"You're the ones from before… How dare you brazenly show yourselves in Backstreet Kyoto! Everyone, attack—"
"Wait, Kunou-hime, and all you yokai. It seems something has happened to General Yasaka, but it's beyond our knowledge."
"Oh? You invade Backstreet Kyoto and claim that? Got any proof you're not involved?"
"None. However, I can suggest the possibility that the Three Factions—devils, angels, fallen angels—are tied to the mastermind."
"What did you just say?"
"First, a question: do the names 'Demon God Pillar,' 'Holy Grail,' or 'Kingu' ring any bells?"
"Don't know them… Holy Grail, that's the sacred relic, right? Something about holding the Savior's blood?"
"Good, I've got the picture. Let me rephrase: have you considered the possibility that this incident is a farce orchestrated by the Three Factions?"
"Absurd… Kyoto's yokai are about to ally with the devils. Why would they pull such a stunt?"
"But aren't there plenty who oppose the alliance? Not just internally, but among equal yokai factions like Nurarihyon or Yamanba Gorozaemon, and even Japanese mythology is likely reluctant. Aren't there yokai in Kyoto who grimace at the sight of devils?"
"Guh, well… But wasn't that reinforcement a devil?!"
"That wasn't a reinforcement. An enemy, rather. If Master wasn't there, I'd have turned them to ash."
"Eek!"
"××, your voice is scary. She's just a kid, even if she's a leader. Keep the smile."
"Right, sorry, Master. My apologies for the rudeness, Kunou-hime."
"N-No matter. I understand you don't have fond feelings for devils. Even if Mother desires the alliance, I know many in Kyoto feel the same. But what does that have to do with Mother's kidnapping?"
"For example—what if General Yasaka was rescued by the Three Factions? It'd create an immense debt. No matter how strong the opposition, Kyoto would have no choice but to ally with the devils. If they framed a convenient culprit and made it look like the Three Factions saved her alone, there'd be no way to see through it."
"That's… true, but…"
"Do you know what happened to the Khaos Brigade's Old Satan faction?"
"That terrorist group that caused trouble recently? I heard their faction collapsed after the Satan bloodlines were wiped out."
"Good, myknowledgeiscorrect. Exactly. But not all devils in the Khaos Brigade want to oppose the current Satans. In fact, with the Old Satans gone, many might try to curry favor with the new ones, offering gifts. They could pin this on the Khaos Brigade to cover their tracks."
"Gifts?"
"Specifically, ensuring an alliance with Kyoto that could drag East Asia into it."
"Wha—The alliance isn't just Kyoto's issue?"
"Precedents matter. There's a world of difference between 'someone did it' and 'no one has.' If a major Japanese force like Kyoto makes peace with the Three Factions, the pro-peace voices in other yokai factions will surge. This wave will swallow Japanese mythology. If it escalates to a national level, Buddhist deities in China and India will have to act."
"That's just a theory!"
"Indeed, a theory—for now. Because other yokai factions are relatively anti-peace."
"That's—"
"Exactly. Some of us even question why Yasaka-sama is so pro-devil."
"Tengu!"
"Kunou-sama! These people are suspicious, but their words hold no contradictions. Of course, there are many uncertainties, as I understand. But it's too convenient. Right now, one of the Four Great Satans, Serafall Leviathan, is in Kyoto for the alliance. And the fallen angel governor, Azazel, is here too. Yasaka-sama was kidnapped at this exact moment. It can't be a coincidence."
"If they'd offered aid before this talk, we might've accepted without question."
"Normally, they'd avoid this timing. Azazel, posing as a high school teacher, will leave Kyoto soon. If trouble arises during his stay, he might extend it. Unless the culprit is a complete fool, they wouldn't want a bigger mess."
"It's possible the culprit isn't tied to the Biblical factions or Khaos Brigade… but with the alliance nearing, it's undoubtedly a factor."
"Conversely, who can deny Yasaka-sama was kidnapped as a challenge to the fallen angel governor or Satans?"
"You… you all resent the Three Factions that much?"
"Of course!"
"How many of our kind have had families taken by them?"
"What's with these 'Evil Pieces'? Just tools for enslavement!"
"We issue entry permits, but we'd rather stop altogether."
"And the issues caused by the Satan posing as Lucifer in the Bakumatsu era still linger!"
"Yet recently, they built a tacky hotel near the station. They bribed human authorities, and we couldn't intervene in time. Shameless!"
"Even Yasaka-sama knows this, so why…?"
"Do you see? If a third party learns this, the alliance could be canceled at the last moment, leaving deep resentment."
"It's that serious!?"
"Absolutely. Kyoto, you're worth that much. You need to realize it. Don't trust the Biblical factions. They'll only take from you, as always."
"…"
"With that in mind, we at Chaldea have a proposal."
After the discussion with Kunou, the Chaldea group was led to a guest room in the mansion. Ibaraki-Douji was already munching on manju snacks provided.
For a group of unidentified, suspicious intruders, this was exceptional treatment.
"××-san, was that okay?"
They hadn't lied outright, but it was close to a scam. If it's exposed or inconsistencies arise, it could be bad.
"Yeah, the yokai might not side with us, but if they distrust the Biblical factions, that's enough. …Honestly, I'm clueless about their relationships here. I need to know more about this world's non-human politics. Looks like he wasn't summoned here. Relying on my past self is too uncertain."
××'s he. During the journey to restore Human Order, ×× made odd remarks, as if he'd met the Demon God Pillars in life—not just one, but all 72. He likely knew of the King of the Demon Gods too. He dodged questions, but this world must hold the answer.
Unlike ××'s history, he hasn't come to this world. The perpetrator of Human Order incineration, who fought as the King of Men for humanity's salvation, has no memory in this world—or rather, this worldline.
Perhaps that's why ×× didn't reveal his identity to the Kyoto yokai.
"What an interesting world. Mystery persists in the modern era… Our mages would flock to immigrate. Yet science is advanced? And mystery is concealed. It's beyond inconsistent—it's warped."
"I agree. Compared to the Servant Universe, it might be normal. The mystery's structure is entirely different. Can you explain, ××-kun, our interdimensional traveler?"
"No can do."
×× instantly rejected da Vinci's request.
"Why not?"
"For example, this world has Perseus's reincarnation."
"Perseus? The Perseus?"
"Revenge, huh? When do we Rayshift? I'm coming."
"No mercy killing."
"Medusa and her sisters showed up at the worst time!"
"Such bad timing!"
"Ugh, calm down!"
Chaos erupted over the comms. Probably Medusa and her sisters (same person) causing a ruckus.
"That's why. This world's affairs often step on your landmines. I can't just talk about it."
"I see. So names and partial histories match?"
"Yeah. Some coincidence."
He couldn't unravel that mystery. Maybe there'd be hints after his time. Pondering, he recalled something troubling from his worn memories.
"Oh, sorry for the late notice, Lancelot-dono, Okita-dono. Use pseudonyms."
The two looked puzzled.
"Hm? Related to the name overlap?"
"Sort of. You're both famous, so your names stand out."
They didn't seem entirely displeased.
"Oh? The Shinsengumi's fame crosses worlds? Can't be helped. Yes, Okita-san's a celebrity."
"As the strongest, my otherworld self must be too."
"Sir Lancelot, don't get cocky."
"Now, now, Mash."
"Undertaker, my name's renowned in Kyoto, right? Do I need a pseudonym?"
"Ibaraki… nah, you're fine."
Given this world's Ibaraki-Douji, she'd be seen as an oni borrowing the name. Maybe mistaken for a chuunibyou setting like Mystic Eyes. In Japan, otaku culture's heart, even non-humans should pass.
Ignoring ××'s stomachache, Okita and Lancelot picked pseudonyms.
"Pseudonyms? Alright, call me Kohaku."
"Then I'll be Kariyaan."
"What kind of choices are those?"
Soon, Kunou arrived with escorts. Her wariness lingered but was much softer than before. Her gaze shifted from "how to defeat" to "how to use" them.
In the heavy atmosphere, Kunou spoke.
"To be blunt, we can't trust you without proof of identity."
The Chaldea group showed no discontent. Trust from that talk alone was impossible. That they weren't detained and could negotiate was thanks to ××'s rhetoric.
"But I understand it's dangerous to blindly trust the Three Factions. So, if you're not part of the kidnappers, will you lend us your strength?"
"Lend strength?"
"Yes. You're no ordinary group. Your goal is the 'Holy Grail,' right?"
"Correct. Not the Savior's relic or a fake Longinus. Just a mass of magical energy. Recovering it is Chaldea's duty. We don't know if it's tied to the General's case."
"Fine. If you rescue Mother safely, you can have the Holy Grail. But we can't let you all roam free. Half stay in this mansion, half search for the kidnappers with my subordinates. Both groups will be monitored."
"No problem. Can we decide who goes?"
"Sorry, but this includes taking hostages. We'll judge by your behavior. The orange-haired girl—you're their leader, right? You stay."
"Then I, Kohaku-dono, and Kariyaan-dono will aid in searching for General Yasaka. My lord, Ritsuka Fujimaru, and two others will stay here."
"Agreed."
"Sorry, Master, but take a break for once. Mash, watch over Master."
"Got it."
"Yes, I'll protect Senpai."
"By the way—"
The talk was meant to end, but Kunou recalled something.
"What's this 'clay doll' you mentioned? Kyoto has yokai possessing dolls, but none for clay figures."
"…Forget it. I mistook someone else. Think of it as someone important to another."
"Hm… Someone else, huh? What's their relation to this clay doll?"
Intrigued, Kunou pressed, and ×× spoke with emotion.
"She was a strong princess. Meeting a certain king changed my life's path. That princess became what she was because of that clay doll."
"A princess like me?"
"Yeah, chased from her homeland, which the doll protected, due to scum. But she didn't break. She swallowed hatred and bitterness. Crying would've been easier."
"Isn't it painful?"
"Painful? Regretful, sad, hateful!"
"But I won't cry."
"Until I reclaim their remains, I won't cry!"
"Until we return to Kyoto together, I'll never cry!"
"I have no homeland to return to. So I admired her way of life."
Truthfully, ×× admired the clay doll. He protected homeland and family, aided the King of Men to the fullest, and died for what mattered. Learning the Satan desecrated his body came after defeating the evil god.
There were countless similar cases. Human or Devil, it didn't matter. Claiming divine will as justice, they committed atrocities. ××'s teeth gritted at the memory.
He ended midway, but could she, in a world her successor Savior protected, finally cry?
"Keep in mind, there was a princess who lived like that."
"Thanks for sharing."
As Kunou left, ×× clenched his fist where no one could see.
(Alright, plan's on track. Keep Okita and Excalibur's matters from their ears, investigate the Singularity, and let Master rest as a 'hostage.' Just pray I've outgrown my hero act. …Kyoto was once a candidate to summon Great Red. I didn't do it after meeting Goetia. It'll be fine, right? Trust my old self.)
But the world isn't so kind.
On the first day of the Kyoto school trip, I, Issei Hyoudou, witnessed a mysterious group's battle at Fushimi Inari. The trip hit its third day with nothing else happening.
According to Azazel-sensei, one group I saw was Kyoto yokai. Their leader, the Nine-Tailed Fox, was apparently kidnapped. The Khaos Brigade's faction is likely involved. That group must be them.
The Three Factions and Kyoto yokai were about to ally. Serafall Leviathan, the Satan girl, was here. Sensei and Serafall-sama want to investigate the Khaos Brigade with the yokai, but coordination's shaky. Their leader's kidnapped, yet they're so relaxed. Azazel-sensei says the yokai fought the Khaos Brigade before I arrived, thinking they can handle it alone. Still, collaborating with the Three Factions, who know the Khaos Brigade, would be smarter.
While pondering and enjoying Kyoto, I spotted them at a teahouse near Togetsukyo Bridge.
"Hey! Cute girls spotted!"
"Look at that… phew, so tiny and cute."
"Stop it, perverts. Well, they're easy on the eyes."
Matsuda, Motohama, and Kiryu were ogling, so I looked. I froze.
Four girls were enjoying tea and dango. The young one wore a miko outfit, the others hakama.
"Look, Kunou. If you're a beast, devour snacks boldly!"
"Ibaraki-dono, I'm not an oni. Foxes are divine messengers too. Mother's strict about manners."
"Hm, must obey Mother's words."
"Ibaraki-san and Kunou-san are getting along well."
"Yeah, great."
"Is the Kyoto Senpai knows like this?"
"Probably. I only visited once on a school trip, so it doesn't feel too otherworldly. Speaking of, what's ×× up to now?"
"He was born in this era, so young ×× is out there somewhere."
"Young ××, huh? He said he fought as a terrorist or resistant. Like Billy?"
"I heard he led people. Maybe like Alexander."
"Wanna meet him."
"Like Medea or Carmilla, is ×× embarrassed by his past?"
They're in different clothes, but no doubt—they're the Khaos Brigade from Fushimi Inari! The uniform and shield girls are in hakama, fitting Kyoto. The horned girl's hiding them, but she's definitely an oni. The bandaged mist guy and Shinsengumi girl aren't here. They haven't noticed us—chance?
"What's wrong, Issei-san?"
I whispered to a puzzled Asia.
"Those girls are the Khaos Brigade from Fushimi Inari. The tiny miko wasn't there, though."
"What! Then we should contact Azazel-sensei—"
As we spoke, a familiar mist appeared.
Dimension Lost, one of the four top-tier Longinus, the ultimate barrier Sacred Gear, per Azazel-sensei.
Matsuda, Motohama, and Kiryu vanished, leaving me, Asia, Irina, and Xenovia. No, the four girls were still here, looking startled. No signal for the mist?
"You guys okay?!"
"Sensei!"
Azazel flew in with black wings. I'm glad, but wasn't he with a drunk Rossweisse in Arashiyama? Is she okay?
"Sensei! Those are the ones from Fushimi Inari! No mist guy, though!"
"That's the fox princess? Why's she here?"
Azazel frowned at the tiny miko. The oni and shield girls reverted to their earlier combat-ready outfits. The miko girl wasn't human either, revealing fox ears and tails. …Wait, she was there, on the attacking side. Why's she with them?
"Ritsuka-dono, that's the fallen angel governor. And when Mother was kidnapped, I heard a mist like this appeared. Then what the undertaker said…!"
"No, Ibaraki-san and others call him that, but ××-san isn't really an undertaker… Anyway, Senpai, this mist feels very familiar."
"Coincidence, Mash. Me too. We're used to it."
Light flashed, and he appeared.
"First meeting, fallen angel governor. And Red Dragon Emperor."
A youth in a hanfu over a uniform, holding a glowing spear, followed by a group in matching uniforms. They're definitely Khaos Brigade.
Likely a faction emboldened by the Old Satan faction's collapse—human Sacred Gear wielders, the Hero Faction! They sent assassins to Kuoh Town recently.
"I'm called Cao Cao. Descendant of that Cao Cao from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, sort of."
The spear-wielding man—Cao Cao—grinned smugly.
"We came to Kyoto for an experiment, but what a coincidence—Governor Azazel and the rumored Red Dragon Emperor are here. Let's have a match."
"An experiment, huh? So you're the ones who kidnapped the Nine-Tails?"
"Yes, she's assisting with our experiment."
"What! What're you planning with Mother?!"
Mother? That girl's the Nine-Tails' daughter? But why's she with the Hero Faction? She doesn't seem tricked.
"Heh, the experiment's details are a surprise."
Cao Cao pointed his holy spear at the four girls. Doesn't feel like a friendly gesture.
"Given you're with Kyoto's fox princess, are you ladies hired reinforcements? Never seen you, but your eyes tell me you've seen some battlefields. I'd guess Church or Japanese mythology's elite."
"Wait, those girls aren't your allies?"
"Huh? Never seen them."
"What?"
"What?"
They're not Khaos Brigade?
"…Hey, Issei, what's going on? Doesn't seem like a trap. Isn't that mist from the bandaged coffin guy you saw?"
"What're you talking about, Governor? Coffin and bandages? Our Georg has no such odd traits."
Not even Hero Faction, let alone Khaos Brigade? Then who are they?
"Um, one question!"
The orange-haired girl raised her hand. The one in the uniform before.
"Is that spear yours?"
The question felt off, but Cao Cao answered proudly.
"Yes, you noticed. The ultimate Longinus, the supreme sacred relic! The True Longinus! My innate god-slaying power!"
As expected, the girl mused, arms crossed.
"Senpai, that spear—"
The other two girls made noises, realizing something, then showed odd expressions.
"I heard his real weapon was a spear…"
"Longinus are unique, only one per era…"
"Different worldline, but that undertaker was from this era…"
The three girls looked distant.
"Might've seen something we shouldn't."
"Best to forget."
"Even an oni's eyes tear up. Let's keep quiet."
They whispered among themselves. What's up? Cao Cao and the Hero Faction seemed clueless. Who are these girls?
"You don't seem tied to devils or fallen angels. Who are you?"
"Uh…"
"When asked, an oni must declare! I am Ibaraki-Douji, leader of Mount Ooe's oni!"
While the others hesitated, the tiny oni girl proclaimed grandly.
Her declaration prompted the others to relent and name themselves.
"Ritsuka Fujimaru, from Chaldea."
"Mash Kyrielight, same."
Chaldea? Some organization? The question marks on the Hero Faction's faces suggest it's not a Khaos Brigade faction. Before anyone could ask, light tore through empty space.
I've seen this before—the light when Caliburn slashed dimensions.
So, Vali's team's Arthur—
"You okay, Master?!"
—not him, but that bandaged guy. He pulled a chain with his left hand to carry the coffin, gripping a sword in his right. No doubt, that's the supreme holy sword from before.
The Hero Faction noticed, visibly shaken.
"Impossible, that's Caliburn!"
"The holy king's sword?"
"Did Arthur get taken out?!"
"No way Arthur lost to anyone but Sieg!"
"Who are you?!"
"—Worst-case scenario. Ptui!"
Ignoring them, the bandaged man spat on the ground. He rushed to the girls, questioning them in a scary tone.
"Master, why are you here? You're supposed to be at the yokai mansion!"
"Well, Kunou offered to show us Kyoto."
"Kunou-hime, we're still suspicious. Please don't take them out."
"But Ritsuka-dono, Mash-dono, and Ibaraki-dono looked bored. Talking showed they're good people."
"Got me there. Underestimated Master's charm."
"…I didn't want to sit idle in the mansion while Mother's captured."
"Mash, you let this happen?"
"S-Sorry. I also wanted to explore Kyoto with Senpai…"
"Our journey's been anything but peaceful… Except for Babylonia's handyman, we never had leisurely sightseeing—"
"Hey, look at us!"
The bandaged man finally faced the Hero Faction, visibly annoyed. Despite the bandages, his reluctance was clear.
"…I was thinking of questions like 'Who's the king?' or 'Who's Cao Cao?' Wasted time. Truly wasted. I didn't want to know, but I know."
"What're you muttering? Name yourself, man with the holy king's sword. I'm Cao Cao, bearer of the god-slaying True Longinus, leader of the Hero Faction!"
"Shut it, you nuisance Peter Pan syndrome! If you've time for hero games, play Smash Bros with your buddies at base. Way more fun—cough!"
"Spitting blood?!"
"Pretty dramatically too!"
Everyone—friend or foe—was stunned. Why'd he spit blood? The Hero Faction didn't do anything.
"Don't worry. Just stress, cough."
"What's wrong, Undertaker? Eat something bad?"
"Remembering my immature self… No, it's nothing—"
"So it was youthful folly?"
At those unclear words, the bandaged man froze. He sheathed Caliburn in the coffin, exhaled, and lifted it.
"Phew. —Mash, protect Master. Ibaraki, take Kunou-hime."
"Huh?"
"Eh?"
"Holy Lance activated. Multi-layered Noble Phantasm deployment."
The coffin transformed with a mechanical sound. Its bottom opened, revealing a cannon barrel-like structure.
Super cool gimmick! Azazel-sensei would love—
"I'll kill you all and die too! False Incineration Formula XIII - Catastrophe Longinus!"
Meanwhile at Chaldea
Director: "What? What's happening?" ← Confused
Da Vinci-chan: "Something about a coffin spear…" ← Figured it out
EMIYA: (Silent with an ambiguous expression) ← Noticed after the scam move
El-Melloi II: "I'll invite him for drinks later." ← Knew before the scam move
***
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