Kaze no Stigma:Volume1 Chapter2

Chapter Two - The sudden disaster

1

“Not ready yet? Until what time do we have to wait, Hyoue”

“— — please wait a little longer” Hyoue replied towards the seemly impatient person.

Then that person closed his eyes pensively and walked away. The wind was blowing against Hyoue. Within the blowing wind was the air still with the ki of youma, passing through beneath Hyoue’s palm, that ki of youma that passed beneath his palms, is like an air that would swallow anyone no matter whom.

When it was discover the slices of meat of the 3 people it was already dawn, this unbelievably serious situation strongly shocked the entire Kannagi clan.

This is a certainty, using speed that surpasses the speed to cover your ears, killing 3 defensively prepared people without alerting anyone.

In order to understand the situation, the Fuga Clan were summoned, thus Hyoue himself gather the youma ki in the air to understand who the enemy is. “hmm” “T—, This is….”

Sounds of concentration. Hyoue used the reappeared youma ki, without missing any that passed through the palms, then gathering it together. This is a very cold air. Even for the very famous jutsu practitioners provides sufficient reasons to fear it.

“This is from fuujutsu, this is created by a jutsu practitioner that is in a completely different category from us the Fuga Clan, entrapping the 3 people in the wind “kekkai” and then killed.

The report of Hyoue isn’t something beneficial, and could be easily understood from settings of the place.

“This kind of things I understand, but who did it?!”

“If you required a detailed report, I hope more time is allowed…” facing this inquiry Hyoue made this indistinct reply.

“Then quickly go do it, you guys can only act...”

“All be quiet!”

Given Juugo angry voice all jutsu practitioners became silent, in substitution only Juugo’s condolingly voice.

“Is it like that, good job, you can retire. — — right, how’s the health of Ryuya? At that instance, Hyoue appeared surprised due to the Suzerain’s concern over his son’s health.

“Yes… If he quietly recuperates there shouldn’t be any problems. Although he can no longer recover to the level to be working for the Kannagi clan anymore. This unworthy son, is really an embarrassment.”

Given Juugo’s words of gratitude, Hyoue [bows] <-- !Sounds too western -->.

“Yes… Thank you very much. I will go give indications to my subordinates, for I will retire….”

“Then please, I await your reply, Hyoue.” The captain of the Fuuga family bows silently and then leaves.

The enemy is a fuujutsu practitioner that deeply hates the Kannagi Clan. Using some reasoning, everyone thinks the name of one person; the name of the man of the one that coincidentally at this time returned to Japan.

“It’s Kazuma! The strength he obtained for revenge, and then returned to Japan! Comrades, let’s kill the betrayer Kazuma. Let’s find him without delay, and then kill him!”

The person that made such an aggressive voice is the previous suzerain,[name]. Even though he has retired, he still has an air of the previous suzerain. The entire clan intensely dislikes him, although he is the only one that doesn’t know.

“Oto-san, first to clarify, we don’t have evidences that Kazuma did this.” Juugo seriously said in order to defect [name] tirade.

“You! Who else if it is not Kazuma…”

“[Previous Suzerain], please hold silent. From when you open your mouth to speak such words it is not possible for us discuss the issue.”

Facing [name] with ear impairment, Genma coldly looks on. In those eyes appears aninsulting look that cannot be hidden.

Facing this person that has no strength except for scheming ability and was chosen suzerain. Genma from the depth of his heart condescends him.

In [Name]’s thirty years as suzerain, the strength of the Kannagi Clan has hit rock bottom. Given [Name] inability to control the representative sword of the Kannagi Clan, and his incapacity of passing the sword to someone else; resulting in it being deeply buried in the warehouse before Juugo’s accession to the suzerain position.

Of course this Genma was not thinking about such foolish item. Genma’s notion is that the strongest jutsu practitioner should be one that succeeds the suzerain position; therefore Genma does not hate the suzerain, Juugo, only that his own strength isn’t enough in comparison.

Previously, he wanted to prepare his son to be next suzerain, even though it is not really a scheme, he just wanted to train and prepare Kazuma with the strength to become the next suzerain.

Though [Name] doesn’t really have any such thoughts as beliefs, he only has the ambition for power. This is what Genma thought. Logically, no matter how Genma tried to hide his thoughts, those thoughts are revealed when he further enraged [Name].

Even though they are of a close family/blood relationship of uncle and nephew, the loathing between the two again deepens.

“Y, You want to shield Kazuma? No, I should say that is your scheme? Allow Kazuma to go outside the country to learn jutsu then kill off Juugo and Ayano, then allow Ren to succeed the position of suzerain?

[Name] turned the arrowhead towards Genma. This kind of bad will was almost materializing like “sticky things connecting items together”, allowing the crowd to start agitating.

“That kind of idea only comes from with “low moral fiber.” <-- !substitute suitable word. --> For [Name]’s such sayings, the almost insulting provocation, Genma didn’t contradict —— because the reply would be extremely disrespectful.

“Oto-san, that’s enough!”

Juugo wouldn’t allow the continuation of such insulting diatribe; therefore he forcefully hurried the people to take him away.

“The [Previous Generation] is tired, please return to your room to rest.”

“Wait, Juugo! Genma is not to be trusted! If you don’t listen to me, sooner or later you will regret it!” [Name] was carried away like luggage. That harsh voice slowly decreases in volume until nothing is heard.

“Really sorry for the insulting diatribes of my father, with regards to me please forgive him.”

Juugo puts his both hands on the tatami in a slight bow. Genma replied indifferently, “I didn’t pay attention; the reason for such words is the previous generation caring deeply about the Kannagi Clan.”

With an exchange of looks, understanding the others reasoning they smiled at the same time, and with that they understood that chatting time is over, now is time to enter to serious points.

“Like the previous suzerain has said, the timing is too much of a coincidence. It is better to meet again and have a discussion.”

Genma from the start maintain his silence, seems like he doesn’t want to discuss about his son.

“Would Kazuma easily submit to our instructions?”

“If he doesn’t submit, we will use strength to bring him here. Even though he has obtained strength, that person is Kazuma. 2 or 3 people will be more than enough to capture him.”

“….That’s good then. The selection of person in charge of the assignment will be your responsibility. No matter what, it is necessary to quickly bring back Kazuma.” “Understood”

Even though Genma received an order to capture his own son, Genma was tranquil comparable to facing someone else.

“Ayano-sama has returned!”

The serious expression on Juugo’s face started to relax, and Genma wore a highly energetic and fierce look. Not even waiting a little, she just appeared.

“pah” and she pulled slided the door, collecting everyone’s look towards that direction.

“I home, Oto-san! Ehh… What’s going on?” <-- ! Japanese saying? --> Appearing on scene was a sufficiently commanding young teenage girl, asked when she saw the atmosphere of the gathering. That black hair that almost reaches the back, flowing straight and sideways created by the movements of her head, simply represents the blooming of a bishojo. At the same moment, the “dark and cold” atmosphere had completely vanished. That is a spiritual energy that comes from within that in one breath cleansed the atmosphere of the room.

The appearance of an unclear enemy who killed some people at home. Those people that have been discussing this situation nonstop, now is like facing a blinding light, that uncomfortable and distressing feeling is completely vanished.

Like before the rays of the sun, all the movements in dark are not allowed to exist. Only right there was the person that has the ability to vanquish the dark with spiritual powers not beneath the powers for light, the next suzerain in waiting owner of Enraiha person. That’s person is Juugo’s daughter, Kannagi Ayano.

“How’s the report, Ayano?” Juugo was testing his daughter with a serious expression, like when asking other people. This is best way as a father to direct his daughter; at least this is what Juugo thinks.

“Excuse me” Ayano at that moment also finished bowing. “The youma that was release was completely vanquished.”

“Hmm, good job.” As a jutsu practitioner, after finish reporting to the suzerain, Ayano innocently continue questioning. “Then, what had actually happened, oto-san?”

“Hmm——, previously 3 people have been killed and nobody had noticed. This is a serious situation!”

Although they were distant relatives, Ayano quieted after hearing that 3 people from the family had been killed. “A serious situation” wasn’t that “3 people have been killed” instead it was because “nobody had noticed.”

This was not some callous sentiment, but it is an understanding of what is of primary importance. A girl of only sixteen year old, who has such a strong will and discipline, is surprising.

“Nobody saw that fuujutsu-shi?” “Of course, there is a suspect.”

Faced with Ayano’s questioning, Juugo replied heavily. “It’s Kazuma”

“Who’s that? That’s?”

Faced with this kind of close and revealing speech, Juugo’s “sun vein” furrowed.

“Think carefully about your older cousin’s name. “Successor Ceremony” betting Enraiha who fought with you.”

“Older cousin… Could it be the Kazuma that left the family 4 years ago? Could that be label as a fight?”

Given his daughter’s direct words, Juugo secretly spied on Genma’s expression to see if there were any changes. Even though the inner feelings are not apparent, even the outer unreadable appearance of Genma had no change at all.

“Right, I heard that he left the country… and trained there. Later he became a fuujutsu-shi?”

“That’s how it is, supposedly returned to Japan recently, and changed his name to Yagami Kazuma. Yesterday, he met with the killed Shinji during a job, where he beautifully completed it. It seems like in these 4 years he trained very hard.

“Kazuma… Looks like he hates us…” Finally remembering, Ayano said looking towards a distant place.

“It could be like that” Genma replied with a void of facial expression.

“But, even though it is like that, we can’t easily kill him. If it was done by him, we need to use his life to pay for the crimes.”

“If?...”

Ayano turned her glance toward Genma, Genma without any change accepted Ayano’s look. The one that disinherited Kazuma and the one that provided the reason for the inheritance cross their gazes.

The first to avoid her look was Ayano. Without regards to strength as jutsu practitioners, life experience is immensely surpassed. In reality, even with careful searching (she’s) still void of self-confidence in order to win.

After stopping unsatisfied challenge/look , Ayano look towards Juugo.

“Then, what will be done? Defeat him?

“Now we haven’t decided whether it was done by Kazuma, anyways, we would like to meet with him and discuss it.”

Faced with his daughter’s simplistic and dangerous words, Genma deeply felt the danger. Even though she has the Enraiha’s overwhelming power, Ayano no matter what she is doing tends to resort to violence. Genma frequently hopes that as she is the next suzerain she would have less impulsive way of thinking.

“Now is not time for you, wait until there are other missions to be done.”

“…Yes”

Faced with a barely compliant daughter, Juugo said condolingly.

“You have just finished a mission, you must be tired, today get some good rest.”

“… I understand.”

Even though it seems like it is not acceptable, Ayano still obeys what her father has said. After “bowing”, rapidly leaves the room. Until the “door” closed, Juugo didn’t blink, releasing a deep unhappy expression about her.

“……………This stubborn daughter.”

Juugo seemly saying “not acceptable” and sighing deeply. Even though it is with this kind of strict speech manner, the care and love for her daughter no matter what is hard to hide.

This two people have said the sayings for many times. To put it correctly, [blank], due to his younger brother’s death has a burning fire for revenge. Takeya, no matter how many times you tell him to pay attention to his orders will still forget it, said he was nagging <-- !Who is saying what to whom -->

They are waiting for the report, and then immediately go towards Kazuma’s direction. <-- ! Something is missing here -->

2

For the information network of the Kannagi Clan to find the place Kazuma was staying was really simple.

To find him the next morning didn’t really require any special methods, because he used his own name to register at the hotel.

So given Genma’s command, two jutsu practitioners were sent. Yuuki [blank] and Ogami Takeya were the strongest jutsu practitioners of the branch families. Even though they have opposing personalities, they are great friends. This combination excluding the main family can be said to be without rivals.

From Genma viewpoint, he has thrown in the two strongest cards on hand. But, possibly the selection of oldest son of the Yuuki family can be said as deadly mistake. Why, because this man has absolutely no desire to convince Kazuma.

“Kazuma, you “bastard”, I will cut you ten-thousand pieces.” (Note: there is one character, I think in Mandarin, Japanese, and Korean that is equal to ten-thousand. Historically ten-thousand is also a big number, can also be infinite.)

“If he is dead, it will become problematic. At least let’s leave him with the ability to talk when we take him back.”

As they wait for the upcoming report, they will directly head towards Kazuma’s direction. Of course, they have absolutely no desire to persuade him. At least they didn’t have this kind of desire, but what they never contemplated was that they would be ones assaulted.

“Still not ready yet?”

“It’s going to be ready soon.”

This kind of discussion cannot satisfy them at all; don’t know how many times they have repeatedly asked. Given that the two of them are waiting to receive the same report, they should know it doesn’t matter how they ask… .

“What the “hell” are they doing, those useless Fuga clan! It’s only that one person Kazuma, can’t they easily bring him over!” [blank] reprimanded angrily, in reality they have turn the arrowhead towards the Fuga clan.

“This is worrying, Fuga clan might even be connected to this situation.” Takeya forcefully said some pretty words to sway [blank], Fuga shielding him isn’t impossible, using words that attack them, in order to change the attention of [blank] is certainly welcomed.

Thinking momentarily, [blank] grinded his teeth angrily and said.

“damn, they only have slightly sharper senses, what is there to be complacent about.”

“Don’t say it like that; they are just a bunch of sad people with non-discussable/nil fighting power. Even failing to do something simple, very pathetic?”

“That’s right, hahaahahahahahaaaaa…”

Just like Takeya have wished, [blank] have completely forgotten about the issue to reprimand. Hearing this sudden liberated laughter, Takeya has a thought — — Not like what was heard 10 seconds ago “Still not ready yet?” Similarly he feels very slow and lengthy.

“Incoming, in the area right head about 500 meters, looks like he hasn’t noticed.”

Suddenly, amidst the conversation between the two a voice appears. This is a jutsu used by Fuga clan called “Method of Summoning/Calling Spirits” used for sending the voice. This allows the wind to carry the voice, even works for large distances.

“Coming, won’t leave him no limbs, neither legs nor arms, burn it all. Let’s attack!”

This was not voiced for anybody to hear, only [blank]’s mumblings to himself. This can be seen from the hatred-filled eyes; certainly really problematic.

Even though they didn’t continue their discussion how to punish, at least put up some resistance, that’s how he thinks. Until he’s half dead, could slowly torture him besides what was mentioned before, there’s plenty more.

Takeya slightly separated himself and quickly glanced, being with someone this dangerous, his thoughts from inner self a certain divide.

Just like that a divide in the friendship, appears Kazuma.

Facing that with no alertness, completely nonchalant——viewed from their perspective—— walks along Kazuma, Takeya in order to alert him shouted.

“Long time no see, Kazuma!”

“ah, the successor from the Ogami?”

At that instance, to connect your recollection and present needs time. But, Takeya is waiting for that instance.

It’s this kind of prideful self-elevation that results in lagging concentration.

“Know why we are looking for you?”

Takeya pressures that [blank] with blood-filled eyes ready to release fireballs, using a condescending method of speech.

“Nope, completely don’t understand”

Kazuma reply could be described as “couldn’t be more direct”, but also apparently has some percentage of challenge. By crunching his head and neck and making a certain exaggerating and sarcastic action, then shook his head in denial, predictably piss Takeya off enough for veins to be showing. Takeya succeeded in controlling his anger, and recovering his cool begins to explain.

“Yesterday night, Kannagi Clan had three jutsu practitioners killed.

“uhmm ——, and? And like with all the authority Kazuma asked pressuringly.

“The one that killed was a fuujutsu-shi.

“……………………..”

“……………………..”

The environs were surrounded by silence. Warm wind blowing through the dusk “Tree-Shadow” Road <-- ! A name of a road, I think need correction --> , the red leaves lightly started to dance, shining upon by crimson sun the red leaves are dyed even a darker shade of red, this is the beauty that appears before the darkness controlled world.

“……………..”

The first to open his mouth was Kazuma’s side, compared to silence, it seems like he further detest being stared by men.

“So what is the matter?”

“The suzerain has things to ask you, follow!”

“It wasn’t me! Finished!”

The instance after saying such words and was thinking to leave, Kazuma suddenly bounced horizontally outwards, an instance before in the space where Kazuma existed, without touching anything appeared a fireball.

Kazuma —— doesn’t know why Takeya —— looks towards [blank] , consequently [blank] using a deep, like a natural born deep voiced snigger.

“hmhmhm, what’s the matter, you finally did it? Then, there is no other way besides using power to suppress!”

At the same time of the shout, surrounding [blank] tongues of crimson begin to burn and dance. The flames that appear at the same time as the yell, even though connected to [blank]’s body, the clothes were not burnt. [blank] had surprisingly unthought-of carefulness.

Like the flames that continue to move on his body, [blank] was so happy that his lips were slanted, and said in like a proclamation.

“If you can’t speak about it then it is questionable, burn off your arms and legs! Lessening the weight will make it easier to transport around! Won’t kill you now, but you can’t continue living in such a humiliating condition? After the suzerain finishes his questioning I’ll be nice and kill you! Within one week! Use this time for you to fully regret living. I want you to know! Killing Shinji, absolutely cannot allow you to continue living untroubled!”

Assuming the future will be like that was his words were saying. But, Kazuma facing crazily laughing [blank], looked as if he was watching some rare animal, asked very seriously.

“Kannagi Clan has recently given food to this kind of “thing”?”

“—No, Ahh….hu….”

Takeya really had no reply. Considering himself to be normal, did want to recognize that the thing with him is the same kind.

“That person usually adores Shinji, now he hates you who killed Shinji is quite within reason.”

“That’s why I said it wasn’t me.”

“Then please go and clarify everything with the suzerain.”

“I am no longer part of the Kannagi Clan, if he has business with me tell him to come look for me himself, please pass it like that to him.”

“… Negotiation is broken then, it seems.” In order to make good the words, Takeya raised his “ki”. He then directed the surrounding dancing fire spirits to dance with his self-conscious.

The surrounding temperature was raised enough to be felt by the skin. Even though the fire spirits haven’t materialize, the surroundings have evidently changes in physics.

Seems like frightened in faced of such elevated fighting spirit, scores of red leaves continually fluttered down, the bright red leaves before touching Takeya’s body instantly changes to ashes and floated off.

Still Kazuma, like before, stood there with hands in the leather jacket watched the two of them. It seems like he has no desire to confront the Kannagi Clan, of course it is hard to see from that kind of pose.

“This is the last opportunity, yield humbly to us, Kazuma.”

Faced with Takeya last ultimatum, Kazuma raises his middle finger and says. “Take a good look at yourselves before coming.”

“Die!!!!!”

“You idiot!”

At the instance of starting the jutsus, the two believed that victory would be certain. Because in the clan the two of the strongest class attacking at the same time. No matter what kind of strategy Kazuma had, face with kind of massive power is useless.

But—— Poou! <-- !SFX --> The fireball from Takeya hand, suddenly instanteously explodes. Above the sound, the fireball in his credulity had such a big categorical runaway explosion.

The fireball that left Takeya’s control, was like a wild animal with its tooth pulled. Even with the protection of the fire spirit, it is still no possible to shield the crash of the explosion’s force. Instantly the force of the explosion hits the entire body, Takeya was simply KO.

(W,What? What had happened…? Shit, [blank], leave….)

Even though “Leave the rest to you” this kind of saying, but [blank] similarly lost his conscious, because on his face the black and blue continuously pulsed.

Kazuma returns his hands back in the pockets of the leather jacket; lower his head at the two people. After releasing a condescending grin, he walked right by the two unconscious person’s side.

Even though it seems like he wanted to directly leave, at that time Kazuma stops his footsteps. Then as if he felt something, looked towards the trees where no one is at.

“If you want to pick a fight with me, I won’t be merciful!?”

At the same time of this warning, one of the trees separated. Without any noise from the chopped tree following the break slowly slid down.

Already forgetting to hide the body, stood dumbly staring at Kazuma, then Kazuma turns to leave. The guarding jutsu practitioner was fearful. The one that was lured was himself? The prey we were hunting is this frightening thing——?