Early the next morning, a sudden wave of shouting rose from the crowds outside.
Inside the room, a pink halo materialized out of thin air at the head of the bed, instantly glowing bright. In the quiet morning light, Misono Mika woke from her dreams, her pink eyes fluttering open.
She slowly sat up. Her light blue pajamas looked even more ethereal under the reflection of the morning sun. The soft texture wrapped around her graceful body like clouds; though her curves remained hidden, her elegance and tranquility were impossible to mask.
Mika stepped off the bed and looked down at the long pink hair draped over her shoulders. With a slight sigh of helplessness, she began to groom it.
'Long hair is such a hassle to take care of. I'm always afraid of crushing it when I roll over in my sleep.'
Fortunately, she possessed the relevant muscle memory, so the task was stress-free. Otherwise, an amateur like her would have to seek help.
Once her hair was tied up, Mika reached back to slide the pajamas off. The garment, which had two large holes cut out for her wings, fell to the floor, exposing a large expanse of snow-white, delicate skin to the air.
Mika calmly stole a glance at the curves of her own chest before quickly pulling a Trinity-style school uniform from her Inventory Module. Clothes suited for her haven't been manufactured yet, but luckily this uniform isn't dirty and has no odor, so she doesn't need to wash it just yet.
Once Kajika and the others finish making her new outfits, she won't have to wear this school uniform constantly.
As she finished dressing, Mika felt a sense of relief.
'There's still a long way to go before I defeat the lewd thoughts in my own heart.'
The burden was heavy and the road was long. One shouldn't even let oneself off the hook.
After washing up, Mika stepped out of her room and into the courtyard. She looked up at the cloudless sky, her mood instantly brightening.
"The weather is lovely today. Perfect for studying."
Mika walked to a gazebo in the backyard and sat down. She pulled a purchased book from her Inventory Module and began to read seriously. To cultivate flowers that were pleasing to the eye, she naturally had to take action and learn.
She hadn't been joking back then.
As for the noise outside, Mika ignored it entirely. It was just Amatori Biba arriving at Iwato Station; it wasn't a big deal. Someone in Iwato Station would stand up to deal with him anyway. Since neither side consisted of good people, it was better to let them tear into each other like dogs.
As long as they didn't disturb her reading, they could cause whatever ruckus they wanted.
★ ★ ★
Elsewhere, a light purple Hayajiro moved slowly along the tracks. The Hunters lined the sides of the train, intercepting the residents who crowded around, preventing anyone from approaching the Kokujou.
The Hunters were known as the Liberators, and every member was the elite of the elite among samurai. Not only was their equipment sophisticated, but their physiques were much stronger than average men.
At the front of the procession, under the intentional protection of the Hunters, a man with long red hair wore a smile. Upon seeing him, the massive crowd erupted with unprecedented enthusiasm, shouting at the top of their lungs.
"Long live Lord Biba!"
"Long live the Hunters! Long live the Liberators!!"
Amatori Biba turned a deaf ear to the cheers. He recalled his earlier conversation with Mumei, and his heart grew increasingly heavy.
'Mumei is slipping from my control. Although I used flowery words to stabilize her for now, it's only temporary. Someone saw through my disguise and told her, even teaching her some troublesome things.'
'But none of that is a problem. As long as Mumei returns to my side, I can use a bit of force later to make her useful to me.'
The reason he needed Mumei was to use her as the core of a Fused Colony to break the defenses of Kongoukaku and destroy that place. This was the ultimate purpose for which Kabaneri were created. Without a doubt, the Fused Colony was his greatest trump card. It was the source of his confidence for revenge.
'However...'
Biba felt sick as he thought of the intelligence he squeezed out of Mumei. The Fused Colony he placed such high hopes on couldn't even last a single round against that woman named Misono Mika.
In just an instant, the entire Fused Colony was smashed to dust; not even a single Kabane survived. Although he only heard this from Mumei, Biba knew very well that she wouldn't lie to him about such things.
'Misono Mika seems to know my past and my ultimate goal. As it stands, if I don't get her nod of approval, not only will I fail to complete my final wish, but I will also face an invincible enemy.'
Biba walked along with a calm exterior, though the residents on both sides seemed exceptionally noisy now, annoying him. He felt as if an impassable figure had suddenly appeared in front of his already rocky path to revenge.
That figure stood with her back to him, her cold, ruthless gaze watching him with hidden killing intent. It felt as if one wrong choice would bring a price he couldn't bear!
'Why! Why is that cowardly man always so lucky!'
A surge of uncontrollable rage and resentment welled up in Biba's heart. He instinctively lowered his head slightly to prevent others from noticing. He clenched his right fist so hard his nails pierced his palm, but he didn't react.
'No, no no no, I still have a chance. I must meet Misono Mika! No matter the cost, I just want that man to die!'
Biba's inner thoughts screamed with near-madness. The death of his mother, the annihilation of the 400,000-man army, and the various targeted assassinations over the years—how could a blood feud endured for decades be easily settled?
Soon, Biba found an opportunity to meet Mika. A group of people appeared on the path ahead.
Ayame Yomogawa had been waiting there for some time. As the current leader of the Yomogawa family, she had to show the proper etiquette, given that Biba was, after all, the son of the Shogun.
Ayame watched as Biba stopped two meters in front of her. She spoke with neither arrogance nor humility. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Amatori Biba. I am the leader of the Yomogawa family; my name is Ayame."
After the introduction, Biba confirmed this was the Miss Ayame Mumei mentioned. Someone in the Yomogawa family apparently held the position of Roju in the Shogunate, possessing status and power second only to the Shogun.
But none of that mattered now.
Biba straightened his expression and made a sincere request. "Miss Ayame, I have a presumptuous favor to ask. I wish to meet Misono Mika. Please, help introduce me."