Shivering from embarrassment, Yuri conversed with Ena.
As Godou lay shocked, he silently watched Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi.
It seemed to have noticed his location, and was advancing in a sliding manner, about twenty meters away.
"Understood! Then Your Majesty, although Ena doesn't understand completely, I will also assist you. So you must win!"
"E-Ena!? Why, there is no need for you too..."
It came again, this time it was Seishuuin Ena who approached with her lips.
This was the third person he kissed today.
With the sound of "chuu~," the lips pressed together, gave off a sound like a light gust of wind.
His pain mostly subsided, but the extremities of his arms and legs were numb and his whole body felt powerless. The other side effect of the [Raptor] — the state of immobility had begun.
But there was still time to use that.
The power of the [Boar] incarnation—the ability to call forth the pitch-black gigantic beast from another world!
"May spines be crushed, may bones be broken, tendons torn; hair, brains, and blood mingled and trampled together with the earth. The one unblunted and unapproachable! Oath-breaking sinners be purged by the iron hammer of justice!"
After roaring with full strength, the entire pedestrian walking lane turned black.
The pitch-black [Boar] with its burly body, charged and ran out. The incarnation that could only be summoned to destroy a massive object, its target was now the gigantic Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi.
The massive monster, whose body length measured twenty meters roughly, dwarfed the strange giant sword.
Chidorigafuchi had become the stage for the monster battle between the tall giant of blades and the [Boar].
The giant used its sharp and heavy blade to cut open the thick hide and muscles of the enormous jet-black beast, but it immediately realized that resistance was futile.
In terms of destructive power, their levels differed too much.
As the [Boar] bled blue-black blood, it roared joyfully, thrusting the tusks that did not lose to its opponent in sharpness, and using its entire body weight to charge, kick, and trample.
Finally, from its mouth came a roar mixed with supersonic waves.
Suffering these violent attacks, Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi was sent flying repeatedly.
"Who could have thought that the difference in level was so vast between a messenger of god and something controlled directly by a god or a Campione..."
Godou lightly exclaimed as he continued to lie motionless for the time being.
There was nothing he could do to escape from the battlefield or tear his gaze away from the horrific sight.
Chasing after Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi into Chidorigafuchi, the [Boar] leapt into the palace moat, turning it into a battle in water. The surrounding stone walls of the Imperial Palace crumbled as it suffered the battering impacts of the monsters' bodies and the slashing attacks of the giant sword. It was now time for unrestrained destruction.
Chidorigafuchi's landscape was being destroyed completely by the current events.
Every time the giant beast and the giant sword clashed violently, massive sprays of water splashed about from the palace moat.
The moat itself was being demolished, scooped out, sliced open, and trampled by monstrous power.
The cherry blossom trees that brought joy to people every spring was being seriously vandalized. Snapped, crushed, pulverized... Tokyo's famous cherry blossom sighting spot was gradually disappearing.
"Amazing, Kusanagi-san. Who knew Your Majesty could be so powerful!"
Ena was watching Godou with glimmering eyes, while Yuri and Godou sighed deeply.
"Sorry, Mariya, it became like this again..."
"No, no, this was unavoidable... I will pay penance together with you."
"Ending up like this again, anyway, let's just say it was to be expected."
"Yes, even for something created by the gods to fight directly against a Campione, resulting in this dismal state was most natural. There can be no other outcome."
As destruction continued to be wrought, Erica and Liliana lightly exclaimed, having gathered together.
These two carried not the slightest sense of guilt in their tone of voice.
On the other hand, Amakasu had vanished at some point, probably to begin a cover-up operation for this incident.
And so, the culprits of this tragedy watched on, as the pitch-black [Boar] enjoyed its time destroying Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi, trampling Chidorigafuchi, and letting loose roars of victory that resounded across the sky.
Epilogue
It was in the Boundary of Life and Immortality that was inhospitable to humans, the world where the soul was far more important than the body.
There, three elders were having a discussion.
Their location was a pavilion in a beautiful garden.
Though there were no servants, the place was kept very clean and tidy.
However, this was not something incredible, for the Boundary of Life and Immortality was composed of many different spaces.
In this broad realm, environments will change itself according to the preferences of the master.
The fact that the old god Susanoo lived deep in the mountains under violent storms was simply his preference.
"So, it's time to rate that Rakshasa King, right? You wanted to see how that person would treat those girls... which is why this commotion happened, right?"
The first one to speak was the great monk in black.
A living Buddha was one who has freed himself from the restraints of the body at the end of a life of asceticism, thereby approaching immortality.
"Those who I consider good men usually turn out to be excellent monarchs. When the sleeping child awakens, he will surely become the guardian of the earth."
The one who spoke was the glass princess.
The fair princess possessing pupils the color of glass and unparalleled beauty, her age actually far surpassed the great monk's.
As a side note, this elegant garden was her dominion.
"Princess, I believe your conclusion is too early. I find him too rash. Take this incident for example, there were actually many easier ways to solve the matter."
"Insignificant matters like this can always be solved in time."
The princess disagreed openly with the great monk's objection.
"Enlightened Master, did you forget? That person would help women even at the cost of hardship to himself. In every action, from the way Kusanagi-sama treated the girls, I can see that he is someone who can be trusted with important matters."
"Yes, then Old One, what do you think?"
"From the tricky way he stole my sword, this brat cannot be underestimated."
The elderly god was the oldest present and spoke in tones as if he was uninvolved.
"Though I was planning on sending the miko to him as a gift, I never said I would give up the sword as well. Yes, he is impulsive, but I appreciate his qualities. Anyway, there is no need to make a decision immediately."
"That is to say—keep observing?"
Susanoo nodded generously to the princess's question.
"Yes, it is still uncertain whether the troublesome brat will wake up. Kusanagi's talents, let me savor them slowly."
"So in the end, all the rights and privileges to Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi has fallen to Kusanagi-san... Is that okay?"
It was at the Sayanomiya residence at Sanbanchou of the Chiyoda special ward.
Sayanomiya Kaoru sat on the rocking chair in the study, murmuring to herself as she rocked.
"Ena-san seems to think so, but it hasn't been confirmed yet. After that commotion, Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi still harbors great divine power, but the previous user Ena-san can no longer use it. Neither can she send it back to the original owner—the Old One. So that is the situation now."
The one who answered was Amakasu Touma.
The master and subordinate l
ooked at the sword in its sheath lying on Kaoru's office desk.
Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi. Though this sword contained the deity of the conquering god, it was also a subordinate god to Susanoo.
"Due to Ena's divine possession losing control, Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi gained the status of an independent god, so Kusanagi-san who defeated it has usurped the god's authority... That could be what happened, maybe."
Kaoru spoke as she gazed at the shattered divine blade.
"It could very well be his second authority. 'I will become the companion of one who is stronger than me.' It's such a shounen manga development."
"Its appearance has been restored, but its internals are still broken, right?"
"It's embarrassing, but yes, it was destroyed quite thoroughly."
No matter what, a continued discussion was not going to yield the truth.
Towards the competent but not necessarily loyal subordinate, Kaoru ordered with frivolous tones:
"In any case this is something dangerous and cannot be returned to Ena's possession. It is decided that it will be kept in the storeroom of this house. By the way, giving it to the temporary owner should be another option."
"I have also tried asking, but he refused because he did not want to break the firearms and weapons regulations."
"Kusanagi-san... has common sense in a surprising area, what a strange person."
"He definitely wouldn't want to be described like that."
Liliana Kranjcar was puzzled.
In front of her, Kusanagi Godou and Mariya Yuri were casually having lunch. However, she felt that they had become even more intimate... Was this her imagination?
After the commotion caused by Seishuuin Ena and Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi, a few days have passed and it was the following week, lunchtime on a certain school day.
As always, they were having lunch on the roof.
As usual, Liliana prepared lunch for Kusanagi Godou.
Today's menu was authentic Spanish seafood paella, as well as fruit, cheese, cucumber pickles, etc... However, beside it were two black wooden lunchboxes.
One contained salmon rice, with three green leaves scattered on top, providing a nice contrast of color for the food.
The other lunchbox was filled with side dishes. Kyoto roasted fish, spicy tofu, meatballs, a dish made of lappa and konjac, as well as various homemade pickles...
Not only did they taste delicious, but they also looked great. Simply the sight of the food's beautiful appearance was a pleasurable experience.
Liliana looked at the lunch she prepared in a simple container, and could not help feeling uneasy. Though in taste she definitely did not lose to Yuri, perhaps she was greatly surpassed in terms of visual impact.
The one who brought these wooden lunchboxes was the Hime-Miko, Mariya Yuri.
"Mariya sure can cook well."
Godou praised as he tasted the various offerings, separated out onto paper plates.
"If this was taken to grandfather, it will definitely pass. That guy's mouth is extremely picky, especially towards Japanese cuisine. But this taste is definitely good enough."
"Uh, thanks. But even if it passes for grandfather, how about Godou-san...?"
Being praised, Yuri asked with apprehension.
Probably because she was so concerned with Godou's response and opinion, her expression did not have any confidence.
"Umm, could it be that it does not suit your tastes?"
"No no, how could that be possible, your cooking is very delicious."
"Is that so? Then I am relieved... However, if you dislike anything, you must be honest, I will remember it."
"Don't say that. This kind of luxurious lunch, no matter how it's made it will be very delicious."
Reassured and smiling once again, Yuri was acting towards Godou in a natural manner without any stiffness.
Liliana was certain. These two people could not have behaved so naturally before. They used to be polite but distant, and now it was all gone...!
"Godou-san, if you have something that you like, do you want me to get it for you with chopsticks?"
"Yes, but this kind of little thing I can do myself, no need to trouble yourself."
"But I am closer to the lunchbox... It will be easier for me."
Holding the paper plate and the serving chopsticks, Yuri asked. Though Godou had refused, he immediately changed his tune to "you are right" and made two or three requests afterwards.
Hearing these exchanges, Liliana's heart was filled with anxiety.
Recently when she made the same requests, Godou would always refuse her resolutely with "no need, it's fine!"
If she tried to take care of him or serve him like before, Godou would run away, very wary of how others viewed him.
Saying something like losing a man's dignity, I'm not a leecher on women, etc... All these puzzling speeches.
However, why could Mariya Yuri—!
"Liliana-san, is there anything you would like? Please take anything that suits your fancy."
"Uh, no problem, please do not mind me."
Liliana frantically played dumb.
Yuri was like a well-mannered high-class lady, full of benevolent smiles.
She was nowhere as reserved as before, what was the reason for this change?
"As different as the north wind and the sun, so goes the saying."
Sitting on the side, Erica Blandelli murmured to herself.
Appearing without a lunch again, she gave herself good reason to plunder Yuri and Liliana's lunchboxes.
"Yuri's strengths match very well with Godou's value system. Once their relationship passed a certain point, it was only natural to expect this kind of situation. Even if she ran into some difficulties lately, their relationship already showed these hints before that."
The [Diavolo Rosso] explained as if she saw through everything.
"E-Erica, what on earth is going on?"
"Exactly as you see, Godou is completely unwary of her, and Yuri can act naturally beside him and apply herself towards what a 'woman' can do. This is something that neither I nor Lily can manage."
"Are you saying that my master is wary of me!? What an insult!"
Liliana was protesting with a voice that only Erica could hear.
However, Erica sneered with pity, and Liliana could not help feeling terrified.
"Lily, this war cannot be won with desire and instinct alone. Of course, if you are satisfied with being just a 'convenient woman,' then that's another matter."
"W-what are you saying!?"
I know him better than you do.
Implying that and bragging to herself, Erica's expression was especially contemptible. However, Liliana did agree that the situation was not good. Kusanagi Godou and Mariya Yuri getting along so well was a huge problem.
As the knight guarding over him, how could she get in between them?
Wait a minute, come to think of it, she just negotiated with Sayanomiya Kaoru, and agreed to ally with them. As it stands, she could only stand aside and watch things develop...
Liliana agonized in depression, when suddenly Kusanagi Shizuka's voice was heard.
"Really! Onii-chan and Mariya-senpai have been flaunting their affection all this time! And getting increasingly intimate! This has to stop! You look like fools, how unsightly!"
She complained with great agitation.
With an unfazed expression, Godou and Yuri simply looked at Shizuka, their sister and junior respectively.
"What affection... Aren't we just eating lunch normally?"
"Yes, Shizuka-san, stop saying strange things. Quiet down and have lunch."
Being criticized instead, Shizuka's shoulders trembled with rage.
"Hmm... Your attitudes sure are unified, and you dare say you are not affectionate? What is going on, you're like a couple who have been married for years, totally shameless!"
"What married couple, you idiot, don't make jokes like that."
"Yes, callin
g us a married couple... Actually, not yet..."
The two denied as they looked at each other, and shyly bowed their heads at the same time.
As Liliana endured the shock of watching their interactions, a new girl appeared on the roof.
Casting everything aside, Liliana and Erica exchanged glances, for the intruder was Seishuuin Ena.
"Ena-san! Your body has recovered?"
"Yes, well enough. Sorry to everyone, I've brought all of you trouble this time."
The Yamato Nadeshiko style Hime-Miko responded as she approached the group.
It felt a little strange to see Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi absent from her shoulder.
Reportedly, the recent frequent storms were all because of her. Apparently, storms were summoned by divine power after communicating with Susanoo in the Netherworld.
Who could have expected the trouble-making woman to show up! Liliana could not help glaring at Ena.
"In order to reflect on this incident, Ena will temporarily return home to be educated. So before I leave, I just wanted to greet you all..."
Hearing Ena's words, Shizuka showed a questioning expression that seemed to say, "What is this about?"
Reluctant to explain to his sister, Godou swiftly said, "Don’t mind it."
"Though all sorts of major... well, not too major things happened, I don't think we really mind. The next time we meet, I hope we can get along better."
Godou changed his words midway because he recalled but hoped to downplay the tragedy of Chidorigafuchi.
Though Godou was the world renowned Campione, he was still delicate in certain areas.
"Yes, it is for sure. Ena will get along with you all in the future, it's a promise!"
"Yes, much appreciated. Erica, is it okay? I have already made peace with her."
"Sure, since Godou has already spoken, I will turn a blind eye and forget your mistakes."
Erica shrugged.
If that's the case, Ena's farewell greeting should be coming to a close, but just as Godou thought that, Ena's expression suddenly became seductive.
"...So, from today onwards, it's fine if Ena becomes one of Kusanagi-san's 'women,' right?"
"M-My what!?"
"Onii-chan! This person has said something unbelievable, what is going on again!?"
Shizuka yelled out while Erica, Yuri, and Liliana silently watched the two, deep in their own thoughts. Godou simply felt troubled.
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