819 Run off into the distance, young man! (1/2)

Shigure made his decision.

He didn't have to think hard about it… In fact, he barely thought at all before he came to a decision. He would trust Seiji Haruta!

Even Shigure himself found it strange how easily he came to such a decision.

Why was it that rather than his own family, he far more trusted this ”mortal enemy” to save him?

Shigure was rather confused about his own feelings. He didn't know the answer, but he also didn't have any doubts about Seiji. This seemed quite strange.

After some momentary confusion, he decided to give up on this seemingly unsolvable problem.

Shigure told Seiji his answer. Seiji said that he needed to return to the real world first, but that he would return again. He then led Shigure into the shrine.

A white-clad miko (Chiaki) who wore a mask was quietly waiting for him in the shrine.

”She's my companion. She'll be communicating with a goddess and casting a spell on you that will allow the goddess to locate your body,” Seiji explained. ”The Evil Goddess might be able to detect this and cause harm or even death upon your body. Of course, I'm happy that you chose to trust in me. But, I still have to ask one more time. Are you really sure?”

'You can still back out now if you want'—Seiji was expressing that.

Shigure silently mulled it over. He felt like he wouldn't regret this. ”I believe you,” he stated.

”I shall do my very best,” Seiji replied seriously as he could feel Shigure's trust in him.

He then had Shigure sit down in the middle of the shrine, and indicated Chiaki to begin her spell.

The miko started singing and dancing, causing cherry blossoms to materialize in midair. A white mist that contained divine power poured out and swiftly filled the entire shrine.

Seiji sat down in the white mist. Some time later, he heard the White Sakura Goddess's voice and received her information.

The next moment, he exited the dream world and returned to the real world. Seiji looked all around at his companions who were all prepared.

”We're heading out!”

...

”Do you think that your younger brother will be able to save my younger brother?” Raizen asked Yui.

Raizen had already learned from Yui that his brother Shigure was still alive, along with Yui's plan to have Seiji rescue Shigure.

”I don't know… but since he agreed, he must have some confidence,” Yui replied.

”He might also make the situation even worse,” Raizen spoke in a low voice.

”Indeed. But no matter what he does, it wouldn't be worse than what a certain older brother did to his younger brother, am I right?”

Raizen fell silent.

”You're not worried that you'll also lose your own younger brother?”

”I believe that he will know what he can and can't handle. It was his choice to accept this mission. He'll accept the corresponding responsibility. And if the situation becomes too dangerous, he'll probably decide to give up if necessary. After all, there won't be any punishment even if he fails this mission. Not only that, he'll be saving someone that appears to be his 'mortal enemy'.”

”Unexpected events will always happen.”

”Even if something happens, aren't younger brothers to be used and taken advantage of?” Yui replied by using words that Raizen had previously told her.

Raizen was rendered speechless.

Was she really not trying to make sarcastic jabs at him?

Raizen subtly felt like he was being slapped in the face, but he was unsure.

”Are you trying to brag that your younger brother is more outstanding than my younger brother?” Raizen tried asking such a question.

”Nope,” Yui spoke in a light tone while averting her gaze.

...

Seiji and his friends were now progressing through the Realm of Cherry Blossoms.

Kazuko opened up a portal to the Realm of Cherry Blossoms, close to where Shigure's physical body was, by using the coordinates that Seiji gave her. Everyone began progressing through the Realm of Cherry Blossoms as if they were normally training in the Domain.

At first, it wasn't very difficult. But after progressing for a while, a Samurai Demon suddenly jumped out!

It really jumped out of nowhere. This giant ”vicious demon” level monster just magically appeared in the middle of a group of Sakura samurai. The Samurai Demon immediately slashed viciously at Seiji's party!

Everyone was highly on guard, so nobody was injured. Seiji and Natsuya immediately teamed up to deal with it. Shika and Hitaka protected their respective Yin Yang Masters. Everyone else focused on speedily cleaning up the small fries.