[Part 4/5]
It must have been shot with considerable force. It was an arrowhead from an old-fashioned Fusō-style bow that was still shaking vigorously as it pierced into the ground.
"...If you spread the word, they will appear?"
I sneered defensively. Sneering, I spat out the unpleasantness of the situation.
In the forest, atop the trees, I saw the figures of the mountain dwellers aiming their second arrows at me.
The situation was tense. The convoy on the mountain path was completely surrounded as soon as it became clear. By the figures scattered among the trees.
Every single one of them had a bow, or a sword in hand, or a shakujo stick with them. With a slight movement, it can be seen that they are wearing chain armor or something similar underneath their mountain monk robes. The crow-like wings protruding from their backs are folded. The group of Tengu surrounding the formation. The number...at least less than a hundred.
'...'
"…!"
Through cloak's, hood's or mask's gaps, a cold, beast-like gaze peered. A gaze that intimidates, guards against, and views outsiders as enemies...clearly hostile intent.
No, that's fine. It was expected. There's no problem.
If there is a problem, it's allowing ourselves to get into this situation. That's...
"Stupid. How did we not notice being surrounded...!?"
Even the skilled exorcists among the guards were particularly shocked and astonished. They seemed unable to fully accept the current situation in front of their eyes.
We were cautious. Especially in the yokai's lair, assuming the protection of the noble. Moreover, just the other night, we could sense the presence from a distance. How could we not notice it so close at this time of day...?
'Doubtful, aren't you? People from Fuso.'
A muffled voice echoed in the forest. A statement from someone pointing a weapon in all directions. It's unclear who it was. Perhaps they didn't want their leader to be revealed. At the very least, it wasn't friendly. A mocking atmosphere could also be felt.
'It's not surprising. Monkey-minded people like you can't even understand our techniques.'
'To think that the same thing would happen over and over again without any remorse... Monkeys never learn, do they?'
The answer from the voice was now from two tengus. The second one seemed to be laughing mockingly even more obviously.
"Oh, oh. It's quite a problem to say hello to you. ...Are you Tengu who live in Anma, gentlemen?"
"Middle Counselor-sama...!?"
In the tense atmosphere, an old man appeared casually, speaking very casually as he raised the curtain of the ox cart. The Middle Counselor smiled and spoke to the group of armed people surrounding them.
"!? Protect Middle Counselor-sama...!!"
I, who was nearby, whispered softly to avoid provoking the Tengu, but clearly gave the order. I stood in front of the Middle Counselor, not aiming my weapon but acting as a shield. Some soldiers from the army, warriors, and exorcists followed. They didn't draw their weapons, but they naturally put their hands on the handles...
'...Are you the leader? This is not the right place for you. You should leave right away.'
They say no one dares to criticize the authority of the court. It's impossible. They are like scared mice. They hesitate in their choices because they fear the consequences of saying or doing something wrong.
...Except for one.
"You shouldn't say that. We are not here for fun. There must be a good reason for us to come to this countryside area. ...You must aware of that, aren't you?"
'I don't care. The difficulties you face are your own problem. It's none of our business. Leave our land without causing any trouble.'
When the recent troubles are mentioned, Tengu smoothly deflects and shifts the blame. It's clear that he disapproves...
"That's not it. I'll not bring them. ...So, where is your boss? I have some gifts prepared. Well, let's have a drink and talk, shall we?"
"Middle Counselor..."
He seemed angry, but still responded cheerfully as usual. He even suggested meeting and discussing over drinks. Anyone who saw him would think he was thick-skinned and insensitive.
'Know your place. You are insignificant. You cannot meet our leader. It's not allowed. ...Leave now. Don't cause trouble on our territory.'
Did the other side feel the same way? They appeared annoyed by the harsh words. They asked us to leave once again.
"..."
'...'
A tense silence. It was quiet. Everyone held their breath, and the soft sound of breathing felt eerie.
"Tomobe-dono...!!"
"Kanagi-dono!"
A middle-aged exorcist emerged from the shadows, blending in with the crowd. Behind him, a girl followed, carrying a large weapon that seemed out of place for her. Her expression was blank, but she appeared nervous and rigid. Perhaps I felt sorry for her predicament.
"I have come to your aid!!"
"You've come at the right time. Middle Counselor-sama, your ox cart...!?"
It all happened in the next moment when I tried to request the help of the father and daughter of the Kakitsugi. I braced myself at the sound of the wind cutting through. I tried to shield the Middle Counselor's ox cart. It was needless worry, a failure, a disgrace.
"Ah..."
Kakitsugi Kanaki noticed it, and then his upper half exploded. It exploded, scattering flesh, and the remaining half collapsed toward the ground.
"What!?"
Almost everyone present was astonished. Their gazes turned to the culprit. A Tengu, with a particularly refined appearance and a bow in hand, was there.
'Hmph. Foolish people.'
The words were cold and indifferent.
'Gwahhh!!'
And a roar resounded. Various grotesque beings leaped out from the forest.
"Finish them off!"
Who is screaming? No one asks. There is no time for that.
The mountain path turns into a fierce battle in an instant. Swords are drawn, arrows are shot, curses are cast, fangs are swung, claws are raised. Humans and monsters cry out one after another.
A hell painted with blood and flesh, manifests.
"Protect yourselves! Protect yourselves! Retreat! Retreat for now!!"
Someone's shout. The warriors, the army, the exorcists, they all turn back while guarding the ox cart. But the mountain path is not wide at all, and the ox cart is big. It is not easy to turn, and the oxen are slow to move.
"Tomobe-dono!!"
"Mikage, is everyone okay!?"
I call out to Mikage, who runs towards me while killing a small youkai, as I escort the ox cart.
"We are fine!! Should we evacuate...!?"
"Yeah. Don't leave the formation, okay!? This is the forbidden land of the enemy. If we get scattered and left behind, we are done for!?"
I kicked down the flying bats with a roundhouse kick and ordered him. Unfortunately, when I looked around, I saw that the laborers and the soldiers had already fled.
"!!? Is that Hina-sama!?"
A large pillar of fire rises in the direction of the front of the line. A pale tower of flame. It was indeed the 'annihilation' fire. It was probably done to stop the enemy. A flame barrier that doesn't allow anything to touch.
"Hoo... this is amazing. It was a good decision to separate us. I can't stand being caught up in it."
"Middle Counselor-sama, don't show your face...!!"
The representative, who had been pushed in once, raised the curtain again and looked up at the pillar of fire from the ox cart. I almost shouted at him. He was still careless here. He acted as if he wouldn't die.
'Whirlwind of Verdal Strike (Wakakusa Senpuu)!'
"Uo!!?"
A large iron fan appeared at the edge of my vision. It was swung over and over, and a gust of wind that seemed like it would blow me away attacked me. At the same time, a lot of blue grass blocked my view, and I saw some people flying splendidly at the edge of my vision. I braced myself and desperately stopped at the spot. It was like a storm. It was a typhoon. It was a gale. But this is...!!
(Not a wind attack, not an attack!! If so, then this is...!!)
Realizing the purpose of using the technique, I ignored the fact that I couldn't see and ran through it. And then I see it. That thing.
After the grass storm. Some mountain monks come from the sky and go to the ox cart. An old man with an eboshi hat shows up.
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