As the surrounding scenery changed, many participants was swallowed by the mist and gone.
Shun began to panic, but after a while, the mist subsided and nothing happened to him, leaving him confused as to what just happened, why was he excluded. Just as he was about to ask, Nurarihyon spoke, explaining the situation.
"Young ones from the second batch can relax and be prepared, you will start after the first batch is finished." He raised his hands, as mist slowly began to gather, recreating the surrounding scene as if a mirror had appeared, reflecting those around it. Then, the scene shifted, showing the participants of the first batch.
From afar, a group of peculiar Yokai sat together. Unlike the others Yokai who were sitting on the ground, they were perched on a wide wooden platform, marking their distinction.
Not long after, the sound of a wooden sandals echoed.
*Clack clack clack
Other Yokai stole glances towards the source and saw a Muscular, red-skinned tengu with short beard and moustache with fierce expression.
"It's nice seeing you all together like this." said tengu confidently.
A giant among the group with the similar red skin but has paler shade, snickered, "Says the one who came here just to steal drink and disappeared on his own." Two menacing horns protruded from his head as he raised a large piece of drumstick, easily tearing into the meat, and drank alcohol straight from the jar.
*Thud!
He slammed the jar in frustration, causing the platform to tremble. A sweet voice mediated their growing aggression. "Come on, don't start fighting. it's been a while since we all get together like this. Don't you feel sorry for ignoring us Daitengu?" as she smiles with her mischievous grin towards Daitengu
The sweet voice carried a hint of spiritual energy that enchanted anyone who heard it, but Daitengu just chuckled, waving it off. "And who was the one igniting the flame? You, with your fancy tricks?"
Another figure remained silent; his eyes closed as if meditating. The breeze passed through him, a man with animal-like ears as his silver hair swayed in the wind. "Will Mr. Big Bad Wolf interfere with their argument?" says another woman next to him, her back sprouting several spider limbs, moving in unison.
"No, I'm just here to watch my clan youngsters perform. They can kill each other for all I care..." he replied, with cold tone.
"You're so cold," Teased Jorogumo, to the head of Ookami Clan.
The tension between the heads of the most powerful Yokai clans continued until another figure approached. "Why do you guys keep bickering at every Hyakki Yagyo I host?" The old man with a gourd-shaped head, Nurarihyon, sounded disgruntled by their behavior.
"Oi Kitsune, pipe down your spiritual energy, you're affecting the young ones with that!" he scolded.
She retracted her spiritual energy and pouted as if her toy had been taken from her, "I'm controlling it just fine. And don't call me kitsune, you can address me as Yuzuki from now on. The words mean Citrus and Moon."
Daitengu laughed, as if hearing something amusing, "Hahaha! name? Since when do you use a name, sly fox?"
"About 40 years ago, perhaps it doesn't fit you because you're OLD. This name works wonderfully for me." She smiled, irritating Daitengu even further. "Besides, if this brute can have a name why can't I?" As she pointed at the towering Oni beside her.
"Watch your mouth you filthy fox, Aramaki - Doji is NOT a name, it's my calling."
Yuzuki, the nine tailed Kitsune, seemed uninterested by what the Oni said. "Sure... Whether its name, nickname, or calling, what's the difference? At the end of the day, it's all used to address yourself. Even some of your ancestors are more famous by their calling, right? Like Shuten - Doji or Ibaraki - Doji."
Daitengu chuckles, "It's a bit Ironic hearing you say OLD to me, when you're trying so hard to look young. Granny should be your calling."
At that moment, a massive surge of spiritual energy erupted from her, as if she was provoking him to a fight "You want to go, Snot nose?"
Daitengu grinned, as if he was intentionally poking a bee nest and was ready for it. "I don't see any reason to be afraid." Their spiritual energies clashed, creating a wave that affected the yokai around them.
Nurarihyon sighed and scratch his bald, gourd shaped head, "That's enough you two." As he tapped his cane once, creating another wave and cancel each other's out.
"Maybe I really should consider banning you two from joining the Hyakki Yagyo for the next 100 years.
Hearing that, they both stopped, their irritations are fading on its own. "Please don't joke, Nurarihyon. it was just a simple greeting. No need to go that far." Yuzuki teased, as her tail sways trying to gain his favor.
"T... That's right, It's just greetings. It didn't hurt anyone. And we're over it now" Said the Daitengu, seeing his entry to Free sake festival have been threatened, he backs out from his aggression tone.
Nurarihyon grimaced, clearly tired of hearing this line over a hundred times. "Well, whatever. Anyone can bring me some Sake?" He joined the group and sat cross-legged on the platform. Yuzuki called her cohort, a light brown Kitsune came and brought the Sake to him.
Nurarihyon slowly savored his drink, "So does anyone have picked which youngster that will win this Festival?"
After a moment of silence, the spider lady is the first one to answer. "I have... and I'm open for some bets..."
Everyone clicked their tongues in unison, "Not this time Jorogumo. My clan haven't recovered from our last bet." Said Kitsune, trying to avoid her gambling provocation.
"Why don't you go bet with the little ones over there." Aramaki-Doji suggested, but Jorogumo shrugged it off, saying that it’s no fun.
"It's more fun if the stakes are high. Besides, wouldn't I lose face if I start picking on younger Yokai?" As she plays with her golden thread, weaving it with her spider legs. "Besides… Didn’t your clan need resources the most, Mr. Wolf?"
He, who had been quiet all this time, opened his eyes and glared at Jorogumo. "Yes, my clan does need resources, but obtaining them through gambling is pure idiocy. I won’t partake unless the outcome is guaranteed or when I myself that partake in the bet." He spoke with quiet determination. The Oni nodded in agreement.
Jorogumo, having lost all interest in both of them, sighed. "You guys are no fun... "
Nurarihyon observed the mist forming the vision of the participants. They were still running, looking for a place to hide. Nothing interesting had happened yet.
"So, find anyone that catch your eyes?" Ask Nurarihyon trying to shift the topic.
"I have already told you, we kitsune clan only accept fox yokai, and you too, right Jorogumo?"
"Yes, I don't particularly look for anyone unless they are the same Yokai as me."
Nurarihyon sighed. "Are you still clinging to the old tradition? You should be more open-minded and take anyone who looks promising!"
Daitengu snickered, "So far, the only one who approaches clans this way is you, Nurarihyon. But unfortunately, not everyone thinks like you do. Yokai besides your own native race feels like foreign, and foreign yokai tend to be uncontrollable. If we nurture yokai from other kind, will they guarantee to swear loyalty only to your clan? Of course not. If I take some yokai as clan member and raise them, with them being the possibility of becoming my enemy, I'd rather not do it at all." Said Daitengu, sharing his viewpoint to others.
"I see... I respect your choice." Nurarihyon replied, sensing that none of them would understand his vision. But it wasn't his place to dictate how they managed their respective clan. Aramaki - Doji, who had been eating all this time finally fill his stomach, he raises a barrel of Sake and drink it straight. Some witness them with disgust, as if he can't enjoy drinking slowly one at a time.
He wiped his mouth and turned to Nurarihyon, "I'm thinking of recruiting some Yokai from other kind, as long as they're strong. But so far none have caught my eyes." Hearing this, other felt uneasy. The silver haired wolf Ookami respond, "Are you sure? how will you control him? what are you planning to make them prove their loyalty?
With a stern look on his face he said... "Nothing" The others were confused by his response. Aramaki - Doji laugh loudly, with his hand on his waist, showing off his muscular frame.
"What's the use of that? I won't control them, let them be free. And loyalty is easy thing to handle, just made them loyal through fear."
The others turned their heads, sighing as they realized he was just a muscle-brain. All his plans lacked careful thought. They felt stupid being intimidated by such.
"You're unironically happy, what happened?" Yuzuki asked curiously. Daitengu grinned, holding his laughter. "I found an interesting lad to watch here..."
His words piqued Jorogumo interest, and she offered him a bet. "Would you like to bet how far that kid will go?"
Daitengu snicker, "I refuse, you damn high roller," Seeing that her gambling offer keeps getting rejected, she slumped down and didn't say anything. "I am not gambling with him precisely because he had little to no chance of winning."
Yuzuki eyebrow raised, "uh... what? so, you enjoy watching a weakling struggle? you had weird taste."
"Indeed, why would you waste your time watching ant struggle for survival. A fight between two strong contenders is definitely more entertaining." Said the head of oni clan, Aramaki - Doji proudly.
"Depends on preference I suppose," As he sees the first batch of participants almost finished their fight through the mist vision made by Nurarihyon. "I guess you can call it me being melancholic... Because we were once weak and fragile too."
Hearing that makes everyone nostalgic of how his younger self struggling to survive.
Daitengu smile and took two jar of Sake and be on his way. "I'll be taking this, alright?"
"Why don't you watch it here together with us?" asked Nurarihyon politely, But Daitengu refused. "No way, a certain someone will spoil the fun. I'd rather watch him myself."
With two Sake jar he went away from his drinking group.
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Shun who was confused regain his composure, "I'm the participant for the second half... I have to collect information as much as I can"
Deep inside he was worried what will happen to his new acquaintance, but he is even more worried with his future fight. Because back then... he didn't plan on winning any fight during this festival, Shun was considered to be the weakest among the piers of his age. Thus, he was not confident, he has already secured a treasure to pardon his life, but the only variable is Ryohei... he wanted to help him get out of this Hyakki Yagyo, but if the festival progressed just like usual one and one, he could only rely on luck if both got coincidentally matched together. but since the format changed, he had a greater chance.
'Right now, we are separated. But if we both proceed to the next round, we are bound to meet. I have confirmed it with Lord Nurarihyon just now, the next round is the same one, the third and fourth round have different format. So, if I want to help him get out, next round is the best chance I've got...'
'If our roles are different, we can manage it somehow... If I was the hunter, he can concede defeat and can go directly out of danger. If I was the prey, I can offer my treasure for him to use on the next round... If we're both Hunter, I will help him hunt or survive and Hopely... we gained some spiritual treasure from the defeated Yokai.'
Shun took a deep breath and exhale it... "But, in order for all that to happen. First, I have to win my match..."
A buzzing voice came inside his head, rang out telepathically and startled him.
> Hey Mujina lad, over here. To your left.
>
> This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Shun who recognize that voice immediately came over, "Do you need something... sir."
How do you feel, nervous?
Shun stood there silently, the truth is... He has no confidence that he has what it takes to win.
"Honestly... Yeah, I'm scared.. Grew up in the Mujina clan has always been lax and carefree, no fightning for your life, no strict rules nor any expectations from their upbringings..."
"...By the time I realized it, I was following my ancestors footsteps, being lax with no ambition.."
Daitengu listened it attentively, taking a glasshot of alcohol.
"Having a late start, I was struggling keeping up with my fellow Yokai, their strength growth are wat too fast. Do I really have what it takes to win?"
"Don't beat yourself over it lad, anyone would feel fear on their first Hyakki Yagyo. And don't feel bad about your power difference you're a half blood. Its only natural that your power will be less stronger than a pure blooded one."
Hearing that still doesn't convince Shun, "If you still have some doubt, pay attention to Weasel Lad. His will to survive is so strong that even I was shocked he revert back after being a Mōjū."
Daitengu points at the center, the vision shows the last two participants. Ryohei who just got busted out of his hiding place and was chased by the werewolf like Yokai.
Shun pays close attention to the vision and ask, "His opponent... What kinds of Yokai is it?"
Daitengu raised his eyebrow, "Oh that? That's Okuri Inu, one of the clansmen of that Silver Doggy."
Shun perplexed, only few people that can casually insult one of the greatest clans in Kyoto without any consequences. And he was undoubtedly one of them.
Daitengu clicked his tongue, *Tsk "What is he doing!?" Frustrated at the scene where Ryohei punch the wolf face out of panic.
Shun face turned glum, 'Was it too much for him?' Ask Shun in his mind. But the next moment shock both of them, he retaliates, move swiftly dodging his attack while delivering each blow, although it's not fatal, he keeps accumulating it until his opponent exhaust all his spiritual energy trying to fix the damage causes by Ryohei.
"Hahaha! He did it!" Daitengu laugh loudly, expressing his Joy.
Shun grasp his hand tightly, determined to perform well on his parts too. "You see that lad? Pure Blooded or Halfling doesn't matter in this case."
Shun nod, with determination on his face. "Daitengu... Sir, why did you lie to him back then?"
"Aah... You mean when the weasel lad awakens his bloodline?" answered him.
"Yes... With a swipe of the scythe in his finger, he cuts several trees down. Thats not the power of a regular Yokai that just recently awakened... "
Daitengu think, "So that he wouldn't be overconfidence with his power... Do you really believe that he had the chance of going at any participant with his current pool of spiritual energy? That's one way ticket straight to death, and that is why I awakened him with my blood instead of yours."
Daitengu continues "Even if it's just a few drops, some yokai still considered my blood as treasure, because it came from an Elder Tengu who has lived for over a thousand year. That way when he turned into halfling, he had the necessary power and spiritual energy to compete with those pure blooded yokai."
Shun hesitate to ask, but continues anyway, "But wouldn't that be..."
"Risky? of course it did, he even mutanize into Moju for a moment... But because of that, he has a chance to stand by himself at that stage." As he pointed Ryohei's figure standing over Okuri Inu.
A horn was blown, marking the end of the first batch of the first round. Mist converges at the center and from within the mist, the appearance of those who partake the fight just now slowly appeared one by one.
Daitengu see his friend from afar, Nurarihyon who step up and announce the end.
"The first batch is done! I will announce the result, within fifty participants of the first batch. The survivor from Hunter twenty-four Yokai, and the survivor from Prey... one Yokai. I grant the chance for the losers to pardon their lives, anyone who wants to pardon may step forwa—"
"I CAN'T ACCEPT THIS!!" A loud enraged voice interrupted him, expressing disagreement. It was the wolf Yokai, the last one that lost.
"Uh... this could be a problem, Mujina Lad, I'll be going ahead." As he soars in the sky towards the center, shun who was bewildered chase after him...
----------------------------------------
"I CAN'T ACCEPT THIS!!"
The wolf yokai's growls echoed through the arena as he spat his words, as his voice sharp with bitterness... "How is this fair? There was three of them! is Three against one the rule of this Festival!?"
The cunning wolf stirs up the mass's opinion. The surrounding crowd murmured "But—three against one—", as the wolf grinned by his bravado acts successfully bought the audience to take his side, he adds another fuel to the fire, making the flame even bigger. "If only my attack hadn’t been blocked by that weasel! I would have won! It's a farce!"
A gust of sharp breeze swept through the arena as the Daitengu slowly descended, carrying a chilling presence. His expression was calm, so as his voice, yet it carried an edge of authority, silencing the muttering of the crowds. "Do you hear yourself, wolf? Do you truly believe that to be unfair?"
Tilting his head as if pondering an amusing jest. "Tell me, then, wolf. Would you blame a Kappa when he fights near a river? Shall I demand a Jorogumo abandon her web or sever her legs before battle? Or perhaps shall we deny the fight if a Yuki-onna uses her frost, or strip the Raiju off its lightning?
The wolf yokai faltered but tried to counter, his voice shaking. "That's— That's different!"
Daitengu snickered, mocking his halfhearted answer, his tone is sharp. "Then tell me, how is that any different? Kamaitachi is aYokai that has significantly weaker physic than other Yokai, and that is why they compensate it with their number. Are you saying you have a hard time fighting against him?"
The wolf yokai bared his teeth but said nothing, he knew that if he were to say something. It would just be admitting that he is inferior to him. The Daitengu’s piercing gaze bore into him as he pressed on. "Each yokai has its own nature, power, and tools. Okuri Inu, you are a wolf yokai—do you not rely on your speed, your sharp claws, and your fang? If I told you to fight without your claws and fangs, would you consider it a fair fight?"
That statement completely silenced the crowd, as no one dare to retort that statement. The air grew heavy as the Daitengu's words settled over the crowd, "If you cannot accept the terms of a yokai's true form and power, then perhaps you are unfit to challenge the festival at all."
"Enough..." A voice trembling, a silver haired figure walks closer. He had a angry and disgust expression on his face, "Lord Ookami! Please help your vassal clearing this farce schemed by that person!" He pointed at Ryohei who was bewildered by all the things that happened.
Ookami voice grew more aggressive, "Are you ordering me around!?"
The wolf yokai's defiance wavered, his gaze falling to the ground, but Ookami piercing gaze fixates on him. "I wouldn't dare!"
As Ookami's cold gaze fixed on Okuri Inu, his eyes betrayed with a mix of disappointment and disdain. "I had such high expectations for you," he began, his voice low and steady. "And yet, you fail on the very first round. As a Hunter, at that..."
His tone sharpened, laced with contempt. "My clan does not need prey. We are hunters. And as one of my own clansmen, you have shamed me."
Okuri Inu trembled, his head hanging low in shame, too afraid to meet the piercing gaze of the Ookami's clan head. The silence between them was thick, suffocating.
"On top of being the first one to fall one of the strongest yokai clan to lose, you even whine and make a scene for your loss instead of take it with pride, you have made me lost face today...
"You are the member of one of the strongest Yokai Clan in this region, to be the first one to fall is nothing but shameful... On top of that, you even whine and make a scene instead of accepting your defeat with some pride..." Ookami's voice grew colder with each word, his disappointment turning into a fury that vibrated in the air. "You have not only failed yourself but have made me lose face today. I should have never thought so highly of you..."
Okuri Inu's voice broke in desperation, pleading for mercy, but the words were drowned by the authority in Ookami's chilling command.
"I said enough."
Without a flicker of hesitation, the Ookami clan head crossed his arms in front of his face and swiped the air with his claws. The movement was almost a casual gesture, but its power was undeniable.
In an instant, a blast of wind appeared, and Okuri Inu's body was torn apart as though sliced by invisible blades. His scream was cut short as his flesh was shredded into pieces, his body disintegrating into a crimson rain that splattered across the ground. A pool of blood quickly formed beneath him, the stench of death filling the air.
Daitengu, standing nearby, narrowed his eyes, his expression darkening as he watched him execute one of his own. His voice was tinged with a sharp disdain as he glared at the Ookami clan head. "You..." he began, his words heavy with reproach.
Ookami walk forward stepping on that puddle of blood and took a black colored gem from that puddle of blood, turning his head towards Ryohei and walk closer, Daitengu and Nurarihyon tensed up, waiting for the off chance he went wild.
"I apologize for his cowardly behavior and for messing up with your prey, as it involves the pride of my clan. I hope you don't mind."
Ryohei who was still shocked by what he saw, he can only answer that he doesn't mind at all. Ookami clan head put the gem he picked on Ryohei's hand, as the remains of the prey still belong to the winner. "As a fellow hunter, I have a deep respect for you." As he turns and start walking away... as the corner of his smile slightly rose as he meets eye to eye with Daitengu.
With the situation go out of control, Nurarihyon reclaim his authority over the festival, announcing for those who would like to pardon for their lives. Several Yokai plead for their lives and other have no spiritual treasure to offer and resigned to his fate.
The number of Yokai that pardoned for their lives are three Yokai, and the rest are dead. Seeing as how rare spiritual treasure is, and not everyone has it. Ryohei expression darkened, he was expecting to gain Spiritual Treasure through his opponent, but he was brutally murdered by his own clan's head.
The finished participants split before the next batch starts.
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*Tsk "That damn dog..." said Daitengu as he crush an empty jar of Sake with his hand, showinf his frustation, Ryohei and Shun was confused by him.
"Uh... sir, what happened? why are you mad?"
Daitengu sighed, trying to regulate his breath.
*Sigh.. "You may not know this since its your first Hyalki Yagyo... But touching or interfering with anyone prey or rewards after that outcome was forbidden, it's an act as if touching your hands all over the food before giving it to the rightful owner."
Ryohei who was not familiar with Yokai stuff didn't feel any disrespect, at first he was expecting a spiritual treasure, but if in the off chance he didn't get it... He wouldn't know what to do with the Okuri Inu.
"I don't really mind... I was feeling a little reluctant on finishing him off, and I was about to spare him if he can't offer something to pardon his life.
Daitengu glare at me, I froze. 'Did I say something wrong?' Thought Ryohei, "You're too naive lad, if you keep thinking like that, you won't survive the next round. Besides... Did he say he respect you? What a nonsense, he even trick youngsters like you to save his face."
Both Shun and Ryohei didn't catch on what he meant, Shun asked. "Does he have different motive behind that?"
Daitengu said of course without a shadow of a doubt, he kept bad-talking him, as if its natural thing to do.
"Listen here Weasel Lad, General Rule to survive as Half Yokai, Do Not Trust Yokai."
He speak that as if he's not a Yokai, so his sentence somewhat contradictory.
"Ookami clan cannot be considered as strong in terms of power, in fact it is the weakest among 6 great Yokai clan of this region. And financially his clan are even worse, they are far below Tanuki clan, financially.
Shun who was familiar with Tanuki clan was shocked to hear that. "Then... How did he became one of the greatest clan?"
Daitengu eyes narrowed, as if remembering something. "The reason is he himself... He was soo strong that he is comparable to me or the head of Fox clan, it is surprising to find someone who reach our level with lifespan below a thousand years old..."
"But... Although he was strong, he's a Lone wolf. Imagine a lone wolf suddenly got chosen as an Alpha wolf and was tasked to lead his pack, and that's why he did such a bad job. Daitengu chuckled remembering the first time he met him as clan head.
"Back then, he was definitely losing face. Being the first great clan to have its clan member fell on the first round, Ookami clan head was a Yokai with high Pride. Considering his clans financial struggle, he can't afford to parson someone who made him lose face in front of all that crowd."
"Then... Can't ge just leave him alone? Why go so far as to execute him?" Ask Shun
"Having the thought where a member of one of the greatest clan gets devoured publicly is bad for the clan itself, other yokai will start underestimating them, and their position would've fall even further."
"That's why he made a cheap shot like that, that damn dog..."
This explanation has been an eye opener for both of them, especially for Ryohei. He didn't think anything of it at first, but now he somewhat understands the opposite intentions.
"Well, it's almost time. I have to excuse myself."
Shun bids farewell, as its almost his turn to participate. Ryohei encourages him by saying good luck, and Daitengu remain silence. While he was on his way, he heard a small voice saying...
"Don't let your guard down lad."
The corner of his mouth smile, even though they have a weird conflict before, he still happy that someone had expectation of him, a feeling where he never felt from his clan.
----------------------------------------
"Are you sure you okay lad?" Ask Daitengu.
"Me? I'm fine... Although the pain in my left shoulder still hurts." As I scan the wound on my lect shoulder, it doesn't seem to heal as quick as my leg, I wonder why.
"Ah right... Sir, do you know what this is?" Ryohei remembers the gem that was given by the Ookami clans head, he takes it out, a black colored gem with the size of half his palm, it has a strange shape too, Like a Yin or Yang symbol.
"Ah I see, this is the first time you've seen it right? This is a condensed form of a spiritual energy, every Yokai had one and will eventually condense once a Yokai has fallen, some called it Yokai heart, other called it Yokai Core, but the most used terms are... Yokai's Magatama."
Ryohei vaguely understand that it serves as a vital part but also source power of Yokai, but he still not sure what he should do with the remain of that Okuri Inu.
"So, what should I do with this??"
"You eat it of course!"
Ryohei was astonished, "E... Eat...? this thing? but..."
Lad, this is not the time to be disgusted. This thing can increase your spiritual power, and the off chance you're lucky... you will obtain special trait of Okuri Inu.
Ryohei hesitated, but what he said makes sense, he gulped down his saliva, nervous of the reaction he will receive.
Upon placing it in his mouth, he felt... sweet, a very tangy and sweet taste overwhelming his taste bud. And strangely, the Magatama quickly melt, like an ice inside an oven, leaving Ryohei with sweet liquid as if he was drinking syrup.
Ryohei licked his lips, he thought that it was such a weird experience, as if eating a rock sugar but immediately melt upon entering your mouth... some part of him wished he had more.
"How was it?" Ask Daitengu, witnessing his shocked expression.
"Strangely... delicious," Daitengu raised his eyebrows, "Delicious? that thing? Haha, you have a weird taste, most yokai didn't even like it. Most prefer Human, now I'm curious what your reaction will be once you've got to taste human.
Ryohei flinched, "I'm sorry I will refuse in any stuff that involves me eating human... I am not a cannibal."
Daitengu snickers, another horn was blown. Marking the start of the second round.