How did I, an Onmyoji, become the Lord of Yokai?

Winning or losing, I can no longer think about that much.

"..."

"..."

No, it's not that they're incapable of thinking, but rather that they're unwilling to think.

He chuckled inwardly, a faint smile appearing on the black-haired boy's face.

Princess Takiyasha has fully recovered. Although she still cannot use the divine artifact Toki-giri for her own purposes, she has gained a lot of power from Toki-giri at this moment.

Their strongest fighter here is in excellent condition.

Paper Dance became their partner. Although it was not strong in terms of physical strength or demonic power, the hidden ability of the paper could play a significant role at crucial moments.

Ashiya Dōman was also ready, with his wooden biwa and the power of time... In some ways, he could become a key figure in determining the outcome of this war.

In addition, their three days of rest have completely healed their previous injuries and fully replenished their lost energy and spirit.

While his combat power may not surpass his usual level, he can definitely unleash his usual strength.

On our side, we have reached an unprecedented level of excellence.

But even so, what can be done?

The being who rules the Sun Wheel City, Himiko... Just those three words were like an insurmountable mountain, pressing down on them and preventing them from making any progress.

The so-called inability to think is simply an unwillingness to think.

Because... the chances of winning are almost nonexistent.

In this battle, everyone was prepared to die.

Surprisingly, the sky above Shimizu was unusually calm, just like the tranquil moon before us.

Shimizu Asahi has fought against many powerful enemies, from Kidomaru at the beginning, to Jakotsu-ba, Ootengu, Yamata no Orochi, the Mermaid King, Yoru-wara no Tama, and Fujiwara no Yoru. He has faced far too many enemies, and life and death are not really scary to him.

—His heart had long been tempered to an extraordinary degree of hardness.

Even knowing that tomorrow would be the battle against Himiko, he was able to keep his emotions in check.

However, he could never achieve what he was doing now... as still as the moon in the sky, as calm as a lake at night, without a ripple.

Is it because you know you can't win tomorrow's battle that you're so calm?

The thought crossed his mind.

"..."

Thinking about this, he suddenly felt an urge to laugh out loud.

And indeed, he did laugh.

"Oh......"

Without a trace of emotion, the purest and most direct laughter echoed in the quiet courtyard.

"It's been so long since I've been able to calm down and appreciate such a peaceful atmosphere."

The sound continued.

But it wasn't him who spoke.

He turned around, and a young girl dressed in a black and white robe, as radiant as moonlight, slowly walked towards him.

Her heroic and strong aura, which initially caught the eye, gradually disappeared, replaced by an unprecedented ease and gentleness.

Of course, there was also a bit of confusion and fear.

The uncertainty and fear surrounding the future... or more precisely, the uncertainty and fear surrounding tomorrow.

"You can't sleep either, Takiyasha-hime?"

The boy watched her come to his side, a serene smile appearing on his lips, as if he were chatting with an old friend, relaxed and at ease.

"Yeah, I felt a little uneasy, so I got up and went for a walk."

Are you like that too?

"Ha... how should I put it, I guess it's because the moon feels particularly peaceful tonight."

The boy gently raised his eyes, a slight smile appearing on his face.

Takiyasha-hime looked at him, and for some reason, the unease she should have felt subsided.

Perhaps, as he said, the moon is exceptionally peaceful tonight.

"It really has been... a long time since I've felt this way."

Whether it was a sigh or a venting of emotions, the gentle voice echoed softly in the courtyard.

"Ever since Lady Himiko sealed off the City of the Sun, plunging everything into a cycle of reincarnation, I have never enjoyed a night like this again."

“Every day I suffer… no, I should say, ever since I decided to stand against Lady Himiko, I have been tormented by how to defeat Lady Himiko, and how to awaken the people to the truth.”

"Every single day, all that awaits me is torment."

"Over a long period of time, I even gradually became a little numb."

"Should we just let things continue like this? Should we give up what we've always insisted on?"

"Although I don't say it, I'm actually exhausted, really exhausted... I don't even know how much longer I can hold on..."

"The daily repetition, the daily failures—I still can't go on alone..."

"I even started thinking, how wonderful it would be if someone could help me, someone could stand with me against Lady Himiko..."

"Although it's just a fantasy, it's one of the reasons I've kept going."

"It's kind of funny that on your first day here, I actually wanted you to leave... And now that you've actually come this far with me, I'm actually a little worried."

Her slender body leaned back slightly, the girl supporting herself with her hands behind her back, her calm words carrying a deep weariness.

That is the perseverance and suffering of eight hundred years.

but......

"I don't think tomorrow is the last day."

The boy suddenly stood up with a smile.

"Perhaps there are thoughts in my mind that I can't win tomorrow, but even so, deep in my heart there is the belief that 'tomorrow is definitely not my end'."

"So, I don't quite understand your emotions."

"But I think you're probably the same way."

"Tomorrow's battle will not be the end for us."

"so......"

The girl's body was reflected in her black pupils, and a soft light shone on her, as if emitting a faint glow.

We absolutely have to win!

------

As the moonlight faded and the sun rose again, the group stood ready to depart in front of the watchtower.

As the sun rose over the crowd, a faint smile appeared on his handsome face.

Then, he made a sound.

"Everyone, let's go!"

The Crusade Against Himiko! Chapter 789: I've Come to Say Goodbye

It took the group about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn to get from the watchtower to the Sun Wheel Pavilion.

Step through the main gate into the main hall, and then climb the stairs to the next floor.

Unlike their first visit, this time they encountered no obstacles. Even the local people who had arrived early did not hinder them.

It was as if the city had received some kind of order, allowing them to advance quietly.

Under these circumstances, they arrived at the highest point of the City of the Sun, before the tightly closed gate.

"..."

His footsteps paused slightly, and his gaze subtly shifted.

The girl with long, silver-white hair took a step forward.

She came before the crowd and placed her palm on the door.

With a creak, the door slowly opened as the five fingers exerted force...

The scenery came into view.

This is a very large room... like a palace.

A red carpet stretched from the entrance to the grand staircase deep inside the room, where walls shone like gold, and lights twinkled in the sky, illuminating the entire room.

Although it was only at first glance, its grandeur and magnificence immediately struck me.

This is the palace of Himiko, the Sun Queen!

“My lovely Yo-hime, it seems you’ve brought a new friend.”

The voice came from above, soft and pleasant, like a gentle Yamato Nadeshiko, but hidden within that voice was a chilling madness.

It was as if the side exposed to everyone at this moment was a disguise.

Everyone instinctively looked in the direction of the sound.

On the steps, in the vast and spacious Jade Terrace, a stunningly beautiful woman gazed quietly into the distance.

Her long, black hair was gently tied up, and her eyes were adorned with red makeup, making her look like a dignified and noble person of wealth.

Like the previous voice, it was so gentle that one couldn't help but feel its warmth.

But upon closer inspection, one can see that beneath that smile lies an unimaginable madness.

—This guy...is a madman!

"This is... Himiko!"