"SAKUMURA! FIGHT ME!!!"
The warmth beneath the cherry blossom tree was utterly shattered by that violent outburst.
Whoosh—
As Yukina's voice rang out, her hair twisted together into blades and mercilessly slammed toward Sakumura.
"Hmm?"
Sakumura wore a somewhat puzzled expression. His wings spread open, turning into a shield before himself, Okita, and Kanna.
The blades were blocked. Sakumura lifted his wings and gave them a fierce flap, sending the blades flying away.
"Yukina?"
He tilted his head, looking rather confused.
"Sakumura, during that battle on the mountaintop, you never intended to fight us seriously, did you?"
Black Yukina wore an eager expression as she spread her hands, which transformed into claws.
"Black River Mountain used to be my territory, no matter how you look at it, but now you've taken it over—fight me!"
"If I win, you'll listen to me. How about it?"
She looked as though she had some kind of mischievous scheme in mind.
During the previous battle, Yukina had always held herself back. It was not only because of the unpleasant memories stirred up by the Chang Ghost, but also because of her feelings for Sakumura. As a result, she had never been able to display the power of the so-called [Great Yokai, Day-Hiding Demon].
But now, Sakumura was no longer an enemy who needed to be defeated in any fundamental sense. Instead, she could unleash all her strength and eagerly "have a match" with him.
".I don't really feel like fighting right now, but... you're right."
Sakumura pursed his lips helplessly.
"I'll wait for you on the mountain."
Whoosh—
Whoosh!!!
Sakumura spread his wings, the enormous black span reaching nearly ten meters.
"Soji, Kanna, wait here for me a while."
He spoke softly to his family, then beat his wings sharply and flew into the