ã€ŠJintetsuã€‹


 A Red Oni is born

    Prologue

    At the island of Akai Shima is where the Eastern demi-humans reside.

    The island wasn¡¯t big in size, but fortunately for the Eastern demi-humans their numbers isn¡¯t that great.

    Ever since the Demi-Human Eradication Treaty, which the humans agreed upon that lasts for 200 years until today, a lot of the demi-humans around the world we¡¯re killed or put into slavery.

    But the worst to experience the treaty are the Eastern demi-humans.

    They¡¯re numbers are small to begin with, so having the treaty made their number grow even less.

    They eventually ran from their homeland and finally reaching an island that is not recorded on any map, they soon started to call their new home ¡°Akai Shima¡± due to its long Autumn season and its many maple trees.

    The numbers of the escapees are no greater than 300, they¡¯re number may be small but they can reproduce and gain children.

    But there is one race that rarely gains the favor of birth, and that is the Oni race.

    Ever since the treaty, the Oni race we¡¯re feared for having both strength and almost unlimited stamina. That is why once they are caught; they are not given the choice of slavery, they we¡¯re killed on sight.

    At the island of Akai Shima, only three Oni can be found, a father, a wife and the lastly the wife¡¯s mother¨Cin-law. Even if one would search for more Oni clansmen, they would only come back a failure, since only 3 remains throughout the world.

    But fortunately, inside the father¡¯s house, who is also Akai Shima¡¯s Samurai General, bursts a voice of a woman screaming and moaning in severe pain.

    [¡­] ¡°Push, come on Kaede-san, Push!¡±

    [Kaede] ¡°Ummmph! Grahhhh!!!....guuuhaaaa!!!¡±

    Kaede, a young Oni woman is now giving birth. But even though she is moaning and clenching her teeth in pain, one could still see that she is a beauty.

    Long red crimson hair the goes all the way down to her ankles, red luscious lips that resembles a fresh plucked cheery, and since she is tearing up due to the extreme pain she is feeling, her gleaming red ruby eyes shines like a precious stone reflecting in the sunlight together with flawless fair skin and finally a shining red horn in the middle of her forehead.

    [¡­] ¡°You can do it Kaede-san, just keep pushing!¡±Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    The one that is encouraging Kaede, who is watching the baby with a serious look full of sweat is Kaede¡¯s Mother-in-law, Shiranue the Hime-Miko.

    In appearance, Shiranue looks like a 10 or 12 year old girl, but actually she is more than 800 in age, but even so, you could still feel her maturity around her.

    For now her long white hair that should reach all the way down to her shoulders are tied up, her skin is as white as untouched snow, even the kimono she always wear is white with slight fading pink near its hem.

    And just like the other female Oni, she also had one horn in the middle of her forehead, but the only difference is the color. Kaede¡¯s was ruby red, while Shiranue¡¯s is pure white like a clean pearl. As for her eye, her eyes have the color of yellowish gold with red irises.

    [¡­] ¡°You can do it this Kaede, I know you can!¡±

    The other person who is supporting Kaede by holding her hand is her husband Yajiro, who is also one of the 4 Samurai Generals that lead the escaping eastern demi-humans to this land.

    Just like Kaede and Shiranue, Yajiro is also an Oni.

    Yajiro, who is the son of Shiranue, also has the same eyes color and hair color as her mother, but as for his skin, he inherited the red skin of his deceased father along with two black horns pointing upwards with raven black hair, a young and good looking face can be seen along with a powerful body.

    [Kaede] ¡°Ghrrrrrrrr! Y¡­Yajiro-san, I¡­I¡­¡±

    [Yajiro] ¡°Keep pushing Kaede, just keep pushing!¡±

    Yajiro¡¯s hand is now bleeding due to Kaede¡¯s finger nails digging through his skin, but Yajiro didn¡¯t let go of her hand and kept holding on to her.

    [Yajiro] (Kaede is in so much pain, so this much is nothing!)

    With Yajiro¡¯s encouragement, Kaede pushed again.

    [Shiranue] ¡°That¡¯s it Kaede-san, just one more push and it¡¯ll be over!¡±

    [Kaede] ¡°Gurrrrrrr¡­¡­humphhh¡­¡­grhaaaaaaaaa!!!¡±

    With her remaining strength, she pushes the baby out of her womb.

    [¡­] ¡°Uuuu¡­uuuwaaaaaaa!¡±

    Kaede was about to faint, but when she heard her baby¡¯s cry; she forced her eyes to stay open.

    Shiranue, with her blood covered kimono, wraps the baby with a white cloth and slowly walks towards her son and Kaede, while keeping her eyes at the baby¡¯s face.

    Tears started to flow on her cheeks, she lived for so long and she honestly thought that she would never meet another Oni, more so her own grandchild.

    [Kaede] ¡°Okaa-sama, how is my baby?¡±

    [Shiranue] ¡°He is beautiful Kaede-san, a beautiful baby boy.¡±

    Shiranue handed the baby to Yajiro, who is still in a daze. With both of his hands shaking, he held his son on his arms and came closer to Kaede, showing her their child.

    Kaede¡¯s hand we¡¯re also shaking and weak, but she still lifts them and held that baby¡¯s small clenched hands, then the baby grab on to her finger.

    [Kaede] ¡°Wow, he looks amazing.¡±

    Shiranue, who is a few steps away from them, is watching them with eyes full of joy and made her remember when she gave birth to Yajiro.

    As for Yajiro and Kaede, they just watch their baby sleep with watchful gentle eyes, but Kaede suddenly broke the silence.

    [Kaede] ¡°Yajiro-san, can I name our baby?¡±

    [Yajiro] ¡°Sure, give him a good name Kaede.¡±

    Yajiro instantly agreed, since he himself knows that he has no naming sense, giving that pleasure to Kaede was the right choice.

    Kaede gently puts her finger to the baby¡¯s cheeks and slowly fondles it, making sure that the baby doesn¡¯t wake up.

    The 3 Oni didn¡¯t notice that an hour has passed, but finally, Kaede has found the perfect name for her baby boy.

    [Kaede] ¡°Jin¡­Jintetsu. Yes, that will be his name from now on.¡±

    Yajiro and Shiranue we¡¯re in a paused when they heard that name, but when they look at the baby boy, for some reason the name suited him well, or to be more precise, it was perfect as if it¡¯s a name that was made only for the boy.

    [Yajiro] ¡°Jintetsu¡­Jintetsu of the Oni Clan¡­I love it.¡±

    And thus the 3 Oni welcomed another one to the world, but neither did they know that the birth of their child Jintetsu was also the same day that the Demi-human Eradication Treaty was completely discarded.

 The Young Red Oni protects.

    Chapter 1

    (Kaede¡¯s POV)

    I am truly blessed to give birth to such a beautiful child; a single year has passed, but Jin-chan¡¯s adorableness just gotten stronger.

    Though his horns haven¡¯t grown yet, I can finally see his hair growing, but what makes me even happier is that he has the same hair color as me! But not only that, a stroke of black can also be seen at the left side of Jin-chan¡¯s head

    Just seeing it makes me want to scream in joy!

    As for his eye, he has the same eye color as Yajiro-san and Okaa-sama, yellow golden irises with red gleaming pupils.

    Kyaaa! Jin-chan¡¯s eyes looks strong like his father¡¯s!

    To be honest, as a Miko, I should be training right now, but I just can¡¯t help myself from watching my baby boy¡¯s sleeping face while he sleeps inside his crib!

    [Kaede] ¡°Jin-chan, you look adorable today as well. Fufu~¡±

    Beside, Okaa-sama isn¡¯t here right now; she is too busy praying to the gods for good harvest this year, so she won¡¯t be nagging at me today.

    As I thought of those words, I relax my arms on the crib¡¯s railings as I sit on a nearby chair.

    I really want to wake you up so I could hug you and kiss you all over, but I don¡¯t want to wake your cute sleeping face, so I¡¯ll just endure until you wake up, Ok Jin-chan?

    [Kaede] ¡°I can wait no matter how long, since Okaa-sama isn¡¯t here right now, she won¡¯t know anything about me skipping my prayers. Fufufu~¡±

    [?] ¡°Hoo~ I never knew that you¡¯ve become so brave Kaede-san, I¡¯m somewhat impressed.¡±

    [Kaede] ¡°Hiik¡­¡±

    I was about to scream, but even so, I quickly covered my mouth; I don¡¯t want to wake Jin-chan up¡­but still¡­

    [Kaede] ¡°O¡ªOkaa-sama¡­wha¡ªwhat are you doing here, aren¡¯t you supposed to be at the mountains praying right now?¡±

    Why, why is Okaa-sama here!?

    [Shiranue] ¡°Ara Kaede-san, haven¡¯t I told you that my task would be brief.¡±

    Okaa-sama is smiling, but her eye isn¡¯t. The red part of her eyes is starting to glow! Eeek!

    I stood up and tried to run away to the other room, but for some reason my legs wouldn¡¯t move.

    But why?

    No, I do know why my legs aren¡¯t moving!

    It because I don¡¯t want to leave my precious baby boy around with a 4 feet, over aged demon! I¡­must take him with me and run!

    [Shiranue] ¡°Kaede-san, you¡¯re thinking about something rude, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    [Kaede] ¡°Huh!? How¡­how did Okaa-sama know what I was thinking¡­ah.¡±

    [Shiranue] ¡°So you we¡¯re thinking something rude and it¡¯s even about me.¡±

    [Kaede] ¡°N¡ªno I wasn¡¯t¡­¡±

    Eeek! She¡­she is getting closer! My body just keeps trembling that I can¡¯t move at all, but I need to save Jin-chan at least!

    Suddenly, Okaa-sama is already in front of me, her hand strikes at me in an incredible speed.

    [Kaede] ¡°Huh?......Hyaaaa!¡±

    At first I thought she would hit my head, so by instinct, I covered my head with my hands. But that wasn¡¯t Okaa-sama¡¯s aim at all.

    [Kaede] ¡°O-Okaa-sama, my¡­my chest¡­¡±

    Okaa-sama is grabbing my breast with her right hand. Owie!

    [Shiranue] ¡°Kaede-san, I could have sworn that I taught you on how to respect your elders, but it would seem that you have forgotten that.¡±

    [Kaede] ¡°Fo¡­forgive me Okaa-sama, but my breast¡­please let go of my breast, Jin-chan¡¯s favorite milk is stored in there¡­so please.¡±

    But even though I told that to Okaa-sama, she still didn¡¯t let go, more like her grip is getting stronger.

    [Shiranue] ¡°So if I let you go, would you start your prayers?¡±

    [Kaede] ¡°Y¡ªyes, I¡¯ll do my duties properly, so please spare my baby¡¯s milk.¡±

    [Shiranue] ¡°I see, then I guess it could be helped.¡±

    Phew¡­Okaa-sama finally let go of my chest, but then she gets even closer to me.

    Hmm? I thought it¡¯s finally over! I closed my eye while covering my head.

    [Kaede] ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­.huh?¡±

    I wasn¡¯t hit on the head or my chest getting painfully grabbed.

    I reluctantly open one eye to check on what is happening, but as soon as I did¡­

    [Kaede] ¡°*Gasp!* O¡ªOkaa-sama, what are you doing!?¡±

    If I have known that this would happen, I would happily give Okaa-sama my body for her to torture.

    [Shiranue] ¡°Jin-bou, I¡¯m sorry did your idiot Okaa-san wake you up?¡±

    Okaa-sama is now cradling my awakened Jin-chan in her arms! That isn¡¯t fair; I was supposed to do that when he wakes up!

    [Shiranue] ¡°Ara, your still here Kaede-san? Aren¡¯t you supposed to be doing your duties now?¡±

    [Kaede] ¡°Aaauuw¡­¡±

    [Shiranue] ¡°Come on Jin-bou, you¡¯re idiot Okaa-san will take long, so why don¡¯t we have a walk in town together with Oba-sama?¡±

    Nununuuu, Okaa-sama is hugging Jin-chan all to herself¡­wait, does that mean all I have to do is get started with prayers and if I did it perfectly and quickly, then I¡¯ll be able to come back to my Jin-chan quicker!

    [Kaede] ¡°Okaa-sama, I¡¯ll start right away!¡±

    After saying so, I quickly ran out of the house and ran up the hill¡¯s stairs that lead to our rural shrine and start my duties.

    I have no idea for how long I cleaned and prayed in the altar, but now I¡¯m headed back home to have some quality time with my Jin-chan!

    [Kaede] ¡°I¡¯m home¡­oh, Yajiro-san welcome home dear.¡±

    [Yajiro] ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m home Kaede.¡±

    And now Yajiro-san is home early, this day couldn¡¯t get any better!

    Hm? This is weird; Okaa-sama should be back from her walk by now.

    [Kaede] ¡°Um¡­Yajiro-san, where is Jin-chan and Okaa-sama, are they not home yet?¡±

    [Yajiro] ¡°Hm? Oh, they were here when I got back home, so they should be sleeping inside Okaa-sama¡¯s room.

    [Kaede] ¡°What!?¡±

    I quickly ran towards Okaa-sama¡¯s room and just like what Yajiro-san said, they¡¯re both sleeping peacefully.

    Okaa-sama is on the corner of the futon sleeping sideways, while rubbing Jin-chan¡¯s tummy!

    [Kaede] ¡°Th¡­that isn¡¯t fair¡­I wanted to do that¡­auuu¡­¡±

    How could this happen to me, right after I perfectly prayed for the gods without a single mistake, they didn¡¯t bless me with this beautiful chance.

    [Kaede] ¡°Jin-chan¡­auuuu, Kaa-chan wants to sleep with you to.¡±

    The next day, the people in town came to my house and thanked me with vegetables due to the rain that came perfectly when the weather was hot.

    I¡¯m happy for the offerings, but if the gods will give me a reward, why didn¡¯t they just give me more time with Jin-chan!?

    (Kaede POV=END)If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    (Danzou¡¯s POV)

    I am Danzou, a Byakko-Youkai that lives here in Akai Shima.

    But more than that, I¡¯m a Shinobi that serves under the great Samurai General Yajiro-sama.

    I have been severing him for more than 120 years now, and as those years goes by, my loyalty and friendship is not deterred.

    After escaping our home land due to the Demi-Human Eradication Treaty, most of the shinobis back then retired.

    But as for myself, I owe Yajiro-sama from not only helping the people from escaping, but for saving my wife as well.

    If it¡¯s not for him, my dear wife would not be with me right now, nor would I gain a lovely daughter.

    Speaking of offspring, Yajiro-sama and Kaede-sama finally gained a child for their own.

    I have heard that the Oni-clan have a very small birth rate, so after all of those years for being the only Oni here in the island, along with Hime- Miko Shiranue-sama, one more Oni is finally born.

    Honestly, what makes me happy is the fact that their son and my daughter was born on the same month, only 5 days before their son came.

    That must be fate giving me as well as Yajiro-sama some sort of signal. Especially to Yajiro-sama, he was particularly happy when he heard it and forced me to drink Sake with him for hours.

    And when Shiranue-sama heard that as well, who was surprisingly with us drinking that day, congratulated me with a gentle smile.

    I could fell Shiranue-sama¡¯s genuine feeling of happiness.

    As I recall, Shiranue-sama was also the one who helped with my wife¡¯s labor, I truly owe a lot to Yajiro-sama and his family.

    4 years has passed since the birth of my Daughter Yuina, and I am now doing my usual duty in protecting Yajiro-sama while crouching from the roof of Yajiro-sama¡¯s Dojo.

    [Yajiro] ¡°Alright, just a few more swings and we¡¯ll start with the basics.¡±

    [Students] ¡°¡±¡°Yes Sensei!¡±¡±¡±

    Usually, the students should be practicing indoors, but from what Yajiro-sama said¡­

    [Yajiro] ¡°Since the weather is nice, why don¡¯t we go practice outside? Being cooped up in here while having such a nice day is pretty gloomy, right?¡±

    As usual, his methods are quite relaxing, but that wouldn¡¯t mean that his students are taking it easy though.

    [???] ¡°Otou-san! I want to practice too!¡±

    While all the students are swinging their Shinai vigorously, a small voice came out of the Dojo¡¯s door.

    [Yajior] ¡°Hmm? Oh, Jintetsu. Finally got away from your mother, huh?¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°No, Oba-sama took her to read something. Okaa-san was dragged crying.¡±

    It was Jintestu-Bou-chama, he jumps out of the door steps while having an adult sized Shinai tied to his back.

    With his small steps, he ran towards his father while taking the Shinai on his back.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°So can I practice with everyone? I promise I¡¯ll follow what you say.¡±

    He then raises the hand that is holding on to the Shinai to his father while smiling.

    Yajiro-sama, who is smiling when he saw his son¡¯s determination, kneels down and pats his son¡¯s head.

    [Yajiro] ¡°Sorry son, but you are still too young to be doing this.¡±

    [Jintestu] ¡°But Otou-san, I¡¯ve been watching you a lot. I think I can do it if I tried hard enough.¡±

    Looks like Bou-chama truly wants to practice, though he is still young, his eyes have such the determination. To think a 4 your old would show such eyes, I¡¯m quite surprised.

    Showing such passion, Yajiro-sama could help but smile even more.

    [Yajiro] ¡°Jintestu, I know you very eager to learn how to use the sword, but your body isn¡¯t ready to handle such vigorous training.¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°But, I really want to learn now.¡±

    [Yajiro] ¡°Someday son, but for now, you need to be patient.¡±

    I could clearly see Bou-chama¡¯s disappointment, but I honestly believe in Yajiro-sama¡¯s decision. Doing something like 100 kendo swings would just ruin his body, though I¡¯m quite proud of his willingness to train in such a young age.

    [Yajiro] ¡°Now son, you do remember what I said, right? A child also has a way to train his body, and that is too¡­¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Too play.¡±

    [Yajiro] ¡°That¡¯s right, now why don¡¯t you go play at town? Alright?¡±

    Though Bou-chama is still looking down, he raises his head looking at his father and answers energetically.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°OK.¡±

    Yajiro-sams then nod his head as he continues to smile.

    Deciding to play instead, Bou-chama took the string tied to the Shinai and ties it across his cheast.

    Or at least he is trying to; Yajiro-sama saw this and kneels back down again to help him tie it.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Thank you Otou-san.¡±

    [Yajiro] ¡°Make sure you come back before dinner.¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°I will!¡±

    Once again hearing that small pattering, Bou-chama runs towards the gate.

    After a few seconds, Yajiro-sama who is watching his son¡¯s back calls for me.

    [Danzou] ¡°Yes, Yajiro-sama?¡±

    [Yajiro] ¡°Sorry to ask you this, could you look after my son for me?¡±

    [Danzou] ¡°Understood.¡±

    I was about to get going so I won¡¯t miss Bou-chama, but I or more like, we were distracted by a voice that came from Yajiro-sama¡¯s side.

    [Kaede] ¡°Let¡¯s go Danzou-san

    It was no other than Kaede-sama; she spoke those words as if it was only natural for her to come with me.

    Which of course, isn¡¯t.

    [Yajiro] ¡°Kaede, aren¡¯t you supposed to be with Okaa-sama?¡±

    [Kaede] ¡°Wha¡ªwhat do you mean by that? I¡ªI have no idea what you¡¯re ta¡ªtalking about¡­I don¡¯t¡­¡±

    That was obviously a lie; Kaede-sama eyes are swimming everywhere and couldn¡¯t look at Yajiro-sama directly to his eyes.

    [Kaede] ¡°You¡ªyou must have heard wrong Yajiro-san, y¡ªyeah, you must have heard it wrong, yes.¡±

    Though she is smiling, I could see multiple sweat drops flowing down her forehead and cheeks. But she quickly wipes them off with a handkerchief and walks towards me.

    [Keade] ¡°N¡ªnow then, shall we go, Danzou-san?¡±

    [Danzou] ¡°Umm¡­Kaede-sama, I think I¡¯m sufficed to do this myself.¡±

    [Kaede] ¡°Now, now Danzou-san, I think having two people will be a lot easier.

    After saying those words, Kaede-sama covers her mouth with the sleeve of her Kimono while cautiously looking to her left and right.

    [Kaede] ¡°We must go before SHE finds out.¡±

    I¡¯m not sure if she was supposed to whisper those words, but Yajiro-sama and I could hear it very clearly.

    And unfortunately for Kaede-sama, someone who she most likely wouldn¡¯t want to hear those words heard it in the end.

    [Shiranue] ¡°You¡¯ve truly become quite brave Kaede-san, and you¡¯re passion when it comes to Jin-bou is very impressive. If only you could do the same to your duties. Hohohohohoho.¡±

    [Kaede] ¡°O¡ªOkaa-sama!?¡±

    The light in Kaede-sama¡¯s eyes quickly vanished, as if hope itself couldn¡¯t be found nor grasped.

    But I do somewhat agree on what Kaede-sama feels. Though Shiranue-sama has a body of a 12 or 13 year old, her presence, the air around her, and the way she acts has the weight of authority and power.

    Even Yajiro-sama, who is her own son, is now hiding behind me.

    With a calm face, Shiranue-sama did a small gesture with her hands, beckoning Kaede-sama to kneel down to match her height.

    I thought SHiranue-sama would say something to her, but she suddenly grabs on Kaede-sama¡¯s horn and pulls her inside the house.

    [Kaede] ¡°O¡ªOkaa-sama, please wait! I can¡¯t walk properly if you pulling my horn like this! Okaa-sama!?¡±

    [Shiranue] ¡°You were supposed to be reading and re-writing the old scriptures Kaede-san, and yet I find you here instead of doing you Miko duties.¡±

    Though Kaede-sama still tries to make excuses, Shiranue-sama merely ignored it and continues to pull on her horn, forcefully drag her in to the house.

    Well, it¡¯s clear to see that Kaede-sama won¡¯t be coming with me, I guess I should start tailing Bou-chama.

    This reminds me, I recall that my daughter Yuina got her allowance and is now out in town.

    (Danzou POV END)

    In the island of Akai Shima, the only shopping area one could find is the one close to the pier.

    A young girl in the age of 4 walks along the street while carrying a small smile, a smile so small that one could only see if he or she is 2 or 3 feet away.

    With her shining silver-white hair, along with her slightly whiter fox ears and tail wagging to side to side, Yuina is now headed to a store that sells confectionaries with her allowance in her clenching hands.

    Just thinking about what kind of snack she will partake made her lavender colored eyes sparkle under her long bangs.

    Since she lives at the upper part of the hill, walking downwards will be easy for her, so rushing isn¡¯t really deeded, but her excitement is reaching quite high and so she took a short cut at an ally.

    After making a few more turns, Yuina accidentally bump into someone.

    But not just anyone, Yuina bumped into the local child bully Daigoro as well as his 2 younger brothers.

    [Daigoro] ¡°Hey, watch where ya going! Huh?¡±

    Since Daigoro is already at the age of 7, he is obviously bigger than Yuina who is only 4 years old.

    Yuina falls on her butt and drops the money she was holding and Daigoro quickly notices the coins that fell beside her and picks them up.

    [Daigoro] ¡°What do have here, aren¡¯t ya luxurious today, huh Fox? Are ya headed to the candy shop?¡±

    Daigoro shows a big grin towards Yuina, who is still on the ground, looking at the bully with small tear drops on edge of her eyes.

    [Yuina] ¡°P¡ªplease give my money back to me.¡±

    Whiel she slowly stood up from the ground, Yuina protested and asks for her money, but due to Yuina¡¯s attitude, her voice couldn¡¯t be heard properly.

    [Daigoro] ¡°Huh!? What ya sayin!? Speak up!¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°M¡ªmy money, p¡ªplease give it back to me¡­¡±

    The young Yuina grew up rarely meeting anyone, the only people who she can normally talk to is her father and mother, Kaede the Head Miko and her son, Jintetsu.

    Who, by the way saw what is happing and is now running towards them.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Hey, what are you doing to Yuina!?¡±

    He pulls out the Shinai on his back and covers Yuina to protect her, while doing a stance in front of Daigoro.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Yuina, are you alright? What did they do to you?¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°They¡ªthey took my money and¡­¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°What!? Daigoro, give Yuina her money back!¡±

    [Daigoro] ¡°Hoo~ and if I didn¡¯t, are you going to make me, ya red monkey?¡±

    Daigoro once again made a big grin and both his younger brother encircled Jintestu so he won¡¯t escape.

    [Yuina] ¡°J¡ªJin-kun¡­¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Don¡¯t worry Yuina, I won¡¯t let them hurt you.¡±

    [Daigoro] ¡°Big words coming from a midget red monkey!¡±

    Finishing his words, Daigoro swings a punch at him.

    But to his surprise, Daigoro¡¯s right punch was deflected by Jintetsu¡¯s Shinai by slapping it aside.

    With his arm spread to a side, Daigoro¡¯s body is wide open and with this chance, Jintetsu thrust the tip of the Shinai to his stomach and then proceeds on giving him a swing to his head.

    [Daigoro] ¡°Guuha!?¡¯

    Though it lacks in power, the pain still caused Daigoro fall flat to his back. He then grabs his head in pain while rolling around.

    [Lil Brother # 1] ¡°Daigoro-nii-chan! Why you darn red monkey! Take this!¡±

    The 2<sup>nd</sup> eldest brother, who was standing at Jintetsu¡¯s right side, gave him a right punch, but Jintetsu took one step backwards and swings down his Shinai and hits him at his back.

    Thus making the 2<sup>nd</sup> eldest fell on his face.

    With two of his older brothers on the ground, the youngest panics on what he should do. He then looks at Jintetsu and thinks if he should do the same like what his brothers did.

    Jintetsu then look at the youngest with an angry look.

    [Lil Brother # 2] ¡°L¡ªlook, I don¡¯t want any trouble.¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Yuina¡¯s money, where is it?¡±

    With Jintetsu¡¯s angry eyes not fading, the youngest tell him the oldest; Daigoro has it on his pocket.

    Jintetsu then walks to the fallen Daigoro and asks him the same question.

    [Daigoro] ¡°F¡ªfine, here! You keep your stupide money!¡±

    After throwing Yuina¡¯s money to the ground, the three brothers then runs away.

    With the coins on the ground, Jintetsu picks them up and made his way towards the trembling Yuina.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Here you go Yuina.¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°Sniff~ Th¡ªthank you, Jin-kun.¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Come on Yuina, stop crying.¡±

    Though the Yuina¡¯s money is already in her palm, she continues to cry while she presses her face on Jintetsu¡¯s shoulder.

    Having no idea what he need to do in this situation, Jintetsu thinks of a way to make her feel better.

    And while doing so, he remembers something he overheard a week ago from him mother.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°I know, how about I treat you to some sweets, I heard from Okaa-san that the sweet shop made something new¡­let¡¯s see here¡­¡­¡­¡­Ah.¡±

    Though he said something about treating Yuina, as soon as Jintetsu finishes digging through his pocket, all he found was a shell of a bug and some pocket lint.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°S¡ªsorry Yuina, I thought I still have the money Obaa-sama gave me, I guess I already spent it without knowing.¡±

    Hearing Jintetsu somewhat depressed voice, Yuina looks up and finds Jintetsu troubled face. Since Jintetsu is the only friend she knows and who she can talk to at the same age, Yuina wipes away her tears and lifts her face.

    [Yuina] ¡°Jin-kun, I have some money. I¡¯ll treat you if it¡¯s alright with you.¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Huh? You don¡¯t really have¡ª¡°

    (Jintetsu¡¯s stomach) (Grururururu~)

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Ah¡ªhehehe, I guess I have no choice.¡±

    Right after Jintetsu shows Yuina an embarrassed smile, she held Jintetsu¡¯s hand and they walk towards the open street.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Hmm, but I don¡¯t really like sweet stuff, can¡¯t you just treat me to some skewered Chicken? I¡¯d rather have some meat.¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°No, let¡¯s have some sweets together.¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Ehh?¡±

    With Yuina¡¯s upfront refusal, Jintetsu gave up and together, they slowly and happily made their way to the sweet shop.

 The Young Red Oni is unknowingly tailed

    Chapter 2

    Another year has passed and the young Jintetsu, at a tender age of 5, is now being taught the basics of swordsmanship by his father Yajiro.

    But of course he isn¡¯t the only ones being taught; other child who wishes to learn are now at Yajiro¡¯s Dojo and doing the basic sword swings like Jintetsu.

    That also includes the town¡¯s bully Daigoro and his 2 younger brothers.

    [Yajiro] ¡°Alright, just 20 more swings and we will be finished.¡±

    Following the words of their teacher, the children kept swinging while desperately holding on to their Shinai and making sure it doesn¡¯t fly off of their hands.

    The oldest members of the kids, including Daigoro are also breathing heavily.

    Except for one¡­

    [Jintetsu] (Hmm¡­so we¡¯re only going to keep swinging 20 more times, huh?)

    Jintetsu kept swinging without any trouble or any sense of fatigue showing on his face.

    In truth, he still wishes to keep swinging and learn more, but his own father said that he must learn step by step without skipping.

    So with his father¡¯s words, he kept swinging normally just like the other children, while keeping his desires to himself.

    Watching every child from the Dojo floor swinging, Yajiro walks around observing their every swing.

    He then moves his eyes towards his own son.

    [Yajiro] (Hmm, Danzou was right. Jintetsu¡¯s stamina is quite a sight to behold.)

    Out of all the children that came in the Yajiro¡¯s Dojo, Jintetsu is the only 5 year old that was willing to keep going.

    There are some in the same age as Jintetsu that came to the Dojo to train, but all of them simply came because they thought it would look impressive and gave up halfway.

    But unlike all of them, Jintetsu kept swinging without any problem.

    [Yajiro] (He even beat the kids who are older than himself in stamina¡­but what makes him more amazing is¡­)

    A year ago, when Yajiro heard the report that Danzou gave, Yajiro couldn¡¯t believe it. But since those words came from the man he trusted for years, he had no choice but to see for himself if his own son has something special inside him.

    So when Jintetsu hit 5 and was finally allowed to participate, Yajiro gave him a Shinai that has a 1 inch steel bar buried inside it.

    Without knowing about the steel bar, Jintetsu kept swinging without any complains for about 3 months.

    [Yajiro] (And not only that¡­his swings are getting even more precise and faster than before.)

    Yajiro could see why Danzou was carrying an amazed look when he gave him the report about Jintetsu saving his daughter Yuina a year ago.

    Finishing with the final swing, Yajiro claps his hands to give the signal to stop and clean up.

    And with the same signal, Jintetsu ties rope on the Shinai he was holding and then ties it around his chest, doing the same thing he did a year ago.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Otou-san, can I go to Jii-san¡¯s shop?¡±

    [Yajiro] ¡°Hmm? Oh right, you¡¯re supposed to help him in his shop today. Alright, but make sure to tell your mother before you go.¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°I will!¡±

    With Jintetsu¡¯s footsteps echoing inside the, he starts to look for his mother Kaede. But luckily for him, she was already watching Jintetsu¡¯s Practice from the closest window.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Okaa-san? What are you¡ªwhoa!?¡±

    [Kaede] ¡°Kyaaa! Jin-chan, you were so amazing and manly out there! Okaa-chan fell for you all over again! Chu~ Chu~ Chu~ Chu~¡±

    Without even letting Jintetsu finish, Kaede quickly hugs him and gave him multiple kisses all over his face.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°O¡ªOkaa-san, please stop, I need to go to Jii-san¡¯s workshop.¡±

    [Kaede] ¡°Hnnnnnng, but Okaa-chan doesn¡¯t want to, can¡¯t you just stay here with me?¡±

    With an empty mind that only has thoughts about how to spend time with her own son, Kaede persistently tries to persuade Jintetsu to stay.

    But fortunately for Jintetsu and unfortunately for Kaede, a voice came echoing throughout the wall, as if the voice itself found it¡¯s pray.

    [Shiranue] ¡°Kaede-san~¡±

    [Kaede] ¡°Hiiii! O¡ªOkaa-sama!?¡±

    [Shiranue] ¡°I have found you~¡±

    [Kaede] ¡°Y¡ªyou have fo¡ªfound me¡­¡±

    [Shiranue/Kaede] ¡°¡±¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±¡±

    A smile is shown in Shiranue¡¯s face, but it was obvious that the air it carries isn¡¯t pleasant nor warmly.

    Though Shiranue is already hundreds of years and also carries the body of a 12 year old, she is still a practitioner of the family martial art called ¡®Reiki Genkotsu Ryugi¡¯, a technique that release the energy inside one¡¯s body and uses it as ether for fighting; it can even be used for healing.

    And with this technique, Shiranue boosts her strength and quickly grabs Kaede¡¯s horn.

    [Kaede] ¡°Wh¡ªwait, Okaa-sama!? P¡ªplease don¡¯t pull on my horns!¡±

    [Shiranue] ¡°Silence! I told you that you must keep praying for 4 hours, but here you are, not doing your duty as a Head Miko!¡±

    With Kaede¡¯s cries and Shiranue¡¯s nagging, Jintetsu watches them with a warry smile.

    But before Shiranue and Kaede disappear to a corner, Shiranue remembers something and calls for Jintetsu.

    [Shiranue] ¡°Jin-bou, you are heading towards Tatara¡¯s shop, yes?¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°I am, is there something you want me to do?¡±

    [Shiranue] ¡°I have a letter here with me; I want you to give it to him for me.¡±

    With her right hand still grabbing Kaede¡¯s horn, Shiranue takes out a letter from her chest pocket and hands the letter to Jintetsu.

    [Shiranue] ¡°Make sure that you hand it to him properly.¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I will.¡±

    With Jintetsu¡¯s steps getting further, Shiranue remembers one more thing and yells at Jintetsu.

    [Shiranue] ¡°Oh, and make sure you come back before dinner!¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Got it!¡±

    With Shiranue¡¯s Mother-like words, Jintetsu in now making his way towards one of the island¡¯s elders.

    But before Jintetsu got to the door, he was able to hear his mother shout something about her role being taken away from her and then a ¡°BONK!¡± sound echoed throughout the hallway.

    As Jintetsu walk the way to Tatara¡¯s shop, he finds Yuina leaning while looking at the ground, kicking a pebble close to her foot.

    She then notices Jintetsu from the corner of her eyes and runs towards him.

    [Yuina] ¡°Jin-kun, are you done with your practice?¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m heading to Jii-san¡¯s shop now.¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°I¡ªI see¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    After hearing where Jintetsu is going, Yuina looks down again and then fidgets in place while fondling with her own hands from behind.

    Jintetsu stood there staring at her in wonder, but after a few seconds, he eventually figured why suddenly acted awkwardly.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Hey Yuina.¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°Hmm?¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Want to come with me? Let¡¯s go to Jii-san¡¯s shop together.¡±

    Jintetsu then held out his left hand towards Yuina.

    Seeing this, Yuina made a rarely seen smile and grabs on Jintetsu¡¯s hand while small making a nod.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Since Yuina rarely shows a smile, Jintetsu thought about something and spoke.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°You should keep smiling like that Yuina; you look very cute when you do.¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°Eh!? M¡ªme, cute!?¡±

    Jintetsu nods strongly at Yuina¡¯s question as he smiles back at her.

    With such a straightforward answer from Jintetsu, Yuina¡¯s face grew deep red and looks away from Jintetsu¡¯s eyes.

    [Yuina] ¡°Tha¡ªthat¡¯s not true. I mean, everyone bullies me and calls me gloomy.¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Hmm¡­is that true?¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°Y¡ªyes.¡±

    With a small and barely hearable reply from Yuina, Jintetsu thinks about the certain bully as well as the other boys who called her names.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°I don¡¯t think they really mean that.¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°Huh?¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°I think they¡¯re teasing you because they like you.¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­Huh?¡±

    Yuina was at a complete loss, she couldn¡¯t understand what Jintetsu means by that. If they liked her, then why would they teas her?

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Or at least that¡¯s what my Okaa-san said top me.¡±

    [Yuina] (If that¡¯s what Obaa-sama said, then it must be true.)

    Is what Yuina thought¡­

    But while still in thought, she found something particular about what Jintetsu said.

    [Yuina] (If what Obaa-sama said true, then why isn¡¯t Jin-kun teasing me? Could it be that Jin-kun actually¡­)

    The word ¡®Hate¡¯ suddenly pops out in her thoughts.

    Her hand that is holding on to Jintetsu¡¯s right hand slowly gets tighter and tighter. Water from her eyes starts to trail down her blushed cheeks and small sniffing sounds could be heard.

    Yuina then stops walking and wipes her eyes with her free hand while her other hand still grasping Jintetsu¡¯s.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Hmm, Yuina? What¡¯s wrong? Huh, wh¡ªwhy are you crying!? Does your stomach hurt!?¡±

    Not answering Jintetsu¡¯s worried words; Yuina shakes her head left and right while covering her face with her free arm.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Th¡ªthen¡­what¡¯s wrong, do you want to go home?¡±

    Once again, she shakes her head without saying a word.

    Unable to know what to do, Jintetsu sits on the ground as he tries to see Yuina¡¯s hidden face.

    After a few scratches on the back of his head, Jintetsu stood up and asks.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Come on Yuina, I won¡¯t be able to help you if you don¡¯t talk and face me.¡±

    After saying those words to Yuina, Jintetsu waits for a few more seconds and after one final wipe of her tears, Yuina looks up to Jintetsu and spoke.

    [Yuina] ¡°You¡ªyou said that boys tease the one they like, right?¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°That¡¯s what Okaa-sama said. What about it?¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°Jin-kun¡­¡­¡­then why isn¡¯t Jin-kun teasing me? Do you hate me?¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Huh?¡±

    Hearing the reason of Yuina¡¯s sudden tears, Jintetsu tilts his head and made a stupefied look.

    With Yuina still in tears, Jintetsu sighs and let¡¯s go of Yuina¡¯s hand, he then raise the same hand that held Yuina pinches her left cheek and stretches them.

    [Yuina] ¡°Wha¡ªwhy are you doing this Jin-kun?¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Well, you said that if I don¡¯t tease you, it would mean I don¡¯t like you right?¡±

    Realizing what Jintetsu meant Yuina¡¯s eyes shone and widens.

    Seeing that it worked, Jintetsu let¡¯s go of her cheeks and then walks a few steps ahead of her and stops.

    With his own cheeks slightly blushing, Jintetsu looks back at Yuina, who is holding her left cheek happily.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°You know Yuina, I won¡¯t be doing that to you again, just so we¡¯re clear.¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°Wha¡ªwhat do you¡­?¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°I like you Yuina, and unlike the rest of the boys, I don¡¯t bully the people I like.¡±

    As soon as he finish what Jintetsu wanted to say, his face grew even redder and he quickly turns his head and continues to walk.

    Just like how rare Yuina¡¯s smiling face, seeing Jintetsu¡¯s embarrassed face made Yuina giggle.

    She then runs to Jintetsu and stops next to him.

    And as they walk side by side together, Yuina grabs a hold to Jintetsu¡¯d hand and they continue to walk forward together.

    On top a small hill lives a blacksmith.

    But he is no ordinary black smith; he is a living God that has created both work of art and also amazing power.

    [???] ¡°That boy is late¡­¡±

    An old man stood in front of the house, though he only has one leg and one eye, his very presence still gives out a heavy air of power.

    With an amazingly huge and built body and a huge gray beard that covers almost half of his face, Tatara the Ippon Datara waits for the young boy who wishes to learn from him.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Jii-san!¡±

    [Tatara] ¡°Boy, you¡¯re finally here¡­hmm?¡±

    Seeing the boy Jintetsu wave to him while running, he notice another child running next to him, holding Jintetsu¡¯s other hand.

    [Tatara] ¡°Hmm¡­aren¡¯t you Danzou¡¯s child?¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°I¡ªit¡¯s nice to meet you, Ta¡ªTatara-sama.¡±

    Yuina wanted keep hidden behind Jintetsu, but since Tatara is one of the island¡¯s elders, she knew she had to show some proper respect.

    With his huge hands draws closer to Yuina, a huge shadow covers her whole face. She then clenches her hands and closes her eyes out of fear.

    [Tatara] ¡°Now, now, you don¡¯t have to be so formal with me.¡±

    Tatara¡¯s hand gently pats Yuina¡¯s head, just like how a kind grandfather shows his affection towards his grandchild.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Wow, I¡¯ve never seen Jii-san so gentle. My turn, pat my head to.¡±

    Hearing Jintetsu¡¯s request, Tatara sees him carrying a grinning.

    Tatara¡¯s hands slowly goes over Jintetsu¡¯s head, and with his huge hand¡­

    (BONK!!!)

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Ouch!¡±

    [Tatara] ¡°Stop being an idiot and bring out all the ores we need for today¡¯s orders.¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°G¡ªgot it.¡±

    [Tatara] ¡°As for you, why don¡¯t you stay at the counter and wait for customers? You can do that for me, right?¡±

    Sensing that Tatara isn¡¯t as scary as he looks, Yuina made a small nod and Tatara lead her to a stool where she can sit and watch the shop properly.

    Jintetsu then walks pass her while carrying a wooden box full or ores in different colors.

    And while doing so, Jintetsu heard a small crumbling sound in his clothes. As soon as he heard that sound, he quickly remembers his grandmother¡¯s request.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Jii-san, Jii-san! I forgot to give you something!¡±

    With Jintetsu¡¯s shouts, Tatara comes out of the curtain while wearing a black leather apron and a thick hammer in hand.

    [Tatara] ¡±Quit shouting Boy, I could hear you just fine! So, what do you want?¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°It¡¯s something from Obaa-sama, here.¡±

    [Tatara] ¡°Hmm, for Shiranue-san?¡±

    Taking the letter from his hand, Tatara opens the letter while Jintetsu continues his task by carrying the wooden box inside the smithy.

    [Tatara] ¡°Let¡¯s see¡­¡­¡­.hoho, I see.¡±

    After reading all of contents of the letter, Tatara lifts the curtain that leads to his smithy and calls out to Jintetsu.

    [Tatara] ¡°Boy, change of plans. Go get the nails and carpentry hammer at the shed; we have something we need to do first.¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Huh? Well¡­Alright. Is it something about the letter Obaa-sama gave you?¡±

    [Tatara] ¡°That¡¯s right, so we better get it done or she¡¯ll have my head.¡±

    Thinking on what Shiranue might do, Tatara¡¯s skin grew slightly pale. He then shakes his head and regains his composure back.

    [Tatara] ¡°Anyway, we need to fix the house next to yours Boy.¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Wow, did you hear that Yuina? We¡¯ll have new neighbors.¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°I hope they will be nice people living there.¡±

    [Tatara] ¡°Boy, hurry up with the tools we need!¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°R¡ªright, got it!¡±

    With Jintetsu running towards the shed, Tatara closes the shop, while Yuina helps him. With the help of extra hands, they were able to close the shop faster and they quickly head to the empty house next to Jintetsu¡¯s home.

    Meanwhile, at the vast ocean that is to the west of Akai Shima, a luxurious ship is sailing its calm waters.

    One could easily tell that this ship isn¡¯t something that a normal commoner would be able to ride on.

    With its beautiful carving and its gorgeous ivory statue of a woman with wings, and finally it¡¯s huge sail with a golden engraving of a hawk, flapping through the wind.

    Inside the Royal cabin is a 6 year old girl sitting next to her sickly mother. She wore a beautiful and obviously expensive white dress, similar to what a princess would wear.

    But the part about her that stand out the most, even more so that her dress, is her wings that is growing out from the back of her waist.

    Her wing had a beautiful white color with fading red color at the tip of her feathers.

    And along with her beautiful wings, she also has alluring platinum blond hair and instead of ears, on the sides of his head are wings that have the similar color as her wings on her waist.

    This little girl, Aletta Del Ziarre is an Avian, a race that is known for its attractive wings as well as their amazing speed in flight.

    But unlike their energetic-like description, Aletta¡¯s mother is too sick to stand and is now sleeping quietly on the bed.

    Aletta¡¯s mother has been bedridden from more than 3 years now and every Arc-Priest in different countries they visited, all the answer they give is that they could not heal her with their magic.

    But by great luck, while Aletta¡¯s father was on a journey to find a cure for his wife, he was able to meet a traveler, Kurohiko a half man half crow individual, or also known in Akai Shima as a Karasu Tengu.

    And at their lucky meeting, the Karasu Tengu mentioned a healing method that doesn¡¯t use Magic, but by some other method using another power called Reiki.

    Seeing that as a ray of hope, Aletta¡¯s Father quickly asks the Karasu Tengu where he could find this certain Healer.

    The Karasu Tengu then speaks of a Certain Woman that lived for so long and has great knowledge when it comes to Reiki.

    As soon as he got the location, Aletta¡¯s father quickly goes home and tells his family about the great information he received.

    And after a few days of preparation, as well as the help from the Karasu Tengu sending a letter of introduction to their destination, they quickly departed and sailed the seas.

    2 month has already passed since their departure and Aletta is now getting restless whirl sitting beside her still sicken mother.

    [Aletta] ¡°I sure hope this so called old Healer could help.¡±

    [???] ¡°Don¡¯t worry Aletta; I¡¯m sure this would heal your Mother.¡±

    Hearing a familiar voice from behind, Aletta looks back and finds her father Colter, closing the cabin door, he then quietly walks to Aletta and puts his left hand to ease her.

    [Colter] ¡°Mr. Kurohiko said so himself, this lady named Ms. Shiranue could heal anyone with the use of her Reiki.¡±

    After comforting his daughter, Aletta¡¯s mother, Sofia slowly opens her eyes and looks at the direction where her husband and daughter are.

    [Sofia] ¡°Your father is right Aletta, you must believe in his words.¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°Mother¡­y¡ªyes, your right.¡±

    [Colter] ¡°That¡¯s my girl. Now hurry and go to Mr. Kurohiko, isn¡¯t it about time for you studies?¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°Oh no, you¡¯re right. I¡¯ll come back later mother.¡±

    After giving her mother a kiss on the cheek, Aletta quickly runs to the door.

    [Colter] ¡°Now then, as for you Sofia, you should rest some more. You might need a bit of strength once we make it to Akai Shima.¡±

    [Sofia] ¡°Yes, I understand. Sorry Dear.¡±

    Hearing her apology, Colter sits at the chair where Aletta used to be and he place his hand to Sofia¡¯s forehead and gently strokes her.

    [Colter] ¡°Don¡¯t be, I¡¯m happy to do anything for you.¡±

    [Sofia] ¡°Thank you¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Being married for more than 25 years, the two could tell what the other partner is thinking. That is why Colter can easily tell if his wife Sofia is worried about something.

    [Colter] ¡°Is there something bothering you? Is it something to do with Aletta?¡±

    Giving her husband a small smile, a thought about hiding anything to her husband would is impossible, she openly tell her worries.

    [Sofia] ¡°You¡¯re right, I was worried about Aletta. Could she fit in with the other children at that island?¡±

    [Colter] ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we have Mr. Kurohiko teach her about the island¡¯s language. And besides¡­¡±

    [Sofia] ¡°Hmm?¡±

    [Colter] ¡°She is your daughter.¡±

    Hearing Colter¡¯s answer, Sofia laughs weakly while Colter joins in with her.

    3 Weeks later, Colter and Kurohiko are standing at the ship¡¯s deck and a big smile could be seen on Colter¡¯s face.

    [Colter] ¡°I see it, I can see the island!¡±

    [Kurohiko] ¡°Finally home, I haven¡¯t seen the maple trees of the island, it¡¯s been so long.¡±

    As he thinks about his past in Akai Shima, he quickly remembers about the strong waves around the boat.

    Just when he is about to warn Colter, the waves starts to hit the ship, making it swing around left and right.

    Luckily, the huge ship only swung, no damages are appearing to its body.

    But due to Colter¡¯s happy shout, Aletta rushes out of her cabin and run towards her father, and right when she is at the deck, a powerful wave hits the ship, causing it to tilt.

    Colter, Kurohiko and the ship¡¯s crew quickly brags hold of the ship¡¯s railings, but Aletta, who was at the middle of the deck, has nothing to hold on to, so she slides down and falls into the sea.

    [Colter] ¡°Aletta!¡±

    Colter spreads his wings and flew to where Aletta fell, but not even a shadow could be seen.

 The Young Red Oni made a new friend.

    Chapter 3

    On a reef at the west side of the island is the secret fishing spot that Jintetsu found with Yuina 2 weeks ago.

    Accidentally, Jintetsu found this place because Yuina¡¯s Temari ball bounced, rolled and eventually getting lost in a bush.

    Since it was a present from her mother, Yuina cried and in order to make he stop, Jintetsu pushes through the bushes while Yuina held the hem of his clothes sobbing.

    Jintetsu and Yuina eventually found the Temari at the edge of the reef. Just when Jintetsu is about to pick up the ball, he took notice of the amazing amount of fish swimming at sea.

    Thus, Jintetsu decided that this reef is now his and Yuina¡¯s secret fishing spot.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Hehe, Okaa-sama was so surprised when I gave her the fishes I caught the last time.¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°S¡ªso was my Haha-ue, she was very happy when we ate good fish together with Chichi-ue......Hmm?¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Yuina, what wrong?¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°There.¡±

    Pointing towards the area she is looking at, Jintetsu follows her finger with his eyes and found dozens of birds gathering at the beach.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Did something get washed up on the beach?¡±

    Taking out the line out of the water, Jintetsu took his fishing rod while Yuina takes the empty fish basket, and they made their way to the small beach next to the reef.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Maybe it¡¯s a washed up giant fish.¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°If it is, won¡¯t the birds eat it?¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Hehehe, we can¡¯t let that happen, now could we? You stay here Yuina; I¡¯ll take care of them.¡±

    Finishing his words, Jintetsu waves his Fishing rod like a sword, scaring the birds away.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Sorry guys, but this fish is mine¡­¡­¡­huh?¡±

    Seeing Jintetsu tilt his head, Yuina cautiously walks closer.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Hey, Yuina.¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°Yes?¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Since when do fishes grow wings and start wearing clothes?¡±

    Obviously, the thing they are looking at isn¡¯t a fish, but a girl. But due to Jintetsu¡¯s surprise, he wasn¡¯t able to quickly understand the situation.

    [Yuina] ¡°Kyaaaaaaaaaaa!¡±

    But with Yuina¡¯s scream, Jintetsu quickly snaps back.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Whoa! This is bad, Yuina hurry back to town! Go call Obaa-sama and tell her to come here! Quick!¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°Y¡ªyes!¡±

    Giving a rarely strong voice, Yuina runs towards town without slowing down.

    And while Yuina calls for help, Jintetsu looks for a way to keep her warm. He then remembers the trick or skill taught by his grandmother.

    And that skill is that an Oni can increase his body temperature by himself.

    But before he heats himself up, Jintetsu took off the girl¡¯s clothes and got her completely naked. He then took of his top clothing, hugs the unconscious girl and puts his kimono around them.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Alright, this will do. Now for the heat¡­¡­¡­¡±

    Jintetsu then closes his eyes and concentrates his body, with the warmth that is being released by Jintetsu¡¯s body; the freezing body of the girl slowly gets warmer.

    [Aletta] ¡°Ngnnn¡­¡­huh? Where am I?¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Oh, you¡¯re awake!¡±

    The unconscious girl Aletta, who is now awake, slowly turns her head and looks at her surroundings. But as soon as she looks to her right, a light red skinned boy is sitting close and hugging her.

    [Aletta] ¡°Wh¡ªwh¡ªwhat are you doing?¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Huh? What did you say? I can¡¯t understand what you just said.¡±

    Jintetsu once again tilts his head, not understanding a single word from Aletta.

    Meanwhile Aletta struggle and pushes Jintetsu away, without knowing that the kimono fell of her body, she then looks around in panic and confusion; eventually taking notice of her dress lying next to her feet.

    Her eyes grew wide seeing her clothes, which she is supposed to be wearing this moment, her mouth gaps open.

    [Aletta] ¡°Wh¡ªwhy am I naked? Eh? Why are my clothes on the ground?¡±

    Without the use of words, Jintetsu could easily tell that the girl is panicking, so he slowly stood up, walks closer to her to not make her panic even more.

    He then puts both his hands on her shoulders and made a very friendly smile.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry anymo¡ªUmph¡­¡±

    But his effort and words are quickly stopped by Aletta¡¯s slap.

    [Aletta] ¡°What so you think you¡¯re doing!?¡±

    Aletta¡¯s eyes got teary and her face redden, all the way down to her neck.

    She then look around again and found a Jintetsu¡¯s fishing rod on the ground, she then grabs it and defends herself by posing like she is holding on to a sword.

    [Jintetsu] (D¡ªdid I do anything wrong? why did she slap me?)

    Though Aletta¡¯s slap didn¡¯t really hurt Jintetsu, due to his Oni attributes, he still rubs his cheek in confusion.

    [Aletta] ¡°Y¡ªyou better stay away from me or I¡¯ll¡­or I¡¯ll¡­¡±

    With her trembling hands, Aletta puts up a courageous front and attacks Jintetsu by stepping forward and then swings the fishing rod down, aiming at Jintetsu¡¯s head.

    [Aletta] ¡°Ngghh!?¡±

    But she quickly fell down to her knees while moaning in pain. She then looks behind her and finds her right foot swelled up and the ankle completely blushed red.

    [Aletta] ¡°Ngghhh¡­my foot¡­¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Ouch, that looks bad. We should get Obaa-sama to check on your foot.¡±

    Without being noticed, Jintetsu kneels down next to Aletta and looks at her foot. Jintetsu then picks up his kimono and covers Aletta.

    [Aletta] ¡°Ah¡­um...¡±

    While taken by surprise, Jintetsu stood at her side and suddenly carries her like a princess.

    [Aletta] ¡°Wha¡ªwait, I¡¯m¡­¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Obaa-sama will take care of that foot of yours.¡±

    With her feelings starting to calm down, she slowly understood what Jintetsu was trying to say, thanks to Kurohiko¡¯s lessons.

    She then slowly opens her mouth and spoke the words she was first taught.

    [Aletta] ¡°Umm¡­th¡ªthank you.¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Huh, you can speak? So does that mean you can understand me too?¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°J¡ªjust a li¡ªlittle bit.¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°I see.¡±

    Jintetsu then smiles to her and Aletta smiles back seeing his friendly grin.

    Minutes later, Jintetsu is now walking at a road leading to his house while having Aletta cradle on his arms.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Just a few more steps and we¡¯ll get to my house Aletta, so don¡¯t worry.¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

    [Aletta] ¡°Thank you um¡­Jints¡­Jintsu¡­¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°You can just call me Jin, everyone calls me that.¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°Alright, Jin¡­and Thank you again.¡±

    Showing another friendly grin, Aletta giggles as she relaxes her body on Jintetsu¡¯s arms.

    After walking for a few more minutes, Jintetsu could finally see the rooftop of his house.

    Thinking for what¡¯s best for Aletta, Jintetsu fixes his hold on Aletta and runs straight to his home.

    Finally reaching his back door, Jintetsu shouts out loud, calling for Shiranue.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Obaa-sama! Obaa-sama, someone needs your help! Obaa-sama!¡±

    Though Jintetsu knows that it¡¯s rude, he still opens the sliding door with his feet and enters his home.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Obaa-sama!? Okaa-sama, Otou-sama!?¡±

    With Aletta still on his arms, Jintetsu shouts for his family but no one came.

    [Jintetsu] (That¡¯s weird, did they all go somewhere?)

    Thinking that it wouldn¡¯t help Aletta¡¯s foot if they stayed here, Jintetsu decides to go up the hill and look for Shiranue at the shrine.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Hold on Aletta, I¡¯m sure Obaa-sama is at the shrine.¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°Eh? But are you sure, aren¡¯t you tired of carrying me?¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me Aletta, as a man who walks the road of Bushido, I won¡¯t leave anyone in need.¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°Bu¡ªBushi?¡±

    With Aletta still confused, Jintetsu walks out of the front door and is now about to run uphill, but at the corner of Aletta¡¯s eyes, she notices a familiar figure at the distance.

    [Aletta] ¡°Ah, that¡¯s our ship!¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Huh? Your ship?¡±

    Hearing Aletta¡¯s words, Jintetsu follows the direction where Aletta is looking.

    And as soon as he does, his eyes grew wide and sparkle in amazement.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Whoa! What is that, it¡¯s huge! That¡¯s your ship!?¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°Yes it is, my family must be looking for me.¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Then it¡¯ll be better to go there first before going to Obaa-sama, huh?¡±

    With Aletta nodding in agreement, Jintetsu runs down, heading towards the town¡¯s harbor.

    At the island¡¯s only harbor, a huge never before seen white ship is anchored at its pier.

    At first, the people that gathered at the harbor were staring at the huge ship, but now, what everyone¡¯s looking at is the Karasu Tengu flying up at the sky.

    Normally, seeing a Karasu Tengu fly isn¡¯t something to ogle at, but what made the townspeople stare is that how the Karasu Tengu, Kurohiko fly off.

    (Thud!!!)

    [Kurohiko] ¡°Guha!¡±

    After flying up a few feet away, Kurohiko quickly falls to the ground like a stone.

    [Kurohiko] ¡°Shi¡ªShiranue-san, why did you give me a punch in¡ªinstead of a nice welcome greeting?¡±

    [Shiranue] ¡°Huh? Do you seriously think I¡¯ll give you such a greeting after running away from your duties as one of the island¡¯s Elders?¡±

    With nothing more to say, Shiranue grabs on Kurohiko¡¯s collar and throws him into the ocean like an unwanted fish.

    After tossing an unwanted bird to the ocean, Shiranue felt a tug on the hem of her sleeve.

    As she looks back to see who it was and finds a pair of pure white fox ears, her eyes then trails a bit lower and finds the shy and meek Yuina.

    [Shiranue] ¡°I¡¯m sorry dear, but I need to talk to our guest first. I¡¯ll listen to you later, alright?¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°Ah¡­but¡­Shi¡ªShiranue-sama¡­Jin-kun, he¡­¡±

    [Shiranue] ¡°Don¡¯t tell me he did something reckless again...Sigh¡­never mind, I¡¯ll deal with him later...for now¡­¡±

    Shiranue puts his left hand on his forehead then breaths to calm her mind. With his hand leaving her forehead, she gently pats Yuina¡¯s head and then walks towards their foreign guests, leaving Yuina unable to say a word.

    [Shiranue] ¡°I¡¯m sorry in advance if I¡¯m being rude, but do you understand what I¡¯m saying?¡±

    [Colter] ¡°Y¡ªyes, I do understand what you are saying.¡±

    But even though the man looked distinguished, his face shows great fear and worry. His skin color is pale and his hands trembles uncontrollably.

    [Shiranue] ¡°Is there something wrong?¡±

    Thinking that Shiranue¡¯s words like a ray of hope, Colter answers her with a loud voice.

    [Shiranue] ¡°I see, if your daughter fell near the coast, then she should have come ashore. Yajiro, tell your men to look at the east side of the island. Natsume-san, you and your men should go look to the west.¡±

    [Yajiro] ¡°Yes Hahaue.¡±

    [Natsume] ¡°Understood.¡±

    Quickly nodding to Shiranue¡¯s orders, Yajiro calls out to Danzou and his men as well as the female Samurai General Natsume the Kijo, calls out to her subordinates.

    Seeing Shiranue¡¯s quick thinking and act of helping without hesitation, Colter bows his head again and again while saying his thanks countless of times.

    As the two samurai unites getting ready a familiar voice rings throughout the pair.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Obaa-sama, are you there!? Obaa-sama!¡±

    With a loud shout that even beats the adult¡¯s combined murmuring, Jintetsu¡¯s voice was quickly heard by Shiranue as well as Yajiro and the rest of the people at the front.

    [Shiranue] ¡°I¡¯m here, Jin-bou!¡±

    Hearing his grandmother¡¯s reply, Jintetsu forces himself and squeeze through the crowed. But after a few more squeezing through, the townspeople move away and let Jintetsu pass.

    After saying his thanks to the townspeople, Jintetsu continues to run towards Shiranue. And as he gets closer, Shiranue notices that his grandchild is carrying someone.

    Just when Shiranue is about to walk to Jintetsu, she was overtaken by Colter fast running.

    [Colter] ¡°Aletta! You¡¯re safe!¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°Father! Father!¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Huh?...umm..uh¡­Ji¡ªJintetsu!¡±

    With both father knowing his daughter is safe, tears came out of their eyes and a warm atmosphere spreads throughout the pier.

    Though Jintetsu has no idea what was happening, he still butted in and called out his own name thinking that is was some sort of greeting.

    (Aletta¡¯s POV)

    [Shiranue] ¡°There you go child, your foot should be ok now.¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°Th¡ªthank you very much.¡±

    After my reunion with Father and seeing that I¡¯m safe, Father explains the reason of our travel and why we had to cross great distances.

    The little girl with white horn and white hair then orders the people around her help us carry anything that needed to be taken out of our ship.

    She then invited us to her home along with my sickly mother.

    At first, I was curious as to why are all the adults following this little girl¡¯s orders, but then Mr. Kurohiko, who for some reason was climbing out of the sea, explains who she was.

    And to my surprise as well as my Father¡¯s, this little girl in front of me is actually one of the elders of this island as well as the person we are seeking!

    But in a way, I kind of knew she was someone special, the air around her carries so much authority, even more so than my own Father.

    Sitting here on this strangely soft floor inside the Elder¡¯s house, I said my thanks to her healing. She then made a gentle smile and bows gracefully.

    Seeing the swelling of my foot quickly disappearing, Father looks at it with an amazed look and asks if I feel any pain.

    Telling my Father that my foot feels better, Father breaths out relieving his worry towards me.

    He then looks at the Elder with a serious look and bows down while kneeling; making sure his forehead touches the ground.

    [Colter] ¡°Lady Shiranue, Please hear my request.¡±

    Seeing Father bow down to the ground, I quickly regain myself and bows the same way how my Father is doing.

    The Elder didn¡¯t speak immediately, so the air around us was very scary, especially since another elder with a very big build is also in front of us, along with a young looking man with two horns and another young woman with a white mask covering her face.

    After a few minutes on the ground without getting up, the Elder speaks to us.

    [Shiranue] ¡°Could this request perhaps be something to do with the young woman on the other room?¡±

    [Colter] ¡°Yes Lady Shiranue, she is my wife and she needs help.¡±

    [Shiranue] ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­Hmm¡­¡­¡­¡±

    After listening to my father, the Elder named Lady Shira¡ª umm¡­Shireanuuuee¡­Shinranuee¡­Shirnaue (I think I got that right) looks at my father without looking away.

    She then made a small sigh and looks to her left, towards the 2 warrior like people.

    [Shiranue] ¡°Yajiro, Natsume-san, go back to the pier and help Colter-san¡¯s men with their ship.¡±

    [Yajiro] ¡°Yes Hahaue.¡±

    [Natsume] ¡°Of course.¡±

    [Shiranue] ¡°And Tatara¡­¡±

    After ordering the two who are next to her, she then turns her head towards the huge built man and does the same.

    [Tatara] ¡°Hmm?¡±

    [Shiranue] ¡°Go make sure the house is fully furnished and fixed.¡±

    [Tatara] ¡°Got it.¡±

    I¡¯m really amazed that everyone who looked very intimidating and powerful follows the orders of a little girl, though I heard from Mr. Kurohiko she isn¡¯t really a little girl.

    Speaking of Mr. Kurohiko, Lady Shiranue didn¡¯t let him inside the house and just made him kneel down the lawn full of small stones.

    That must feel very painful.

    [Kurohiko] ¡°Umm¡­Shiranue-san, what about me¡±

    [Shiranue] ¡°Ara~ you¡¯re still here Kurohiko-san? I thought you died somewhere.¡±

    [Kurohiko] ¡°I didn¡¯t!¡±

    [Shiranue] ¡°Will you be doing it now then?¡±

    [Kurohiko] ¡°I won¡¯t!¡±

    I could have sworn that Mr. Kurohiko had such a powerful aura when I first meet him, even when he was teaching me back when we were on the ship.

    But now¡­

    Now he looks like a helpless bird being stared down by a giant snake.

    After Lady Shiranue continues to stare down at Mr. Kurohiko, she sighs heavily while pressing her forehead.

    [Shiranue] ¡°Fine, then why don¡¯t you make yourself useful and go get me some herbs on the other side of the island.¡±

    [Kurohiko] ¡°And then you¡¯ll forgive me?¡±

    [Shiranue] ¡°Now then Colter-san, let¡¯s go see your wife.¡±

    [Kurohiko] ¡°Shiranue-san!? Shiranue-san!!?¡±

    He was completely ignored.

    Though Lady Shiranue was called for multiple times, she didn¡¯t even bother to look back and continue to talk with my father.

    Giving up, Mr. Kurohiko spreads his black wing and flies off to somewhere.

    [Colter] ¡°Aletta, stay here and be a good girl.¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°Ah¡­y¡ªyes father.¡±

    With my father and Lady Shiranue gone, I am now alone here sitting on a very wide room.

    With nothing else to do, I look at the appearance of the room and found no furnisher, no chairs, no table, not even windows with curtains.

    The only thing I noticed about the room is it has a single portrait and doors that slides to the side.

    And while I kept my eyes on the room¡¯s sliding door, I notice two shadows appearing. That certain shadow then peeks out.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Are you guys done talking?¡±

    It was the boy with fading red skin, the boy who helped me get out of the forest, Jin.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Looks like all the important talk is over.¡±

    After confirming that no one else but me remains inside the room, Jin enters while walking closer towards me.

    Seeing his smile reminded me about something I need to say.

    [Aletta] ¡°Umm...Jin, thank you for saving me back at the forest.¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, as an upcoming Samurai; helping those who are in need is my duty.¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°Samu¡­rai?¡±

    I have no idea what a Samurai is, but when Jin said it, he made a proud smile and stuck out his chest.

    While Jin stood there proudly, I notice a pair of white ears behind him. To get a better look, I lean backwards, but due to kneeling for so long, my legs went numb and I fell on my back.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Whoa, are you alright?¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°Y¡ªyeah, my legs just got numb, that¡¯s all...umm¡­¡±

    But I guess falling over isn¡¯t so bad, since I got to see who was the one hiding behind Jin.

    Though I¡¯ve seen a few girl Lycan race, I¡¯ve never seen a girl with such white colored hair before and her ears are a lot pointy than the Lycans¡¯, and let¡¯s not forget about her long and fluffy looking tail with a pointed tip.

    Though her features aren¡¯t like the Lycans¡¯, it doesn¡¯t mean that she not attractive, in fact, she¡¯s one of the cutest girls I¡¯ve meet.

    [Aletta] ¡°Um¡­he¡ªhello¡­¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    I simply wanted to greet her, but she quickly hid behind Jin with her ears dropping down.

    [Aletta] ¡°Uh¡­¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Oh right¡­¡±

    Jin must have notice where I was looking, so he moves aside and gently pushes the girl in front of me. And to make sure she doesn¡¯t hide again, Jin grabs her shoulder from behind.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°This is Yuina. Actually, she was the first who found you before I did.¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°Really?¡±

    Hearing Jin say that she is also one of my saviors, I quickly stood up and bow to her to say my thanks.

    [Aletta] ¡°Thank you for saving me¡­um¡­Yuina¡­¡±

    At first, she didn¡¯t say anything and just looks down on her feet, but after waiting a few more seconds, she looks at me with blushed cheeks and replied.

    [Yuina] ¡°Y¡ªyour welcome¡­¡±

    She then shows me a small smile, and of course I too gave her one as well.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Isn¡¯t that great Yuina? You made a friend.¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°Eh!? But¡­she might not want¡ª¡°

    I already knew what Yuina was about to say, so before she finishes, I brought out my hand and kept a friendly smile.

    [Aletta] ¡°Let¡¯s be friends Yuina.¡±

    She first stares at me in a blank daze, but her face quickly changes and smiles while taking my hand.

    But of course I didn¡¯t forget about my other savior.

    [Aletta] ¡°Jin, let¡¯s be friends too.¡±

    Without even a second, Jin gives me a big smile and also held my other hand energetically.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Sure thing!¡±

    And for some reason, Jin grabs Yuina¡¯s free hand, making a circle.

    I guess I wasn¡¯t the only one who noticed this, because all three of soon smile at each other while make a low tune of laughter.

    f

 The little Red Oni Trains...

    Chapter 4

    On top of a hill there is a boy with red skin and two small black horns, slowly walking down the wooden steps as he carries a tied up 5 foot boar on his back.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Huff¡­Huff¡­he-hey, why am I the only one carrying this thing!?¡±

    The complaint came from the youngest Oni in Akai Island, Jintetsu. Now at the age of 10, Jintetsu is now allowed to into the forest close to town. As long as he has someone tagging along with him, he is free to venture into the forest.

    [Aletta] ¡°Ha~ stop complaining Jin, you¡¯re the only one amongst us who has the strength to carry something like that.¡±

    A girl, who was slightly taller than Jintetsu, stops walking and turns around towards the slightly leaning Jintetsu.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°I might have the strength, but that doesn¡¯t mean I like to carry heavy things.¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°As I recall, YOU called us to tag along, and besides¡­¡±

    With her white wings, which grew at the back of her waist, she floats a few feet off the ground and flutters her way closer to the sweaty Jintetsu.

    [Aletta] ¡°Without an adult supervision, you won¡¯t even be allowed to go to the forest.¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Adult? You¡¯re just one year older than me.¡±

    As the two continue to argue, a meek voice tries to stop them.

    [Yuina] ¡°Jin-kun, Aletta stop arguing, if we don¡¯t hurry to Shiranue-sama¡¯s lesson, she will scold us.¡±

    The words of their Arctic fox friend Yuina, stops the two instantly. Jintetsu and Aletta know how scary the Hime-Miko can get if they were late. Especially if they themselves are the one that asked Shiranue to teach them about the Reiki Genkotsu-Ryugi.

    At first, it was only the 8 year old Jintetsu who asked his Grandmother if he could also use Reiki and if possible, to be taught as well. Of course Aletta and Yuina heard about this and also ask Shiranue to teach them.

    Therefore, all 3 of them are now being taught how to control their Reiki with different reasons.

    With Jintetsu being curious, Yuina not wanting to be left out and Aletta for wanting to learn the skill that is helping her Mother¡¯s recovery.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°But you know, we¡¯ve been training our Reiki for 2 years yet I¡¯m the only one who isn¡¯t improving.¡±

    Two years of training has passed and yet the best thing Jintetsu can do is release his Reiki from within and that¡¯s it.

    The other 2, though, are different. Both Yuina and Aletta can not only release their inner Reiki, but also put it in objects they held, increasing its durability and power.

    [Aletta] ¡°Oh come on! Don¡¯t tell me the future Samurai Jintetsu is giving up?¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°!?¡±

    Jintetsu twitches to Aletta¡¯s words while Aletta gave a confident smile. Yuina on the other hand, looks at Jintetsu and Aletta worryingly. But Yuina¡¯s worry isn¡¯t directed at Jintetsu¡¯s feeling, but the unexpected reaction that he is showing.

    .

    But for Aletta, this is what she was planning, she knew that ¡°impossible¡± and ¡°give up¡± are triggers for Jintetsu¡¯s inner stubbornness.

    [Aletta] Now then, what will you do Jiiiinnn!? ¡°Hyaa!?¡±

    Though Aletta is already prepared for what Jintetsu is about to do, she didn¡¯t expect for him to suddenly grab her by the waist and lift her off the ground.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Jintetsu of the Oni clan never gives up on anything!¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°O¡ªO.K¡­whouaaa!?¡±

    And without even letting Aletta to react, Jintetsu threw her up on the boar that he is carrying on his back.

    [Yuina] ¡°Hyaann!?¡±

    And of course, Jintetsu did the same thing to Yuina.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Hold on you two, I¡¯m going to make a run for it!¡±

    As he isn¡¯t even carrying anything, Jintetsu runs down the hill so fast, Yuina and Aletta felt a powerful force of wind pushing them, making them to grab the dead boar even tighter.

    [Yuina] ¡°Ng¡­¡­¡­¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°Yahoo!!!¡±

    Within only a few seconds, Jintetsu easily reaches the Town¡¯s gate and proceeds to dash his way home.

    [Shop Lady] ¡°Oh, that¡¯s quite the catch you got there Bou-chama.¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°I¡¯ll catch one for your family next time!¡±

    [Shop Lady] ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting!¡±

    [Candy Vendor] ¡°Yuina-chan, you guys come over next time, I got new sweets for ya!¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°Hmm!? Sweets!?¡±

    [Old man] ¡°Aletta-chan, let¡¯s have a shogi match again! This time, I¡¯ll be the victor!¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°Sorry Oji-san, I have training for the whole day, maybe tomorrow!¡±

    When all 3 passed by, the people in the area greets the trio cheerfully. Even Aletta, who only started to live on the island for a few years, is being treated like she was one of them from the start.

    Aletta was grateful for this welcoming atmosphere, even to this day.

    At first, when she was new to the island, she imagined that she will have a hard time mingling with the islanders.

    But to her surprise, they quickly welcomed her and treated her warmly.

    [Yuina] ¡°Ah, I can see Jin-kun¡¯s house.¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°You heard her, Jin, Let¡¯s make a run for it!¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Graaaaaaaa!!!¡±

    Using more strength in his feet, Jintetsu runs up another hill and eventually reaching at the front door of his house.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°He¡­he¡­hehehe! I¡ªI, Jintetsu of the Oni Clan has succeeded¡­ha¡­ha¡­ha.¡±

    And with a heavy thud sound, Jintetsu puts down the boar from his back and sits down on the ground out of breath.

    Yuina and Aletta slide down the boar and pats their clothes to remove the boar¡¯s fur while they walk closer to Jintetsu.

    [Yuina] ¡°Jin-kun, are you alright?¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Hehe¡­this¡­is nothing¡­¡±

    Yuina and Aletta can easily tell Jintetsu is only playing tough, but the exhaustion doesn¡¯t stop him from doing a Guts pose. Although his arm is still trembling¡­

    The front door then slides open and was greeted by Jintetsu¡¯s mother, Kaede.

    [Kaede] ¡°It seems like the gods blessed you 3; you caught a pretty big one.¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°Good afternoon, Kaede-sama.¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°Good afternoon, Kaede-san.¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°I¡¯m home, Okaa-san.¡±

    [Kaede] ¡°Fufu~ And it would seem that it didn¡¯t give you an easy hunt either.¡±If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    Hearing Kaede¡¯s words, Jintetsu and the girls look at each other and find themselves dirty with mud, leaves and some dirt all over their clothes, faces and hair.

    [Sofia] ¡°Oh my, Aletta. Look how dirty you¡¯ve become.¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°Mother, you were here?¡±

    Back when Sofia still couldn¡¯t move, Kaede visited her regularly and talked about their experiences as a mother and as well as a wife.

    As the years for the treatment of Sofia¡¯s condition passed, Kaede and Sofia grew fond of each

    other due to their friendly atmosphere, they easily became close friends.

    [Kaede] ¡°Mother is still meditating, so this is your chance to freshen up in the bath.¡±

    [Yuina & Aletta] ¡°Thank you very much.¡±

    [Kaede] ¡°Jin-chan, I¡¯m sorry but can you carry that to the back door please?¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Alright¡­Huunnng!¡±

    [Kaede] ¡°And Jintetsu¡­¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Hmm?¡±

    [Kaede] ¡°No peeking.¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°On what?¡±

    Though Kaede is sure that he won¡¯t actually peek, Kaede is a bit worried seeing such an innocent and honest confused look Jintetsu gave her.

    [Kaede] ¡°Hmm, I guess Jin-chan still hasn¡¯t think about the girls that way yet¡­¡±

    [Sofia] ¡°Well, he is still 10.¡±

    [Kaede] ¡°Oh well, if Jin-chan still hasn¡¯t found a girl, Okaa-chan will be here for him.¡±

    [Sofia] ¡°Lady Kaede, that¡¯s a bit¡­¡±

    Sofia is worried about something else. Four hours have passed after finishing their bath. Jintetsu, Yuina and Aletta are now inside an empty dojo, kneeling down quietly, and while they¡¯re doing so, Shiranue is walking around them, observing their meditation.

    [Shiranue] ¡°Remember, you must calmly release your Reiki bit by bit and feel the amount the Ofuda can take, or it will¡ª¡°

    POOF!

    [Aletta] ¡°Whoa!?¡±

    [Shiranue] ¡°Aletta, you put too much again, minimize your output.¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°Y¡ªyes, I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    The training they are doing right now is not only about control, but also about feeling the amount of Reiki an object can hold.

    Jintetsu and the other girls are given 20 empty Ofuda each.

    [Yuina] ¡°Um¡­I¡ªI¡¯m done.¡±

    [Shiranue] ¡°You¡¯ve done great Yuina.¡±

    The successes rates of each of them are:

    Yuina : 20 Ofuda filled.

    Aletta: 16 Ofuda filled.

    Jintetsu: 0 Ofuda filled.

    Though Aletta isn¡¯t born on the island, she is still able to use her Reiki. As for Yuina, Shiranue were amazed on how precise her control was.

    As for Jintetsu¡­

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Gnnnnnnnnnnnn¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­Come on Reiki!!!¡±

    Whack!

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Ooff!?¡±

    [Shiranue] ¡°Nothing will happen even if you called out to it, your Reiki isn¡¯t a puppy.¡±

    He got slapped on the back of his head by Shiranue.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Sorry Obaa-sama, I was just a little frustrated.¡±

    [Shiranue] ¡°Well, 2 years of training and 2 years of no progress, I guess your feelings are understandable.¡±

    That is why it made Shiranue concern about Jintetsu¡¯s Reiki a bit more.

    Normally, for someone who is able to release their Reiki, they should be able to put their Reiki on an object after training for a year.

    Yuina is what Shiranue would call a Prodigy; she was able to release her Reiki within only 4 months.

    Aletta is normal, she was able to release her Reiki within a year.

    But as for Jintetsu¡­

    [Shiranue] It¡¯s the same thing my Grandfather told me about¡­

    She thought about it for a while, but she quickly sweeps away those thoughts and continues to instruct Jintetsu and the girls.

    [Shiranue] ¡°Yuina, I think it¡¯s about time to teach you something else. Aletta, Keep it up and you¡¯ll eventually reach the point where filling Ofuda with Reiki easily¡­now for you¡­¡±

    After speaking with the two girls, Shiranue turns her head towards Jintetsu who is still holding on to his Ofuda while staring at it intensely.

    [Shiranue] Anybody would have given up already; he¡¯s as stubborn as my late Father.

    The way Shiranue thinks of it may sound wary, but she is actually very happy to have a very stubborn Grandchild.

    Especially when it comes to learning new things.

    After making quite sigh, Shiranue decides to finish today¡¯s lessons.

    [Shiranue] ¡°Alright that¡¯s enough for now children. The sun has risen to its highest.¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°What!? Oh no, Natsume-shishou said I shouldn¡¯t be late on today¡¯s lesson.¡±

    Quickly picking up all the failed Ofuda off the ground, she runs towards the sliding door. But before she leaves the Dojo¡­

    [Aletta] ¡°Oh right, umm, thank you for the lesson Shiranue-sama.¡±

    [Shiranue] ¡°You may go.¡±

    Given the permission to leave the Dojo and doing a properly executed bow, Aletta dashes out of the dojo without missing a second.

    [Yuina] ¡°Um¡­Shiranue-sama?¡±

    [Shiranue] ¡°Yes?¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°Is Natsume-san¡¯s lessons hard?¡±

    [Shiranue] ¡°Hmm¡­how should I put it¡­¡±

    Natsume, is a Demi-Human called Kijo as well as Akai Shima¡¯s female Samurai General, known for always wearing a Hannya mask and the light blue Hakama.

    Though it is rare to have a Female as a Samurai General, the people of the island acknowledges her due to not only by her intelligence but also due to her Nitoryu, or also known as Twin Sword Style.

    Even Yajiro, said to be the strongest in the island, honestly claims that Natsume is faster than he is when it comes to both martial arts and swordplay.

    She is also one of the few that helped the runaway eastern Demi-Humans escape to Akia Shima.

    [Shiranue] ¡°I wouldn¡¯t know if it is hard or not since I¡¯ve never seen what kind of training she offers.¡± Or more like, I¡¯ve never seen her accept any students besides Aletta. I wonder what makes her special to be given such a rare chance. I¡¯ve seen dozens of people wanting to be under her teachings, but she refused all of them.

    [Yuina] ¡°Shiranue-sama?¡±

    [Shiranue] ¡°Hmm? Oh sorry, I was just thinking about something. What were you asking again?¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°If it¡¯s alright for Aletta to continue, she had the same strict schedule since 3 years ago.¡±

    [Shiranue] ¡°Don¡¯t worry; I¡¯m sure Natsume-san won¡¯t do anything reckless.¡± I¡¯ve known her since she was a child after all. Despite how distances she acts to others, she is still a very caring and devoting woman.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Gnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn! COME ON, REIKI!!!¡±

    [Shiranue] ¡°Like I said, your Reiki isn¡¯t a puppy.¡±

    Meanwhile on the other side of the hill, a lone house is hidden deep within the woods.

    And though only one person lives in the house, the huge vicinity is spotless. Neither twigs nor leaves can be found on the ground and on the Koi pond.

    At the edge of the pond is a woman that is wearing her usual Blue Hakama and her white Hannya mask.

    While waiting for her only pupil, she continues to calmly feed the Koi Fishes in her pond.

    [Natsuma] ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    The peaceful atmosphere continues until Natsume heard huffing and soon the voice of her student.

    [Aletta] ¡°Sh¡ªShishou! Shishou, I¡¯m sorry for being late.¡±

    [Natsume] ¡°It¡¯s fine¡­¡±

    Without saying anything else, Natsume slowly removes her Geta and slides open the door to her training room.

    After training under her for 3 years, Aletta quickly realizes what her Master meant and quickly follows her in.

    After changing into her uniform or Kendo-Gi, Aletta quickly walks to Natsume and bows again.

    [Natsume] ¡°Now then, I have taught you all the fundamentals you need for your right hand, which is why¡­

    Before finishing, Natsume brings out a weird looking jacket from a wooden chest and shows it to Aletta.

    [Natsume] ¡°You should start wearing this.¡±

    Without even giving Aletta a chance to ask, Natsume walks around and made her wear the jacket.

    And as soon as Aletta wears it, she quickly realizes that she is unable to move her right arm and her left arm is the only one that isn¡¯t restricted.

    While twisting and moving her body for a few seconds, Natsume throws a Kendo Bamboo Sword to her feet.

    [Natsume] ¡°Those Fundamentals that you¡¯ve learned with your right¡­¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°Y¡ªyes?¡±

    Though Aletta already has a feeling what her master is thinking, she still wants to ask to make her a least feel a little bit less worried.

    [Natsume] ¡°You should use those Fundamentals on your left arm.¡±

    [Aletta] I knew it¡­

    Thus begins Aletta¡¯s left hand swordplay training¡­

    Meanwhile at Jintetsu¡¯s home, a loud sound of wood hitting one another could be heard. Jintetsu and one of his father¡¯s students are now sparring vigorously.

    His father, Yajiro observes them while he remains seated on the wooden floor. And next to him is Yuina who tends to flinch whenever Jintetsu¡¯s and the other student¡¯s wooden swords collide.

    And whenever Jintetsu almost gets hit by his opponent, Yuina makes a small scream and covers her eyes with her hands.

    This sparring has already lasted for about 30 minutes and Jintetsu¡¯s opponent is 3 years older than him, but even though the opponent is 3 years older, Jintetsu is still able to keep up or even surpass their level.

    As Yajiro continue to watch his son grow in an amazing rate, he couldn¡¯t help it but be overjoyed. But of course he doesn¡¯t show it since his own students that stayed with him for a long time might get upset or even get downhearted.

    But his main reason is because he doesn¡¯t want his son to become arrogant.

    [Yajiro] Someday, Jin will become someone that could surpass even me. And not only that, he is also taking lessons from Hahaue¡­

    After thinking for a few more minutes, Yajiro once again realizes something to add up to his thoughts.

    [Yajiro] Now that I think about it, He is also being trained by Tatara-sama, a real living God.

    Although Yajiro wasn¡¯t able to see how Tatara works at his smithy completely, he still knew how much hard labor it would take.

    Slamming down a heavy looking hammer and carrying heavy boxes full of ores, if one would do those things every single day, any skinny man would turn into a hulking brute within months.

    [Yajiro] Won¡¯t that mean Yajiro¡¯s development will¡­¡­¡­and to think he is only 10 years old.

    While thinking so, a drop of cold sweat flows down his cheeks.

    [Student # 1] ¡°Winner, Jintetsu!¡±

    With his thought away from the match, Yajiro wasn¡¯t able to see how his son won.

    [Student # 2] ¡°Ha¡­ha¡­Wow Bou-chama, you really improved.¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Thank you very much Senpai!¡±

    With the defeated student down on the ground, Jintetsu stretches out his hand and helps him stand up. They both then bow respectfully towards each other.

    [Yajiro] Well, I guess I don¡¯t really need to worry about him becoming too arrogant.

    After making their bow, Jintetsu and his opponent returned to their respective seats.

    [Yuina] ¡°Jin-kun, are you alright?¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Don¡¯t worry; getting hurt is part of sparring. Besides, getting hurt from this lets me know that I didn¡¯t train enough.¡±

    Though still worried even though Jintetsu told her not to, Yuina gives him a cloth to wipe off his sweat.

    Right after wiping himself clean, another spar was about to begin.

    Jintetsu then noticed the next spar will be no other that Yuina¡¯s former bully Daigoro.

    There¡¯s a reason why Daigoro is mentioned as ¡°Former¡± and that is because he notices how beautiful Yuina has grown over 5 years.

    Unlike before, Yuina is now properly grooming her hair and fixing it with a curtain style.

    As Daigoro walks to the center of the, he notices Yuina seated. He then waves at her confidently, but only to be ignored.

    But he was not completely ignored.

    Jintetsu, who was sitting next to Yuina, waves back.

    [Daigoro] ¡°I wasn¡¯t waving at you!¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Huh?¡±

    Though Yuina has already realizes Daigoro¡¯s feelings, she still hated him for all the hardship he gave her.

    And as for Jintetsu, he¡¯s oblivious about Daigoro¡¯s feeling towards Yuina so he honestly thought that Daigoro was congratulating him on his win, so he thought he would wave back to say his thanks.

    But because of Daigoro¡¯s sudden rebuke, it makes Jintetsu¡¯s raised hand sadly descends back to his lap.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°I thought he was being friendly, I guess I was wrong¡­¡±

    Seeing the honestly depressed Jintetsu, Yuina quickly turns her head towards Daigoro.

    With the equally dense Daigoro, he thought that he finally got Yuina¡¯s attention. But opposite to his wish, as soon as Yuina turns towards him, she shows him a rarely seen glare along with an air of anger.

    Daigoro¡¯s confidence quickly diminish and thus resulting him to lose easily, and frankly pathetically.

    A few hours later, the students of the Dojo are now thanking Yajiro with a respectful bow and leaving the Dojo.

    Jintetsu and Yuina are also about to leave and head to the God of Smithy¡¯s shop.

    [Sofia] ¡°Jin, can you please remind Aletta that her father will be home tomorrow? She most likely forgot again due to her training.¡±

    Aletta forgetting about her father¡¯s return has happened before.

    Her father needed to go back to their country for work and comes back every 3 months.

    And due to her amazing interest and concentration in Natsume¡¯s swordplay, when her Father comes back home, she accidentally said¡­

    [Aletta] ¡°Huh? Dad? You are home?¡±

    Which of course left Colter extremely depressed and thought that he might not be spending enough time with his daughter, making him refuse to go back to their country for work.

    His 3 weeks stay on the island became a month and a half, until a messenger came and told him to go back to work.

    That is why Sofia made sure to not let that happen again.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Huh? Colter-san is coming back?¡±

    [Sofia] ¡°That¡¯s right; apparently my Brother-in-Law needed his help on something big. Not sure what though, didn¡¯t say anything in his letters.¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Wow! I bet it¡¯s something amazing, he helps make things for the village right?¡±

    [Sofia] ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Oh no, I better get to Jii-san or he¡¯ll make me do Nothing!¡±

    To a very productive and energetic Jintetsu, doing nothing is already considered as a punishment and something he never wishes to happen.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Yuina, we better get going!¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°Don¡¯t worry Sofia-san; we¡¯ll be sure to tell her that.¡±

    [Sofia] ¡°Thank you, dears.¡±

    With the two waving as they leave, Sofia stood at the front entrance waving back at them gently.

    [Sofia] ¡°Hu!? *Cough!* *Cough!* *Cough!* *Cough!*¡±

    With the sudden occurrence of pain, Sofia crouches down while she grips her chest.

    As she continue to cough painfully on the ground, Kaede, who just so happens to be walking by, found Sofia on the ground.

    [Kaede] ¡°Sofia! Sofia, are you alright?¡±

    [Sofia] ¡°Ms. Ka¡ªKaede, I¡¯m *Cough!* *Cough!* I¡¯m sorry for¡­¡±

    [Kaede] ¡°You don¡¯t have to apologize. Just hold on Alright? Yajiro-san! Okaa-sama! Sofia needs help!¡±

    With Kaede¡¯s loud call, Yajiro and Shiranue run towards the front entrance and help Sofia get to her house.

    [Shiranue] ¡°Yajiro-san, gently put her on her bed and get me some warm water. Kaede-san, help me give her some of our Reiki to her.¡±

    [Kaede] ¡°R¡ªright!¡±

    Following Shiranue¡¯s orders, she and Kaede gets to work, but while they are doing so, Kaede worryingly asks Shiranue about something that was bothering her.

    [Kaede] ¡°This doesn¡¯t make sense; didn¡¯t we give her a significant amount of Reiki this morning? Then why is this happening to her?¡±

    [Shiranue] ¡°Our Reiki is helping and it is making her stronger, but that doesn¡¯t mean her immunity to sickness is strong enough.¡±

    [Kaede] ¡°So what should we do?¡±

    [Shiranue] ¡°I know of a herb called the Herushi that can strengthen her immunity, but I no longer have any in stock.¡±

    Right after Shiranue¡¯s words, Yajiro, who happens to hear her, comes walking in while carrying a basin full of warm water.

    [Yajiro] ¡°Can¡¯t we just get some more, Hahaue?¡±

    [Shiranue] ¡°We can, but not in this season. The herb I¡¯m talking about is growing at the northern part of Eien-Yuki.¡±

    The said Eien-Yuki is the only mountain that can be found on the island, and just like what the name intended, the mountain is always covered in snow.

    Hearing where the herb can be found, Yajiro and Kaede quickly realize why Shiranue is reluctant about finding the herb themselves.

    In this certain season is the time when Eien-Yuki tends to be merciless, its strong and powerful wind makes travel difficult.

    So with weather in that kind of condition, searching for a herb will be close to impossible.

    Shiranue, Yajiro and Kaede continue their conversation while helping Sofia¡¯s condition.

    Little did they know, Aletta overheard their talk and is now running towards Tatara¡¯s workshop to seek help.

    But not from the Mortal God Tatara, since she knows that the old man will just stop her from going. The people she is going to ask are the two the friends that she could truly trust.

 The little Red Oni gets too many hugs...

    Chapter 5

    (Jintetsu¡¯s P.O.V.)

    Ah~ The Smithy, one of the best places where a youth, such as myself, spends his energy with joy.

    Well, at least that¡®s what I think¡­

    I¡¯ve already spent 5 years in this place and I still love everything about it. The heat of the fire, the spark of ore and metal clashing into each other and finally, the grand and amazing forms they make once they¡¯re done.

    Goes to show that there are amazing amount of possibilities a single ore can have!

    As I watch my Tatara-Jii-san create things, I just couldn¡¯t take my eyes off of his amazing skills.

    Nothing will be able to make me stop watching, nothing!

    [Tatara] ¡°Boy, hurry up with the coal, the fire is getting weaker!¡±

    Except for that.

    When it comes to smithy, Jii-san tends to get very upset if one would hinder his work.

    That is why when Jii-san tells me to put coals in, then I would do so, no question asked.

    Following Jii-san, I quickly run out of the smithy and head to the back, where Jii-san¡¯s shack is located.

    Since I¡¯ve spent a lot of my time here, I could easily tell where the box of coal is, even if his shack is a mess.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Now then, just how much of coal will he need?¡±

    Seeing a conveniently placed crate full of coal, I slowly bend down and grab it, but before I even got ahold of it¡­

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Whoa!? Who is thi¡ªAletta?¡±

    I got hugged by Aletta from behind.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Uh¡­Aletta? What¡¯s this about?¡±

    Though I asked, she wouldn¡¯t answer me and kept her face pressed onto my back.

    I haven¡¯t seen her doing this before, it¡¯s kind of worrying me.

    I won¡¯t be able to ask what¡¯s wrong if she keeps on doing this, so I gently grab her left arm to loosen her hold on me and I slowly turn to face her.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Hey Aletta, what¡¯s wrong? Did something happen?¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°My Mother, she¡­she¡¯s¡­¡±

    Mother? Mother¡­oh right, that¡¯s Okaa-san in Aletta¡¯s language.

    So wait a minute, does that mean there is something wrong with Aletta¡¯s Okaa-san!?

    [Jintetsu] ¡°What happened to Sofia-san!?¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°Mother¡­she¡¯s¡­¡±

    A few minutes have passed and Aletta is able to explain everything that I need to hear.

    Though Aletta¡¯s intelligence and strategy smarts impresses me, right now I¡¯m more impressed that she is able to explain situation so well.

    But let¡¯s forget about that for now and keep our wits about Sofia-san¡¯s condition.

    If my guess is right, Aletta won¡¯t talk to anyone about this because they would just stop her from going.

    If only the weather of Eien Yuki isn¡¯t acting up, then Obaa-sama would ask someone to go there or even go there herself and pick the herb.

    But there is no way that Aletta is giving up, most likely the reason why she is here right now is because¡­

    [Aletta] ¡°Jin, I want you to come with me.¡±

    Thought so.

    [Aletta] ¡°Look, I know what I¡¯m asking you to do something dangerous is too much...¡±

    Let¡¯s see, as I recall there are really thick coats somewhere inside Jii-san¡¯s shack¡­oh, there they are.

    [Aletta] ¡°But you¡¯re the only one I can rely on¡­¡±

    And I¡¯m not sure what might stand in our way, so having something to defend ourselves would be great¡­Ah, the old swords Jii-san is hiding, and they¡¯re still in good condition too.

    [Aletta] ¡°You¡¯ve been there with Shiranue-sama a few times right? So if you can¡­¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Alright, I guess this is everything we¡¯re going to need.¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°Please help me¡­huh? Jin?¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°If Sofia-san¡¯s condition is really that bad, then we better get going.¡±

    I¡¯ve gone with Obaa-sama to Eien Yuki a few times, She even told me where most of that certain herb is usually growing.

    While I continue to look through my memory for things that could help us, Aletta once again hugs me, but this time, she¡¯s hugging me from the front.

    She rests her chin on my shoulder and I could feel her sobbing has lessening.

    Seeing a friend relieved is a good thing.

    I¡®m about to pat her on the back, but I quickly stop because I just thought of something.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°What should we do about Jii-san?¡±

    When I said that, Aletta loosen her hug and looks at me.

    Guess with her expression, she must have realized the same thing I did.

    But like I said before, Aletta is smart when it comes to finding ways to get what she needs.

    Just like the wild boar we caught today, if Yuina and I are the only ones that tried to hunt it, we would most likely spend half a day taking it down.

    It¡¯s all thanks to Aletta¡¯s quick thinking.

    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    [Aletta] ¡°Wait a minute, today is the day when the west side of the town goes fishing, right?¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Hmm, now that you mentioned it, I guess so.¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°Then we could use that as an excuse, with Eien Yuki¡¯s weather, we could use it and tell Tatara-sama that a few boats got damaged.¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°True, it would be a lot easier to trick him if you mention the storm in Eien Yuki. But will that be enough?¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°Have you forgotten about a certain old fisherman?¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Ah!¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°That¡¯s right; Gaoro-Jii-san is very reckless when it comes to fishing. He always gets his Boat wrecked whenever he goes fishing.¡±

    Oh right, I didn¡¯t think of that.

    The old man Aletta just mentioned just now is a Kappa named Gaoro-Jii-san.

    I feel bad for saying this, but even though Gaoro-Jii-san is a Kappa, he couldn¡¯t catch a fish to save his life.

    He did catch one before, but heard that the fish grew tired of being chased for 3 hours straight and most likely gave up.

    Honestly, I really wanted to ask him why he wants to be a fisherman. But if I did, he might get angry and depressed.

    I don¡¯t want to do that to an old man.

    [Aletta] ¡°You should go back on what you¡¯re doing just now or Tatara-sama might suspect something.¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Ah, I almost forgot.¡±

    Thinking about all of that made me forget about the coal.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°I¡¯ll be going then.¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°Alright¡­Oh, Jin¡­¡±

    Already carrying the two crates, I walk pass Aletta and is now heading out the door, but I¡¯m once again stop by Aletta whom call out to me.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Yeah, what is it?¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°Thank you, for doing this for me.¡±

    Huh? What a silly girl. Why would she say something like that? Being thanked for something as small as this¡­oh well, I guess I could just accept it.

    Deciding on accepting her gratitude, I turn my head over my left shoulder and give her a big grin.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°No problem.¡±

    [Tatara] ¡°Boy, where¡¯s the coal!?¡±

    Hearing the loud rough voice of Jii-san, I give Aletta another look and give her a nod.

    Now then, let¡¯s get Aletta¡¯s plan into action.

    Fast! That was too fast!

    I thought Tatara-Jii-san would at least wonder about what Aletta has just said, but as soon as he hear Gaoro-Jii-san¡¯s name, he quickly grabs his carpentry tool and dashes out of the shop.

    Well, I guess that¡¯s fine, it does make it easier.

    But now we have another thing we need to take care of...

    [Yuina] ¡°Please let me come with you!¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°You can¡¯t, you have to stay here.¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°Why can¡¯t I go with you and Jin-kun!?¡±

    Right now, Yuina is trying to persuade Aletta to let her come with us to Eien Yuki. While me on the on other hand, is packing up the things I gathered in the shed, as well as some tools in the shop and putting them in a big leather bag.

    Tatara-Jii-san, if you find out about this, please don¡¯t get mad at me.

    As I try to erase the thought of what kind of punishment I will get from when I pick up the bag from the floor.

    But before I get to put the bag on my back, I suddenly got a hug from behind¡­again¡­

    But really, I¡¯m getting hugged a lot today. Not that I don¡¯t like it though.

    [Yuina] ¡°No, I¡¯ll come along with you and Jin-kun whether you like it or not!¡±

    Correction, this might not actually be a hug after all.

    Though Yuina¡¯s arms are around my neck, her feet are also wrapped around my waist.

    Aletta then walks closer to us, having her face right next to my cheeks.

    [Aletta] ¡°Yuina, you have to understand, this isn¡¯t like our usual hunting. It¡¯s going to be dangerous there; Jin and I won¡¯t be able to protect you if something really bad happens.¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°Then you don¡¯t have to, I¡ªI can protect myself!¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°Yuina!¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°No, I¡¯m coming with you and that¡¯s that!¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Stop screaming so close to my ears!!!¡±

    Seriously, if both of you are going to argue, then do it somewhere further away from my ears, please!

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Listen, we are going somewhere very dangerous Yuina, are you still willing to come with us?¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll come with you two, even if you say NO.¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­Ha~ fine, but you better stay close to either me or Aletta, got it?¡±

    Hearing my words made Yuina smile brightly, she then loosens her legs while still having her arms around my neck.

    But as for Aletta¡­

    [Aletta] ¡°Jin! What are you saying!? We can¡¯t take Yuina with us, she¡¯s¡ª¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Do you seriously think Yuina won¡¯t follow us once we¡¯re making our way there?¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°W¡ªwell, maybe we cou¡ª¡°

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Aletta, Listen! You and I both know how stubborn she gets when she¡¯s like this. So just give up Aletta!¡±

    Aletta gives me a shocked look once I increased the volume of my voice, she then looks down and finally approves on Yuina coming with us.

    Making a one final sigh, I told Yuina to let go of me, I then grab 2 thick coats and other winter wears in the bag and threw them towards Yuina and Aletta.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Come on, we don¡¯t know when Jii-san will come back, so we better get going.¡±

    As the two ready themselves, I took a deep breath and put the big lather bag on my back.

    The color of white spreads throughout the surrounding area. I could no longer see a single blue color on the sky due to the thick clouds that cover it.

    I, along with Yuina and Aletta continue to march on with a slow pace.

    We could have gone faster, but since the snow reaches half of our legs, we could barely walk.

    We¡¯ve already been here in this mountain for 3 hours now, but we still couldn¡¯t reach the area where the herbs grow.

    Since I¡¯ve been here a few times, I¡¯m in the lead while Yuina is in the middle and Aletta is at the back.

    But even though I said that I¡¯ve been here a few times, it still doesn¡¯t help due to my vision getting distracted by the snowstorm.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Yuina, Aletta, are you guys doing alright!?¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°We¡¯re fine Jin-kun...but¡­¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°What is it?¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°What do you mean ¡¯What is it?¡¯ why aren¡¯t you wearing anything!?¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Huh?¡±

    Aletta gave me a dumbfounded look, and she¡¯s not the only one who¡¯s giving a concerned look. Yuina is giving me a very worried look as if I¡¯m doing something crazy stupid.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°What are you talking about? I¡¯m wearing my usual clothes.¡±

    Why would I be naked in the middle of a mountain? That¡¯s just crazy.

    [Yuina] ¡°Jin-kun, what we meant is that, why aren¡¯t you wearing any winter clothes?¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Winter clothes? Oh! I guess I didn¡¯t explain it to you guys yet.¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°Explain what?¡¯

    [Jintetsu] ¡°The body of an Oni adapts to the cold weather, so even if I wore thin clothes, the cold snow won¡¯t affect me. See?¡±

    I then held out my left arm to show Yuina and Aletta what I¡¯m talking about.

    [Yuina & Aletta] ¡°¡°Huh!?¡±¡±

    The snow that lands on my arm quickly melts away and drops to the ground.

    Honestly, I have no idea how that works. But my Obaa-sama said that we were born with it and we can¡¯t switch it ON or OFF, and it¡¯s got nothing to do with Reiki so we don¡¯t need to concentrate to use it.

    [Aletta] ¡°So let me get this straight, does that mean you¡¯re very warm right now?¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Hmm¡­guess so.¡±

    After hearing my words, Yuina and Aletta turn their heads, looking at each other for a few seconds and then look back at me.

    I got a weird feeling about this.

    [Aletta] ¡°Hold still Jin.¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Eh, why?¡±

    Ignoring my question, Yuina and Aletta came closer to me and then locked their hands around both my arms.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°It¡¯s kind of hard to walk like this Aletta.¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°Deal with it, we need your warmth.¡±

    I¡¯m guessing my kindness isn¡¯t needed then.

    [Yuina] ¡°You do feel very warm Jin-kun, we really appreciate this.¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Well, if you say so, then I guess this is fine.¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°Wait a minute, why does Yuina get an OK and all I get is a complaint¡­¡­It¡¯s because Yuina has bigger breasts than I do, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°A¡ªAletta, what are you saying!?¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°Your reason of being nice to her because of that, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    This is getting a bit weird.

    Though I have to admit, I do feel a bit of soft lumps on my left arm right now. Not going to say that out loud though.

    But like I said, I need to change the topic.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Anyway, back when Obaa-sama and I went up here to get that herb, she said they mostly grow in higher places.¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°So we should go higher then?¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°Well, we haven¡¯t found anything remotely close to a plant yet.¡±

    So true, we¡¯ve been here for an hour now and all we see is dried up dead trees or some dead bushes.

    Since we decided to go higher, Yuina, Aletta and I made our way upwards while carefully placing our feet on a stable ground.

    As we slowly walk higher and higher, we eventually found an area where a few plants grow. I then give Yuina and Aletta some small bags.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Alright, this area looks good.¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°Hey Jin, what does the herb look like?¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Hmm¡­it¡­should look¡­Ah, there you are. It should look something like this.¡±

    I¡¯ve been here with Obaa-sama gathering this specific herb so I¡¯m not mistaken about this.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Splitting up would be more efficient, but¡­Yuina, you stay with Aletta.¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°A¡ªalright, but are you going to be fine on your own?¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. Here, make sure you guys get more, just in case.¡±

    Handing them the sample I found, Aletta decided to search on the other side of the cliff, while I search the opposite side.

    Never would have thought that we¡¯d so lucky though, I heard from Obaa-sama that those very herbs are mostly eaten by the animals.

    As soon as I turn at the next corner, I instantly find the very herbs we needed.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°At this rate, we¡¯ll be able to get more than enough.¡±

    Though I¡¯m happy for an easy find, something about it still bothered me.

    Obaa-sama herself told me that the herbs are few and hard to find due to being eaten by animals. So if it were true, then why would the number of the herbs out of the norm?

    I¡¯m having mixed feelings about this¡­

    [Yuina] ¡°Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°Yuina!¡±

    Just as I was about grab the next herb, the two screams echo through the windy snow.

    And without thinking anything else, I quickly rush towards Yuina and Aletta.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Yuina! Aletta! What¡¯s wrong!?¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°Jin, it¡¯s Yuina, she fell off the cliff and¡ª¡±

    She what!?

    Sh¡ªshe fell off¡­she fell the cliff!?

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Yuina!¡±

    My head went blank as soon as I heard those words, and once again without thinking, my body reacts.

    To follow Yuina, I jump off the cliff and¡ª

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Yuin¡ªughff¡­¡±

    My whole body landed on a thick layer of snow.

    [Yuina] ¡°Jin-kun, are you alright?¡±

    Yuina is kneeling down right next to me without a scratch. She only fell of 10 to 11 feet to a ground full of soft snow.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Aletta, why didn¡¯t you tell me she was fine!?¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°I tried to, but you jumped off without listening to the rest of my explanation!¡±

    Urk~ now that I think about it, I guess I did rush into things, so this is my Bad.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Umm¡­you¡¯re right, sorry about that.¡±

    After saying my apology to Aletta, I face Yuina and ask¡­

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Yuina, are you hurt anywhere?¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°No, I only sprained my ankle a bit.¡±

    Thinking that she needed to be carried, I walk closer to her. But before I even get to make a single step, I felt something.

    I was once told by Obaa-sama that an Oni doesn¡¯t sweat from heat, so even if I sit next to a fireplace with very thick layered clothes, I will not sweat a drop other than working or training.

    But right now, I am sweating.

    And this isn¡¯t the kind of sweat you get in hot places; after all I¡¯m standing here on a snowstorm while wearing thin clothes.

    It¡¯s the kind of sweat that one would get from feeling the sense of fear filling through your whole body.

    I wasn¡¯t able to notice due to thinking about Yuina¡¯s well being, but as I slowly turn my head, I notice a giant cave.

    And within that cave is the presence that I feel.

    Now I know why there are so many herbs growing there.

    I was once told by Otoo-san about superior warriors sensing the presence of oncoming enemies and incoming danger.

    When Otoo-san told me this, I wished so hard to have the same skill¡­

    But right now, I wish¡ªno, I beg to get rid of this ability at this very moment. Make this presence I feel a lie!

    [Aletta] ¡°Jin, what¡¯s the problem!? Is Yuina hurt!?¡±

    I wasn¡¯t able to respond Aletta because of this overwhelming feeling I¡¯m getting, so Aletta spreads her wings, that are growing out from her waist and glides down to us.

    But as soon as she step foot in front of me, her body quickly twitches and then freezes in place.

    So she could feel it too.

    Maybe because of her training with Natsume-san, her senses had gotten sharper.

    [Yuina] ¡°Jin-kun? Aletta?¡±

    I guess Yuina can¡¯t feel what Aletta and I are feeling right now. But I guess it¡¯s for the best for her not to know, at least for now.

    Though my body continues to tremble, I slow grab Aletta¡¯s wrist and slowly pull her behind me.

    And with a whisper¡­

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Aletta, help Yuina get up and we¡¯ll slowly walk out of here.¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°A¡ªalright¡­¡±

    While Aletta helps Yuina get up, I keep my eyes on the cave.

    I can feel it¡­its stare¡­

    Whatever it is inside the cave, it has its eyes on us.

    Just watching¡­

    We need to get out of here safely, but in order to do that; we must not make any sudden movements.

    But unfortunately for us, luck isn¡¯t on our side.

    The bag full of herbs that Yuina was just carrying is now on the edge of the cliff where she fell from and is now slowly sliding down due to the snow.

    I continue to look at the bag, hoping that it wouldn¡¯t fall, but¡­

    THUD!

    [???] ¡°ROOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAR!!!¡±

    Please, please let this be a bad dream¡­

 The little Red Oni Fights...

    Chapter 6

    The stomping of the creature within the cave is like thunder roaring, every step it makes echoes within Jintetsu and the girls emotions.

    With fear getting a hold of them, the 3 kids froze on the spot without moving an inch.

    With their eyes staring straight at the cave, a big hulking hand grabs the corner of the cave.

    And finally, the creature shows itself.

    [???] ¡°ROOOOOOAAAAAAAAR!!!¡±

    The creature stood in about 13 feet tall and its shoulder spread is about 6 feet wide.

    It has short legs with long arms. Its forearms are 12 inches thick and with its first two joints in its finger clenched, it stood on all fours.

    Its back, legs, arms, shoulders and all the way to the back of its head are covered in rusty red fur while its hands is colored mud brown with black gleaming claws.

    Under its neck, chest and stomach has the same color as its hands, mud brown. But the only difference is, instead of having thick skin like its hands, it¡¯s covered in plate like scales.

    As if its size itself wasn¡¯t intimidating enough, it has two thick horns growing out from its shoulder blades, both making a curve that looks like a circle.

    And now, its head is like a scaly lizard but only with a very thick lower jaw with small sharp teeth popping out from its closed mouth.

    Seeing Jintetsu and the girls shaking on the cold ground, it stood on its hind legs and bashes its chest like a drum while making a gigantic roar.

    Still stunned on the ground, Jintetsu starts to think of ways to get everyone out of the predicament, but the first thing he needs to do is to get his body to move again.

    Fortunately for him, the creature is still observing them, giving a bit more time for him to think.

    While Jintetsu is still in his thoughts, Aletta, who was still holding on to Yuina, ties to lower her body at the same level as Yuina.

    [Aletta] ¡°Hyaa!?¡±

    But due to the snow as well as her still stunned state, Aletta¡¯s trembling right leg slips from the snow, causing her to make a small yelp.

    And because of her sudden movement, the creature got startled and thus raises its right arm, attempting to crush Yuina and Aletta.

    Seeing this, Jintetsu¡¯s instinct quickly kicked in.

    Jintetsu bit his lip so hard, blood started to drip down his chin. And with the great pain he is feeling, his stunned body quickly regains its control.

    He then gave the snowy ground a powerful kick, causing to dash towards Yuina and Aletta.

    Before the giant fist of the creature hits them, Jintetsu grabbed the two by their collar and they barely dodged the creature¡¯s fist.

    But even so, the fist that was swung down, making a powerful shockwave, making the kids flew a few steps away from the creature.

    Seeing this as a chance, Jintetsu quickly gets up and grabs Yuina and Aletta¡¯s wrist and run.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Come on, we need to run faster!¡±

    Though Yuina clearly heard Jintetsu¡¯s words, as soon as she put some weight on her left leg, a sharp pain came rushing, thus making her trip ontothe ground.

    [Jintetsu & Yuina] ¡°¡°Yuina!!¡±¡±

    Both Jintetsu and Yuina were about to run to Yuina¡¯s aid, but with a single leap, the creature lands near Yuina.

    The creature then swings its left arm back and readies its attack.

    With the appearance of the creature, Aletta is once again covered in fear and stopped on her track.

    But Jintetsu didn¡¯t let that feeling get into him again, he continues to dash to Yuina. And as soon as he got to her, he grabs Yuina¡¯s collar and throws her back.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Aletta!¡±

    With Jintetsu¡¯s loud shout, Aletta snaps back and caught Yuina with her arms.

    [Aletta] ¡°Jin, I got her! Let¡¯s get¡ª!!!¡±

    With Yuina in her arms, Aletta lifts her head towards Jintetsu. But what she found was Jintetsu trying to guard the creature¡¯s fist with the sword he got from the shack, but only to be blown away and ramming his back against a tree.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Guuhaack!¡±

    As if all the air in his lungs blew out of his mouth all at once, Jintetsu spun in the air and eventually falling and rolled in the ground, unmoving.

    [Aletta] ¡°J¡ªJin? Jin!¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°Jin-kun?¡±

    Even though Aletta shouted his name, Jintetsu still remain on the snow.

    Thinking Jintetsu is already gone; the creature then turns its head towards Yuina and Aletta and slowly moves closer.

    While watching the creature move closer to them, Aletta though of something and looks at Yuina who is in her arms.

    [Aletta] Wh¡ªwhat in the world am I thinking!? How could I even think about that!?

    Aletta shakes her head and puts Yuina behind her; she then draws her face closer to Yuina¡¯s ear and whispered¡­

    [Aletta] ¡°Yuina, get out of here.¡±

    [Yuina] ¡°B¡ªbut what about you and Jin-kun? I can¡¯t jus¡ª¡±

    [Aletta] ¡°Don¡¯t argue with me and just go¡­¡­please.¡±

    After saying those words, Aletta puts down the bag full of herbs and unsheathed the two blades on both sides of her waist.

    [Aletta] Speed¡­as long as you have speed, its attack won¡¯t connect.

    With those thoughts in mind, Aletta dashes towards the creature.

    Seeing Aletta running towards it, the creature waits for Aletta to get closer.

    And as soon as she was in range, the creature gave a straight right punch downwards, attempting to crush her.

    But Aletta quickly did a side step to the right, dodging the creature¡¯s attack. She then gave the side of the creature a vertical slash with her left katana, followed by a right stab.

    [Aletta] ¡°N¡ªno way¡­¡±

    That attack would have worked on any other beast, but the creature¡¯s body was tougher than solid stone, making her attacks useless.

    While still in a stunned state, the creature clenches both of its hands and hammers them at Aletta.

    But out of nowhere, Jintetsu rushes to Aletta and blocks the creature¡¯s attack with his katana.

    With his right hand desperately holding onto the handle while using his left forearm pushing the flat part of the blade, using the katana as a makeshift shield.

    But with the powerful force that came all at once did something to Jintetsu.

    Crack!

    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Graaaaaaaaaaahhh!¡±

    His left arm is broken by the creature¡¯s heavy attack.

    His knees was about to give in, but he quickly remembers Aletta, who is still stunned behind him, so he ignored the pain and stand his ground.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Aletta, get ready to jump back¡­on 3¡­2¡­1!¡±

    With Jintetsu¡¯s signal, Jintetsu and Aletta jumps back again and again, distancing themselves about 15 feet away from the creature.

    [Yuina] ¡°Jin-kun, y¡ªyour arm, it¡¯s¡­¡±

    Aletta wanted to ask why Yuina was still here, but when she mentioned Jintetsu, Aletta looks at the same direction where Yuina was staring.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°D¡ªdon¡¯t worry about it, forget about my arm, that big Monster comes first.¡±

    Though he said not to worry, the two girls couldn¡¯t forget Jintetsu¡¯s forearm that is flailing, resembling an arm of a puppet that had its strings cut off.

    [Creature] ¡°Rooooooooaaaaaaarr!!!¡±

    [Jintetsu] ¡°It¡¯s coming!¡±

    The creature once again dashes towards them, ready to crush Jintetsu and the girls with its fist.

    Thinking of a way, Jintetsu looks around the area, hoping to find something that could help them.

    [Aletta] ¡°Jin, Yuina, over there.¡±

    Following where Aletta is pointing at, Jin and Yuina find a burrow on the ground, mostly used by mid-sized animals.

    The three run towards the burrow with all of their strength, but¡­

    [Jintetsu] This is bad, this creature is moving too fast, I need to¡ª¡°Huh?¡±

    Looking at the monster coming towards them, Jintetsu finds a cliff next to the creature with a good amount of snow piling up.

    With his katana in hand, he throws the weapon at the edge of the cliff, causing a small avalanche.

    [Creature] ¡°Roooooooaaaa¡ª!!!¡±

    The creature is then buried by the snow¡­

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Now¡¯s our chance, get into the burrow!¡± I¡¯m sure that snow won¡¯t be able to hold it off for long.

    And he was right, the snow could only stop it for a few seconds and it is now making its way out of the pile.

    It then jumps out of the thick snow pile effortlessly, blocking Aletta and Yuina¡¯s way.

    [Creature] ¡°Rooooooaaaaaaaarr!¡±

    Once again doing a powerful roar, the creature raises its right arm with claws bare.

    [Yuina] ¡°Aletta!¡±

    With Aletta unable to move due to her panicking, Yuina, who was being helped by Aletta to walk, pushes her away.

    [Yuina] ¡°Kyaaaaaaaa¡ª¡±

    So the claw didn¡¯t hit Aletta but instead, Yuina got a big cut from her collarbone to her right shoulder.

    Her body then flies a few feet away then rolls while leaving red stains on the white snow.

    [Aletta] ¡°Y¡ªYuina...............................Graaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh!¡±

    Brandishing both her Katana with both her hands, Aletta rushes towards the creature full of anger.

    [Creature] ¡°Rooooooaaaaarrr!¡±

    Seeing Aletta approaching it, the creature swings his right arm and does a backhand swing.

    But the attack was dodged, Aletta makes a side flip, completely avoiding the attack. And as soon as she lands, she proceeds forward and attacks the creature¡¯s body, making a vertical ¡°V¡± with her left Katana.

    Though her attack didn¡¯t even leave a scratch on the creature¡¯s scale plated chest, she is still about to give another slash with the Katana in her right hand.

    But the hulking creature quickly notices the incoming attack and gives another backhand swing with its left hand.

    [Aletta] ¡°Kuhh!¡±

    With such a strong force hitting Aletta¡¯s right Katana, her right hand weakens its grip and lets go of the Katana, making it fly, spinning into the air.

    But without a second to waste, Jintetsu jumps into the air and perfectly catches the spinning Katana by its handle with his right hand while still in the air.

    With such a sudden surprise, the creature wasn¡¯t able to react fast enough.

    Jintetsu points the Katana downwards and stabs the creature¡¯s left forearm.

    [Creature] ¡°Rooooooooaaaaaaaarrrrr!¡±

    Landing on the creature¡¯s forearm, Jintetsu continues to grip the stabbed sword¡¯s handle, and seeing as the creature¡¯s face close up, Jintetsu attacks its face with a dropkick.

    With the creature making a few steps backwards, Jintetsu takes out the Katana and did a backflip from its forearm.

    And as if she was waiting for Jintetsu to land, Aletta charges in along with Jintetsu next to her.

    With the two about to attack it, the creature holds both its hand and hammers at Jintetsu and Aletta.

    But the two quickly split away, running on opposite sides. Jintetsu running to the creature¡¯s left while Aletta runs to its right.

    As though he felt no pain for having his left arm broken, Jintetsu charges towards the creature with fluent movements.

    With its hulking right arm, it turns towards Jintetsu and gives him a right straight punch.

    Being controlled by instinct and the will to take down the creature, Jintetsu leans down, dodging the punch and then swings the Katana at its belly.

    But like Aletta¡¯s attack, Jintetsu¡¯s slash didn¡¯t give it any damage.

    With Jintetsu now behind the creature, it turns around, ready to strike with a left punch.

    Supposedly, Jintetsu¡¯s back is the first thing the creature sees when it turns, but the face of Aletta¡¯s angered look was the first thing it sees.

    And without holding back, Aletta swings her katana, aiming for the creature¡¯s eyes.

    But the creature was on guard, it quickly defends itself with its left arm, blocking Aletta¡¯s attack.

    While still in the air, Aletta kicks the creature¡¯s arm, and did a backflip, backing away from it.

    When Aletta backs off, Jintetsu strikes.

    And when Jintetsu backs off, Aletta strikes.

    The two relentlessly continue their attacks on the creature, as if their anger has now completely took control over their body.

    But even though they are doing well with their attacks, it was still useless against the hard scales of the creature and it only made the creature irritated.

    Thinking that it had enough, the creature raises its back, pointing the ore like horns on its back towards the sky.

    The two horns on its back then then shines blue and sparks started to appear around it.

    [Creature] ¡°ROOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAARRRR!!!¡±

    [Aletta] What!? That can¡¯t be, this monster is using Reiki!

    She has been training her Reiki for years, and with Yuina training with her, who has an amazing control, she could tell if someone is using Reiki.

    It then raises its hands into the air and hammers the snow covered ground.

    With a powerful force booming around the creature, the surrounding snow not only was blown away, but also evaporated due to the electricity circling the area, spreading around 6 meters wide.

    [Aletta] ¡°Kyaaaaaaaaaaaa!!¡±

    Aletta got blown into the air and also got hit by electricity.

    Her body then hit the ground hard and rolls a few feet away from Yuina¡¯s body.

    [Aletta] ¡°Gnnnn¡­khhhh¡­.n¡­¡±

    With a few moans of pain, Aletta tries to get up, but all of her strength quickly fades along with her consciousness.

    But as for Jintetsu¡­

    [Jintetsu] ¡°What in the world was that?¡±

    Even though Jintetsu flew off the ground due to the attack¡¯s powerful force and got hit by electricity, Jintetsu is still doing fine.

    The skin of an Oni is special and almost immune to elemental type attacks, so getting hit by lightning or fire won¡¯t hurt his body.

    Getting back up and brushing off the snow from his shoulders, Jintetsu looks around and finds Aletta lying down on the cold snow.

    And of course when he saw Aletta, he also saw the unmoving Yuina.

    Fear has once again filled his body.

    Seeing his two motionless friends on the snow, reminds him that he has no chance of winning against the creature.

    [Jintetsu] No way, we can¡¯t even make this thing kneel when Aletta and I were attacking it, so there is now way I could do it alone!

    Am I going to die here?

    I won¡¯t be able to fulfill my dream.

    I won¡¯t be able to make my own swords like Tatara-jii-san.

    I won¡¯t be able to see other lands.

    I won¡¯t be able to see my family again.

    I won¡¯t be able to play with Yuina and Aletta any more.

    ¡­¡­.

    ¡­¡­¡­..

    ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­

    ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­..

    ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­NO¡­

    No, I don¡¯t want that to happen! Not now, not ever!!!

    Jintetsu picks up the sword next to him and once again charges towards the creature, ready to fight again.

    This action isn¡¯t because he no longer has any fear inside him, it¡¯s actually the opposite.

    The fear residing within him is now greater than ever.

    But the reason as to why he is still charging forward even though he was scared is because the fear within him is no longer directed to the creature, instead, the fear of losing everything, including the future he is yet to have.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°No way will I let myself die here! I still have the whole world to see! And I¡¯m not going to let you get in my way!!!¡±

    A young boy rushing towards a hulking monster, if anyone saw this, they would most likely think Jintetsu is a courageous youngster.

    But the truth is that Jintetsu, though it may sound pathetic, is still scared, as well as desperate.

    Putting all of his strength in right arm, Jintetsu readies a powerful swing, aiming for the creature¡¯s neck.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA¡ªAmph!?¡±

    But all of his effort quickly shatters. Once again using its Reiki, the creature easily caught Jintetsu by his head.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°Kuh~ damn it!!!¡±

    He points the sword to the creature¡¯s hand and is about to stab it.

    But the creature won¡¯t let Jintetsu get another hit, before the Katana even touch the creature¡¯s right arm; it grabs Jintetsu¡¯s katana, then pulls.

    Crack!

    When the creature pulled away Jintetsu¡¯s katana, his wrist was also pulled along due to the creature¡¯s 12 inches wide fist, causing his right shoulder to dislocate.

    [Jintetsu] ¡°AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!¡±

    Jintetsu¡¯s scream of pain echoes throughout the snowy mountain which only the wildlife on the mountain called Eien Yuki could hear.

    Being held by the head while having both arms no longer usable, one would most likely given up by then, but Jintetsu¡¯s fear rose even more and started kicking the creature¡¯s arm.

    This was the only thing he could think of in such desperate times.

    While still having Jintetsu¡¯s head in its grasp, the creature looks at Jintetsu and gave off a somewhat amazed look.

    For such a small thing, it has quite the fighting spirit.

    But after a few while, Jintetsu¡¯s kicks grow weaker and weaker, eventually stopping.

    ¡­¡­¡­

    ¡­¡­¡­¡­

    ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­

    Years ago, back when Shiranue was nothing more than a little girl, he was once told by her Mother a story of her Grandfather.

    How her very own Grandfather was feared by his enemies and how trusted and respected he was by his friends and comrades.

    But the thing that stood out the most about Shiranue¡¯s Grandfather was his Title or the name he was called in the battlefield.

    The Six Armed Oni

    Shiranue found it strange.

    Why would people call her Grandfather that? Her Grandfather has 2 arms, not 6. With curiosity fill her mind; she directly confronts her Grandfather, Shuten-Doji.

    With such rumors spreading around their country about her Grandfather, one would think that Shuten is someone you would try to avoid.

    But in reality, he was nothing more than a gentle old man.

    He especially adored his young family members.

    So if he is not in the battlefield, he was just a doting Grandparent.

    With such a grandfather, Shiranue quickly asks him about his Title, without restraint.

    Hearing his Granddaughter asking with such zest, Shuten simply gave out a loud laugh while slapping his lap in amusement.

    Since the man stood in about 7 feet or more with the body width of 4 feet, he was an outrageously large man, so he slowly leaned down and asked¡­

    [Shuten] ¡°Is Shiranue curious?¡±

    Shiranue simply noded a few times while still carrying the same eyes she showed him.

    As a doting Grandfather, he couldn¡¯t help but want to look amazing in front of his adorable Granddaughter.

    So he told Shiranue to take a few steps back and watch him.

    Within only minute, the air around Shuten got hotter and his black horns glowed bright red.

    And what came after made Shiranue¡¯s eyes spread wide open.

    Four red and translucent-like arms came out of Shuten¡¯s back.

    Back then, Shiranue was also being taught about Reiki and was considered as a genius, so she knows Reiki if she felt it.

    She knows everyone has Reiki; it¡¯s only whether one has the patience to learn how to release it.

    So of course Shuten would also have Reiki.

    But what makes this different from all the others is that Reiki itself doesn¡¯t have a physical form.

    Reiki is an aura or power that can only be put inside a specific tool or a person, is what Shiranue believed back then.

    Seeing such an amazing sight, Shiranue couldn¡¯t help but asked more questions.

    And of course, being such a doting Grandfather, he answered Shiranue everything he knows.

    Unfortunately though, Shuten has little knowledge about it himself and only told Shiranue that the ability can only be passed within their family and it happens very rarely.

    And that particular ability is call the ¡°Hizashi no Reiki¡±, Hizashi which means ¡°Rays of the Sun¡±, indicating the four red arms glowing and shining out of Shuten¡¯s back.

    Shiranue looked at the Shuten and his four extra arms in astonishment.

    With such an amazing scene, Shiranue could never forget how her Grandfather looked and still wishes to see those glowing red arms once more.

    But seeing as there are only 4 Oni existing, she gave up from ever seeing it, thinking that it will never show up again.

    Or at least that¡¯s what she thought¡­

    Jintetsu, who is still in the creature¡¯s clutches, is still trying to fight back.

    His small horns starts to glow red, his clothes on his back tore open, then two red light gushes out of his shoulder blades.

    The red light then starts to take form.

    To the creature¡¯s surprise, two red glowing arms raises into the air.

    Though the two red arms growing from Jintetsu¡¯s back only has two fingers and a thumb, its size and length is similar to the creature¡¯s.

    The two red arms then clenches into a fist and the right arm gave the creature a powerful punch to its left cheek.

    With such a powerful blow, the creature lost its grasp on him and lets him go.

    As soon as Jintetsu¡¯s feet lands on the snow, he uses his left Reiki arm to give the creature an uppercut to its chin.

    He then grabs the creature by its shoulder with his right Reiki arm and then punches the creature¡¯s gut with the left, again and again.

    But of course, the creature won¡¯t let Jintetsu¡¯s punches to continue, so it grabs Jintetsu¡¯s left Reiki arm with its right and is now about to punch him with its free arm.

    But Jintetsu¡¯s right Reiki arm quickly lets go of the creature¡¯s shoulder and block its attack and then he hammers its shoulder.

    The creature then falls to its left knee.

    Seeing Jintetsu fighting the creature on equal terms, one would be impressed.

    Unfortunately though, Jintetsu is actually unconscious and is not fighting with instinct but with the feeling of anger alone.

    Or in other words, Jintetsu is in a Berserker state.

    The feeling of pain on his dislocated right shoulder and broken left arm could no longer be felt, his eyes turn pure white, similar to the snow he is standing on.

    While still near the creature, Jintetsu once again raises his right Reiki fist and hammers down another attack.

    But the creature has already anticipated this, so before it gets hit, it swipes Jintetsu¡¯s attack to the side.

    It then grabs the Right Reiki¡¯s forearm and with its overwhelming strength, prevented both Reiki arms from moving.

    Though Jintetsu¡¯s strength increased and gained two more arms due to Hizashi no Reiki, it doesn¡¯t mean the his weight changed ether, so without effort, the creature lifts Jintetsu to the air while still grabbing on to His Reiki arms and then bashes him to the ground.

    From where Jintetsu was slammed, the creature used it overwhelming strength so the snow that was supposedly cushioning Jintetsu dissipated; making him hit the hard ground.

    And not only once, the creature did it twice, thrice relentlessly.

    While the creature mercilessly continues, Jintetsu¡¯s left Reiki suddenly disappeared.

    [Creature] ¡°Grunt?¡±

    Wondering what happened, the creature lifts Jintetsu¡¯s right Reiki arm and peeks at his face.

    His eyes are now closed shut.

    With the right Reiki arm fading, Jintetsu¡¯s body fall to the ground, but this time, unmoving.

    Seeing Jintetsu unmoving on the ground, the creature lowers its head and sniff Jintetsu.

    And after a few seconds of observation, the creature stands on its feet and beats its chest.

    [Creature] ¡°ROOOOOOOOOAAAAAAARRRRRR!!!¡±

    After giving a loud roar, the creature then casually leaves as if it has finish with its task and went back to its cave.

    With the creature gone, the only ones left in the blistering snow are Jintetsu, Yuina and Aletta, all knocked out unconscious.