Volume 2 Chapter 20 The Great Villain Of The World, Becomes An Official Messenger To The Foreign Tribe Iii
──A Story from the Bokou Tribe──
Let me introduce myself again. My name is Gaku Kiryuu.
I serve as the captain of the defense team of the 'Bokou Tribe.'
Of course, I know about Gen Shuuyoku-dono.
I heard that she helped when the chief's daughter fell ill.
It's lucky to meet Gen Shuuyoku-dono here.
I can trust the people who are with her.
I see. Gen Shuuyoku-dono is now with His Royal Highness the King's younger brother in Aika Country.
Since she serves him, he must be a trustworthy person.
I'm glad to meet his subordinate.
I would like to ask on behalf of the 'Bokou Tribe.'
Could they lend us their strength to drive away the Jinkyo Tribe?
If they can help us, our tribe will serve Aika Country.
We would rather serve trustworthy people than be trampled by the Jinkyo Tribe.
That is our true feeling.
First, let me tell you how the village was attacked.
We had almost no interaction with the Jinkyo Tribe.
They are too aggressive and hot-tempered.
So, when they visited our village, we were on guard.
We could have chased them away, but they had an injured person with them. They said, 'We don't mind not entering the village. Just let us rest in front of the gate.'
We allowed it because they were a small group.
Also, there is a teaching from the 'Bokou Tribe' that says, 'Those who are injured in the mountains should help each other.'
Looking back now, they probably knew that.
However, they attacked those who went to listen.
Furthermore, while we were distracted by that, another group invaded.
They broke into the village and took women and children hostage. Using them as shields, they took over our fortress.
The people of the Jinkyo Tribe said,
'The Bokou Tribe must all submit to us.'
'Hand over the books passed down in the "Bokou Tribe."'
──they said.
As Gen Shuuyoku-dono may know, there is a legend that our ancestors learned how to live in the mountains from hermits and fairy maidens.
At that time, they were given books.
According to the legend, those books are 'too dangerous' and 'too precious to be lost.'
The hermit who gave the books ordered our ancestors to keep them hidden and never read them, so that no one would see them.
We have followed that order.
The books were sealed in a place known only to a few.
We never opened them.
Even those who know of their existence are now very few.
We don't know how information about such things leaked out.
But the invasion of the Jinkyo Tribe is real.
They are holed up in the fortress, demanding that we hand over the books.
The Jinkyo Tribe, having taken over the fortress, was sending up smoke signals.
They are probably calling for their allies.
We may or may not agree to their demands, but they plan to take the 'Bokou Tribe' base and put us under their control.
Now that their threat has come this far, we cannot maintain our independence.
However, if we are to serve, I want to serve those I can trust, not the Jinkyo Tribe.
Both the chief and I believe this is the way to keep our clan alive.
Therefore, I ask the people from Aika country.
Would they be willing to help us drive away the Jinkyo Tribe in exchange for our loyalty to the 'Bokou Tribe'?
This is the consensus of our tribe.
I humbly request that they consider this.
──Tenhou's Perspective──
I was listening to the 'Bokou Tribe' member, Gaku Kiryuu, next to Tanshi-san.
We were still on guard.
The Jinkyo Tribe's pursuers might come at any moment.
But I was drawn into their conversation.
I never thought the Jinkyo Tribe was already invading.
When my father repelled the Jinkyo Tribe, they fled, leaving behind a lot of livestock and supplies.
Plus, the strongest character, Zeng Taiga, was seriously injured.
It was too unexpected for them to invade south in that condition.
"I understand your story."
Tanshi-san murmured in a serious tone after listening.
"We are messengers for friendship. If the 'Bokou Tribe' is willing to serve Aika Country, we have no reason to refuse."
"Then..."
"However, if we are going to participate in the battle, we will need permission from His Royal Highness the King's younger brother."
"I won't ask you to drive away the Jinkyo Tribe."
Gaku Kiryuu looked straight at Tanshi-san.
"I just want you to help rescue the hostages. If succeed, we can fight the Jinkyo Tribe without any worries. If you lend us your strength for that, that would be enough."
"I understand. I also want to help you."
Tanshi-san replied in a bitter tone.
"However, there may be battles during the rescue process."
"That... might happen."
"The soldiers' role is to protect us. If we are going to fight, we will need to gather volunteers. I cannot order them to 'Fight for the Bokou Tribe with their own will'."
"...Hmm."
"To get permission, we need to send a messenger to Hokurin town. But no matter how fast we go, it will take a few days for the messenger to return. That won't be enough time to rescue the hostages... It's difficult."
It takes about 4 days to get to Hokurin.
To get permission from the king and Ryougen-kun, we need to send a fast horse back and forth. It will take nearly ten days.
I don't think the Jinkyo Tribe will wait that long.
The hostages might be killed, or the 'Bokou Tribe' will have to start fighting with sacrifices in mind.
There is not enough time.
"First, I would like to organize our discussion. We should have that much time."
Tanshi-san turns to Gaku Kiryuu.
"The Jinkyo Tribe is trying to get the books you have, right?"
"That's right."
"But I can't believe it. The Jinkyo Tribe would invade just for one book?"
"That book must be worth that much."
Gaku Kiryuu looks regretful.
"Giving that to them... is too dangerous. But I can't just leave the hostages to die. We don't even have time to come up with a plan. If we hadn't met you here... we would have gone back to our friends and attacked the fortress right away."
"What kind of book is it?"
Tanshi-san asks.
"What is this book that the 'Bokou Tribe' has been protecting for so long, which the Jinkyo Tribe wants?"
"...It's a Martial Arts Manual."
"Martial Arts Manual?"
"It is said in my tribe that it contains the 4th technique of the 'Four Fiends', called 'Chaos'."
Gaku Kiryuu from the 'Bokou Tribe' said.
I thought I misheard.
But no, Gaku Kiryuu definitely said 'Four Fiends'.
'Four Fiends'──?
Is it the same 'Four Fiends' that appeared in my dream?
Before, in a dream I had, Rouen, the king of Aika Country, said.
'One day, this country will be devoured by the Four Fiends.'
──He said that.
I thought the Four Fiends were monsters──or humans who turned into monsters, but is that not the case?
There's something called the 'Four Fiends Technique,' and did its user destroy Aika Country in the game?
But, there was no 'Four Fiends Technique' in the game.
Was it never added?
Or is it a hidden skill that doesn't show up in the stats?
Is it related to the fall of Aika Country?
I don't know.
But I can't just leave it like this.
Then──
"I have a request for Tanshi-sama!"
I couldn't help but raise my voice.
"Can I get permission for free action? I want to help the people of the 'Bokou Tribe'!?"
"Tenhou!?"
"What are you saying, Tenhou!?"
Shouou and Tanshi-san looked at me.
I continued.
"If I act as an individual, it won't trouble His Majesty the King or His Royal Highness the King's younger brother. Please, can you release me from my duties as a member of the messenger here!?"
"Wait, Tenhou. What can you do alone!?"
Shouou grabbed my sleeve.
"It's reckless! Even if you fight alone..."
"I just want to help rescue the hostages. I can be a decoy to draw the enemy away. I can carry the hostages and escape. That should help the people of the 'Bokou Tribe.'."
"Even so, you going is..."
"I was the one who suggested forming a friendship with the Bokou Tribe. I can't just ignore the crisis they're facing. Besides, I'm... scared."
"Scared?"
"If we don't stop the Jinkyo Tribe here, I think a big disaster will come in the future."
If I don't act now, I'll probably regret it.
If the secret book of the Four Fiends' techniques falls into the hands of the Jinkyo Tribe, it would be the worst.
I would have to live in fear of the Four Fiends, who would eventually ravage the country.
This could lead to the Kou Tenhou Destruction End.
Right now, I might still be able to stop it.
If I can prevent the secret book of the Four Fiends from reaching the Jinkyo Tribe, I might be able to change the future.
Then, I should do what I can.
"I understand. If Tenhou is going, then I'm going too."
"Shouou... no, Kaou-shikei!?"
"You think that if the secret book of the Four Fiends falls into the hands of the Jinkyo Tribe, it will be a big problem, right?"
"Y-yes."
"I trust Tenhou's instincts. So I'm going with you. Because we're friends."
"But, Shikei──"
Shouou is from Souma Country.
She has a father and a mother back in her hometown. I heard that her mother returned home and got better, becoming the kind mother she remembers.
I can't involve Shouou in this──
"My mother told me when we left Souma Country, 'Live as your heart desires.'"
──Did Shouou read my mind? With a calm smile, she said.
"My heart is telling me that I want to go with Tenhou. That's all there is to it."
"...I understand."
Maybe Shouou won't back down.
We're friends, after all. I can understand that much.
No matter what happens, Shouou will come with me.
"Please, Shikei. Lend me your strength."
If it comes down to it, I'll make sure Shouou escapes, even if it's just her.
I made up my mind and nodded.
"Yeah. Let's go together, Tenhou."
Shouou nodded.
Then, both of us bowed our heads to Tanshi-san.
"Please, Tanshi-sama. Allow us to act independently!!"
"......Hmm."
"Wait, Tenhou. Kaou."
Suddenly, Shuu-sensei raised her voice.
When Shouou and I looked up, we saw Shuu-sensei with a pale face.
"I have one thing I need to confirm."
Saying that, Shuu-sensei looked towards Gaku Kiryuu.
"Gaku Kiryuu-dono, you mentioned that the 'Bokou Tribe' passes down the 'Four Fiends' technique's 4th, correct?"
"Yeah. Just as Gen Shuuyoku-dono said."
"The 'Bokou Tribe' has never mastered martial arts if they haven't read that Martial Arts Manual, right?"
"'Seal it away without showing anyone' is the teaching of our ancestors. We have kept it strictly. Those who tried to touch it without permission were punished and exiled. No one has read that secret book, and no one has mastered the 'Four Fiends' techniques'."
"Are you sure?"
"I swear by our ancestors' name."
"But the Jinkyo Tribe wants it, right?"
"Probably, an exiled person leaked the information."
Gaku Kiryuu shook his head.
"But for the Jinkyo Tribe to want it..."
"If the Jinkyo Tribe knew the value and power of the 'Four Fiends' techniques, it makes sense."
Shuu-sensei said in a flat tone.
"If that's the case... could there be a user of the 'Four Fiends' techniques among the Jinkyo Tribe or their allies? And could that technique be the first one, 'Kyuuki'?"
"W-What!?"
Gaku Kiryuu's eyes widened.
"How does Gen Shuuyoku-dono know that!? They definitely said so. No, we haven't actually seen the technique. We also don't know the 'Kyuuki' technique. But... if there is someone among them who can use the same 'Four Fiends' techniques, then I understand why they would target our 'Konton' Martial Arts Manual. But..."
"So it was true after all."
Shuu-sensei clenched her fist.
"That's right, since it's called 'Four Fiends' technique,' there must be 4 of them. One of those techniques was learned by my enemy and Touri's. And they were with the Jinkyo Tribe. No wonder we couldn't find them no matter how hard we searched."
With a trembling voice, Shuu-sensei continued.
It was the first time I had seen her so openly angry.
"The enemy helped the Jinkyo Tribe to gather all 4 techniques. And then they attacked the Bokou Tribe. They used the 'Kyuuki' technique from the 'Four Fiends' to seriously injure Touri... and now they're going after my acquaintance!!"
"Touri-san was seriously injured!? So, Touri-san's wounds are──."
Just as I was about to ask Shuu-sensei—
"Enemy sighted! A cavalry unit is approaching us! It seems to be the Jinkyo Tribe!!"
──A soldier on lookout shouted.
"Shikei!"
"Yeah. Tenhou!"
Shouou and I jumped up into the trees using the 'Five Divine Steps' technique, 'Storm of the Lurking Dragon King.'
I could see the cavalry dressed in black coming toward us.
It was the Jinkyo Tribe. There were less than a hundred of them.
They seemed to have followed Gaku Kiryuu.
"Prepare for an ambush!!"
Immediately, Tanshi-san gave the orders.
"If the enemy is coming, we have no choice but to fight. Gaku Kiryuu-dono, we ask for your cooperation!"
"Yeah. I'm sorry for getting you involved."
"I was thinking this could happen. If we start the fight, we need permission, but if they attack us first, that's a different story. Let's drive them back."
Tanshi-san had a fearless smile on his face.
"A messenger of peace can't just leave the 'Bokou Tribe' behind. If I did that, it would disgrace the name of His Royal Highness the King's younger brother!!"
"I won't forget this favor!"
Gaku Kiryuu bowed deeply.
Then, he and the 'Bokou Tribe' soldiers took up their spears and mounted their horses.
The soldiers from Aika Country did the same.
And then──
"I'm going too. I've fought against the Jinkyo Tribe before."
──I got on my horse, holding the 'White Kirin Sword' that Master Raikou gave me.
"That helps a lot. Please, Tenhou."
"Yes. Also... I'm worried about Shuu-sensei."
I replied to Tanshi-san, who was thanking me.
Right now, Shuu-sensei is really filled with killing intent.
With a single-edged sword in hand, she looks ready to cut down anyone who comes close.
If we leave her alone, she might just break through the enemy lines and head straight for the 'Bokou Tribe' fortress.
But I can't let her do something so reckless.
I want to support her closely to make sure that doesn't happen.
"I won't do anything reckless. I'll just help make sure Shuu-sensei doesn't get hurt."
"Tenhou, I will protect you. Tanshi-sama."
"Y-yes, I understand. Both Tenhou and Kaou, please be careful."
"Understood!!"
Shouou and I clasped hands on horseback.
And so, we were set to confront the Jinkyo Tribe's forces.
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