Chapter 501 – Sisters as Lovely as Flowers
Just like Kaiser's, the uniforms Yoshino Tomotake and Mako Hitachi wore were also dark blue with cutouts at the arms, layered over a white blouse. The difference was in the bottoms—boys wore trousers, while the girls' version came with skirts.
The skirts flared slightly, trimmed with white lace at the hem and patterned edges. They fell just above the knee, modest without being conservative, neat without being flashy. Each girl also wore a red ribbon tied at the chest. Yoshino paired hers with tights that hid her thighs but highlighted their graceful lines, while Mako had opted for leggings that stretched longer than the skirt itself—practical for movement.
Looking at the two of them in uniform, Kaiser finally understood what most people meant when they praised Japanese school uniforms.
"Whatever else this country gets wrong, they really nailed the school uniforms," he muttered.
Hoori's version even carried local touches, distinct from the usual Tokyo-style sailor outfits. No wonder he found himself staring.
"Kaiser-san?" Yoshino tilted her head, confused to find his gaze lingering. "Is… something wrong with my uniform?"
Mako, uneasy, checked her own appearance.
"No." Kaiser was perfectly straightforward. "I just think you both look fresh—and really beautiful—in uniform, that's all."
Both girls froze. Then, simultaneously, their faces went bright red.
"Oh my." Murasame's voice carried a teasing lilt. "So Master does know how to compliment Yoshino and Mako."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Kaiser shot her a flat look. "It's not like I'm stingy. I just said what I thought, that's all."
"Yes." Yasuharu Tomotake, who couldn't see Murasame but caught the flow of conversation, nodded in agreement. "Kaiser-kun has always been an honest boy. You can take his words at face value."
"Wh-What are you saying?" Yoshino's voice wavered, her eyes darting. "It's just a normal school uniform. Nothing worth such… praise."
Her cheeks burned even redder. Tied up in a high ponytail to match the uniform, her snowy-white hair gave her an air of youthful vibrancy. Different from the sacred aura of her miko robes or the severe impression of her casual wear, this look carried the sweet pull of a first crush.
"S-Same here," Mako muttered, scratching her cheek awkwardly. "Lady Yoshino is one thing, but even I'm being praised? You're just being polite, right?"
She hadn't changed her hairstyle, but the outfit transformed her enough to make her stand out. Side by side, she and Yoshino looked less like miko and bodyguard and more like two radiant sisters.
"I told you, I'm just speaking honestly." Kaiser spread his hands. "If you don't believe me, we could always grab a random passerby and ask them."
The girls shook their heads furiously.
"Spare me, please!"
"Don't you dare!"
The sudden panic made their usually poised steps falter, shy awkwardness seeping into their movements.
To them, it was only their everyday school uniforms. They never imagined it could leave this kind of impression.
Watching their embarrassment, Kaiser couldn't help but recall the very different scenes he'd stumbled into before—the times he'd seen Mako completely naked, or Yoshino in nothing but her underwear. To have witnessed their most unguarded states, then see them now, prim and proper in school uniform… it was almost surreal.
"Ahem." Mako coughed into her fist, recovering her composure first. "Well, Kaiser-sama, you look pretty striking in the Ukayama Academy uniform too. You'd photograph well."
She wasn't exaggerating. Thanks to years of training, Kaiser's build was lean and tall, his figure well-proportioned. His skin hadn't tanned from the sun, leaving him fair-skinned and refined, almost princely in bearing.
Of course…
"I still think Master looks even better without clothes," Murasame snickered.
Mako immediately flushed again. She hadn't forgotten that, while Kaiser was recovering from his wounds, he'd often been shirtless in front of them during checkups.
He was the perfect balance—muscles neither bulky nor thin, his frame solid, his lines clean. The golden-ratio definition, capped with a chiseled set of eight-pack abs. A walking heartbreaker for any girl who laid eyes on him.
The image rose unbidden in both Yoshino and Mako's minds, painting their cheeks with warmth.
"…Maybe I should start working out too." Yasuharu muttered under his breath.
Though chosen by the previous miko, his build was more delicate, giving him a soft, bookish air. Attractive in its own right, but not exactly the picture of strength. Even he seemed aware of it, but whether he could ever dedicate himself to training was another matter. As the head priest of Mitake Shrine, time was a luxury he didn't always have.
"…Anyway, it's about time you headed out," Yasuharu said at last. "Today's just the opening ceremony, then you'll be dismissed. But showing up late on the first day would leave a bad impression."
"Exactly," Mako agreed. "Especially for Kaiser-sama. Coming late right after transferring in would stand out for all the wrong reasons."
"Then let's hurry." Yoshino, uncharacteristically eager, urged them on. "Your homeroom teacher might already be waiting."
Since the day Kaiser was injured, she'd been unusually attentive about his matters. Today was no different.
"I won't be going along," Murasame announced, raising a hand. "No one else can see me. If Master's caught talking to thin air, they'll think he's crazy."
Her form blurred and dissolved like a mirage, fading more ghostlike than any ghost.
"Wait."
As Yoshino and Mako prepared to leave, Kaiser suddenly remembered something.
"Before we go, I should check. Yasuharu-san, about my engagement with Yoshino and my ties to Mitake Shrine—shouldn't we keep that hidden from outsiders?"
The question made both girls pause, their faces shifting.
"That depends on you, Kaiser-kun," Yasuharu replied gently, as if it were no big matter. "Personally, I'd love to tell everyone my daughter's found such an excellent fiancé—"
"T-There's no need for that, Father!" Yoshino cut him off, flustered. "It would only trouble Kaiser-san."
"Lady Yoshino…" Mako sighed quietly at her reaction.
"Yoshino feels strongly about it, so I've refrained from saying anything," Yasuharu admitted. "But because you've been staying here, and because you drew the Divine Blade, the people of Hoori already talk. Rumors are unavoidable."
Kaiser had already overheard whispers back on his second day here. There were probably more now.
"So the best approach is to play it down," Kaiser said with a shrug. "If anyone asks, I'll just dodge the question."
Yoshino lowered her head, her expression complicated.
"Sorry to trouble you, Kaiser-kun." Yasuharu smiled faintly. "Of course, it's not like you have to hide it from everyone. Your childhood friends likely already know some of the truth from Genjuro Kurama. With them, you can be open."
His last words were clearly directed at Yoshino.
"…As long as it doesn't cause trouble," she finally agreed, her tone firming. "But anything about the Tatari-gami or the Curse must never be revealed."
Not even Genjuro had shared that much. So Roka Maníwa and the Kurama siblings almost certainly had no idea.
"I wasn't planning to," Kaiser promised.
"Time to go, Lady Yoshino, Kaiser-sama," Mako cut in quickly, sensing the mood slipping.
"Let's head out." Kaiser ended the discussion and stepped outside first. Yoshino and Mako fell into step behind him.
Yasuharu exhaled softly as he watched them go. "A long road ahead…"
...…
Hoori Town — Ukayama Academy.
Because Kaiser often ended his morning runs here, he already knew the way. He didn't need the girls to guide him.
The campus, usually quiet, buzzed with activity today. Uniformed students filled the grounds, the whole atmosphere lively.
"So this is what Ukayama Academy looks like on opening day," Kaiser murmured as they walked toward a dojo-like building.
"Kaiser-sama studied overseas, right?" Mako asked curiously. "What was your old school like?"
"Ordinary. Very ordinary," Kaiser said bluntly. "Average in ranking, average environment, average teachers—except for their endless motivational speeches. They shoveled it down our throats every day until we drowned in it. Miserable."
"Uh…" Mako faltered, not sure how to respond.
"S-Sounds… unpleasant," Yoshino admitted.
"That's why I don't mind transferring here. Honestly, I'm looking forward to it." Kaiser smiled. "I've heard schools here don't pile on as much. Even seniors get free time. I hope that's true."
Then he added dryly, "Though I can't help noticing—we're drawing a lot of stares."
It was the same feeling he'd had walking through town. Students around them whispered and stole glances, clearly curious.
"That's only natural," Mako explained. "You're the one who drew the Divine Blade, and Lady Yoshino is the miko of Hoori. Together, the two of you are bound to stand out."
Even without Kaiser, she was used to it. Yoshino was always the center of attention.
"They're probably just curious," Yoshino said calmly, clearly long accustomed to such gazes. "If it bothers you, tell me. I'll find a way to help."
Her seriousness left Kaiser a little helpless. "I'll keep that in mind."
And with that, the three of them entered the dojo-like school building, heading for their classroom.
Chapter 502 – Impossible! Absolutely Impossible!
Ukayama Academy wasn't very large—just one class per grade, and not even a hundred students total. That was life in a small countryside town.
So naturally, Kaiser ended up in the same class as Yoshino Tomotake and Mako Hitachi. Their destination was the same, and there was no need to split up.
But since he was a transfer student, Kaiser first had to stop by the staff office to meet his homeroom teacher.
"I'm Hinami Nakajo, your homeroom teacher. Pleased to meet you, Kaiser-kun."
The woman who introduced herself looked to be in her mid-twenties. She greeted him with a warm smile, her manner soft and approachable. Despite being both teacher and homeroom advisor, she wasn't the least bit intimidating. If anything, her aura inspired trust.
"Hello, Nakajo-sensei. I'm Kaiser."
Kaiser bowed properly. He didn't let her warmth tempt him into acting casual or careless.
"Genjuro-san already spoke to me. So did Yasuharu-san. Both asked me to take good care of you." Nakajo smiled like she'd just discovered a promising new student. "I also heard you drew the Divine Blade at Mitake Shrine and were welcomed by the shrine as a result. If you run into any trouble here, don't hesitate to tell me. I'll do what I can to help."
"Come on, I'll take you to class."
For all her gentle air, Nakajo worked quickly. After a short greeting, she led him straight to the classroom.
"This is Kaiser, a transfer student from abroad. Starting today, he's part of your class. Let's welcome our new classmate!"
Her words were met with applause. Every student's eyes followed Kaiser as he stood at the front of the room, curiosity written all over their faces.
"I'm Kaiser. I look forward to studying with you."
He wrote his name neatly on the board. Even with everyone's attention on him, he stayed calm and collected. Not too stiff, not too friendly. Just steady enough to avoid being underestimated.
"Teacher!"
A hand shot up, accompanied by a loud voice.
"Can we ask the new student some questions?"
The boy's tone carried a mischievous edge, his face plastered with a cheeky grin.
Kaiser turned to look and instantly regretted it.
Tall, lanky, wearing the same male uniform as him. Not bad-looking, but with a restless energy that screamed troublemaker.
Who else could it be but Rentaro Kurama?
That guy was practically begging to make his cousin the butt of a joke. Kaiser resisted the urge to throw a piece of chalk at his head.
Unfortunately, the rest of the class perked up as well.
"Teacher, let me ask a question!"
"Me too! I want to know something!"
"I'm curious about the transfer student!"
Apparently, peppering new students with questions was a standard practice here.
Nakajo hesitated, glancing at Kaiser.
"It's fine," Kaiser said, still composed. "I appreciate the enthusiasm. I don't mind indulging a little curiosity. But we're short on time—the opening ceremony's about to start. So let's keep it to three questions."
He smiled faintly. "I'll answer three. After that, please spare me."
His playful phrasing earned a round of laughter.
"Huh. So he can handle himself," Rentaro muttered, surprised. "If he can talk like that, why does he act so distant all the time?"
The truth was simple. Kaiser wasn't bad at socializing—he just didn't bother with flattery or surface-level games. In his previous life, he'd already walked into society. Emotional intelligence wasn't the issue.
He just didn't care. Acting like a kid among kids bored him. Add to that his unique talent after crossing over, and Kaiser had preferred spending time with weapons over classmates. That was how he'd gotten a reputation for being solitary.
But today, he didn't want to stand out for the wrong reasons. Not with Rentaro in this class. Not with Yoshino and Mako watching.
"Alright then," Nakajo said, pointing to the first raised hand.
"Why did you transfer to Hoori, Kaiser-kun?" a girl asked brightly. "I heard you're from a big city. Why give that up to study here?"
It was the obvious question, one nearly everyone was wondering. Only Yoshino, Mako, and Rentaro knew the truth.
"The city isn't necessarily better," Kaiser replied smoothly. "Hoori feels calmer, freer. My mother was born here, and my grandfather's family is well-known. I'm half from here myself. So I thought I'd change environments, reset my outlook a little."
No sooner had he finished than another student jumped in.
"I heard you drew the Divine Blade at the Spring Festival. Is that true?"
That rumor had already spread everywhere. Everyone wanted to hear it from him.
"It's true," Kaiser said without hesitation. "Though it was an accident, I did draw it. That was also one of the reasons I decided to stay."
The third question, however, veered hard off course.
"Then, then—Kaiser-kun, since you're from the big city, have you ever been in a relationship?"
The classroom buzzed instantly.
"Have you had a girlfriend? How many times? Are you single now? Be honest!"
Rentaro grinned ear to ear. "C'mon, a guy from the city like him? No way he hasn't dated before!"
Kaiser's eyes slid toward the culprit. Mako Hitachi smiled innocently back.
"Wait, Mako, why would you throw that at him?" Yoshino frowned.
"This is the perfect chance," Mako whispered back like a plotting ninja. "We never got to ask about his love life before. Better to find out now."
Her voice dropped even lower. "People from the city usually start young. He could've had a girlfriend. Maybe he even has someone he's secretly into. As Lady Yoshino's fiancé, it's something we need to know."
Yoshino's brows drew tight. "Our engagement is only in name. Even if he did…"
Her words trailed off. Against her will, memories rose unbidden—the mountain, the Tatari-gami, Kaiser's hand gripping hers even as he took the brunt of an attack rather than let go.
Her heart skipped. Her face tightened.
"It's just precaution," Mako pressed. "If he has someone, she might misunderstand once she hears about the engagement. Then you'd have to clear things up for him."
Yoshino had no rebuttal. Her chest felt heavy, unsettled.
Before she could speak again, Kaiser answered calmly.
"Sorry to disappoint, but I've never dated anyone. No girlfriend, no relationships. Honestly, it's embarrassing to admit, but I've been single since birth. Before coming here, I'd barely even held a girl's hand."
The bluntness of it stunned the class. Even Yoshino snapped her head up, staring at him.
"Lies," Rentaro shot back immediately. "A good-looking guy from the city, never dated? Never held hands? Impossible! Absolutely impossible!"
He leaned forward, smirking. "So what, you just skipped dating and went straight to hookups? You've slept around, right? You must've!"
The implication was obvious. Crass enough to draw groans from the class.
Yoshino and Mako, though, looked strangely thoughtful.
"…Could that really be true?"
"Kaiser-san…"
Neither wanted to believe someone like him—disciplined, strong, reliable—had never once been close to a girl.
The rest of the class felt the same. Kaiser's aura was already changing thanks to Divine Power—cool, composed, almost otherworldly. Add to that his calmness under pressure, and it was hard to picture him inexperienced.
But Kaiser only smiled faintly.
"That makes four questions. Sorry, but we'll have to stop here. The opening ceremony's waiting."
Nakajo jumped in to back him up.
"That's enough! Don't push our new classmate too far!" She planted her hands on her hips. "And another thing—none of you are old enough to be talking about relationships in front of your teacher. Especially you, Kurama-kun. No dirty talk in class!"
The reprimand landed sharp.
"Yesss…" Rentaro drawled, sulking.
"That's that. Welcome ceremony over! Everyone, off to the opening ceremony. Move it!" Nakajo herded the students out.
Rentaro bolted like a criminal fleeing justice—only to be snagged by the collar of his uniform.
"Where do you think you're going?" Kaiser's voice was cool as steel.
"Wait, let me explain—ahh!"
His scream rang through the hall.
The first day of school promised to be lively indeed.
Chapter 503 – What's the Difference Between You and Me?
"You didn't have to go that hard, you know."
On the way to the opening ceremony, Rentaro Kurama rubbed his arm with a grimace, still complaining. Just minutes ago his cousin had put him in a joint lock so tight his face turned purple on the spot—he honestly thought his arm had been ripped clean off.
"You're the one who decided to use me as a punchline in class." Kaiser shot back, clearly annoyed. "And come on, don't be such a wimp. I barely put any strength into that. You used to hold up way better than this."
Kaiser was Genjuro Kurama's grandson by blood on his mother's side. Rentaro was Genjuro's direct grandson. Since their grandfather had been determined to train all his descendants from a young age, neither of them had escaped his regimen.
Back then, Kaiser and Rentaro trained side by side. The only difference was that Kaiser threw himself into it while Rentaro always looked like he was being dragged along—skating by when he could, never pushing himself harder than necessary.
Even so, before Kaiser left Hoori those years ago, Rentaro had still managed to keep up in his own way. He'd never matched Kaiser in skill, but he wasn't so weak that he'd fold in a single move either.
So what happened? Was it that Kaiser had grown stronger… or that Rentaro had simply gotten weaker?
The answer was—both.
"Not everyone's obsessed with swords and martial arts like you are." Rentaro curled his lip. "Grandpa only made us train for our health in the first place. But you? Even pros don't work as hard as you do. No wonder you ended up winning the national kendo championship."
"As for me? I couldn't stand getting up early every day, pushing myself until I dropped. So not long after you left Hoori, I stopped going to Grandpa's training altogether."
So that was it. No wonder he was such a pushover now—he'd slacked off for years.
"Grandfather actually let you quit?" Kaiser asked, a little surprised.
"At first he chewed me out pretty hard. But like I said, he only wanted us healthy. As long as I wasn't sickly, he didn't force me." Rentaro shrugged like it was nothing. "You're the exception. Grandpa actually thinks you've got real talent, so he's the one who kept pushing you."
Kaiser didn't argue. He just nodded.
It was the kind of thing that always came down to self-discipline and interest. If you wanted to stick with it, you did. If not, you didn't.
In his past life, Kaiser wouldn't have had the patience to train every single day either. But this life was different. His natural gifts demanded a strong body to support them. Without that, even the sharpest technique was wasted.
Rentaro, on the other hand, was just a normal high school guy. Letting himself go a little wasn't hard to understand. It was just another way of living.
It's not like he was aiming to be an athlete or compete in tournaments, much less fight Tatari-gami like the Tomotake Family. In the modern world, you didn't need a sword to get by. Choosing an easier life wasn't wrong.
At least, that's how Kaiser saw it. That was why he limited himself to just a couple of hours of training a day. He had no intention of dedicating his entire existence to it.
Even transferring into Ukayama Academy had been easy to accept. Japan's schools weren't overly demanding, and Hoori was practically his second home. There was nothing to resist.
So as far as Rentaro's choices went, Kaiser didn't see a problem. As long as he didn't regret it later, that was his business.
"Anyway, want to hang out this afternoon?" Rentaro suddenly asked. "Feels like forever since we just went out together."
"And whose fault is that?" Kaiser shot him a flat look. "You had plenty of free time during break, but I could never pin you down. Where the hell were you sneaking off to all day?"
It had been a real mystery. Kaiser had gone looking for Rentaro more than once during vacation, but the guy was never home. He'd complained to Koharu about it plenty.
Meanwhile, Kaiser practically lived at Tadenshiya. He was there so often he'd run into Roka Maníwa and Koharu regularly. But Rentaro? Never once. Kaiser was half-convinced the idiot had gone off to feed Tatari-gami in the mountains or something.
"It was vacation!" Rentaro grinned sheepishly. "Time's limited, you can't waste your youth sitting around at home."
"Is that so?" Kaiser asked flatly. "Then how many girls did you actually manage to pick up among all those tourists you kept chasing?"
Rentaro went silent.
"Well? Tell me." Kaiser pressed. "How many?"
"Ugh, shut up!" Rentaro's face twitched as he snapped, "Zero, okay? Not once! I struck out every single time. Happy now?"
An entire summer… for nothing? Kaiser almost felt bad.
"No wonder Koharu never worried about you getting into trouble. She knows you don't stand a chance." He clapped Rentaro on the shoulder in mock sympathy.
"Damn it, don't underestimate me!" Rentaro grabbed at his hair, half-crazed. "It's not me, it's the girls! Tourists are way too sharp these days!"
"Meanwhile you—" he jabbed a finger at Kaiser—"you waltz back into town after years away, stir up a storm, and then land yourself as Lady Miko's fiancé. Living under the same roof as her! How the hell is that fair?"
"That's Lady Miko we're talking about! And my childhood friend ends up as her betrothed? It's insane!"
"What's the difference, huh? What do you have that I don't?"
Jealousy twisted his face as he seized Kaiser by the collar and shook him furiously.
"So you did hear about that," Kaiser said, brushing off his hand. "Since you never mentioned it, I figured maybe you didn't know."
"Of course I know. Grandpa told me to keep my mouth shut until the time's right." Rentaro sighed dramatically. "Otherwise I'd be grilling you right now—what's it like living with Lady Miko? Sweet every day, huh? How many times did you have to wash the sheets during break? You didn't push her into anything too wild, did you?"
"She's Lady Miko of Hoori, basically the princess of this land. She's gotta be pure and innocent! Don't you dare force her into your kinks!"
"Hey, don't walk away! I'm talking to you! Answer me!"
Kaiser ignored him and lengthened his stride, putting as much distance as possible between himself and his perverted cousin. If Rentaro kept shouting things like that in public, Kaiser would be socially dead at Ukayama Academy before classes even started.
…Yeah. For the sake of his reputation, he'd better keep his distance from this guy.
———
Once the opening ceremony wrapped up, students quickly left Ukayama Academy instead of hanging around. Classes started tomorrow. Today was their last bit of freedom, and no one wanted to waste it on campus.
Rentaro was no exception. He vanished the moment the ceremony ended, completely forgetting his promise to hang out with Kaiser at noon.
Koharu left too, waving goodbye before heading off. She was also a student at Ukayama Academy, though a year below Kaiser and in a different class. They'd bumped into each other during the ceremony and exchanged greetings before going their separate ways.
As for Roka Maníwa… she'd already graduated. Instead of going to college, she'd joined the workforce and was now running her family's sweets shop. If Kaiser wanted to see her, he'd have to drop by Tadenshiya like before.
Still, Kaiser wasn't exactly alone. He had two stunning girls walking beside him.
After the ceremony, Yoshino Tomotake and Mako Hitachi had joined up with him, and the three headed home together.
They didn't try to hide it, either. Walking openly as a group only made them more eye-catching.
Even if Kaiser kept the engagement under wraps, word about him drawing the Divine Blade had spread everywhere. Seeing him alongside the miko of Mitake Shrine didn't strike anyone as strange anymore.
As they walked, Kaiser even asked Yoshino about Ukayama Academy's curriculum, curious how easygoing the classes really were.
But before long, something about Yoshino changed.
"Mm…"
Her face twisted, as if in pain. A muffled sound slipped from her lips.
"What's wrong?" Kaiser froze, alarmed.
"Lady Yoshino!" Mako, cheerful just moments ago, went pale.
"Ha… ha…"
Yoshino's face grew more strained, her breathing ragged, the sound tinged with something disturbingly sensual.
Both Kaiser and Mako rushed to support her, one on each side—
Only for Yoshino to cry out sharply.
"Ah!"
With a sudden pop, a pair of soft, furry ears sprang out atop her head.
"This…" Kaiser's eyes narrowed, his expression grim.
"As expected…" Mako's voice was grave, her suspicions confirmed.
"The Tomotake curse has awakened."
Kaiser had caught a glimpse of it once during the Spring Festival. But now, it was happening right before his eyes.
Chapter 504 – That's Not How Responsibility Works
Mitake Shrine, living room.
It wasn't just Kaiser, Yoshino, and Mako who had hurried back. Murasame had also wandered in from who-knows-where, and Yasuharu Tomotake returned from his work at the shrine.
"…So it's that time again?"
Yasuharu's face, usually calm and gentle, carried a heavy shadow.
"Yes." Mako Hitachi wasn't smiling anymore. Her tone was serious. "It's been over a week since Kaiser-sama cut down the Tatari-gami in the mountains. By now the filth has gathered again."
Once the filth built up, the Tomotake curse would manifest. And with it, the Tatari-gami would appear.
This wasn't the first time. Which was why Mako spoke so decisively:
"Tonight, we have to go up the mountain and purify it."
That had always been their duty.
Yasuharu's pained expression said everything. No matter how many times his daughter went into the mountains to fight, he could never stop worrying.
Kaiser, though, remained unnervingly calm.
"Master doesn't look surprised at all," Murasame noted, studying him with mild curiosity.
"It's not like I didn't see it coming," Kaiser replied evenly. "Honestly, I thought the ears showing up would cause a stir on the way back. Didn't expect nobody else could see them."
That had been news to him. He'd assumed Yoshino would need to hide them somehow. Instead, she walked home openly, yet everyone who saw her treated her with the same respect as always—completely oblivious.
It was as if her beast ears didn't exist. Just like Murasame, invisible to ordinary eyes.
"That's the nature of the Tomotake curse," Murasame explained. "At first, the curse is weak. Only those who can perceive me—like Master and Mako—can see the ears."
Which meant even Yasuharu couldn't see them. Only Kaiser and Mako could.
"But if the filth isn't purified, if the Tatari-gami remain, the curse grows stronger. Eventually, others will see the ears as well." Murasame's tone hardened. "That's how the rumors of the Curse began. A miko of the Tomotake Family was seen with those ears, and the story spread."
"And after that?" Kaiser pressed. "Once the curse grows stronger… is the only effect that people can see the ears? No other consequences?"
The question darkened the room. No one answered right away.
"It's fine." Yoshino finally broke the silence, almost as if she wanted to steer the conversation away. Her face was tight, but her voice was firm. "It's the same as always. We'll go to the mountain and purify the Tatari-gami. Once they're gone, the filth disperses, the ears vanish. There's nothing else to worry about."
She said it like she was determined to make it true.
"…I see." Kaiser nodded slowly. "Then let's leave it at that."
He rose, as though ready to return to his room.
But Yoshino caught his hand.
"This time… you're not planning to go up the mountain alone, are you?" Worry flickered across her face. "Please. Promise me you won't go by yourself."
Kaiser didn't answer right away. He just looked at her until she grew flustered under his gaze. Then he spoke.
"You're planning to push me aside again, take everything onto your shoulders alone?"
His voice was calm, but the words carried a sharp edge.
"This has always been my responsibility," Yoshino said, averting her eyes. "There's no reason to drag you into it again."
At that, everyone else in the room let out weary sighs.
"You're still clinging to that line, Yoshino?" Murasame sighed. "Even now, you're that stubborn?"
Yasuharu and Mako exchanged bitter smiles but said nothing.
"But… but he's already been hurt once because of me!" Yoshino's voice rose, guilt finally spilling out in a flood. "He nearly lost his life! It's my fault things turned out that way. If it weren't for me, he wouldn't have suffered at all!"
Even now, she couldn't let go of that guilt. Her sense of duty pressed heavier and heavier on her heart.
Murasame, Yasuharu, and Mako had no words of comfort. Silence fell.
Only Kaiser kept his eyes fixed on her.
After a long pause, he spoke.
"Then so be it."
Just like before, he dropped the words and moved to leave.
"Wait!" Yoshino gripped his hand tighter, refusing to let go. "Promise me first—you won't go alone!"
"Why?" Kaiser asked evenly. "What reason do I have to promise you that?"
"What do you mean, what reason? The mountain's dangerous!"
"That's your reason to stop me. Not my reason to agree." His tone didn't waver. "You've been refusing me on your own terms. That's your right. I have no power to interfere. But the same applies to me—if I choose to act on my own terms, you have no right to stop me."
He met her eyes, steady and cold.
"You can't demand the freedom to act on your reasons, then deny that same freedom to others. That's not how it works."
This wasn't the first time Kaiser had made his stance clear. It was no different now.
"And besides… you said yourself I was injured because of you. That means without you, I wouldn't have been hurt at all."
The bluntness hit like a blade.
"By that logic, the one who should stay behind is you. It's safer if I go."
It was true. If not for Yoshino, Kaiser could have handled both Tatari-gami last time. He would've come out fine.
But Yoshino… every fight cost her dearly. She barely scraped by each time. Without Kaiser, she likely would've died.
Which meant sending him was the safer choice.
"But you—"
"Don't say this has nothing to do with me." He cut her off coldly. "The filth builds until the Tatari-gami surge down the mountain. When that happens, they'll ravage Hoori. You admitted that yourself."
He leaned in, voice hard.
"And Hoori isn't just the Tomotake Family or the Hitachi Family. It's the Kurama Family. The Maniwa Family. My childhood friends. My blood runs with half of Hoori in it. You want me to believe this disaster has nothing to do with me?"
"Responsibility isn't something you hoard all to yourself, Lady Miko." His words struck sharp. "Or do you expect me to stand by and watch as my friends and relatives are torn apart by Tatari-gami?"
His eyes were like ice, and Yoshino trembled.
"If refusing me is the path you've chosen, then I guess this is where we part ways."
The color drained from her face. She couldn't say a word.
"Kaiser-sama is right, Lady Yoshino." Mako finally broke in. "The curse may belong to the Tomotake Family, but that doesn't mean this is only your burden. It threatens all of Hoori. It's everyone's fight."
"Kaiser-sama is a partner we can trust—strong and level-headed. Rejecting him is wrong. If the Tomotake curse has persisted for centuries, it's because the same old methods have never been enough. Now, finally, something has changed. Pushing him away only throws away the chance our mikos have sacrificed generations to keep alive."
Mako had always believed Kaiser was the key. Not only because he was capable, but because Murasame-maru had chosen him. That sword had returned to human hands after centuries. That meant hope. A chance to break the endless cycle.
That was why she called him "-sama," why she treated him with unshakable respect.
"…Yoshino."
Yasuharu's voice was low, pained. He didn't speak of destiny or duty. All he wanted was for his daughter not to shoulder everything alone. As a father, he couldn't bear to see her fight until she bled, helpless to do anything but watch.
"Father… Mako…"
Yoshino's throat tightened. She couldn't find the words.
Kaiser gently pulled his hand free and walked out of the living room.
Murasame followed in silence.
Together, they left Yoshino frozen behind.
Chapter 505 – A Trip in Vain?
Night fell quickly.
This evening, the Tomotake Family didn't gather for dinner together—at least not Kaiser. When Mako Hitachi came to call him, he simply asked her to bring something light to his room and ate a quick, simple meal.
There was no point in filling his stomach before a battle where lives might be on the line. Tonight was going to be a fight to the death.
So Kaiser stayed shut in his room until the sky went fully dark. Only then did he step outside, Murasame-maru in hand, Murasame floating at his back, dressed in the same casual training clothes he always wore for morning practice. The exact same look as the last time he went up the mountain alone.
But when he entered the living room, he found Yoshino Tomotake and Mako already waiting.
"Kaiser-san…" Yoshino, seated on the tatami, rose the instant she saw him.
She had already changed—miko robes with a scarlet chihaya, her hair tied into twin tails, a golden crown resting atop her head. Dignified, solemn, every inch Lady Miko.
"Kaiser-sama." Mako also stood. Her outfit was just as striking. She wore a traditional kunoichi uniform—light, functional, but showing plenty of skin. Pale arms and thighs caught the light, while a long scarf wrapped around her neck hung almost to her ankles. A forehead protector gleamed above her brow.
Full battle gear. This was how Mako dressed when it was time to fight.
"…So you two weren't planning to let me head up there alone." Kaiser smiled faintly, seeing right through them.
"Sorry, but this is our duty too." Mako gave a sheepish smile. "There's no way Lady Yoshino or I could just sit back while you went to fight alone."
Kaiser turned his eyes to Yoshino.
She met his gaze, face conflicted, before finally speaking.
"At the very least… we should watch each other's backs."
She had relented. The stubborn Lady Miko who insisted on carrying everything herself had been convinced. She wasn't trying to shut him out anymore—but letting him climb the mountain alone was still impossible for her.
That was why they had already changed, waiting here for him.
"Though honestly," Kaiser said quietly, "you might be wasting your time. If it's the same level as last time, I can handle it myself."
The words weren't arrogant or boastful. Just matter-of-fact.
If the Tatari-gami were no stronger than before, Murasame-maru alone was more than enough. He'd already proven that once.
"I know you're strong, Kaiser-sama, but no matter how strong, you're still human," Mako said firmly. "The enemy isn't a beast or a man, not even a living thing. It's filth given form. Who knows what might happen in a fight like that? Having someone by your side is necessary."
That was why Yoshino and Mako had always gone together, never apart. Even if something unexpected happened, at least one could respond.
"Don't worry. We won't drag you down." Mako lifted her chin with confidence. "I'll protect Lady Yoshino too."
Kaiser didn't doubt her. He'd fought her once, after all. He knew how skilled she was. The last thing she'd ever be was dead weight.
"I can fight as well." Yoshino's face was set, her hands gripping the Hoko-suzu. Her eyes burned with determination. "This began because of me. I have to help end it."
She'd slowed him down last time, true. But sitting at home while others fought in her place? That would be worse than death for her.
So she hadn't rejected his involvement this time—but she refused to stand aside either.
"…Since you're both this determined, I won't object." Kaiser accepted easily enough. This was their curse, their family's burden. He had no right to bar them from facing it.
Still, he gave them both a dry look.
"But are you really going up the mountain dressed like that?"
He couldn't help himself. The last time he'd seen Yoshino fighting, he'd already wondered—why wear ceremonial robes to battle? They looked beautiful, sure, but practical? Not a chance.
And Mako's outfit… light and mobile, yes. But that absurd scarf nearly touched the ground. How did she not trip or snag it on branches?
"These are our battle clothes," Mako explained cheerfully, unbothered by his stare. "Both my kunoichi gear and Lady Yoshino's miko robes have been purified. They protect us spiritually."
Which meant they had to wear them when exorcising the Tatari-gami.
"…Got it." Kaiser nodded. "Then let's go."
"Yes!" both girls answered in unison.
At that point, Yasuharu Tomotake, who had been quietly watching, finally rose to his feet.
"I'll be here waiting for your return." His gentle smile never wavered. "May fortune be with you."
"Of course it will." Murasame crossed her arms with a cocky grin. "With Master and me together, what's a mere Tatari-gami? Nothing to worry about."
She was practically buzzing with excitement. At last, the princess of the Tomotake Family and the wielder of Murasame-maru were united. At last, things were moving as they should have from the start.
She couldn't wait to see what changes the future would bring.
And so, under Yasuharu's watchful eyes and Murasame's eager chatter, the three set out into the night, heading for the looming mountain.
———
Sha… sha…
Wind whispered through the dark forest, setting the trees swaying. The branches rustled together, filling the silence with eerie static.
Kaiser led the way up the narrow path, Yoshino and Mako close behind, until they reached the same untouched trail as before, winding deeper into the woods.
"T-Tatari-gami hasn't shown up yet, has it, Master?"
Murasame clung to his sleeve, trembling like they were sneaking through a haunted house. Every rustle of leaves had her squeaking in terror—"Eep!"—as if a ghost might jump out any second.
Kaiser almost wanted to scold her. A ghost scared of ghosts—unbelievable.
"…No sign yet," he said calmly, stride steady. His presence in front of them was like a wall, making Yoshino and Mako feel unexpectedly safe.
It was a new sensation. Before, it had always been just the two of them, relying on themselves alone. But now, with Kaiser's solid back before them, they felt… protected.
The difference was undeniable.
"I don't sense anything either," Mako said, trying to distract herself from the strange warmth in her chest. "It must be deeper in the mountains."
"Y-Yes, that makes sense," Yoshino agreed quickly, just as flustered. "We're still near the outer paths. Once we go further in, we should find it."
Kaiser, unaware of their unease, tilted his head.
"By the way, how long does it usually take you to run into one? Or is there ever a time when you don't find any at all?"
It seemed strange. Even if this wasn't the largest mountain, it was still a mountain. Normally, running into a single Tatari-gami by chance should be unlikely. Yet last time he'd been targeted almost immediately.
Could they really be drawn to them every time?
Mako confirmed it.
"Once a Tatari-gami manifests, it actively seeks out members of the Tomotake Family. No matter the distance, it will eventually find Lady Yoshino. We never have to search for them. The curse ensures it."
"So that's it." Kaiser frowned slightly. "Then why did it come after me?"
He hadn't forgotten. The very first time, the Tatari-gami had attacked him directly, as if it had been waiting.
"It must be because you became Murasame-maru's wielder," Yoshino said softly. "That sword was forged to slay yokai. Its first master was the ancestor of the Tomotake Family. Perhaps that connection draws them to you as well."
"…I see. So all we have to do is wait, and the enemy will come to us." Kaiser nodded. "Convenient. Saves us the trouble of hunting them down."
"Leave it to us, Kaiser-sama," Mako assured him brightly. "We've climbed the mountain many times before. We know the signs of a Tatari-gami's arrival. We'll notice the moment it's near."
"Good." Kaiser chuckled lightly, then glanced at her. "By the way, I forgot to ask—what do you actually use to exorcise them?"
Ordinary attacks meant nothing. Only weapons infused with Divine Power could strike a Tatari-gami. For him, it was Murasame-maru. For Yoshino, the Hoko-suzu. But Mako?
"I can't." She shook her head. "I have no means to truly exorcise or purify filth. Only the Divine Blade and the shrine's sacred instruments can. I don't have the right to wield either."
"So my role is support. I fight, but in the end, it has to be Lady Yoshino who lands the finishing blow with the sacred tools."
Which explained why Mako never let Yoshino out of her sight. She couldn't handle the curse alone. Without Yoshino, the fight couldn't end.
"If it were possible, I'd keep her home and fight in her place," Mako admitted. "But it's not."
Kaiser nodded. That made sense.
"In the past, Lady Yoshino had to charge ahead herself. But now with you, Kaiser-sama, I feel like we can finally rely on someone else," Mako added with a grin. "That way I can focus fully on protecting—"
She cut off mid-sentence. Kaiser had stopped abruptly.
"…Kaiser-san?" Yoshino called hesitantly.
He didn't answer. His eyes were fixed on the underbrush ahead.
Sha… sha…
The trees swayed again. The sound was different this time.
Something was there.