The establishment of the Time Travelers Alliance began in the first year of Conan

Chapter 379 Cherry Blossoms (Seeking monthly votes at the end of the month)
For this man, who could be said to be deliberately jumping into a fire pit.

This period was probably the happiest time that Matou Kariya had ever experienced.

This is not just a test of the "persona".

It's not just about saving any member of the "Alliance" out of a sense of duty or by law.

Conan simply wanted to save Kariya.

For some tragedies in the purest sense, for those innocent people, even those innocent people who want to save others in the midst of suffering.

This famous detective always wanted to do something more.

He asked himself that question.

"Is it really impossible to completely break through a persona?"

"Is it really impossible to allow innocent people to choose to avoid suffering and choose another possibility?"

Therefore, the arrangements were different from those for the other participants in the war.

This detective could be said to have tried his best to salvage and avert this inevitable tragedy.

Furthermore, it's difficult to say that such a decision is based on rationality—

If [Matou Kariya] is utilized, it will obviously give the [Alliance] an advantage in the plan.

But emotionally, Conan even convinces himself that he can't let "heroes bleed and weep."

Therefore, [Matou Kariya] can be considered the second to arrive in this detective universe.

Conan didn't assign him any tasks, or rather, Matou Kariya only had one task—

That is to try to "save yourself".

……

Many veterans who fought bravely on the battlefield often feel a sense of alienation or even dissociation from the present after returning to peaceful life.

In severe cases, individuals may even subconsciously react to sounds similar to gunfire or artillery.

Of course, we now know that this is actually a painful condition, not because they are not brave or strong enough.

Or rather, how many people are truly strong enough to remain unmoved even when faced with a collapsing mountain?

Between life and death lies such immense terror.

As for Matou Kariya, his strength lies in his suffering.

Furthermore, if PTSD is based on physical pain, then its trauma originates from the universe or the soul itself.

Even though Sakura has been saved, and even though it seems that those hardships have long since left her life now.

But Kariya still often wakes up startled from that gloomy, decaying, and filthy insect cellar.

It wasn't until he got up and pulled back the curtains that had been covering him, and until the sky was still a suffocating gray that made him feel like he couldn't breathe, that he realized that it was all really over.

So, as usual, he wiped away his sweat with the towel that was already placed on the bedside table, and then stared at the faintly twinkling stars for a long time.

It all felt like... a dream from which I never woke up.

Yan Ye sat on the edge of the bed, staring at his hands, which were rough from training, and sighed softly.

It's been more than twenty years.

More than twenty years later, he still hasn't gotten over what seemed to be etched into his soul.

He still... so desperately wanted to kill Zouken Matou.

……

Yes, for Matou Kariya, the best gift Conan, or rather the [Alliance], could give him was—

A truly carefree and happy time.

He and Sakura arrived in Beika Town a very, very early time.

If we're talking about time, it's roughly when I was just born.

Thinking of this, Matou Kariya couldn't help but chuckle.

After all, the idea of ​​being born an adult is indeed a strange tale.

Although the Matou family publicly claims that he suffers from "progeria," Matou Kariya knows very well that the real reason is that he no longer has any so-called past.

Throughout the entire story, only [Matou Kariya] ever appeared.

If we disregard debates about the "core" or the "CYZ effect," among the characters the "Alliance" has encountered so far, "Matou Kariya's" character design is the most solid.

This kind of solidity is so strong that even in Conan's current home turf, there isn't much that can be done about it.

Because, just like the mission of "saving himself," what truly trapped [Matou Kariya] was himself, not anyone else.

So, is it possible to change it, or to change oneself?

This is a very difficult thing.

It wasn't until Matou Kariya got out of bed, subconsciously dressed, and stood in front of the yellowed sticker on the door lock that he suddenly realized he was holding a long sword in his hand.

Moreover, this sword is different from the ones made of tough bamboo and wood in the past—

It gleamed with a cold light.

Looking at the sticker that read "Uncle Kariya, please be careful!", especially the big, childlike smiley face attached to the back...

Matou Kariya remained silent for a long time, but still couldn't let go of it.

Just like him, Sakura naturally came here as well.

Although he was not Sakura's father, Kariya undoubtedly deserved the title of "father" for what Matou Sakura had done over the past twenty years.

Of course, Kariya did have some regrets in his heart—first, Sakura's mother didn't come, and second, Rin didn't come.

On my way to the insect warehouse that day, I promised to take Sakura and the others to the amusement park.

In fact, twenty years has not been without causing any changes to Kariya.

But every night, or every dream, or even the hallucinations when I look in the mirror and see myself.

Those marking insects that had gnawed at him seemed to have never left him.

Sometimes, Kariya would even see his disabled self in the mirror, struggling somewhere with his half-blindness and broken limbs, and the things he had never managed to change.

Despite Sakura telling herself again and again that she didn't need to worry about these things anymore.

"Uncle Yanye, don't worry about these things. I'll protect you from now on!"

Touching his slightly aching left rib, Yan Ye couldn't help but smile bitterly—he was indeed no match for Sakura now.

When exactly did I start teaching Sakura swordsmanship?

……

In fact, if this were to get out, it would surprise many people in Beika Town.

As is well known, after the disappearance of the former head of the Matou family, the Armed Detective Faction naturally did everything in its power to try to seize all the family property and power that had been taken from them.

But in the end, the Matou family remained the Matou family, and was not referred to by any other name.

The reason for this is quite obvious, and it lies in Kariya's profession.

Name: Matou Kariya
Class: Great Swordsman
Faction: To be determined

Talent: [Magic Swordsman Kalia]

Effect: A man who wears a mask, burdened by a heavy destiny, yet still pursues justice.

You possess the [Unyielding Will], which allows you to continue moving for several minutes even when physically disabled or suffering fatal injuries.

You are the legendary [Demon Swordsman Kalia]. After switching to this state, you will enter the "Obsession" state, and your martial arts will be greatly enhanced without any limit. The degree of enhancement depends on your [degree of obsession].

You own the Matou family.
Not only was Lancelot's martial arts skills fully inherited, but Kariya also developed even more powerful sword techniques based on his own obsession.

In fact, the reason why the Matou residence has been rebuilt in the way Sakura likes is because of the slash that cut through the sky and the earth back then.

Of course, since learning about his own panel, Kariya has not actually taken any action for more than ten years under Sakura's "orders".

And it was from that time on that Sakura's interest shifted from Wonder Woman to begging him to teach her swordsmanship.

Teaching that child swordsmanship was a magical feeling.

Whenever Yan Ye recalls this, he feels a warm and peculiar sensation in his heart.

Yan Ye felt that it could be called "happiness".

Ten years or so... it seems to have passed in the blink of an eye.

He watched the child, who wasn't even as tall as his waist, slowly grow up.

As her purple hair grew longer, she also grew taller.

How did a child who used to cry after being defeated grow so tall in the blink of an eye?

Kariya Matou could never understand this matter.

Just like his time, it seems to have frozen at the moment of his "birth".

Sakura had grown into a graceful and beautiful young woman. Of course, she had also become as taciturn as Kariya—Sakura was better at expressing her thoughts through actions than words.

After becoming an adult, Matou Sakura quickly joined the Detective Academy and graduated even faster.

They even adopted the stance of "armed detectives," and with a tenacity far surpassing that of Kariya, they championed the path of justice.

Sometimes Yan Ye even felt that she couldn't understand what this child was thinking.

Even through "sword talks," and even though he put some pressure on the child during training, Yan Ye found it difficult to see any other emotions through those purple eyes.

She seemed to have learned many qualities from Kariya that Kariya didn't want this child to learn.

And her swordsmanship.

Kariya naturally held nothing back when it came to Sakura.

Lancelot's swordsmanship is naturally exceptional, and he also imparted to her, without reservation, some theories he had developed based on the state of the Demon Swordsman Kalia.

In fact, the child seemed to be learning even better than he had expected.

Thinking of this, Yan Ye touched his left rib again.

"How about we cancel today's sword practice?"

He can no longer "beat" Sakura.

Of course, this was a lie that Kariya had been telling for many years.

Just as a teacher's skill level must be a level higher than that of a student to provide guidance—if their skill levels are similar, then it's a matter of "graduating" or "exchanging skills."

Kariya has maintained excellent control over his swordsmanship over the past five years.

Or perhaps, deep down, he felt a little...regretful about his somewhat hasty decision to agree to teach Sakura swordsmanship.

He originally only wanted to teach her how to protect herself, but before he knew it, he had given her most of his skills.

Thinking of this, Yan Ye smiled.

He simply couldn't resist the child's sweet talk; he would teach her anything she asked for.

Besides... besides—

Looking down at the longsword in his hand, Yan Ye gently stroked the hilt before gripping it tightly.

Nothing happened.

The great swordsman turned around and saw that the curtains, which had been hanging neatly, were now on the ground.

A memory suddenly appeared in his mind, only to be soothed by [Matou Kariya].

Yan Ye looked out the window at the starlight; the morning star was about to rise.

He sighed.

"Still only three minutes...?"

……

Yes.

If Sakura has changed a lot, then Kariya seems to have remained the same.

Unwavering...hatred.

He knew very well that, in this world, murder was undoubtedly a crime. Of course, if it was a self-defense strike against an enemy, or even a crime of passion committed out of hatred, perhaps he would only have to spend some time in prison.

Kariya knew very well that Zouken Matou would definitely forgive him for killing him, and might even be grateful to him.

As long as he comes into this world.

As long as he returns from his "disappearance".

Having obtained a physical body, he might be able to recall the name "Machiri Zorgen".

Even Sakura "forgave" the old bug.

But Kariya knew very well that Sakura's forgiveness was not for her own sake, but for his to move on from that period of history.

These two unfortunate people then tried to redeem each other over the course of twenty years.

But Kariya doesn't need that.

He knew very well that he wasn't acting for "justice," unlike the child who had gone further than him; he simply wanted to save Sakura.

Or rather, he did try to do it, because it would make Sakura happy—which also brought him some comfort.

That child should have moved on from that period by now.

Of course, since Sakura didn't like doing it this way, Kariya had to find another way.

Therefore, we must ask a question.

What is the most important evidence to confirm that a perpetrator is the real culprit?

—Evidence presented at the scene.

Or, to put it another way, a detailed causal chain and a chain of evidence.

In the case at hand, it is impossible for the murderer to be thousands of miles away and kill the victim in front of him.

This would be even more true if we added "time" to this "location".

To deliver such a strike, a strike capable of "severing cause and effect."

I've been thinking about [Matou Kariya] for over twenty years.

Every time Kariya faces the insect warehouse that swallows him and Sakura in his dreams, he often thinks about one thing.

Did he really "save" Sakura?

Or rather, what exactly is the way I want to save myself?
There is only one way to save someone from regret: to prevent regret from ever happening in the first place, to stop a tragedy before it even occurs. Actions taken afterward can only be considered remedies.

Sakura's hair shouldn't be purple.

She shouldn't be [Matou Sakura], but should "live happily ever after" with Rin and Aoi.

Even the hatred in his heart supported Kariya in doing so.

Sakura can forgive, Zouken Matou can forgive, but can I forgive myself?
Kariya couldn't do it, even when Sakura begged him.

Kariya even felt fear, fear of the possible, remorseful Zouken Matou.

What if he really repents?
Even if he were willing to commit suicide to atone for his sins, what should I do if Zouken Matou did so the moment he appeared in this "world"?
Kariya was even afraid of that scene, afraid of seeing Matou Zouken weeping and sincerely repenting.

He can't pretend nothing happened.

He would not rest in peace if he hadn't killed the insect that abused Sakura.

Then let's refine our swordsmanship, and... let's advance our character development.

Thus, the sword technique called "Cause and Effect Break" was developed by Kariya.

In reality, the effect of this swordsmanship on the invalidity of the "case" was more of a side effect.

Yan Ye was never afraid of judgment; he already had his own sense of justice in his heart.

This swordsmanship was mostly prepared for that "old bug".

……

Yes, in any case, it will take time for [Zoken Matou] to enter this world.

What if, the moment he "entered" this detective universe, he wielded his sword for the first three minutes?

Even Kariya had considered it.

If, if he takes his "persona" to the next level.

If he were to take that desire for revenge to its extreme... would he, would he, have a chance?

An opportunity to kill Zouken Matou, who is about to assault Sakura.

[Matou Kariya] was unsure, or rather, whether he could tolerate this.

It was as if he had prepared two plans—

He was absolutely certain that the moment [Matou Zouken] appeared, he would strike at the point that had occurred three minutes earlier.

You're 100% sure!

The other, with less than a 10% chance of success, wielded his sword against Matou Zouken, a figure within the framework of historical inertia.

Even in this world of Sherlock Holmes, his chances of success are less than 10%.

At that moment, looking at the note pasted on the door lock, Yan Ye sighed softly.

Let's choose the 10%.

Kariya Matou did not want to see Sakura shed tears or even cry again.

As for how to track down [Matou Zouken]'s "appearance" within three minutes, that's the thing [Matou Kariya] isn't worried about the least.

Just like this [inherent barrier] uses the connection of "causal chain" to pull everyone in.

A true swordsman only needs to be sincere in his heart.

Why worry about mere physical distance when wielding a sword against an old enemy?

……

Therefore, around 3 a.m. on the day Weber and others "entered" the world.

Knowing that Zouken Matou would appear in three minutes, Kariya stood in the center of the kendo dojo at the Matou residence.

The kendo dojo was completely silent.

The white walls blocked out the wind, leaving only a faint winter chill that seeped in from every angle.

But this chill retreated in an even colder silence.

The world seemed to have been stripped of all sound and breath.

Only one remains—

The sound of time and space flowing.

Three o'clock in the morning.

All things are asleep.

Only here is something that is destined to happen.

Matou Kariya closed his eyes.

At this moment, he was neither sad nor happy, his face was so calm as to be almost ethereal, there was no anger or ferocity between his brows, like a Buddha entering Nirvana.

But—even Buddha has fire.

Then, an even more terrifying aura emanated from that gaunt figure.

Anger at Sakura's suffering, anger at one's own suffering, anger at fate...

Subduing demons and tigers is not out of compassion, but because the accumulated karma has reached a point where it can no longer be delayed.

At this moment, the Buddha named [Matou Kariya] is about to open his wrathful eyes before he has saved all sentient beings.

Stand with your feet slightly apart and lower your body.

The soles of the feet are pressed against the wooden planks, driven into the ground.

Yan Ye reached out and placed his hand on the hilt of the sword, slowly raising his arms.

What is about to be unleashed is a strike that truly severs the chain of cause and effect.

Draw your sword!

Swing your sword!

"Qiang——!"

That was the blade that severed time.

The sharpness of the sword wielded to break the tragedy.

Trying to avoid it is pointless, isn't it?

Since it transcends time, it cannot be captured by the human eye.

but--

The blade that cuts off that head.

The moonlight, which was meant to save this fool, was deflected.

"Clang—!"

The sound that falls before my eyes is more distant than time itself.

It can't be far away.

Because the sound occurred three minutes ago.

However, the girl made that sound occur in a much more distant time.

It wasn't until three minutes before Zouken Matou arrived that Kariya heard that resolute voice.

With a voice that dispelled the darkness, she said:
This is the crucible of nothingness, the other side of cause and effect—

The world is about to collapse amidst overlapping paradoxes.

In the end, it will be swallowed up by the cyclical flow of time.

The blade of destiny, negated from birth, severs the very roots of existence—

Imaginary Slash Causality Break!

……

A figure had already appeared at the entrance of the kendo dojo.

That is--

Like the soft, long hair of wisteria blossoms.

In the stillness of the night, his deep pupils seemed to swallow the moonlight.

“Sakura—?!” Kariya couldn’t help but exclaim.

Indeed, it is [Matou Sakura].

Just like how he chose to help her.

She herself must have vowed to help him.

Therefore, in order to prevent the other party from going astray.

Imitating the swordsman's posture.

The cherry blossoms are about to bloom.

A sword blade that shines like moonlight.

It is as sharp and cold as moonlight.

They collided.

……

This time, it's the child's turn to save her Uncle Kariya.

(End of this chapter)