Washing the Ground

"It has been over a thousand years since This Humble One was alive. I never expected that after such a long time, there would still be someone who remembers my name."

The voice was tinged with a sense of vicissitudes and an indescribable emotion.

Zhou Hong bowed slightly to show his respect. "The deeds of Lord Ida Iryu have always been remembered by the people."

"Whether it was your slaying of demons and monsters during your lifetime, or the fact that even in death, you have used your own soul to suppress the Sona Ghost."

"So many years have passed, yet the people of the village have actually passed this story down all this time."

"A promise is truly a beautiful word."

For a moment, only the sound of breathing and heartbeats remained within the shrine.

"Then, what is your purpose in coming here?" Ida Iryu's voice suddenly turned serious.

Zhou Hong understood Ida Iryu's caution.

It was essentially: This Humble One can tell at a glance that you are not human; you are covered in all sorts of auspicious blessings, so I will begrudgingly listen to what you have to say.

In ancient times, the ignorance of humanity and their craving for great power often led them to assist monsters like the Sona Ghost; such people had caused Ida Iryu no small amount of trouble and distress.

And those who possessed such auras were usually people who had helped him in the past.

"They didn't believe that anyone stronger than me existed, so I brought them here to see for themselves." Zhou Hong gestured toward the group behind him.

If you put it that way, no ordinary person would believe it.

However, there really had been a group of blockheads back in the day who had done many foolish things, and Ida Iryu could understand that.

Zhou Hong continued, "And, while we're at it, to eliminate the Sona Ghost."

The sword body trembled instantly, emitting a faint humming sound, filled with a hint of confusion.

"This Humble One sees that you do not carry swords or blades; how do you intend to eradicate the Sona Ghost?"

"Furthermore, after being sealed for so many years..."

"Constantly absorbing all kinds of evil thoughts and malice, the Sona Ghost is now even more powerful than it was back then. If you are not fully prepared, This Humble One advises you not to seek your own deaths."

Listening to these words and looking at the laser gun in his hand, a faint smile appeared on Hibiki Gousuke's face. So, that Sona Ghost could be dealt with by a blade?

Zhou Hong also patiently explained, "The era has changed. Although the weapons in our hands may not compare to your sword, the word 'we' does not refer to just one person."

"Wait, Ah Hong, our guns can't compare to a sword?"

Waving the laser gun in his hand up and down, Hibiki Gousuke expressed his disagreement.

Beyond seven paces, a gun is faster than a sword; within seven paces, a gun is both fast and accurate. How could a sword possibly compare to a gun?

Zhou Hong rolled his eyes. "The era is different. Back in those days, their swords could fly out just like our missiles, and their power was no less than a missile's."

"As for slashes, cutting through steel and the like was effortless."

My apologies for the presumption.

No wonder Ah Hong said there were people stronger than him; the ancients were truly powerful.

Hibiki Gousuke remained silent and slowly holstered his gun, while the rest of the squad stood there, stunned.

Ida Iryu's voice rang out again. "Although I do not understand what this 'missile' you speak of is, I have a general understanding of its power."

"This Humble One would like to ask, how many times can you unleash such an attack?"

How does one answer an ancient warrior asking how many missiles a globally-integrated, highly industrialized organization can fire?

"I'm not entirely sure of the specifics, but a thousand times should be possible, right?" Zhou Hong looked at Hibiki Gousuke in confusion.

Having worked at the Guard Bureau, Hibiki Gousuke had some knowledge of weapon reserves.

To promote the arrival of peace, most weapons had been stored and sealed away, but the maintenance and preservation of these items were still being carried out.

He rubbed his chin and thought for a moment. "As far as I know, ten thousand times might not be an exaggeration."

Hibiki Gousuke's words nearly scared Ida Iryu's soul out of his body; he remained stunned for a long time before he finally regained his senses.

"Techniques that consume immense stamina can now be unleashed ten thousand times at will?"

Well, Ida Iryu began to doubt his existence.

However, Zhou Hong did not dally. "Since you have awakened, the Sona Ghost must have awakened as well."

"That is correct. Even though I divided the Sona Ghost into five parts, after your provocation, it is likely furious."

"However, as long as I remain here to guard it, no matter how angry it gets, it can do nothing but bark like a dog."

Ida Iryu's words were incredibly imposing; though one could not see his figure, there was an inexplicable sense of sorrow.

"If we are to attack with missiles, we need the Sona Ghost's body to surface, and we also need you to leave for a while."

At this point, Ida Iryu hesitated, but then said, "If that is the case, would you allow me to possess one of you?"

As soon as his words fell, while the others looked at each other in confusion, Hibiki Gousuke shouted, "Fine."

"Possess me."

Zhou Hong did not hesitate to draw the sword and toss it to Hibiki Gousuke, who gripped it tightly.

His serious expression became even more solemn under the light of the searchlights.

A samurai silhouette with a topknot flashed by, and immediately, Ida Iryu took control of the body.

The previously dull eyes of Hibiki Gousuke were now filled with a sharp, piercing intensity.

"Let us go."

With his sword held at his waist, Ida Iryu led the way toward the outskirts of Mount Sona.

"Vice Captain, are you sure this will be alright?" Koda Toshiyuki asked cautiously.

"It will be fine. Koda, contact Director Yoshioka now. Tell him we have discovered a monster, that the public needs to be evacuated, and that we require missile fire support."

"Understood!"

After a long wait, following the loud roar from Director Yoshioka over the communicator—"My Security Bureau and the Old Defense Force still have a stockpile of one hundred thousand missiles!"—the evacuation operation began in the dead of night.

Shortly thereafter, a definitive confirmation was received.

As Ida Iryu walked away from the vicinity of the shrine that sealed the Sona Ghost, Mount Sona suddenly began to tremble; the familiar vibration made it immediately clear that this was an earthquake.

The dismembered body of the Sona Ghost emerged from the mountainside, its massive frame so large that a single hand was comparable to a skyscraper, while its razor-sharp fingers and eerie coloration spoke of its immense power.

That was an oni.

It was one of the oni clan, beings of boundless strength from Japanese mythology.

Yet, Ida Iryu returned to the shrine.

"Ida Iryu!" A roar filled with resentment and unwillingness echoed out, only to dissipate before Ida Iryu's calm and composed expression.

"The heart and the head are located there." He pointed to two spots, and without waiting for Zhou Hong to say anything, he lowered his sword once more.

"The rest is up to you."

Hibiki Gousuke regained consciousness, took a step back, and bowed his head slightly in respect.

"The missile deployment is complete, the targeting is locked, and the positions of the heart and head are well within the blast radius," Koda reported.

"Let us withdraw," Hibiki Gousuke ordered.

Please, I beg you for some votes.