat.

"Ugh...!"

Stamping her foot as if to show her determination, she readied herself to close the distance in one go. But the smoking pipe was aimed at her, implying a clear meaning. Understanding the implication, Murasaki ground her teeth. Frustratedly, she held back the sudden charge.

"Stop it. Remember, practice and actual combat are entirely different. It wouldn't be a joke if you ended up hurting the princess's adorable face, would it?"

"And who are you to talk...!!"

Murasaki spat out her scornful words, filled with disgust for the implication. Even as she did, she maintained an outward appearance of calmness as she contemplated her next move.

(ugh, blackmail with hostages is so infuriating!! For now, I need to buy some time...!!)

The message had already been sent. Soon, either Ezo's army or the Exorcist Clan... reinforcements were on their way. They just needed to maintain this standoff until they arrived. It was the only choice available to Murasaki and the others. Understand their roles and stick to them. However...

"Whoa! That was impressive! But I wonder if it's cooked just right? I might grab a bite later."

Seafood tends to spoil quickly, after all. Despite the spectacular scene before him, the demon remained surprisingly nonchalant. For this old demon, it was just another event. Regardless of what happened to others, it was merely entertainment and a side dish for this demon.

Then again, what about the west? Unlike the previous jellyfish, there was now a dance of hellfire. The screams of the inhuman beings, who had been considered unnecessary, were drowned out by the storm of flames. Looking north, a mass of mud appeared, and a giant crab with massive arms and legs engaged in combat. The crab shouted something, and with each shout, its limbs were blown away without accomplishing anything.

"No class or sentimentality, huh."

The Blue Demon sighed, feeling sorry for the defeated youkai. It was like exterminating pests. A pointless, empty battle. She even sympathized with those who were defeated in such a manner.

"...Well, I guess the folks in charge would hold a grudge around here, wouldn't they? Anyway..."

She downed a handful of fish eggs borrowed from a brothel in the pleasure district and washed them down with sake. Then, she stood up. Ahead of her, the rugged mountains to the south were still void of any figures.

"As expected, I should be watching the most spectacular show."

The demon spoke with a sticky tone. Pretentious yet as if reciting lines from a play. She discarded her hat, giving a speech.

"Despair in the face of conflict is essential for a hero's leap!"

As she shouted, the demon jumped into the night sky, blowing off the roof. Excitement flushed her face as she imagined what awaited her. She was full of anticipation, almost madly so.

"Since 'that time,' huh? It's been quite a trial... Please, don't fall too far this time."

If he were to fail, she would have to kill him. But the demon didn't want to take the life of the man who had met her expectations up until now.

"I'm counting on you, hero!"

And once again, the demon placed unreasonable expectations upon him. Turning away would invite colossal punishment.

With her blue hair dancing in the wind, her figure was enchanting to anyone who saw it, almost frustratingly so...

Towards the end of this chapter, some powerful youkai are introduced:

1. Houkou no Sonzai (咆哮の存在) - Great Youkai: This youkai possesses immense strength and is known for its roaring abilities. In the original story, its roar startles people. In the story, beyond its sheer physical strength, it has the ability to directly affect the sanity (SAN value) of those who hear its roar. Even average exorcists experience difficulty performing spiritual arts after hearing it once. After hearing it five times, one can even go mad. Interestingly, its opponent had crushed its eardrums before defeating it, as it would regenerate anyway.

2. Kanibozu - Great Youkai: This formidable youkai is incredibly tough. In its original myth, it punishes those who stumble over questions by beating them to death. In the story, it possesses the power to accurately cut off a limb of those who fail to answer its questions within a set time or answer incorrectly. As its opponent is made of mud, it can continuously strike and cut limbs without concern. The user, upon identifying its opponent's true nature, escapes to a place where the question cannot be heard.

3. Kurage-no-Hinotama - Great Youkai: This troublesome youkai, as its name suggests, is a flying, flaming jellyfish. In this story, the jellyfish is large enough to participate in kaiju battles. The buildings in Fusō-kuni are mostly wooden, making its attacks a potential cause of fires. It intended to use the city as leverage to capture government officials from the country's office one by one with its tentacles and consume them. However, it was swiftly defeated in a seemingly unfair manner.

These youkai introduce unique abilities and challenges in the story.