Matsudaira Katakuriko opened his mouth, seeming as though he wanted to say something.
But in the end, it only became a heavy sigh.
Kondo Isao scratched his head and looked toward Hijikata and Okita. Both of them shook their heads with cold expressions.
Old Rokuten Muzō pondered for a long while before slowly speaking. "This old man has seen a few mentions of it in ancient texts."
"They said the Guardian Hounds possessed the power to calm the Dragon Vein, but it was no different from mythology and legend."
Hope seemed to be fading with every passing moment.
Were they really going to stand by and watch Edo gradually be eroded by those five fountains of energy?
Amid that oppressive atmosphere, so heavy it was almost suffocating—
That clear, steady, youthful voice rang out softly once more, like a stone dropped into an ancient pond.
"The Guardian Hounds do exist."
Everyone's eyes instantly focused on her.
The one who spoke was still the shrine maiden Okuni, standing quietly to one side.
The girl seemed unaffected by the oppressive atmosphere in the hall.
Her fair little face was tranquil.
Her clear black-and-white eyes reflected the strange green light outside the window.
Yet they seemed capable of piercing through the raging energy to see something even deeper.
"Guardian Hounds?"
Momonga repeated the unfamiliar term, looking at her gently.
"Please explain in detail."
Okuni bowed slightly. Her voice was soft, yet it reached everyone's ears clearly.
"The largest Dragon Vein in Edo was originally rooted not at the 'airport,' but at a shrine called Yellow Dragon Gate."
"That was because it was a Dragon Hole where Altana—Dragon Vein energy—was most concentrated on this planet."
"Therefore, since ancient times, a spirit beast clan known as the Guardian Hounds had guarded Yellow Dragon Gate for