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A blade swing cuts the sky. Returning after the swing and using a momentum for the body-weight thrust.
Kazuto: Hah...! (Are you seriously training? Good boy. Keep it up)
I step on the ground to avoid getting dragged by the weight of a blade... as the momentum disappears, I take a long breath.
Oh, Mylord. Are you training for once? (Yes, don't interfere)
Kazuto: ...It's not that unusual.
I've seen Aisha squeezing you and Rinrin beating you up, but...
Kazuto: Sorry for training alone for once.
Even if I can't reach a superhuman class like Aisha or Sei, I want to be able to protect myself... I feel the urge to be, at least.
Still, I'm not sure how well will what I know work in this world. (For starters, you need a katana like Minmei has, not a regular sword)
Right. Then, I'll observe it.
Kazuto: Is that so? Then, please do.
Kazuto: Hey! Yah!
I connect a spirited yell with series of swings like earlier.
Kazuto: Hah! Toh!
It has a different weight from bokuto and I feel it in my shoulder... But I switch the center of weight and put it into my swing.
Kazuto: Tei!
I make a big swing...!
...Okay, I get it!
I stop moving after hearing Sei's voice... though stopping momentum of the swing is kinda heavy on its own!
Kazuto: Oww... so, what?
What Mylord is lacking. (Experience and preparation to kill)
Kazuto: ...Experience and skill? (Close, but nope)
I knew that already. I felt something weird in Mylord's movements...
Kazuto: Say... Sei? Don't you say cruel things casually? (Not really. If you lack experience, you just need to earn it)
You're imagining it.
She made it my imagination!
Kazuto: ...Whatever. So, what is that thing I'm lacking?
It appears Mylord has some knowledge of martial arts... but that sword you have right now, isn't it different from what you used?
Kazuto: I see. Yeah, you're right. (Yup. I said that - you need a one-handed katana)
It's based on usage of Japanese sword, so Chinese sword can't move like that. I have to adjust to new center of gravity, which is probably what Sei noticed.
Judging from Mylord's stance... right. Also a sword, but lighter and more based on agility... but won't that'll make it thin and useless..?
Kazuto: Heh. After all, that's how it goes, huh? (Come on, don't act like it doesn't exist here. Minmei has one!)
Oh. So I'm correct.
Kazuto: Yeah. It's like this... it is sharp, but it's not used for chopping opponents, but for cutting them instead.
I draw a shape of Japanese sword with a branch on the ground.
I see. If you fight against unarmored opponent, there are really no weapon better than that...
Kazuto: Yeah. It seems you use bow or spear against armored enemies. (I'd use halberd and horseman's pick)
...Come to think of it, I've seen such a sword in the storage before... (Just go to blacksmith and request to craft one)
Kazuto: ...Really!?
Japanese swords were only made way later than this age. Even if Japan existed at this age, there's no way there'd be Japanese swords.
Of course, it's not the same... but it might be worth finding... (Why are you surprised? There's gunblade, drill lance...)
Kazuto: Right. I'll go get a key to the warehouse. (Not to mention underwear, glasses... and vibrator...)
Well, it's worth trying. I rush to get the key.
...So, why are we here? We're not so free to help you all the time. (Umm... that's your job, actually)
Kazuto: No, I never asked for it... (Were you wearing badass sunglasses as you said that?)
I only went to get the key, but for some reason the amount of people doubled. It's like some sale where you get two for the price of one.
Sorry, Ei-chan. Because we haven't finished inventorizing the warehouse...
So, we ended up helping Yue since she had business at the warehouse... and since Yue is here, obviously Ei came with her.
Yue is not at fault. It's all his fault! (He's helping you, no?)
Kazuto: Me, huh!
Of course it's you! (That's default in the Koihime universe...)
...Hmm. There's no such sword in the inventory list Yue made.
Kazuto: That means, it's in the place she haven't investigated yet. Around where did Sei see it?
Hey, why are you ignoring me now?
It'll never end if I keep responding to Ei.
I was looking around here, so it's probably deeper.
There's a lot of stuff from the stuff that got brought here before we arrived. Forget it being arranged, it's in a completely chaotic state.
Ah, this area is not in the list yet.
Kazuto: Sei, why were you so deep in the warehouse...
Women need a secret, Mylord. (I can guess the reason)
..What kind of a secret, I wonder. (She probably can guess as well)
It won't be a secret if I say it, right?
Sei kept taking a glance to the corner of the warehouse... at the heap of stuff. Ah, I have a guess, though I don't want to mention it.
Kazuto: Well, whatever. Let's split up and look, while making the list.
Whatever it is, we need to organize the inventory anyway. We can search for that mysterious Japanese sword meanwhile. No reason to not help.
Yes.
Understood.
It can't be helped.
Answering my suggestion, we all started working.
Kazuto: Oh! Did you find it?
No, I found a perfect wooden box...
Box? What are you going to put there, sake?
Haha. I said it's a secret.
Seriously...
One empty box. (Why list what Sei is going to take away?)
Come on, the sun will set unless we hurry up! Yue, I'm done listing at this area!
Ah, thank you, Ei-chan.
Kazuto: So, what about the sword?
Just look at the list yourself. Why do you think it exists? It's something you use during times like this, like this!
Kazuto: ...Why are we searching this warehouse.
Obviously for Yue.
Really, that Ei-chan...
I skim through the notebook filled with methodical text. Sadly, I didn't see a symbol for sword until the end.
Kazuto: It seems Ei didn't find it either. I wonder if it really exists... (Just make one, if it doesn't. You'll need more than one anyway)
Kazuto: Found it? (Do you really think so?)
No, this is quite tasteful... (Noone's seriously searching for it, I see)
What Sei was looking at was no sword, but just a stone. It was almost as if you could see a face in it, but then again you couldn't...
As I said, those things don't matter!
My, my, Ei. You won't be a good woman, unless you're calm all the time, okay?
You're the ones who keep kicking my calmness!... Seriously.
...Oh, this is... (The world is screwed now)
Kazuto: What is it this t...
...No, nothing.
Ah. She finally snapped. Well, she lasted quite long for Ei... I guess.
Kazuto: Come on, calm, calm...
I'm not a horse!
Hmm, after all this is...
Sei-san, did you find something?
N, no, not really...
Ah, really, stop making us misunderstand!
...Mylord.
You ignored me okay!? (It's okay, I'm listening to you)
Kazuto: What?
Well, the day will end if you respond to everything Ei says. (But hey, it'll be a fun day then at least)
I just remembered, it might be I've seen this sword deeper...
Kazuto: ...Hey. Then, I'll go search there, so can I leave this area to you? Yue, will you come with me?
Yes. I understand.
Hey! Don't bring Yue deeper into the warehouse! Ah, don't tell me...! (You sure don't have an eye for personalities for a "great strategist")
Kazuto: ...Don't think of stupid things.
It's your pink brain we're talking about, so I'm sure it's something indecent!
Hey. You don't have to put it like I'm only thinking of *** stuff all the time. (You aren't. They are the ones who always come to such ideas, so...)
Hey, Ei-chan... (Heavenly Messenger... more like Heavenly Scapegoat)
Kazuto: Then, will you come instead, Ei?
I'd rather die than be alone with you.
Kazuto: The only ones who know the shape are me and Sei. So even Ei should be able to understand how we should pair up, right?
Well, I do... ugh, why would he be with us... (Gotta love when they use logic on tsunderes)
In that case, Ei and Yue, you can both go with Mylord. I'll manage alone here. (Masterly planned. And now Sei will take potato chip... AND EAT IT!)
Kazuto: That's right, you'll be fine like this, Ei. (As if he can't assault both of them if he wants...)
...It can't be helped. Let's go with that.
Well then, take care of this area, Sei-san.
Right. Leave it to me.
Well, well. Where would this sword be... (Majesty! The local blacksmith offers new services!... if you ask)
...Mylord has left. (And I wasn't moved anywhere, so I'm still here)
Confirming that Kazuto-tachi left deeper, Sei took out a mask that was around the size of her both hands.
Hmm. I suspected this when I found it earlier...
The more I look at it, the better it looks. This art, this form, I can only say that it holds a craftsman's soul in it...
...No good, the voice coming from this mask... I cannot resist it anymore!
We can't find it... does it really exist? (Probably. Sei wouldn't know of such shape otherwise)
What we found was old armor and holey clothes. When we found swords they were rusted and they were Chinese ones too, not Japanese.
Kazuto: I wonder... well, at least Ei and Yue will make a list, right? (Heh. So she IS trying to help him find that sword. How cute...)
O... of course! I'm okay if Yue finishes her work. The thing you're searching is just extra! Extra!
Ugh... I'm sorry, Master. (For what? It was a very refreshing cute tsundere act)
Kazuto: Well, I'm used, so it's okay. Okay, this area goes like this. (You're used to such cute tsundere accidental slips of dere? Nice)
Thank you.
Kazuto: I wonder how it went there. Hey, Sei, found anything? (Yes... she found epic headache for Aisha and Rinrin)
Thing. Thing. Thing... no answer. (It's an echo, if anyone wonders)
Kazuto: I wonder if Sei got tired and went somewhere...
No way! Isn't it all Sei's idea!?
Was it too hard for her alone after all? Should I go back to help Sei-san?
Kazuto: Right. It seems me and Ei are enough here. Okay, Ei?
...It can't be helped. Let's return for now. I won't forgive her if she really escaped.
Hey! She's really not here!
Kazuto: Whoa...
Looking at the list she left here, it doesn't seem she did much since we left. Sei might be whimsical, but she should know responsibility...
Umm, Master, it's kinda noisy outside...
Eh...?
You, introduce yourself!
This voice... Aisha?
Intruder, attack!
What, intruder!?
Kazuto: Let us go as well! (Really? It's safe here, so... why?)
Ah, Master!
Kazuto: Shuri! Who's the intruder? Some assassin? Or some travelling martial artist decided to challenge us?
U, umm... that's... (Now, there are tricked and facepalming sides. Shuri is facepalming)
It seems Shuri just came out too. She doesn't seem to know it well. (You'll make the same response when you notice it)
There's no way anyone can answer that asked suddenly like that... (I'm guessing Shuri and Hinari are ones few people liked by Ei)
...That's true.
Hinari-chan...
Ah, umm, that's... there's someone I don't know... (Hinari, WHY are you on the tricked side?)
Eh!?
What was that eh for... It was an unexpected reaction. Well, anyway, it's better to just go and see for ourselves...
Heeey! Aisha, she went there!
Yeah! Rinrin, don't let her approach Touka-sama!
I know!
Kazuto: What, Aisha and Rinrin are both fighting...!?
Someone they two can't beat together is like serious Ren! Was there anyone so strong other than Ren at this period...?
Heh. Without introducing yourself... you're at the peak of rudeness! (She doesn't make the same mistake Pairen did at least)
Kazuto: Eh...?
That voice...!
No way...
What... (Okay, you two are officially idiots now)
Hearing Aisha's shocked voice we also stopped. And the one standing before her Green Dragon Blade was...!
Invited by the beautiful flower a noble butterfly has descended! My name is Kachou Kamen! Incarnation of justice in this chaotic capital!
Kazuto: Wha... no matter how you look, that's... (That's some nice bgm, no matter how you look)
Don't say it! (Good. Ei, you're on the good side. I believed in you)
U, umm, that's... (So is Yue)
Don't say it!
Kazuto: S, say, Shuri. No matter how you look at it, that's...
Please don't say it!
Master, so it looks this way to you too...
As I said, don't take me to this weird world any further!
Huh? Eh, umm, do you know... (Hinari T.T... It's okay, you can do it, if you try)
........Notice it already.
Kazuto: ...Explain it to her later, Ei.
What! Why me!
Kazuto: Well, you look like you have some free time.
I don't! I'm several times busier than you are!
Wait, forget comedy act with Ei!
Hey! Take of this ridiculous mask and show your face!
Heh. Trying to take away this beautiful mask, so there's noone in this city valuing beauty!
Jumping away from Green Dragon Blade, Kachou Kamen readies her spear. Aisha should've been the first to notice, but she seems to have no idea.
Ah, Master. (I know you're on tricked side, Touka)
Kazuto: Touka and Ren, huh. What's going on? Se...
This butterfly mask is kinda amazing! Even Aisha-chan and Rinrin-chan together can't match her, right?
Kazuto: ...No, umm, Touka-san?
Eh? What's wrong?
Touka smiled to my words... So you haven't noticed it too.
Kazuto: It's nothing.
Kazuto: So, Ren, are you not going to help Aisha and Rinrin?
Ren tilts her head to my question. I doubt she didn't understand what my question meant... why that reaction?
Kazuto: If you want to go, why don't you? (She doesn't see why she needs to fight Sei)
...(shake head)
She wants to, but... can't? (Oh, she's ordered to guard Touka...)
You see. Aisha-chan told Ren-chan to protect me...
Kazuto: I see. So Ren is on standby here.
...(nod)
A correct decision in such situation. If the opponent is an assassin, even if the somehow defeat Aisha and Rinrin, they won't match Ren.
...Of course, considering who that is, that's not happening.
Hahaha! I see, that's all Kan Uncho and Enhito Chouhi have! (Dat laughter...)
Damn... Ren, you come too! Hinari, take Touka-sama-tachi and head for safety!
Eh, ah, yes.
Eh. That's boring. I want to watch a bit more.
Please don't say so. It's dangerous if Ren-san goes ahead.
Aisha, she's going there!
I won't let you!
Still, she sure is in high spirits. So she had such a personality... surprising... no, is it? I feel this was kinda expected.
Ren! Come help already! Master, go call Sei! (Impossibru!)
Being called by Aisha, Ren tilts her head. That reaction again.
Kazuto: Aisha is calling you. Ren, are you not going?
...Can I fight Sei? (Yup, as expected of Ren. She doesn't even see this as a disguise)
Kazuto: ...So you know, huh. The one behind that mask.
...(nod)
Ren nodded to my question... this is unexpected. (Why? Her instincts are godly, so this is to be expected)
...Butterfly is cute.
Eh? That?
Kazuto: A, are you interested? In that mask.
...(nod)
So she's more interested in mask than in who's behind it? As always, she has priorities you don't realize right away.
...Yue, we're going back. I'd rather organize the warehouse than have to play along with this kind of farce.
Eh? Ah... yeah. Umm, Master...
You're going to call Sei, right? Hurry up. (That was a good one, Ei. Critical hit sarcasm)
Kazuto: ...Now you're pushing it.
Kazuto: Well, I'll do something. Do your best at the work. And if you have any time, search for my sword too, please.
Yes. Well then, excuse me.
After Ei exhaled through her nose and Yue bowed slightly, they left.
Kazuto: So, what should we do, Shuri? (Oh, right, you still have allies)
Eh? Me!?
Kazuto: No, well, there's noone else left... (Yeah, Sui, Shion, Kikyo, Enya and Tanpopo didn't join yet)
From all the large gallery only me and Shuri are left. Even if we wanted to help, joining when Aisha and Rinrin are serious... barely anyone can.
Auu... Ren-san... huh, Ren-san? (I guess Iishe, Toshi or Pairen might be able to do something)
And Ren left before we noticed...
Well, well. I overestimated you. It appears I'll have to be the one to take care of the town's peace!
Look at you talk! There's no way we'll entrust it to you! Shut up and get tied up already!
Kazuto: ...Well then, what should we do.
I wonder...
That's right! Rinrin-tachi will protect this country's peace!
With that little skill? Nonsense!
Easily blocking Rinrin's Snake Spear, Kachou Kamen makes a big jump, twirls and lands on a roof.
Well then, we'll meet again! Goodbye!
Ah, she escaped! (Epic bgm over already? T.T)
Damn! Don't run! You coward!
Heh. I'm saying I'll back off peacefully. People who couldn't defeat me together have no right to call me a coward. Hahahaha!
Well, well. It's finally over... Still, so serious Sei is that strong. I knew she was strong, but to fight both Aisha and Rinrin at once...
Kazuto: Well, at least it's good nothing serious happened, right?
Indeed. And noone is hurt too.
Good? Show me the one who said that! (Of course, everyone suffer again from Aisha's stupidity)
Kazuto: A... Aisha-san...? (Last time was due to her Death Cooking)
Rinrin, Shuri! We're going to hold an urgent meeting! The topic is fundamental review of our army and our personal strengthening! And no objections!
I understand! (Well... I don't have anything against strengthening)
Kazuto: Eh, ah, umm...
Those two still haven't noticed Kachou Kamen's... right? (Well, if Sei can do it, someone like Sai or Karin can also do it)
Of course, Master will also participate. No objections?
Kazuto: Eh, umm...
No objections!
No good. Even if I explain her, she won't believe me. My options are...
Kazuto: ...Yes.
My, what a thrill... I heard there is a divine power within real pieces of art, but this is a gem even amongst it.
Descending on a chaotic capital, an unknown beautiful savior. Yeah, it's a role suitable for me!
I feel bad for Mylord, but it's some fate I met this opportunity. Luckly, it appears noone figured it out, so I'll take hold of it.
As she puts the mask away in her pocket, bushes before her make noise. (Noone, huh... still, why does she call their town "chaotic"?)
...Butterfly. (Sei, you won't escape that easily from Ren who found cuteness)