#suzukake

Saneaki: No, wait, are you sure? It’s so sudden it’s a bit hard to believe.

Suzukake: S-Saneaki’s right! What if you got it wrong? If… if… she got married, I’d get lonely…

Sakyo: You two need to calm down. No matter how much you panic, the problem won’t solve itself. First, let’s listen to what Enishi-dono has to say.

Sakyo: Now then, Enishi-dono. Quickly, tell us what is happening. Hurry and tell us everything you know…!

Kei: You’re the one who needs to calm down! You’re gonna kill him! Let go!

Sakyo: Ah, my deepest apologies. I got a little too… very well, please explain.

Enishi: *gasp* *gasp*...I saw heaven for a second there…

Saneaki: You were really hanging on by a thread there, Enishi-dono.

Enishi: As if you cared about me at all!

Enishi: Anyway, I understand how Sakyo feels. I don’t want to accept this just as much as you guys. The princess getting married to some man…

Tsuzuramaru: I don’t want to think about it!

Enishi: Exactly, to not think about it is to not believe it.

Kei: You’re the one who said it, how could you not believe it?!

Enishi: It’s true I don’t believe it, but I heard it myself.

Suzukake: Heard it? From where?

Enishi: I went to a cloth dealer I knew, and he was talking to me about how his son was getting married soon. Was bragging about how amazing his partner was. I was listening pretty intently, but the more he spoke, the more I thought he was talking about our princess. Eventually I figured out that he *was* talking about our princess, so I ran without even finishing my sake!

Sakyo: And then you summoned us here, yes? I will not say anything about you drinking in broad daylight, I understand the situation well enough.

Enishi. That’s right. That’s why I had to gather all my friends from our journey together from the bridal procession. This is the most serious of emergencies, right? It looked like the cloth dealer’s wedding gift was almost done being prepared, so I thought it would be better to tell you guys as soon as possible.

Kei: Ha. This is stupid. I thought something had happened, but that’s it?

Saneaki: Kei-dono? What’s wrong?

Kei: What do you mean what’s wrong? Cut it out! I was wondering why we had to be called here when it’s just about a girl getting married.

Enishi: You say that, but weren’t you the quickest here?

Kei: Shut up! I… just happened to be nearby!

Tsuzuramaru: Hm? But on my way here a man that looked just like you sped right past me. Did they just happen to look alike? I was walking pretty quickly but he still managed to pass me and disappeared. What a truly extraordinary person…

Kei: *punches Tsuzuramaru* S-S-S-S-Shut up! Stop yabbering! Besides! Enishi, I don’t believe what you’re saying at all. You must have made a mistake when you were all smashed.

Saneaki: Kei-dono is right. If she really were to be married to someone, she would have no reason to hide it from us—

Suzukake: Aaaaah!!

Kei: W-What is it now?

Suzukake: I-I just remembered… when I was delivering medicine earlier, I passed by Princess’ storefront. I think I saw some congratulatory gifts from a dowry being brought there...

Saneaki: What? If that’s true, then what Enishi said might have some weight…

Tsuzuramaru: Ah… it seems that way…

Enishi: Why don’t you guys trust me but trust Suzukake?!

Tsuzuramaru: If this is really happening then… Miss is really being married to some man… Aaaaagh…

Kei: Argh! You’re so loud! Don’t hold your head and start screaming! Oi, Sakyo, don’t just sit there, say something!

Sakyo: Unforgivable.

Kei: Hah? Why’d you stand up for?

Kei: ...Why’d you take your sword? …What are you planning on doing?

Sakyo: What, you ask?

Sakyo: Is it not obvious? I will cut that man.

Suzukake: Cut?! C-Calm down, Sakyo-san!

Tsuzuramaru: Y-You can’t do that!

Saneaki: That’s right, Sagihara-dono. You shouldn’t cut people.

Sakyo: But…!

Saneaki: Even if you injured him, that would change nothing.

Tsuzuramaru: Exactly!

Saneaki: It should be enough to exile him to a deserted island—

Tsuzuramaru: Saneaki!! You can’t do that either!

Kei: Saying some real scary stuff like that… are you forgetting there’s a patrolman here listening?

Enishi: In any case we’re not accepting this marriage. Everybody agree?

Sakyo: I have no complaints. This situation must be stopped, no matter the means.

Kei: You’re scaring us, you need to cool off!

Suzukake: I… I’ve always wished for the Princess’ happiness…so if she really wants to get married, I won’t stop her. But… but, if she’s hesitating even a little… then I hope I’ll be able to convince her to think about it again.

Tsuzuramaru: I’m the same. No matter what, I have to show her my feelings first!

Sakyo: Indeed. I may have been a bit rash...

Kei: A *bit*? A bit my ass. I don’t care what you guys do as long as you’re not cutting down people. And no exiling either!

Saneaki: I will think about it.

Kei: Don’t ‘think about it’, don’t even think about it at all!

Saneaki: No matter the case, I cannot pretend I didn’t hear about this. If this marriage is real, then I am concerned about why she didn’t talk to us about it. This needs to be investigated.

Enishi: Right! For the princess, let’s break this marriage!

Everyone except Kei: Right!

Kei: We’re not breaking anything, didn’t we *just say* we’re investigating? Geez… nothing bad’s gonna happen… right?

---

Track 2 - Kei

Ah, geez, what’s all this fuss about? Those guys got together and made so much noise over nothing, what an eyesore. It’s just her getting married to someone, what’s the problem?

W-Well, it’s worrying that she didn’t mention it to any of us. But just a bit. Just a bit, that’s all!

Hm? That guy ahead of me… isn’t he the young master of the cloth dealers’ Enishi talked about? But who’s the girl next to him?

(Looks like they’re pretty close… they’re walking so close, and they look happy together.

Don’t tell me, this guy’s about to get married, but he’s going on dates with girls in broad daylight?! 

Don’t mess around. So he’s not planning on properly taking care of her after all? 

That girl’s always working hard no matter where she is, she’s strong-willed but gentle at heart, and she’s an unimaginably good woman. But here you are… Dammit… how could someone like you snatch her up?)

Unforgivable. 

Oi, you over there--

Who’s there?! Don’t bother me--

Huh? Ah, i-it’s you?! Wh-What are you doing here… d-don’t you have to watch the store?

Eh? Ah… you were just coming back from the dojo? Ah, well, there’s nothing wrong with that.

(Nothing wrong with that, my ass! It’ll get ugly if she stays here! If she sees that young master walking around with another woman, she’ll get hurt for sure! I need to think of a way to get her out of here fast. Agh! Why do I have to do something like this? But I can’t just leave it...)

Uh… *ahem* ah, um.. that’s… um… ah, that’s right! You look like you’re getting hungry.

You’re not? Just say you are, idiot!

Anyway, there’s a good teahouse over there. Let’s go! Right now!

---

(*sigh* Speak of the devil and they’ll appear, huh… but looking at her, it doesn’t look like she saw the young master. But now that I’ve seen that, to let a guy who hangs out with women like that become her husband-- I’m definitely not going to allow it. But… how am I gonna tell her that? …*sigh*)

‘What’s wrong’? What a sleazy guy! It’s because I’ve been thinking about you that I have this headache!

Huh? N-No, it’s nothing… Anyway, hurry up and eat it. Look, all those fresh beans in this anmitsu is definitely going to taste good-- ah, BEANS?! Ugh, I almost ate them…

Hah? I’m not being weird at all! I’m the same as always! Just hurry up and eat it! Here, you can have my portion too.

(What the hell am I doing? I’m getting way too distracted… Anyway, all I have to say is: “Hurry up and turn down the marriage”. A sleaze like him is going to bring her nothing but unhappiness. The time to stop it is now. No, I *have* to say it! “You gotta give up a guy like that”!)

Hey, you. Just give it up.

Idiot, why are you so dazed for? Did you think I wouldn’t know? I was going to find out why you didn’t tell me. But, I have to say this.

If you keep going like this, then you’re just going to get hurt. I won’t say more on what bad things could happen. So think about it again.

That’s true. You wouldn’t understand what I’m talking about. Because you didn’t see what I saw. But I saw it myself, with my own eyes.

I always thought that as long as you were happy, it would be enough. But I realised this wasn’t right. From now on, I don’t want to see you in pain either. That’s why, just believe in me, and think about it!

Ah! I see, you were already planning on giving it up?

--Why are you giving the anmitsu I gave you back?

Hah? I was trying so hard to get you to give up the anmitsu that you decided you won’t eat anymore?

N-No! I wasn’t talking about the anmitsu!

W-Well, it’s true that I don’t like beans, but I don’t care if someone else eats them! Besides! Being this serious over a bowl of anmitsu, that doesn’t even make sense! I wasn’t talking about that at all!

Anyway! Isn’t there something more important?!

That… you know… what I’m trying to say is-- argh, dammit! What I’ve been trying to say is that I want your future to be happy!

(Huh… huh? What… did I just say?)

*Clapping*

A-ah, no! Wanting you to be happy… that… that wasn’t what I meant! I-- aghhh!!

T-The money… I’m leaving it here! Bye!!

(What am I doing…? I was supposed to have her give up on the marriage completely… in the end I said so many unnecessary things… I’ll… never be able to face her again… Guh…)

---

Track 3 - Suzukake

Suzukake: (There she is… it’s the princess. She’s always sweeping the storefront at this time. If she’s really getting married… I won’t be able to meet up with her casually anymore. 

I’ll get lonely.

Hey, Princess, are you really going to get married? Did you really want to get married?

I want to ask her, but I’m scared… 

Ah! She spotted me… I… have to go. Even though I don’t know what to say… I-I’ll just talk like I normally do!)

H-Hey, Princess! The weather’s good today, isn’t it?

Eh? Why was I hiding behind the wagon? So I could come and see you— no, hide and seek! I was playing hide and seek!

Mhm! Y-Yep… I was playing by myself! Ah, no… a person can’t play by themselves… uh… um…

(Ugh… she’s going to think I’m weird…)

Eh? U-Uh huh, yeah, I came to see you. Because I have something I wanted to say to you.

(If I say that then there’s no way I’m gonna run away. I don’t want to either! I’m gonna listen to what she has to say.)

Hey… you haven’t been thinking about wanting to get married before, right?

I’m sorry for asking out of the blue… but I really have to know. You might not remember what happened during the bridal procession clearly anymore, but I still do.

I thought you looked really pretty in your bridal kimono then.

You were just a fake bride then but… but, did the princess really have someone you wanted to get married to one day? Was there... a place you wanted to go with someone?

(Why am I asking these kinds of questions? It’s because… I don’t want to let you go. If you go away with that person… I’ll get lonely. My heart will start hurting, and I’ll feel like I want to cry. Hey… don’t go off to another man’s side! Don’t go, Princess!)

Please, tell me. Do you want to get married?

...One day…?

(That’s a lie… you’re about to get married soon, aren’t you? And then we won’t be able to play, we won't be able to laugh together like this anymore.)

*sobs* Princess! You can’t! Don’t go anywhere! I don’t want that!! *cries*

I won’t be able to hug you like this anymore! I don’t want that! Hey, don’t go, alright?

I’ll do whatever I have to to make you smile! If you ever get hurt, I’ll be able to heal you quickly! No… I’d never let you get hurt! That’s why, Princess, stay with me forever!

Enishi: What the hell are you guys doing in public? 

Suzukake: Aaah! Enishi?! Let me go! Princess is— Princess is—!

Enishi: How could I let you cry out on the streets? Can’t you see you’re worrying the princess?

Suzukake: How could you be so calm? Separating us is so mean!

Enishi: Hah?

Suzukake: The princess is disappearing soon! She’s gonna get taken away by a man I don’t even know!!!

Enishi: W-Wait! If you say it like that then you’re gonna make me sound like a human trafficker! Look! The people around us are staring! Do you want the police to come too?!

Suzukake: *wailing*

Enishi: O-Oi! Don’t move around so much! A-Ah, you’ll hit the wagon! Aaaagh!!

---

Track 4 - Enishi

*sigh* That got pretty bad… Thanks for letting me rest inside the restaurant, Princess. Suzukake kept coming back too, I wonder what happened?

Ah… you don’t know either. I see.

(Well, he’s probably coming back to listen to any rumours about the marriage… Even though he beat me to it, it looks like no one will bother us for the time being. Plus it’s just the two of us in the restaurant… I guess even the heavens are helping me.)

Ah, no, it’s nothing. Anyway, do you have some time now, Princess?

I see. It’s started to get calmer. That’s good. Hey, Princess, how about we talk for a bit? Here, come sit over here.

(Alright, alright! Everything’s going smoothly. Even though I want to look at Princess like this a bit more, the marriage thing is the most important thing at hand right now. I even made some special preparations for this. I have to change her mind no matter what.)

Hey, Princess. There’s actually something I want to give you.

Here, isn’t it beautiful? This kanzashi.

When I saw it I thought it would suit you so well I decided to buy it. It’s my present for you.

Don’t say that you can’t accept it, you’ll make the kanzashi cry! Besides, there’s nobody else aside from you I want to give it to, so you should take it.

Don’t move, let me put it on.

Come on, if you keep moving around I won’t be able to put it on properly, right?

Yep! I knew it’d suit you! As expected of someone like me, not bad! It’s made out of wood like the ones used for scabbards. Don’t you think that’s nice? You can say it matches the accessories I’m wearing.

Eh? You’re saying this is the first time you know what a scabbard is made out of?

Haha, I’m not *that* knowledgeable yet! Ahaha…

(Uuh… Even though I’m happy she just complimented me, we’re not here to talk about what it’s made out of… I thought it would remind her about the marriage… As expected of the princess, I can’t just use any plain old method… in that case…)

Buuuuut I’m a bit worried…

Why, you ask? Because the princess is just so cute, I’m worried that another man will steal you away.

Maybe that kanzashi can be proof that you should be by my side forever.

Hey… if I said that to you, how would you react? I don’t want to give a princess this cute to someone else.

I’m not playing around, this is how I really feel.

Princess, don’t run away. I want you to listen to me properly. The man you love the most… what’s he like?

You must have thought of someone. Even if you tried to hide it, I can see it clearly. Princess, please think about it carefully.

The man that you’re thinking of right now, is he better than me?

I don’t plan to lose to him. If you doubt my feelings, I’ll prove it to you. I’ll fight him if I have to.

Don’t stop me, there are times where men have to get into battles like this one.

I plan to bring that man here, and have a fight with him fair and square right in front of you.

What? He’s in the house? That’s perfect. Could you do me a favour and bring him out?

(The fact that this guy can just come in and out of her house in broad daylight… I’m so jealous!!— No, he’s about a hundred years too early staying here! Who is this outstanding guy? I’ll personally challenge you! If I win, she’ll definitely change her mind about the marriage!)

He’s out. I’ve been waiting for you. Now, it’s time to duel—!

Ah, huh? Um… I’m pretty sure you’re the princess’ father…?

(Why did her father come out? Hah? I just realised I didn’t specify that I was looking for her marriage partner. Haha, that’s true, if it’s not about love then of course the person she loves the most would be her father. Uh-huh… I see. So… my super serious confession didn’t get through to her at all? P-Princess… I can feel sad too, you know…)

Eh, ah… no, father… fighting fair and square… it was just a figure of speech! F-Father? Why are you grabbing my shoulder smiling like that?

Eh? A cooking battle?

You’re happy because there hasn’t been any youngsters with a backbone to challenge you lately…?? D-Don’t joke, how could a ronin like me challenge the owner of a restaurant?

N-No… y-you made a mistake— this is all just a misunderstanding!!

W-Wait!! Don’t pull me! I know I’m carrying a sword but I’ve never used a knife before!

AAH!! Princess, help me!! Princessss!!!!

---

Track 5 - Interlude

Kei, Suzukake, Enishi: *sigh*

Saneaki: What’s wrong, you three? Why do you look so worn out?

Kei: Why did I… in front of so many people…

Suzukake: *sobs* No… Princess….

Enishi: J-Julienning… no more…

Sakyo: This time it’s Enishi-dono? What a predicament...

Tsuzuramaru: W-What exactly happened…?

Saneaki: Enishi-dono, don’t you have anything to say?

Enishi: I… I’ll never give up! Princesss!!

Saneaki: It’s no use. I can’t get through to him.

Tsuzuramaru: What about you, Kei? What happened?

Kei: I have nothing to say… except… except. That cloth dealer bastard was getting real chummy with another woman!

Tsuzuramaru: What?!

Sakyo: He is already going to be wed soon… and he was with another woman? Unbelievable…

Saneaki: Even if we ignored Enishi-dono for now, if Kei-dono said so then it must be true.

Enishi: Why do you always have to say things that wound my heart?

Suzukake: *sobs* Princess… *cries*

Saneaki: Suzukake-dono…

Tsuzuramaru: I can’t let this go on! I’m going to go find Miss now!

Saneaki: Wait! Tsuzuramaru-dono!

Tsuzuramaru: Don’t stop me! There’s nothing to say about a guy like him!

Saneaki: Ah, he’s gone…It looks like he went without a plan… will he be alright?

Saneaki: Now then, Sagihara-dono, what should we do?

Sakyo: You… To hand her over to a person like that… 

Saneaki: …It looks like there isn’t a plan here either. *sigh*

---

Track 6 - Tsuzuramaru

Tsuzuramaru: *panting* I made it…

(Miss… she’s inside. Calm down, Tsuzuramaru. She’s just the same as usual, helping out at home, she hasn’t left the house yet. I can still make it. I should still make it! Now’s the time to be a man, as if I’m staking my life on this!)

*stomach grumbles*

(For my stomach to growl even at a time like this… it makes me hate myself. No… but… ah… that smells so good. It looks like they’re cooking something right now. Are these dried sweet potatoes? 

That smell… Miss’ food always whets the appetite. My stomach’s been completely captured. Even if it’s the same dish, if you look carefully, you can tell she put a lot of effort into it. A woman who meticulously works no matter what it is… that’s Miss… I… I…)

*stomach grumbles*

(Ugh… I want to yell out how I feel about Miss, but I’m so hungry I can’t even summon the energy…)

M-Miss? Why did you come outside?

Is that so? Because you saw me? H-How embarrassing. I seem to have gotten in the way of your cooking.

(No, this is a good opportunity. If I want Miss to cancel the marriage now’s the moment!)

Miss… actually, I’ve been wanting to tell you—

Ugh… this… Actually, I haven't eaten properly since morning because of my worries…

I came at a good time?

T-Taste testing? Are you saying I can help  taste what you’re making right now?

(What? N-No… why did I come here in the first place? But to decline her offer would be a shame… and I’m hungry anyway…)

T-Then if it’s alright with you, I’ll try a little.

Y-Yes! Excuse me…

Usually the master does all the food preparations. It’s strange to see Miss doing that today.

Hm? A lot of customers came and there weren't enough ingredients? So he went to get some?

Ahaha, these customers can really eat a lot, don't they?

Eh? They weren’t eaten? He just did a lot of cooking? And made a lot of food? 

Hm… I don’t really understand, but that’s unfortunate, isn’t it?

(Wait… doesn’t that mean it’s just the two of us here right now? W-What…? My heart suddenly won’t calm down… Anyway, I need to calm down first…)

Sorry, Miss! I was just thinking about something. Ah... did you need me to taste that sweet potato?

Then I’ll help myself.

Delicious! It’s so good! I could taste the flavour of the hot sweet potato as soon as it hit my mouth!

I’m not just being polite! Miss will definitely be a good wife one day. 

(Hm? Wife? That’s right… I seem to have forgotten something important. What was it?)

Oh, did you need me to taste that too?

I’m very grateful. Then, if you’ll allow me…

As expected, delicious! 

(Ah… I’m so lucky... If I were to marry Miss… would it be like this everyday? Marry? ...Marry? Huh… Something doesn’t seem right. I’ve forgotten something… but I can’t remember.

No, I should be focusing on helping taste test the dishes Miss made herself! If I don’t do it properly there’ll be retribution!)

The flavour of this fried fish is endless! I can’t stop my chopsticks! It’s so good I want to eat it with rice! Eh? Can I? Then I’ll help myself. I’ll eat this rice ball, then!

Ah! So satisfying!

Miss’ future husband is going to be so lucky! Hahahaha….

---

Kei: So. Why did you come back so casually after going out to eat food?!!

Tsuzuramaru: I-I’m ashamed of myself…

Kei: A samurai should stick to his word! Where did all that energy you had when you rushed out this morning go?!!

Tsuzuramaru: Ah… it’s because Miss’ food was so good, I accidentally forgot my original objective…

Suzukake: How lucky, you got to eat the princess’ homemade cooking.

Enishi: Good grief. Let’s not even talk about the food I made, all I got was severe criticism. Huu...

Tsuzuramaru: I-I’m sorry. Hey, where’s Saneaki?

Kei: He just went out. If he can’t do it either, then there’s nothing we’ll be able to do.

---

Track 7 - Saneaki

(The sun is about to set, and the number of pedestrians passing the bridges has fallen. If the information obtained is correct, the cloth dealer’s young master should pass by here around this time. To get to the truth about these marriage rumours, and the fact that he’s been close to other women, I’ll get to the bottom of this here. If there are any surprises…

No… of course, I don’t plan to cut him down. But if it’s just... the back of the blade, then there should be no problem.

W-What was I just thinking? I’m just going to talk to him.

But… contaminating her beautiful and flawless heart, this is a very serious crime.

Hm? That figure… It’s her? Why? At this time?

I can’t believe I’d see her while waiting for the young master… if she asks me what I’m doing, I’ll have no way to answer her. 

Ugh, did she notice me?)

What a coincidence.

To meet in a place like this. Although… where were you going at a time like this?

Tsuzuramaru-dono forgot something at the restaurant? 

(What was he doing? That Tsuzuramaru-dono…)

Ah, if that’s the case, I can return it to him. No, it’s fine. I have plans to see him again soon, so it’s no trouble. 

Hm? Is something wrong?

Are you that surprised that he and I made plans to meet?

(Ah! No, if you think about it, it is strange! I usually live in the mountains far away from Edo, it’s already unusual for me to be on the streets. Not only that, but to also say I’m meeting with Tsuzuramaru-dono, she’ll definitely think something happened.)

Ah, no, Tsuzuramaru-dono and I were… I know, we promised to train together.

Yes, it was a favour he asked of me. I planned to meet up with him for a few duels.

(Looks like she believes me. So the princess's heart is this pure and flawless.

Plus, my heart is hurting as well.)

Hm? N-No, you don’t have to join us. Although I’m aware you're very passionate about the naginata, it is not appropriate to meet men at night.

Even if you ask me… I can’t…

(Oh no… hearing me mention practice… her eyes are sparkling… If I say it was just a lie, then she’ll know I deceived her. But, I can’t bear to refuse her like this. 

Is there something I could say that wouldn’t hurt her but make her give up…?)

M-My apologies, but wouldn’t it be too difficult for you? This will be very intense training. It’s not something someone should go into without being fully aware of what it is.

What kind of training is it? Well… that…

(F-For me to lie to a pure-hearted girl… please forgive me for my sins!)

We will cross blades at Mount Nabebuta. With a single slice, we will be able to cleave through rocks and trees, split even the earth and ocean, make mountains erupt flames, to raise gales on flat ground, this atypical power passed under the heavens, the true swordsmanship that governs the universe and all living things! That! Is that we will be training for. 

(Is what I said, but what sort of samurai like that would exist?! Even someone like her would notice…!)

I-I see… you think that’s impressive.

No… that… isn’t much.

(S-She believed me? E-Even though I was the one who said it… but to believe even those words is really… Ah… Her trusting eyes… seeing them now pains me!)

What? You want to watch us despite all that? No! E-Even watching us will be difficult.

The reason? The reason is…

(I’ve reached my limit… if I keep betraying her trust in me and continuing saying nonsense… I… I…—)

There’s no possible way I could do that!!

(Oh, God! Please forgive this most sinful servant of yours!)

---

Track 8 - Sakyo

Everyone: *sigh*

Enishi: Look, even Saneaki looks like he’s gone through a tough battle.

Suzukake: It seems so… Tsuzuramaru aside, Saneaki-san looks so defeated…

Enishi: It looks like the sun is setting soon, I can’t believe the mood got even heavier.

Suzukake: *sigh* We’ve really at the end of our ropes, what do we do now?

Enishi: Oi, Kei, don’t you have any good ideas?

Kei: Don’t ask me, go ask Sagihara. ...Huh? Where did he go?

Enishi: Huh? Now that you say it I haven’t seen him for a while.

Suzukake: Sakyo-san had a really scary face all day, is he going to be alright? When he first heard what Enishi told us, he almost lost his head…

Kei: That was the first time I’ve seen Sagihara make a face that scary before. Don’t tell me… something happened…?

Enishi: No… is what I’d like to say, but I’ve been having a bad feeling about this…

Suzukake: A bad feeling?

Kei: Don’t you remember? When we first met up…

(Flashback)

Sakyo: What, you ask?

Sakyo: Is it not obvious? I will cut that man.

---

Enishi: You don’t think he really took his sword and…?

Suzukake: Eh?! Then we have to go stop him!

Kei: I don’t want to believe it but, with a face like that he really might have gone and done it.

Enishi: In any case, we have to hurry…!

Suzukake: Yep! Come on, Tsuzuramaru, Saneaki-san! You have to pull yourself together for the princess!

Tsuzuramaru: A-Ah, sorry. Now’s not the time to be all down!

Saneaki: Even I had been… Let’s hurry and find Sagihara-dono!

---

Sakyo: Without knowing it I came to the storefront…

(Just thinking about her marriage partner gives me goose bumps all over my body in disgust. To cheat and marry a girl who doesn’t know any better, what a despicable man! Absolutely unforgivable.

Princess. I will definitely rescue you from the claws of this demon!

For that sake… yes, I have no choice but to draw support from the power of my blade!

Oh? It seems I have been discovered.)

Good evening, Princess.

Are you alright? To step outside at night like this is dangerous. You stepped out because you saw me?

Thank you very much.

Truthfully, I came to find you because I had something I wished to talk to you about.

Eh? Everyone has been saying they were looking for you?

(That’s true… everyone has been very worried about this issue. You did not change your mind no matter who came to you… That is why, I will use this sword…! 

But I cannot do that in a place with so many people. I must find a place much darker, more quiet, somewhere where nobody can disturb me…)

Princess, are you willing to experience the night breeze with me for a while?

---

Kei: Oi! Is he over there?

Suzukake: He’s not! Where did Sakyo-san take the princess off to?

Kei: Sagihara!! Where are you? Come out!!

Suzukake: Sakyo-san!! Don’t hide anymore!

Tsuzuramaru: He really did go to the store, but I didn’t think we’d be a step too late… I didn’t think he’d take Miss, and not the young master…

Enishi: Sakyo wouldn’t get violent towards the princess, would he?!

Suzukake: N-No way! That wouldn’t happen, right?!

Tsuzuramaru: How could this have happened? Miss!! Where are you?

Saneaki: Isn’t he nearby? We should search the opposite side next…

Sakyo: Oh…?

Everyone: W-We found you!!

Sakyo: W-What is it? Staring at me like I am some exotic creature… and being so loud.

Kei: You have the gall to look that indifferent. We’ve been looking for you!

Sakyo: I do not know what happened, but can you step aside? The princess and I have a place we must go, please do not disturb us.

Suzukake: A place you have to go… w-where?

Enishi: Don’t tell me it’s the Underworld…?

Sakyo: The Underworld? Hm…

Sakyo: Haha. Well, if I am with the Princess, then that place does not sound bad…

Tsuzuramaru: Wh—

Saneaki: I knew it… it’s like that…

Sakyo: I was just teasing, your faces are all so pale. I was simply playing—

Tsuzuramaru: Even if you’re Sakyo, I won’t let you get away with it!

Sakyo: Excuse me—?

Tsuzuramaru: Miss! You can’t lose your life here! Come over here, run!

Sakyo: Where do you think you’re going? Wait!

Enishi: Tsuzuramaru, that guy’s getting the spotlight! As if I’ll let him! Just you wait—

Saneaki: …There’s no choice.

Suzukake: W-Wait! Everybody!

Kei: That idiot! Dammit…

---

Sakyo: I… I finally caught you… Princess… come, this time… you and I will… together… go…

Tsuzuramaru: I… I won’t let you! Sakyo! Think about it again properly!

Sakyo: No matter how many times I think, my feelings will not change!

Kei: You finally drew your sword, huh, you blockhead!

Saneaki: Sagihara-dono! Do you really think doing this will make the princess happy?

Suzukake: Exactly, Sakyo-san! Come on, put the sword down!

Sakyo: I politely decline the offer. No matter how many times my hand must grasp this sword, I must tell the princess how I feel!

Tsuzuramaru: I won’t let you! Miss, please hide behind me!

Sakyo: You’re naive, Tsuzuramaru-dono.

Sakyo: Oh? There’s a flying riceball in the sky!

Tsuzuramaru: What? Where?

Sakyo: An opening!

Tsuzuramaru: Dammit! Miss!

Enishi: What the hell are you doing, Tsuzuramaru? How could you fall for that?

Sakyo: Hehe. For Tsuzuramaru-dono to think he would win against me, he is a hundred years early for that!

Sakyo: Princess. I truly want to bring you to a very beautiful place. But please, allow me to use this blade to… to blade to…

Everyone: STOP!!

Sakyo: ...give to you! From now on, my family treasures and myself will belong to you!

Everyone: WHAT???

Sakyo: Even after these five’s persuasion, you haven't changed your mind. Since you still want to be paired with someone, then you will have no reason to be paired with that person! Allow me to take you as my bride! So, Princess, you no longer need to be by another person’s side!

Kei: Can you not make it about that?!

Enishi: Right! Right! If you can propose to her can I propose too?!

Kei: That’s not the point either!!

Suzukake: You can be with the princess when you become the groom, right? Then I want to become the groom!

Tsuzuramaru: W-What?! Then me too!! I want to eat Miss’ delicious food every day!

Saneaki: No, no, a groom is a man who can manage the family. If that’s the case then I am the best choice, when it comes to cooking I have some confidence in myself.

Kei: Did any of you guys even listen to me?!!!!

Sakyo: Princess, you do not have to listen to the others. Throw away the cloth dealer’s young master. All you have to do is choose me. Come, Princess!

---

Tsuzuramaru: M-Miss? Miss? Are you alright?

Enishi: She must be overwhelmed with how she couldn’t even cut in…

Saneaki: You’re asking what this is all about?

Sakyo: What do you mean? We…

Suzukake: We heard you were getting married… so… 

Enishi: Right, and it’s the young master from the cloth dealer, right? But I don’t think that guy will make you happy.

Kei: Sorry, but I saw that guy go out with another girl.

Tsuzuramaru: That’s why we’ve been coming to you, so you can think about this marriage more carefully!

Tsuzuramaru: Eh? You haven’t been thinking about getting married?

Sakyo: But your house seems to have a dowry…

Saneaki: The dowry is your neighbour’s?

Suzukake: Eh? You’re just minding it because they’re not home?

Tsuzuramaru: W-Wait, but there’s been rumours that Miss and the young master were getting married?

Kei: O-Oi, Enishi! What’s going on? Didn’t you say the young master’s getting married to her?

Enishi: Yeah, that’s what I heard! And I was listening properly! The young master’s marriage partner is energetic, is good at cooking, her voice is as clear as a bell, and even flowers will bloom on the road where she walks. She’s so slender she looks like she would break at a touch, but her willpower is stronger than most people. And the most important thing: I heard she has a cute smile!

Enishi: It’s definitely the princess! Even now I think I’m right! That’s how it is! What do you think, you lot?

Tsuzuramaru: …I agree.

Suzukake: That’s true…

Saneaki: I see… Well, it’s not like I don’t understand how Enishi-dono feels.

Kei: WHERE?! You got it completely wrong!!

Sakyo: Wait a second… so what you are saying… is that this is all… a misunderstanding?

Enishi: Ah… It… seems… so. Hehe, but knowing the princess isn’t getting married is good news!

Kei: It’s. Not. Good. News. At. ALLLL!!!

---

Track 9 - Ending

Sakyo: Apologies for intruding.

Tsuzuramaru: Oh, if it isn’t Sakyo.

Sakyo: Tsuzuramaru-dono? And everyone else seems to have gathered here...

Enishi: Yep, and with you we’ll all be present. Can you sit with everyone? Sit here.

Sakyo: To visit the princess again… it seems everyone had the same idea.

Suzukake: Mhm, I caused trouble for the princess, so I bought some tea sweets as a gift for her.

Saneaki: Everyone all came here for the same reason.

Enishi: Anyway, it doesn’t need to be said, doesn’t matter which one of us it is, we all want to see the princess, right? Right, Kei?

Kei: D-Don’t touch me! You’re the one who needs to reflect on himself the most!

Tsuzuramaru: But, even though we brought trouble to Miss, to know that this time it was all just a misunderstanding was good. After reflecting my stomach couldn’t help but grumble, what can you do?

Enishi: Well… can’t you see Sakyo’s dripping in cold sweat?

Sakyo: T-That is not because I am here to apologise… please do not talk about it. You are being spiteful.

Suzukake: Let’s calm down, the both of you. Enishi, don’t make Sakyo angry.

Enishi: Alright, alright. Well… why isn’t the princess here yet?

Sakyo: Oh? That is strange… did she leave the restaurant today?

Saneaki: Yes, her father was the one who seated us.

Kei: That’s unusual. Usually she’ll rush back to welcome us. What is she doing…?

Tsuzuramaru: Don’t tell me… she’s been mad at us these past few days, so she doesn’t want to see us anymore?

Suzukake: Eh?! We didn’t make the princess hate us, did we?

Enishi: N-No way… we’re talking about the kind-hearted princess here! There’s no way that’s it…

Saneaki: But if it is… we should prepare ourselves just in case.

Kei: Don’t say something like that so seriously.

Sakyo: It does not look like we need to do that kind of preparation.

Suzukake: Ah! Princess! You came! That’s good!

Suzukake: Eh? The kimono you’re wearing today isn’t the same as the one you normally wear.

Tsuzuramaru: It… it suits you well!

Saneaki: I see… you got your other one wet, so you changed your clothes… 

Enishi: Oh, it was just that? Buuuut… hmhm! Not bad! It’s more mature than your usual look, it adds to your womanliness!

Kei: Why’re you saying stuff like that? She hasn’t changed from how she normally is, or whatever.

Sakyo: It is good if that is the case. Kei-dono, why can’t you look at her?

Kei: Shut up!

Sakyo: Heh. Well, I cannot say I do not understand that kind of feeling too. That said, Princess, this is a gift to make up for that day. Please accept it.

Sakyo: No, please do. If you cannot, then my feelings will not be able to recover.

Sakyo: Phew… now I will be able to breathe in relief.

Tsuzuramaru: I’m really sorry, Miss. I got you involved in all that… Haha, seeing you able to laugh like that, it’s already something I can appreciate.

Suzukake: Ah, a customer is calling for you. Sorry for disturbing your work.

Saneaki: Don’t mind us, you should go back to work.

Kei: We’ll call you after we decide what to order.

Tsuzuramaru: Even though we caused nothing but trouble for her… she’s still… such a kind-hearted girl!

Sakyo: Yes, I agree.

Enishi: That’s because she's that kind of princess. That’s why we can’t stop watching her. Ignoring the whole thing with the cloth dealer’s young master, a wonderful woman like her, even if it was someone else we wouldn’t let her go easily.

Saneaki: The so-called fusion of reality and rumors. The customers watch over her too.

Suzukake: You’re right… they’re looking at her and talking about something. 

Tsuzuramaru: Shh. Don’t talk…

Suzukake: What’s wrong? All of a sudden...

Tsuzuramaru: Those men over there, just now, they were talking about the rumours about Miss… 

Tsuzuramaru: WHAAAAT!!

Tsuzuramaru: This time… he wants to get married to Miss???

Everyone: WHAT?!

Suzukake: Haa, haa....what a relief. The shop is still open

In front of the entrance way, stood an out of breathe Suzukake.

Kayo: Suzukake...!

Suzukake: It’s been a while, Kayo. Sorry, i’ve been busy lately. I was away for a while

Kayo: No. I’m happy you came

(Even though he’s busy, he ran all the way here just to see me. Those feelings alone make me incredibly happy)

Since becoming the best swordsman in the tournament, Suzukake began to serve as one of the shogunate’s men.

Usually he has to stay at the castle and as a result of that the chances we get to meet are very few.

Kayo: I’ll make you some tea now

I hurry to make some tea, sitting down next to Suzukake we exchange idle chat.

Being like this, the times when we couldn’t meet, the emptiness and loneliness all miraculously disappeared at that moment.

Kayo: But, even now it feels strange. You to working at the Castle Suzukake.

Suzukake: Yeah. I still feel weird about it too. when I lived on Mount Takao, I never imagined it would be like this

After hearing the words Mount Takao for the first time in a long time, I suddenly realised.

Kayo: Come to think of it, I haven’t heard much about Suzukake’s childhood

I had heard a little about it before from Hachimoku and Madara though.

(I don’t think i’ve heard much about it from Suzukake himself...)

Suzukake: Oh, is that so? I feel like I can talk to you about anything

Smiling carefree like always, Suzukake stared off slightly into the distance.

Suzukake: ...I was you see, a child abandoned on Mount Takao

Suzukake: Karura said that at the time there were a lot of children in the surrounding nearby area, but there wasn’t enough food.

Suzukake: Because of that it seems like a lot of children were abandoned to reduce the number of mouths to feed.

Kayo: ....I see

(I’m sure Hachimoku and the others mentioned something like that before..)

Even though he went through a lot in the past, Suzukake's face showed no signs of feeling despair.

Suzukake: But you see, there were rumours of a tengu and youkai on Mount Takao, it looked like there were very few who abandoned their children in the mountains

Suzukake: That’s why when Karura found me he was also surprised

-Flashback-

Karura: How strange...it smells of human. But, where is it coming from...

That day, Karura who was going about his day as usual on Mount Takao noticed the scent of a human, he thought it was strange as he proceeded to search the mountain.

Karura: This is....a human baby...!?

Karura: I cannot believe there would be a parent who would abandon their child in these mountains....they know that if they abandon them here the youkai will attack...humans are amazing beings.

Karura: The liver of a human baby is a miracle medicine...if this child’s fate is to die by the hands of a youkai anyway then I will use his life

Thus with the intention of killing me Karura took me with him back to the tengu shrine.

-

Karura: However, he seems to be sleeping well....I thought he would have woken up on the way here, what a bold baby

Karura: But, on the other hand this may actually be convenient. You would also prefer being killed in your sleep would you not. Well then-

Karura tried to raise his hand to me but at that moment, I who was sleeping opened my eyes.

Karura: What is it, did you wake up....what a strange child. You awaken but you don’t cry, you stare your eyes fixed on me

Kama Itachi*: Oi, Karura, you there?

Karura: ...! If they found out there was a human baby here it would be bothersome...

Karura: Amongst youkai some eat humans. I cannot let them eat this child before I turn him into medicine...

Karura: I’m coming now, wait there

-

Karura: What’s wrong, is someone hurt?

Kama Itachi: Yeah. It’s bad....something smells...isn’t this the scent of humans?

Karura: It is probably because I went to see what the humans were up to not that long ago. That aside where is the injured one?

Kama Itachi: The other day there was that large tree struck by the thunder. The Okuri Inu* is injured over there

Karura: Ah, over there. I need to prepare the medicine so please head over there and wait for me

Kama Itachi: Got it. I’m counting on ya!

Karura: Now then...

-

Karura: Just to be safe, I will burn some incense to mask the scent. Someone may come close by while I am away

Karura: Baby, you are lucky....however, in the end your life is only until I return

-

Karura went to see the injured youkai, returning that day in the dead of night.

Karura: It seems to have gotten very late. The baby...is still sleeping. He really did not cry or scream, what an obedient child.

Karura: ...I am just a little tired today. I will remove his liver when the sun rises

Like that a tired Karura fell asleep. That night, Futsu no Mitama appeared in a dream and said.

"Karura, you mustn’t kill that baby...that child holds an important future ahead of him”

“Eventually that child will wield one of the 5 heavenly swords, Juzumaru. He will obtain the power to save Japan-”

Karla could hear Futsu no Mitama ‘s voice clearly in the dream. And then, it was shown to him

A grown up me welding Juzumaru-

Karura: ...that dream just now....this baby will save Japan...?

Karura: I cannot believe it so suddenly, for a god to go as far as informing me in my dreams

Karura: If something such as the gate to the afterlife were to open then, even the youkai who live here could not over look it

Karura: Is that child going to save us from that...?

It seemed like Karura who had received this oracle knew it was not simply just an ordinary dream.

After that it appears he no longer felt like killing me.

-

From that day forth Karura decided to raise me, hidden from the other youkai.

After a while, the baby that was I grew up, I became able to walk around and talk.

Karura: Come, it’s time to eat. You can eat this

Human boy: ...

Karura: How is it, is it good?

Human boy: Yeah, I like this!

Karura: I see....when you’re like that you seem so normal, you are an ordinary human child...

Karura: I do not distrust the words of  Futsu no Mitama, but does this child really hold such an important mission?

Human boy: ....misshun?

Karura: No, it is nothing. Eat. I am going to go out for a bit. After you have finished eating stay here quietly

Human boy: Wait...this...

Karura: Come now, do not pull on my sleeve. What is it?

Human boy: This...you eat...?

Karura: That is your food is it not. Why are you worrying about me...?

Human boy: Eat it...?

Karura: ...you can eat it

Human boy: Can I eat it?

Karura: Yes...but, it would be inconvenient to call you “you” forever. It’s about time I give you a name

Karura: Your name is...”Suzukake”. From this day forth you will live as Suzukake

Suzukake: Suzukake...

Karura: That is correct. You can call me “Karura”. You are Suzukake, I am Karura

Suzukake: Suzukake! Karura!

The one who gave me the name Suzukake was Karura.

At that time my world was only Karura and the inside of that cave....until that day-

-

Karura: Suzukake, I brought you food

Suzukake: ....Karura! Karura, up!

Karura: Alright. I understand, I understand

Karura: Good grief. I’ve become completely attached to you...

Karura: Even though I had tried to kill you...how innocent

Karura: Suzukake, I have to leave soon. Eat your food like always and stay here quietly. You must never go outside

Suzukake: Outside?

Karura: Do you understand, Suzukake

Suzukake: mmm.....I understand!

Karura: Then, I will come again

After Karura had left, Eating my food I stared outside the cave shortly after.

Suzukake: ....Karura...is gone

Suzukake: Karura...is he outside...?

And thus, for the first time I stepped out into the outside world.

Suzukake: Uwaa.....! Outside! Outside!

The blue sky, the mountains far off in the distance, the smell of the trees...the outside world I saw for the first time was incredibly beautiful, I was excited.

Mesmerised by it all, I ran around the place.

Suzukake: Yay! Outside!

Hachimoku: Waa! W-What? A human!?

Suzukake: ....human?

Hachimoku: Why is there a human in a place like this...uwaa, don’t grab my tail!

Suzukake: Tail....it’s so fluffy!

Hachimoku: Stop it! It tickles!

Madara: Hachimoku, why are you making such a racket on your own....W-What, that’s a human!?

Suzukake: Tail, fluffy!

Madara: Hold on you! Don’t touch Hachimoku!

Suzukake: ...Hachimoku?

Madara: Lets go Hachimoku! We have to let everyone know right away

Hachimoku: Y-Yeah

Suzukake: ...Hachimoku, was really fluffy...

Madara and Hachimoku went to inform the other youkai of my existence.

Soon the youkai that had heard of me gathered around where I was.

Kama Itachi: What is this. There really is a human here!

Shiryou*: This is a human child huh. Even as he looks at us he’s all smiles

Suzukake: Up!

Madara: Kya, don’t touch me. You human!

Hachimoku: This child isn’t fazed at all. I wonder if all human children are like this

Kama Itachi: Anyhow, lets drive this human out of the mountain. Or better yet how about we eat him...

Shiryou: Oi everyone, Karura is here!

Karura: Suzukake....it seems you have finally been discovered...

Madara: This is bad Karura! The humans have entered the mountain! ...ah!

Suzukake: Karura!

At the sight of Karura embracing a cheerful looking me, everyone appeared incredibly surprised.

That’s because, it seems that the other youkai had never seen Karura like this, not to mention...

I was a human.

Hachimoku: W-What’s going on...

Karura: ...Everyone, calm down and listen to me. This child is being raised by me.

Madara: Eh! Karura and that human child? That’s....why would you do such a thing...

Kama Itachi: What is the meaning of this Karura! Keeping a human in these mountains

Karura: ...this child, will become a bridge between humans and youkai

Hachimoku: What’s that? How do you know something like that?

Karura: I met with the oracle “Futsu no Mitama”. This child will save Japan-

Madara: I-I cannot believe this! Karura you had said many times, for humans to be in these mountains, it’s unthinkable!

Hachimoku: That’s right, that’s right!

Karura: ...

Suzukake: Karura, what’s wrong? Ne, Karura!

In the beginning all the youkai didn’t accept me.

And yet, they could not ignore the Karura’s opinions, as the chief of the mountain. Just like before I went back to being raised by Karura.

There was no need to hide me anymore, I could play outside normally.

-

Suzukake: ...a butterfly!

Suzukake: Butterfly! Butterfly! ...ah

Kama Itachi: ke ke. He fell, he fell

Shiryou: That brat fell over. I deliberately tied the grass together.

Suzukake: ...

Kama Itachi: ke ke, humans really are stupid. You fell didn’t you? It hurt didn’t it? Go on cry

Suzukake: ...lets play!

Kama Itachi: Geh, what’s with this kid. Don’t come near me!

Shiryou: W-Who would wanna play with you. You can’t even see tree spirits!

Suzukake: ...Tree spirits?

-

I was hated by the youkai, I was shoved in the water, insects were dropped on me from above in the trees, they did a lot of things to me.

But, I didn’t hate them at all. Because at the time I thought everyone was playing with me.

The outside world was fun after all, Karura taught me about a lot of things.

-

That day as well, an injured youkai turned up at Karura’s place.

Karura: ...this should do. I’ve applied the medicine, after that you need rest

Kama Itachi: Thanks Karura. Your medicine works really well, i’m counting on you. Later!

The injured youkai expressed his gratitude over and over again as I saw him head home, I became interested in “medicine”.

Karura: *sigh* There were a lot of visitors today...perhaps i’ll rest a little

Suzukake: Karura! Karura! I want to do it too....like Karura!

Karura: What...? You want to be able to treat others too?

Suzukake: Yeah. I want to become like Karura too!

Karura: ...hm. If you had medical knowledge then, you could also use it to protect yourself. Very well. I will teach you how to prepare simple medicine.

From then on Karura taught me about medicine.

To be able to copy Karura whom I loved so much made me happy, I memorised a lot of things.

Then, a little while later one day...

-

Hachimoku: Waa, ouch...! The grass is tied together...

Madara: Hold on, that child made this trap didn’t he? Your foot is caught in it

Hachimoku: uu....I grazed my knee

Madara: Good grief, how stupid....no, that child is here!

Suzukake: Hachimoku, Madara!

Suzukake: Hachimoku, here. For you

Hachimoku: W-What? A leaf?

Suzukake: You’ll get better if you use this. Karura said so

With the knowledge I had remembered, I rubbed the sap from the medicinal herbs onto Hachimoku’s knee.

The two of them didn’t trust me to begin with but, they came to realise I was treating the wound and looked as if they were a little relieved.

Hachimoku: Come to think of it this leaf smells like the medicine Karura uses....

Suzukake: Get well soon! Please rest for a while! 

Hachimoku: Ahaha this child is copying Karura’s way of speaking

Madara: He-....even though he’s this young he’s able to identify medicinal plants, you’re pretty useful

Suzukake: eheheh!

Hachimoku: ....Ne. I don’t really know about other humans but this kid might not be that bad after all

Madara: Hmph, Hachimoku you really are a simpleton. We still don’t know though

Madara: ...Well, we should watch over him carefully to make sure he doesn’t do anything strange

-

After that Madara and Hachimoku began to play with me.

And then, when I grew up even more-

Suzukake: Ahaha, Hachimoku’s tail is so bushy

Hachimoku: Waa, like I said stop grabbing my tail

Suzukake: But it feels really nice to touch. Wait up, Hachimoku!

Karura: It seems like Suzukake has grown very attached to you two

Madara: Not really...we’re just watching over that child to make sure he doesn’t do anything weird that’s all

Madara: Well, Suzukake doesn’t seem like he’s a bad human though...

Suzukake: Ne Karura! Karura come play with us too!

Karura: I’m sorry, I have to patrol the mountain after this. Madara, Hachimoku could you two play with this child?

Madara: If it’s a request from Karura then....is what I want to say but, we have to go look for food today

Karura: I see...it cannot be helped. Suzukake, for today wait here quietly at the shrine

Suzukake: Eh!

Suzukake: I understand....that’s Karura’s duty

Karura: That’s right. Suzukake is a good child

Suzukake: That’s because I don’t want to cause Karura trouble, so i’ll endure it...

Karura: I do not want to see you sad either but....I am sorry

Karura: I will be back as soon as I can. Well then, i’ll be leaving now

Suzukake: Take care, Karura!

-

Karura, Madara, Hachimoku, everyone had gone off somewhere, I returned to the shrine feeling downhearted.

After that, something terrible occurred, something I could have never imagined.

Suzukake: Haa....it’s boring on my own

Suzukake: ....There’s been an awfully loud roaring sound since earlier, Karura said that was the sound of thunder...

Suzukake: This is boring, maybe i’ll take a quick look outside. Hachimoku and the others might have returned...

-

I went outside, unaware of the sky growing grey, the sound of thunder echoing around the place.

While thinking it would be nice if I came across Hachimoku and Madara, I walked deep into the forest.

Suzukake: Hachimoku, Madara! If you’re back say something

Suzukake: They’re not there...it looks like they haven’t returned yet

Suzuake: Haa, my ears are still ringing. Earlier there’s was a terrifying roar and a flash of light, I wonder if that was thunder striking?

I set out to look for Hachimoku and Madara, and before I knew it I had wandered into the deepest parts of the forest.

Suzukake: Without know it I came pretty far. I wonder if i’ll be able to get back...

At that moment, I noticed the smell of burning coming from somewhere.

Suzukake: Hm...it smells like something’s burning...I wonder what it is?

I looked around nearby and caught sight of the trees a little further ahead burning brightly. The wind was blowing strong and the fire spread rapidly...

Suzukake: The trees...are burning...!!

Suzukake: The animals, the birds, the insects, at this rate they’ll all die...!

Suzukake: Run away everyone! It’s dangerous here!

I called out to the animals and insects frantically.

But while I was doing so the fire had spread rapidly. Before I knew it I was surrounded by fire.

Suzukake: What should I do...I won’t be able to get away like this...

Suzukake: *cough* *cough*...it’s hard to breathe...

Suzukake: ...!

It was when my consciousnesses started to go hazy I suddenly heard a voice echoing inside my head. Power coursing through my whole body.

And then, I heard a voice I hadn’t been able to hear up until now.

Suzukake: The trees, are screaming in pain...

Suzukake: And the blaze...the wind, they’re all crying.....why...

Tree Spirit 1: Suzukake! You have to run!

Tree Spirit 2: Hurry, call out to Karura!

Suzukake: Who are you guys? Why do you know about me?

Tree Spirit 1: Hurry, hurry run. Suzukake!

Suzukake: Am I, dreaming? This is...

I didn’t understand what was happening.

Just that surrounded by the flames, my heart was crying out while my body felt a burning sensation.

(....Karura!!)

Karura: Suzukake, are you there! Are you hurt!?

(Karura, he came...)

Suzukake: Karura, I...

Karura: ...that eye, could it be...!

-

Surrounded by the flames, I lost consciousness....when I next woke up I was inside the shrine.

Suzukake: u.....n...

Karura: ...! Have you regained consciousness

Suzukake: Ah...Karura.....? Madara, and Hachimoku too...

Suzukake: I’m sure...I was surrounded by fire...

Hachimoku: You fainted, Karura saved you. Suzukake you’ve been asleep for 3 days

Suzukake: Is that so...at that time I heard a strange voice...ah, look, I can even hear it now...

Madara: Hold on Suzukake! You have to rest more....

Suzukake: But I can hear it! It’s coming from outside...!

Karura and the others hurried after me as I ran off

Karura: Just what is this voice you can hear? Could it be...

Tree Spirit: You’ve regained consciousness, Suzukake! Are you alright?

Suzukake: Yeah. I’m fine! Thank you for worrying about me!

Hachimoku: Could it be that...Suzukake can hear the voices of the tree spirits!?

Suzukake: I see these are the voices of the tree spirits. Yeah, I can hear them very clearly!

Suzukake: I’m going to talk to the tree spirits!

Marada: Karura....this is...

Karura: At the time of the fire you saw Suzukake’s face didn’t you. That was the the mark of Marebito’s power “possession”

Karura: It is as the heavenly spirit of Futsu no Mitama said, Suzukake will gain the power to master one of the five heavenly swords...

Hachimoku: He can even hear the voices of the tree spirits, it looks like the oracle was true...

Karura: For the future of Japan, we will raise this child. Madara, Hachimoku...won’t you lend me your strength

Hachimoku: Yeah. Lately it’s been fun playing with Suzukake

Madara: It cannot be helped...well, I don’t dislike that child either

Karura: ....Thank you, the two of you

Madara: It looks like I have no choice, we’ll play with you, Suzukake!

Suzukake: Oi, Madara, Hachimoku! Lets play together

Hachimoku: Suzukake is calling for us...lets go Madara!

Karura: I will raise that child wonderfully. This may be my mission sent down to me from the heavens...

-

Suzukake: Since the day of the fire, I became good friends with Madara, Hachimoku and all the other youkai

Kayo: Is that so...

The Suzukake now was given Juzumaru, the number 1 swordsman serving the shogunate. It really did happen as the oracle had stated.

Kayo: Protected by Karura-san and the others, Suzukake became grown up

Suzukake: Yeah. Living on Mount Takao was a lot of fun.

Kayo: I see...

Kayo: Ah, you must be thirsty. I’ll go make some tea now to help with that

Suzukake: Waa...thank you!

I want to know more about Suzukake. With that in mind I started preparing another cup of tea.

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