"Our Dog Tribe has pulled back its fighting forces. Right now, the only faction able to move freely outside the Western Country is the Leopard Cat clan. The Great Elder knows that too."
"So, whatever happens out there, the worst outcome for our tribe is that the enemy gets hold of Karasu Tengu's Treasures and restores its fighting force to six elders."
"That wouldn't make much difference. It would only put things back the way they were. But if we get the best outcome, we'll reap a huge windfall!"
A glimmer of anticipation flashed in the Dog King's eyes. He was eager to learn which way things would unfold.
"The fortress is locked in a stalemate now, with neither side moving unless the other does. The Great Elder absolutely won't let the Panther Cat Elders leave. The strongest fighter our tribe can currently deploy is Tōga."
"That boy also wants to go to Wind-Thunder Gorge, but circumstances have changed. The danger has already exceeded what a Mid-Level Yokai can handle."
The Dog King frowned slightly, tapping his fingers against the armrest of his throne with a crisp, rhythmic sound.
In his mind, the Great Elder was the best person for the job.
After all, beyond gathering intelligence, the deeper purpose of this trip was to finish off the wounded!
The spectacular phenomenon between heaven and earth had affected a rather vast area, but against tough, thick-skinned High-Level Yokai, it might not have been enough to kill them in a single blow.
Unfortunately, Wind-Thunder Gorge was too far away. Even the Dog King's powerful senses could not detect the presence of any survivors there.
"Let the boy judge for himself. With that head on his shoulders, he won't try anything beyond his abilities."
The Dog King narrowed his eyes slightly, recalling Tōga's behavior throughout his childhood. He had always felt that the boy was not quite a normal Dog Yokai.
After all, what sort of pup acted like a scholar from childhood? Among a pack of coarse brutes and foolish dogs, he was an utterly out-of-place oddity!
The more outstanding Tōga became, the more worried the Dog King felt.
When Tōga began harboring "ulterior motives" toward his precious daughter, the Dog King could no longer sit still. He had specifically called in a favor to consult the Youkai Sage.
Only after confirming that Tōga was indeed a normal pup had he finally relaxed.
"The sage called him a [Yokai of Destiny], and the hope of our tribe's future."
The Dog King still remembered that verdict from the Youkai Sage vividly, and he had never mentioned it to anyone.
However much Tōga annoyed him, the thought that his daughter would have someone good to spend her life with eased the Dog King's mind considerably.
At least he would not have to worry about Ringetsu being bullied after he was gone.
Soon, Tōga arrived at an attendant's summons and sat upright before him.
The Dog King wasted no time beating around the bush. He went straight to the point and explained the situation in full.
"No problem!"
Tōga's answer was just as crisp and decisive. His flecked golden eyes lit up with excitement, brimming with eagerness.
He had only just mastered his mighty technique, and now wounded High-Level Yokai had appeared. He could not have asked for a better opportunity!
"Then go."
The Dog King asked nothing more. He merely watched quietly as Tōga rose and left the hall, then suddenly caught Ringetsu's scent as she hurried toward the entrance.
Knowing what his daughter intended, the old father stopped halfway through rising. A look of struggle crossed his face before giving way to acceptance.
"Forget it. Let those youngsters decide for themselves. With the safeguard I left on Ringetsu, her life won't be in danger even against High-Level Yokai."
"But if that boy dares let Ringetsu get hurt, even if the Leopard Cat clan doesn't tear him apart, I'll cleave him in two myself!"
The atmosphere in the hall was heavy and still. The attendants stole glances at the Dog King as he smiled one moment and seethed the next, their canine brains utterly baffled.
"I'm going too!"
Outside the Tenshu Pavilion, Ringetsu stood like an insurmountable wall, blocking Tōga's path outright and giving him quite a headache.
He had been willing to take Ringetsu to Wind-Thunder Gorge before because a battle involving High-Level Yokai was unlikely to break out. Tōga could guarantee the girl's safety completely.
But this time, he was going there specifically to cause trouble for the Panther Cat Elders. If a real battle broke out, he might not be able to keep Ringetsu from getting hurt.
If anything went wrong, Tōga firmly believed that the Dog King, who adored his precious daughter, would string him up and beat him!
The three Dog Tribe elders would probably stand nearby, urging the king not to hit him too hard while applauding every blow.
After standing silently in the street for four or five seconds, under Ringetsu's increasingly sharp gaze with its hint of disappointment, Tōga looked up blankly toward the Dog King.
Wait, how can that old geezer sit still at a time like this? Shouldn't he be calling Ringetsu away?
When the Dog King failed to cheerfully take the problem off his hands, Tōga realized in astonishment that his future father-in-law, who found fault with him no matter what he did, had truly entrusted Ringetsu to him!
"Tōga, what are you waiting for?"
Clever as she was, Ringetsu had naturally picked up on the Dog King's intentions too.
Her earlier urgency to act first and ask permission later, forcing her way into accompanying Tōga, instantly vanished without a trace.
The girl's feelings were delicate and sensitive.
Watching Tōga stare stupidly at the Tenshu Pavilion, Ringetsu felt an inexplicable surge of anger.
"Do you really not want to take me with you that badly? Or is it..."
Ringetsu stepped forward, her movements light, like a flower swaying in the breeze.
She leaned forward slightly, her delicate, upturned nose almost touching the tip of Tōga's.
Their eyes, matching in color, reflected each other's trembling gaze, as though they could see into each other's hearts through those clear depths.
The girl's breath brushed softly against Tōga's face. Nourished over many years by the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, her body was pure, without a trace of the impurities of ordinary people.
Her breath, sweeter than orchids, carried a delicate fragrance toward him like a gentle breeze, setting his heart aflutter.
Her cherry-pink lips parted slightly, and the whisper that followed drifted into his ears with warm, moist breath.
"Or are you worried you can't protect me, hmm?"
The girl's final note rose softly, making Tōga flush. Being unable to protect his own wife was a reality no man with any self-respect could possibly accept!
"Nonsense! Mere High-Level Yokai? I'll kill every one that comes!"
Tōga's voice rose without him realizing it. "Fine, we'll go! How could I possibly fail to protect you?!"
The moment Tōga agreed, a radiant smile blossomed across Ringetsu's face.
Smiling, she clasped her hands behind her back and lightly twirled before Tōga like a happy little deer.
Her bright, faintly blushing smile was like moonlight falling over a forest of blossoms, beautiful enough to bring kingdoms to their knees!
It's been so long since I last saw Ringetsu smile like that.
Looking at the girl beside him, whose eyes curved like crescent moons, Tōga abandoned any thought of challenging High-Level Yokai on this trip.
Fighting opponents above his level really did not suit an honest man with a lovely wife like him.
Overwhelming everything with absolute strength in the future was the true, proper path.
Before you continue