[A/N: If you are reading this that means i have not finish the last part of the chapter don't worry it just a few words i just did ain't want to upload on the 8th day after my last]
As sirens rang through the streets and the sun began to set beyond the horizon, Rikuo sat on the corner of the street, watching as ambulances arrived and began carrying away the unconscious Mr. Mitani and several others.
It seemed the people inside the funeral home weren't the only ones who had lost consciousness. Everyone near the building had been affected by the malevolent spirit's scream, causing panic among the people passing by and prompting them to call for ambulances.
I wonder how they're going to determine what caused everyone to fall unconscious.
Is this all going to get blamed on a gas leak? That cliché again?
Watching the paramedics move between the ambulances, Rikuo continued to ponder the situation.
Now that he knew the supernatural world really existed, he also had to accept that beings like the malevolent spirit would likely appear around him more often. If that happened, could he really leave everything to someone else every time?
Rikuo didn't have any ambition to become the strongest, nor did he have much desire to train every single day. He was the kind of person who would sign up for a gym membership as part of his New Year's resolution, only to cancel it a month later.
The only reason he had been so enthusiastic about Kurotabo's lessons was because his life had been on the line. Besides, who wouldn't be excited about learning magic?
But now, once again, he was being confronted with the reality that breaking the bond between himself and the scroll wouldn't mean his life would suddenly become peaceful.
There would still be youkai that could harm him or the people around him, onmyoji who, according to Kurotabo, were now in a "fight on sight" situation with youkai, and malevolent spirits that would attack anyone regardless of whether they were human or youkai.
Faced with that realization, Rikuo finally understood what he needed to do.
He needed to become stronger.
At the very least, he needed enough strength to protect himself and the people close to him.
I hate the idea, but I'm going to have to start training outside of learning yoki and youjutsu.
Looking down at his hand, Rikuo clenched and unclenched his fist. He was already thinking about taking out the old bamboo kendo sword when he returned home for some additional training.
Looking back up, Rikuo noticed a figure emerging from the funeral home carrying three people.
It was Kurotabo.
Despite everything that had happened, he hadn't changed back into his human form.
As Kurotabo walked toward him, no one in the surrounding crowd seemed to notice the man in monk robes carrying three unconscious people on his back.
"Kurotabo, you good? You look a bit pale."
"I'm alright. An infant malevolent spirit ain't much trouble for me."
Kurotabo flashed a toothy grin as he placed the three people on the ground beside Rikuo.
"Didn't I say I was a well-known hero in the [] region?"
However, Kurotabo's grin disappeared almost immediately as his mind returned to the gruesome scene he had witnessed while cleaning up inside the building.
"A hero I may be, but sadly, I wasn't able to save everyone. Two people died after being attacked by the malevolent spirit, while another had their life force drained."
"Hey, at least only two people died. If you weren't here, there would've been a lot more."
Rikuo patted Kurotabo on the back as the monk sat down beside him.
The two watched as one of the women Kurotabo had carried outside regained consciousness and began calling for help for the two people beside her.
"So what happened to the malevolent spirit's body? Did it just disappear?"
"No. I had to burn it, along with all the blood that was scattered around the building."
"Mmmh. What about them?"
Rikuo nodded toward the three people Kurotabo had carried outside, particularly the man who was now receiving medical attention.
"Did you wipe their memories after all?"
Rikuo glanced toward the police officers questioning the people who had regained consciousness.
"One of them did call the police, and ever since they arrived, they've been asking around about a woman in a white kimono."
"I can't actually wipe memories. I can only give suggestions."
Kurotabo scratched his head before looking toward the police.
"Besides, the damage caused by that malevolent spirit was too great, and too many people were affected. It's probably best to leave the cleanup to the onmyoji or the great families. They probably already have people in this city's law enforcement, so covering something like this up should be easier for them."
"But still, this situation is unusual. It usually takes four months for a malevolent spirit to be born, and the last time an onmyoji came here was only two months ago. So what could've caused enough kegare to accumulate in such a short time?"
"Well, there have been a lot of deaths in the city recently. Didn't Mr. Mitani say the funeral home had been unusually busy?"
Kurotabo paused.
"Yeah... that could be it. But that malevolent spirit was a yūrei. What could possibly have caused so much resentment for one to be born?"
His expression became serious.
"What is going on in this city?"
Sigh.
Shaking his head, Kurotabo came out of his thoughts and stood up, dusting off his robes.
"Well, we should leave before any onmyoji come around. I don't want to deal with an investigation while we're trying to keep our identities hidden."
"Won't they know we were here from Mr. Mitani's account? And a few others would probably remember us."
"It should be fine. Only two people know that we were here, and it's not like the police are going to ask for everyone's identity."
Kurotabo paused.
"I think."
Rikuo raised an eyebrow at him.
"That's not exactly reassuring."
Getting up, Rikuo stretched before looking toward the moon that was now visible in the night sky.
"Okay, then. Let's head home and start the next lesson. We can come back another day to handle the funeral. And with this—"
He stretched his arms out.
"—we don't even need to blackmail Mr. Mitani anymore."
Kurotabo looked at Rikuo with a complicated expression before shaking his head.
"No. We're not going home just yet. We're going somewhere else."
He reached into his sleeve.
"But before that, drink this."
Kurotabo pulled out the kemono and handed it to Rikuo.
"Where we're going, it's best if you're in your youkai form."
"You can change here or in the alley if you want. No one's going to see you since I've made us invisible."
"I'll take the alley."
Rikuo walked into a nearby alley.
It didn't take long before he returned, carrying his pants and shirt in his hands.
"Good. Now, here."
Kurotabo pulled out the sake bottle and poured some into a sake cup before handing it to Rikuo.
Rikuo once again winced at the smell.
Taking the cup from Kurotabo, he stared down at the blood sake for a moment before closing his eyes and downing it in one gulp.
The bitter taste barely had time to pass his tongue before the sake reached his stomach.
Immediately, his transformation began.
His hair changed color and grew slightly longer, while his height increased by several inches, causing the kemono he wore to fit him properly.
The transformation is getting faster every time.
How long until I can transform without it?
"Here you go."
Kurotabo tossed him the usual bottle of water.
Rikuo caught it and drank the entire thing as usual.
"So, where are we going?"
"To the market."
Kurotabo turned and began walking past the ambulances and emergency workers.
"Stay close to me. Otherwise, the invisibility will wear off on you."
"Got it."
Rikuo followed behind Kurotabo as the two finally left the scene behind.
"Hey, wasn't there a kid here a moment ago?"
"The night shift must be getting to you. Maybe you should take a break after this."
"Yeah... you're probably right."
The paramedics continued helping as many people as possible as the bizarre incident unfolded around them.
***Ten minutes later***
The police continued their investigation around the funeral home, questioning the witnesses who had regained consciousness and trying to determine what had caused the strange incident As a coated man walked towards a woman in uniform.
"So, tell me, what do we have?"
The person who spoke was a tall man wearing a grey coat with a police vest underneath, a dark hat, and a holster at his hip. He had dark hair, green eyes, and a scar running down the right side of his face, stretching from his forehead to his chin and passing over his right eye.
In front of him stood a woman dressed in a similar outfit, although her strict appearance contrasted sharply with the man's more relaxed demeanor. She had light brown hair and ruby-red eyes. Taking a pack of cigarettes from her breast pocket, she pulled one out and lit it before answering.
"All of the witnesses are saying the exact same thing. They heard a ringing noise before falling completely unconscious."
"What about the woman who called earlier?"
"She's still unconscious. We'll have to wait until she wakes up if we want any answers from her, but I don't think that's necessary. This is clearly a supernatural case."
"Why do you think that, Ren?"
Taking a puff from her cigarette, Ren leaned against the wall and watched as the paramedics cleaned up the area while her fellow officers kept the section blocked off.
"When I entered the funeral home that lady called from, I immediately felt a malevolent presence and what I found inside was a complete mess—rubble everywhere, with holes in the ceiling and floor."
She paused before continuing.
"And further inside, it was even worse. Two half-eaten bodies and blood trails running from near the basement to halfway toward the exit."
Hearing that, the man scratched his head before letting out a sigh.
"Could I get one?"
Ren took another cigarette from the pack, lit it, and handed it to him. After taking a puff, the man continued.
"So you're saying a malevolent spirit caused all of this? And only two people died? That's rare. In cases like this, it wouldn't be uncommon for there to be double-digit casualties."
"It looked like a fight had occurred inside. Someone was fighting that malevolent spirit and protecting the rest of the people in the building."
"If so, where's our hero? Did you see any heroic individual when you got here?"
"No, I didn't. We also don't know whether that malevolent spirit was killed or is still roaming around. If it's still alive, then the casualty count could easily reach double digits."
"We need to make sure it isn't still out there, then."
Ren took another puff of her cigarette before looking toward the funeral home.
"This city has been getting more active lately. People going missing, a sudden spike in the death rate, and now this. Akai, I think we're going to need some help. Otherwise, our little squadron is going to be completely overworked. We're already stretched thin as it is."
"If more of these cases show up, we might not be able to handle them, and the higher-ups will be on our asses."
Smoke escaped from the man's mouth as he looked up at the dark night sky with tired eyes.
"Yeah, you're right. I don't want to do this, but I'm going to have to call for some help from those same snobby higher-ups."
Taking out his phone, Akai scrolled through his contacts until he found the one he was looking for.
Keikain Elder.
Leaning away from the wall, Akai removed the cigarette from his mouth and crushed it beneath his shoe before walking a short distance away from Ren.
"Give me a second. I'm going to make a call."
"Alright."
Finding a quieter spot, Akai let out a sigh before pressing the call button.
"Hello, this is Akai—"
**********
…
…
...
...
...
...
"Hmm, is that so? Very well. We will send someone, but we've been busy dealing with other issues recently, so it might take a month's time for someone to get there. I expect you to manage until then."
"Yes, Elder."
"Good. Also, regarding the malevolent spirit, make sure that it's dead at all costs. If what you say is true, then we might have a man-eater on our hands. Goodbye."
"Good—"
The call immediately ended, cutting off Akai's farewell.
Akai stared at his phone for a moment before letting out another sigh.
*Tch*
'These elders are too arrogant. But I guess that just comes with age and the work they do.'
Walking back over to Ren, Akai pocketed his phone before holding out his hand.
"Give me another cigarette."
"So, what did they say?"
"They said they'll send someone over, but it might take a month because they've been busy with other matters. We're supposed to manage until then."
Ren stared at him in disbelief.
"A month? Are they not taking the lives of the people who live here seriously? How many people could die in a month's time before they arrive?"
"They do. After all, they're the ones who set up those small shrines to help mitigate the kegare. They're probably stretched just as thin as we are if it'll take them a month to send someone."
Akai took another puff before continuing.
"Besides, isn't that why we're here? To protect the people of this city?"
*Sigh*
"Yeah, you're right. I'm just annoyed. I haven't had a good night's sleep in weeks."
"Me neither. How about when we get back, we take shifts?"
"Sounds good. I'm taking the first shift."
Ren gave him a tired look.
"Of course you are."
Akai chuckled before looking back toward the funeral home.
"Before that, though, let's finish up our business here. Also, Ren, call the others and tell them to be on the lookout for a malevolent spirit."
"On it."
With that, the two walked toward the funeral home, which had been cordoned off from the rest of the public.
********************************
Rikuo and Kurotabo dashed across the city's building roofs, their figures illuminated for only brief moments as the light of the city shone on them between the gaps of building.
As they ran the cool night breeze fluttered Kurotabo's robes and caused Rikuo's hair to sway behind him as they leaped from building to building.
"This feeling is incredible."
"I think I'm actually addicted to this rush I feel when I'm in my youkai form. The speed I'm able to reach without even trying is incredible, and I feel like I'm already nearing the human world record for speed. I wonder how fast I could actually run if I pushed myself."
Feeling the cool night breeze against his face, Rikuo felt energized as he leaped across another building. However, the thought of only being able to experience this at night made him let out a depressed sigh.
'But I'm only able to feel this rush at night. If I want to experience it during the day, I'll either need more youkai blood in me or some other way to access my youkai form.'
Although Rikuo's memories of Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan had become vague from focusing so much on remembering the other shows from his past life, he still had a general idea of the story.
A boy who was only one-quarter youkai became the head of a renewed youkai clan and had to fight youkai who wanted to take over his territory, destroy his clan, cause mass harm to humans, or even those like him who wanted youkai to rule the world.
That was basically the entire premise of the series.
And that boy, who was only one-quarter youkai, had the same problem as Rikuo: he couldn't transform during the day.
That boy eventually overcame the problem, but this was where Rikuo's memories failed him. He couldn't remember whether he overcame it through some kind of "accept yourself" situation, because his grandfather taught him something about the moon, or because he eventually learned how to maintain his transformation as long as he was not expose to direct sunlight.
Rikuo had been racking his brain over this ever since his first outing with Kurotabo. Now that he understood how dangerous this world could be, he needed a way to at least tap into his youkai form during the day, even if only partially.
The only solution he could think of was increasing the amount of youkai blood within him. If he did that, perhaps the sunlight would eventually stop affecting him.
But how could he even accomplish that?
'Whatever. Let's just focus on breaking the bond and enjoy this feeling while it lasts'
Rikuo jumped across another building, the wind rushing past his face.
'I wonder how fast I'll be after I learn how to reinforce my body. Could I disappear the moment someone blinked?'
The thought excited him as he imagined all the things he could do once he mastered the basics of yoki control.
It was like being a kid with a brand-new toy.
As Rikuo continued thinking about everything he could eventually do with his powers, the two finally began slowing down. They jumped from the rooftop of a building and landed in the narrow gap between two buildings, touching down in a dark alley.
Seeing Kurotabo stop, Rikuo finally snapped out of his thoughts.
"We're here."
Rikuo looked around the dingy alley.
Graffiti covered the walls, a door hung from a single broken hinge, and the only signs of life were rats and other rodents scurrying through the darkness.
There wasn't a single youkai stall in sight.
"Aren't we supposed to be going to the market? This is just a dingy alleyway."
"Yeah, you're right. We aren't exactly in the market yet."
Kurotabo walked farther into the alley and stopped beside the broken door.
"We're at its entrance."
He stretched his hands toward the shadow cast by the door rather than the door itself.
His hands passed through the darkness, and like a curtain, the shadow parted.
Beyond it, an orange light shone brightly, bringing warmth to the otherwise cold alley.
Kurotabo stepped through the curtain of darkness before looking back at Rikuo, who stood there with a look of surprise on his face.
"You coming or what?"
"Yeah."
Coming out of his stupor, Rikuo stepped into the light.
Kurotabo released the curtain of shadow, leaving nothing behind except the broken door and the rodents skittering through the alley.
As Rikuo's eyes adjusted to the bright light, the first thing he noticed was the bustle around him. Now able to see what was in front of him, he finally realized what was making all the noise.
Youkai.
"Come over here! We have the best sake that'll get you drunk for the whole night!"
A man with a head shaped like a bamboo umbrella shouted from an open stall.
"I just got some tei meat that'll make your mouth water from the scent alone!"
Another man, whose skin was red and who had a single horn growing from the side of his head, waved the fan in his hand toward the meat he was grilling for passing customers.
Scenes like this could be seen everywhere.
Youkai advertised their goods, showed off party tricks, drank together in the streets, and sold strange items that emitted ominous glows. The entire street was filled with them. Some flew through the air despite having no wings, while others, appearing no older than children, ran past Rikuo and Kurotabo.
Lanterns hung overhead, illuminating streets packed with youkai vendors, restaurants, drinking spots, and stalls selling food and alcohol. Behind them stood old-fashioned four-story buildings, their walls practically defining the narrow streets that stretched throughout the district.
[A/N: Think of it like one massive street with buildings determining its width, with multiple streets branching from it.]
[image]
In those tall buildings, youkai hung from balconies, laughing and drinking sake. In one such building, beautiful female youkai with animalistic features—cats, birds, dogs, and other creatures—could be seen on the balconies and through the windows.
Some danced, while others played instruments or simply beckoned toward the people passing below, using their charms to draw attention to the building.
Wow... everyone here is so energetic. It's like they're having a festival.
A cat girl with orange hair, an orange tail, and a pair of cat ears caught Rikuo's attention. She stood outside one of the buildings, wearing a loose kimono and smiling as she beckoned toward him.
Rikuo returned the soft smile before slowly walking toward the building of dreams.
Now he understood why Kurotabo had brought him here.
It was to experience youkai culture.
But just as Rikuo reached the entrance, a hand grabbed his shoulder and turned him around.
"Where are you going?"
"Mmm... I thought we came here so I could learn more about my youkai 'culture.' And what better way to learn than from a girl? After all, you could say women are the core of any culture."
Rikuo tried turning around again, but another hand grabbed his shoulder and spun him back.
"First of all, that's a courtesan house, not a tea house. Secondly, we don't have the money for that. And third, you're too young to be going into places like that. They'll eat you alive."
"And who says I don't want to be eaten alive?!"
"Okay, then. But do you have any money?"
Rikuo patted the pocket inside his kimono, only to feel the two 500-yen coins inside.
"Oh."
"Yeah, that's what I thought. Their prices are too high for you, kid. Come back next year when you're actually thirteen and have the money."
"Right now, we're going somewhere else."
Kurotabo grabbed Rikuo by the back of his kimono and dragged him away while Rikuo stretched his hand toward the cat girl with a tearful expression.
'When I get rich, I'll make sure to visit you, Miss Neko.'
"Nyyyaaa..."
The cat girl stretched her hand toward the departing Rikuo as well, tears appearing in her eyes.
Whether those tears came from the sadness of two star-crossed lovers being separated or the sadness of a merchant losing a potential customer was impossible to say.
The two continued past vendors, food stalls, and other courtesan houses until they reached an alley between two buildings.
At the end of the alley stood a small shop with a sign depicting a crane, its eyes strangely scattered across its feathers.
The two walked past several drunken youkai passed out on the ground before entering the shop.
Inside were shelves filled with all kinds of strange objects, from bracelets, books, and decorative smoking pipes to a simple rock wrapped in rope and covered with talismans bearing characters associated with luck.
On the opposite wall hung various weapons—katanas, spiked bats, axes, and other weapons—while barrels filled with old junk occupied the corners.
After passing the shelves, the two stopped at the counter, where a youkai woman was smoking a pipe while polishing a gemstone.
"Excuse me, but are you Haneme Hanazono?"
The woman didn't even look up as she continued polishing the gem, carefully making sure it reflected the light of the shop.
She had long black hair with white feathers protruding from both sides of her head, a delicate face, yellow eyes, and the mature figure of a woman in her thirties.
Wow... are all female youkai this beautiful?
First those girls at the courtesan houses, and now this lady.
If that's the case, forget human girls. Monster girls are where it's at.
Who would've thought my friends in my past life were right?
Even after Kurotabo called out to her again, Haneme still didn't look up.
Instead, dozens of eyes suddenly opened across her hands.
They moved independently, examining both Rikuo and Kurotabo.
Rikuo was briefly shocked by the sight, but he quickly adjusted to the bizarre appearance. After all, he had seen much stranger things on his way here.
Once the eyes finished examining them, they closed and disappeared beneath her skin as though they had never existed.
Haneme placed the gem down, took another drag from her pipe, and finally spoke in a voice as smooth as a songbird.
"I am. Seeing as you've come all the way to my dingy little shop, you must want to buy something, eh? What would you like? I've got weapons, cursed objects, aphrodisiacs, jewelry, and poison."
She took another puff from her pipe.
"You name it, I probably have it. But I'll tell you now—it won't be cheap."
Haneme spread her arms, showcasing the shelves of strange items behind her as a soft smile appeared on her face.
She already knew tonight would be profitable.
"Rikuo, you can look around while I handle the business I came here for. If something catches your eye, I'll buy it for you. Just make sure it isn't expensive."
Rikuo raised an eyebrow as he looked between Kurotabo and Haneme.
"Alright, then. Just don't take too long. We only have the night to do our lessons."
With that, Rikuo wandered toward the side of the store that had caught his attention the moment he entered.
The weapons.
Seeing Rikuo leave, Kurotabo turned back toward Haneme.
"I'm here to buy some information."
"I've got plenty of information. What do you want to know?"
"I want to know if there are any youkai who specialize in osore no gu or weapon bonding."
"Hmm..."
Haneme tapped her pipe against her palm.
"I can't seem to remember. Maybe if someone were to catch my attention in a monetary fashion, my memory would improve."
*Sigh*
Kurotabo reached into his sleeve and pulled out a gold coin, sliding it across the counter.
Haneme immediately picked it up.
"Ah, now I remember. There was a youkai who specialized in osore no gu in this town. His name was Souta Koetaka."
Kurotabo immediately caught the key word she had used.
"Was?"
"Yeah. Was. Sadly, he was killed about a month ago. He was the only youkai I knew who specialized in that field. As for weapon bonding, I don't know of anyone in this city who knows how to do such a thing."
Hearing that, Kurotabo's hope of finding someone capable of breaking Rikuo's bond with the scroll weakened.
If there was no longer anyone in the city capable of breaking it, there was little point in pursuing that lead.
"Well, since I won't get anywhere with that, I have another question."
Kurotabo reached into his sleeve again and pulled out a piece of cloth bearing the image of a weasel surrounded by a spiral of wind.
"Have you seen this crest before?"
"My mind's a little foggy. Maybe—"
Before Haneme could finish, another gold coin was tossed toward her.
One of the eyes appeared on her hand, following the coin as it flew through the air before catching it.
Haneme pulled the cloth closer and examined the crest.
"Yeah. I've come across this crest before."
She paused.
"It's from a group belonging to the Shikoku Hachijūhakki Yakō. They reside in the northern section of the city."
'Shikoku'
'So the ones who attacked me and Rikuo are part of the Shikoku Hachijūhakki Yakō.'
'But are they the same Shikoku Hachijūhakki Yakō that I know, or are they simply using the name to hide their identity?'
"The Shikoku Hachijūhakki Yakō?"
Instead of answering, Haneme shook the coins in her hand, producing a small jingling sound.
Kurotabo understood immediately.
Another gold coin landed in her palm.
"The Shikoku Hachijūhakki Yakō, as their name suggests, are a group of youkai from Shikoku. They appeared in the city about a month ago and now reside in the northern section after wiping out the Koetaka clan that lived there."
Haneme knocked the contents of her pipe into an ashtray before replacing them with a few dry leaves. She crushed them inside the pipe, lit them, and took another drag.
"I don't know why those Shikoku youkai are here, but seeing as they wiped out an entire clan, they're probably up to no good."
Kurotabo waved away the smoke drifting toward him as he processed the information.
"Next question. What's been going on with the youkai in the city recently? I've been seeing more and more youkai active during broad daylight. Why?"
Kurotabo pulled out another coin, ready to toss it toward Haneme, but she raised her pipe to stop him.
"I can't answer that question. Or rather, I don't have the answer."
She took another puff.
"I know youkai have been more active recently, but it's mostly in the northwest and eastern sections of the city."
"What's causing it?"
"I don't know. Whenever I try sending people to investigate, they either come back beaten up with no information or don't come back at all."
Haneme gave him a knowing smile.
"Sending people out for that kind of information is more expensive than the information itself. I doubt you'll find anyone selling what you want to know. It'll probably be easier to investigate it yourself if you're willing to put your life on the line."
"Don't youkai from those sections come around here sometimes?"
"They used to, but I haven't seen any youkai from those areas for about a month now. They've stopped coming around and have basically closed themselves off in their parts of the city."
Haneme leaned back in her chair.
"And right now, some youkai from the southern section have been getting restless. That's why Hanabi Street is bustling with more youkai than usual. They're staying together for safety. After all, there is strength in numbers."
She took another drag from her pipe.
"I can't say much, but one thing is certain. All of this started when those new youkai took over the northern section."
Haneme smiled.
"But hey, if you find out anything else, come back to my shop. I'll buy that information from you for a pretty coin."
She leaned back in her seat and stared at the ceiling as she took another puff.
"I tell you, these younglings are getting ambitious, causing havoc when the Shinki-sai is just around the corner can't they just wait and show their strenght there ."
Kurotabo went silent as he structuralize the information that he got from Haneme but as he did so Rikuo came around the corner with a peice of wood and anger on his face.
Reaching the counter he slapped down his hands on it show casing a Hanafuda earrings.
It had a intricate design with a banzai tree on it and in the middle a 4 sided diamond with a straight line in the middle. But most strikingly enough where the two kanji at the bottom (士郎) meaning warrior son or in one words Shiruo.
"Where the hell did you get this?"
**************************************************
As Rikuo reached the side of the store filled with different weapons, he became more excited each step like a little kid in a toy shop. After all, he was a weapon fanatic to be more specific a sword one who owned a shelves of sword figurines and had a decent amount of knowledge about every swords. Now that he was standing in a shop with an entire section dedicated to weapons, how could he not be excited?
Rikuo gazed at an axe that was twice his current size hanging on the wall, touched the engravings that resembled flames along the back of a katana, and examined a spear with a fur-covered spearhead. This shop was truly a treasure trove of goodies, but sadly, Rikuo knew he couldn't afford anything here seeing the prices of thoose weapins in the 6 digits.
'I really need to get rich, but most importantly, I really need a weapon. If something like what happened today happens again and I'm not with Kurotabo, I need at least something to protect myself.'
'And since Kurotabo said he would buy what ever i pick out as long as its not expensive i need to find a weapon in that poor monk's budget.'
Thinking that Rikuo began looking around the shop, considering what kind of weapon would suit him.
'I need something I can always carry on me without causing people to question why I have a weapon and it needs to be light since my human will be the one to carry it the most.'
Rikuo walked along the aisle, examining the swords on display, only to be discouraged whenever he saw their prices. His eyes wandered from one weapon to another until a barrel filled with them caught his attention in the corner.
'Those are probably cheaper than the ones on display.'
Walking over to it, Rikuo examined the weapons inside, but none of them caught his eye yet again. Just as he was about to turn around and return to the weapons on display to just pick out the cheapest one a long, smooth stick that was in the barrel caught his attention.
At first, Rikuo thought it was just a mop handle, but then he noticed a thin cut near one of its end signifying it can be pulled apart.
Picking it up, Rikuo examined it more carefully. It was a smooth piece of wood with no visible patterns, and it wasn't heavy, allowing him to hold it easily in one hand.
Using his right hand, Rikuo tugged at the smooth piece of wood end and tried pulling it apart.
*Click*
The wood separated, revealing a blade hidden inside as the light of the store glimmered off its surface.
Rikuo's eyes widened with excitement.
He had found a shirasaya.
Drawing it completely from its sheath, a clean blade emerged, its hardened edge displaying a refined gunome hamon pattern. Light shimmered along the sharp edge as Rikuo raised the sword to the light to examine it even closely.
"Wow, it's so beautiful. The pattern on its hardened edge is refined, and the waves are almost perfectly even. The edge is also looks extremely sharp as if it could cut through a bamboo mat with ease."
Rikuo ran his eyes along the blade before looking at the wooden sheath in his other hand.
"Even though I've seen shirasaya many times before, I thought this was just a stick. The wooden sheath and handle fit together so perfectly that you can't even see the line where they separate if you don't pay attention."
Rikuo gave the sword a few experimental swings, and the blade whistled as it cut through the air.
It was sharp, it was beautiful.
But most importantly, it was well hidden within its sheath. Even if someone saw him carrying it around, they would probably assume it was nothing more than a polished wooden stick.
There was only one major downside.
The sword had no guard.
If Rikuo wasn't careful, the blade could slip in his hand and cut his fingers. And if he ever clashed with another weapon, there would be nothing protecting his hands.
It was a weapon designed almost entirely for offense, with little thought given to the safety of its wielder.
After all, it had originally been made as a decorative piece.
'It's not the best weapon, but since my character template is already based on Nurarihyon, and I don't know of any version of Nurarihyon who doesn't use a shirasaya'
"It was simply destiny that you would become my partner. Alright, it's decided."
*Click.*
Sheathing the shirasaya with a satisfied smile, Rikuo began walking around the store, looking at the other items on display as he did eyes would open in the dark spots of the shop looking at him before he was out of range and transfering to another spot.
The owner of the store, Ms. Hanazono, truly was a merchant of all kinds of goods. On one shelf was a collection of unique clothing, while another held books with bizarre titles such as Bed Master 101. Elsewhere were perfume bottles, skincare products, and other beauty products.
When Ms. Hanazono said, "You name it, I probably have it," she wasn't lying.
Walking past the various shelves, Rikuo eventually stopped in front of one filled with jewelry. Chains, rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings were all displayed across the shelves. Picking up a ring to examine its design, Rikuo stared at it in awe.
'Oh wow. How did they engrave an entire army around the ring? This is some serious craftsmanship. Heck, they even have Hanafuda earrings.'
Putting the ring back, Rikuo looked over the Hanafuda earrings on display. Some had designs of cranes, while others depicted cherry blossom trees.
But one in particular caught his attention.
It had an intricate bonsai tree with green leaves and golden branches. Engraved into the trunk was a four-sided diamond with a straight line running through its center.
'Huh. It looks just like Gramps' Hanafuda earrings. I guess youkai and human fashion really are similar.'
Slowly looking down toward the gold-lined end of the earring, Rikuo noticed something engraved into it.
士郎 — Shiruo.
Rikuo's face went blank.
The earring had the same bonsai tree as his grandfather's, and now his grandfather's name was engraved on it as well. Youkai and humans really were similar. Heck, it even had the little chip on the first kanji, just like his grandfather's earrings.
Rikuo chuckled nervously.
'Nah, this can't be Gramps' earring. His also has his full name engraved on the back.'
Picking up the earring, Rikuo turned it around.
There was nothing on the other side.
'I knew it. It couldn't be Gramps'.
Letting out a breath of relief, Rikuo picked up the other Hanafuda earring to check it as well.
Unlike the first one, this earring had something engraved on the back.
Shiruo Nura.
Rikuo's expression changed several times—first shock, then confusion, and finally anger.
How was his grandfather's earring sitting inside a youkai shop, being sold like some ordinary piece of jewelry? And for such a cheap price, too?
Rikuo wasn't just pissed because he had apparently found one of his grandfather's stolen earrings. He was also offended by how cheaply it was being sold.
'I could buy this with the change in my pocket.'
'If you're going to sell stolen goods, at least charge a decent price. What, was Gramps' earring not good enough?'
"Wait. If they have Gramps' earrings, do they also have his ring?"
Rikuo immediately began searching through the section containing the rings. He looked over each one carefully, but none matched his grandfather's.
Most had youkai designs engraved across them, while others were large enough to fit around the fingers of larger youkai.
His grandfather's ring was simple—a plain platinum band with his grandmother's name engraved along the inner rim.
None of the rings on display matched that description.
If anyone knew what had happened to the rest of the jewelry, it would be the owner.
Rikuo walked around the corner with an angry expression, holding the shirasaya in one hand and the Hanafuda earring in the other. He passed Kurotabo, who was still lost in his own thoughts, before slamming his hands onto the counter in front of Haneme.
"Where the hell did you get this?"
Haneme took a slow puff from her pipe before looking down at the items Rikuo had placed on the counter.
"How do you have my Gramps' earring? Why are you selling it for such a cheap price? And where is his ring?"
Kurotabo's ears perked up at what he had just heard.
"Your Gramps' earring?"
"Yeah. Look. His name is even engraved on the back."
Rikuo turned the earring over and showed it to both Kurotabo and Haneme.
Haneme remained silent.
"I only saw his Hanafuda earrings on display, but since this is her shop, she probably knows where my Gramps' ring is too."
Rikuo turned back toward Haneme.
"Listen here. You might be beautiful, but that doesn't mean you can steal from the dead. Where's my Gramps' ring? It's a plain platinum ring with Kaguya Nura engraved on the inside."
Haneme stared at the angry boy in front of her before suddenly chuckling.
"Hahaha."
She waved her pipe toward Rikuo, cutting him off.
"Firstly, I don't have any ring that fits that description."
'We've got a liar on our hands.'
"Secondly, I never stole anything. I bought those Hanafuda earrings from a passing peddler who visits this area from time to time."
"A peddler? What did they look like?"
Kurotabo suddenly interjected, his attention now fully on Haneme.
"They were about half your size and wore a dark cloak. They had a beast-like appearance, but I can't say much more than that since I never saw their face properly."
"If that's the case, do you know where that peddler went?"
Haneme took another puff from her pipe.
"I don't know. Probably to another shop to sell whatever else they stole, I presume."
Hearing that, Rikuo's suspicion that Haneme was the thief subsided. In its place, his anger shifted toward the mysterious youkai peddler.
'So it was a youkai who stole Gramps' earrings and sold them to her and now they might have sold of his ring too!'
Shaking his head Rikuo looked back on Haneme who was still puffing her pipe.
"I will buy these Hanafuda earring off you then and this shirasaya"
Placing the shirasaya on the counter Rikuo took out his pocket change
*****************************
[A/N: Anyways, I really want to improve my update schedule, but things always come up. Sometimes the electricity goes out, I'm on the road for the entire day, or I'm busy with schoolwork. Still, I'm making sure to write at least 500 words a day before my editing day comes around.
Now, an important note: malevolent spirits aren't rare. What's rare are the powerful ones with the capability of causing mass harm. Honestly, my original plan was not to introduce malevolent spirits this early, but I know why people read fanfics: they're here for the hype moments and fights. Since the last fight was like 6 chapters ago, you guys might have been getting bored.
Anyway, their main purpose right now is to be the obligatory monsters that people have to fight, since I don't want Rikuo killing every youkai he comes across. However, their purpose might change over time because there are different categories of malevolent spirits, and I plan on giving them more depth as the story progresses.
Writing is hard when you're trying to interconnect everything. I can't just pull something out of my ass and throw it into the story, because that would make everything inconsistent. That's one of the reasons it takes me so long to finish a chapter. If I want to introduce something new, I have to make sure I've foreshadowed it in earlier chapters so the new idea doesn't feel like it came out of nowhere. Basically, I have to plant the seeds before I introduce the actual idea.
This chapter should have been around 8k words, but I was too lazy to write the final part, so you guys are getting that in the next chapter.
Also, for those wondering why every item in the store is on display: it's because Haneme has eyes everywhere. If you didn't get it before, hopefully you do now.
Anyways, thanks for reading! If you notice any misspelled words, grammatical errors, or anything else that needs fixing, let me know so I can correct it.
Also, can you guess what kind of youkai Haneme is?]