Kanashi and Kenji having finalized their blood oath both looked back at Renshou valley.

“It’s really dangerous there.” Kanashi muttered, washing the blood off his finger tip with conjured water.

“That only makes it more enticing!” Kenji laughed, licking the blood from his own finger.

“Well, I guess it’s probably the quickest way through but… I don’t really think I'm in the shape to do much for fighting honestly.” Kanashi said, looking at the many scabs and open wounds across his arms. His body was sore like he’d run a marathon after an intense workout, though he’d felt pain worse than this before it was something you’d never become accustomed to. At some point it all just blends together.

“That’s fine, I’ll be more than capable of keeping us both safe!” Kenji yelled, pointing his Katana towards the valley's entrance.

“Speaking of which, can I see your Katana?” Kanashi asked.

“...” Kenji frowned at this and seemed to consider it in his head for a few moments. “To a swordsman his sword is his life, his soul. I can’t simply hand over my sword without you doing something in return of equal value.”

“Oh, well then.” Kanashi flicked his wrist and conjured Itachi which he presented to Kenji. “Is this good enough?”

“It’ll work.” Kenji said trading swords with Kanashi.

In truth Kanashi only wanted to inspect the blade and compare it to Itachi, it was incredibly strong but was that because of Kenji being the one to wield it or was he so strong because he had a powerful blade.

However the katana was light, very light, unusually so. “Huh?” Kanashi muttered, running his finger across the blade to confirm his suspicions. He’d held a Katana similar to this before, in fact he’d done so many times. He had a collection of them in his room after all. The sword Kenji wielded was nothing more than a cosplay prop. Its blade wasn't even sharp enough to break skin.

How!? Kanashi wondered with wide eyes. Is he putting so much reinforcement into it that it’s become on par with a Supra grade sword when he’s using it!? He’s not even doing it on purpose either, this is simply the level of reinforcement his body is pouring into the sword off instinct alone. Even though he’s never had a master to learn magic from, he's still this powerful, what kind of beast would he become if he was a student under Jin or Julius!? Kanashi wondered as a cold sweat broke down his back. He was once again reminded of his true ranking in the world. While he was strong enough to defeat an extremely powerful human like Wabuko he was nothing compared to those who could be considered strong with magic. Those who seemed to warp the very fabric of the world around them with their influence alone.

“This is nice…” Kenji grinned as he held Itachi in his hand, the blade writhed with power and it seemed like black tendrils seeped from it in reaction to Kenji holding it. “But it’s rejecting me! It’s even attacking my nerves, I feel like my hand is on fire!” He laughed, passing the blade back to Kanashi.

Kanashi with a nod returned Kenji's sword and examined Itachi. While the blade seemed to have an… unhappy vibe to it there was no pain. It really did choose me like Hayai said huh? Kanashi muttered as he deconjured the blade. “Oh, what’s your Katanas name by the way?” Kanashi asked.

“Well I never named it, but if I had to come up with one… it’d be [亥偽雑: Ikazou].” Answered Kenji, nodding his head in self approval.

“Got it, well I didn’t pick my swords name but it’s [痛千: Itachi].” Kanashi replied with a smile.

“Itachi? How befitting.” Kenji hummed, turning around and now facing Renshou Valley.

“I wanna say that we should go around the valley but that will take a day's journey and I don’t know the path… I guess I just really don’t wanna go into this valley again.” Kanashi laughed nervously. But with Kenji it should be way easier this time right? Or maybe not, he doesn't seem to have any ranged attacks or real defense, his entire thing was really outspeeding me in our little scuffle..

“What are we waiting for? Let’s begin!” Kenji yelled, running into the valley.

“W-wait Kenji!” Kanashi gasped quickly running after him. Dammit you idiot! Don’t go off dying on me yet! Kanashi thought.

Kenji was fast, ridiculously so, it felt like Kanashi was chasing a horse at full speed.

[Mudd: Bakou!]

Kanashi conjured his golem and jumped on to its back, the salamander running as fast as it could to keep up with Kenji.

At least this way I won’t get as tired physically… My mana pool has charged up to about 25% compared to yesterday so I can waste a little bit right here. I also think I’m starting to get the gist of [Manipulation]. I was putting too much thought into the actual controlling part, instead of it being like a horse with reins I need to think of it as a second body… but even then it’s still hard.

Zip!

That familiar sound hurt Kanashis heart to hear, though this time It didn’t go for him but rather Kenji.

“Ha!” Kenji barked instantly, blocking the attack with [Ikazou]. He leapt towards the direction which the emission came from and smashed his katana into the valley's rock face.

CRACK!

A massive crack shot up the valley wall from the impact followed by a cloud of dust.

“Kenji!?” Kanashi cried out trying to sense him with observation.

Dammit I’m not good enough at observation to see through all these particles! They’re messing with my senses!

Zip!

Another slash of air came this time at Kanashi who barely reacted in time casting a [shield] which the air crashed against with a sound like nails on a chalkboard.

“I thought you little bastards would have learned your lesson!” Kanashi growled. But before he had a chance to attack the weasel which leapt at him Kenji appeared like a blur slicing it in half right down the middle.

“I’m disappointed at how weak they are!” Kenji complained, he had not a scratch on him yet a dozen or so Kamaitachi corpses in his hand. “They taste terrible too.”

“Don't eat them!”

“Why not? They're just animals.” Kenji argued with a frown.

“I mean… I guess you can call them that but you should at least cook them first. Even Samurai used a campfire.”

“If you insist.” Kenji sighed, throwing the corpses to the ground. “But still, these are nothing to worry about.”

“When they’re alone they might not be a big deal, sure, but when you’ve got hundreds or thousands of them chasing you it’s a whole different story. They’re probably gathered up in denser quantities around the middle of the valley. That’s where I ran into them at least.”

“Is that so…” Kenji asked with a wide smile.

“Wait, don’t even think about it! We need to stick together.” Kanashi yelped out right before Kenji took off.

“We will stay together! You just have to keep up with me haha!” With that bad joke Kenji sprinted off further into the valley with Kanashi chasing behind him as quickly as he could.

It only took another minute or so before the waves of weasels emerged from their hides. The damage caused by Kanashi did not at all affect their numbers, in fact there might have been more there now compared to yesterday.

Is there some kind of mob spawner we have to break!? How the hell are there so many of them!?

Zip!

What looked like a tornado of slashes came at Kenji who with a mad cackle swung his Katana through the air.

[Inogiri!]

With a single slash of Kenjis sword the twister was dispelled. His sword created a large gust of wind which upon crashing into the twister canceled it out.

[Zatoichi!]

Kenji crashed down to the ground, the entire valley trembling from his might and a cloud of dust flying into the air. As he fell his Katana struck the ground blowing it apart into chunks of rubble and flying weasels.

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[Rock Riffle!]

Without missing a beat Kanashi followed Kenji up with his own spell, the weasels being torn to bits the chunks of rock bullets.

“Hey wait a minute, no kill stealing!” Kenji yelled at Kanashi as he whipped around.

“What do you mean kill stealing!? We’re a team now! If anything this is an assist kill!”

“An assist kill he says…” Kenji grumbled to himself as he pouted, walking further down the valley.

“Alright fine, I won’t steal your kills.” Kanashi sighed, rubbing his forehead.

“You promise?” Kenji asked, whipping his head back around with a smile.

“Sure.”

“Hahaha! Alright then let’s continue with haste!” With another laugh Kenji continued to dash forwards in the valley and Kanashi chased after him.

By the time Kenji and Kanashi came to the other side of the valley it had become a literal river of blood and weasel corpses. Despite Kenji charging into the Kamaitachi head first he’d not received a single injury.

“Why am I the one who got hurt when I’m just back up?” Kanashi complained trying to heal the small slice across his forearm. I’m getting scared up again really quickly. At this rate I’m gonna look like Baki. I wonder if that’s because of my healing magic being so subpar. When Naori healed me not a single scar was left. I guess I need to just practice more. He thought pursing his lips. When playing video games I’ve always used cheese strats, like if there’s a big strong boss I’d hide and snipe him from somewhere he can’t get to rather than charge in head first. But Kenji is the complete opposite, he’s a straight up barbarian who charges in swinging his sword and thinks about the consequences later. While neither of our roles are better than the other they’re also not ideal for super strong opponents who can both overpower us up close or close a distance quickly. Luckily our roles are surprisingly good matches. If there’s something Kenji can’t counter I can snipe it from afar and if something gets too close he can defend me. But if he really wants us to keep our fights separate then it’s a big issue especially against strong opponents like the Toumeikan. Even if he rivals a Hachibuto in strength there’s nothing to say he can defeat one, they’ll both have a fair shot at victory. Unless someone like me is able to interfere then the odds will heavily tip in our favor… How can I convince him that we need to work together?

As Kanashi pondered his options in his head they came to the valley exit and entered Yuya's village without issue.

Though of course upon seeing a towering blood soaked mad man wielding a Katana the town erupted into a series of cries and pitchforks but Kanashi managed to calm the situation upon informing them that Kenji was with him. Despite the anxiety dropping amongst the village the air still has a subtle sharpness to it, it felt like every breath sliced open your throat as you inhaled it.

“You’ve returned… and so quickly at that. Did you manage to make it through the valley or did you come back after halfway?” The village elder asked creeping up behind Kanashi.

“Wow!” Kanashi yelped, jumping out his skin. “W- well, I went through it yesterday and managed to find Kenji and we came back this morning.”

“You went through it twice!?” The elder asked, his eyes bugging out of his head.

“Well I’d have preferred to have gone around the valley on return but… it just didn’t work out that way.” Kanashi sighed, motioning to Kenji who was showing his Katana to the children.

“I can’t believe it, and the Kamaitachi, are they real!?”

“...”

Kanashi didn’t say anything at first, he bit his tongue considering his options.

I don’t want to cause an uproar by saying they are real and scaring everyone but at the same time I don’t want anyone going through that valley…

“The Kamaitachi?” Kenji asked, butting into the conversation. “Yeah they’re real alright! A bunch of real bitches!” He scoffed.

Though Kenji spoke this in Edogo Kanashi understood the rough meaning and whipped around to glare at Kenji who shrugged not knowing what he did wrong.

“So they were real then…” The elder muttered.

“Yeah, they’re real. But I don’t think you need to worry about them from here. Theory’re around the middle of the valley and don’t seem to spread beyond that.”

“Is it possible to exterminate them then? Our town would get much more traction if we did so! We might be able to capitalize on the Shimona waterfall basin and finally fix this place up!”

“No.” Kanashi answered bluntly.

“Oh... I see.” The elder sighed.

“I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news but even after we killed thousands of them there's no end. I don’t know where they’re coming from but they’re infinite in number it seems.”

Also I might have blocked off the path in a way that a normal person can’t travel through it anymore… He thought remembering the massive wall of boulders he’d created. Though he and Kenji could easily climb over them and so could anyone if they really tried it for sure cut off all vehicles transportation. Though it’s not like I knew that was a concern at the time…

“Well, as long as you’ve made it back and completed your mission I can only be happy.” The elder said with a small smile.

“Yeah… sorry about all of this. I know it must be alot but-”

“Unhand me you foul beast!”

The cry of a familiar voice made Kanashi spin around and look at the scene unfolding behind him.

“What’d you say punk!?” Kenji barked, holding the man in question up by the top of hie head.

“I said unhand me! I must speak with my master!” The voice's owner Yuya argued, kicking his legs in the air.

“Let 'em go Kenji.” Kanashi called out.

“Hmph.” Kenji sighed, dropping Yuya who fell to his butt.

“Wait, master, did you say Kenji!?” Yuya asked, looking back and forwarth between Kenji and Kanashi.

“Yep, that’s him.” Kanashi smiled, nodding in Kenji's direction. Also stop calling me master.

“I-I’m sorry for my rudeness before Kenji-Dono!”Yuya said, dropping to the floor with a full Dogeza. “I’ll strip if you decide that to be appropriate!”

Where have I heard that before? Kanashi wondered with a frown. It felt like the Izumika incident had been years ago yet it was barely a week ago. I think I’ve gotten stronger since then haven’t I? Kanashi wondered, staring at his scarred hand and his orange aura flowing around it.

I wonder how Otsuga and Naori are doing? I never got to say a proper goodbye to them… I never got to attend Kenken or Sakashimas funeral either, if they had one already at least. If I was stronger would I have been able to prevent their deaths? Yeah, I would have. It’s because I’m weak that they died. It’s because I’m weak that the Hojo tricked me, It’s because I’m weak that I quit the Venator Society. So I just need to become stronger. Strong enough that I can protect those around me. I’ll never let another person die in my presence.

While Kanashi had an internal monologue with himself Yuya and Kenji became acquainted with each other. Surprisingly they both got along really well despite their initial interaction.

“Haha! Yes, I love that manga!” Kenji laughed, pushing his hair out of his eyes.

“Yes! It’s quite a splendid story if I do say so myself! I hope to one day write something as great as it!” Yuya laughed in response.

“Let me know when your manga has been published! I’ll pick up a copy and read it.” Kenji said with a smile.

“You guys are getting along well.” Kanashi hummed, walking up to the pair.

“Of course we are M- I mean Kanashi.” Yuya said, nodding his head.

“Well, I hate to tear you apart so fast but me and Kenji need to get back to Tousen before it gets late.” Kanashi said as he checked his phone and saw that it was about 12:00 meaning they’d arrive in Tousen around 6pm if things went right.

“I’m sad to see you go once again! But If you must go I understand.” Yuya sighed, shaking his head solemnly.

“I can’t promise we’ll be back but I’ll be sure to message you.” Kanashi said pointing to his phone.

“I’d be honored.” Yuya smiled.

With a short farewell with the village Kenji and Kanashi continued to the hill which led them down into the city where the train station was.

“I’d would warn you to be careful but after seeing that massive boar you killed yesterday I feel like we’ll be alright.” Kanashi muttered, rubbing his chin.

“Is there another boar around here?” Kenji asked, tiling his head.

“Probably, I was stalked by a big one yesterday but I managed to kill it and haul it up to the village.” Kanashi answered. Now that I think about what happened to the damn thing? I should have asked for some kind of payment… He thought with a frown.

“You’re only making me more excited!” Kenji laughed while preparing to run down the hill.

“Kenji wait!” Kanashi yelled, grabbing Kenji's Kimono sleeve.

“Hm?” Kenji hummed, turning around with a frown.

“Let’s stick together please?” Kanashi asked.

“... alright.” he sighed.

“Oh! Speaking of the boar we ate yesterday, what was up with those Iju?” Kanashi asked.

“The Iju?”

“Yeah, the ape things.”

“Oh, yes those. They invited me to drink with them so I obliged. I wanted to challenge them to mortal combat but they weren’t interested. A shame since they were without a doubt powerful.”

“They were?” Kanashi asked.

“Of course! I could feel the power radiating off them!”

I didn’t feel their aura or anything like that to be of note… Kanashi thought.

“Call it a fighter's intuition, but I could sense their immense power. They might have even been stronger than you.”

“Oh really? Wait, do you think I’m strong then?”

“Of course I do! You managed to keep up with me somewhat and for that I must give you praise. If we’d met 10 years ago you’d have been able to kill me!”

“Really?” Kanashi asked, pursing his lips. Speaking of which, Yuya said Kenji was a normal guy at one point right? I’ve only just met him so of course I barely know him but… he gives off the vibe of someone who’s always been like this. I wonder what his backstory is?

“Now let us continue!” Kenji said quickly walking down the hill with Kanashi closely behind.