/jp/ - Otaku Culture

>>46520915
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But it isn't only our servants here in this effort, my Akyuu.

Sanae Kochiya approaches me, frowning as she walks past one of ours who cleaned rifle muzzles on the ground; making sure they'd properly fire when needed, stopping by me and my samurai, who, following my example, bowed down to the living goddess and the small entourage of Moriyan apprentices that followed her, the young girls' tired gazes at our towering flags and war-banners, puzzled of sorts. “Hieda-sama, good evening.” She and her apprentices reciprocate the bowing as we begin a nice walk around the perimeter of the camp. I hide my contempt at seeing battered, lifeless dirt filled with tracks of the Gatling Guns wheels. Apart from that, not at all surprising were her shrine maiden apprentices and my samurai having sweet talks around the fires, drinking either fermented milk or sake—I even caught a couple escaping amidst the 'confusion', all laughs and redness. I blame neither: today might be the last day they have to feel earthly desires—; Sanae, however, is much more focused on the many weapons and thousands of ammo rounds. “… Isn't this a bit too much firepower?”

“Keine's words are all lies and her ideas foolish—but I'd never disrespect someone like her on the battlefield. I'll present all that I have, and I expect her to do the same.” This is not a battle of attrition, not with the always-looming presence of the HSE and Yukari, who, at a whim, can go ahead and slaughter Keine's Rebellion or the entirety of the Hieda Clan. Whatever she chooses has no rhyme to it… This will be an all-out battle for control, and I'll respect and honor my ancestors to the very end. Should I die, I desire to meet my little Akyuu across the Sanzu; ask why has she left her father and never came back…

It'd be gratifying to hold her hand again on mine, as if she'd never left.

“—This just feels like escalation, Hieda-sama,” Sanae keeps talking, her arms crossed. “You're inviting a war rather than defending yourself from one.”

“Have you forgotten all the reports about the immortal? They're trying to suffocate me with their sheer power, believing her immortality to keep us kneeling!” My hand tightens around my katana's handle, my eyes narrowing; the revolver feels natural tucked in my waist. “This is just matching what she's bringing to the table.”

Sanae sulks, my samurai merely nodding and one of her apprentices looking concerned at someone running past us, carrying belt upon belt of loaded rounds for the Gatlings on their shoulders. Sanae's other apprentice, however, mumbles. “Trying to match their powers using human weaponry? That won't get you anywhere.”

I give her a side glance. “Don't underestimate the things humans can produce—danmaku is not an all-mighty art.” That should've been the end of it, with Sanae ready to continue moaning fruitlessly about my methods.

But the girl decided to double down: “These are bullets shot in patterns; we dodge them all the time during duels.” She then turns to Sanae. “If we're to expect the insurgents to attack tomorrow—something we aren't sure as of now—, we should focus on getting the humans out of the way, Sanae-sensei…” Her words bring our walk to a halt, eyes falling upon her. My samurai were impassive and the other apprentice mumbled about 'idiot'. Sanae groaned, eyes on the girl full of judgement… But I saw an opportunity. Prepare yourself, my Akyuu—you loved that stance…

“Shojo, you seem to think that, because we don't have powers like yours, we're in dire need of babysitting by the people of your temple.” I turn fully towards her, the same calm exterior I'd wear around the children of the temple school. The girl—about your age, Akyuu—frowns.

“That's exactly why we were paid to be here, right?” As expected, the 'right' is accompanied by her looking at Sanae, seeking guidance. A child.

“You were paid to protect us from the immortal, yes, but it won't be only the immortal fighting for Keine; other Youkai and traitors will fight us too—the Hieda Clan will fight against them as we did in the past.” She still doesn't believe my words, and it's even endearing; it makes me feel happy that, despite the dangers of Gensokyo, she was raised in a safe environment with no wars.

Would you feel as satisfied as I do, Akyuu? You'd certainly feel anger that this balance is being threatened, right…?

Regardless, this is a teaching moment.

I look around and see that our walk around the war preparations had led us to one of the many shallow ponds around the gardens, with many paper lanterns floating aimlessly and softly illuminating the waters. Perfect. “Hm… Underestimating your opponent is a dangerous blunder; underestimating your allies is a death sentence, Shojo.” I make a hand gesture to my samurai, ordering them to stay in place. Sanae and her apprentices watch disconcerted as I leisurely enter the waters—on ankle-height—, holding onto the koiguchi of my sword's sheath. “Let's fix that with a spar, shall we?”