Ushigozen. Another personality of Raikou, and at the same time, her insane period during childhood when her demonic nature was stronger than her divinity.
An existence fundamentally the same yet different from her, to the extent that she barely sealed herself away and was passed down as the existence known as 'brother'.
In a way, you could call it Raikou's true nature.
Unlike Raikou, who was bound by her family despite being born with both divinity and demonic nature like her, Shuten lived freely, doing as she pleased until the end, and died satisfied.
On the other hand, Raikou, who envied, admired, and was jealous of such Shuten, could not change the fate of having to live as a warrior, acting like a fatherly man until the end, and failed to find the love that would make her a mother, that would give her a child, that would make her a mother.
Ushigozen, who is fundamentally the same to the point of having wanted to be friends with Shuten in the past. Her fundamental self is also the same as Raikou's. Unlike the restrained Raikou, this side has no such restraints, and although she follows her master's orders, she's the type to twist interpretations like the Black Grail or the Monkey's Paw, promising to fulfill them while betraying.
"So, you wanted to test the man Raikou likes? You've got nerve. You were determined to die, weren't you?"
"... On the outside, you look like a good-for-nothing, but inside, you're a monster surpassing my father. Just how vast is your vessel?"
"Please don't give me such an evaluation when I have a reincarnation cheat... I've truly become the protagonist of a mass-produced otherworld story!!! Phew... Anyway, so? Having seen me directly, will you acknowledge me?"
"I have no choice. Even I have at least a little pride as a warrior. Though it's only a little compared to the other me... And, as a monster, I lost too. Your eyes are filled with madness... Compared to that, my madness must be fake."
Just how do I appear to others... At this point, I'm starting to fear myself.
Anyway, what should I do with Ushigozen...
"Since she interfered with our time, just kill her, shall we?"
"You wretch, how dare you think you can kill me so easily──!"
"... How on earth do you have such monsters..."
"Technically, I, the Emperor, am also a Beast... but well, this time, there's no need for me to step forward. Of course, I am stronger, but since Tamamo is pitiable, I'll take a supporting role this time."
"Unlike Nero, you take the initiative... Anyway, I'm not afraid of you at all, Ushigozen. As Tamamo said, killing you would be simple."
She clicks her tongue, closes her eyes, and waits to be killed. But, I place my hand on her head.
"But I won't kill you."
"... Hah? Are you going to make me your servant too?"
"No? You are going to become Sakura's caretaker."
"My husband, are you serious?"
"My Rider's thoughts are beyond even my, the Emperor's, expectations..."
Others would think it's insane talk. I know, I know. Even I think it's insane talk. But...
"Ushigozen. If your fundamental self is the same as the Raikou I know, you must like children. A child who would follow you like a mother."
I know. Ushigozen is fundamentally the same as Raikou. In her first appearance as the mastermind of Onigashima, the reason she caused the incident was to create a world where she could live alone with Kintoki, who was like a son to her, and she treated Kintoki like a son, just like Raikou.
Of course... According to the materials, deep down she wished someone would love her as a woman and make her a mother, but anyway.
She likes children, and likes children who think of her as a mother.
"I have so many connections that it's hard for me to look after Sakura 24/7. Everyone does take good care of Sakura, but... fundamentally, I don't think there's really anyone who can treat her like a true daughter. Boudica or Tiamat are there, but... you could say Sakura shows a bit of reluctance. So I was wondering about you. Most of them have ulterior motives towards Sakura, you see. Since she's in a position like my sister or daughter."
"... Are you asking me to become that child's mother?"
"That child was abandoned by her parents. Abandoned by her birth parents, she lived through over a year of painful hell, being gang-raped by worms in the household she was adopted into. A child abandoned by family, who fell into hell... Now she's much brighter and doing well, but that pain of not being loved by her parents, wouldn't you understand it, perhaps? Ushigozen, who was forced to live as a man, a warrior, and a successor, and was ultimately sealed. I think you, more than anyone in Chaldea, even more than me, could understand Sakura well."
Kama might be possible too... but who would think of her as a mother? In that sense, she's disqualified.
"So? The choice is yours."
Ushigozen seems to be seriously contemplating. It's a choice between dying here or coming to Chaldea and becoming a caretaker.
"Since I'm on good terms with Raikou-san, I'll tell you. It's better to do it. Right now, Raikou-san likes Master so~ much that it would be hard for her to focus only on that child. On the other hand, you are a foolish person who doesn't know Master's coolness. You would be able to focus only on that child."
"... That's a slightly annoying way of speaking, but fine. I don't know who this Sakura is, but I'll do it. I've also become interested in this place called Chaldea where you are."
Frankly... I have a feeling Ushigozen and Sakura would get along well, you know?
"Fufufu~ That's good, isn't it~? Then... my lord~ Are you going to have a date on this dull~ island?"
"Then? You're the one who recommended it?"
"Fufu... That's true."
That laugh... I see. Did Shuten calculate even this? Did she know Ushigozen would come on purpose, hoping for this situation? She's more calculating and scary than I thought. Truly worthy of being my first Bond 10 Servant.
"So where do you suggest we go?"
"Fufu... Turas Realta."
".... Ha! You can take us there?"
"My lord~ Did you think I became your first Bond 10 Servant for no reason~? Unlike other children... I'm the type who genuinely wants my lord to be happy~ When I see my lord like that, the drinks go down smooth~ly. So that's why. If my lord goes there... quite a few children will appear, won't they?"
"You used your head. You know my heart too well, don't you? Well, if I just live an ordinary life and lose all stimulation, that wouldn't be good either... Tamamo, what do you think? Of course, I'll keep you as the main. Same for Draco."
"... Okay. No matter what happens, I'm in the palm of your hand anyway, my husband."
"Indeed, that place... I might have some fun? A date just sharing love like this lacks stimulation~"
Turas Realta... I'm looking forward to it.
"Before that! One more time... can you do that for me?"
"... I'll try to live up to your expectations."
So, that wasn't enough after all...!
I'm dragged away by Tamamo and Draco just like that, and Shuten leaves with Ushigozen.
Dragged back to the inn.
Even if I die from overexertion, I'll revive, so it's fine...
Is this also a punishment...!
=================================
"Phew..."
Dammiti collapsed after the mandatory defense battle ended. Draco, hugging Dammiti who looks fine on the outside but has become listless like a mummy, sleeps soundly.
And Ushiwakamaru, who woke up in the middle and got involved, also sleeps naked with a dazed smile.
Tamamo sits by the window and gazes at the night sky.
"I was so hurt and angry... but it melted away like snow. Being loved is good indeed. But... perhaps his stamina is still too lacking. I am satisfied, but I wish it could have lasted longer... I must consult with the others to strengthen Master's body. Otherwise, he might really die from overexertion. No, on the contrary, if he were in a spiritual state, there would be no limit, so he might become even more amazing? ... No, it's still better if he's alive..."
Tamamo strokes his hair as he sleeps and looks at him.
"I love only you. If you wish it, I can even destroy a world like this. What happened before wasn't with my full sincerity. If it were with my full sincerity, I could have taken quite a few with me. I only let it happen on purpose. Still, I love such you, my husband."
Clatter...
"Huh? What's wrong, Papa?"
"... No, just a good premonition. It seems our turn will come soon."
"Rea~lly? Papa. Are we going to see our Master?"
"Yes, probably so..."
The knight clad in a blue cloak grinned.
"Is that so~ I was envious of the others who went to see him on their own, but is he finally calling us now!? Then will Papa also be active and get rewarded!? And I also... hehe."
The knight in red attire chuckled softly, filled with anticipation.
"Surely you will be praised too. Because Master likes us."