To Become a King and a Magician 781-785

Title: Sajyou Rei Gives a Like

After Naoki, Musashi, and Tomoe defeated Tomoe and Inshun, a week passed quickly.

During this week, the Heroic Spirit Swordsmen, whose appearances had been rumored, seemed to vanish into thin air. Not a single piece of news circulated.

Shimōsa Province, long shrouded in dark clouds, finally enjoyed a rare moment of peace during this brief period.

Thus—

“Let’s visit Naoki’s shop, Tomoe-dono!”

One afternoon, Musashi said this to Tomoe, who was cleaning the house.

“Huh? Visit Naoki-sama’s shop?”

Taking off her headscarf, Tomoe turned to Musashi with a puzzled look at the suggestion. “Why the sudden idea?”

“Because it’s boring just staying home like this in the daytime. Naoki told me to practice meditation to see if I could activate the Protection that way, but it’s not working at all. I almost fell asleep.”

Musashi said, scratching her backside like an old uncle and fiddling with the two swords placed beside her.

It had been a week since she started training with Naoki on the Protection. After being repeatedly punched, hung, thrown, buried in the ground, and defeated instantly by Naoki, Musashi finally grasped some tricks for using the Protection.

But not in terms of offense—rather, defense.

Driven by the thought [I don’t want to be beaten by Naoki until I’m half-dead], the Protection granted her physical toughness and recovery strong enough to withstand attacks… The result seemed to meet the training’s goal, yet also didn’t.

Aside from nighttime training, Musashi had nowhere to go while Naoki was out earning money, meditating at home.

Honestly, Musashi found it a bit boring. She didn’t mind if it improved her strength, but doing this every day with no results was genuinely tedious.

So—

“Let’s just visit Naoki and liven up his business!” Musashi grinned.

“But as far as I know, Naoki-sama’s business is…”

Tomoe looked hesitant.

Both knew what Naoki did for work outside. If they just showed up… Tomoe was sure Naoki would react strongly.

“Besides, Musashi-dono, what about money? We don’t have funds to spend freely.”

“Hehehe~~~ Don’t worry about that! Tomoe-dono, just follow me!”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

A little while later.

“So, Gozen, Musashi dragged you here?”

Wearing a luxurious kimono, Naoki sighed in resignation as he looked at Tomoe and Musashi sitting before him. “And the money used to book me specifically was…”

Reaching out and grabbing Musashi’s face, pulling it toward him, Naoki tugged her cheeks hard. “Using my earnings to visit my business! You’ve got some nerve coming up with an idea like that, Musashi! What, even in this you want to freeload?”

Yes, the money Musashi and Tomoe used to come to the shop and book Naoki specifically was Naoki’s own earnings—or more precisely, money given by Princess Kiyohime of Tsuchiura Castle.

If this money was used to book Naoki, it would ultimately return to his pocket, minus a small commission. In other words, Musashi and Tomoe were getting Naoki’s services for free.

Only a freeloading swordmaster obsessed with eating for free could come up with such a scheme.

“I’m sorry, Naoki-sama. Gozen tried to stop her, but Musashi-dono was too persistent, and her actions were too quick and slick. Gozen couldn’t stop her in time.”

“It’s fine, Gozen, no need to blame yourself. I can tell you had nothing to do with this.”

Releasing Musashi, Naoki sat back by the window. “So, Musashi, why’d you come here? Don’t tell me you actually came to have me entertain you with drinks and games?”

“Yup!”

Musashi nodded with a smile. “After all, Naoki’s name is pretty famous, right? The handsome Namban (foreigner/barbarian) known throughout the jōkamachi. The super host who drives women wild. Let us enjoy your hospitality a bit too!”

“I recall demonstrating it for you before?”

“That wasn’t satisfying. I want the full package—there’s enough money!”

“Of course there’s enough, because it’s my money, you idiot!”

Naoki really wanted to kick her. “Instead of fooling around here, you should go back and figure out how to activate the Protection. If you show results, giving you the full package privately isn’t an issue. No need to come here and give money to the shop owner.”

“Is it okay for you to say that as an employee here?”

Musashi was certain that if the madam downstairs heard Naoki’s words, she’d be furious.

“Well, forget that for now. Anyway, Naoki, give me a shoulder massage! Lately, you’ve been beating me up, plus all that daytime meditation. My whole body’s stiff and sore.”

“Didn’t you hear what I just said… You’re such a pain.”

Though annoyed, Naoki still walked behind Musashi and placed his hands on her shoulders. “Light or hard?”

“Hard—OWWW!——!!”

The sudden pain from her shoulders made Musashi cry out. “Naoki, why’d you massage so hard!!”

“You said hard, my fault?”

“Ugh… Are you messing with me on purpose?”

“Yup.”

“Don’t just admit it!!”

“I haven’t even settled the score for you spending my money. Or do you want to fly through the sky a few times tonight?”

Hearing those words and seeing the cold glint in Naoki’s eyes, Musashi immediately shrank back. “No! I was wrong… But at least give me a normal massage, the basic service!”

“Fine.”

Placing both hands on Musashi’s shoulders again, Naoki massaged with normal, gentle pressure.

“Mhm, mhm, this kind of strength. Naoki, you’re really skilled.”

“Because people often sneak into my room at midnight. I ended up learning without realizing it.”

Like Merry, Sajyou Rei, and later Olga Marie.

“Gozen, I’ll massage you later too.”

“A-Alright… Thank you, Naoki-sama.”

Tomoe felt flattered.

And at that moment—

“Nao~~ki~~sama~~”

A voice suddenly came from outside the door, dripping with such sincere emotion it was palpable just by hearing it. Naoki, mid-massage, froze in shock.

Then—

*SLAM!*

The door burst open. Princess Kiyohime of Shimōsa Province had come again to visit her Love Nest.

“I’ve come to see you again, Naoki-sama. Today, too, please let this little girl—”

Naoki: “…”

Musashi: “…”

Tomoe: “…”

Seeing two other women suddenly in the room, Princess Kiyohime’s face froze.

(W-Who are these vixen women!?)

-

Title: Always Be Mindful of a Woman’s Feelings

A few dozen minutes later.

“Then… allow me to introduce.”

With a slightly stiff business smile, Naoki, whose arm was tightly clutched by Princess Kiyohime, gestured with his free hand toward Musashi and Gozen.

“Musashi, Gozen, this is Princess Kiyohime of Shimōsa Province. She has been very kind to me all this time.”

“I’m Miyamoto Musashi, pleased to meet you, Princess.”

“My name is Tomoe Gozen, pleased to meet you, Princess Kiyohime.”

Musashi and Gozen greeted Kiyohime in turn.

“Princess Kiyohime, these two are my comrades and traveling companions across Japan, named Musashi and Gozen.”

“…”

Kiyohime didn’t respond, instead clinging even tighter to Naoki’s arm with both hands, as if afraid her treasure would be stolen.

(This girl, she really likes Naoki a lot.)

(Naoki-sama… I feel like if this continues, there’ll be a tragedy.)

“I understand the situation. Since they’re Naoki-sama’s friends, I can’t treat them as vixens…” Kiyohime leaned against Naoki’s chest. “But why are Naoki-sama’s friends here? I thought I made it clear that from now on, Naoki-sama is to serve only me?”

“It’s not quite like that, Princess Kiyohime.” Naoki flashed the gentle smile he always used to soothe her. “All this time, I’ve been blessed by Princess Kiyohime’s affection, and my heart is filled with joy and gratitude. But what ultimately allowed me to have this connection with Your Highness is these two friends. If they hadn’t introduced me to this job, I might never have met Your Highness.”

“They are among the benefactors who made it possible for me to be where I am now. Inviting them today is my way of repaying that kindness.”

(This guy…)

(Naoki-sama…)

Seeing Naoki’s polished performance and the smooth nonsense flowing from his mouth, Musashi and Tomoe weren’t sure how to react. Should they say Naoki was perfectly suited for this with that face? At a glance, he gave off the vibe of someone skilled at deceiving women.

On Kiyohime’s side, after hearing Naoki’s explanation, “Fate… Mhm mhm mhm, I see. The fate between this little girl and Naoki-sama was facilitated by these two ladies.”

The hostility she initially directed at Musashi and Tomoe instantly turned bright, filled with goodwill.

“I’m deeply grateful to you both, Musashi-san, Tomoe-san. I’ll remember the kindness of bridging this little girl’s connection with Naoki-sama for the rest of my life!”

“No, no need… Wait, excuse me, Princess Kiyohime, could we borrow Naoki for a moment? There are some household matters we need to discuss with him.”

Though she said this, Musashi gave Kiyohime no time to respond. She immediately pulled Naoki away from her side and asked in a low voice, “Naoki, aren’t you going too far? Is it okay to keep this up?”

“Oh, you mean what we’ll do when we leave, right?”

“Yeah, exactly.”

Naoki, Musashi, and Tomoe would eventually leave this world. After all, none of them were native to it—they were just passing through. And now that Naoki had made Kiyohime so infatuated, it would surely cause major issues when he left.

“About that… An unexpected death?”

“She’d have a mental breakdown, wouldn’t she? I can tell she’s not just in love—she’s deeply attached.”

“That’s true. Then how about using Magecraft to erase her memories from this period? Or alter her impression of me? Or create a dream for her? I’ve got some experience with that.”

Naoki wasn’t highly skilled in Magecraft. He’d only learned a few techniques over twenty years. Illusionism was one he was most proficient in—Merry had taught him well. Through hands-on practice, verbal instruction, and demonstrations, he had no choice but to learn.

“Well… If it really comes to it, I’ll stay here for a few decades and leave after she passes naturally.”

“You’re really responsible.”

“Though there’ll be some issues in the future, there’ll definitely be some in Pan-Human History too—we’ll deal with it when the time comes.”

After talking with Musashi, Naoki turned back to Kiyohime. “My apologies, Princess Kiyohime. I spoke with Musashi too long and neglected you. I’m truly sorry.”

“No, it’s fine. Talking with friends is very important, isn’t it?”

“I’m grateful for your understanding—So, is Your Highness’s visit today the same as usual?”

Usually, Kiyohime came to Naoki for one thing: to be pampered, whether through attentive care, sweet words of love, or stories of his past… In short, she didn’t want to hear about castle matters.

After all, Kiyohime was a princess. She rarely had chances to leave the castle or learn about the outside world. Meeting Naoki, a handsome and knowledgeable man, was a double boon for her.

“No, today I want to discuss something serious with Naoki-sama.”

Kiyohime’s tone turned slightly serious. “Have you ever heard of the Heroic Spirit Swordsmen?”

Heroic Spirit Swordsmen?

The eyes of Naoki, Musashi, and Tomoe twitched slightly.

“I’ve heard of them. Sometimes I catch related gossip from neighbors. But aren’t they just legends?”

“They’re real anomalies.” Kiyohime said. “Last night, a samurai patrol squad didn’t return. And this morning, a samurai wrapped in snakes appeared at the gates of Tsuchiura Castle. He was the only survivor of the squad, but he’d become a puppet of the Heroic Spirit Swordsmen… and he brought a message.”

“One of the Heroic Spirit Swordsmen, Assassin Paraíso, will come for my life tonight.”

Paraíso—Mochizuki Chiyome.

(The female ninja Naoki mentioned, capable of summoning part of the spirit of the Great Deity Ibuki!)

Musashi immediately recalled the information about Paraíso.

Did that female ninja make a move last night?

Yet Naoki hadn’t sensed any battle aura. Perhaps the enemy was hiding, or the distance was too great for him to detect.

After a week of calm, they were finally preparing to act again.

“So… Your Highness’s visit today is related to this Paraíso?”

“Exactly.” Kiyohime took a deep breath. “Naoki-sama, would you be this little girl’s bodyguard and stay at Tsuchiura Castle tonight to protect her?”

“Huh?”

-

Title: An Identity Already Revealed

Serving as Kiyohime’s bodyguard tonight, when Paraíso comes to take her life?

Naoki frowned. “Why would Your Highness make such a request? I’m not a samurai, just a commoner. How could I protect Your Highness from a Heroic Spirit Swordsman?”

“Regarding that, it was actually a suggestion from Yagyū-sama.”

Kiyohime clapped her hands. “Please come in, Yagyū-sama.”

“Yes.”

A deep voice sounded from outside the door.

Then, the wooden door slid open. An elderly man with a sword at his waist entered the room.

“!”

“!”

Instantly, the expressions and gazes of Tomoe and Musashi shifted.

But as soon as their expressions changed, another wave of Mana transferred from Naoki, forcibly suppressing the turmoil in their hearts.

[Yagyū]

Kiyohime addressed the elderly man before her as such. Musashi and Tomoe recalled that when Naoki listed the True Names of the Heroic Spirit Swordsmen earlier, one of them was Yagyū—Yagyū Munenori.

“Pleased to meet you all. I am Yagyū, the Shogun’s Grand Inspector.”

(The same name?!)

(No, the same person?!)

A True Name identical to a Heroic Spirit Swordsman. Could the man before them be…

“Yet another distinguished figure.”

While Musashi and Tomoe heightened their inner vigilance, Naoki had already activated his business mode. He played his current role perfectly, speaking respectfully to Yagyū.

“I am Natsukawa Naoki. It’s a great honor to meet Yagyū-sama.”

“Hmm.” Yagyū nodded slightly. “Princess Kiyohime, leave the discussion with him to me. You may rest outside for a while.”

“Very well, thank you for your efforts, Yagyū-sama.”

Kiyohime stood. “I’ll see you shortly, Naoki-sama. This little girl is very much looking forward to spending time with you tonight.”

With that, Kiyohime left the room. And after the sound of her footsteps faded outside the door—

*SWISH!*

Instantly, the lavishly decorated room vanished. In its place was an endless grassy plain. Naoki, who had been kneeling before Yagyū, now stood in front of him, one hand gripping his throat.

Likewise, Yagyū’s drawn blade was positioned at the same spot on Naoki’s body.

Staring coldly at Naoki, mere inches away, Yagyū sneered. “Showing your fangs? Foreigner. You have no patience at all.”

“I don’t think patience is necessary for you—one of the seven Heroic Spirit Swordsmen, Saber Empireo.” Naoki met Yagyū’s gaze. “You’re bold to show up in front of me. Quite confident in your abilities.”

“Indeed, killing you would be easy—”

*SWOOSH!* *SWOOSH!* *SWOOSH!*

Before Yagyū could finish, tearing sounds rang out like a torrential downpour. Yagyū, his throat held by Naoki, quickly retreated. A single slash swept through the air!

*KRAK!*

The blade shattered. Yagyū’s arms and legs were instantly severed and obliterated in a vacuum layer. His entire body collapsed helplessly to the ground.

The greatest swordsman of Edo, Yagyū, dubbed the Greatest Swordsman under Heaven, was defeated by Naoki in a single encounter!

“So that’s how it is… No wonder that Caster said he couldn’t face you directly.”

Yagyū, his limbs severed, looked up at Naoki from the ground. “You truly are a foreign entity beyond human strength.”

“You knew that and still came to die… No, a Shikigami?”

Naoki frowned. “You knew you’d be killed instantly, so you used a substitute Shikigami—What are you planning, Saber Empireo?”

Yagyū sneered. “As Her Highness said, to invite you to Tsuchiura Castle, to serve as her bodyguard, and to fight Paraíso.”

“Do I need to use mind-control Magecraft to make you tell the truth?” Naoki pressed down on Yagyū’s head. “Letting me kill your comrades—right, I was careless. There’s no bond of camaraderie among you Heroic Spirit Swordsmen. So, the purpose is… to get me into Tsuchiura Castle.”

Though his memory wasn’t entirely clear at first, after recalling so much, Naoki had pieced together most of the details about this world.

One of the four fragments Chaldea was meant to experience before the end of the Human Order Incineration and the start of the Remnant Order—the Stage of the Mountain of Corpses and Sea of Blood, Shimōsa Province.

The cause was the Shimabara Rebellion, which ended last year.

It was a peasant uprising triggered by the Shogunate’s persecution of foreign Christianity. Led by a young man named Amakusa Shirō, it had a significant impact on the current Shogunate.

Of course, the rebellion was ultimately quelled. Everyone involved was beheaded without exception.

That was the story in Pan-Human History.

But in this Lostbelt, Amakusa Shirō, who should have been beheaded, became an existence like Miyamoto Musashi—a rōnin able to travel back and forth between different worlds.

Thus, Amakusa repeatedly tried to lead his people to change the outcome, but each rebellion ended in failure. After failing multiple times, he abandoned his dream of saving all humanity and turned from his faith to vengeance against the Tokugawa clan and the world.

That was roughly what would happen in this world.

And Tsuchiura Castle was the site Amakusa chose to become the Enri Eido-jō (Castle of Hatred and Defiled Land).

Now, Yagyū’s intent was to let Naoki enter that castle, the one destined to become Enri Eido-jō.

“Do you think I’m clueless? To be blunt, I’m not going—bodyguard mission? Sorry, I refuse, Yagyū Munenori.”

Naoki said coldly, “By the way, please pass this message to the Caster and the Heroic Spirit Swordsman Magus behind you: Wait until I cut off your head.”

With that, Naoki once again created a vacuum layer around Yagyū, reducing his entire body to countless fine particles of dust. The next moment, a Shikigami paper with an eye symbol appeared in its place, slowly burning away.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

“Failed, huh.”

In a certain space.

Watching the outcome of the negotiation between Naoki and Yagyū’s Shikigami through a spell, Amakusa, his eyes blood-red, let out a slight sigh.

“The negotiation failed. What a pity. If he could be trapped in Tsuchiura Castle, the Heroic Spirit Swordsmen wouldn’t need to carry out a large-scale massacre… Such a shame. I thought we could shorten the time.”

“—Paraíso.”

Glancing at someone hidden in the shadows behind him, Amakusa said in a heavy voice, “Tonight, sever the Tokugawa bloodline.”

-

Title: I’ll Ambush and Speedrun

The desert vanished.

The surroundings returned to Naoki’s lavishly decorated private reception room.

Seeing the spot where Yagyū was instantly killed by Naoki, Musashi and Tomoe exchanged glances. Then Musashi asked, “Naoki, you…”

“Don’t worry, that was just a fake. The real Yagyū Munenori is still safe and sound at Tsuchiura Castle or hiding in some obscure corner. That was just a mouthpiece to deliver a message.”

Naoki picked up the remaining ashes of the burned Shikigami. “Using a method like this to test me… It seems our situation is already under their surveillance. It’s been a while since I was secretly watched like this.”

“Then, what’s your next plan, Naoki-sama?” Tomoe asked. “If what Yagyū Munenori said is true, that Mochizuki Chiyome will come for Princess Kiyohime’s life tonight, then you…”

“I said it’s a trap. Only an idiot would jump right in.” Naoki spread his hands. “And this trap is set up quite convincingly.”

“Why?”

“Who told me to be the heart-stealing scoundrel who charmed the Princess? In the eyes of the samurai at Tsuchiura Castle, I’m probably just a villain who relies on his face and sweet words to swindle the Princess’s money.”

Musashi blinked. “Aren’t you?”

“I’m not denying it. It’s one way to make money. If you don’t approve, spit out everything you’ve eaten. Most of my earnings go to your stomach.”

“Ugh… Hehehe~~~”

Seeing the conversation turning against her, Musashi quickly changed the subject with an awkward laugh.

“Back to the point, Naoki. Even if it’s a trap, we can’t let Princess Kiyohime die, right? How about making some kind of protective charm for her? You’ve got all sorts of tricks—surely you can do something like that?”

Naoki shook his head. “A protective charm won’t work against Mochizuki Chiyome. Even if it’s just a partial spirit, she can summon Ibuki Daimyōjin. Its mystery level is too high; a charm would shatter on contact.”

“Then…”

“So you two will go.”

Touching both their foreheads, Naoki smiled. “The enemy’s just one Servant. You two should be able to handle her easily, right?”

Heroic Spirit Swordsmen were indeed strong, but their power was still within the range of a Servant. Think of them as rampaging Servants without restraint. Musashi or Tomoe might struggle alone, but together, it shouldn’t be an issue.

Plus—

“The swords I gave you aren’t for show. It’s just a snake—cut it down.”

“Can your Protection really do something like that?”

*WHACK!*

Naoki smacked Musashi’s head with a palm. “Who’re you underestimating? I’ve told you countless times—my Protection will give you power based on your mood and thoughts. As long as you’re determined to cut that snake, it’ll naturally respond and give you enough strength to do it.”

“That makes sense. Alright, let’s do this. Leave Princess Kiyohime’s safety to me and Tomoe-dono!” Musashi thumped her chest. “But if we’re going to face Mochizuki Chiyome, what’ll you do, Naoki? Don’t tell me you’re just gonna watch?”

“Of course—though I’d love to say that, I’ve got a place I want to visit now.”

Waving the Shikigami fragment in his hand, Naoki smiled. “This thing, I suspect, comes from that Caster, Ashiya Dōman. If I use it as a medium to trace back, I should be able to track Dōman’s whereabouts—while you two deal with Mochizuki Chiyome, I’ll go find Dōman.”

If Naoki’s memory was correct, their base should be around Katori Shrine.

“In short, tonight’s operation plan is—”

“You two will deal with the bait they’ve thrown, holding them off on the surface.”

“Meanwhile, I’ll ambush their headquarters. If I’m lucky, I might take out all the remaining ones in one go.”

In other words, a sneak attack.

Or, stealing their base.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

At the same time.

In Chaldea, far away in Pan-Human History.

Ritsuka and Mash were preparing for their first operation into a Lostbelt.

After half a year of rest, the two had returned to Chaldea for five days. With help from Gray and Rei, they’d finally rediscovered the feeling of fighting from their Singularity days.

Training combat techniques in peacetime—Ritsuka could never have imagined it back then.

And just yesterday, Roman and Da Vinci in the control room had sent information.

[With the assistance of Goetia and the Seventy-Two Demon God Pillars, the targetable Lostbelt has been confirmed.]

Though they weren’t sure if it was the Lostbelt where Naoki was, if they didn’t go investigate, they’d never bring back their restless Department Head who only knew how to flirt with women outside.

So, after spending a day preparing for Rayshift, Ritsuka and Mash were finally about to embark on their first Lostbelt journey.

“What’s a Lostbelt world like, I wonder?”

On the way to the control room, Mash couldn’t help but ask.

Ritsuka thought for a moment. “I remember Merry-sensei saying a Lostbelt is a world that’s lost its potential for growth… Would it look like an apocalypse? Like in the movies?”

During the half-year at Ritsuka’s home, Mash had watched plenty of movies with him. On weekends, they often went to the cinema together.

Mash had seen many apocalyptic films. If the Lostbelt’s scenery was truly like an apocalypse…

“By the way, the Lostbelt we’re heading to this time, based on our Pan-Human History, seems to be 15th-century Russia.”

A Lostbelt is a world that diverges from normal development due to a major historical event, continuing to grow from there, only to be abandoned for losing its future. And 15th-century Russia…

“I can’t think of any major events.”

“Me neither. Let’s investigate once we actually get there, Senpai.”

As they spoke, Ritsuka and Mash reached the control room’s entrance.

Upon entering, they were greeted by a very familiar sight. Just like during their Singularity missions, the control room was now filled with busy staff.

Roman, acting as interim Director, interim Head of Operations, and Head of Medical, turned to them upon hearing their footsteps.

“Fujimaru, Mash, you’re here.”

“Then let’s begin. Chaldea’s first Lostbelt Rayshift.”

-

Title: Listen, You Inside—You’re Already Surrounded by Me

That night, at Tsuchiura Castle.

“All of you! Get your spirits up! The enemy is just one person! A female ninja who can summon a giant snake! As long as we light up every lamp in the castle, she’s nothing to fear! Illuminate our entire castle like it’s daytime!”

Among the samurai scattered throughout Tsuchiura Castle, one who appeared to be their leader shouted loudly, directing the entire defensive setup.

Meanwhile, at the top of Tsuchiura Castle, Musashi, lying prone near the wall’s edge while observing the defenses below, muttered softly, “Such tight defenses. It feels like even a swallow couldn’t fly in.”

“Judging by the timing, all the samurai present are elites who survived the Shimabara Rebellion. While their strength can’t compare to a Heroic Spirit Swordsman, their discipline and organization are top-notch,” Tomoe said. “If they prepare in advance, it’s not impossible for them to hold off a Heroic Spirit Swordsman for a while… Of course, at the cost of their lives.”

Ordinary humans could never match a Heroic Spirit Swordsman. Beyond their otherworldly strength, their immortality alone ensured that humans had no chance of fighting and winning against them. No matter how many people were sent against a Heroic Spirit Swordsman, they would ultimately be annihilated.

The best they could achieve was delaying the inevitable.

To face Mochizuki Chiyome, it still fell to Musashi and Tomoe. That was why they were at Tsuchiura Castle now. After all, having been asked by Naoki, both emotionally and rationally, they couldn’t refuse to come.

Still…

“Haaah… Why isn’t Naoki-sama here?”

Kiyohime leaned against a corner of the wall, her face full of worry—knowing that it wasn’t Naoki but his two female friends who came made her deeply dissatisfied and regretful. She had wanted to spend the entire night with Naoki until dawn.

Though it was just instinct, Kiyohime felt that as long as Naoki was by her side, the samurai outside didn’t matter.

It had to be said, her instinct was remarkably accurate.

“Come on, Princess Kiyohime. Naoki has his own matters to attend to,” Musashi smiled. “And… Hmm, as Naoki put it, your retainers might not be too friendly toward him, so he wants to do something to make them fully accept him before visiting.”

“Oh~~~ Is that so?”

“Yep. Even if he does stuff like that, a man’s got his pride, right?”

Kiyohime sighed slightly. “He doesn’t need to do things like this… Being a live-in husband at a Shogun’s house wouldn’t be bad…”

(She’s already thinking that far, this Princess.)

Tomoe quietly admired the Princess. Wanting an ordinary man to marry into and live in a Shogun’s household was impossible from any perspective.

(Sigh, Naoki-sama, when will you change this habit of attracting women everywhere?)

Tomoe thought, unaware that she herself was one of those drawn to him.

And at that moment—

*CRASH!*

A loud noise suddenly erupted from the main gate. Instantly, a massive pitch-black snake shot into the sky, appearing in Musashi and Tomoe’s view!

The enemy had arrived!

“I’ll leave this place to you, Tomoe-dono. Musashi’s heading to meet the enemy at the front line!”

“Yes!”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Katori Shrine.

Hearing the sounds coming from Tsuchiura Castle, Naoki glanced over. “It’s started over there… Judging by the timing, it’s about right.”

Ninjas typically operated in the dead of night. Even as a Heroic Spirit Swordsman, Chiyome wouldn’t break this habit. Now was indeed the time for her to act.

“With Musashi and Gozen there, I don’t need to worry about the battle’s progress. The worst-case scenario is Tsuchiura Castle being completely destroyed. As for me—”

Naoki gazed at Katori Shrine before him.

At the moment, it looked like an ordinary, deserted shrine with little sign of life. There were no traces of evil lurking within.

But Naoki could sense it—

“The disguise is pretty good, but the stench is too strong. If you want to hide completely, you should set up a barrier that conceals the smell too.”

Placing his hand in empty air, grasping space with his fingers, Naoki tore it lightly. The space before him ripped open, creating a gap large enough for one person to pass through.

As he stepped through, the already pungent smell of blood, strong enough to make Naoki frown, intensified to an even higher degree.

“Blood Moon Night, huh…”

Glancing at the red moon above, Naoki smiled. “Looks like I hit the jackpot. Based on my senses… One, two, three, four—only four people here. Not all of them. Did someone leave?”

“Though it’s a bit of a shame I can’t take them all out in one go, still—”

Light gathered in Naoki’s hand. Facing the shrine shrouded in blood-red mist, he swung a powerful clap. Golden light condensed into a massive crescent moon, slashing forward as if to pierce the sky!

And just before the attack reached the shrine…

*SWOOSH!* *SWOOSH!* *SWOOSH!*

Three sword flashes streaked across Naoki’s vision. Instantly, the golden crescent slashing toward the shrine was split in two, flying to either side and engulfing and destroying both edges of the shrine simultaneously!

“Tch, what a pity. I couldn’t fully block it.”

At the shrine’s entrance steps, a figure in pale purple robes held a broken sword, their face showing slight resignation.

“I intended to draw my blade after Your Excellency stepped forward, but I didn’t expect Your Excellency to unleash such a shocking attack without a word. I used all my strength, but I could only slightly deflect its trajectory. My beloved sword broke because of it.”

“Do I need to apologize?” Naoki smiled. “Or, shall I replace it with a new sword?”

The elegant man gave a faint smile. “You’re quite relaxed. Do you think even if I got a new sword, I still wouldn’t be able to block a single strike from Your Excellency?”

*BOOMMMMM!*

Naoki’s response was a second attack. Another crescent-shaped light slashed forward.

This wasn’t a special technique—just gathering immense Mana in his hand and swinging it. It was the purest form of Overwhelming Power Defeating All.

This time, the elegant man, now weaponless, didn’t block. The golden crescent passed through him, cleaving Katori Shrine in two!

Lowering his glowing hand, Naoki said, “I didn’t come to fight you. Someone else will duel you, so I won’t kill you here.”

“The ones I’m here to kill are the three inside the shrine—Come out, Bateren Sorcerer, Kālasūtra Hell, Limbo.”

“Or should I call you by your True Names to make you come out?”

“Amakusa Shirō, Minamoto no Raikōu, Ashiya Dōman.”