Welcome to Gaia! ::

Komen followed her all the way to a small field where it was open and their were very few trees. Komen looked around and engaged his byakugan. He was rather curious if their were others in the area ready to ambush him. THe girl smiled slyly as she saw that Komen had engaged his blood line technique. "You have nothing to fear, it's just you and me out here." She said as she smiled and continued to walk, stopping in the middle of the field and slowly turned around. A gust of wind picked up in the area as it blew her hair across her face and with the wind. Komen raised an eyebrow as it was a rather beautiful sight to see. "Your test, Komen, is going to be a battle against me." She said with a smirk as she knew that he would be dumb founded.

And not to her surprise Komen was simply blinking at her with a dumb found and confused look pasted on his face. She smirked as she saw that confused look on his face, "I was always curious about how one of the best in the Hidden Leaf village actually fought like." She said as she got in a battle stance.

Komen was not really thrilled that he had to fight someone, but it was rather inevitable since he wanted to know what her name was. Komen took his battle stance as well. His stance was the traditional Hyuuga battle stance. She smirked as she stood up, "Oh wait, let me try something." She said as she tore off a piece of the dress she was wearing and blind folded herself. She did a set of handseals as she smiled, "Ok than, now you can attack." She said as Komen was wondering what in fact she was doing, "Why the hell did you blind fold yourself?" Komen asked as he was still in his hyuuga stance. Komen was still somewhat unready to try and attack a blind folded person but he had experienced many fighters that fought blind and were some interesting and powerful fighters. Komen rushed forward as he was striking with simple strikes to test her out, "You know should try harder than this. I've heard you were a master of close quarters combat." She said as she was blocking with excellent precision. Komen was smirking a bit as this was starting to become a bit more exciting and fun. Komen was striking a bit faster as chakra was becoming channelled in each of his strikes. Too his amazement, her reaction time and counter movement was just as fast as his. attacks. Komen started to perform an even faster technique, "Eight Trigrams, sixty four strikes." He announced as his movement speed increased. Hss Byakugan eyes were making it easy for him to begin striking her tenketsu points, hopefully stopping her little show off type performance of abilities.

Unfortunately for Komen Usai, her movements were almost predicting his very own movements. It was rather interesting to say the least in his own eyes. Her reaction was as if he was fighting a clairvoyent that was using her abilities to read the future and react accordingly. But Komen remembered something he had seen off in one of the tests of someone that used this sort of ability. It was not a clairvoyent ability but the ability to push your senses into another sense. Komen took a kunai wrapped in a explosive tag and threw it near her, knowing that she would react. As the bomb went off she screamed in pain as the noise was deafening to her. Komen smirked as she took off her blindfold and held her ears a bit. Komen sighed as he hoped that that little stunt didn't hurt her too badly.

"How did you know?" She asked as the ringing was beginning to stop. Komen walked to her and extended a hand to her, "I had a battle that did something similar to yours. I'm guessing that that person was one of the people you trained." He said with a small smile as she took his hand. He pulled her up to her feet with relative ease as she smiled back, "Hmmm I guess you won your prize." She said as she was still smiling, "Anju Aoimaru." Komen sighed as he had a feeling it was her, "Hmm so I finally found you." He said as she smirked, "Ah so you were actually looking for me but I found you instead, a funny set of events for this to happen." Komen smiled and shrugged, "I suppose, I try not to believe too much in fate. But anyways I want you to train me in the ways of pushing senses, I have a feeling I'll be needing this ability in the near future." He said as she smiled and nodded, "Lets begin training right away than." She said as she did just that.

Komen was doing rather well learning the techniques that Anju was willing to teach him. He was always a quick learner whenever he was learning techniques. he didn't know if he was gifted in such a way, but he just simply always was like this. His teachers have never callled him a prodigy, but rather a quick study since his class in itself was always full of prodigies. It was probably because of his nature, but he just never saw himself as best as the others. He liked to stay grounded at all times so he could blend and be one of the regular shinobi's. But as time went along in his life, he was able to become much more than that. Most of the people from his class where going off in many different directions. He had heard that they were outposted on the borders of The Konoha influence. He had even heard that some had come to join the ranks of the Anbu and the Hunter Nin. komen himself had also taken that path and hoped that he would be able to become even greater Shinobi.

Komen was performing the necessary handseals as he was practicing the first technique that Anju had showed him, "You seem to have gotten the gift of the deaf gods hand signs done now show me." She said as she was waiting with him to perform one of her techniques. Komen nodded as he understood and started to focus his chakra into his body as he was performing each and every individual hand seal for the technique. Komen was beginning to lose his hearing as the winds that blew through the area was starting to become more and more and even more silent with the passing of each minute moment. It didn't take long before Komen was deaf to the world. But in losing this, his byakugan sight was increased seven times of what it once was. He couldn't hear anything she was saying at all, but he did know how to read lips. He saw that she said that she was going to start attacking him. Not a moment after she finished her words, she had already begun her attack.

She was throwing punch combinations left and right at Komen at a lightning pace of speed. In reality, the combo's where almost invisible because they were so fast. In Komen's eyes they were very very slow. This eye ability was an amazing technique if you were going against a taijutsu fighter or anyone trying to use speed as their main weapon to bare against you. Komen was countering with some very precise and very effective counter attacks. Komen sent her flying backwards as she tried to deliver a powerful punch straight to his face. Komen used his Eight trigrams signs air palm technique. She hit the ground but recoiled quickly, making it so that she didn't recieve the full grunt of impact when she hit against the ground. She smirked as she told him to disengage the technique. Komen did as she said as they sound of the world started to come back to him. Koen was fully disengaged from the technique as he could hear her beautiful once again.

"Ok you seem to really have the gift of the deaf gods really down and pact." She said with a smile and a thumbs up sign as she got close, "Time for the gift of the blind god next." She said with a smile as she gave him a blind fold to help him. Komen started to wrap the blind fold around his head as the darkness enveloped all of his sight. The blindfold was the beginners way of letting the darkness take your eyes. Komen started to perform the necessary hand seals as the darkness that took his sight was still there. Even his byakugan eyes couldn't peer outward to see chakra signals. But Komen started to feel the technique take effect. It was a rather strange sensation. He could feel the air move around him. Hear every little sound their was in the area. Even smell the perfume that was coming from Anju. It was all very interesting. Komen felt the wind begin to change as it felt like someone was charging straight for him at a lightning quick pace. Komen started to spun in place as chakra was poured into his tenketu points, "Eight trigrams heavenly spin." He said as he repelled Anju's attack. She didn't falter after she hit the ground, but rather came charging right back to deliver some quick punch combinations. Komen could feel the push, ebbs and pulls of the wind and reacted accordingly. He was striking the strikes and creating counter strikes. He pushed her back with a open palm to her chest and sent her flying backwards once again. Komen disengaged the technique as he started to see once again. He smirked as he saw that she was rubbing her stomach, the area where he had hit only mere moments ago, "Well it seems that I have mastered this technique as well." He said with a smile as he pocketed the blind fold, which was a part of her dress.

Komen smirked as he had finished the first two gift of the gods techniques. He knew that he had to do the last one, but waited till he was instructed to do so, "You ok?" He asked as she was still rubbing her stomach a bit as the blow must have been harder than he had thought, "It hurts a bit but it's what I get for training a hyuuga of your stature." She said as she stopped rubbing her stomach and folded her arms across her chest, "Ok the last of the gifts must be performed, do it now." She said with a nod as she was ready to fight. Komen nodded back as he understood that these trials needed to be done in order for him to gain these techniques in order to master them. Komen started to perform the necessary hand seals as the feeling of the air started to feel familiar to him. It felt much like the blind god technique as she started to attack him. He felt the wind and air begin to push and pull around him. She began her attack and Komen was ready as he didn't even give her a chance to attack him. He ran forward and started to strike first. He delivered a powerful combinations of tenketsu strikes and kicked her back. She was able to defend herself as she wanted to do more and engaged her own gift of the wise gods. Komen smirked as he and her were using the same technique. Komen charged first as he started to us his gentle fist techniques to try and make an impact. It wasn't working so well as she was able to counter accordingly. "Damn this is going to last forever." He said as he and her were striking, counter attacking, blocking and over all simply fighting for what seemed like hours. After an hour of straight fighting and counter attacking, they were standing facing one another, both very exhausted. Komen was breathing rather hard and so was the teacher Anju, "R...re..ready to call it quits yet?" He said as he was trying to focus on staying up and standing up. "N..no..a..are you?" She asked as she was in the same condition as Komen. "I...I can keep fighting till the sun goes down..." He said with heavy breaths. "I..I can to." She said with the same kind of heavy breaths.

Komen watched as the man that was thrown through the doorway was not moving at all. Komen was worried for a second that he had accidentily killed him, but his byakugan eyes showed him that he need not worry. Komen was peering into the mans relatively weak and unhoned chakra network. All beings whether they trained it or not had a chakra network. As long as it had chakra running through the network, it was as good a sign as any that that person was most likely still alive. Although some shinobi have been none to turn their chakra network off but still live. Komen had not faught anyone like this but it was known to Komen, through the records at the ANBU headquarters that their were some shinobi that have techniques that could fool the byakugan eye. Komen started to come back to reality when another sailor tried to attack him while Komen himself was day dreaming a bit. Komen used his chakra connection technique to grasp the blade before it could hit Komen. Komens chakra connection tentacle wrapped around the blade and violently took it from the man. Komens green necklace shined brightly as his hand started to become as black as night. A dark ooze seeped over his entire fist as the symboite armor was starting to take control of Komens body. Komens hand was as hard as stone as he struck the sailor hard. The punch was directed at the mans face and almost broke it with a single strength filled punch. Just like the other sailor that had attacked Komen first, this sailor that was just punched, went flying through the air and ended up in a hole in the wall of his own creation. Meaning quite literally that he had flown straight through wall. Komen saw that the other sailors still seemed intent on trying to kill him, "Hm whats the price on my head?" He asked them as they were basically quaking in their little boots they wore. Komen looked at them as they shivered, "A million pieces of gold." He said as Komen raised an eyebrow, "Hmmm that is a lot of money, I suppose if you want to die for that wealth you will never get, than come at me." Komen said as he was fully engulfed in his symboite armor. The teeth that was shown on most symboite users was seen as Komen was quite a manacing monster. Komen saw that they still seemed quite fearless against him as the green amulet her had recieved from the Alliance glowed once more, feeding his strength. Komen dispatched the closest foe with another earth shattering punch, sending him through the door and out into the see. Komen saw that the entire ship was against him, "I knew the price of this trip was a bit too good to be true." Komen said as he was in the middle of an ambush. Komen turned his arms into big bricks as he just wanted to incapacitate and knock out these sailors that had the glint of gold in their eyes. The sailors started to come from all directions. Komens Byakugan eyes saw clear where they were coming from. He evaded the incoming strikes with relative ease and made each and every sailor that attacked him pay the price for attacking him. He threw a brick fist at the fist attacker and sent him sailing through the air and into the sea. The second sailor that attacked him suffered the same fate as he was sent flying into the sea with a powerful blow against his face. Komen smirked as he saw teeth and blood flying in the air after the last strike, "He is basically gone now." Komen said with a smirk as the symboite was beginning to assert it's dominance against Komen. But Komen was still in control as he went on a rampage, taking out any of the sailors that dared to attack him. Most of the crew had been utterly decimated by Komen as he held the last conscious sailor on the boat by the throat, almost breaking his wind pipe. The sailor was gasping for air as Komen was close to killing him, not like he hasn't killed anyone on this boat already. Komen started to force the symboite armor back into it's sleeping dormant state, "If you don't want to die you will bring me to the Hidden Soul village." He said as he let him go, "And you better make it fast, all of you guys have really ticked me off." He said as he soccer kicked the closest sailor that was on the ground. The sailor went sailing into the distance as Komen was buffed by the power of the green necklace. Komen looked out at the horizon to see that Hidden Soul was getting closer and closer by the moment, "Good." Komen said as he folded his arms across his chest.

Yukimura wandered around the Summit Village endlessly pondering of something to occupy himself with. Few occupations had arrived in his mind while he was thinking of something to take up his spare time.
“I wonder……”
Yuki then had one amazing thought transport into his train of thought.
“Summit Tower.”(Highest Point shared between some federation villages: Flame, Volcano, Aviation, Summit, Tree, Steel and Wind.)
Yukimura thought as he looked towards the highest mountain in the entire mass of land.
“There. All the clans of the Federation arrive there and excuse their grudges. That is where I shall travel to…..This should be exiting.”
Yukimura was always found to be a most intelligent person. Even during his time in the “Client “academy as a student; he seemed to always be ahead and use quite the array of vocabulary. He had always outdone the other students in his class, but that would not protrude thought his appearance. He would never stick out in a crowd, only wearing all black as most Client in this particular village. And instead of calling his friends, enemies, or people he knew by their status, he would always refer to them as Client s to make himself seem a bit more sophisticated than all other beings around him.
A few hours later, Yukimura had made his way up to the tower. He ran into quite the array of characters upon his journey.
"What bad taste……"
That was the first impression he had with this citizen. Incidentally, this impression did not change in the slightest all the way to the end.
In this hilly, high-class residential area, a Summit Tower sat arrogantly on display with it's design that completely disregarded the harmony of its surroundings.
If you were to disregard the Summit Tower thus far, you might have to say it was a rather magnificent view. Climbing up Summit’s peak presented a vast view of the land's rich scenery. When he saw it, he was honestly and completely stunned.
This area could probably be considered the place of origin of Ninja World's Westernization movement. The first gaslight was lit here and the very first ice cream in the Ninja World was sold here. You would expect it to be a stylish, refined town with a distinguished history.
Considering that, this is probably some kind of breach of contract…
When he accepted the job at the village, he was given not only an address, but also a detailed map, which was completely unnecessary.
As he arrived at his destination, the Summit Tower stood before him.
"Hey, at least it's work…" he muttered, trying to convince himself.
However, this was the same Yukimura whose looks probably wouldn't by any means be called appropriate for work.
Wearing a black shirt covered by a black jacket with jeans and sandals, this 16-year-old man seemed (no matter how you looked at it) no different than a Client from a nearby village.
He was completely blind to his own faults. As he continued his observations, he noticed something strange.
The dark aura that covered the Summit Tower was thicker than he was told; because of this, perhaps even an ordinary person with no psychic background could sense the aura which was presently at the Summit Tower's surroundings.
Maybe I'll just go back…
Nagged by a horribly bad premonition, Yukimura's thought was halfway serious.
The dark aura covering the Summit Tower was something more unearthly than he had expected, but it wasn't so much that he couldn't deal with it. For this reason, his premonition was a bad omen. Yet, something else was up.
Judging by his experiences up until then, it was a credible and important premonition. However, he couldn't just throw away this work on that alone. This was his first assignment in Ninja World; if he broke off the arrangement with only that as a reason, there was no doubt that he would never get any jobs from the village in the future. He made his way toward the Summit Tower with heavy steps and stopped in front of a ridiculously huge gate. While standing in front of the doorbell, Yukimura was still unsure if he would continue to do this job. Danger signals bombarded his instincts and he couldn't help wanting to run away. However... “Yagami-sama, I presume." Without any warning, a voice came from the intercom, and completely disrupted Yukimura's thinking. He jumped back with a start and stood on guard, the voice then continued... "You've been expected. Kindly enter through the door on the side." Click. Simultaneously as she spoke, a small door towards the right side of the gate unlocked. Apparently, he was supposed to just go in. Compared with that "You have been expected," that's some rude treatment… He felt uncomfortable, but he was dealing with a customer. He entered through the side door as instructed. Inside the fence were a large number of security cameras and sensors. "They must live a very shadowy life..." Yukimura muttered. Multiple cameras followed him as he walked into the entry way. With anger almost to the point of wanting to kill whoever put him under this rude surveillance, Yukimura somehow repressed himself. "Eeek……" That was what he'd intended, but, apparently, it showed on his face. The face of the maid, who came to greet him, was filled with fear akin to having come across a man-eating bear. Yukimura hurriedly smoothed over his expression.
"Welcome! Please, come this way."
She went from a face of horror, as if she were being picked up and eaten, to an overly bright smile.
It didn't seem possible for someone to change their expression so dramatically, forgetting their suspicions, yet the maid smiled as if nothing had happened.
As the maid walked ahead, Yukimura observed her gratifyingly swaying bottom, while going to the living room to wait.
It would have been better if I'd left…
Yukimura felt deep regret at his choice as soon as he was guided into the living room. Inside, there was a thin, little man; lying back, legs outstretched, he introduced himself as Sakamoto Nanigashi, the master of the Summit Tower and the Client , but he wasn't alone. There was also a practitioner in the room as well, a face he knew well.
That practitioner, upon recognizing Yukimura, showed fear on his face for a moment, and then immediately twisted his lips into a sneer and glared at Yukimura with a face full of scorn.
"What? The other practitioner was you, Yukimura? You became a disinherited child of the Seido because of your incompetence, and now you dare to call yourself a practitioner?"
Those explanatory words were probably for Sakamoto to hear. Practitioner——Seido. The youngest child of the branch family, Yuu chakra Shinji, truly took great pleasure in mocking Yukimura.
Sakamoto showed the response that Shinji expected. His expression changed as he approached Yukimura.
"So, this is true then? Isn't this different from what you said? You said you were a top-class spiritual practitioner, so I hired you!"
Yukimura, calmly making a step back with each step his Client made forward, answered...
"I don't know what the person at the village told you, but if you're dissatisfied, perhaps I should leave?"
"Hmmph, that's right."
Sakamoto's eyes showed a faintly cunning light. Yukimura's desire to work, which was scarce even at the best of times, quickly neared zero.
"Mmmm, how about this? Why don't you both try the exorcism, and only the successful one gets paid? Ahh, naturally, I won't tell the loser to return the advance payment."
"Good idea, yeah."
They were flippant words, but Shinji had immediately accepted them. Then, with the face of someone who was completely made a fool of, he asked Yukimura.
"And what are you going to do?"
"I'm out."
Yukimura gave an immediate reply. In the scornful stares of the two, not even a muscle of their eyebrow moved.
"Hmmph, coward! Sucking your finger like a baby! I'll show you a model example of an Enjutsu."
"Model example, eh? Tough talk for the youngest child of the branch family."
"Y-you!"
Having the one he looked down upon insult him, in return, enraged Shinji. He completely forgot about being in front of a Client , tightened a fist, and lunged forward.
He sent a powerful punch directed at Yukimura's face, yet Yukimura easily dodged the punch by stepping aside to his left. Because Shinji had inserted a great deal of force in the punch, he lost his balance and was about to fall to the floor, but made it look like a feint as he attempted to launch a kick from Yukimura's blind spot, aiming for his temple.
However, Yukimura, as if he had seen it coming, lightly bent his head back as the heel of Shinji's left leg passed by a few millimeters in front of his eyes.
Yukimura's movements were like the leaves of a tree swaying in the wind, without hesitation. After dodging Shinji's kick, he immediately swept Shinji's pivot leg, making him fall down on all fours to the floor.
"Sh-s**t!"
Shinji just barely managed to preform an ukemi, and quickly got back up. Incorrigible, he assumed a fighting posture.
"You! Do you think that you can beat me in Taijutsu? Even four years ago you weren't a match for me. There's no way you can be an opponent for my current self."
"Sh-shut up!"
Yukimura did not show the least bit of triumph. He chided disinterestedly, as if facing a defiant child. Being looked down upon from such a securely elevated position, Shinji's reason made a sound and broke.
"Stop it right there, you two."
However, just then, a restraining voice spoke, and the two turned at the same time towards the voice's owner. Sakamoto showed great satisfaction at successfully getting both their attentions. Then, in a tone as if he was scolding a child, he shouted...
"I didn't call you here to fight! The furnishings in this room, no matter which one you look at, are more expensive than what I'm paying you! Any kind of rough behavior would be troublesome, okay?"
Suddenly, around the vicinity of money talk, there was a scumbag. The person in question was probably attempting to flaunt his assets, but for the ones made to listen, it was nothing but the stink of the nouveau riche pushed up their noses.
Maybe I'll leave… since I still get the advance payment.
With the discomfort continuing to rise with no end in sight, Yukimura's desire to work had already disappeared. He couldn't ignore the feeling of how even being in this place was agony.
"Mm……?"
However, without warning, an unearthly presence began to converge...
"It's coming..."
The unearthly presence spread throughout the Summit Tower and directed its focus to one point in the living room. Yukimura casually moved to position Sakamoto and Shinji between himself and this presence.
"What's that? What just…?"
The unearthly presence solidified into a smoky black figure. Shinji, seconds slower than Yukimura, finally noticed it as well.
"Hmmm, so it came out?"
"Wh-what? What's wrong?"
Hesitatingly breaking the suddenly tense atmosphere, Sakamoto shouted in a shrill voice.
Yukimura answered in place of Shinji, who was already beginning to focus his mind for the use of a jutsu.
"It's time to work. The 'evil spirit', or whatever you've been struggling with, just came out."
While giving this offhand explanation, Yukimura felt a beyond-ordinary sense of unease.
That's no evil spirit. What kind of thing is it?
When Yukimura first accepted this assignment, the person at the village said "It is just a normal evil-spirit exorcism."
"Hey, your first job should be one of these, right? If you're as good as the rumors say, you should be able to take that evil spirit with one hand or another..."
A superficial seeming man, but with definite achievements. Their kind of work was, in some sense, even more than practitioners', it was a work where confidence was life. Making a mistake this big was extremely unlikely. It wasn't an easy business, so such an irresponsible agent would not survive.
Was I set up? Well, fine. Should I just observe his skill?
Yukimura leaned against the wall, crossed his arms, and looked about as if sightseeing.
Shinji focused his mind to prepare himself for the appearance of the "evil spirit."
It seemed as though he was planning to burn it right away when it appeared. It was easy to see in his expression.
Suddenly, the space in front of Shinji turned dark and thick. Shinji faced both his palms towards each other in order to set up a transparent ball in front of his chest. A small fire was held between those palms.
Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooon……
A voice full of resentment shook the air as the evil spirit revealed itself. A distorted face which projected hatred stood before them.
"Eeep!"
"HAAAA!!"
Paying no attention to the screaming Sakamoto, Shinji released a devastating flame, along with a sharp yell. The evil spirit would be cleansed due to his summoned fire and would disappear without a trace, or so Shinji believed.
However...
"Idiot."
Gioooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo……
While the evil spirit's cries of agony echoed and Shinji snickered...
The flame exploded.
"Gahhhhhhhhhh!?"
Shinji screamed as he was wrapped in the same flame that he had summoned. In a moment, the entire living room was engulfed in flames.
Kakakakakakakakakakakakakakakaka
The entity before them had overcome Shinji's attack and had devoured the flame. Then, the enemy began to sneer with laughter.
Even among the Enjutsu users who could freely manipulate fire, the Seido family was famous for their superior strength. It was not simply because their power was great. The reason surely laid in the special ability passed on in their family's blood . The flame they manipulated was not created by the physical phenomenon of simply accelerating molecular motion. It possessed the power to burn away impurities and destroy evil.
Because of this "purifying flame" the Seido family practitioners held absolute dominance over the enemy, evil spirits, and all beings who transgressed the law. Even with the ability given by blood, depending on the extent to which their blood was diluted with each generation, it was inevitable that their power would deteriorate.
The branch family practitioners had long lost the highest rank of the "gold" flame attribute. If a enemy with a fire attribute was their opponent, the flame that they released would surely be absorbed by the enemy instead of purifying and destroying it.
Like what had happened just now for example——the living room was turned into a purgatory. The high-class furniture and the shag carpet were already carbonizing. The glass from the chandelier on the ceiling had melted and turned into a grotesque art object. This wouldn't have been the scenario if someone from the head family branch had purified the enemy. Many of the people from the head family branch possessed the golden flame; it was said that this flame had higher purifying powers than the other flames. If a member from the head branch was to purify the enemy, they could manipulate the flame to only affect the enemy and not to touch or burn any other materials. In short, people from the head family or people with the "golden" flame could manipulate their flame to only burn the enemy while not affecting it's surroundings or, if they wanted, they could completely obliterate any obstructions with their flame.
"I wonder if he's dead..." Yukimura muttered with a refreshed-looking face.
A cool breeze wrapped around Yukimura, preventing the raging fire from touching him. Even the heat that the flame present in the room emitted was sealed off; not a drop of sweat was present on Yukimura's face.
"H-help……"
A frail voice rang in his eardrums. Yukimura looked down at the blackened object at his feet.
What had rolled screaming into the kekkai, was his Client , Sakamoto. He didn't seem to be dead but he was burned here and there.
"Aaaaaa! He-help me!"
Sakamoto screamed while clinging onto Yukimura's legs. However, Yukimura heartlessly kicked away his Client .
Thud!
Sakamoto's face writhed in pain as he was mercilessly trampled upon. Since Yukimura didn't want to touch anything beyond his slippers, he brought down his heel instead of stepping on him. It seemed like you could hear the skull making a creaking sound, but that wasn't a big problem.
Yukimura, trampled, grinding on Sakamoto's head, and clearly stated: "You're not my Client and I don't have a habit of saving middle-aged men."
"If it's money, I'll pay. Twice as much, or so…"
"Twice? Is your life worth only a million?"
Yukimura took a cigarette from his pocket. He gently stretched out his hand, only exposing the cigarette's tip outside of the kekkai and began to smoke.
Sakamoto didn't have the luxury to be so relaxed. Whether by chance or on purpose, around Sakamoto there were holes present in the kekkai. Some of the flame passed through the barrier and touched him.
"Hot-! Ee-eeee! Help! Fine!! I'll pay 10 million!"
"Thanks for your business."
Upon tossing away his cigarette, Yukimura's face let out a smile. That smile was similar to that of a demon who had made a profitable deal.
"All right now. Then, won't you please stand back?"
Yukimura kicked Sakamoto in the rear, sending him rolling into the side of the room and proclaimed, "You're in the way."
He began muttering in a low voice, and waved his right hand sideways in a mowing motion. As if being squeezed out by his hand, the raging fire was taken care of, and was expelled out the window.
The fire didn't spread to the grass and trees in the garden, but rather scattered and then vanished.
At that moment, a distorted face attached to a fireball was present in the center of the room. Now the enemy's true form was in front of Yukimura.
Hyuuoou-
In place of the extinguished fire, wind raged across the room. Yukimura stood quietly. With his hand still in his jacket pocket, he did not move a finger and yet the wind followed Yukimura's intentions and erased the remaining flames present in the room.
The fight was already over. The enemy wasn't even able to put up any resistance in front of Yukimura's overwhelming power as it was torn to pieces. All that was left to do was wait for its annihilation.
"And with this…"
Yukimura slowly raised his right hand. For someone gifted with the sixth sense, seeing the amount of wind power that was gathering in his hand would have been a terrifying sight.
"…the end!"
The hand swung down ten times faster than it came up. From his right hand, an invisible blade that could even cut air particles came forth, slicing the enemy precisely in two.
Without a sound, without any spirit fragments remaining, Yukimura observed the destroyed enemy with a calm look.
"Finished," Yukimura told Sakamoto. Sakamoto was still lying on the floor, dumbfounded.
"Pay the money in three days. Otherwise, would you like to regret having ever been born?"
They were completely like a criminal's words. Even if that was a mistake, it wasn't the way you'd speak to a customer.
However, Sakamoto, realizing the horror of going against Yukimura, didn't even dare to complain.
"Y-yes. Understood. But something terrible has happened to Yuuki-kun. I never thought something so serious would happen."
Without a word Yukimura approached what appeared to be the ashes of Shinji's remains and trampled on them in despair. As expected, Sakamoto detested...
"Wh-what are you doing!? I don't know whatever happened between you two, but please give respect to the dead!"
"He's not dead..." Yukimura dryly spat the words out, and then continued to kick Shinji again and again.
Upon doing so, the ash covering the surface fell off; Sakamoto noticed that Shinji appeared to be undamaged by the flame that had covered him a while ago.
"Wh-wha……?"
Sakamoto doubted his eyes at the unbelievable scene. Yukimura gave an offhand explanation.
"All of Seido's people receive the divine protection of the fire spirits. Even people from a branch family wouldn't die in this degree of fire."
Yukimura curled his lips in self-derision, and added, "Though I'm the exception."
"Uu……Guu……"
Upon saying this, Shinji woke up. After looking out around him, he confirmed the enemy was already destroyed.
"You did this?"
"It's just like you saw."
Who do you think you are, saying whatever you please?——Yukimura answered in that kind of tone. He was already aware that Shinji had kept his consciousness. Shinji hurriedly attempted an explanation.
"So you noticed……? But I couldn't help. I honestly couldn't move."
"I don't want to hear your excuses."
Yukimura coldly stated this over his shoulder, as he turned his back. Shinji called out to the unhesitating figure leaving. There was still something he had wanted to ask.
"Why did you return?"
"Must have been for something, I guess."
At that playing-dumb answer, thinking he was being evaded, Shinji's gaze sharpened.
"'For something...' Do you believe the elders will accept that?"
"I was only disinherited, I wasn't exiled. Where I go is my business."
"What are you planning?"
"Nothing in particular," Yukimura answered curtly, shrugging his shoulders.
"Are you returning to the Seido?"
"Not even if I die."
Yukimura answered as if spitting out the words. Then, this time, without hesitation, he walked off.
Shinji was driven by a sense of unease he couldn't stop. He continued to stare at Yukimura.
I have to tell this to the soushu as soon as possible…
In a sense Shinji's unease was on the mark. From this moment on, a war to push the Seido into the abyss of ruin began.
"Did you know? It seems that Yukimura has returned to Ninja World. What's more, he's become a fuujutsu practitioner."
"What! That incompetent guy? It must be dead simple, then, to be a fuujutsu practitioner."
"Nope, 'I'm a dark magician' is what I heard. For him to become a practitioner, he'd have to sell his soul to the devil—right?"
"Ah, that's probably true."
"Ahahahahahahahahahahahaha…"
That day rumors about Yukimura were the talk of the Seido main house. Of the elders (the general term for one retired from active service and now overseeing the management of the practitioners) who heard Shinji's report, only one wasn't jokingly spreading around nonsense.
Shinji was currently under probation for the offense of the aforesaid failure in his duty. Tail fin, dorsal fin, belly fins, all were wildly added to the rumor, until it grew to maturity—and not one person tried to stop it.
The source of the rumors, the elders, appeared to be in complete delight. The kind of people called elders—if you accepted the extremely serious exceptions—were basically men of leisure. "Looking important is work," and so on, was the gossip some attacked with.
When there was no work, they would drink tea all day and amuse themselves by talking about various topics. Obviously, they could not resist something interesting to talk about.
They were dancing from joy on the inside upon hearing Shinji's news. The elders, when they passed the verdict of probation on the dejected Shinji, even had something of a skipping type of light gait, while they drank tea and turned back to each other. They haphazardly began talking like this:
"Ohh, did you know…?"
The elders, during this work time, were like different people in energetic activity.
Within an hour, there was almost nobody in the huge Summit Tower who had not heard of Yukimura's return to the country. It certainly reached the servants and then all kinds of people heard about it.
It was, in short, a situation where almost nobody knew the true facts, but it wasn't a big problem for the elders, since If it's interesting, who cares what happens later! was the elders' basic attitude.
And so, news of Yukimura spread in the exact opposite direction which Shinji hoped for,
To wit—
"Yukimura's returned as a refreshed being."
"Yukimura was secretly murdered; he's buried in the back garden."
"Yukimura clashed with Shinji during work and suddenly killed him."
"Yukimura made a contract with the wind and ice spirits. A manipulator."

Komen walked through the village of Hidden Soul as he held onto the necklace he had bought only moments ago. He was wondering where in this town he would be able to learn some techniques. He looked left and right as he was standing in the middle of a busy road with lots of people walking back and forth. Komen sighed a bit as he was very lost. He walked toward a nearby alley and stood there for a few moments, trying to figure outwhat he should do next. Komen was holding the pendent as he was thiinking, "Hm...this pendent...reminds me of something." He said as he was looking at the pendent in his hands. He started to look toward the skies as he saw a huge cross that was situated to be the highest place in this village. Komen smirked as he pocketed the cross into one of the pockets located on his person. Komen walked his way toward the giant cross as he didn't find it rather necessary to body flicker his way toward the giant cross. Komen had all the time in the world and knew that he didn't need to be rushing every where. His enemies seemed to know some things about him already and that they were all chasing him. If he needed to begin his chase, he was going to need to become even more powerful in order to hunt down all of those people that were part of this little scheme. As Komen was thinking of this little fact, he started to feel a presence coming closer and closer to him. Komen charged his hand with his chakra as he was creating a resengan orb in his hand. Not one of the most silent techniques, but formidable in a close quarters, point blank kind of fighting situation. Komen felt the chakra signal about to appear before him and took a stance. What appeared before him was a Anbu operative from the Hidden Leaf Village, "Anbu operative Komen Usai, I bring message from temporary Hokage Tsunade, The Hidden Leaf is being rebuilt, the numbers that have perished are minimal and you need to continue the search on who is responsible for this disaster." Komen let his Rasengan dissappear as he heard the good news. It was definitely a relief that Komen was able to hear that damages to the lives of the people in Hidden leaf was minimal, that protocol of moving citizens out of Hidden Leaf was definitely ne oof the protocols that had saved the day that day. Komen regained his composure and nodded to the Anbu operative, “Thank you for the good news. I’ll return to the investigation of those responsible for this crime and return to the hidden leaf village with the heads of each person. Komen looked about as he was sure that he was going to be coming home with either their eads or his own after theyfind his body. Either way, it needed to be done, else the bad guys will continuously win while the good guys always lose.

Continued
Even though she did not seem pleased, The Doku still obeyed her father’s words, and she quickly left the scene after bowing. Up until the paper door was closed, the attitude she portrayed by not even looking at Juugo showed just how unhappy she was.
“……This stubborn child.”
Juugo sighed as he muttered this. But despite his tone being so bitter, he was still unable to hide the overflowing love he had for her.
It was easy for the information network of the Siedo clan to find out where Yukimura was. Finding him the next morning did not really require any special methods because he used his own name to register into a hotel.
Consequently, at Genma’s command, two practitioners were sent out.
Yuu chakra Shingo and Oogami Takeya were the strongest practitioners of the branch families. Even though they had opposing personalities, they were great friends. This combination, outside the main family, could be said to be without equal.
From Genma’s point of view, he had thrown in the two strongest cards at hand; however, the selection of the oldest son of the Yuu chakra family might have been a deadly mistake. Why? That was because this man had absolutely no desire to convince Yukimura.
“Yukimura, you b*****d, I will cut you into ten thousand pieces.”
“If he dies, it will be problematic. At least leave him with the ability to talk when we take him back.”
As they waited for the upcoming report, they headed directly in Yukimura’s direction. Of course, they had absolutely no desire to persuade him; however, they never expected that they would be the ones assaulted.
“Is the report ready yet?”
“It’s going to be ready soon.”
This kind of discussion couldn't satisfy them at all. They didn't know how many times they had repeatedly asked. Given that the two of them were still waiting to receive the same report, they should have known it didn't matter how much they asked…
“What the hell are they doing, that useless KazeJin clan! It’s only that one person, Yukimura; can’t they easily bring him over!?”
Shingo reprimanded angrily as, in reality, they turned the arrowhead towards the KazeJin clan.
“This is worrying; the KazeJin clan might even be connected to this situation.” Takeya forcefully said some pretty words to sway Shingo. A situation in which the KazeJin shielding him wasn't impossible, insulting them, in order to change the attention of Shingo from Takeya was certainly welcomed.
Thinking shortly, Shingo gritted his teeth angrily and said:
“Damn, they only have slightly sharper senses, what is there to be complacent about.”
“Don’t say it like that; they're just a bunch of sad people with non-discussable/nil fighting power. Even failing to do something simple, aren't they very pathetic?”
“That’s right, hahaahahahahahaaaaa…”
Just as Takeya had wished, Shingo had completely forgotten about the issue of the reprimand. Hearing this sudden liberated laughter, Takeya had a thought — — not unlike that which he heard 10 seconds ago, “Still not ready yet?” Similarly, he felt it to be very slow and lengthy.
“Incoming, in the area right ahead, about 500 meters, looks like he hasn’t noticed.”
Suddenly, amidst the conversation between the two, a voice appeared. It was a jutsu used by the KazeJin clan called “Method of Summoning/Calling Spirits”, used for sending their voice. This allowed the wind to carry the voice even over large distances.
“He’s coming! I won’t leave him any limbs, arms or legs, burn it all! Let’s attack!”
This was not voiced for anyone to hear, only Shingo’s mumblings to himself. It could be seen from his hatred-filled eyes that his passion certainly could be really problematic.
Shingo rattled on, explaining how he would execute Yukimura. Shingo hoped Yukimura would at least put up some resistance before he was half-dead, then they could slowly torture him to the brink of death. Shingo would make sure Yukimura would suffer the most pain and suffering possible.
Takeya pulled a small distance away from Shingo after seeing how he was. In his heart he was thinking, “So this guy is this dangerous.” And so, the distance between their hearts grew larger.
Just when a rift between their friendship was about to form, Yukimura appeared.
Facing the defenseless, seemingly casual Yukimura ---- To them that is how it seemed ---- Takeya greeted in an arrogant manner.
“Long time no see, Yukimura!”
“…Oh, it is the successor of the Oogami family?”
A moment of pause; it was needed for Yukimura to recollect his memories. But, Takeya took it as a display of shock as if Yukimura just realized he was being ambushed. This uprising arrogant mentality gradually weakened Takeya’s concentration.
“Do you know why we are here?”
Takeya questioned using a tone filled with superiority. At the same moment, Takeya calmed Shingo, whose eyes were blood-shot and whose heart was filled with the desire to release his flames.
“No idea.”
Yukimura’s reply could not be any more honest, but at the same time it was not entirely without a sense of taunting mixed in either. He used a joking action to exaggeratedly shrug his shoulders, and then shook his head. As expected, he managed to piss Takeya off enough for his veins to show. Takeya, however, succeeded in controlling his anger, and after recovering his cool, began to explain.
“Yesterday night, three practitioners of the Siedo clan were killed."
“Uhmm... and?"
Yukimura asked demandingly, acting with supreme authority.
“The person who killed them was a fuujutsu practitioner."
“……………………..”
“……………………..”
Their surroundings were covered in silence. A warm wind blew in through the dusk on the “Tree-Shadow” Road , the red leaves began to dance lightly, shined upon by a crimson sun while the red leaves were dyed an even darker shade of red. This was the beauty that appears before the darkness that controls the world.
“……………..”
The first to open his mouth was Yukimura. Compared to silence, it seemed like he detested the stillness even more than being stared at by two men.
“So what's the matter?”
“The Suzerain has things to ask you, follow us!”
“It wasn’t me! Are you finished?”
Immediately after saying this and as he was thinking about leaving, Yukimura suddenly bounced horizontally, an instant after the space where Yukimura had existed, without touching anything, became engulfed in a fireball.
Yukimura looked towards Shingo; consequently Shingo, using a tone like a natural-born deep-voiced singer, shouted.
“Hmhmhm, what’s the matter, you finally admit it? Then, there is no other way besides using force to subdue you!”
At the same time as the shout, surrounding Shingo there were “tongues of crimson” which began to burn and dance. Even though the flames that appeared at the same time as the yell were attached to Shingo’s body, his clothes were not burnt. Shingo was exhibiting an unexpected level of precision.
As the flames continued to move on his body, Shingo was so happy that his lips were slanted, and proclaimed,
“If you refuse to talk about it, then you are very suspicious. I’ll burn off your arms and legs! Lessening the weight will make you easier to transport! I won’t kill you now, but could you continue to live in such a humiliating condition? After the Suzerain finishes his questioning, I’ll be merciful, and kill you within one week! You can use that time to fully regret your life. I want you to know that after killing Shinji, I absolutely cannot allow you to continue living untroubled!”
Assuming that the future would be as Shingo claimed, Yukimura nevertheless was still faced with the crazed, laughing Shingo, looking as if he was watching some kind of rare animal. He then asked very seriously,
“So the Siedo clan still feeds this kind of thing?”
“—No, Ahh….hu….”
Takeya really had no reply. Considering himself to be normal, Takeya did not want to be associated with the thing next to him as though they were of the same kind.
“Shingo always adored Shinji, now he hates you for killing him, he is quite within reason.”
“That’s why I said it wasn’t me.”
“Then please go and clarify everything with the Suzerain.”
“I am no longer part of the Siedo clan; if the Suzerain has business with me, tell him to come and look for me himself. Please pass it along to him like that.”
“It seems … The negotiations have broken down then.”
In order to make good on his words, Takeya raised his “ki”. He then directed the surrounding fire spirits to dance with his self-conscious.
The surrounding temperature was raised high enough to be felt on the skin. Even though the fire spirits had yet to materialize, the surrounding area had clearly changed in physics.
Seemingly frightened in the face of such elevated fighting spirit, scores of red leaves continued to flutter down, the bright red leaves instantly changed into ash and floated away before touching Takeya’s body.
Remaining subdued, Yukimura stood with his hands in his leather jacket, watching the two of them. It seemed like he had no desire to confront the Siedo clan; of course, it was hard to tell from that kind of pose.
“This is your last opportunity; yield humbly to us, Yukimura.”
Faced with Takeya's final ultimatum, Yukimura raised his middle finger and said.
“Take a good look at yourselves before coming.”
“Die!!!”
“You idiot!”
At that instant, starting their jutsu, the two believed that victory would be definite. Two of the clan's strongest practitioners were attacking at the same time. No matter what kind of strategy Yukimura had, facing those two massive powers would be hopeless.
But——
Boom!
The fireball in Takeya’s hand suddenly exploded. Above the sound, he was incredulous that the fireball had such a big categorical runaway explosion.
The fireball that left Takeya’s control was like a wild animal with it's tooth pulled. Even with the protection of the fire spirit, it was still impossible to shield the crash of the explosion’s force. Instantly, the force of the explosion struck his entire body and Takeya was simply knocked out.
(W, What? What just happened…? s**t, Shingo, leave….)
Even though he left this kind of “I leave the rest to you” saying, Shingo similarly lost consciousness, with black and blue continuously pulsing on his face.
As Yukimura returned his hands back to the pockets of his leather jacket, he lowered his head to the two people before him. After flashing a condescending grin, he walked right by the two unconscious persons' sides.
Although he seemed like he wanted to leave immediately, Yukimura stopped. Then, as if feeling something, he looked towards the trees where there was no one.
“If you want to pick a fight with me, I won’t be merciful.”
At the same time of this warning, one of the trees split. Without any noise from the chopped tree following the break, the guarding practitioner slowly slid down.
Already forgetting to hide himself, the fujutsu user stood while dumbly staring at Yukimura. As Yukimura turned to leave, the guarding practitioner was fearful. “The one we lured was him? The prey we were hunting is this frightening thing——?*
“Seriously, Father worries too much. I alone am enough. I don’t know how many times I have repeated this. When will he acknowledge me? Am I this untrustworthy?”
“The suzerain acknowledges the young mistress' abilities, but as a father he simply worries about his daughter.”
Confronted with the disgruntled The Doku , the man in his forties cajoled.
At this time, The Doku was ordered to a certain temple in the city of Yokohama Yamate in order to strengthen the weakening seal inside. Coincidentally, this place was very close to where Yukimura extorted every cent from his employer----To put it simply, this was where he had exorcised only a few days ago; however, The Doku knew nothing about it.
Upon arriving at the location and discovering that the seal had deteriorated to a point beyond the previously assumed limits, The Doku immediately discarded the idea of resealing it, and instead decided to eliminate the seal. Then, without any testing, she immediately ripped off the seal.
A popular saying of hers was, “This method is faster.”
People without significant confidence in their own abilities would not say something like that; however, the two men that accompanied her knew that she had the necessary ability to go along with such self-confidence.
Certainly, Juugo also knew that she had this kind of ability, but such worries of a father were within reason. Even if she described Juugo as stupid or foolish, most of time he sent two or more people to protect her.
“'Don’t mix work with your private life,’ is frequently lectured to me no matter what. ‘Don’t follow your own desires to do things,' isn’t that right Uncle Masato?”
Still discharging her annoyances, The Doku faced that man, the younger brother of the head of the Yuu chakra family, Masato.
“Because he is the suzerain, he cannot mull over such minor issues.”
In this manner, a smile and laughter appeared on Masato’s thin face. As a member of one of the branch families, he certainly was not thinking about the consequence, but it seemed like The Doku hadn’t really noticed or cared.
This man, Oogami Masato, although possessing strength greater than his older brother, disliked scheming for the position of family head and so went off to Tibet to train like an eccentric person.
When he returned to Japan, he was given the “Protect The Doku ” mission. Juugo had a high regard of him, and from the first time The Doku went on a mission, he was continually responsible for this job of protection.
Certainly, The Doku also had good feelings about this easy-going relative. Due to everyone else’s princess like treatment of her, Masato’s causal kind of attitude was quite refreshing for her and felt very good.
Concenquently, “Uncle Masato, ojo-sama," this kind of terminology used between the two was like a real family without any separation.
“Maybe if it is to allow the younger practitioner here to learn, this kind of reasoning is still possible. Isn’t that so, Takeshi… Takeshi?”
“Ahh, Yes!?”
The young practitioner was using admiring eyes to stare at The Doku . Oogami Takeshi’s uncle had to holler many times before he finally paid attention.
“Did you not hear… Stop staring stupidly at Ojo-sama, be prepared. It is not known when the seal will be released.” “Yes, I understand! Just as Uncle has said! To be allowed to watch The Doku -sama's striking fighting method is really a great honor!”
In order to not screw-up in front of The Doku , Takeshi uselessly shouted in a loud voice. He stared at The Doku , as she appeared, with admiration and reverence. For Takeshi’s generation of practitioners, The Doku had the status of a goddess. Hoping to watch her striking manner from close by while guarding her was something anyone would accept.
“Yes——It’s——like——this?” “Yes, it’s like that!”
The exhilaration of being able to talk to The Doku was something that could be seen through Takeshi’s entire body language. Of course, The Doku did not like being viewed like that. It felt like being separated from “normal” and changed into something she didn't want.
No matter what, no matter how often it was explained that it was useless, it was Takeshi’s only simple means of showing deference to a much stronger and more beautiful existence.
“Ah, forget it. … It’s about time.”
The Doku , sensing the expanding chakra of the Akena, relaxed and turned herself towards the main hall. Her mini-skirt started to flutter and dance.
Now, why would The Doku be wearing her high school uniform?
This was not only to allow her to normally attend high school.
Because, if you thought about it, the best suited outfit for a high school student was their uniform. So Juugo focused upon this point and added, within the range of his abilities, the best class of defensive spells to it.
The material, in order to allow better transpiration, was the best type of silk, that is, during the process of fabrication air was mixed in. Furthermore, everything was made from expensive materials.
As a result, by inputting great amounts of money and time, a high school uniform was made; it would not be wrong to call it a work of art. Its cost was comparable. It could be said that the cost was enough to buy a car, no, not really; it could rightly be said that it was enough to buy a luxury house.
Of course, The Doku paid attention to wear this outfit, not because of its capabilities, but because it was a gift given to her by her father, so she frequently wore this outfit in combat.
Wearing this uniform which could be said to be the world’s most expensive combat outfit, The Doku watched as the seal was about to be broken. She took a deep breath and then began moving and warming-up her own inner strength.
Pah!
A clear sound of clapping started to vibrate within the room. When the two closed palms were opened, a flaming line appeared between the two. The Doku then grasped it with her right hand, making a horizontal outwards swinging motion.
The burning line, around a meter long, at that instant materialized into a crimson sword.
There was no blunt side to the bright crimson sword, it had two edges. The blade of the sword was surrounded by a golden flame, releasing vivid beautiful light. Just like that, it was as beautiful as one could imagine.
That sword was the Siedo Clan’s supreme treasure, Enraiha. It was awarded to the Siedo Clan’s founder by the King of the Flame Spirits, and it was passed down, defeating devils/evil, as a treasured sword. !
The Doku lifted Enraiha upwards, then added her left hand to grasp the sword and made a downward stroke. Along the path of the stroke, golden pieces of the flame started spreading. Then, instantly and beautifully, she stopped the sword before her eyes. Whether it was done ten-thousand times or a hundred thousand times, it was a beautiful motion that could always be forgiven.
The vase of the shrine had already approached its limits and, with a “pong” sound, burst open. Even faster than the falling pieces, a white light shot towards The Doku .
The Doku , from the front, made a downward stroke with Enraiha, attacking that thing head-on. After contact, the white substance gave off a sound like sprinkling water on a burning hot pot, vaporizing.
“Ugh, it’s sticky”
The Doku mumbled after seeing that thing that dispersed in all directions, connected by thin threads. Then she redirected her vision to the inside of the main hall, seeing a few points of something like lights. That thing slowly moved forward and revealed its own appearance.
“Wah…”
The Doku , inadvertently surprised, let out a gasp; the thing that had appeared was ——
Having multiple eyes, beyond eight feet, the entire body covered with dirty yet rigid fur, it was a segmented animal producing sounds like “kulah, kulah” as its legs moved. Upon seeing its full appearance anyone would feel shivers not due to cold. It really was a horrific spider freak.
“Earth Spider huh... Need help?”
“Not necessary”
The Doku immediately replied. Even though it produced a very disgusting feeling, it was not the time for complaints. It seemed like she was more afraid of disappointing her otou-san; fighting against spiders or cockroaches was nothing in comparison.
(Come here…)
Summoning fire spirits does not require chants and such. As if following The Doku ’s thinking, fire spirits assembled themselves, flying into Enraiha. Along the sword's blade, the light of the flame became even brighter.
Within the range reached by her awareness, The Doku continuously summoned spirits. Juugo didn't know how many times he had instructed her, "Don’t be like other practitioners, the spirits are not commanded, you can’t be too arrogant."
“They and we have the same level of existence.”
This saying was frequently repeated by Juugo; spirits are the means to safeguard the existence of the world’s order. Because the Siedo Clan had a contract with the spirit king, the spirits were only helpers.
Of course, The Doku also understood that her own strength was borrowed. The power was gifted only to seal or vanquish the inconsistencies in the world’s order, and only for a short period of time.
That is why she was not ordering them, because doing such matters was not necessary. If the correct way of thinking was known, the fire spirits would certainly answer.
To have respect for the world, not in order to obtain huge power or to be arrogant. The Doku , no matter what, always called out to them like this: “Please, lend me your strength….”
“V… Very formidable….”
Takeshi watched dumbfounded as the enormous number of spirits gathered on The Doku ’s body, the amount of spirits he could manage was only one small portion of this in comparison. For him, it was the first time seeing the main family’s power, the difference of which is like the difference between sky and the ground.
“Ah, formidable, right!?”
Masato said smiling, just like him to show off his own condition.
“Even though we said it recently, no matter how hard we work, we won’t be able to reach such levels.”
His uncle’s reply already forgotten, Takeshi once again looked at The Doku .
The Doku , holding the Enraiha, continued to confront the earth spider.
(What should I do… looks like I can’t get close…)
Even though enough spirits were already summoned to destroy the earth spider, given the long distance, she really didn’t have the confidence. Even though Enraiha was an ancient sword for summoning, in order to use the sword, it was necessary to employ it to its fullest potential.
In other words; get close, and from a close distance puncture or split the earth spider, then from inside, burn its body completely.
(Of course, if that was done, more adhesive matter would certainly fly out from the cut’s aperture… after the explosion, fragments would all fly from the body… and if it was female, after opening its skin, hundreds of spiders might come out… No———!)
Just thinking about it made her hair stand on end; inside, The Doku started complaining bitterly. If Takeshi could have read The Doku ’s inner thoughts then, maybe the thoughts of reverence could have been corrected.
The earth spider seemed to seize the currently mulling The Doku ’s opening; “palapala” using its long legs it changed its body and started moving forward.
“You want to escape!?”
Suddenly, towards the chasing The Doku , white silk spat out from the tail, but at the same time The Doku pulled up Enraiha to face it.
From Enraiha emerged a golden flame that burned the spider’s web, but because of the blockage by the silk, The Doku still could not get close to the earth spider.
Then The Doku could only stop and focus her mind. She took a deep breath, tuning her ki, and calmed down.
(This kind of thing can’t do any real kind of obstruction; just kill it in a couple seconds.)
Bringing up Enraiha, she performed a downward swing with her full strength. Golden Flame, the highest level of fire of purification, not only completely burned the earth spider’s web, but closed in directly on the earth spider itself.
Kaboom!!
With the sounds of the explosion, the earth spider was surrounded by flames.
“Got…Gotcha…?”
But as The Doku dubiously mumbled while looking into the flames, what appeared to her vision was only a white cocoon-like object. What really surprised The Doku was the “pishpiish” sound of it splitting open.
Pang!
Just like a thin layer of glass shattering, the middle of the cocoon split open and the earth spider reappeared, completely unharmed.
The webbing probably contained some special component that could block spiritual chakras; the spider used that covering to hide its body and avoided the horrifying powers of the flames.

4026
Continued

Continued
(Still at Summit Tower- Flame, Volcano, wind, summit, steel, and aviation)
Yukimura stood alone within the darkness.
Deep in the night, a dead silence shrouded the park. The usual wanderers who occupied the park were nowhere to be found, perhaps chased away by something unknown.
Crystal Gardens(A place below Summit tower).This place may sound nice, but due to its dense vegetation, it became a frightening place that would make one question whether it could be considered a park. This place seemed gloomy even by daylight, at night one would be likely to meet with mishap.
At the top of the hill, Yukimura leaned lightly against a tree trunk, resting motionlessly.
Due to his black jacket, one would not be likely to notice his existence, even if he were standing right in front of them.
Just like an experienced hunter, Yukimura had become one with nature.
“---------------!”
His eyes opened without warning, his body began to shiver, due to his unconstrained happiness and fear.
“Here already----”
He mumbled. An unusual heat came through the park entrance, coming straight towards him.
Even someone whose senses were not as sharp as Yukimura’s would not fail to notice this sign. Because the shining energy waves in the dark were so scary, it gave one the impression of daybreak.
If one were to consider Doku that evening to be the sun, this could only be described as a supernova’s explosion.
The other party did not show any intention of hiding his existence. Instead, as though he were boasting it, he walked with the same ease a king would.
As “he” stepped into the plaza, his line of vision shifted without hesitation to Yukimura, who was standing in the shade of the tress.
“……Am I late?”
“No----- the timing is just right.”
Yukimura answered as he emerged from the shade.
He walked out without a care. There was a statue symbolizing a loving mother and her child between them; it was unsure whether that was just a coincidence or Yukimura was using it to mock the situation.
“Let us begin then.”
Yukimura declared the beginning of the battle calmly.
“So you…… are unwilling to sit and talk this over……?”
“He” questioned hesitantly.
Perhaps “he” already knew the answer; the tone slightly resembles one who had already given up.
As expected, Yukimura answered tauntingly
“Let me answer with my power------- “father”!! ”
Yukimura released blades of wind as he said this, and Genma let out flames in retaliation.
Both sides had things they could not lose, the winds and flames fought against each other furiously; this may have been the only way for the father and son to communicate upon meeting after four years.
A silence shrouded the residence. As Genma walked down the corridor alone, it felt like an abandoned house with no one in it.
At this point, most of the members of the family had gathered at the Siedo residence. Every single one of them breathed quietly; yet they were too scared to stay alone, as though afraid to be found. They gathered in the main hall, shivering.
But there was a basis for their fears, for the strongest of the branch families, Masato, and the two that were rumored to rival even the main branch when together, Shingo and Takeya, were murdered one by one. Everyone was scared, afraid that they would be next.
Though Genma called them cowards for that, not everyone was as powerful as he.
“I am late”
Genma kneeled before KazeJin’s room, and upon receiving permission to enter, slid the paper door open. Genma came in, moving in a kneeling position, and stopped, still kneeling, before KazeJin, who showed deep hatred in his eyes.
“…… you are here really late.”
(You old sly fox, running away on your own.)
KazeJin said, without even bothering to keep his unpleasant thoughts to himself.
“By the way, where is Doku?”
Genma asked, as though nothing had happened, pretending not to hear his words.
“She was too noisy, so I sent her out.”
KazeJin’s voice sounded even more displeased because, several minutes ago, he had just pacified Doku, who might have possibly gone to the tower where Yukimura was staying at to set it aflame in her rage.
“This is something that cannot be helped. She had been in such close terms with Masato after all.”
Genma made his comments looking as though he had nothing to do with it, making KazeJin furious at his actions.
“Oh, I didn’t know you were so lenient. Since you are so concerned with Doku, wouldn’t it have been better to calm her down earlier?”
Before, as Doku was making a big scene shouting and screaming, Genma turned to one side as though nothing was happening and left his seat mid-way. And to be as thick-skinned as to come back only once she had finally calmed down, anyone would grumble about it, even KazeJin.
“That was because I had to give instructions to everyone in the clan. At the same time, I wanted to hear the reports from the Sora clan.”
Genma did not want to mention these things because they were of no relevance; it was fine to just ignore them. KazeJin also knew this as well, so he stopped questioning about it as there were other matters that required discussion.
“So what do you think? Most of the people in the clan pinned the crimes on Yukimura---"
“To kill Masato and Takeshi without Doku noticing, then show his self purposely before making an escape. Then, while making his escape, he spots Shingo and Takeya and continues to kill the both of them at the same time. Even though it is possible considering the timing……… it is still too difficult to be done.”
“Hearing you say that makes me feel much better. I almost thought I was the only normal one.”
After hearing such words from KazeJin, who didn’t normally mock others, Genma showed a smirk on his face.
“It is because everyone feels insecure. Compared to some unknown enemy, they find it easier to think that Yukimura is back in Japan for revenge.”
“… Does Doku feel insecure as well?”
"She just lost her rationality due to Masato’s death; that’s all."
Genma brought the issue across faintly; it was a critical period now, and there was no time to bother with that stubborn girl.
(Once we know the true identity of our enemy, feel free to be angry as much as you want!)
His thoughts were blunt, even though it would be difficult to say such things to KazeJin.
“Compared to this, a problem still lies with Yukimura. No matter what, his actions are too suspicious. Maybe he is in cahoots with the enemy!”
“That could be true. If he really didn’t do it, he should have come and explained everything. It couldn’t be that he is afraid we might kill him without hearing him out first, right? Leaving you aside, he should still trust me a lot.”
“Indeed.”
Genma could only give a bitter smile in response to KazeJin’s mocking remarks. He had done nothing to deserve Yukimura’s trust, so he had no way of rebutting his words at that time.
“However, I am the only one who can capture Yukimura.”
“……Were Shingo and Takeya really killed by Yukimura?”
“Even though this is just a speculation, I believe the murderer was someone else…… perhaps it was the person whom Doku saw. But Yukimura did defeat the two of them beforehand. From the marks the wind blades made as they grazed the ground, and from the position of their bodies, Shingo and Takeya were definitely lying on the ground when they were attacked.”
Genma spoke faintly, but it sounded more like boasting in KazeJin’s ears. If Genma’s assumptions were true, Yukimura had already attained strength that rivaled the main branch.
“You seem really happy, Genma. If this is true, why did you abandon Yukimura back then?”
KazeJin finally asked the question that he had never asked in four years. He had always wondered about it.
No matter how bad Genma was at expressing himself, even if no one could understand what he was thinking, KazeJin had to come to realize that Genma actually loved Yukimura a lot.
“I was born as a Siedo, and live as a Siedo. I am not allowed to choose any other way of living…… it is the same for my son as well.”
“So that is why you threw him somewhere you couldn’t reach? For him to choose any path he desired? Even so, there was still no need to leave him all alone! What if he had starved to death by the roadside?”
“Hmph…… What are you talking about? He is my son.”
“*Sigh*---- So that’s it.”
He had no strength to continue asking after that boastful statement; after KazeJin finished talking about some unimportant matters, he returned to the main topic once more.
“So, can you defeat Yukimura?”
Genma did not reply. Instead, he fixed his eyes on KazeJin. Eyes that were more convincing than any words could be, as though saying “there is no way I can lose.”
“I understand. I shall leave this matter to you then! When will there be results?”
“It should be settled today. If we give our enemies too much time by chasing Yukimura, they will use it as an advantage. We give them an inch and they will take a mile.”
“-----I am looking forward to your performance.”
Genma, without reply, showed his respects, and quietly left the room, with the intent of nabbing his son with his very own hands.
On the sixty-seventh storey of Summit’s LANDMARK TOWER, in the tower “ROYAL STREET” closest to the skies, Yukimura was leisurely enjoying his dessert.
Be it a threat or a coax, Yukimura intended to squander off all the cash he obtained by any means possible, no matter how evil or horAkiradous the methods it may be.
However, as though to mock this sadistic decision, his hand phone rang. Yukimura showed an irritated expression, as he looked at the hand phone on the table.
“Bure Bure Bure Bure ” Staring at constantly ringing hand phone, Yukimura cursed himself. Why did I forget to set it to voicemail? Even with that said, Yukimura cannot just turn his phone off now.
“Bure Bure Bure Bure”
The monotonous ringing continued. Yukimura did not pick up the phone. Instead he began to think of all the people who know his number one by one, trying to avid reality.
“Bure Bure Bure Bure”
“Ahhh! It’s too noisy!”
He finally gave up, and presses the receive call button.
“Who is it?”
Yukimura did not bother to hide his unhappiness. He used a very rude tone, which was sent to the ears of the person at the other end through electronic waves.
”Itachi”
The other party sounded even ruder. Yukimura immediately regreted his decision to pick up the phone from the bottom of his heart, as this is the voice he least wanted to hear in this world.
“Oh, Mr. Itachi? What a weird name. Did we meet somewhere before?”
“Dont be a smartass.”
Even though Yukimura tried to joke his way around this, the voice in the phone sounded just as arrogant as before. Yukimura took a deep breath, and prepared himself to duel with the man who had abandoned him in the past.
“It has been a long time. I wonder; can I still call you “Father”?”

Genma’s voice caused memories of the past to automatically reawaken. I was still Yukimura Siedo back then, who was pathetically weak.
Back then, I could never defy my father, only mindlessly listen to father’s orders to continue training, even though he knew I had no talent.
“You lost?”
It was not a question, nor verification. It was an unbelievably calm sentence that surpasses anger and disappointment, one that would deal a great blow upon the pitiful loser.
“You lost to some twelve year old girl?”
The voice repeated, as though it was said purposely.
“……I am……Really sorry……”
The boy placed his forehead on the tatami, squeezing out a very weak voice. The man did not answer, and just looked at the shivering boy with ice cold eyes.
“……So be it. It was a mistake to even want to train you to be a En-Jutsushi .”
The man gave up on the boy without mercy. But somehow, the boy seemed happy despite the man giving up on him.
“You don’t need to practice En-Jutsu anymore from now on.”
The boy was about to faint at first, but his face shined up suddenly. The man, upon verification, said the most crucial sentence.
“Someone who is not an En-Jutsushi, has no need to stay in the Siedo family.”
“……Huh?”
The smile on the boy’s face hardened. The man continued talking as though it was a natural thing to do.
“From today on, you are no longer my son. Now scram off to some other place!” “……What……Fath……Father!”
“I am no longer your 'Father'.”
The man said coldly.
“Get out of my presence immediately.”
After saying that bluntly, the man walked out of the room without even looking at the boy.
“Fath….Father! Please wait!”
The man looked down on the boy who hugged his arm emotionlessly, and then tossed him away. The force of the toss is unknown; the boy almost hit the wall as was thrown out very roughly.
”Fath….Father! Father!”
The boy was unable to stand up, and could only cry out in pain and misery. He reached out his hand, but was unable to touch anything---- even so, the boy refused to give up, and continued to extend his arm.
“Father-----!”
The man walked away without even turning his head.
There was no one who could reply to this boy who lost everything by now------

"Call me whatever you want”
“How about Gen-chan?”
“Why did you come back to Japan?”
Ignoring Yukimura’s cheeky words, Genma brought out the main topic.
“I believe the youngest child of the Yuuchakra family should have mentioned that I came back because “I felt like it.” Didn’t you hear him?” “…… Surrender! It is not too late now.”
“You guys seem to be treating me as the criminal. I had no intention of coming here to find trouble with the Siedo family, but if you guys come knocking on the door, I won’t be merciful.”
The chat seemed like two people talking on their own, if it could even be considered a conversation! A conversation requires people to understand each other----- or at least try to understand----- and then give something like a reaction, but, the phrase “understanding each other” don’t seem to apply to these two.
“Do you think you can win against the Siedo family?”
“No one will know unless I try, right?”
Yukimura realized that he is no longer afraid of Genma like in the past. From within that stubborn arrogance, a certain sense of warmth could be felt from this absence of fear.
(This stubborn old man didn’t change a bit…)
Yukimura didn’t pay attention to what Genma was saying at the other end of the phone, indulging himself in his own emotions.
“Yukimura, are you listening!”
Genma raised his voice. If it was four years ago, I might have been kneeling next to the phone begging for forgiveness. Their relationship was that of absolute orders followed with absolute obedience.
“Huh? Oh, of course I am listening. What is it?”
The sound of deep breathing could be heard from the phone. It must have been Genma sighing!
“I must meet with you. I am going over to you now, is that okay?”
(Good chance)
Yukimura thought, he needed to clarify one thing ever since he heard his father’s voice again after four years.
(I want to know whether I have surpassed that man; whether I have become stronger than the man who ordered me around in the past. No matter how, I must verify this myself.)
“No, now is not a convenient time.”
Yukimura’s expanding emotions were kept within his heart, without changing his cheeky way of speech, he said.
“Tonight at twelve, let’s meet in Summit Tower“What kind of time is that? The park would have closed long ago!”
“Then no one will come to interrupt, right?”
Upon those words, Yukimura changed his tone.
“So you really want to kill me---- I will accept your challenge then.”
To Genma, I was nothing but a failed product, he wouldn’t go easy even when executing punishment on me, Yukimura truly believes.
“I deeply realized what you took me as since four years ago; but, I am no longer how I was four years ago. I will not let you order me around anymore.”
“Foolish kid. Fine, I shall let you understand the limitations of your own strength.”
Genma replied arrogantly, even though he knew clearly that his son has misunderstood him, he was unable to choose any other way of replying.
“I shall look forward to it then, “Father”.”
After excitingly bidding farewell, Yukimura ended the call. He switched his phone off immediately and threw the phone at the desk beside him.
However, the phone missed the intended target and rolled onto the floor.
Looking at his trembling left hand, Yukimura gave a bitter smile. His left hand was shaking so much that he could not control its strength, but he was not ashamed of that.
(Yeah, of course I am scared, because I am challenging the strongest Jutsushi of the Siedo Clan.)
He clenched his left fist tightly, as though intending to trap his fear within. No matter how afraid I am, I must not run away. To truly sever all ties with the Siedo clan, and to surpass the old me, I must perform the “ritual” of defeating my father, who symbolizes my past.
He does not hate Genma, in fact, now he finds the stubbornness in Genma rather pleasant.
But this and that are two Siedo matters; this is something he cannot give in to, no matter what.
The trembling stopped. With a determination beyond the fear he felt in his tightly held left fist, Yukimura muttered to himself.
“I will not run or hide anymore. Nor will I go easy on you…… Old man.”The flames that Genma summoned swallowed and melted the wind blades away easily.
“…… What are you doing?”
With his whole body wrapped in golden flames, Genma has shown his possession of absolute power. In the face of such magnificent power, any resistance is meaningless.
This man, Siedo Genma, his mere existence is enough to let the opponent feel that way, and with such power, he definitely has this “right”.
“--- It’s not over yet!”
Yukimura retreated several steps sub-consciously, shouting as if it is to enhearten himself and formed new wind blades once more.
“The fun only starts now!”
About a hundred wind blades came towards Genma from all directions, but this is not a simultaneous attack: all the wind blades skillfully change their paths and speed, flying in the sky.
“Hmmm……”
Genma observed calmly, no matter how he will move, there is no way to fully avoid an attack like this. But he has already noticed the fact that each individual blade is no stronger than those earlier.
Genma did not take any action, and simply stood there as the blades came to him. As the wind blades came into the flames around his body----- they vanished without a trace.
(This cannot be…)
Realizing the huge gap between their strength, Yukimura was so shocked that he was at a loss for words, while Genma leisurely watched Yukimura’s expression.
“I believe this is not your full strength? I have no time to play with you, so let me end this now!”
As he announced this, the flames increased at an explosive rate.
Several fire pillars shot out like beams, sounding like a fierce roar, with their tips aiming at Yukimura. It looked like a big snake or a dragon with an arced body; it was the materialized form of a such a great power.
To be stared upon by a poisonous snake, that is what the impression one would get from this! Trying to control his body, which was trembling from fear, Yukimura jumped up with all his might.
In the blink of an eye, the place where Yukimura had been was swallowed up by the dragon’s mouth. Even though he escaped it in the nick of time, the flames that hit the floor became tiny pieces and continued to rampage violently.
Even though it is called a tiny pieces of flame, they are actually flames that Genma control. The density of the flames is unusually high, and a direct hit would definitely turn one into ashes.
Yukimura focused all his attention in order to avoid them. He used the flow of the air to understand the situation, and by synchronizing with the wind spirits, Yukimura “saw” every single direction at the same time.
He accurately grasped the motion of all the flames that fell from the sky like rain, dodging at times, deflecting them at time with his wind.
To forcefully take down all of the flames was not an option. The power of the branch family cannot be compared with that of the main family; Yukimura has no confidence to survive for even one second with his wind barrier.
(Well, it is not like I am unable to do it. But now is not the time.)
Having escaped from the firestorm, Yukimura waited calmly for an opportunity to strike. According to Genma’s actual strength, that was nothing at all, even if he had blocked that attack, there was nothing to be proud of.
“Oh, you dodged it?”
Genma waved his hand and all the flames extinguished instantly. There was no trace of what just happened, not even a leaf was burnt, as if it was all just an illusion. Genjutsu.
“To burn nothing but the intended target? That’s not a simple trick.The higher the level of En-Jutsushi, the easier it is to fully control the spirits and the flames materialized from them. It can even defy the laws of physics: like burning in water without making the water boil, or forming flames that affect only the intended target.
“I should say the same for you. I originally intended to kill you…… But it seems I went too easy on you. You should be proud; I admit that you are someone worthy to fight me.”
A gallant smile appeared on that strict face as Genma praised his own son. But this son simply scratched his nose tip with a bitter smile in return.
“Ah---- Ermm… Actually, you don’t need to be so serious……. I am, after all, just a failed product. So why don’t you relax a bit?”
Genma ignored his ridiculous words, and began to concentrate. He gathered his power attentively, creating an even stronger power.
(I can see it clearly…)
Unlike the flippant expression earlier, Yukimura mobilized all his energy to try to see through the instant of the attack. There will only be one chance, so there is no room for failure.
“Don’t die, Yukimura.”
Genma had no intention of killing Yukimura; he did not forget that his main objective is to capture Yukimura. So Genma released a tremendous amount of power, while keeping it at a level that will leave the target barely alive.
(-----Now!!)
Kaboom!
The flames that appeared in front of Genma suddenly expanded and exploded. The shockwave hit the vegetation in the area, chairs and dustbins flew, and streetlights broke in all directions.
“I succeeded----?”
Genma was still engulfed in flames, even though the results were still unclear, the surroundings looked as though a bomb has just exploded. The plants fell away from Genma, and all moveable objects were nowhere in sight.
(Even though it was not a fatal hit, he should have at least taken some damage!)
As the flame subsides, the scene inside became clear. What Yukimura saw inside was---
“So that is your killer shot?”
Completely unharmed----Even his coat was as tidy as before, Genma looked at Yukimura calmly.

4021
Continued