Kanashi stared at the army of weasels, pure fear filling his body. There were hundreds of them, maybe even over a thousand and they all stared at him with pure killing intent. They were without a doubt Kamaitachi. Their red fur and pitch black eyes only added to their unsettling appearance, the main aspect being their long curved sickle like claws which could easily gut someone alive.
The standoff was tense, Kanashi stared at the Weasels with his observation flashing red repeatedly, his body told him to run but his mind said that would only agitate them.
If I don't move now, when do I? At some point they're going to pounce so when is the correct time to move? Do I run or do I fight? Can I take them all? I have a long ranged attack like [Hellstorm] but it’s not going to melt them instantly like Akatoras fire would. Instead I’d just have to fight blood lusted Kamaitachi which are now on fire… there’s no winning in this scenario!
It seemed like the stand off lasted half an hour but in truth it was probably no more than thirty seconds before the first move was made.
One of the weasels took a step towards Kanashi raising its claw up slightly and Kanashi attacked first.
[HELL STORM : MAXIMUM OUTPUT!]
The valley erupted into flames and the weasels shrieked as the attack landed. Kanashi without pause cast [Mudd Chimera: Bakou!] And rode off as quickly as he could. The weasels quickly gave chase.
ZIP!
Slashes of razor sharp wind flew at Kanashi and his mount who narrowly dodged them by zig zagging rapidly.
They’re really pushing my Manipulation to the test here! Kanashi thought as he strained to control the golem. It was a similar feeling to drawing a circle with one hand and a square with another, while possible it was difficult and annoying to do. Something that required a lot of practice to perfect.
[Mudd!] Kanashi sent a surge of mana through the golem and to the floor where more Golems burst out forming a line behind him.
The freshly conjured frogs and Salamanders tried to fight the Kamaitachi but it was futile, they were instantly ripped to shreds with razor sharp winds. The golems once destroyed exploded into a splash of mud filled with electricity which some of the weasels fell victim to being shocked to hell and back.
This attack only seemed to enrage the surviving weasels as they turned more viscous, their chirps filling the valley.
“!”
Kanashi sensed something coming at him from his right and quickly looked up just in time to see a weasel flying towards him, its claws aimed for his neck.
My instinct is telling me to throw my arm up but if I do it’ll just slice my arm apart!
[Itachi!]
Flicking his wrist Kanashi conjured Itachi and swung it at the weasel deflecting its claws and throwing it back.
All the while the weasels from behind continued to cast their razor sharp winds one of which landed slicing the salamander golems leg clean off and destroying it.
“Shit!” Kanashi yelped as he was thrown forwards, putting his hand before him he cast a [Shield] With rubber like properties allowing him to bounce off of it and to his feet.
[Shield!]
Right as the weasels leapt at Kanashis back he turned around and cast a barrier between them, one which the weasels tore at with their claws quickly breaking it down.
[Mudd + Electric Bog!]
The floor beneath the Weasels opened up to reveal a frog's mouth which quickly swallowed them whole before exploding into a carpet of electricity.
Kanashi using the chance cast [Mudd Chimera: Bakou] conjuring another horse like Salamander golem which he mounted and rode ahead on quickly.
For every weasel Kanashi managed to kill it seemed like three took its place, the valley echoed with their blood crazed squeaks and the zipping sound of their wind slashes was deafening.
“Gyah!” Kanashi yelped as two slashes landed, on his right shoulder slicing it open and the second his left tricep both spraying blood from the open wound. “Damnit!” He screamed, turning around to look at the weasels.
“!”
As he did so a slash came straight for his face which he leaned to the side to avoid just in time.
If I didn’t look back that would have sliced the back of my head clean open! He thought, biting his lip.
[Rock Riffle: Size: Pellet - Speed: - Very Fast Shape: Bullet!]
Hundreds of bullets formed from rock flew at the Kamaitachi ripping them to shreds. Blood and chunks of flesh splattered across the valley's walls creating a painting of carnage. Some of the Kamaitachi in the rear quickly cast sharp winds to destroy the pellets before they could reach them but the damage was still significant. However they weren’t the only ones losing numbers.
“Ha, ha, ha!” Kanashi breathed, sweat flying off his body as he rode further ahead. I can feel my Mana Pool lowering itself, I’ve probably used a little under half of it so far and as long as I’m trying to manipulate this golem it won't regenerate!
The weasels not relenting continued to grow in number now reaching the thousands, Kanashi zig zagged as best as he could to avoid the weasels winds which sliced at the valleys walls making bits of rock fall and block Kanashis path.
“!”
Seeing this, Kanashi's mind raced with a way to exploit his surroundings.
The valley walls! I can cause a cave in and separate myself from them! But how!? I need to find either a boulder big enough to fill the valley or deal enough damage to the walls that they crumble completely!
Looking up Kanashi failed to find anything that would fit his new plan, the boulders above the valley and built into the walls were far too small to deal any serious damage. At most he might kill a few Kamaitachi and at worst they’ll learn to watch the rocks coming from above like they did the bullets.
[Rock Riffle!]
Firing another round of bullets behind him the weasels now knowing what to expect cast razor sharp winds which destroyed the projectiles before they could land.
Dammit they are capable of learning! So I need to make sure it counts! I need to find the perfect place!
Looking ahead Kanashi saw a fork in path one which led right and the other left, the left seemed to go down hill and the right uphill. Which led to the waterfall basin he didn’t know.
Which way!? Which way!? Kanashi wondered biting his lip so hard it bled. Looking back and forward between the two paths he waited until he was right at the fork to make his choice, leaning to the right and running further uphill.
The weasels followed him closely from behind, continuing to cast razor sharp winds, a few of which landed on Kanashi slicing the back of his calf open as well as his left shoulder.
“Damnit!” He cried, feeling the searing pain.
“!”
Once again one of the wind attacks sliced the salamander golems leg off and Kanashi was thrown forwards face first.
[Shield!]
Casting another rubber shield Kanashi made sure it was as elastic as possible so when he bounced up he flew high into the air above the valley walls.
As he was flung into the air he raised Itachi over head he looked down at the weasels who followed his path with their soulless black eyes.
[Kyoyu Style: Sengiri No Shi!]
Instead of creating a single large slash like [Yuuka] Kanashi instead separated the emission into hundreds of smaller slashes which rained down on the Kamaitachi tearing them to shreds.
[Shield!] As Kanashi fell down to the valley floor once again he cast another rubber shield one more firm so he could land on his feet and continue to run.
The moment his foot touched the floor he cast [Mudd Chimera: Bakou] and fell forwards onto the golem which dashed away leaving the Kamaitachi in the dust.
“How much further until I’m outta here!?” He yelled in frustration. No wonder they didn’t want anyone entering this valley, I know I’m not the strongest but I didn’t think for a second that I’d be having so much trouble with some damn weasels!
Up ahead of Kanashi further in the valley there was a puff of dust which quickly cleared to reveal a new army of Kamaitachi.
They flanked me!? He thought furrowing his brow.
[Electric Bog!]
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The ground under the weasels quickly began to turn into a slosh of mud which rattled with electricity. The weasels, understanding the danger of the trap from beforehand began to climb up the valley walls and hop towards Kanashi from ledge to ledge, their movements being slowed down considerably.
[Shield!]
Casting another rubber shield Kanashi had his Bakou Golem jump onto it and as it flew in the air he cast another rubber [Shield] climbing further up the valley.
This should do it! He thought as he cast a fourth and final rubber [Shield] for his Bakou to jump off of.
[Rock Riffle!]
An onslaught of rock bullets rained down on the Kamaitachi from above, they tried to send their wind slashes upwards but gravity worked against them, the broken pieces of rock still crashing to the earth.
BOOM!
As the massive amount of rock projectiles crashed onto the Kamaitachi, Kanashi landed on the ground with his Bakou which continued to run ahead towards the valley's end.
Though the last attack had taken care of a majority of the Kamaitachi, quite a number were able to escape it and they continued after Kanashi with a vengeance.
“I’m gonna return to the village and make the worst rumors about you dammit!” Kanashi yelled, shooting the middle finger at the weasels.
Zip!
A series of slashes came at Kanashi and he leaned to each side to avoid them as they came, the Bakou also managing to avoid any major attack.
Looking ahead once again Kanashi saw the thing he’d been waiting for, a large naturally formed bridge of rock which hung over the valley's top, something perfect for his plan.
“Full steam ahead-”
Zip!
Right as Kanashi was about to finish his sentence one of the air slashes landed on the Bakous legs, severing both right limbs completely and destroying the golem.
Kanashi flew from the horse and skid across the ground, his back being sliced open by the sharp rocks.
“Ow, ow, ow! Why am I always getting hurt!?” He cried jumping to his feet and trying to conjure another Bakou.
Zip!
Right as he went to slam his foot down his observation flashed red and he jumped to the side to avoid the slash of wind which would have surely severed his foot off at the ankle.
Zip!
The Kamaitachi continued to throw endless slashes at Kanashi who tried to counter them with [Shields] as he continued to run towards the land bridge.
Damnit, I can’t focus on manipulation while also constantly making shields!
Every shield he made was nearly instantly destroyed and the weasels without any sign of exhaustion only pure malice didn’t slow their attacks down.
Zip!
One of the slashes managed to break through the barrier and sliced the tip of Kanashi's ear with a spray of blood.
“Damnit!” He yelped, clutching his now burning ear. He was maybe a hundred feet away from the bridge and continued to cast [Shields] behind him as he ran from the weasels.
Focus, focus, focus all in my legs, all in my legs enhance my legs! He thought trying to push all of his aura into his legs. The building energy swelled until it felt like his leg would burst apart and then he leapt forwards. It was a large leap, probably a good fifty feet and the ground cracked as did so.
Landing on the other side of the bridge with a skid he watched as the Kamaitachi closed in on him, sending slashes of wind the whole time.
Stumbling to avoid the emissions, Kanashi got to his feet and looked up at the bridge looking for its weakest point.
“.... There!” He laughed seeing an already existing crack along the right underside of the bridge.
[Rock Riffle!]
Hundreds of bullets shot up at the bridge quickly making the crack grow bigger and bigger.
“Come on, come on!”
Out of the corner of his eye Kanashi saw the Kamaitachi come closer to him every second, as the bridge finally began to crumble they almost passed it.
With a final push of more bullets Kanashi broke the bridge apart completely at its weak point. The large chunks of rock falling down into the valley and straight onto the army of weasels who were instantly crushed.
“Ha-ha-ha!” Kanashi pant falling onto his back trying to catch his breath.
I’m sucked dry! I have maybe 10% of my Mana pool left after all this, to think some damn animals would push me this far!
Zip!
A single surviving weasel leapt out from the rock and sent a slash at Kanashi who rolled to the side to avoid it.
Conjuring Itachi, Kanashi turned around right as the weasel came at his neck with its long curved claws. Their clash sounded like nails on a chalkboard.
[Kyoyu Style: Yuuka!] Kanashi screamed as a massive orange emission flew from his Katana slicing the weasel cleanly in half.
Kanashi, still out of breath, looked around searching for any other survivors but none remained, he’d won. He’d defeated the weasels that were chasing him. There were probably more hiding somewhere in the valley but the ones who’d wanted to murder him had been slain and he was the only one standing.
“Reeeeeeeeee!”
Kanashis victory cry echoed throughout the valley, his scream was primal sounding more like a roar then anything else. But as soon as he finished he collapsed on his back while struggling to breath for air.
My legs! They probably hurt the worse, did I put too much stress onto them with my enhancement!? Is that possible? Can you enhance yourself more than your body can handle without more training?
Not knowing the answer nor really caring at the moment Kanashi continued to catch his breath as the sun finally set, only a sliver of it still emitting a faint orange light.
“Ha-ha-ha-ha.” Kanashi panted as he lay on the floor. After a few minutes of re controlling his breath he shakily got up to his feet and continued his journey down the valley.
I don't think I have enough in my mana pool to conjure another Bakou… I’ll just have to walk the rest of the way… And that’s exactly what Kanashi did, he walked through the valley, his body throbbing in pain from the over extension of muscles and the various large cuts across his body.
The valley continued for quite some time, maybe another ten minutes of walking. The whole time Kanashi flinched at any shadow he saw preparing to fight more Kamaitachi but they never appeared. His mana pool slowly regenerated and his aura began to return to its normal state.
At the end of the valley Kanashi was greeted with a downhill path which led into a lush green forest. By now the sun had set and it was nearly pitch black, only two out of the three moons were visible and they dimly lit the path before him.
Birds in the trees sang their night songs and crickets in the brush chirped. Thankfully no giant boar appeared to murder Kanashi, hopefully they were all asleep or far away hunting something else at the forest's opposite end.
Following the path Kanashi spotted a few wild snakes which he regretted not having the time to play with, a frog croaked loudly from somewhere deep in the forest and a Tanuki leapt down from a tree and ran into some bushes.
Overall it was a rather peaceful trip down the path to the waterfall basin. He knew he’d arrived at his destination when he began to hear the loud splashing of water on rocks and the violent stream of a river.
Following that sound further he found the basin itself. It was actually quite stunning to say the least, it smelled wonderful, like fresh clean water and blooming flowers. A crayfish walked across the rocks in the middle of the basin and a few fish leapt from the water with a splash.
“Hahaha, I made it! It took half a day but I made it!” He laughed weakly. But the question was now what? Did he walk through the forest aimlessly all night or did he follow the path? Did he find a place to camp out and wait until morning? What was the next step?
Kanashi took a seat on a large boulder and put his head in his knees as he relaxed and thought about his next course of action.
Realistically his two choices came down to their camping out for the night and heading off until morning or just going now.
There’s a chance that Kenji has already left here and is in the next town over or maybe even walking to the town after that. If that’s the case it’d be best to get a move on now so I can catch up with him. Otherwise in the morning he’ll start moving again and I’ll be stuck trying to catch him in an endless cycle… but if I’m being honest I don’t know if I can make it through the night… I’m exhausted. I haven’t slept well in quite some time and my whole body hurts.
Not sure of what to do, Kanashi stayed on the rock like that for a while, resting his head in his knees and he began to drift off into a light sleep, one which was more like a heavy day dream. He was awake but also asleep at the same time, if you called out to him he could hear you but he probably wouldn’t have been able to respond. Just like that he sat there in a half sleep like state waiting for something to happen.
A good hour must have passed before that something did occur, a howl off in the night, one which sounded nothing like a wolf or animal and more like a human laugh no, a hyenas laugh.
“?”
Kanahis lifted his head up and opened his tired eyes searching for any signs of life. But he saw and heard nothing.
“Was it my imagination?” He wondered.
““Gyheieieiei!”!”
Once again off in the distance he heard it, from up above the water fall the laugh came but not just one laugh there was two equally high pitched howls.
“Campers?” He wondered as he strained his ears to listen.
“...”
He couldn't make out anything distinct and the laughing didn’t resume. Only those two howls happening.
“I should go check it out, maybe they saw Kenji or have some food for me… I haven’t ate all day now that I think about it.” Kanashi sighed rubbing his stomach. Going back the way he’d came to the basin he continued further up that path until he found another fork in the road. One which led straight and another which went upwards.
Choosing the path which went upwards he hiked up the steep hill for a few minutes straining his ears trying to hear anything of interest.
“Gyheieieie!” He heard it, more clear then before and it was far creepier. It was inhuman, not like an animals laugh but not like a humans either. Almost like something between the two of them.
“I-Iju?” Kanashi muttered clenching his hands together. If the sasquatch like beasts were indeed further up ahead of his path they might be his third animal opponent today.
“But they can be reasoned with right? They’re supposed to be smart aren’t they?” He asked himself nervously as he hiked further up the path.
“Hahaha! That’s a good one!”
“!”
This time he heard a man's voice, a deep gravelly voice.
Kanashi now sprinted up the path, he ignored the burning sensation of his legs and ran as fast as he could up to the sound's origin.
“Gyheieieiei!”
The howl like laughter was closer, so much closer. It was right in front of him right behind a large patch of foliage.
Kanashi ran up into the bushes and forced his way through the foliage, the thorny branches scraping his clothes and tearing small holes into them.
Finally he pushed his way through the bushes and to the other side where he saw the culprits of the laughter.
What he saw was strange and scary. Three men stood around a campfire. Each with a large gourd of Sake in hand which they drank from liberally.
Above the campfire roasted a pig, no it was a monster pig. Hogzilla if you would. It had to be near twelve feet long and weigh over 3,000lbs.
To the left of the fire were two men covered in fur, no they weren’t men. They had a baboon-like face with thick wiry black hair covering their bipedal body.
“Gyheieieiei!” They laughed seeing Kanashi collapse to the floor as he jumped through the bushes.
“I-Iju!” He gasped seeing the beasts who continued to laugh.
To the right of the campfire was a tall lanky man, he had spiky black hair pushed back and a long red tattered Kimono on. To his side was an old weathered Katana and across his face a large scar going across his nose and cheek.
“Kenji!?” Kanashi asked upon seeing the man.
“Who the hell are you?” The man asked, tilting his head to the side in confusion.