2:12 PM

  “I wasn’t expecting any guests today.” Jounichike Koutarou said as the shoji door to his tea room was thrown open. “Especially one I don’t know.” He frowned as the man who he didn’t recognize in the slightest entered.

  “Don’t worry about it, there’s no real point in telling you anyways.” The intruder shrugged as he slowly slid the Shoji door behind him closed.

  Koutarou looked the man up and down and found him to be rather average, slightly taller than standard; he was thin in figure yet his shoulders broad, his waist was thin yet arms not particularly large. His hair colored auburn red and somewhat flat hung down in curtains over two sharp red eye. The hair at the nape of his neck long enough to reach his shoulders he had a long arrow shaped flat nose and lips neither thin nor plump simply average. As for clothes he wore a two piece uniform with a black jacket and high white collar which was buttoned up in the front and led down to gray jeans and below that high top boots with many laces and an almost cleat like underside. With his hands in his pocket he tilted his head at Koutarou. He was Soga Kusurisuke, the [鬼経: Kitsune] of the Venator Soceity.

  The room which Koutarou sat in was a plain one the only decoration being a single wall scroll which read “Master Found In Repetition". It was a standard tea room with exactly 12 tatami mats colored dark green which matched the rather bitter green tea smell that wafted through the air from the small kneeling table which Koutarou sat before. Koutarou himself was also average in appearance, at average height he was clearly in his later years yet not frail. His dirty blonde hair slicked back over rectangular eyes he wore a simple green and black Kimono- the front slacked open some to reveal corded chest insertions. “And why would something as simple as your name not concern me?” He asked with raised brow. “You’ve entered my estate unannounced the least you could offer as an apology would be such a small gesture as that would it not?”

  “Because there’s no point in telling a dead man anything.”

  “!”

  The table which Koutarou sat at was suddenly flying towards Soga who blinked before it smashed into his face with a crack. Flying backwards he crashed through the rice paper wall to his rear and into the kitchen, pots and pans which hung from the ceiling rattling as they bounced off his person he came to a stop as he slammed into a white oven which crumpled under the impact.

  “Ouch.” He muttered, sitting up, blood trickling down his now bruised forehead and his back burned as if a red hot rod had been thrust into the vertebrae.

  Then as if having teleported Koutarou appeared overhead with a blur, using his leg like a spear with his toes pointed down he smashed them into Soga's stomach with a sickening pop.

  “Blegh!” Soga spewed blood from his throat as his eyes widened.

  “You dare to enter my home and threaten me!? With such vulgar claims no less!" Koutarou growled, his eyes nearly red from how blood shot they’d grown.

  “I was told you’d be the calm and collected type.” Soga began, to which Koutarous eyes widened. “But you're a lot more annoying than I expected.”

  Veins sprouted across Koutarous brow and neck like spider webs and his teeth grit to the point of being painful. Cocking back his right arm it seemed to move in place or rather vibrate with quick back and forward motions before in a final flash- one so fast Soga could barely understand what had happened before his chest had been ripped open. Koutarous arm embedded up to the elbow through Koutarous chest. Flesh, bone and organs snapped, popped and tore with blood splashing out like a hydrant; Soga leaned forwards and blood poured from his throat thick and dark it was nearly black with bits of flesh and congealed gel like textures.

  The sound alone was horrific but the loudest of them all was the vibrations which shook the entire mansion including its very foundation. Wooden joint locks shifting and shingles falling Koutarou had not only created a hole in the chest of Soga but also the very floor below nearly 2 meters deep exposing a now broken pipe which spewed out water.

  Soga only coughed out blood once more before he leaned his head back with a grunt, eyes turning white as they rolled into his skull and his body going limp. Killed by the hand of Jounchike Koutarou, Sanjougou of the Toumeikan. “

  “I hope you know I took no pleasure in this.” Koutarou said with a sigh as he stood up and wiped his hand and forearm with a washcloth he’d plucked from his glazed bamboo counter top. “But one thing I don’t tolerate is disrespect, in my own home no less. Even worse from someone who can’t even hold back up the threats they utter.” Folding the washcloth into 3 pieces he placed it in his sink and turned the faucet on, but no water came out, only a thin whistle of air. Sighing he looked at the damage the short duel had done to his home. The tatami mats in his tea room were ripped to shreds and the wall separating said room from the kitchen no longer existed. His priceless Kuwa Era black liquorice lacquered Takaki wood table no more than splinters on the ground. “What a shame.” He sighed. “I’ll have to call Minamoto to fix it.”

  “I wouldn’t worry about that kinda thing too much.”

  “!?”

  Koutarou spun around with wide eyes to greet the now standing Soga Kusurisuke, the hole in his chest which was as big as basketball now gone with only a rip in the front of his jacket serving as proof it ever existed.

  “Like I said, you’ll be dead anyways.”

  # # #

  2:09

  “I’ll have Akatora skinned for this!” Kobe yelled, his face tomato red with spaghetti noodle like veins twisting across his temple. He smashed his geta sandals into the ground stomping until the wood began to chip and he grew out of breath. “How could he be outplayed like this!? I trusted him and he fell for such a simple trap!?

  To the left of Kobe and four paces behind was the Komuso Priest Kamotake Kyoso, a tall man who wore a bamboo bucker over his head and to his side a thick bamboo flute where a sword should have been. Watching his master's tantrum he was as silent as ever and stood perfectly straight, hands to his side and merely observing.

  “Hey, it’s the Kobe guy!”

  The shout came from behind and only Kobe turned to look at its source with a flick of his neck. The man who’d called his name; Maikishi Lizardon of the Omega Division, already having his machete drawn, he grinned ear to ear. Kobe himself was no more than a normal man, no magical talent or ability whatsoever and the Komuso priest hadn’t even turned to look in his direction- only a flute to his side it was as if the heavens aligned for Makishi to defeat Kobe and earn himself a promotion under Roach. However-

  In a flash Kyoso flicked through the air and then was upon Makishi, flute drawn with a single hand he struck the Venator Down. And despite the flute being dull and without a blade Lizardon was sliced cleanly in half with a spray of blood.

  Fortunately or rather in this came unfortunately having heard the cry of Lizardon came rushing another 10 Venerators each hoping to bag Kobe for themselves. But they quickly changed their tune as they saw the Komuso Priests flute dripping blood onto the corpse of a Lizardon sliced cleanly in half, a foul smell paired with splayed intestine and pooling blood.

  “Kyoso.” Kobe began turning his head away from the scene. “Leave not a single one alive.” At the command Kyoso aura spiked and the concrete below him shattered into a spider web like pattern-

  [Cold Storm Cannon!]

  [Cash For Favor!]

  [Wolf Fang Style: Lupus!]

  [Blade of Darkness Incarnate!]

  [Slime Vault!]

  [Two 2 One!]

  [Summon: Skull Servant!]

  [Techmache: Graphicwarrior!]

  [Wolf Fang Style: Lupus!]

  [Bombiatta Parade!]

  In a panic each Venator either sprung forward with their blades drawn or channeled their magic into a spell. However before the Void Headed Priest it was useless, in a spiral motion with no pattern nor sense to his movements Kyoso sliced down every single man and woman cleaving them into two pieces. Himself not suffering so much as a lint of dust the bodies fell to the floor with a clack as he flicked his flute through the air. Blood droplets thrown to the ground Kyoso strapped the flute to his side once more.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  “Let’s continue Kyoso, the tunnels should still be open.”

  # # #

  2:15 PM

  “Kenji!” Kanashi cried out with a wide smile as he ran to the side out of the wounded swordsman. Laying atop a pile of collapsed rubble, his kimono torn to shreds and bits of blood trickling down his skin; Kenji sat up with a weak smile.

  “Still alive huh?” He asked, his white teeth now stained red and orange with blood. Yet his arms which had just been riddled with pin pricked sized holes minutes before now healed as if he’d never been injured in the first place. Though the throbbing in his bones told a different story.

  “Jin was right, you really did heal!” Kanashi whistled as he helped Kenji to his feet. “You just keep getting stronger, maybe promising to let you fight Julius wasn’t a good idea.”

  Kenji grinned slightly at the joke yet he still limped for a few steps until catching himself straight. Twisting his hips and spine there was a series of pops and cracks which Kanashi flinched at though it seemed to make Kenji spring back to life.

  “Jin huh? He must be dealing with Domushi then, only a tiger can eat a wolf.” He laughed, wiggling his limbs like a dog would to shake water off of itself he fully reset his eyes turning to near slits and his grin so wide it seemed as if it would tear at his cheeks.

  “Yeah I kinda wanted to watch, to be honest.” Muttered Kanashi ruffled his hair. Seeing Domushi get beat would have been nice. “But I don’t think I could keep up with them let alone survive being caught in the crosshair.” He shrugged.

  “Watching is never as fun as doing it yourself! And now that our cover is blown, what're we gonna do first!?” Though Kenji's Grin quickly faded as realization of the situation set in and his shoulders slumped slightly. “No- come on, let’s escape this thing first. I’ll carry you if you want.” He added with a light cackle.

  Kanashi looked into Kenji's eyes, just as unsettling as his own sanpaku- no perhaps more and let out a deep sigh. “No.” He began shaking his head. “It's fine Kenji, I can take care of myself, you should go out there and fight all you want. This is the best chance you’ll probably ever get anyways.” Though he trailed off at the end, Kanashi put on a plastic smile. “It’s not fair for you to baby sit me- besides I’m strong enough to take care of myself ya know?” Flexing his arm Kanashi pointed to the ball of muscle now visible and the single vein which wiggled across the bicep.

  “No, it’s too dangerous, what if another Hachibuto or even just a Joshin finds you?” Kenji protested, which hurt Kanashis pride somewhat with the “Even just a Joshin.” Part.

  “It’s fine, it’s fine.” Kanashi laughed, shaking his head, “I can take care of myself, I’m not afraid of no Joshin punk. Besides-” Clearing his throat, Kanashi squared his shoulders and puffed out his chest, standing as tall as he could; he was still shorter than Kenji by a fair amount. “I, as your Shogun, order you; Kenji Tatakayaiba, my retainer, my Samurai to rip and tear your way through Shibuchu ward until you can bring me a Hachibuto in chains!”

  Kenji paused for a moment, face going blank before it warped into a grin and he cackled loudly. Reaching to his side he drew his Katana and thrust it to the heavens, rays of light reflecting off it with a blinding brightness. “Guess I can’t refuse an order like that huh?” He nodded. “But what’re you gonna do?”

  “...” Kanashi didn't answer at first, he only bit his cheek and thought deeply through his options. “I think I’ll help as many people as I can while I make my way to the opening.” He nodded, "Shouldn't be too dangerous.”

  Kenji shook his head in agreement before squaring his feet and bowing as deeply as one could while standing, Katana sheathed back to his side. “I will be back- to stay alive for me, I don’t think you can get me to fight Julius if you’re dead.” With that he stood up straight and vanished, his figure a blur only followed by the sound of hopping as he disappeared into the distance, surly a wide grin across his face and eyes narrowed.

  “Well I guess that just leaves me now…” Kanashi sighed looking around himself. “How about East? That’ll lead to the sea right?”

  # # #

  2:16

  “Go go go!” Yuko yelled out waving her hand through the crowd which fled to the east. She had personally been tasked with the evacuation of an older person home, specifically those who wouldn’t be able to evacuate on their own. With the aid of 50 members of the Edoland Venator Societies lower ranks as well as local volunteers; mostly nurses, doctors and care takers she had the entire home evacuated in less than 30 minutes.

  After double checking everyone had been removed from the home she carefully led the escape route through a predetermined path. [愛人道: Loves Lane] to be exact, as single one land road claimed to be the same location in which the first Emperor of Edoland 2700 years ago Touda Hatake proposed to his wife Asakami no Hiko.

  Rushing down the path as quickly as possible with a parade of wheel chairs and hospital beds they would soon reach a rendezvous point up ahead where those who guarded the opening in the barrier- Fleabius Roach would be able to direct the citizens out and into safety.

  Sweat dripped down Yukos brow and she wiped it away, frowning at the bit of mascara which had gotten on the back of her hand. Great.. She grimaced, she knew she shouldn’t have worn makeup but it was too tempting, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d gone without at least mascara. She wasn’t one to paint herself like a clown but little highlights and marks were never looked down upon.

  “Excuse~ me!”

  The sound like that of a baby's cry made Yuko jump slightly and whip around to see a lone man standing in the middle of the road rushing towards her. He was of round shape not quite fat but rather solid if she had to guess with shoulders that lead straight into his chin as if his neck simply didn' t exist and a puff of curly hair atop his head. Skin ghost white pale and eyes round he had a large nose and an undeniable underbite. While unique he didn’t seem rather ugly nor attractive he seemed somewhat average, a civilian.

  “If you need to evacuate then come with me!” Yuko called out with a wave, looking behind her she was the main party already getting ahead of her- they should be fine at this point the meeting point was only a little further ahead yet it wasn’t a bad idea to stick with them the whole way.

  “N-no that’s not it.” The man protested as he came up to Yuko, in a bizarre stunt he fell to one knee and skidded down the asphalt road in baggy jeans ripping away. “I just can’t help but think you are the single most beautiful women I’ve ever met!”

  Yuko blinked, expression blank, she almost drooled she was so confused. “Uhmm, thank you?” She muttered out with a shrug. “But right now isn’t the time for this, we need to get out of here before someone attack-”

  At that and without asking the man jumped to his feet and scooped up Yuko into his arms, her face pressing against his curly chest hairs which were as coarse as sand paper and smelled of sweat mixed with cheap cologne. “Of course! How foolish of me to do this here, we need to get you to safety! But don’t worry I’ll protect you until we get somewhere more… private.” At the last word the man blushed slightly and Yuko grimaced.

  “W-wait!” She argued trying to push herself out of his grip- yet his arms as large as they were were strong enough to make it a real strain, she almost didn’t want to admit it took all she had to get loose.

  “Stop! Wait a moment we need to slow down-”

  “It’s love at first sight.” The man laughed with a shrug. “That’s what it’s called my-”

  “Yuko…” Yuko frowned, no wait why did she even answer him.

  “Yuko!? Oh my lovely traveler Yuko, come with me, I will guide you to safety, you don’t need to worry about the Toumeikan attacking us, after all, I'm a Joshin. Under my arms you’re as safe as anywhere in the world.” With a bit of a bragging tone to the end of his words the man puffed up his chest.

  The hair on the back of Yukos neck stood up and she suppressed a shudder, “Umm listen-”

  “Yodan, Aioko Yodan at your service.” The man- Yodan bowed deeply.

  “Okay Aioko…” Dumbfounded Yuko didn’t know what to say, the man clearly had no intention of letting her go so the only way to go was to scare him off, and judging by his character so far it was unlikely he would be the kind to retaliate with violence. At least she hoped so. “I’m Ubaru Yuko, Rear Captain of the Venator Society's Edoland branch." Trying to puff her chest as much as she could, she quickly stopped when she noticed Yodan's eyes moving straight down to stare at her breasts. Covering them with her arms crossed she instead chose to raise her chin high. “I’m busy right now so I’ll let you go along as long as you don’t cause too much trouble, I can’t promise the same for anyone else but if you surrender with your arms up I’m sure you'll be treated favorably by the courts. You seem to be a nice guy afterall.”

  “Surrender?” Yodan asked, tilting his head to the side. “Of course I will surrender; my love, but only to you!”

  Ruffling her hair Yuko frowned, the man wasn’t getting the clue. Maybe she wasn’t being direct enough, “I don’t like you.” She said, that should work, she figured, sometimes you just had to lay it down, women liked to be discreet about these kinds of things but it didn’t always work. Men and Women were just different in that way she figured. However-

  Yuko spat with a whistle as Yodan's ghost white face turned nearly translucent, his mouth hanging open and eyes rolled back into his skull he slumped over as if dead. “Don’t die over it!” She yelped, “You’re just not my type.”

  “!”

  At that Yodan seemed to come back to life instantly, color returning to his face, it turned red and his eyes grew narrow. “So that’s it huh?” He asked with a growl. “Not your type? You think I’m ugly don’t you? You want some jerk huh? Some mean guy to come and grab you by your hair and push your head down!?”

  “Huh?” Yuko yelped, “What the hell are you talking about-”

  “You’re just like all the other whores! God damnit I’m so sick of this I try so hard yet it always happend the same, friendzone this, not my type that it’s endless! What do I have to do to win for once!? To stop being this, a- a virgin with rage!”

  “W-wait I’m so confuse-”

  [Nice Guys Finish Last!]

  With a blast of pink aura the ground shattered under Yodan, his back cracking he began to grow in size, already thick arms becoming coiled with knotting muscle and veins the suit he wore tore away until only white boxers with red hearts on them remained. “I’ll show you just how bad I can be then!”

  “I’m so confused!” Yuko Yelped as she raised her hands to fists, channeling her own pink aura.

  [鬼経: Kitsune] No real way to directly translate this the Kanji mean “Demon” and “Sutra” respectively as in Buddhist Sutra. Kitsune the world itself as in the sound is a nine tailed fox.

  [愛人道] - Means “Lovers Road” roughly.

  [東田覇武] Touda Hatake - The first Emperor of Edolands first imperial dynasty born 2700 years ago, he is much like the real worlds Emperor Jimmu. The Kanji for his surname are of course 東田 meaning Eastern Field, like I said in a previous chapter the Touda built their dynasty on being the first family to create a monopoly on rice paddies. The 2nd name is 覇武 which means “Conquerors Military” or “Conquer Campaign”

  [愛怒酔男] Aioko Yodan - The first two Kanji mean “Loving Rage” and the 2nd “Crushing Masculine.” I want to make it clear that with Yodan It’s not an attack on men with social issues nor anxiety, trust me I’m right in that same boat. He’s more meant to be like a Chris Chan situation of delusional and entitled. He’s not ugly either- imagine Jimbei from one piece but human and with a Jewish afro not tight curls but rather somewhat loose curls. That’s how I imagine him.