In the center of the training field, two figures were fighting at high speed. Having jumped away from each other after another collision, they carefully watched their opponent. With a slight grin on her face, Shirone clenched her fists tighter. The silver fingerless gloves on her glowed green, instantly healing the wound she had received. The usual rings of "Twilight Healing", thanks to the nekoshou's wish, acquired a more suitable combat form for the girl in the balance breaker. Now Shirone could focus on the attack, completely ignoring non-lethal attacks, becoming a real berserker on the battlefield, because the sacred gear had greatly increased its healing powers.
— Your new abilities are unfair, — Kiyoshi complained, changing his grip on the handle of Gram.
— And you are telling me this? — the nekoshou was indignant at this impudent statement from the immortal fire bird. — Even after I took your head off with a blow, you continued to fight, instantly regenerating.
— Well, what can I say, — the phoenix smiled wryly, — I often lose my head next to my wives, so I'm used to it. Haha!
— Idiot! — Shirone gave her verdict on her husband's cheesy joke, but her lips curved into a smile. — Did you have enough time to prepare your attack?
— Yeah, — the young man nodded cheerfully. He knew that the nekomata had allowed him to stall for time by keeping up the conversation. — Try to get out of this.
Using his increased mastery of spatial magic, the phoenix created a cube of condensed space, locking the enemy in it, at the same time blocking the possibility of teleportation.
Immediately sensing the change around her, Shirone absorbed the surrounding natural energy. The tips of the ears and tails lit up with white flames as the nekoshou delivered a single blow, concentrating a huge amount of Ki in her fist. The sound of breaking glass echoed across the training ground as the wall of the cube shattered.
— That only delayed you for a second, too bad. You need to practice more.
— The idea itself is not bad, but what did you want to achieve with this? — the girl took her gloves back, finishing the sparring.
— This attack consists of two steps: creating a cube and my flame, but the second part is intended only for my enemies, — the blond said with an evil grin. — After absorbing the phoenix's soul, I decided to improve my spatial magic, but to get something acceptable, I need months of active training, and I just don't have enough time.
— Sounds promising, — the nekomata estimated, the effect of a full-fledged technique. — Try adding a few layers for now, instead of focusing on durability. For now, it would be more practical.
— Okay, — he accepted the advice, immediately picking up the girl who had come up. — Now to the shower and then according to your plan.
The couple couldn't quickly continue their plans. They left the bathroom only an hour later, because they had to get themselves in order again. After an unplanned but pleasant delay, Kiyoshi accompanied his wife to all the best confectionery shops in Kyoto. When Shirone finished visiting her favorite shops, in the phoenix's personal space there were six bags filled with various confectionery delicacies.
The couple's next destination was the mountains near the city. Without using magic, they enjoyed their journey. First, they got to the foot of the mountain by car, and later, they leisurely walked hand in hand. They decided to have a picnic on the shore of a small lake. Having spread a blanket on the ground, they began to enjoy the food they had bought.
— Now that you've eaten your fill and are in a good mood, I want to touch on an unpleasant topic, — the blond said, gently stroking his beloved's cat ears while she lay with her head on his lap. The gaze of her amber eyes moved to his face, giving a silent sign to continue. — It's about your new fighting style. Shirone, I want you to stop fighting like that. With the awakening of your balance breaker, you've become too reckless.
— Why? — the nekomata frowned. — You act almost the same way as me!
— Yes, our styles are similar, but there is one huge difference. I rely on the regeneration of my bloodline, and you rely on the power of the Sacred Gear. In this crazy world, there are things and abilities that can disable or block gears. Rizevim is a prime example. I have no desire to see you rush into a reckless attack, relying on Twilight Healing, only to die because you can't summon it.
— What are you suggesting? — the girl asked with irritation.
— Don't get me wrong, — Kiyoshi's tone became gentler. — I'm not trying to force you to completely change your style. We're both fighters who focus on offense, not defense. After obtaining the gear, you became more aggressive in your attack, but you didn't rush into trouble. That's exactly what I want – to become more cautious again. There's no point in making unnecessary exchanges because the injury will quickly disappear it's a pointless risk. I don't want to lose you, Shirone. Even if I can use the Grail later, the pain and worry will not go away.
— Okay, — the nekoshou's left ear twitched. — I will fulfill your request.
— Thank you. Then how about a little practice on our uninvited guests? — the phoenix looked towards the forest. Realizing that they had been discovered, the intruders stopped hiding. A group of people appeared among the trees, ready to fight. — You can go crazy, but I will cover your back.
Using senjutsu to the fullest, Shirone was able to determine the strength and number of opponents. Out of twenty-seven people, one, the supposed leader, had high-class strength, nine were average, and the rest were low-ranking meat. Combat gloves appeared on the nekoshou's hands. She loved to fight, so she would gladly follow Kiyoshi's advice, trying to take as few risks as possible.
— Can you say something before you die? — the girl asked the group.
— The only ones who will die today are you, — the strongest one replied, spreading three pairs of dark wings. — Attack!
— Ha! The fallen, — the phoenix was delighted to learn the identity of the attackers. In this battle, he decided to use Muramasa, satisfying its "hunger." — I'm right behind you, my love.
Hearing Kiyoshi's words, spoken in a cheerful and bloodthirsty tone, Shirone silently rushed towards the attackers. Although she did not share such a strong hatred for crows, but because of what her sister and husband had to endure in the past, the nekoshou harbored hostility towards this race.
Dodging numerous attacks, the girl decided to get rid of the weaklings first. To do this, the nekomata used her sister's favorite technique. A poisonous fog suddenly appeared around the fallen, blocking their escape routes. Eight of them didn't have time to react, flying up into the sky, so the area was filled with a chorus of death cries.
— You will pay for this! — the leader shouted, closing in on the girl for close combat.
The Fallen realized his mistake as soon as his lightsaber was easily destroyed upon impact with Shirone's fist. He didn't have time to block the next blow, so he tried to dodge. The Fallen partially succeeded in his plan, instead of his chest, the fist hit his shoulder, crushing the bones. The angel flew up into the sky, breaking the distance.
— Ha-ha-ha!
The mad laughter and screams of his subordinates made the man turn his gaze to their target of murder. With a wide smile on his lips, the young man chopped up his weaker brothers and sisters, simultaneously dodging light spears. Having lost her opponent, the white-haired nekoshou went after the next strongest fighters, having already managed to disable two of them.
— Retreat! — Seeing the hopelessness of the situation, the fallen decided to retreat temporarily. When the magic circle lit up beneath him, but nothing happened, he was shocked. — What the hell?!
— Ha-ha! — Zankoku's laughter attracted his attention again. — Are you so shocked that you didn't notice the barrier created? If you want to escape, then you need to be far away from me, but in doing so, you will have to abandon your comrades, — looking at the angry but helpless man, the phoenix mockingly asked: — What will you choose, commander?
Gritting his teeth in anger, he turned around and flew away, along with two more angels.
— And since when did you start sparing the fallen? — Shirone asked, having dealt with her opponents.
— Never started, — he answered with an evil smile, bringing his palm to his ear. A magic communication circle appeared near the blond's hand. — Report.
— As you asked, boss, we remained in the shadows, allowing the intruders to pass by, — Kirin reported, amused by the stupidity and inattention of his opponents. — In addition to the fallen who attacked you, the mages arrived with them, who were supposed to create a barrier, but they didn't have time. Ha! They, like the crows who ran away from you, have all been captured.
— What's the situation?
— We have no losses. The mages surrendered when they realized they couldn't win. They are simple mercenaries who don't ask who hired them and why. We had to work hard with the leader of the fallen, but we managed to take him alive.
— Well done, Kirin, — Kiyoshi has never regretted choosing this fox as the leader of the "shadow" operations. — Take the other losers who survived from my side and take them to the cells. We need to get all the information we can, so there's no need to hold back, no one is going to leave them alive anyway, — after thinking for a couple more seconds, the phoenix added: — Choose a more or less intact fallen and send it to Akeno, otherwise her previous toy is already broken.
— It will be done, Boss! — the kitsune disconnected the connection after receiving the instructions.
— What is it? — the young man asked when he noticed Shirone's intense gaze.
— Was it necessary to send a regular person to Akeno because of your games with Kuroka? — the nekoshou did not like to torture innocent people. — He was just trying to assert himself.
— That's what I was going to do at first. Just send the guys to intimidate him and give him a light kick, but after reading the dirt on his father, everything changed, — the phoenix exuded bloodlust. —That bastard raped a girl, and his dad hushed it up by pressuring the victim's parents and paying for her silence, as if she were a prostitute, — he took a deep breath and took control of his emotions. — And you know how I feel about things like that.
— The question is withdrawn. He deserved it, — with this information, she could easily brush off the life of human scum. — And what about Akeno? It seems she has become more cruel lately.
— Ha! She was always like this, — the blond grinned. — She just used to suppress her desires, and after becoming a dragon, Akeno stopped hiding her sadistic nature. She was also afraid that we would not accept her because of such hobbies, but let's be honest — against the background of my antics, she seems like an innocent girl.
— I can hardly argue with that, — having found out everything she wanted, Shirone decided to throw all problems and affairs aside. — Let's go. We need to find another place to rest. It's too dirty here.
***
— You know, — Kiyoshi spoke, taking another step up the long stone stairs, — when you asked to accompany you to a special place, especially in that tone, I thought about many options, but this one didn't even occur to me.
— Don't be so upset, dear, — Akeno replied with a laugh, squeezing his hand. — I will definitely implement all your plans in the future, but today I want you to be my support.
— I don't mind, and I'm always ready to support you, — the blond said in a firm tone. — But why today?
The couple reached the end of the stairs and found themselves on the territory of one of the main temples of Japan, which served as the home of the Himejima clan-protector. Their path lay to the residence of the clan's head. No one tried to stop the guests, because they had already been warned about them. An additional incentive not to touch the couple who had arrived was the memories of the gray-haired youth's previous visit.
— There are two reasons for this. The first is that I recently learned that the clan is now ruled by Suzaku's cousin. So I wanted to visit her, and I also want to sort out the problems of the past before making an important decision, — Akeno looked very thoughtful as she spoke.
— As you wish, — the young man did not go into details. — In any case, I will support you, no matter what you decide.
— Thank you.
When they reached the entrance of the building, they saw a girl who looked very similar to Akeno, waiting for her guests. After greeting each other, they moved to a room inside the residence. While the couple was sitting at the table, the hostess of the house returned, carrying a teapot and steaming mugs on a tray.
— Once again, I greet you, Mr. Zankoku, and you, Akeno, — Suzaku said, placing the cups on the table.
— No need to be so polite, — the blond waved his hand. — Today, I am only here as an escort and nothing more.
— Well then, that's good, — the girl became calmer after hearing this. Her gaze moved to her relative. — I'm glad you're okay, Akeno. Was there something you wanted to talk to me about?
— Yes, but first tell me, why are you and everyone else on the way here so wary of Kiyoshi? — the brunette asked, interested in the current situation. — I understand that he's Amaterasu-sama's servant, but it seems there's something else here.
— Y-yes, you're not mistaken, but... — Suzaku was in a panic. She looked at the phoenix with fear, not knowing whether to tell her or not.
— It's just that my last visit left a lasting impression on them all, — Zankoku answered casually. — It all happened when I first started leading the Hyakki Yakou. My professional suitability was confirmed and the higher-ups decided to make Shinto stronger by uniting the five clans and the youkai into a single faction. Yasaka was responsible for the youkai side, and I had to deal with the onmyoji. The first on my list was a clan with a very familiar surname. My task was to determine the loyalty of the clan heads, as well as identify traitors and saboteurs in the leadership of the five clans, — although the guy spoke about it casually, the current clan head recalled his visit to them with a shudder. — Remembering your story, I inquired about this and I did not like the answer at all. Having dug deeper, I managed to find out about the old man's conspiracy with the fallen to eliminate the "shame of the clan," — the blond said with disgust. — At that moment, less than half a year had passed since the awakening of the "Incineration Anthem", so my control over my emotions was far from ideal. Plus, training with Muramasa didn't add any positive effect to it, so sometimes I got carried away. My decision to change the clan head became a bit "dirty."
— Judging by the pale face of the cousin, you're underestimating, — Akeno added sarcastically, looking at the trembling Suzaku.
— You know the story of my "vacation", so my psyche at that moment was too unstable in moments where the fallen were involved, — the phoenix was not embarrassed to talk about his insanity. He had to get his head in order for a long time, and his current family played a significant role in this. — I gathered all those involved in the temple courtyard and the rest of the clan as spectators. Having divided them into pairs, I cut off each hand, cauterizing the wound with the Anthem, and forced them to fight to the death. Ha-ha! — Only one of you two must remain and I will not kill the winner, — Kiyoshi recalled the bloody massacre with a smile. — They were forced to obey my order. Of the sixteen, seven survived. Unfortunately, one of the winners received a mortal wound in the battle. Guess what I did after.
— Knowing you, it didn't end that easily, — Akeno's sadistic side rejoiced as she listened to the fate of those involved in her mother's death and all the subsequent hardships. — How exactly did you punish them?
— I kept my word and didn't kill anyone, but that didn't stop me from cutting them short at the knee. Haha! I ordered the bastards to be locked up for the rest of their miserable lives, and then I waited for the new clan leader to be chosen and left. By the way, how is that "pride of the clan" doing?
— None of them could handle such a punishment and within three months, each committed suicide.
— Someone lasted more than a month,— the blond said in shock. The life of a disabled person with only one whole arm must seem like Hell to anyone, especially to people in power. — How tenacious, like cockroaches. However, let's end my story here and return to Akeno's questions.
— No need, — she shook her head. — I've already heard everything I wanted to know.
— Are you sure?
— Yes, we can leave, — Akeno looked at her cousin. — Would you mind if I visited you later? I'd like to talk calmly when I have more free time.
— Of course, — Suzaku wanted to reestablish relations with her cousin. — I'll be happy to sit with you over a cup of tea.
— Where to now? — Kiyoshi asked as soon as they left the Himejima clan's territory.
— Do you remember when I asked you for advice about my father? — the girl did not answer the blond's question, asking her own. — You told me to make my own decision then.
— Yes. Have you made your choice?
— That's right, I have, — Akeno tightly squeezed her lover's hand. — I want to take part in the attack on Grigori.
— Why such a sudden decision? — the phoenix saw firm determination in the dragon's violet eyes, but he needed to know the reason for it. — Until recently, you lived peacefully without remembering your father.
— He is no longer my father! — the girl blurted out with hatred. — It was he who sent the fallen to kill you. The prisoner you handed over to me blabbed as soon as he saw my holy lightning. Barakiel was not satisfied with ruining my childhood, he was going to take my new family from me. I will not allow it! — Akeno couldn't control her emotions anymore, and her body began to partially show dragon features. — If he wants to destroy my family again, then I will take everything that is dear to him! His faction turned out to be more important than his wife and daughter, then I will destroy Grigori. I will kill his friends, subordinates, everyone who is even a little dear to him. He will never take away my happiness again!
— If that's what you want, then I will help you, — Kiyoshi hugged her. — Don't worry, no one will take your family away from you, and you yourself will not go anywhere from us. Remember that you are my mate for the rest of our long lives, and in the future, you will definitely become a wonderful mother.
It took some time until Akeno calmed down. She still clung tightly to her husband, but now, she was simply enjoying their closeness.
— Since you have pulled yourself together, then let's meet a guy. He will insure you in the extermination of the fallen, — having created a communication circle, the phoenix waited for someone to answer him. — Hello Azi, can we meet now? Yes, I remember that place. Why? It's time to fulfill your part of the deal. At the same time, you can tell me how your brothers feel about Rizevim and his plans. Okay, I'm waiting, — Zankoku gently lifted the girl's chin. — Let's go, my beauty. It's time to make your wish come true.