Ichirin Kumoi
Ichirin Kumoi's Fantasy Rebirth Story
(W-We're so high up!)
Ichirin
We're not far from the ship now. And it doesn't look like there are any enemies around here.
Ichirin
But don't let go or Unzan says you'll fall...
Ichirin
And go splat!
E-Eek!
Ichirin
Relax! Everything's fine!
Ichirin
Me and Unzan were told to take you to the ship, and that's just what we'll do. This is all part of Hijiri's strategy.
Ichirin
We're teaming up with the Divine Spirit Mausoleum, but some people can't seem to carry their weight... like Futo.
Ichirin
But we have to power through. We have to succeed.
Ichirin
Then again, with things the way they are, I can't say the people from the Divine Spirit Mausoleum aren't helpful.
Ichirin
But there's no point stressing about it now, huh?
Ichirin
Besides, me and Unzan are pretty tough. Our enemies don't stand a chance against us.
Ichirin
Like I said, everything's fine. We'll get you to that ship!
Ichirin
We're making good time, so I say we fly slow. You know, to keep you safe!
(By "enemies"... she must mean...)
Ichirin
There really is no hope for Murasa or Futo, though, huh?
Ichirin
Only a dedicated, intelligent disciple like me can be trusted to carry out Hijiri's orders! Got that?!
(She's certainly an ADORABLE disciple!)
Ichirin
...Hm? Oh yeah, that's right. I forgot about you, Unzan.
Ichirin
We're the STRONGEST!
(She stole Cirno's line!)
Ichirin
...
What's up, Ichirin?
Ichirin
Hmm...
Ichirin
It's nothing. I was just thinking about something that happened a long time ago.
Something like... when you met Miss Byakuren?
Ichirin
Now THAT was a wild ride! What have you heard?
Umm, that she used love to convince you to join her...?
Ichirin
Hah. Hahaha!
Ichirin
Love.
(Oops.)
Ichirin
But actually, I was thinking about something else.
Ichirin
I was thinking about the first time I met Unzan.
Ichirin
I think I've told you about it before.
Ichirin
It was so very long ago. Back then, I was still a young human.
Oh yeah. You said you were a little girl just like me.
Ichirin
...
Ichirin
So many years have past that it doesn't even feel like it's me in my memories.
Ichirin
I took on a mikoshi-nyuudou, so I must've been pretty confident in myself. Isn't that right, Unzan?
Ichirin
I was sure I'd win just 'cause I knew some magic words.
Ichirin
I was immature and naive. No doubt about that. Reckless and unconcerned with the trouble I might cause others...
Ichirin
I'm not complaining or anything. After all, I was young.
Ichirin
But back then, I thought change was something that happened gradually.
Ichirin
My body was growing a little each day, I made new friends, and steadily lost contact with old ones.
Ichirin
But the moment I spoke those words, change came all of a sudden.
Ichirin
It was unexpected and massive... just like Unzan.
...
Ichirin
My whole life got flipped on its head. My friends started looking at me with fear and disgust.
Ichirin
They mostly kept their distance, but sometimes they'd try and get me to leave. Other times, they'd try to exterminate me.
Ichirin
They said it was to protect their village. To protect their way of life and what little happiness they found in it.
Ichirin
They wanted to protect it all... from me.
Ichirin
My transformation into a youkai was slow, but everyone already saw me as a man-eating nyuudou-using youkai.
Ichirin
That's the fate of all nyuudou users...
Ichirin
I was lucky Unzan was with me. We talked so much.
Ichirin
He was worried that maybe he should've disappeared when he was exorcized. Weren't you, Unzan?
Ichirin
...Whaddya mean you've forgotten? I know it was a long time ago, but still!
Ichirin
Anyway, if it was wrong of him not to disappear, it was far more wrong for me to try and exterminate him.
Ichirin
Unzan was wrong for releasing his youkai fury. I was wrong for being born nearby.
Ichirin
But I'm rambling. The point is it was fate that brought us together.
Ichirin
And I'm glad it did. Fate can pull people together or push them apart...
Ichirin
But I had Unzan by my side back then, and he's the reason I've made it this far.
Ichirin
The villagers are our enemies now.
...
Ichirin
But I understand the pain of transforming into something... unrecognizable.
Ichirin
Maybe there's some clue to help us solve this in mine and Unzan's past, or in the connection between us.
Ichirin
After all, if we plan to exterminate the villagers, then I should've been exterminated long ago.
Ichirin
Wh-What's this?
The sages told me to give it to you.
They hope it'll give you the courage you need.
Ichirin
It's beautiful.
Ichirin
That's right... Even though I'm no longer human, my past as one still remains.
...Hm?
Ichirin
Oh, it's nothing. I was just thinking out loud!
Ichirin
What do you mean "emphasis on loud"?! Stay out of this, Unzan!
Ichirin
Anyway, you and the sages have my gratitude, PLAYER.
Ichirin
From now on, I... I'm going to believe in myself.
Ichirin
Unzan believes in me, and I trust him. Hijiri saved me, and I trust her, too.
Ichirin
I shouldn't have been exterminated back then, and the villagers shouldn't be exterminated now.
Ichirin
I'm going to keep investigating our "enemies" with Hijiri. PLAYER... I want you to believe in me, too.
I always have!
Ichirin
What good timing. We're here.
Ichirin
This phantom treasure ship sails above the clouds with Murasa at the helm. Welcome...
Ichirin
To the New Palanquin Ship.
Costume Presentation
Ichirin
So you seek a way to borrow power from all kinds of people, including youkai. But youkai and humans are like oil and water. Are you ready to change into something other than human? ...No, that was a silly question. I'll accompany you for now.
