Volume 2 Chapter 31 The Great Villain Of The World, Prepares To Return Home Iii
"...That secret manual was a fake, wasn't it?"
"Yes, as Kou Tenhou-sama said."
I had a feeling it was true.
In the game 'History of Swordmaster,' all the rare secret manuals were made of paper.
The easier-to-find ones were made of wooden tablets or bamboo strips. Of course, there were also paper books and scrolls.
But the high-level rare ones were made of paper.
They were in the form of bound books or scrolls. There were no wooden tablet secret manuals.
You only realize this after fully completing all the Martial Arts Manuals in the game.
So when I saw the two of them take wooden tablets out of the box, I felt something was off.
Wasn't that a decoy?
My reasoning was weak, but it seems I was right.
"The reason you gathered everyone earlier was to tell them 'the secret manual has been burned,' right?"
Shuu-sensei nodded, looking convinced.
"If you do it so publicly, the rumors will spread quickly. Not just in the Bokou Tribe, but also in Aika Country. Even among the Jinkyo Tribe. That was the goal, wasn't it, Gaku Kiryuu-dono?"
"Yes, Gen Shuuyoku-dono is correct."
Gaku Kiryuu sat down next to Nona Kiryuu and Kaine Shurt.
Then, he bowed deeply and said,
"I'm sorry for deceiving you."
"But when did you prepare the fake?"
"That's when someone tried to get their hands on the secret book and got exiled."
A few generations ago, one of the people from the 'Bokou Tribe' tried to steal the 'Secret Book of Chaos.'
That person was exiled, but the tribe leaders thought of a way to prevent the same thing from happening again.
They decided to create a fake secret book.
Only the chief and the miko serving Suimei Shin-kun know where the real secret book is hidden.
They check the status of the 'Secret Book of Konton' during the festival that happens once every ten years.
The exiled person tried to find out where the secret book was at that time.
To prevent the same situation, the leaders of the Bokou Tribe decided to make a fake one and bury it underground.
During the festival, they would dig up the fake one and then bury it again.
They would check the real one after the festival was over.
This practice became a ritual during the festival a few generations ago.
"The fake we made for emergencies turned out to be useful. Looking at the Jinkyo Tribe and Kai Shuujaku, they probably believe that it's the real one."
Gaku Kiryuu said.
"It would have been great if we could give the fake to the Jinkyo Tribe and get the hostages released... but that wooden tablet only has some things written on it at the beginning. The rest is just praise for Suimei Shin-kun. Anyone knowledgeable in martial arts would realize it's a fake right away."
"Good thing we didn't give it to them. It would just make them angry."
"Yeah. If they figured out the secret book was fake, they might have killed the hostages."
"However, it can be used for burning. The Jinkyo Tribe doesn't know there are fakes. No, it's quite something. As Gaku Kiryuu-dono said, the Jinkyo Tribe members were in despair, thinking the secret book was burned."
Shuu-sensei nodded, looking impressed.
"So, who knows about this?"
"Only me and the chief. Nona and Kaine-dono. A few close aides as well."
"Nona-san and Kaine-san will become hostages of Aika Country, right? Is that a sign of submission?"
"That's right. To gain Aika Country's trust, it's best for Kaine-sama, the tribe chief's daughter, and Nona, my daughter, to go. That's the decision made by me and the tribe chief."
Gaku Kiryuu looked at Shuu-sensei, me, and Shouou in turn.
"I want to entrust Kaine-sama and Nona to you. Also, the 'secret book of chaos.' They are the guardians of the secret book in my 'Bokou Tribe.' With them, we should be able to decipher the 'secret book of Konton.'."
"Hmm. Deciphering, you say?"
"The 'secret book of Konton' is not easy to read."
Then, Gaku Kiryuu began to explain.
When the ancestors of the Bokou Tribe received the secret book from the hermit Suimei Shin-kun, they were told the following:
──'The secret book of Konton' is not easy to read.
──From now on, pass down the words for deciphering to one daughter in each generation.
──That way, even if the secret book is taken, it cannot be read.
──The secret book allows 2 miko to learn 'Konton' for the first time together.
──They will continue this until the right person appears.
...And
"Currently, the miko is Kaine-sama. If this person knows the words to decode it, you can understand the 'Secret Book of Konton.' And my daughter Nona is the protector of the miko. The miko must do their best to remember the words, which can make daily life difficult. It is the protector's job to support them."
"Are you saying you want us to take care of the two and the secret book?"
"Yes. Can I ask you for this, Gen Shuuyoku-dono?"
"Can you tell me the reason?"
"I believe that Kou Tenhou-dono and Sui Kaou can defeat the Four Fiends because they broke the poison of 'Kyuuki'."
Gaku Kiryuu answered.
Without hesitation, simply.
"You must have a reason for being able to fight against 'Kyuuki.' I won't ask about that. However, I think Suimei Shin-kun's words about 'If you use Konton correctly, it will be a trump card against the other Four Fiends' refer to this."
"...I see."
"This is a request to Gen Shuuyoku-dono, Kou Tenhou-dono, and Sui Kaou. Please keep the contents of the 'Secret Book of Konton' a secret from the people of Aika Country."
Gaku Kiryuu, along with Nona Kiryuu and Kaine Shurt, bowed deeply.
"Then, I want only Kou Tenhou and Sui Kaou to learn 'Konton.' After that, you can burn it."
"Can I confirm one thing?"
"Feel free."
"There is one more person who wants to share the contents of the 'Konton Secret Manual'."
"Who is it?"
"My senior sister disciple, Raikou. Her real name is Shin U. She is also the master of Tenhou and Kaou."
Shuu-sensei said.
"If you are going to teach the two of them 'Konton,' we need Raikou's help. I'm not good at reading the Martial Arts Manual. If it's an ancient secret manual, it's even harder."
"If it's your senior disciple, is it possible?"
"My master said that Raikou is a genius. She is great at learning martial arts and teaching it too."
Yeah... I understand that.
Raikou-sensei's guidance was really easy to follow.
Even I, who have no knowledge of martial arts, was able to use 'Five Divine Steps' and 'Five Divine Swordsmanship.'
"Raikou is trustworthy. She will keep the secrets no matter what happens."
"Understood. Let's trust Shuu-dono and that senior disciple."
"Thank you. Now, it's up to these kids."
Shuu-sensei turned to me and Shouou.
She looked straight at us with serious eyes.
"This is a serious matter. You don't have to answer right away."
"Okay."
"I understand, Shuu-sensei."
"'The Secret Book of Konton' will be kept by me. Whether you all master this or not is up to your own choice. If you say 'no,' the secret book will be returned to the village of the 'Bokou Tribe' after some time. It will be said to have been burned, after all. You won't have to worry about being targeted by the Jinkyo Tribe anymore."
Shuu-sensei continued.
"But if you decide to master 'Konton,' I will do my best to help you. Raikou will too. If you learn 'Konton,' you will definitely be able to stand against the other 'Four Fiends'──no, the 'Three Fiends.'."
"The reason we can stand against them is that Shikei and I..."
──Because we have a lot of 'Divine Energy,' right?
I didn't say those words out loud, but Shuu-sensei nodded.
My and Shouou's 'Divine Energy' was effective against 'Kyuuki.'
If we were to master 'Konton,' it would probably become our trump card against the other 'Three Fiends.'
I remembered Kaine Shurt's words.
Among the 'Four Fiends,' chaos was the last one created. If used correctly, it could be a trump card against the other 3──that's what she meant, I guess.
"Shuu-sensei, I'm──."
"Don't rush your answer, Tenhou."
Shuu-sensei stopped my words.
"You will give your answer after we return to the capital of Aika Country──Hokurin town. Understood?"
"Yes."
"Kaou, is that okay with you?"
"I understand. My heart is set as well, though."
That's how it turned out.
Of course, my heart is set too.
If I have the power to fight against the 'Four Fiends,' I want to learn it.
It should become my trump card as the game's protagonist, Kai Yougetsu.
However, it seems I'll have to wait until Master Raikou comes back to learn it.
"I will visit Aika Country with Nona, and Kaine-sama."
Gaku Kiryuu said.
"I will explain the situation to the royal family of Aika Country and inform them that the Bokou Tribe will follow Aika Country. Tanshi-dono promised to introduce me to His Royal Highness the King's younger brother. After that, it will depend on negotiations with the people of Aika Country. I hope it goes well..."
"Can I ask something? Shuu-sensei, Gaku Kiryuu-sama?"
I realized I had raised my voice.
After confirming that mentor and Gaku Kiryuu nodded, I asked.
"What will happen to the prisoner?"
What I'm concerned about is Kai Shuujaku's future.
He is a member of the 'Golden Feather Syndicate' and has been saying that 'Aika Country will perish.'
If possible, I want to extract a bit more information.
"Jinkyo Tribe's top soldiers and... that Kai Shuujaku will be taken to Aika Country. Tanshi-dono said so as well."
The one who answered was Gaku Kiryuu.
"The remaining Jinkyo Tribe soldiers will decide what to do with the 'Bokou Tribe.' I don't intend to trouble you."
"But if we're taking prisoners, it will take quite a bit of time, right?"
"That's true. So, first, Tanshi-sama and Gaku-dono will head to Aika Country ahead of us."
Shuu-sensei took over the conversation.
A few days ago, right after meeting Gaku Kiryuu, Tanshi-san entrusted a letter to Ryougen-kun to a fast horse.
It should have already arrived in Aika Country.
And if it's Ryougen-kun, he should act quickly. He might have already sent reinforcements.
They aim to meet up with Tanshi-san and Gaku Kiryuu.
That way, they can report to Ryougen-kun quickly, and the follow-up actions should go smoothly.
It seems the two are thinking that way.
"In any case, you are benefactors of the 'Bokou Tribe.' This will be passed down through generations. If you have the chance, I hope you'll come visit our village. We will welcome you with our whole tribe."
Gaku Kiryuu bowed his head to me and Shouou.
Nona Kiryuu and Kaine Shurt followed suit.
"I'm hoping that after returning to our country, you will continue to get along with my daughter, who was taken hostage, and with Kaine-sama. I trust you all. I believe you will become good friends."
"Of course, that's fine."
"Y-yes. It's an honor."
"Besides, my daughter seems to admire Kaou-dono."
"Father!?"
Nona Kiryuu blushed bright red as she looked at her father and then at Shouou.
She then pressed her cheeks with her hands and said,
"Please don't mind me, Sui Kaou-sama."
With her eyes downcast, she spoke those words.
"When I saw you during your rescue, I was just moved by the elegance of Sui Kaou-sama."
"Y-yeah."
Shouou looked stunned.
"...B-but, Tenhou was with you at that time too."
"Of course, I am grateful to Kou Tenhou-sama as well. But... Sui Kaou-sama looked so noble, like a prince who came down from the heavens. Sui Kaou-sama's skills were truly beautiful... I was captivated at first sight."
"N-no, even if you say that..."
"Of course, this is just my selfish feeling. But if Sui Kaou-sama could remember me... I would be happy with just that..."
"...Tenhou."
Shouou poked my arm.
"Sorry. Can I say something? Please..."
"Ah, okay."
I took a deep breath and looked at Nona Kiryuu.
Then, I clearly expressed what I was thinking.
"Nona Kiryuu-sama, I understand your feelings. Shikei's techniques are really beautiful, aren't they?"
"Wait, Tenhou!?"
"Do you understand? Kou Tenhou-sama!!"
"Of course. I've been right there watching Shikei's techniques. I could talk about the beauty of Shikei all night long."
"Wow, that's so nice to hear..."
"Tenhou!? That's not what I meant! I mean, I'm happy you're complimenting me, but..."
"So, I'm looking forward to Nona Kiryuu-sama visiting Aika Country!"
"Me too! Please, let's be friends!"
"Of course. Let's talk about Shikei together."
"Thank you!!"
"...Ah, ahhh. Tenhou..."
Because, it's obvious that Shouou is amazing, right?
Her technique is more precise than mine. Her Pressure Point Technique positioning is great too.
Shouou's techniques are so beautiful that I can't help but admire them when I watch.
If there are others who share the same interest, I would be really happy...
"...Kaine will be in your care from now on."
Kaine Shurt stands up and comes over to us.
She sits down flat and puts her forehead on the floor again.
"Please take care of Kaine and Nona, about 'Konton' as well."
"Likewise. Thank you."
"...Y-yes, thank you."
"I, Gen Shuuyoku, will take full responsibility for your safety. If you feel tired from the change in environment, just call out to me anytime."
I and Shouou, Shuu-sensei answered.
So, we decided to return to Aika Country with the 'Secret Book of Konton'──
Shouou and I made friends named Nona Kiryuu and Kaine Shurt.
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