Phantom Pain
Index
Phantom Pain
It hurts.
It burns!
Why is this happening?!
No... This is what I wanted.
This is an anti-oni curse. The power of my prayers continues to burn my oni body, preventing it from regenerating.
Youkai are spiritual beings. And it could be argued that oni are the original and most archetypical youkai.
That's why it's always a mistake to try and exterminate oni with brute force. You need to use psychological attacks.
You can build a rapport with oni by sharing a drink. And the more an oni trusts you, the deeper your blade will cut them.
Hatred is what causes conflict among humans. But conflict among oni is psychological... and so, it is caused by love.
Actually, maybe that doesn't just apply to oni.
Either way, when conflict arises between humans and oni, their reasons for that conflict are never the same.
That's why the Spell Cards―
???
Hm? What's wrong?
???
Does it hurt so much that your mind has begun to wander?
???
Are you unwilling to face reality? Oni are creatures of fantasy, so I suppose that makes sense.
???
Well, Miss Kasen?
Who's there?!
???
How rude. Have you forgotten me?
???
I'm only able to speak to you now because of all the time you've spent reflecting on your past as part of your training.
???
But I guess you would forget me, wouldn't you? Since almost everything disappeared due to the Lost Word Incident.
???
All that remains is a tiny fragment of your being.
???
This is the very last moment of the universe. Some might call it the Omega Point. To you, it feels like an eternal fantasy.
What are you on about?
???
Sorry, I don't really know how to explain it any better.
???
Also, I should mention something before you start fussing over unnecessary details.
???
You know Prince Shoutoku, right? In the outside world, he's so famous that his face was put on a bill.
???
But here, in Gensokyo, Prince Shoutoku is an incredibly handsome lady. I'm like her. I'm also a girl.
???
Well, I'm not a saint or a ruler, but I guess you could call me famous.
???
But I don't have to tell you that, huh? You visited the outside world pretty regularly.
???
In fact, it's only because you know about these things that I can speak to you about them.
???
There's no one here but you, after all.
I've never met anyone like you. So you can't be some kind of figment conjured from the depths of my memory.
I know that with absolute certainty because I have reflected on my past too many times to count.
???
When vital information relating to the core of one's being is lost, that being's personality and appearance regress.
???
But I guess that's kinda hard to imagine for someone with only one arm.
Say that again?
???
Sorry, that was a bit too complicated, huh? I'm just trying to explain why I'm younger than you remember me.
???
Anyway, I've got good news for you, Miss Kasen.
???
There's a chance you might be saved 'cause you openly called out for help.
???
Someone has heard your plea, and they've responded by throwing you a lifeline.
???
You have no choice but to grab onto it and continue holding on until you are brought to safety.
Of course. Why wouldn't I seize this opportunity? I still have unfinished business.
???
Wow, you're really determined, huh? Let's see how long that lasts.
???
This isn't gonna be easy, you know?
???
You're gonna have to look deep inside yourself.
???
I know you've already resolved to follow the path of the hermit and cut ties with your past...
???
But now that you've called out for salvation, events must be done over again within your own mind.
???
This is so you can be compatible with the people trying to save you. You can't choose your saviors, so there's no other way.
???
And even though this is within your own mind, the replayed version of events will become the only version you know.
???
You've trained so hard as a hermit in spite of your past, and you've established bonds of trust with so many people...
???
But none of that matters now. You're gonna have to start all over again.
???
What's worse is that it won't all be the same this time around. I guess that has its own benefits, but it won't be easy for you.
???
For this you, those events will become the truth. Do you understand what that means?
???
Oh, but then again, you'll be experiencing this while gathering memories that have been scattered to the four winds...
???
You can only store so much info, so other people, items, and places will record the full cosmic scope of what transpires.
What...?
???
Ahahaha! Yeah, it's super complicated, isn't it?!
???
I could also explain what this will cost you, but I don't want you getting cold feet.
???
Also, it's hard for me to judge what you'll actually end up losing. Like, you might sacrifice something you wanted to lose.
???
Yeah, I think I'll stop there. Is there anything you wanted to ask me?
...
No. Nothing at the moment. I've already made up my mind, so we can just talk as we go.
I will continue on my path to Heaven. This isn't the first time I've relived my past, and I am no longer afraid of it.
???
Great! I was waiting for you to say that, Miss Kasen.
???
I've just got three things that I wanna make clear before we go.
???
First, this will be a journey of farewells. Everyone you meet will embody a memory from your past.
???
They will resemble your recent acquaintances, and they will stand in your way.
???
You must renounce them, just like how you discarded your own right arm.
???
Second, I want you to know what will happen if you fail.
???
Well, I'm sure you've gathered that you'll disappear completely, but I want you to know what that will look like.
???
It's kinda like speculating about an upcoming movie when you won't be alive to see it, but I don't think it's entirely pointless.
???
Knowing should help motivate you.
???
I'm sure you're familiar with the Night Parade. You oni are always going on about it.
???
The oni gather the Night Parade together, and once it forms, it breaks down all barriers between youkai and humans.
???
If you fail, the Night Parade will be complete. In other words, the entire planet will become Makai.
???
I know, right? It's scary just thinking about it.
???
Heian, the age of peace, will end, and an age of magic and demons will begin.
???
That's what I fought to prevent, and you no longer wish for that future. So let's not fail, OK?
???
The third and final thing I want to make clear is pretty simple.
???
I'm the blackened scab that formed on your shoulder after your right arm was cut off.
Only Hope
But I'd prefer it if you called me your only hope.
Only Hope
All right, that's all I wanted to say. Let's go, shall we?
Only Hope
You're up, Deputy Administrator. Or was it "Quality Control Officer"? I've forgotten what I'm supposed to call you...
Only Hope
Well, whatever, you're there, aren't you, Miss Yumeko?
Girl Called Yumeko
Let's hurry up and do this.
Girl Called Yumeko
Sara, Louise, Alice, Yuki, Mai... get ready to forcefully activate the artificial gate.
Wh-Who are you?! And who are they?!
Girl Called Yumeko
We have all formed a tenuous bond with you since you're a demon-adjacent being who failed to turn your land into Makai.
Girl Called Yumeko
Is everyone ready?
Girl Called Sara
Gate, open. Deploying key unit. Payload: Houso, connected to hardpoint.
Girl Called Sara
I'm good to go!
Girl Called Louise
Ultradimensional Catapult, set. Deploying acceleration unit. Payload: Manzairaku, connected to hardpoint.
Girl Called Louise
Ready when you are.
Girl Called Alice
Ultimate Magic Engine, online. Deploying drive unit. Payload: Koutei, connected to hardpoint.
Girl Called Alice
Let's do this!
Girl Called Yuki
Heavenly Element Energy, replenished. Deploying fuel unit. Payload: Mukou, connected to hardpoint.
Girl Called Yuki
I'm all set.
Girl Called Mai
Possibility-Transcending Flight, standby. Deploying aviation unit. Payload: Kanda, connected to hardpoint.
Girl Called Mai
...
Girl Called Yumeko
All right then...
Girl Called Yumeko
Fire!
Girl Called Yumeko
...
Girl Called Yumeko
This is what you wanted, isn't it?
Girl Called Yumeko
Lady Shinki?
I didn't understand what it meant to renounce my past.
I couldn't have.
As part of my training, I've continued to look back and reflect...
However, I did that to learn from my mistakes and better myself.
I looked back on my past to remember it, not so I could forget it.
You could say that I have already cut ties with my old self and that by reflecting on my past, I prevent ties from reforming.
My resolve was strengthened following an event that took centuries to prepare.
That chapter of my life has closed. It will not repeat itself. There would be no point.
It all comes back to that box and what it contains...
I kept it safe in my house.
But my Senkai was going to be erased by the Lost Word, so I had to seal the box within a stronger barrier...
That's why I moved it to Hakurei Shrine. And if the shrine became no longer safe, then my next option would be...
Kourindou. The shopkeeper is an expert on tools, so I don't have to worry about him misusing it.
I'm sure I'd always make that same decision no matter how things played out.
Yeah, that just makes me more sure that the event that strengthened my resolve will not repeat.
Reimu risked her life to "exterminate the oni." Whatever else, I refuse to make it so that never happened.
My memories begin with my birth.
And they mostly play out the same way every time they repeat.
The differences only start to occur when...
Actually, scratch that. This repetition was strange from the outset.
Shuten-Douji
This city's night belongs to us now. The humans have all hidden away in their homes.
Shuten-Douji
Though, honestly, it's pretty boring that none of 'em have tried to sneak into one of our parties.
Hoshiguma-Douji
Be reasonable, Shuten-Douji. What kinda human would go to a party knowing they'll either be drinking or fighting with you?
Hoshiguma-Douji
But you're right that bullying them all the time isn't much fun. Perhaps we should be a bit nicer to them from now on.
Shuten-Douji
By the way, Ibaraki-Douji... don't go doing anything foolish, OK?
...
Shuten-Douji
Hey, you listening? I'm talking to you.
...Ah! S-Sorry!
Shuten-Douji
Haha, don't worry about it. Just listen, OK?
Shuten-Douji
You're pretty weak for an oni.
Shuten-Douji
So you don't need to get into any fights or nothing. Just stick with me. Got that?
Oh, um, yes. Thank you!
Hoshiguma-Douji
Yeah, you can just let us handle anything that requires some muscle. Same as always.
Hoshiguma-Douji
You gotta keep advising Shuten-Douji. 'Cause, unlike us, you're actually pretty smart.
Shuten-Douji
You got that right.
Shuten-Douji
I doubt we'd ever see the city like this without your help, Ibaraki-Douji.
Hoshiguma-Douji
There's no ifs or buts about it. This would've been impossible without her.
Hoshiguma-Douji
Sure, we could've taken the city, but not without spilling a lot more human blood.
Hoshiguma-Douji
It's still crazy to think that we managed to get them to surrender with hardly any violence.
Hoshiguma-Douji
There'd be much fewer humans around if not for Ibaraki-Douji's clever strategy.
Hoshiguma-Douji
Though, I get that it might've been a bit of a let-down for you, Shuten, since you didn't get to enjoy a good and bloody fight.
Shuten-Douji
Nah, that wouldn't be worth sacrificing so many humans that could potentially play with me in the future.
Shuten-Douji
Like, try to name something more adorable than humans who courageously challenge oni in spite of their fear.
Shuten-Douji
You can't, right?!
Shuten-Douji
It's true that you aren't really like other oni, Ibaraki-Douji.
Shuten-Douji
But with you here, our dealings with humans have always been successful. Can I still count on you for your advice?
Shuten-Douji
I need you, Ibaraki-Douji.
Shuten-Douji
No, let me call you Kasen.
Shuten-Douji
Remember how I talked about my dream to steal the city when we left the land of Togashi together?
Shuten-Douji
It feels like a lifetime ago, but I still remember it fondly.
Shuten-Douji
Ever since then, I've known that you were special. I've never met another oni so considerate and wise.
Shuten-Douji
We need your wisdom to build a future for oni and youkai. We can't do this without you.
Hoshiguma-Douji
Hah, you're gonna make me jealous. So, I'm guessing by "building a future," you're talking about Makai, right?
Hoshiguma-Douji
That seems to be the only thing you ever talk about nowadays.
Shuten-Douji
Of course. And I'm gonna keep talking about it.
Shuten-Douji
That's 'cause the advent of Makai will cement our rule over the entire country.
Hoshiguma-Douji
Really? Not just this city?
Shuten-Douji
From Ryukyu in the west to Eso in the east... this whole archipelago will become oni territory. And it won't stop there.
Hoshiguma-Douji
Wow, that's ambitious. I think this is the first time you've told us that.
Shuten-Douji
Yeah, I'm in a good mood tonight, so I felt like sharing.
Shuten-Douji
Oni may be rulers of the night, but this country is still owned by humans.
Shuten-Douji
For centuries now, we've seen how humans rule. They're woefully bad at it.
Shuten-Douji
That said, there's something charming about their efforts. Don't you agree?
Hoshiguma-Douji
Yeah, I get what ya mean. They're so young, clumsy, and adorable.
Shuten-Douji
Humans are still little kids in the grand scheme of things. It's our duty as oni to guide them.
Shuten-Douji
We have to nurture them like how a mother raises their young.
Shuten-Douji
Eventually, they'll grow into a strong species―both in body and mind. They'll still fear us, but they'll also challenge us.
Shuten-Douji
That's what I truly believe, and I eagerly anticipate that day.
Hoshiguma-Douji
Haha, I think that's a great idea.
Hoshiguma-Douji
It may just be wishful thinking, but when that day comes, I reckon oni and humans will finally be able to see eye to eye.
Hoshiguma-Douji
Oni and humans will be able to coexist long into the future.
Shuten-Douji
I knew you'd get it.
Shuten-Douji
We've got a long road ahead of us, but I'm sure we'll look back and wonder where all that time went once we're done.
Shuten-Douji
My Archipelago Makai Transformation Project is gonna be worth every effort.
Shuten-Douji
That's why I'm trying to get all the oni and prominent youkai scattered across the country to gather at Mount Oe.
Shuten-Douji
And for that, we need the Night Parade. The procession will encourage all the youkai it passes to join us.
Shuten-Douji
With enough Night Parades, our influence will spread to every corner of this land.
Shuten-Douji
Then, we can establish a new city somewhere near Musashino with an oni government that'll rule over the entire nation.
Shuten-Douji
We can use our oni tools and building techniques to greatly improve the flow of goods, people, and information.
Shuten-Douji
That will let us fix any problems with our government and bring forth an age much more peaceful than this Heian era.
Shuten-Douji
It will be a new world unimaginably more prosperous than this one.
Shuten-Douji
There won't be any needless deaths, and everyone will have a purpose in life.
Shuten-Douji
You'll help us achieve that, won't you, Kasen?
Of course.
It's my purpose in life to create a world where all humans, oni, and youkai can live together in peace.
Shuten-Douji
You haven't changed a bit, Kasen.
Shuten-Douji
You're exactly the same as when I first met you. You're a true friend.
Shuten-Douji
Your short oni horns and lack of a right arm haven't changed either.
Only Hope
(Wow, those oni girls seem really kind, don't they?)
Only Hope
(If only they were this kind when I met them. Actually, maybe they were. I can't really remember!)
Only Hope
(But what are you gonna do now?)
Only Hope
(You've had no right arm since the beginning, so that must mean you don't have any traces of your oni personality.)
...
Hoshiguma-Douji
What's up, Ibaraki-Douji? Are you looking at the barrier?
Hoshiguma-Douji
The hashihime manages the barrier around the city, so there's nothing to worry about.
Hoshiguma-Douji
Well, I guess the Hellish style of the barrier, while popular with us oni, has caused some complaints from the humans.
Hoshiguma-Douji
But that's gonna be a common sight once this land becomes Makai, so it's better they get used to it now.
You're right. There's no getting around that.
I was just wondering when Shuten-Douji will return. The current Night Parade should be over soon.
Hoshiguma-Douji
Yeah, she should be back by sunset.
Hoshiguma-Douji
If you're worried, you could go out to meet her at Rajoumon. But we've got some business to take care of first.
Hoshiguma-Douji
Follow me.
Hoshiguma-Douji
Ibaraki-Douji's here. Give her your report.
Uji Hashihime
Seriously, Hoshiguma-Douji? You should know I've got my hands full maintaining the barrier.
Uji Hashihime
Don't come to me asking for an update on the Imperial Palace. Besides, isn't that supposed to be your job?
Hoshiguma-Douji
Don't give me that. I know it might not look it, but I'm busy too. The humans placed strong barriers around the palace...
Hoshiguma-Douji
...and the noble estates, so you're the only one who can manage the inflow and outflow of youkai and information.
Uji Hashihime
You're just saying that 'cause you got hurt again. You just can't help yourself, can you?
Hoshiguma-Douji
Yeah, I know. That's why I need you.
Uji Hashihime
Sorry for the delay, Lady Ibaraki-Douji. I'll give you the report.
Uji Hashihime
Ushi Gozen, Nue, come here.
Ushi Gozen
Ma'am.
Nue
Hashihime.
Uji Hashihime
Tell her.
Hoshiguma-Douji
Oh, aren't you gonna give the report yourself?
Uji Hashihime
Shut it. I've been busy, so I haven't been able to hear it yet.
Uji Hashihime
Go on, you two.
Ushi Gozen
There has been a clear change in the priorities of the Imperial Court. They've begun to amass more military power.
Nue
Their warriors are getting stronger, and the onmyouji have developed more advanced spells and techniques.
Ushi Gozen
The humans are becoming more powerful by the day. Law enforcement also has a stronger grip on the city than ever.
Nue
Someone new must be advising them behind the scenes. There's no other explanation!
Uji Hashihime
Have you found any proof?
Nue
I can sense their presence. What tipped me off was how they seemed oddly capable of hiding their identity.
Nue
There's also their shikigami servant...
Ushi Gozen
We both know it's crazy, but I think you're just gonna have to say it.
Uji Hashihime
What's wrong? Out with it already.
Nue
Their shikigami is a nine-tailed fox... A nine-tailed fox is hiding somewhere in the palace.
Are you sure? We can't afford to make mistakes about something like this.
Nue
Dead sure! It couldn't be anything else.
Nue
...I only hesitated 'cause I didn't wanna believe it was true.
Ushi Gozen
The presence we felt was definitely a nine-tailed fox. No other being could possibly possess such powerful magic.
Uji Hashihime
...!
Hoshiguma-Douji
The nine-tailed fox is a greater youkai capable of toppling entire nations...
Hoshiguma-Douji
What kinda onmyouji could make one into a shikigami?
Nue
We've got no idea!
Ushi Gozen
It's strange. We couldn't find any info about the shikigami's master. Not even their name or what they look like.
Hoshiguma-Douji
How is that possible...?
...
I'm almost certain you only found that nine-tailed fox because the onmyouji wanted you to.
I can't tell you how they did it, but they somehow managed to keep that fox's incredible magical power hidden until now.
And when they unveiled its magic, it went undetected by every human and youkai outside of the palace grounds.
I bet that onmyouji set this whole thing up just to demonstrate their power.
Hoshiguma-Douji
But why would they do such a thing? Have you got any idea, Ibaraki-Douji?
I'm not sure. However, I have heard that the nine-tailed fox is supposed to be as powerful as Shuten-Douji.
So, it's probably safe to assume this is a warning.
And since they decided to do this while Shuten-Douji's away from the city, they must be expecting us to tell her about it.
Hoshiguma-Douji
How could a human plan all that out? It doesn't sound possible.
It's not.
...But nobody said they were human.
Only Hope
(Hmm, I can't remember anyone like that hanging around the Imperial Court. Maybe they weren't there back in my time.)
Only Hope
(Something shady is definitely going on. Luckily, it's not so bad for me since I get to see an abridged version of events.)
Only Hope
(I feel really bad for you, Miss Kasen. I don't wanna think how much time it must take to repeat everything at normal speed.)
...
Only Hope
(What are you doing, Miss Kasen? Oh, now I get it. You've gone out to meet Shuten-Douji.)
Only Hope
(This gate has seen better days, huh? It's practically a ruin.)
Only Hope
(Oh, someone's coming. They're probably a youkai 'cause no human would willingly come to a place like this.)
???
No matter what I try, I always fail! I'm at the end of my rope!
???
The world has gone to the dogs, and I have some new rivals that just appeared out of nowhere. What am I gonna do?!
???
Woe is me!
You seem pretty upset, huh?
???
Whoa?! I didn't realize someone else was here!
???
...
???
What are those cloth things on your head? I've never seen the like before. Is that what's popular nowadays?
Hm?
???
And your hair is pink... Is that in fashion, too?
Um...
???
I've been so busy studying that I haven't had the time to keep up with the latest trends. You must have it easy, huh?!
That's a pretty bold accusation.
???
...Y-Yeah, you're right. Sorry. That was unbecoming of a person of my status.
???
I'm not meant to be walking around outside right now, so I cannot give you my rightful name. Please forgive me.
Kotomichi
Please call me Kotomichi instead. I don't go by that name anymore, but it should suffice.
Kotomichi
What's your name?
...If you must know, it's Kasen.
Kotomichi
KASEN?! That's a really fancy name! I bet all the kids are gonna be called Kasen in the coming years!
Kotomichi
Hmm, it kinda sounds Chinese.
Kotomichi
And it's also really cute! You have a good name!
You've only just met me. Aren't you praising me a bit too much?!
Kotomichi
So? Where's the harm in that? Anyway, now that we've introduced ourselves, why don't we chat for a bit?
Kotomichi
See? Nothing I try works!
Hahahaha! You weren't kidding. You completely failed at everything!
Kotomichi
I know, right? It's really demotivating.
Kotomichi
But that doesn't mean I'm gonna give up. I'm gonna do great things one day.
That's a pretty vague dream, but honestly, I'm cheering for you.
It's been a while since I laughed so much. Thanks, Kotomichi.
Everything must've felt pretty hopeless for you to come all the way out here by yourself, huh?
Kotomichi
Hopeless...?
Kotomichi
What are you talking about?
Huh?! It's just you came out here alone, without any guards, so I kinda presumed the worse...
Kotomichi
Oh, I see. I don't actually need any guards. I may not look it, but I know the basics of martial arts and onmyou magic.
Kotomichi
I could easily defeat an onibi or a tsuchigumo, even with my eyes closed!
(Wait... she knows how to fight, too?)
(Is she some kind of prodigy?)
Kotomichi
Besides, we're not so different, are we, Kasen? You also came out here alone.
Kotomichi
But you still stopped and talked to me.
Kotomichi
Thank you.
Weeks passed without incident until...
...the Battle of Mount Oe.
*huff* *huff*
Argh!
Shuten-Douji
That's far enough, Kasen. Stop running.
Shuten-Douji
Stop, Kasen. Let's rest a bit.
...!
Shuten-Douji
Let me down. I want to breathe the fresh air.
Shuten-Douji
Thanks.
...
...
Shuten-Douji, let's start the Night Parade.
They got Hoshiguma-Douji. That's our only option now.
Shuten-Douji
...
C'mon, let's―
Shuten-Douji
No.
Shuten-Douji
I can't do that.
Why not...?!
Shuten-Douji
If I unleash the final version of the Night Parade now, the entire country will become Makai, but it won't be ruled by oni.
Shuten-Douji
The war between humans and youkai will just get worse until nothing is left.
Shuten-Douji
That isn't what we worked so hard to achieve.
But that won't happen. Not while you're here. You're our oni king...!
Shuten-Douji
Yeah... It's just as you say.
Shuten-Douji
That's exactly why I can no longer start the Night Parade.
Shuten-Douji
Do you understand?
N-No! Why are you talking like this?!
Shuten-Douji
You have to run. Go somewhere far away.
Shuten-Douji
Find... a land of fantasy.
Shuten-Douji
Kasen...
...
Suika...
It hurts.
It burns!
Why is this happening?!
No... This is what I wanted.
One of the Many Youkai
They got Shuten-Douji and Hoshiguma-Douji...!
One of the Many Youkai
Please lead us, Ibaraki-Douji!
One of the Many Youkai
But Lady Ibaraki-Douji can't fight. What are we gonna do?!
One of the Many Youkai
We'll have to fight for her. You with me?!
One of the Many Youkai
We can get rid of all the puny humans.
One of the Many Youkai
Yeah, humans can't stop us.
One of the Many Youkai
They're weak. We'll slice through them like butter.
One of the Many Youkai
Wait... you have a right arm.
One of the Many Youkai
Lady Ibaraki-Douji has two arms now!
One of the Many Youkai
Weren't you under some kinda curse?! Has it been broken?!
One of the Many Youkai
Does this mean you have the strength of an oni again?! Woohoo! Lady Ibaraki-Douji will lead us to victory!
One of the Many Youkai
Woohoo! Lady Ibaraki― UUUAAAARGH!
One of the Many Youkai
Lady Ibaraki-Douji?! Wh-What are you― AAAAAH!
One of the Many Youkai
N-No! P-P-Please!
One of the Many Youkai
Why?! Why are you doing this?!
???
...
???
...?
???
Oh, it's you. I see you destroyed all your youkai underlings.
???
I thought you would run. That's how it's always happened before.
???
If a change was to occur, I had assumed you would join our side.
???
Perhaps you'd still like to help us build Gensokyo? It's not too late. The secret god can create new youkai for us.
???
Don't worry. You don't need to bring anything with you.
???
You don't need that new weapon you're holding.
???
Go on, place it on the ground.
???
Take my hand instead.
Ibaraki-Douji's Arm
Seriously?
Ibaraki-Douji's Arm
Why would you ever take my hand when I offer it to you? Has the Lost Word made you stupid or something?
Ibaraki-Douji's Arm
You're right that what I want more than anything is to become one with you again. I won't deny that.
Ibaraki-Douji's Arm
But not now. Not like this.
Ibaraki-Douji's Arm
Don't just give up after all this time. Don't be such a pushover.
Ibaraki-Douji's Arm
That said, if I'm all that you can rely on right now...
Ibaraki-Douji's Arm
...then let the sword cut.
Ibaraki-Douji's Arm
Let Onikirimaru slice again and again.
Ibaraki-Douji's Arm
Keep feeling that pain in your shoulder.
Ibaraki-Douji's Arm
That way...
Ibaraki-Douji's Arm
...we can face the same future, side-by-side.
Ibaraki-Douji's Arm
Sever your connection to the Red Night Parade along with me, your right arm.
Ibaraki-Douji's Arm
You will then experience a normal Battle of Mount Oe, and you will abandon your friends.
Ibaraki-Douji's Arm
And when you run as far as you can, you will lose your arm. That will fix any contradictions.
Ibaraki-Douji's Arm
After that, things might play out the same as usual. Or they might be different.
Ibaraki-Douji's Arm
You'll just have to see for yourself.
Ibaraki-Douji's Arm
This isn't the first time you've relived the past. You should be used to this by now.
Ibaraki-Douji's Arm
Of course, there's no changing some things. I'm always gonna ask you the same question.
Ibaraki-Douji's Arm
Wanna become one with me again?
Kotomichi
Oh, long time no see. I didn't think I'd bump into you here a second time.
Kotomichi
There seems to be some kind of ruckus going on tonight. Are you OK?
Kotomichi
Hm, what's wrong? Why are you hiding in the shadows?
S-Sorry. It's just that my clothes are really dirty.
Kotomichi
Oh, well, I guess we all have days like that, huh? I'll just speak to you like this then.
Haha, thanks.
Kotomichi
Anyway, there's something I really wanted to share with you.
Kotomichi
You know how I don't have the skills or the talent to succeed in this material world, right? Well...
Kotomichi
I'm gonna become a hermit!
Um, what?
A hermit?
Kotomichi
That's right! I reckon I can become one.
You say that like it's the easiest thing in the world! Becoming a hermit is way harder than passing the imperial examinations!
Kotomichi
Really? It doesn't seem that hard to me.
Kotomichi
But I guess you'd know, huh?
Well, I wouldn't say that...
Kotomichi
I reckon I can at least become a shikaisen. And when I do, I can use my hermit magic to make everyone happy.
Kotomichi
I'll live for ages, and there will be legends told about me.
...
(Right, I forgot that she's actually really smart. She's only struggled 'cause other people fail to recognize her brilliance.)
(She could do anything if she put her mind to it. She can become a hermit, and she can definitely make people happy.)
(Perhaps that is what it means to follow the path to Heaven.)
Kotomichi
What's wrong? Are you thinking about something?
Oh, no, not really!
Kotomichi
Aren't you going to cheer me on?
...
O-Of course I will!
You've got this. I'm sure you'll become a hermit.
Kotomichi
Haha.
Kotomichi
Thanks.
Kotomichi
Wind between the new willows like a comb through hair...
When the ice melts, the waves wash the old moss's hair.
Kasen
Sorry for the wait.
Kasen
That took longer than I thought.
Reimu
You're telling me! Don't you realize how difficult it was to bring you back?!
Reimu
And the moment you return, you start training with your new sword without taking any breaks to rest or sleep...
Reimu
Stop making me worry!
Kasen
Haha. Sorry if I'm misremembering things...
Kasen
But were you always this fond of hugs?
Reimu
Sh-Shut up. This is just a one-time thing.
Kasen
Hahaha.
Miss Kasen, Reimu, the Yukarin Summit is about to―
Oh.
(I'll come get them later.)
Hey, I'm Miss Kasen's only hope. And let me just say this again so you don't forget... I'm a girl, got that?
Also, I really don't want you to get the wrong idea and think that I'm all friendly with oni now.
My Onikirimaru became a boundary separating the oni from its arm. So it's my duty, my fate, to keep them apart.
Onikirimaru shattered into more than one shard. I bet if you gathered them all, you'd be able to forge a pretty long blade.
It used to be a bewitched blade capable of slicing off an oni's arm at the shoulder, after all.
Anyway, I think I'm gonna stick around and watch over Miss Kasen and the others as Onikirimaru the Phantom-Limb Blade.
