On the road, Amatori Biba and Horobi walked side by side.
Passersby instinctively made way upon seeing the two, their gazes burning with fervor as they watched Biba's figure. The image he maintained for so many years successfully deceived the vast majority, leading them to believe Biba was a hero, the hope for reclaiming lost territory, and a keen blade swung against the Kabane.
However, it was all an illusion. He acted this way only so the Shogunate lacked an excuse to openly target the Hunters, buying time for their development. Biba had long since succumbed to madness; he sought to 'liberate' this pathological world so that no one would have to live in constant terror.
After all, death is the ultimate release.
"Young Master, is Misono Mika truly as invincible as Mumei claims?"
After reaching a secluded spot, Horobi couldn't help but ask.
"Perhaps. But even one as powerful as a god must eat and rest like a human. That might be her weakness."
Biba shifted the topic, saying, "But that is merely my own speculation. Now that Misono Mika and I have reached a cooperation, there is no need to oppose her."
Even if he lacked any room for choice at the time. Had he refused then, he likely wouldn't have returned. Regarding the terms of the deal, he felt satisfied; in a sense, it exceeded his expectations.
Because Mika didn't completely annihilate the Hunters.
"As for Misono Mika, what kind of person do you think she is, Young Master?"
Horobi was intensely curious about her.
Biba's expression turned dazed as he instinctively halted his steps. He gazed at the children chasing and playing on the opposite side of the river. Whether out of regret or melancholy, he murmured:
"A kind deity saw the world suffering, so she sent her messenger to descend to the lower realm, to point the way for the people and endure the hardships together."
"If she had descended ten years earlier to this rotten world, perhaps everything would still be salvageable."
"But it isn't too late now..."
Biba let out a self-deprecating laugh, withdrew his gaze, and said to Horobi, "As for Misono Mika, she might be a very gentle person. Otherwise, she wouldn't proactively take over the Shogunate's mess just to help those worthless 'weaklings'."
Horobi's expression shifted slightly. "You mean?"
"Exactly. That coward's good days are coming to an end. The seat of the Shogun will welcome a master more suited for it!"
The corners of Biba's mouth curled upward as he opened his arms to feel the breeze. Horobi watched his back in silence.
Misono Mika actually wanted the Shogunate's throne, but did she truly need the strength of the Hunters?
'Young Master, what exactly are you hiding from me?'
"Horobi, several guests will be coming to visit the Hunters later. Give the order: do not offend them. No matter what they want to do, or whom they want to take away, or whatever else they want—do not refuse!"
Biba lowered his arms, his expression serious. "Let Mumei handle the task of entertaining them."
★ ★ ★
Inside the courtyard.
Misono Mika looked at Kurusu Konochi and ordered, "Take Ikoma and those two small fry with you to the Hunters. Bring back two people and one item."
Kurusu asked in surprise, "That is no problem, of course, but won't the Hunters intervene?"
"No need to worry. Amatori Biba already agreed. As his subordinates, they won't dare defy his orders."
"I understand. Who exactly am I bringing back, and what is the item?"
"One is Mumei. The other is a researcher who developed a serum called White Plasma, which can turn Kabaneri back into humans. You need to bring them both back safely."
Mika spoke plainly.
It was better to teach a man to fish than to simply give him one. Although her blood possessed the same efficacy as White Plasma, the latter—which could be mass-produced—was clearly superior. After all, her blood wasn't an infinite resource.
"The Hunters actually developed something that incredible?!"
Kurusu looked shocked. This news was as unbelievable as a pig climbing a tree. He immediately realized how vital his mission was.
After Kurusu ran out in a hurry, only Mika and Ayame Yomogawa remained in the courtyard.
"Is there something you want to ask?"
Mika glanced at Ayame.
Ayame pondered for a moment before asking, "Since Amatori Biba developed a life-saving miracle drug like White Plasma, why hasn't he made it public? And why is he handing over such an important researcher now?"
"Simple. He didn't want his enemies to obtain such a survival tool. As for giving me Mumei and the researcher, that was a requirement I proactively set."
Mika continued, "Biba agreed so readily because he no longer needs them. I already promised him I would help fulfill his final wish."
Ayame's eyes widened in shock. "Revenge? Is the target of Amatori Biba's revenge the Shogun of the Shogunate?! You actually agreed to such a condition..."
Mika shook her head with a light laugh and said softly, "Miss Ayame, don't you think that person sat in that position for too long? It's about time to let someone else take a turn, don't you think?"
Whether killing Biba or all the power-holders in the Shogunate, nothing would truly change the world. Therefore, someone needed to take the Shogun's place to gather the scattered pieces and organize people to reclaim lost land from the Kabane.
Rather than hoping the person replacing him possessed the ability, skill, and responsibility, it was better to just take the position herself.
Now.
With Ikoma's Jet Bullets and the White Plasma developed by the Hunters, the puzzle pieces for victory were in hand!
The time for humanity's counterattack arrived!
"Miss Ayame, are you willing to stand on my side?"
Facing Mika's sudden question, Ayame tensed her body. She suddenly understood why Mika wrote that wish on the night of Tanabata. It wasn't that she wanted to lead the Koutetsujou to defeat all Kabane; she intended to rule all of Hinomoto.
Ayame took a deep breath and declared solemnly, "From this moment on, the Yomogawa family formally vows its allegiance to you!"
"Very good. You made the right choice."
Mika showed a smile, took the Master Key of the Koutetsujou from her Inventory Module, and placed it gently in Ayame's hand. "Now, it returns to its rightful owner."
★ ★ ★
On the other side.
The majority of the Hunters stood on either side, staring at Kurusu's group of four with ashen faces.
Damn it. Kurusu and Ikoma were fine, but those two small fry who kept shouting 'small fry, small fry' were so punchable! Their arrogant expressions—nostrils flared toward the sky—were unbearable.
Dammit, they had never suffered such an insult in their lives!
If not for the Young Master's orders, they would have long since rushed forward to hack those two into pieces and throw them to the Kabane!