act44side

Hoshiguma takes a deliberate look around.

Kichisei is sending explosions everywhere with her grenades, while the stage equipment has turned into a giant monster under Sarasa's control.

With Momoka doing an impressive job of not getting caught, the trio is more than holding their own.

There is only one last thing to do in their battle plan...

The only thing I'm trying to protect is the Kinsekikai.

And Kinbee has to lead it?

The Kinsekikai needs to be a place where the dregs of society can survive, those who have nowhere else to go.

And Tessai couldn't give you that?

No.

You can keep parrying—

But you'll eventually show an opening.

Finally, you're attacking.

All I got was the edge of your clothes.

There is blue fire burning around you. Is that your Arts?

Blue fire?

You're right. I didn't notice.

Back to the question. What is it that Tessai couldn't give you, but Kinbee can?

Tessai could not even protect himself—

Hoshiguma thrusts. The attack is simple, but the flames upon the sword force Mio to leap backwards.

That's not what I wanted to hear.

Your flames are burning even fiercer.

Tell me. Why couldn't Tessai give you what you wanted?

Because Tessai couldn't protect himself. Mitsukue didn't need him, nor did it need a Mio working under Tessai.

You?

A silent, ragged orphan who only fights tooth and nail when someone steps on her is a subject of scorn.

An equally silent, well-dressed assistant who only draws her sword when the company's interests are compromised is the subject of admiration.

I thought you came from some noble martial family fallen on hard times.

Hah.

Tessai wanted to give dregs of society like us a home, and so he's dead.

Mifune knows we don't deserve a home, and so he lives on.

Is that how Mitsukue judges the Kinsekikai?

Always has.

Hoshiguma is almost completely engulfed in the azure flame.

The Liberi wonders if the flame will consume the Oni before it consumes her.

You are angry.

Were you angry like this too, twenty years ago?

Does that matter?

Mifune-san wants you to lose your reason, as you did twenty years ago. He believes it will turn you into a crazed beast, one that everyone will be eager to put down.

You know this is what he wants, and so you suppress yourself, which is why you didn't draw your sword the last time.

...Hmph.

Are you inviting me to give in to anger? Complete the mission your master assigned?

It's not what I want, but I would have no issue with it. It would be a shame, that's all.

Why?

A perfect opponent, who could never stand before me in perfect condition, forced to either suppress herself, or lose control entirely.

But that's all.

Take this.

Mio once again prepares to attack.

Three hands, three swords, a posture seemingly without form or order, but ready to pounce on any weakness—

Catch!

Who's there?!

This is crazy heavy!

You know how hard it was to get it out of Kinbee's room, even with all that chaos at the TV station?

...Catch!

Moriuchi swings his entire body to throw Hannya in the direction of the standoff.

Mio's ethereal hand is the first to catch Hannya's handle, but Hoshiguma leaps and spins one hundred and eighty degrees like she is dancing, forcing the ethereal hand to loosen its grip, allowing her to take Hannya's handle.

Suppress, or lose control?

It won't happen. With or without Hannya.

Hoshiguma tightens her grip around the ribbon on her sword.

Hannya's an old friend, after all. Maybe you had a chance just now... but not any longer.

Rage.

The rage that seemed compressed around Hoshiguma now spreads outwards, burning on her arms, her shield, and her sword.

Hoshiguma takes a step forward, and the flames of rage almost catch the hem of Mio's clothing.

Good.

It's good enough for me to know that you won't lose control.

Hoshiguma faces off against black and white, hands human and not, swords long and short.

The Liberi shows no fear. The edges of her mouth angle ever so slightly upwards.

Any last words?

Be kind to the Kinsekikai.

Be kind to Momoka.

My conscience is clear on all other matters... except her.

I'll remember.

What about Kinbee? Any last words about him you want to say?

Him? Is there any need to talk about him, here and now?

Hah. Good point.

Hoshiguma shifts her posture to one that makes it easy to unleash her power. The blue flames continue to burn intermittently around her.

The face of Hannya glares with wide-open eyes on the face of the shield. The edge of the sword seems ready to seep blue blood—

Hah!

Is this... Hannya?

Yes, this is Hannya.

Your swords are worthy of you. They took the full brunt of Hannya and survived.

You can pick them up, then we'll continue.

There's no need.

You've made your strength clear. There's no point in trying to fight you anymore.

I must prepare.

For what?

For the aftermath.

For a Kinsekikai without Mifune-san.

How's things on Momoka's side, Moriuchi? Are they ready?

Just waiting for you to finish fighting. Sarasa?

Aye aye, sir! Momoka?

Momoka stands in the middle of the stage with the spotlight on her.

Kichisei has done her best to clear a space, though there are still a few yakuza lying on the ground near her.

I... I'm ready to begin!

Alright then...

Kinseki Station's biggest program of the night begins now!

Yes, it's me! I just came back from our Diet friend's place!

Where is Hoshiguma?

The venue?!

What about Mio? Has she dealt with them?

No?! She left?