"Hah... enough. Give me Musou Isshin."
The Shogun exhaled softly, extending her hand toward the woman beside her.
"Mm... here."
Ei obediently handed the blade over. The Shogun took it, exchanging her naginata with Ei's sword.
Perhaps because of Ei's earlier emotional wavering, Musou Isshin's light had dimmed slightly. But once it touched the Shogun's hands, it shone again—radiant and ethereal.
She gripped the hilt firmly and thrust the blade into the ground at her feet.
Vmm~!
The earth once again rippled like water, waves spreading outward. Under the power of Musou Isshin, the ground began to distort, eventually reopening the gateway to the demon's alternate dimension. The murky, swamp-like domain was revealed once more before them.
The Shogun surrounded herself with a shield of lightning, preparing to jump down.
"You're going alone?" Ei asked, her voice filled with concern.
"That's right. There's still a trace of human life down there. I can handle it myself."
She bent her knees, ready to leap—but her wrist was suddenly grabbed.
"...What is it?" She turned with mild exasperation.
"I'll go too—"
"Save it~! Wait up here. I'll be right back. Be good."
She patted Ei's hand gently, signaling her to behave.
"But..."
"Ei!"
The Shogun's tone rose slightly—firm, commanding.
"!"
Ei fell silent immediately.
"I'll be fine... you know my strength better than anyone."
The Shogun frowned slightly. Lately, Ei had been acting... overly protective. Maybe even clingy? It was heartwarming, yes, but... didn't she trust her at all?
"...Alright. I understand. Go."
Ei reluctantly released her grip, her voice soft but complicated.
"..."
The Shogun sighed inwardly, then—with a flash of violet light—dissolved into lightning and vanished into the rift.
As the last spark faded, Ei stood still, guilt washing over her. She knew it—ever since what happened back in Inazuma, her maternal instincts had only grown stronger. Lately, it was getting worse. This desperate need to protect the Shogun down to the bone... it troubled her deeply. Surely, the Shogun found it annoying... right? Sigh...
Meanwhile—
Splash!
The Shogun plunged into the depths of the dark mire, descending like a lone vessel drifting through a vast, murky sea. The twisted space stretched endlessly around her, its waters foul and thick, littered with floating bloodstained remains—and scraps of torn girls' clothing.
The bottom of the swamp glowed faintly green, a sickly, putrid color. It was repulsive—but fortunately, she had a protective shield around her. Otherwise, her clothes would have been ruined instantly.
Something long brushed past her side—a drifting shape.
"?"
She turned her gaze and realized it was... seaweed? Following its roots downward, she soon saw what it entangled—a girl's corpse.
Huff...
Adjusting her posture, the Shogun drifted closer. Up close, she could see the girl clearly—around sixteen or seventeen years old, her face delicate and youthful. Seaweed wrapped around her neck, her eyes frozen open, unblinking. Her hair hung in messy strands, her hairpin long lost. Her clothing was nearly gone, her body laid bare—only her feet still wearing tattered, damp white tabi.
Seeing the girl's pitiful state, the Shogun's violet eyes softened with sorrow and compassion. She gently reached out, brushing her fingertips against the girl's cheek, turning her face slightly.
From that angle, she saw the deep, jagged wound around her neck—its edges blackened, unmistakably the mark of a demon's feeding.
Then—her peripheral vision caught something. She turned—and saw countless more.
All around her, dozens of young girls' corpses floated silently, entwined in the seaweed like a ghastly forest beneath the water. They were all about the same age—youthful, in the prime of life—and all slaughtered here.
"..."
Her lips tightened. A quiet rage stirred in her chest. But before she let it take hold, she raised a hand gently, placing two fingers over the dead girl's eyes, closing them with care.
"Rest now... I'll avenge you all."
Her voice was low but resolute.
Then, locking onto a faint energy signature in the distance, the Shogun's form blurred into lightning—disappearing into the depths of the swamp.
The violet glow streaked through the dark waters, illuminating the gloom as she advanced. After about a minute, she came to a halt in the heart of the abyss.
She had found a living person—yes, a living human. The figure inside was a young girl, still alive, confined within an iron cage. The cell was sealed but dry, untouched by the surrounding water. Through the glass-like wall, the Shogun could see her clearly—tied to a pillar, her body restrained, her mouth gagged.
The Shogun's eyes brightened. She was about to rush forward to rescue the girl when—
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! ×N
Several black shadows suddenly darted past, moving through the murky waters like sharks, weaving among the drifting seaweed to obscure her vision.
Her violet eyes narrowed dangerously, and Musou Isshin shone brilliantly in her hands—its light pure and holy even in this wretched abyss.
"Mirage Pierce."
Instantly, her perception expanded, encompassing the entire area.
Whoosh!
One of the shadows lunged toward her neck with a clawed hand—but her speed was unmatched. In that instant, the world seemed to slow to a crawl.
Crack!
A single slash cleaved through the water, severing the demon's arm completely. The limb disintegrated instantly into dust, unable to regenerate.
"!!"
The demon gasped, clutching its wound as the corruption spread through its body.
Whoosh!Whoosh!
Two more figures approached rapidly from the distance—but she evaded them with effortless grace.
Now all three demons, frustrated, decided to attack together. They spread out, encircling her from all sides, and began to activate their Blood Demon Arts.
The Shogun merely glanced at them—then lowered her gaze, both hands gripping Musou Isshin, the blade hanging loosely before her.
Illusion shattered!
Crack!
Time froze.
In the space within her vision, countless invisible slashes appeared—fractures of light, tearing through the void. They covered the entire domain, every inch of the watery expanse, slicing across all three demons at once.
The next second—
Slash! ×3
Time resumed. The three demons were obliterated instantly, their bodies disintegrating into shreds of dust before they could even scream.
Boom!
The surrounding space began to collapse. The countless rifts that had severed its structure shattered the entire dimensional barrier. The swamp world quaked and started dissolving—like a desert scattering in the wind, waves of distortion rippling outward.
Seeing this, the Shogun flew swiftly toward the imprisoned girl. One strike of her blade shattered the cage. The girl, realizing who had come to save her, began to cry and struggle in excitement.
The Shogun stepped closer, pulling her into the protection of her lightning shield before removing the gag from her mouth.
"Hah... th-thank you, thank you so much, my savior sister...!"
Tears streamed down the girl's cheeks as she bowed her head gratefully.
The Shogun simply nodded, breaking the wooden bindings that held her to the pillar, then sheathed Musou Isshin. Lifting the girl into her arms in a princess carry, she turned into lightning and soared toward the exit.
Splash!
The bolt of light shot up through the ground and burst back into the night sky, landing gracefully upon solid earth. The Shogun exhaled deeply, releasing the protective barrier as she steadied the girl in her arms.
Finally—they were out. That was far too close. She had almost been trapped below.
"Shogun..."
Ei immediately rushed to her side, checking her face, her forehead, her body—making sure she was uninjured.
"I'm fine..."
Feeling her mother's worried touch, warmth bloomed in her chest. She didn't avoid it.
"Riko!! Is that you?!"
Kazumi, who had been praying nearby, turned and froze. Seeing the girl in the Shogun's arms, his eyes widened, tears welling as he stumbled forward, crying out.
"...Hah."
Ei stepped back to give space, her heart softening despite her initial annoyance.
"Kazumi!!"
Riko's pale face lit up with joy when she saw her boyfriend. Tears welled as she smiled weakly.
"Her body is fragile. Be gentle."
The Shogun handed the girl carefully to Kazumi, speaking softly.
"Yes! Riko, are you alright?!"
Kazumi nodded fervently, sitting down against the wall with Riko in his arms, his tone full of tenderness.
"I-I'm fine... cough... thanks to... this lady..."
Though weak, Riko managed a grateful smile toward the Shogun.
"Yes... saviors... I can't even begin to thank you. You two are truly our benefactors!"
Kazumi immediately fell to his knees, bowing deeply to them both.
"Please, rise... such formality isn't needed."
Ei exchanged a knowing glance with the Shogun. Helping others was its own reward—there was no need for gratitude.
"Still... we're truly thankful. I don't know how we could ever repay you."
Kazumi looked distraught.
"Right... it's already late. As thanks, how about the two of you stay at our home tonight? Ah... of course, you're welcome to stay longer if you wish."
Riko offered the suggestion sincerely—humble yet generous, and perfectly fitting. For someone raised as a proper lady, hospitality was second nature.
"Yes! That's a great idea!"
Kazumi quickly agreed. After all, how else could they express gratitude for such a life-saving act?
"..." ×2
The mother and daughter exchanged a glance—then nodded in unison.
"Then we'll accept your offer."
They agreed. Truth be told, they didn't have anywhere else to stay... and, well, they didn't have any money either.
Early the next morning—
"Ladies..."
Hearing the soft voice, both turned their heads to see Riko standing behind them.
"You really won't stay a few more days? If you're worried about being a burden, please don't. It's no trouble at all."
Her tone carried a faint sense of reluctance.
"It's not that... We simply have other matters to attend to. We can't stay any longer, but we truly appreciate your kindness."
The Shogun and Ei exchanged a brief, knowing look before the Shogun stepped forward to explain to the young girl and her family.
After spending one night in Riko's home, the Raiden mother and daughter were preparing to depart. They couldn't impose on their hosts any further.
Riko, her family, and Kazumi all came to see them off at the front gate. Judging from their expressions, they were reluctant to part.
"Oh, we're truly blessed to have met the two of you. If it weren't for you, our daughter wouldn't have been saved."
Riko's mother stepped forward, taking the Shogun's hands warmly. She smiled at both her and Ei with genuine gratitude.
"It was nothing worth mentioning. But please, take care and be cautious in the future."
The Shogun allowed the woman to hold her hands without resistance, her tone calm and gentle.
"Of course! We'll remember what our saviors said."
The woman nodded firmly.
"Honestly... if it weren't for these two, what could that boy Kazumi have done to save my daughter?"
Riko's father glared at the flustered young man beside him, scolding him mildly.
"Uh..."
Kazumi didn't argue. He knew it was true—without these two women, Riko would have never returned alive.
"You speak too harshly," said the Shogun with composed grace. "Mr. Kazumi is just an ordinary person. It's natural he knows little about demons. If anything, the fact that he spent an entire day searching for Riko shows he's already a fine husband."
"!"
Kazumi looked at her, his eyes glistening with emotion. Tears nearly welled up.
"Oh, listen to her! What a sweet tongue you have—such wonderful manners!"
Riko's mother chuckled affectionately, her face lighting up with warmth.
"...You flatter me."
The Shogun replied calmly, her tone modest. She then glanced sidelong at Ei—who, for her part, looked a bit uneasy.
"Not only are you two kind, but both of you are so beautiful... May I ask your ages?"
The old man's curiosity was genuine. Both women looked so young—barely twenty, perhaps only a few years older than his own daughter. They seemed like sisters, not mother and daughter.
"..." ×2
They exchanged another silent glance, as if reaching a mutual understanding.
"To be honest, my daughter is just over twenty," Ei replied smoothly, speaking in the tone of a mother introducing her grown child. Of course, the age was made up. As she spoke, she rested a hand fondly on the Shogun's shoulder, giving it a small squeeze, then gently ran her fingers through her hair in a loving gesture.
"..."
The Shogun sighed inwardly. She really sells it, doesn't she~?
"Your daughter?!" ×4
The entire family froze, their eyes wide. They're... mother and daughter?!
"Our apologies... You mean to say—?"
"Yes... she's my mother."
Seeing their disbelief, the Shogun gave a quiet, reluctant confirmation. It was, after all, the most convenient explanation for outsiders.
"Wow... now that you mention it, the resemblance is striking!"
The old man nodded in amazement.
"Ah—wait... Miss, I mean, you look so young."
Riko nearly called Ei "auntie" but quickly corrected herself. The woman before her looked nothing like an aunt—she was radiant, graceful, and elegant.
"Oh my! Then we're of the same generation, aren't we? We're both mothers, after all."
Riko's mother grabbed Ei's hands excitedly, leaning close with a friendly laugh.
"Uh... yes... something like that."
Ei stepped back slightly, forcing an awkward smile. This type of bubbly personality was... a bit much for her.
Pfft...
The Shogun couldn't help but stifle a laugh.
"May I ask your name?" the woman inquired warmly.
"Raiden," Ei replied.
"And your daughter...?"
"She takes my surname," Ei answered plainly, sensing what the woman meant.
"Can I ask you something, Miss Raiden?"
"Of course... please, go ahead."
Ei wanted to pull her hands free, but seeing how sincere and emotional this family was, she couldn't bring herself to. With a resigned sigh, she decided to just play along—though she couldn't help but notice the Shogun sneaking glances at her, clearly enjoying the show.
"May I ask... your age?"
"I—"
Ei had already thought of a number and was about to answer when—
"She's already... over forty."
The Shogun replied smoothly, barely suppressing her laughter.
"...??"
Ei froze, turning toward her daughter with a stunned expression. Oh, you little brat. You dare? You really dare, huh?
"Over forty?! Really?"
The woman blinked in astonishment.
"Ahem... yes, that's correct."
Ei narrowed her eyes dangerously at the smug-faced Shogun beside her before regaining her composure. She would remember this.
"How do you maintain yourself so well?"
"Huh?"
Ei blinked. "Maintain?"
"Your skin! You take such good care of it! If I didn't know you were her mother, I'd swear you two were sisters!"
It wasn't flattery—it was genuine disbelief. Her skin was flawless, radiant, and youthful, as if untouched by time. Not a single wrinkle, not even the faintest sign of age.
"I... don't really do much," Ei replied with a small sigh, surrendering to the question.
"Then how—"
"She's a shut-in," the Shogun interrupted calmly. "She rarely goes outside, so of course her skin stays perfect."
"..."
Ei closed her eyes slowly, clearly trying to keep her blood pressure under control.
"Oh, I see! You must be the ideal homemaker, then!"
The woman nodded knowingly. "Always at home, taking care of everything—such a devoted wife!"
"Mm... yes. Her cooking's 'delicious.' I love it," the Shogun said smoothly, sneaking a side glance at her mother's face as she spoke, her tone dripping with playful mischief.
Snap!
The next second, Ei's hand moved faster than lightning, pinching the Shogun's backside sharply.
"///!"
The Shogun's entire body jolted, her knees nearly buckling as she grabbed Ei's hand to stop her, her cheeks flushing pink.
Seriously?! Right here?! In front of everyone?!
Pfft...
Ei smirked triumphantly. Serves her right. If it weren't for being in public, she might have given her daughter a good smack.
"It's getting late... we should be going."
The Shogun spoke up again, trying to compose herself. Her fingers, hidden beneath her sleeves, gently rubbed the spot Ei had pinched, still sore.
"Oh, of course! Travel safely!"
The family waved warmly. What a hardworking single mother, raising such a lovely daughter... truly admirable, they thought.
"Ah, wait—please, take this!"
Riko called after them, stepping forward and handing over a small pouch.
"This is...?"
The Shogun caught it, puzzled.
"Travel funds," Riko said earnestly. "Your journey ahead will be long, and you might need it."
She knew their next destination was Tokyo Prefecture—an expensive place where such money might make a difference. It was the least they could offer.
"Are you sure?" Ei asked, surprised.
"Of course. We're fairly well-off—this isn't much for us," Riko assured her.
"Thank you... truly," the Shogun said, slipping the pouch into her sleeve and bowing slightly in gratitude.
"You're welcome! Please, come visit again someday, okay?" Riko beamed.
"If the chance arises..."
With that, the two women turned to leave. Under the noontime sun, their figures were framed in soft light—one holding an umbrella, the other reaching out to take her hand. Their silhouettes drew closer, stepping together beneath the shared shade before slowly disappearing around the corner.
"...They really are close," the old man murmured with a smile.
Then the woman blinked, realizing something. "Wait—'I don't do much' still means she does something, doesn't it?"