He twisted his body and began begging his son for mercy, dumping all the blame on Izanami.
It had nothing to do with him, anyway. He was innocent!
At that moment, he cast aside all thoughts of revenge and destroying this defective son. He only wanted to live. He could have more sons and daughters after they died, but if he died, he'd lose everything.
He had to survive! He absolutely had to survive!
Even if he had to kneel and lick Hiruko's feet, he would survive!
At the same time, he felt a faint pang of regret. If only he'd known—if only he'd killed Hiruko back then. If there was a next time, he'd make sure to snuff out this son while he was still in the cradle.
Regret. Endless regret. Why had he thought of throwing Hiruko away back then?
He should've done what he did with the Fire God and cut Hiruko into pieces with a sword!!!
He also regretted something else. At that moment, he connected all the dots. Hadn't Hiruko gained his power by devouring all his brothers and sisters?
Otherwise, why would he have appeared now, of all times, and said he intended to devour his own father, too? That settled it: Hiruko had gained his power by devouring his brothers and sisters.
If only he'd known his children could be put to such use, he would've raised them for his own consumption.
He would've fathered children like mad, devoured every last one of them, and become the strongest in the world. If he ate them first, Hiruko wouldn't get to eat them, and wouldn't pose a threat to him.
Regret! What regret!!!
He regretted it so much!!!
If only he could turn back time!
"Heehee, Father, what's with that look? Show me the