Chapter 485.2: Cup |
A prison area packed with incarcerated prisoners. In the very center of the prison, in a large, high-ceilinged room that was probably intended as a dining hall, the two most powerful organizations within the prison are now gathered.
Despite operating in the shadows around the world for a long time, the organization remained a secret entity whose name was never revealed to the public, 『Nine Tailed Shadow Fox (Kyubi no Kage Kitsune)』.
Eight criminal organizations came together to form a combat-oriented criminal group feared throughout the world, unleashing overwhelming violence――『Eight-Headed Snake (Yamata no Orochi)』.
Two colossal organizations that are fundamentally incompatible and under normal circumstances, we would start killing each other the moment we meet face to face.
The room is filled with a tense atmosphere. Behind the leaders of the two organizations, who sit silently facing each other across the table, soldiers from their respective organization stand in formation, ready to engage in battle at any moment, waiting impatiently for the opportune moment to arrive.
One of the top executives of 『Eight Headed Snake (Yamata no Orochi)』――I, “Blue Snake (Aohebi)” let out a small sigh, breaking the silence.
“To think “Fox (Kitsune)” would want to join forces with us…… Surely you know our history. If this were outside, we would have taken the messenger’s head and sent it back.” (Aohebi)
We are both massive organizations. “Snake (Hebi)” and “Fox (Kitsune)” are like cats and dogs.
Even on the outside, there were territorial disputes and even deadly fights. There was even an instance where a member of “Fox (Kitsune)” infiltrated “Snake (Hebi)” in an attempt to dismantle it from within. For “Snake (Hebi)”, who prides itself on its martial prowess and prefers direct confrontation, “Fox (Kitsune)”, who excels at working in the shadows, is a far more desirable presence to eliminate than any regular Knight Order.
“We agree on this too. We are not trying to be friends or anything. We are just joining forces temporarily. With the condition that it is only for the time we are in this prison that is.” (Kuubi)
A conditional partnership. In that case, the psychological barriers would be lesser.
However, there is one problem. “Snake (Hebi)” doesn’t lie, but “Fox (Kitsune)” lies easily. Seeing my bitter expression, “Sky Tail (Kuubi)” sighs.
“I know that 《Absolute Ice (Zekkori)》 chose to retreat.” (Kuubi)
In response to what he said, I can hear Himuro, who is standing behind me, clicks her tongue softly. The fact that they know about it even though we made our move at night proves that “Fox (Kitsune)” has superior information-gathering abilities compared to “Snake (Hebi)”.
And then I finally understood why “Sky Tail (Kuubi)” and his group suddenly suggested we join forces.
“………… I see, so that’s the reason.” (Aohebi)
”Fox (Kitsune)” is known for their conspiracies, but even so, this proposal is far too simplistic.
”Snake (Hebi)” has been tricked by “Fox (Kitsune)” many times in the past. So even if they make such a proposal, there is no way we would believe it. In the first place, there is no reason for “Snake (Hebi)”, who has a large number of fighters and a numerical advantage, to accept “Fox’s (Kitsune)” offer.
No, there wasn’t.
――Until the 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 appeared in this prison.
”Red Snake (Akahebi)”, one of the top executives who is sitting next to me with his knees crossed, says in a mocking tone.
“Speaking of which, I hear you guys were thrown into this place by 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》.” (Akahebi)
“The feeling goes both ways. That man is――An absolute plague.” (Kuubi)
Indeed, that is a very apt description. I nod in admiration.
Each time “Snake (Hebi)” comes into contact with 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》, the organization suffers some kind of damage. Not only all of the top executives were captured, but yesterday Himuro, my prize asset, returned exhausted.
On this Prison Island, it takes an enormous amount of time for Magi who have exhausted their power to recover.
“So, what are you saying? Are you saying that: we’re afraid of 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 so please help us.” (Akahebi)
“Hh……” (Kuubi)
Akahebi’s mocking tone causes Kuubi’s face to twist with anger.
While the top executives of “Snake (Hebi)” generally do not fight themselves, “Red Snake (Akahebi)” is the one and only exception, a man who takes the lead and goes to the battlefield. For that man, who even within the organization is particularly committed to the supremacy of strength, running away without a fight is tantamount to cowardice and people like that are not worth teaming up with.
In the first place, several of “Red Snake’s (Akahebi)” men were killed by “Sky Tail (Kuubi)” and “Sword Tail (Kenbi)” since they came to this prison.
I close my eyes for a moment, then grimace and come to a conclusion.
“……………… Alright, we will help you.” (Aohebi)
“!? Oi, oi, seriously? “Blue (Ao)”. These guys killed several of my men, you know!?” (Akahebi)
Although each “Snake’s (Hebi)” boss has independent command authority, “Red Snake (Akahebi)” isn’t very good at leadership, so when “Red Snake (Akahebi)” and I disagree, I have the final say.
“Calm down, “Red (Aka)”. Your subordinates weren’t victims. They fought and lost. Although I am not saying you shouldn’t hold a grudge.” (Aohebi)
”Red Snake’s (Akahebi)” men were all highly skilled. Moreover, they had the numerical advantage, yet they still lost.
And it was 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 that threw the two of them who eliminated “Red Serpent’s (Akahebi)” men into this place.
We cannot possibly team up with the cause of the organization’s collapse, with 《Strange Grief (Nageki no Borei)》――With 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》. I don’t want to team up with “Fox (Kitsune)” either, but it is still better than 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》.
Besides, this is even better as it is on the condition that it is only until we get outside.
Unlike “Fox (Kitsune)”, 『Eight Headed Snake (Yamata no Orochi)』 has fallen apart. We need to escape as quickly as possible. Even setting aside the matter of 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 the mere fact that “Fox (Kitsune)” will no longer interfere with “Snake (Hebi)” is a big advantage.
I clasp my hands together and glare at “Sky Tail (Kuubi)” and “Sword Tail (Kenbi)”.
It has only been a month since they arrived here, but it is still a month. Despite that, the two of them haven’t changed one bit since they were first imprisoned in this prison. Clearly, it is a bluff. On this island, everyone is forced to become weaker.
I never had particularly strong combat ability to begin with, but it has become considerably weaker since I am here. Nevertheless, I still reigns supreme through the power of the organization. The “Fox’s (Kitsune)” bosses are just hiding their weakness, they just don’t have the luxury of showing it.
――And 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 is an opponent that the “Fox’s (Kitsune)” bosses must be on maximum alert for, even if it means risking shaking the trust placed in their absolute power.
Cry Andrich――So it is true that just by Himuro getting close, she could sense the difference in their strength, huh.
“There is no “Cup of Brotherhood (Sakazuki)” in this prison――But everyone here is a witness. From this moment on, 『Eight Headed Snake (Yamata no Orochi)』 and 『Nine Tailed Shadow Fox (Kyubi no Kage Kitsune)』 are friends. Never forget the face of your brother, until the day we escape from this Eastseal Prison Island, we are allies.” (Aohebi)
Everyone responds to my declaration. From this moment on, “Snake (Hebi)” will consider “Fox (Kitsune)” an ally. It will cast aside all caution and charges forward toward the objective. We don’t think what will happen when the alliance is broken. Thinking about what will happen afterward while we are allies would be a betrayal. This is what an iron bond is all about.
Zebrudia would be in an uproar if they found out that “Fox (Kitsune)” and “Snake (Hebi)” had joined forces.
“Well then, let’s get started and crush 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》. Since he doesn’t have any allies around, let’s eliminate him quickly.” (Akahebi)
Now that we no longer need to be wary of each other, we can focus all our efforts on defeating 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》. As “Red Snake (Akahebi)” quickly changes his mindset and begins licking his lips, “Sky Tail (Kuubi)” stops him in a low voice.
“………… Wait, don’t let your guard down. We must be absolutely sure…… Absolutely sure to finish him off before we make our move. We must not give him any opening.” (Kuubi)
To think that the “Fox’s (Kitsune)” boss, who has carried out various acts of sabotage at times cautiously and at times boldly, would go so far as to say something like this…… 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 is, certainly a formidable foe, but taking such extreme precautions seems like overthinking it.
“…… Just how traumatized are you?” (Kenbi)
”Sword Tail (Kenbi)”, sounding exasperated, voices what everyone was thinking.
Thanks for reading! Haha Kuubi is so traumatized after the Buteisai and Code! I can already see him being even more traumatized after this arc Just the mention of Cry will make him go full PTSD
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