The power distribution of the Kappa is very simple: the size of the territory they occupy generally reflects their strength.
Perhaps because they naturally dislike fighting, or because they have no real needs from human society, most of them live far away from humans. As for the Kappa's famous love for "Shirikodama," it actually doesn't affect ordinary people much, as humans don't actually possess such an organ...
The so-called "Shirikodama" actually refers to the jade-like rectal plugs used in ancient corpses.
To be honest, Lancer didn't quite understand why the Kappa liked such things, but to complete this trade, he had bought a large number of small jade spheres from the system, intending to use them as currency with the Kappa.
As for seizing it by force?
Lancer had long excluded that from his options. In fact, getting the route map to find the Kappa had already given him a second choice—trading with them.
The Oni clan had records that were lost; the Tengu had vast amounts of data, and that "Lady Tenma" likely knew the "Youkai Sage" personally. Thus, it wouldn't be surprising if the Kappa knew her too.
However, while he was considering how to approach them, his movements were already being placed into the hands of the master of this lake.
"Lake Hamana." In modern Japan, it isn't one of the largest lakes; it only became famous after an earthquake eight hundred years in the future caused it to expand. But giant lakes were either inhabited by humans or occupied by powerful youkai. Being able to hold this place meant the master was quite capable. After all, there are only about 600+ named lakes in all of Japan.
At this moment, the master of Lake Hamana—a Kappa named Kawashiro Amayuki—was lying in a hot spring, listening to a subordinate's report.
Amayuki had the standard Kappa appearance: a bird-like beak, a strange "jade plate" on top of his head, webbed palms, and a shell on his back. However, his normally green skin was currently steamed crimson by the hot spring.
"A strange man with a child and cats, riding a strange mount, has appeared near Lake Hamana?"
This situation was clearly bizarre. Japan wasn't safe right now; night was different from day. Outside of cities, youkai could appear at any time, let alone in the wild where "Ouma-toki" (the twilight hour) meant youkai were everywhere.
'Is it a passing youkai?'
He hadn't thought much of it at first, but suddenly something clicked. He bolted upright in the hot spring.
"Wait! What did the 'man' described by that youkai look like?"
The reporting Kappa didn't expect his boss to get so excited, but he breathed a sigh of relief. Luckily, he had asked for all the details beforehand; otherwise, having to go back and ask would make him look incompetent.
"According to the description, he wears clothes made of a strange, very thin material. His hair is cut very short, looking a bit like a kabukimono. He's about 180+ cm tall. The scout didn't see his face clearly, but said he wasn't particularly handsome..."
The more he spoke, the worse his boss's expression became. Toward the end, he didn't even dare speak, only watching cautiously, fearing a violent outburst.
What he didn't know was that Amayuki wasn't focused on him at all. His mind was racing with one thought: 'How did that disaster-bringer end up near here?'
Indeed, based on the description, Kawashiro Amayuki had guessed Lancer identity.
While Lancer towering height wasn't unique, his hairstyle was one-of-a-kind in this era. Most men kept their hair long; even commoners rarely cut it that short. More concerning was the "child." Recent rumors claimed the "Red Oni has set his sights on the Emperor's seven-year-old princess (false rumor)." From this, it was clear that the Red Oni was not just a lolicon, but a hero among lolicons!
Daring to strike at the Emperor's daughter (false rumor) was truly admirable in a terrifying way.
If these clues appeared individually, he wouldn't have overthought it, but together they painted a dire picture. Youkai and humans maintained a fragile balance.
If youkai crossed the line, they faced human extermination; humans also didn't dare push youkai too far, because while individual youkai were manageable, a hysterical mass rebellion would result in countless innocent deaths.
But this Red Oni completely ignored these unspoken rules. Not only was he high-profile, but he was also still alive and well.
'Shouldn't an arrogant brat like this have been taught a lesson by the Onmyoryo by now? Is it true what they say about the Onmyoryo's power declining?'
Regardless, the most critical issue was the young man suspected to be the "Red Oni" standing right there.
If he was just passing through by chance, all was well. But having lived this long, Amayuki wouldn't bet his life on someone else's whim. Whether he was the target or not, he had to prepare.
As for the idea that the Red Oni wouldn't attack him?
Ha! As if. When do those battle maniacs from the Oni clan ever just have a nice chat?
He'd sooner believe that the "Red Oni" had never kidnapped a young woman—but was that even possible?
"Prepare to meet the enemy!"
He was a Great Youkai, but even among Great Youkai, there were tiers. Kappa were not weak; their water manipulation could reach 200% effectiveness on their home turf. But he disliked fighting. To be safe, he'd have his subordinates ready.
Lancer had no idea his movements were exposed. He even had the heart to sleep until morning.
After picking up the young girl and three cats sprawled on his chest and setting them aside, he stretched while looking at the bright morning sun.
Maybe today will go smoothly?
He sighed, then woke Tiger to help with breakfast. After eating, Lancer rode his beloved bike to the lakeshore.
But as he approached the lake, his intuition began screaming—danger.
"Zero."
No words were needed. "Zero," who was on Lancer head, transformed into a long spear and fell into his hands. Aru, who had been in his chest, opened his narrowed eyes and looked around cautiously; he had clearly sensed something was wrong too.
The dense water vapor made both man and cat feel uncomfortably damp...