Chapter 115 (1/2)
Cam was rescued, Hajime’s group passed through the gate and teleported to where Teio and the other Hauria were standing guard at the rock zone, when they appeared they were greeted with the Hauria’s enthusiastic welcome.
All of the Hauria pat each other on the shoulders, bumped their stomachs with one another, cross countered their arms, and they were all screaming as they were pleased that everyone returned safely.
At that time, Hajime’s ears were filled with the loud shouts of joy which drowned out all the surrounding sounds.
Hajime’s hand rose out with extremely natural movements. A familiar katana in a black sheath was gripped and held out.
[…..What do you plan on doing with that, Yaegashi?]
The identity of the assailant which attacked Hajime with the black katana while still in its sheath was Shizuku Yaegashi. Shizuku’s blade was caught in the fingertips of Hajime’s hand, she clicks her tongue when he wasn’t phased at all even though she’s applying all her strength in the attack.
[……….I’m only relying on Nagumo-kun to relieve some stress. It’s alright, I, believe in Nagumo-kun. Your caliber is deeper than the Mariana trench……so, obediently! Allow me! To hit the octopus!]
[Ah~, Un, you didn’t want to be Pink that much? ……I prepared that with good intentions in mind]
[Thats definitely a lie! I know what your intention was! It was absolutely a prank! Somehow I was pulled into the atmosphere! In a sense, I got what I deserved! —-As so, I can’t help but beat it into you, these feelings! If you’re a man then accept them!]
[Nna, how unreasonable…..]
Apparently Pink has suffered more damage than initially thought.
Certainly, it would have been fine if she declined, it was the natural consequences of being caught up in the atmosphere and accepting the mask. But, even though she understands that, it was obvious that it was Hajime’s speech and behavior which tricked her to be verbally abused by the empire soldiers, Shizuku couldn’t help but snarl.
Most of all, Hajime and Shizuku’s difference in ability is clear, actually, there was no signs of the black sheath which was making a ~Gichi Gichi~ noise overcoming that difference at all. So, reluctantly, Shizuku’s black katana’s ability– she decided to release it. Literally, even Hajime would feel some pain if it was a direct hit, hoping that, she put her trust in it.
[You~! “Run rampant, Thunder flower”!]
[Oh? Oh~h]
However, while gripping the black sword which was discharging electricity, rather than being painful, Hajime’s appearance was that of someone who feels admiration. Shizuku unintentionally shouted out a tsukkomi.
[Wait a sec, Nagumo-kun. Why are you still fine even though electricity is being released?]
[No, it’s nothing much, you should have seen me shoot out railguns numerous times already. I use thunder with my own flesh, there’s no way this degree of electricity would be enough then right? Rather than that, you did well to be able to activate that function.]
[Ku, it can’t be helped then…..I’ll withdraw this time. However, I’ll hit that calm face one day. And also, this was due the results of all the synergists at the Kingdom.]
Shizuku withdrew reluctantly and gave a reasonable answer. Kouki and the rest were popeyed in the back. It appears that they’ve just returned. Shizuku’s unexpected actions caused them to be surprised.
Kaori and Yue just keep staring at Shizuku from somewhere. Then whispered, […..For Shizuku-chan to be snarling….] […..We were too reliant on her], was said, it appears that the two were only having a playful exchange with one another.
[Boss, is this a good time?]
Finally, it seems that Cam’s group was finished celebrating, they came forward towards Hajime. With their serious expressions, Hajime as well, it didn’t seem like it would be a greeting of reuniting again.
Hajime quickly transmuted chairs in a circle and with a glance, conveyed for them to sit down.
[First, although a lot of things happened, putting it simply, it seems we went a little overboard……]
was said, when summarizing from when Cam’s story began, it can only be stated that way.
In order to gain more Demi-humans slaves, The soldiers came into the battered Sea of Trees, Cam’s group of Hauria had gained substantial numbers, and defeated them. The empire soldiers seemed to be extremely cautious of their surroundings. Their comrades kept on disappearing outside of the combat zones, and when they were found, their necks showed signs of assassinations.
The group specializing in the assassinations were a mystery, the Empire had no way of confirming their true identities. Then they thought out a plan. It was an encirclement of the Imperial capital. In short, they were inviting their foes.
Cam’s group easily blundered and fell for the trap, but, it could only be said that it was because there was no telling when the empire might set foot into the Sea of Trees.
Or, many Demi-humans were captured and the blood went into their heads as they weren’t able to overlook it, they might have rushed in too quickly when they saw a chance. The empire’s attack burned down the edge of the Sea of Trees and while passing through the fog they were torturing the Demi-human slaves, the unjust methods may have also been the cause.
In the case that Fair Bergens was in its usual state, they would have likely been able to fight while moving in an organised manner, it’s likely that they also knew that it was attacked by demons. Time is of the essence.
It was unthinkable in their miserable state, Cam’s group wasn’t completely calm either.
And, the Empire soldiers were likely the same. After all, the mysterious group carrying out the assassinations caught in the net were none other than the gentle Usagininzoku which would never be accused of fighting. Moreover, It was not the Sea of Trees, they made full use of cooperation to surround an empire soldier and fought equally. Naturally, the lack of common sense caught the higher up’s interests.
As a result,
[We were captured alive, and were interrogated day after day. The other side was mainly interested on how the Hauria tribe had changed so suddenly and where they got their equipment, and, they intended to go to Fair Bergen. It appears that they mistook us as Fair Bergen’s secret force……actually, the whole clan was close to being executed, if our relations were found out it’s likely that it wouldn’t end with just banishment]
The interrogators, asked for the relationship of Fair Bergen and themselves, though it was said various times that they had a rather hostile relationship with them, it was taken as a self-sacrificial action in order to protect their own country. Especially because they had fearless smiles even when his Majesty the Emperor came to watch the interrogations, his eyes shined like a child who found a new toy.
[And? what’s with your excuses for becoming captives? Just hurry and speak of the main subject]
[Pardon me, boss. Then, the main subject, we gathered many more new family members for the Hauria in order to create a new Hauria tribe*I think thats what he means, ????????????????????????????????????*…..With that we picked a war with the empire]
Cam declared with an accomplished sharp look in his eyes, the time for all those around stopped.
Under the illusion, Hajime and excluding everyone in Cam’s Hauria tribe, all movements stopped and became stiff. Whether they haven’t understood yet, or due to the surprise of the idea. Silence filled the surroundings, the cries of insects could be heard in the rock zone during the night.
It was Shia who broke the silence.
[What, what are you talking about, father? Did I hear it wrong? Just now, I was supposed to hear the reason why my family was fighting against the empire……]
[Shia, you didn’t mishear. We hauria tribe, picked a war against the empire. I definitely said that]
[Don’t, don’t, don’t say such foolish things! Just what were you thinking! Certainly, you guys have become strong, but don’t you guys only have around 100 people? Even then to fight the empire? Have you gone mad! Because of the resentment of being robbed of the same race, you’ve become unable to judge properly right!?]
[Shia, thats not it. We’re sane. listen to…..]
[I don’t have to use my Usamimi’s to listen! If its not revenge, you’re just getting full of yourselves then? If so, take up your weapons right now! I’ll be your opponent before you guys fight the empire. Allow me to cut down that extended nose of yours!]
In an excited state, Shia took out Doryukken out of the “Treasure Warehouse”, and one rotation was made with the strong style and a ~Bishi~! Shia pointed it towards Cam’s nose. Her expression was way past recklessness, it was nothing but pure rage at the thought of Cam and the others who had decided on the suicide attack.
Shia’s magic power pours out around her body in a light blue color with physical pressure which overpowered them, it even exceeded the top Hero’s from a different world which would be considered cheats.
Truthfully, this rage of unimaginable power is not something you’d expect from Shia who’s always energetically laughing, Kouki’s group were holding their breaths. However, Cam who had Doryukken pointed at him with enough power to cause the hero’s to flinch, only quietly stared at Shia just like the surface of calm water.
They stare at eachother, or, while holding their breaths everyone was staring at the two, as expected this man moved, it was Hajime. Before anyone was aware, Hajime had already approached Shia from behind, as if Shia was a wild animal he grabbed her fluffy bunny tail to calm her down, suddenly rubbing it was beyond strange.
[Hiyaan~!? Don’t~, that place is no good~! Hajime-Shan*Not a typo*, shtop it~]
Actually, in a different sense it felt better than having her Usamimi’s felt, when her bunny tail was being felt by Hajime it started “feeling good”.
Shia fell onto all fours, started leaking out hot sighs ~Haa Haa~, and stared at Hajime reproachfully. However, her eyes were wet and feverish too, she was only emphasizing her charming figure and nothing else in this situation.
In the intimidating situation, everyone was popeyed because in an instant the atmosphere turned pink. There were also a few in the group that were slouching over too.
Disregarding their surroundings, this time Hajime stroke Shia’s Usamimi’s. Although it wasn’t in an erotic way like before, it was gentle like driving away the pain. Though Shia glared at Hajime reproachfully who started sexually harassing her in the middle of a serious talk, soon it became eyes that seemed pleasant.
[How about it, have you calmed down a bit? Cam’s story isn’t finished yet. It wouldn’t be too late to blow them all away after first hearing everything right?]
[U~……that’s right…..I’m sorry. Too much blood went into my head for a moment. I’m alright now. I’m sorry father]
[What’s bad about worrying about your family? There’s no need to apologise. like-wise, I should have listen to your words as well. …….Thanks for everything recently, I tend to forget those concerns. ……Even so, kukuku]
[Wh, what is it, father, laughing like that….]
[No, I only hope for your happiness above all else. …..You seem to be loved a fair bit by the boss? Un? When will I be able to see my grandchild’s face?]
[Na, gryand, gryandchild*she mispronounces it* you say…..what are you saying, father! We, we haven’t, I…..]
Cam was teasing her, Shia glances upwards at Hajime frequently while her face was bright red-hot. All the Hauria that sees it were smirking greatly. Really, each and every person showed good personalities. Hajime, while thinking of such things, ignored it lightly and asked Cam.
[Cam, though I wouldn’t have believed it, about that talk, you’re not expecting me to participate are you?]
[Haha~, there’s no way I would. Only, the reason this decision was even possible was due to the boss for training us. Therefore, our decision is our own, at least thats what I believe]
Cam denies Hajime’s question while laughing. It appears that they really plan on only doing it by themselves.
However if that happens, the decision couldn’t be anything but recklessness, so they began to worry about the reason that led to such a decision. Shia as well, Cam and them were getting too full of themselves with their power, they were really serious about not going at it for revenge as well, a sorrowful expression is shown.
[Whats the reason?]
[Thats unexpected, do you want to hear it? I thought you weren’t interested though…..]
[If your decisions were thanks to me training you guys, then when you guys do something careless wouldn’t it also reflect back on me? If its just that much, it’s not something I shouldn’t know…..]
Saying so, Hajime glanced at Shia for an instant. Cam guessed what his intent was, his eyes loosened up and joyfully, [I see], with a nod, he begins to speak about the reason.
[As said a little while ago, the Usagininzoku have caught the Emperor’s interest. And its a very strong interest. The empire is a country where people who believes the principle that abilities reign supreme gather, the emperor isn’t free of that saying either. And, their senses of values of weak people are natural according to their principles being ingrained into their characters]
[In other words, you want to say that the Emperor will begin hunting the Usagininzoku for you? Rather than killing you guys, but in order to make you guys his?]
[Affirmative. While I was still being interrogated, the Emperor himself came, “I’ll keep you” he said. Of course, I spat at him on immediately….]
Towards Cam spitting on the Emperor’s face and then verbally abusing him, the Hauria said, [As expected of the Chief!] while getting fired up, Kouki’s group said, [You did that to that Emperor!?] while exposing their surprise.
No one could blame them though. In history, Cam was likely the first person of all races to have spat saliva on the Emperors face. Even Hajime as well, unintentionally raised a voice of admiration, [Ho~o].
[However, it seems to have had an opposite effect. Capturing all of the Usagininzoku and then training them seemed to be interesting, while laughing loudly with an extremely greedy face. When he declared it, his face was quite serious. Once again he’ll advance onto the Sea of Trees, more Usagininzoku will be attacked this time. Also, Fair Bergen hasn’t finished rebuilding yet, they won’t be able to endure another attack. Therefore, it’ll be likely that the Empire will demand all Usagininzokus to be handed over for them to cease their attack….]
[I get it now. If this is handled passively, they’ll literally rob you of all your family……]
[Affirmative. If its so that only the Hauria survive, it’s not that difficult to do. However, because of us, all the the other Usagininzoku will be deprived of their futures….it’s too much]
It seems that it was a bigger problem than initially thought, Cam’s group was cornered situationally.
It was as Cam had said, Just the Hauria surviving wouldn’t be too difficult if they devoted themselves to escaping and guerrilla warfare while making use of the Sea of Trees, But all the other Usagininzoku will be seeing hell. If they cannot answer the Emperors wish of “Strong Usagininzokus”, women, and children will probably be killed rather than being turned into a pet slave.
[But, you can’t really believe that an army of a little over 100 will be enough to stand against the Empire right?]
[Of course. A head-on collision while shouting courageously would be out of the question. We are Usagininzokus, we won’t lose to any other race in terms of stealth operations]
Cam said while smiling from ear to ear. Hajime also guessed his intentions.
[In other words, Assassination?]
[Affirmative. if they bear their fangs at us, the first moment that they’ve relaxed, their necks will fly from a blade in the darkness….In practice, fear and sense of crisis will be planted into those fellows. Always not knowing where attacks are coming from, the Usagininzoku will show their power that only their race can do. We are neither weak nor lower ranked, they’ll realise that we’re a threat that requires absolute resolution of death to attack]
[The Emperors entire clan, don’t you think that there have already been measures placed against assassination?]
[Of course they probably do. However, we’re not aiming for the Emperor’s clan, it’s the humans around their environment. As expected, none of the surrounding humans would have severe defenses. Yesterday, today, the humans who have been intimate, one person, and then another person will disappear. What we can do at the moment is this, I think it’ll be pretty effective. Then finally, it’ll be perfect if they create a policy of noninterference for us]
It was an indescribably unsophisticated plan. However, rather than saying that they’ll assassinate the Emperors clan, they thought of a very realistic idea.
however, thats it, because there’s not enough time to make the Empire feel any kind of threat, It’s more likely that it’ll cause a full-scale retaliation, will the Empire decide to completely annihilate the Usagininzoku, or will they feel threatened and decide to negotiate at a table, it’s obvious which decision would be made. They’re taking part in a very bad gamble.
However it still needs to be done, the Usagininzoku will have a dark future either way. Everyone has an expression which shows that they’ve already prepared themselves.
[….Father…..you all….]
Shia’s shoulders dejectedly drop. Turning the empire soldiers into enemies, the Usagininzokus which just broke out of the dungeon in the Imperial castle which would in other words be called a prison, If the Emperor doesn’t overlook his own interests for his duty to the public, she could also guess what would happen.
The road left for the Usagininzokus, would they be able to dessert all the other families in order for the Hauria to survive, would all members be happy about becoming toys of the Empire, will they risk their lives and fight, there’s only one choice.
[Shia, Don’t make such a face. We won’t run away like before while being looked down on, we’ll eventually overrun them, submitting to them reluctantly would be an ungraceful thing to do…..Now, we’ll fight like this, to be able to have this will, we’re extremely glad]
[But!]
[Shia, to win the right to live, we’ll fight. However, our purpose is not to live. Our purpose is to live with honor as the Hauria. Against any kind of power, if we retreat now, in the end we’ll be the same losers that we were in the past. Only that cannot be permitted]
[Father…..]