Chapter 70: Heaven and Hell [End of Volume 1]

Looking around for what might have been lost, the Emperor awaited their reply, while all Gojin could think about was sushi, and Kenji, on the other hand, was preoccupied with soba. Sakura, however, didn’t care about the question; her gaze was fixed on the handsome warrior.

“Sushi!”

“Soba or Tempura!”

The two young men spoke simultaneously, both wearing wide grins. They weren’t even trying to be modest or calm in the presence of the Emperor; they lacked humility, and this behaviour left even Agnis and some of the guards stunned, though they couldn’t express their shock.

Sakura sat there like a patient dog waiting for its bone. This was beyond embarrassing; if there were a word for it, that would better describe the situation.

The Emperor burst into laughter as he slouched lazily on his throne. Kenji, momentarily forgetting his animosity towards him, had been caught up in the question about their favourite foods. After a moment, the Emperor sighed, bringing his laughter to an end.

“I shall make sure you all get what you love. But first, what are your names?”

Oh. They hadn’t introduced themselves. Despite being invited, they hadn’t expected the Emperor to glean any in-depth information about them, as they were new to the City. It was also quite impressive how they had managed to track them down, but it was simple enough; all they had to do was get a drawing from the pawn shop owner, who had deliberately drawn Gojin in a rather unflattering manner. With that, they set out across the city, asking at inns, restaurants, stores, and shops, until one directed them to the inn where they were staying.

Also, the news of their arrival had spread widely across the city.

After the three sets of youngsters who had come into the city—of whose formal harbour was unknown—demons began to diminish, and there were fewer cases of murder and missing persons. The natives seemed to think they had been blessed by the heavens.

The three introduced themselves to the Emperor, who commented on each name, explaining its meaning and how beautiful it was to the mind.

Exchanging pleasantries, laughter, discussions about food, country management, finances, and everything in between, the Emperor suddenly became open and free with them, as if he had known them before, perhaps as best friends. It was quite surprising.

Minutes later, as the atmosphere calmed, the Emperor proposed that he had something of interest and wanted to know if they could undertake it.

The Emperor’s expression grew grave as he spoke of the demons that had infested Heian-kyo. “These vile creatures have plagued our city for far too long,” he lamented, his voice heavy with concern. “We have done everything within our power to combat them, yet they continue to multiply, spreading their malevolence beyond our walls.”

He gestured expansively, as if encompassing the entire realm. “Their influence has seeped into the surrounding lands, rendering them unsafe for my citizens. Villages that once thrived now lie in ruin, and fear grips the hearts of those who remain. It is a blight upon our country, and I cannot stand idly by while my people suffer.”

Turning his gaze towards the three newcomers, he continued earnestly, “I would be immensely grateful if you would lend your strength to our cause. Together, we could curb the demons’ advance and restore peace to our lands. In return, I promise you not only monetary reward but also shelter within the grand Imperial Palace. You would be safe here, and your contributions would be recognised and honoured.”

The Emperor’s eyes shone with hope, a flicker of determination igniting within him as he awaited their response.

Gojin had a different thought in mind; it was rather foolish, in the sense that they could have purged these demons long before their arrival, as they had multiple samurai and the Heavenly Warrior. How could they still be suffering at the hands of such malevolent creatures? This only revealed how incompetent they all were, leading to their inability to face this crisis. And now, they were asking for his help? Well, unsurprisingly, his answer was yes, which shocked both Sakura and Kenji. None had anticipated that Gojin would agree to such a request. In fact, he accepted it because, firstly, he would be able to accomplish his own goals – taking down the demons, finding the remaining fragments of Kurozai, and restoring the Demon Emperor to his full power, before eventually defeating him. Additionally, he could acquire a large portion of the Demonic Army. Furthermore, there were the closer, more immediate gains to be had – the chance to earn some money, as well as food and shelter within the Palace. What a life.

Of course, they would need to notify Reikishi before embarking on the Emperor’s request, which was actually their main reason for coming. However, accepting the Emperor’s offer meant more exploration and adventure than expected, along with the money to fund it all. There was also a new goal added to Gojin’s list: to challenge the Heavenly Warrior and acquire new battle techniques in the process.

Ultimately, Kenji and Sakura followed his lead. It wasn’t as though this was not what they both wanted. As for the young lady, now lost in her own world, she was silently cheering for Gojin in her mind, for a reason known only to her – something related to her new, rainbow-chasing goal.

The Emperor was pleased that they had agreed to help, and soon after, the large, eloquent doors to the Grand Hall opened once more. Two ministers, part of the Emperor’s royal court, entered with grim expressions, announcing that a problem had now infiltrated the Country, one that was more spiritual than physical, and also of a wartime nature.

And, as was well known, the Emperor despised the word “war”, though, if asked, he would reluctantly accept it. He was certainly acting like a concerned Emperor, Kenji thought. However, that was something to consider, but the real question was: who or what had declared this war?

The answer came swiftly: the Heavens and Hell.

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End of Volume One: The Beginning

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