Chapter 11 – When your heart falters

A man was walking alone on an empty road and his attention is lost in his thought. He is thinking where he should go next and what to eat. It's been two days since he has a proper meal and all he got to get him by was the fruits he managed to pick along the way.

He didn't notice that the sky got dark and the wind got colder. So much he was thinking that he lost track of where he was going. When he comes to his sense is when his stomach growled and the rained poured hard.

The road was nowhere to be found and noticed that he is standing on a cliff overseeing the mountain and the forest bellow him. Among the bushes near the cliff, a hissing noise is heard. The bushes moved and alerted the man. A huge snake came from the bushes and started to speak.

"Why do you reject me? We are here for you. For your flesh and soul is one with mine."

"Why are you here? Leave me alone. I have given you freedom from my servitude."

"But that bond is eternal. You cannot server it. It is forever."

"I do not wish to return. I am an exile." The man replies to the snake. He ignores it's plead and continues to move forward.

The snake is agitated and demands him to come back to his old ways. The snake refuses to leave man alone and bare its fangs.

He readies himself and reaches for his katana but before his hand can reach it, a snake leapt and started to wrap itself around him.

The snake was fast, long and large. It manages to wrap his arm and started to constrict his movement. He wrestled the large snake and tries his best to break free.

"Why do you want me to come back? I am a wanted man! I want to be alone." he yells as he wrestles with the snake. With the rain, he lost his footing and fell. The last moment on his mind if this is the way he will die. Dying from not seeing the woman he loves.

He felt cold but at the same time he feels warmth on his sides. He hears a man and a woman talking. When his eyes open, he sees an old man cleaning some clothes while humming to him. He panics as he doesn't want anyone to know his location. He tries to move his body but all he feels is pain. Like needles piecing his lungs and his back. He groans in pain and stumbles on his feet – trying his best to stand up.

"Woah! Slow down there young man. You don't you to collapse again don't we?" the old man says as he approaches the man and helping him back to bed.

"No! No, I'm sorry but I should be here. I need to be . . . "

But before the man can say anything he sees the old jumping towards him. He noticed that the old man lost his left leg. The old man reaches him and pushed him back to bed and laughs.

"Come now. Your body can't. Listen to what your body says. It can't move and you need some rest young man. Now before we continue, you can just call me Ojisan. Now take a rest."

The old man assures him that he is safe but the young man struggles to stand up.

"Ojisan, thank you but please let me leave I just want to . . ."

Ojisan grips his shoulder and looked the man at his eyes. The man felt that Ojisan knew his face. The man is afraid. He thought that Ojisan knows who he is and will sell his head to the King for money.

"Who am I to stop you but who are you to able to stand up in such a state. Be my guest young man, free yourself from my bed, out of my house and into the forest till you reach the mountains. Escape to your destiny"

Ojisan laughs and released the man from his grip. He returned to washing his clothes.

"Mountain? Forest? Where am I? What district is this?" the man asked and Ojisan replied that this is nowhere. Nobody is here except for him and his hut. No one rules this place but the nature that conquered the lands of its beauty.

The man asked again where is the nearest town. Ojisan replied that he don't know the name of the town but it will take him at least 3 days to reach the nearest town from his hut. The man was shocked that he is far out from nearest civilization. He doesn't even know if he can trust Ojisan.

He slips again out of consciousness and the last thing he sees is Ojisan. Wrinkled and his clothes torn but he can see Ojisan likes to keep this place tidy and neat. The next time he wakes up, was at night. He sees Ojisan cooking in front of him. Ojisan placed a bowl near the man and filled it with venison soup.

"Ah, eat it. It is freshly hunted from a deer I hunt earlier. Eat up and you can recover your strength . . .err what should I call you?"

"Otomo, just call me Otomo."

"Otomo! What a strong name! Well you better get well to match your name with your body eh?" Ojisan laughs as he tries to entertain Otomo.

Otomo asked Ojisan how he found him. Ojisan replied that he was hunting a deer and he saw Otomo falling from the cliff and lands in a river nearby and scared the deer off. Ojisan manage to pull Otomo from the water and drag him back to his hut and healed him. After two days, Ojisan left the hut to resume his hunt and finally cooked the deer for their dinner.

"I was out for three days? Ojisan, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Not only for rescuing me but also healing me." Stops eating and bows to Ojisan.

Ojisan stops Otomo from bowing. "Ah! I am no royalty. I am just doing my job as a fellow man. I see you need help and I helped. Simple as that! But not simple as hunting a deer with my crutches and you interrupting it!" Ojisan laughs and Otomo smiles.

Otomo felt happiness for the longest time. He was glad that he had company. It's been months since he got someone to talk to. Ojisan's jokes and quips made him remember the good times and the bad times. Ojisan noticed this, and stops eating and asked Otomo why did he look so glum.

"Are my jokes that bad?"

"No, your jokes are funny but I just remind me of a friend I used to have. He was like a brother to me. He was the best and we are like an unstoppable duo. We manage to build a reputation for ourselves."

"Not famous enough to know you here! HA! I don't know your face or your identity" the old man laughs.

Otomo laughs and resumes his explanation. "Well, not famous enough. But there at the peak, me and my friend were unstoppable. Until one day, the woman I love and the man I trust betrayed me. I saw to wed her and instead pick my friend."

"Ah! Enough of that crap. A sorry story about your past won't change a thing. I am old and I have done enough to see my life rise and fall. I am at the end of the road and finally found the thing that I want the most." He points to the end of the room and sees a long item wrapped in white clothing. Otomo tilts his head in confusion.

"Clothing? Your treasure is clothing?"

"No, underneath that clothing is the treasure that I sought the most. After searching for months, I finally found it and then gave me happiness. I don't need anything in my life after I found this. When your heart falters, do not take that path. What do you want to do? What does make you happy? What does that your heart tells you to do?"

Otomo stops and didn't give him a reply. "I just wanted to be with my beloved again but . . . "Ojisan slams his head with his crutch.

"I asked what you want but you gave pause to think. If you want something, grab it and don't let go. Let your heart guide you."

Otomo pauses and didn't give an answer. He just slurps his food as the old man waits for his answer.

"I see. Well, no need to dwell on it. You're a young man. You still have time and now I would like to show you something."

Ojisan stands and walks to the door opening the hut. Otomo looks outside and sees the moon shining brightly over them. As Ojisan just opens the door, bunch of umbrellas floats down the sky. A group of blue flames appear over the forest and there's a giggling all over the place.

"YOKAIS!" Otomo shouts and run towards his sword on the edge of the room. He struggles with the pain but he endures it. No! NOT Ojisan. Not the old man!

Otomo sees the more yokais of different size and shape approaching the old man. He grabs on to his sword and leaps beside Ojisan. "Ojisan! Stay close and I will handle them! If I fall, run."

Otomo reaches for his sword but Ojisan put his arms preventing him to unsheathe his katana. "No, you misunderstood my friends. These Yokai are peaceful are here to have some fun tonight."

Otomo never heard such thing! A Yokai with a human? That is impossible and unheard of.

"All yokai wanted to do is kill and eat their souls. Why do you entertain such creatures?" Otomo asked. The other Yokai are still approaching and starts to gather around the hut of Ojisan.

"Ah, you see my friend. Yokais are misunderstood. Yes some are dangerous and will kill you but these are just here for fun and relaxation. Just like humans, we are capable of destruction and love."

Otomo stops struggling and he lowers his katana. The Ojisan steps forward and with his crutches beside him, he started to walk towards the yokais. Yokai of different sizes are here: umbrellas with eyes, the kappa, a snake with a head of a man, a giant foot and some tengus to name. Some of them are behind the trees where they can't be seen clearly by Otomo

"I called this Sen Yōkai no Yoru or Night of One Thousand Yokai. They come here at least once a month to hear me sing by sunrise they will leave and return to their homes."

Then Ojisan starts sing and his voice carries a soothing tone. His voice leads and the other yokai joins in. They sing the tune following close to Ojisan. Otomo cannot explain what he is feeling or seeing but he sure feels at peace and happy. A night of wonder and excitement to see many yokai around him singing left a lasting impression to Otomo.

After Ojisan's soothing performance is over the yokai gave a roaring applause. The yokais came out and play within the forest and around their hut. Ojisan invites Otomo to join him and play with them. He hesitates to approach Ojisan as Otomo thinks that Ojisan is a yokai himself but Ojisan don't seem to exhibit anything like that. I am overthinking this too much. I should just let the man be happy.

He reluctantly agrees, Otomo joins Ojisan on entertaining the yokais. All night they just played, talk with them and generally have a good time. This is a night made Otomo forget his worry and just enjoy the comfort of his new friends.

As days gone by, Otomo's wounds heal and they both got to know each other better. One day, a lady comes with her and a basket full of junk like metal rod and broken sticks and strings.

"Ah! Yua, I was wondering when you will drop by!" Ojisan greets her and asked her to come in. Otomo greets her and Yua smiles back. "Ah, this is the man who fell right? How are you doing dear?" the woman asked Otomo as she placed her basket on the floor.

"I am Otomo, nice to meet you. I did hear your voice. Back when I saw still wounded."

"Ah yes, I was at this hut fixing his fishing rod and I saw Ojisan dragging your body back here. I assisted him treating your wounds and I was sure that you are done for. I was surprised you are back in full health!"

Otomo bows and thank her. Yua smiles and also thanked him for keeping accompany with Ojisan while she was away. She explains that she occasionally visits Ojisan when she has the time and she is a traveling merchant. When her caravan is nearby, she will give Ojisan some provisions.

Ojisan joins them and gets the items from the basket. Ojisan is happy to see new items to repair his crutches. Otomo and Yua assist Ojisan in repairs and for a while they are happy. Otomo feels like this new life he is in is somewhat decent and maybe will live like Ojisan – a hermit and partake if his monthly singing with yokai.

As they finished their repairs, Ojisan jumps with joy and took his fixed crutches.

"Yua! You are magnificent and a blessing! Your items fixed it!"

Yua laughs and also thanks Ojisan for being such a good friend but she asked the both of them to excuse her as she must return to her caravan, her group isn't staying for too long in the forest.

"Ah why must you leave so soon? Well, why don't you escort her Otomo. You better so you can flex your muscles." Otomo agrees and leaves the hut.

On their way back to the caravan, Otomo asked Yua how did she knew about Ojisan. Yua replies that she almost has the same experience. It was raining and her caravan was travelling by the mountain side. A flash flood occurred and the current dragged her to the river and eventually was also helped by Ojisan.

"Heh, what do you know. Ojisan is a guy who loves to help people. I wish I can repay him somehow." Otomo says and Yua suggests to Otomo to travel to the nearest town and find a rice cake with beans. That is Ojisan's favorite.

"I see, it will be difficult for me to get there but I will for Ojisan." Otomo replies. After walking a few more miles Otomo sees a smoke by the distance. Yua says that's her caravan and thanks Otomo for walking her to her caravan. She bade him farewell and runs to her caravan and Otomo walks back to Ojisan's hut.

When he returns, he hears Ojisan shouting from the hut and a scuffle can be heard from outside. Otomo rushes and sees Ojisan wielding Otomo's katana and the snake carrying Ojisan's prized treasure on its tail. Otomo identifies the very same snake that attacked him and now terrorizes Ojisan.

Otomo thinks and looked around to find something to attack snake. On his left he sees the wooden scabbard for his katana. He grabs it and rushes towards the huge snake. He slams his scabbard to its head. He repeatedly attacks the snake but the snake didn't back down. It dodges and dodges his attacks and eventually gets the upper hand and wraps its body around Otomo.

Ojisan throws the sword to the snake. It manages to hit its belly and the snake shakes in pain. Its grip loosens on Otomo and starts to wriggle some more. Otomo hits the snake again and again until it let go of him. The snake slithers to the window and crawls outside and dropped Ojisan's treasure on the floor.

Otomo stands and grabs his katana to give chase but Ojisan urges him to stop.

"It is fine my boy. Leave it. The snake is gone. It might be just hungry or wants something from me." Says the old man as he holds on to his treasure – clinging ever so tightly close to his chest.

"You sure? That snake can comeback in our sleep and . . ."

"No, I am sure. The snakes might be hungry and wanted to find food here." The old man says as he pants. The both took a breather and fixed the room from all the mess. By night they prepare their dinner.

"Ojisan, is it okay for me to go outside for a bit? I will return as soon as I can. I promise."

"What am I? You father? Hahah! Go! If that what's your heart tells you to do and makes you happy, do it!"

Both of them smile and have a wonderful dinner. As they were eating Otomo also confirms about what Yua told her, about Ojisan helping her when she was swept away by the flashflood. Ojisan says that this is all true and she is always such a curious woman.

"Her eye can detect things for what they can be. She sees things that to some are trash but she can recycle and use them as something else. She always comes back here to give me junks and use them to repairs something in my hut. She is such a bright woman. She sometimes grabs something in my home too and sells it back to her caravan. I allow her to take those but not this" Ojisan hugs his treasure again.

"That thing . . . what is it? Gold, silver, or an ancient artifact?"

"It's a piece of crap. A useless item, I assure you but for me, this is the most valuable item in the world"

"Alright, I won't ask again. Just make sure that isn't an item that Yua would like to sell."

"Her cat-like eye never misses; she saw this and offered me money but no amount of money will ever replace this."

Otomo laughs and asked if he can wield it as a weapon and Ojisan angrily repeat it is not for them to wield like a weapon.

"Otomo, since you asked about my happiness. Can you tell me yours?"

"Well, again I always wanted to be with her but it is impossible. Not because of the system and that guy involved."

"System? Wait are you telling me that your lover have an arranged marriage with your friend? Then why did you lie about it in the first place?"

"No. It wasn't like that. I and my beloved were in love and I already proposed to her a long time ago. When my friend and I rose into fame, some royal houses agreed to marry my lover with my friends."

"I see, so its politics again. I guess she was wed of to secure a political power. As usual." Ojisan wipes his mouth and looks at the distance. A heavy sigh with a face of disappointment wore him down for a bit. From this reaction Otomo get it that Ojisan is tired of politics.

"Not only that. When my love and my friend met . . . I don't know what happened but she is all over him. I believed that my friend bewitch her into liking him." Otomo says as he tightens his grip on the bowl he is eating on.

"And that's why you are banished across the realm and you gave me a fake name, isn't that right Otomo? Maybe you did something that upset her family and banished you from the lands."

Upon hearing this Otomo was left speechless. Ojisan laughs and resumed eating.

"Otomo or whatever your name is. I don't care about your past. What I see is a man who is lost and struggling to find his place into this world. Like a dog looking for his bone."

Ojisan finishes his bowl and open a bottle of sake. He poured on their bottles and continued.

"You were too open about your past. You keep going on and on. And now I read you like a book!" Ojisan laughs.

"And I think you missed having a drinking buddy. Not to worry, Ojisan is here to listen to your story and give you some old man wisdom as they say."

Otomo calms down and drinks his sake with Ojisan. Otomo nods and says that he misses having a normal life. He misses going to the streets, talking to his friend and being with his love one.

"It might not be you're your destiny to be with her but it is you who decided what to do. What does your heart tells you. Remember: when your heart falters, don't do it."

The night was filled with laughter. Otomo agrees and he will find a way to make himself happy but first he wants to make Ojisan happier. That's what his heart tells him to do.

As morning came, Otomo bade farewell and proceed to travel to the town. It took him three days but it was nothing compare to the face that Ojisan will make when he sees Otomo have his favorite food.

As he nears the town Otomo moves carefully and blends in with the crowd that is entering the town. He dodges the eyes of the guards and slips pass them. Otomo hides behind the shadows of the crowd as he moves across the busy streets. Just like, blend in the crowd. Don't arouse suspicion and don't leave a trace behind. Come on. . .

As he was passing by he saw a huge snake slithering on one of the roof top. The very same snake that attacked him and Ojisan. Not here, not here, why do you keep following me you damned snake!

Luckily he evaded the snake as there are a lot of people he can blend in. As he is finding a shop to buy the food, he sees notice board and a man beside it is yelling its information about the wanted men of the land. He averts his eye from it and didn't pay mind to it. The man yells about wanted men. It might be about me. I must leave this place and get that rice cake.

He finally reaches the market place and finds a cake shop that sells what he needs. He purchases the rice cake without any issue and carries it on his bag. Time to leave. Good thing my hair got a lot longer since they last painted my face. Must hurry before anyone can identify me.

As he is walking back to the gates of the town, he passes by an alleyway and sees a woman being attack by a familiar snake. This is getting out of hand. First it wanted me dead, then Ojisan and now this?! This ends now!

He runs toward the woman and unsheathes his katana to slice the snake. The snake manages to dodge it and it swipes its tail across Otomo's face, knocking him back to the dirt. The woman tries to scream but the snake covers her mouth and muffles her.

"Yua?! Is that you?" Otomo yells as the familiar voice is heard. The snake constricts her further and this angers Otomo. He lunges toward the snake and manage to stab thru the snake's side. The snake wraps tighter on Yua's face and tries to suffocate her.

"WHY WON'T YOU DIE?! WHY WON'T YOU LEAVE ME AND MY FRIENDS ALONE?!" Otomo then furiously slashes at the snake but the snake manage to move away by releasing Yua and sliding away from them and escaping to the roof.

Otomo helps Yua back to her feet and asked her if she is okay. Yua is still in shocked from the attack but she let Otomo know that she is okay. "How did you find me? I was at the alleyway then the snake attacked from nowhere."

"I am here because of the rice cake you told me. I was surprised that the snake from the mountains that attack me and Ojisan also attacked you."

The snake hisses louder this time, it wiggles its tail from above and shouts. "You fool! I was trying to save the old man from her! I saw you left with her but at the same time I saw her lurking around the hut."

Otomo asked Yua if this is trying and she denies the allegation. "I was with you the whole time. This snake lies!"

"You know I wouldn't lie to you." the snake hisses towards Otomo. "Use your eyes, use the power we granted you and you will see the truth!"

Otomo grabbed Yua' shoulder and asked her again if she is lying. Yua shakes her head in response.

Otomo closes his eye and a green magic flows to it; he utters his magic and with a quick flash of green light – his eyes now dawns a new kind of power. When he opens it, the eyes are now slanted and shaped like a snake.

Yua, afraid and sees the transformation of Otomo's eye, she tries to get away from him. Otomo tries to calm her and says that this won't take long. He looked at Yua's eye and nothing strange with her brown eyes; nothing in particular or anything out of the ordinary.

"Deeper, Master! Deeper onto her soul and you will see her lies! The very same thing that my eyes saw." the snake yells.

"Master? The snake's master? Who are you?" she sheepishly asked as her voice trembles.

Otomo didn't answer and he focuses just as the snake asked him to. And then he sees it, blue flames of three dances within her eye with a white fur waving them to dance.

"Yokai." Otomo mutters as he tightens his grip. "So what are you? How did you manage to be with me and be at the hut at the same time?"

She throws her gaze away from Otomo. Otomo repeats his question but no answer came from the woman. Then she laughs and returns to look at Otomo's eyes.

"Ah, a snake shaman perhaps or also a yokai? Why do you even bother on what I do?" Yua smirks and return her gaze to Otomo. Intense blue eyes and cat like eyes replaced her brown ones. Her voice is now confidence and carries herself with intense aura.

"Why are you there? Are you trying to get the treasure form Ojisan again? Didn't he tell you it's not for sale?" Otomo replied.

"Treasure? For sale? AH! So the old man did lie! That is why I can sense a strong aura around the house. Never think of that he carries the treasure with him at all times. Thank you, now you solved that mystery and I can have it."

Yua then summoned a blue flame from her hands and tries to burn Otomo's face. The snake manages to lunge at Yua and smack her hands toward the ground. The blue flame sprouted to the ground and misses Otomo. Yua escapes Otmos grasp by throwing dirt on his face.

"Thanks for the information Otomo! Now I know his secret, I shall have this treasure he hides from me!" she run towards the crowd and disappears.

Otomo on the other hand is on the ground, yelling in pain from the dirt on his eyes. The snake came to his aid by slamming the nearby bucket of water and washing the dirt away from his eyes.

"Master, calm down. We don't want the people to notice you. Lower your voice. Get up and we will give chase."

Otomo is still confused about the matter. What is that treasure? How did the snake and him saw Yua at the same time at different places? So many questions but he feels that the truth will be upon him sooner.

Otomo stands up and rubs his eyes. "Tell me, why did you attack Ojisan? Why where you at the hut and grabbed his treasure?"

"When we fell, you were swept away by the river and I thought I lost you. Good thing the old man found and save you. When you were being nursed to health, Yua came and tried to heal you. I thought the old man and the woman are ordinary people. . ." the snake paused and looked at Otomo.

"But you didn't use your magic. You didn't see what these eyes can see. That treasure? It is powerful and magical. The old man tries to dumb play it but I am sure it is a magical artifact and somehow it is not being seen by Yua."

Otomo rubs his chin and asked "So you are trying to say that we can see the artifact and not Yua. And the old man lied to us about him not wanting to sell the treasure to Yua."

The snake nods and Otomo starts to walk away. "Come. Let us leave and return to Ojisan. Yua is on her way there and I am sure she will try her best to take it away from him"

The snake slithers back to the roof tops. "I will make my way back outside of the town. Will you use us again? Will you come back?"

"I got no choice. If we are to chase her, we need to be whole again. I will start unlocking as we travel back." Otomo replies and left the area.

He makes his way back outside of the town and sees the snake on the rice fields along the road. The snake slithers towards him. The both nod and began running back to the mountains. He hopes that he gets there faster than Yua. He doesn't know what kind yokai she is but with blue flames from her hand, it suggests that she maybe a higher level of yokai or maybe oni that can hide her horns.

The three days back to Ojisan is long and hard as every passing moment torments Otomo the thought of the old man dying by the hands of Yua over a treasure. As the three days pass, Otomo begins to unlock his powers; he swore not to use since the day of his exile but with the situation at hand, he will need it again.

Since my exile, I wanted to live as a man and forget about this power. I want to forget Tsunade and Jiraiya; their betrayal, their lies, the system . . . all of it. I swore to bury it all but my love for Tsunade sometimes brings me back. Despite her loving another man, my feelings for her never left.

This snake, my servant never left me. I am sorry Daija. I wanted to leave you too but your persistence is reassuring. Let this be the last time I use my powers. I found a new friend and a life that I can live with.

On the third day and at night, he arrived at Ojisan's hut and see the hut damaged. Otomo enters the house and see everything is broken. The plates, the cups, the bed and even Ojisan's clothes are all over the floor.

On the corner of the room is Ojisan, crying and wounded.

"Ojisan! Are you okay? Are you hurt? Where is this blood coming from?" Otomo rushes over his side.

"Otomo. My lies came to haunt me back. I told a lie and now she manages to take my treasure away from me. Please take it back from her. Without it I am nothing. Please Otomo I beg you!"

Otomo inspects the blood and it seems it is coming from claw marks around Ojisan's shoulder. It is not deep by Otomo manage to clean the wound.

"Old man, that item is important to you I know but I must take care of your . . . "before he can finish, Ojisan smack Otomo on his head by his crutches.

"Otomo, that treasure is the only thing that makes me happy. Even in death, I will find it. Please take it back from her. I will explain everything once you have it. Please Otomo. I beg you . . ." Ojisan bows in desperation and began to cry even more.

"Okay Ojisan. Stop bowing. I will prioritize getting back your treasure but you promise me to clean up your wounds first. Where did she go?"

Ojisan points to the direction towards the river. Otomo thanks him and told Ojisan to sit tight. He rushes toward the place. As he was running the snake is slithering by the grass and trees.

"Are you done? Have you unsealed it?" the snake asked.

"Not yet Daija, there are some seal placed by the King that are difficult to remove, the Amenonuhoko can only be undone by another or greater power than it."

"So it's a no then? We will have to work what you have."

"I have some of my magic back but not the ones placed by King Izanagi. Bastard got crafty hands and to add, Queen Izanami also boosts his seal. I hate the royal family so much."

As the approach the river, the snake and Otomo sees Yua standing by the opposite side of the river and the treasure, still wrapped in silk and cloth, on her possession.

"And I was about to open it and see this for the first time." Yua hisses at the two. She tucks the treasure behind her and she taunts the two.

"I sense that you have more magic than the last time we met. So you have your secrets too. Just like the old man." Behind Yua appears two more of her. The three smiles and laughs then behind then a blue flame dance behind them. The three began to speak unison and in intervals.

"So by this point – you should know what I am – but I am curious of what are you." The three began to show their hands and their nails began to expand and grew longer.

"A kitsune, demon fox, that's why you can be at two places at the same time." The snake replies and it coils itself, preparing for a battle.

Otomo uses his snake eyes again to pear into the world of magic. There he sees the three Yua are actually one and Yua is just one demon fox that can multiple depending on the number of tail she got – three.

"So the real Yua is a three tailed fox. And the most right one is the real you." Otomo exclaims. Yua claps and congratulate the two.

"Please Yua, we don't need to do this. Ojisan just wants his treasure back. I guess he lied to you about it and . . . " Otomo was cut off and Yua began speaking.

"When other yokai told me about Ojisan and his singing, I was enthralled to join them. One night, I joined the other yokais and listen to him sing but what made me curious is the strange magic that the man exhibits. I was curious to know what that is and deliberately put myself in harm's way."

Otomo cut her off and deducts the next line "So you drown yourself on this river and make him save you. That way you can get close and see where this strange magic is coming from."

"That is right. It is all out of curiosity really." Yua claps once more as the other two Yua began to float in the air.

"So why attack him?" Otomo asked and prepares his katana. He wields the katana and its scabbard at the same time like a dual sword.

"Because I want to attain power. If that strange magic will allow me to reach to be a 9 tailed fox, so be it. I didn't know about this treasure until you told me about it back at the town. There I realized something; the old man enchanted me back when he saved me. That magic didn't allow me to see his treasure."

The two Yua fly upwards and began to throw blue flames towards Otomo. He dodges and Daija leaps to the air and in attempt to bite one of the Yua's but they manage to fly with magic and they began a barrage of fire to the snake. Otomo runs toward Daija and cast a magic, the ground shook and the rocks began to form and made a dome to shield them from the fire.

The real Yua on the other end of the river continues "I arrived a bit earlier than you. When I got there I demand him to give it to me but he wasn't cooperating. So I attacked him until he gave in and negate magic hiding the treasure."

Otomo concentrates his magic and made sharp rocks fly towards the real Yua. The two flying ones returns to her side and cast fires to melt the incoming rocks. Daija, then spits a glob of goo towards Yua. Upon contact with the fire, it produces a mist.

"Ah so you think you can hide from the mist? I grew up in the mountains and I can see clearly in the mist. Your way of the snake shaman and geomancy got me curious. Who are you? I doubt that you are no ordinary man." Yua laughs as she and her clones cast blue flames towards the river and boiling it.

Otomo yelps in pain as he leaps to escape the scalding water. He lands back to the opposite side of the river and looked at his arms. Red, swollen and shows a sign of burning. He looks over at the water and sees a long black burnt figure floating above the boiling river.

"Daija?! NO!" Otomo exclaims. He face is in shocked with horror and his face is red with anger.

"Did we kill your pet snake, Otomo?" Yua laughs and the three of them cast another barrage of fire Otomo. Otomo then uses his magic and uses the rocks to rise above the river and use it as a way to get across.

He managed to out run the flames and at the last rock, he leapt to the air and raises his katana to cut off the first Yua he sees. Yua was caught by surprise but the two Yua blast Otomo with fire in midair.

Otomo burst from the fire and cuts one Yua clone's head and the other smacking her head with the scabbard. Otomo lands and seems to be fine. The Yua that died is the clone and with it defeated, blue flames consumed her head and body then it flew back to the real Yua and absorbing the fire back to her.

"Wow, a human manage to withstand the blue flame of a demon fox. Tell me Otomo, how you did it." Yua asked as the other Yua flies back to the real Yua.

"I used wind magic too. That blue flames might me intense but I build enough magic to blast the fire away from me for a moment." Otomo replies and readies himself to fight the other two.

The two Yuas retreat their fire magic and instead sharpen their claws. The two attacked Otomo in tandem and in an unrelenting furry. Otomo manage to keep up at first but their claws manage to get in at his blind spot.

The two Yua's attack began to overwhelm Otomo and soon is on his feet and defending for his dear life. "So that burst of magic is all you can do? Some rocks then air? And I thought you are supposed to have the snake shaman in you. I guess when your snake friend die, you cannot channel snake magic anymore huh?" Yua taunts him as her attacks began to hammer Otomo's defenses.

She switches her attacks and the two Yua began to attack in a dance like pattern. They twirl and slash Otomo while they dodge. Every time Otomo tries to attack, Yua dodges and the other Yua attacks. Every opportunity she sees a claw will met his flesh.

Soon, Otomo become bleeding sack of meat and a play thing for the two Yua. "Is that it? Is that the best you can do Otomo?" He is on his knees breathing heavily and bleeding all over from the claw attacks on his cheeks, belly, sides, arms, legs, everywhere.

Then Otomo began to laugh. "This is one thing I learn from Jiraiya, always make the enemy think I am beaten then you break their confidence to get back at them."

The ground shakes and then a burst of snakes came out from it. Large, small, and other varieties of snake came out at bites the two Yua. The two panics and then the real Yua burn the snake that bites her. The other Yua is overtaken by the number of snakes that bites her and the venom inside her began to paralyze her body. Then the other Yua burns as well and the blue flame returns to the real Yua.

"Daija, now!" Otomo yells then throw his katana toward Yua. Yua jumps away then another snake emerged from the ground. Daija leaps from the air and grabs the katana on his mouth. Then Daija wraps his tail on Yua's hands to prevent her casting fire. Daija takes the opportunity to slice Yua with katana but then Yua body burst in flames.

Daija breaks the hold on Yua and retreats. Daija threw the katana to Yua's burning body but it was swipe away but the fire protecting her. From the blue fire that is consuming her she can yells curses to Otomo.

"Damn you Otomo." she emerges from the fire and shows her true form, a woman with the face of a fox with three tails on her back. Her white fire is tainted by blood made by the snake bites she suffered.

"Give it up Yua. My brothers have bitten you with venom. You will die soon enough." Daija says as the snake slithers back to Otomo. Yua prepares to attack with another fire but the pain with in her blood is causing her a hard time to breathe and to concentrate.

Otomo stands up and orders the other snake to standby. "Yua, the treasure please." He holds his hand towards Yua.

"You snake. You were burned at the river and you Otomo should be bleeding to death."

Otomo the removes the clothes on his body to show the wounds she made. Then the wounds slow starts to heal including the burned skin he had. "That on the river was his skin. When the mist was scattered, Daija shed his skin and I ordered him to tunnel underneath the soil and summon the snakes to bite you. I jump in the river and make my way towards you. I intended to fake Daija death so you can be tricked. Knowing that Daija is dead made your whole attention on me. You failed to hear the snakes digging underneath us."

Then the wounds healed after a few more moments "As for the wounds. That I learned from Tsunade. Each animal have their venom and potent to kill. But some have the ability to heal. Using my snake shaman magic, I clean the wounds and used the earth magic to borrow nutrients from the soil to heal my wounds."

Yua looks at the ground beneath Otomo has gone dry and barren. "Dirty tactics, healing thru animals, Jiraiya and Tsunade . . ." Yua thinks for a momen. "Ah, I see your no Otomo. I now know who you are" She smiles and grabs the treasure behind her and gave it to Otomo.

"Thank you Yua." Otomo then turns around and asked the snakes to leave her alone.

"Come on Daija, let us hurry back to Ojisan." The snake and Otomo starts to walk away.

"Don't you think it is ironic? This river is where Ojisan saved us. He gave us a second change aand now this is where we will die." Yua asked Otomo with her voice filled with grim and pain.

Otomo turns around to see the Yua prepared a huge ball of fire and she hurls it toward Otomo. Daija manage to dodges it but Otomo's back took the blunt of the attack. Yua falls to the ground convulsing in pain as the venom starts to kill her. Otomo lies unconscious and his back is burning still.

Daija order the other snake to drag Otomo to the water in attempt to save him. And in Otomo's hand is the treasure of Ojisan safe from the fire. The last thing Otomo hears before falling unconscious is Daija ordering the other snake to drag him back to Ojisan

When Otomo wakes up, he is in Ojisan hut again. The place is clean and neat. And the treasure is on the table. He groans in pain and feels his back is still burning. He stands up and sees Daija by the window of the hut.

"Daija, where is Ojisan." But the snake replied with a stare toward the table.

Otomo removes his clothes and asked Daija how bad is it. Daija replies that the burn is bad so bad that it still smells of his burning flesh but assures him that Ojisan did his best to heal him.

"How long was I out?" the snake replied that he was unconscious for two days. Daija and Ojisan tried their best to heal him.

As Otomo walked towards the table, he sees a letter fluttering as the wind passes by. The letter read as follows:

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My dear friend, I am sorry for causing you all this trouble. I should have been honest with you and Yua at the start to prevent this. But then again, we all have our reasons not to trust each other. Let me start by saying, thank you for everything.

You arriving at my hut and sharing your stories with me is a treasure I value the most. Your stories made me think of the family that I once have. And at the twilight years of my life, I wanted to go out there and see the world outside of this hut. Don't worry about me. I am old but I will manage to be fine on my own. Besides, I got the trusty crutches you and Yua fixed for me.

Now let me repay you for saving my second greatest treasure I have. First, the hut is yours and your snake friend is welcome to stay there. Also, why didn't you tell me he was your friend? I threw the kata at him! Good thing he forgave me.

Second, I have the best treasure stored in my memories and no thief can take it away from me. I want you to have this old treasure and use it to your liking. But be warned; only open if you are ready. When your heart falters, do not open this. If you are ready and know what you are, then open my second most treasured item.

Like I told you over and over again, always act to what your heart wants. That will make you happy and your convictions won't be clouded if you know what you are doing and love doing it. But with our time together, I know what you will do good.

Lastly, yes I knew about you and Yua. About her being a kitsune and you being a fugitive on the run. Both of you are very open and easy to read. Despite her stealing from me and you managing to get it back, I will always treasure the times we had.

Your friend,

Ojisan

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Otomo wept his tears. He wonders what he should feel. Happy knowing that your friend left for an adventure or knowing that you might not see him again.

"Well, I know what to do now, Daija. To pressure my happiness. Yua, stole this for her to grow. Ojisan went away for an adventure. For me? To find true happiness I want to see Tsunade again." He unfolds the silk and clothing that wrapped around the treasure. After unwrapping it, he found a mummified leg.

This is the left leg of Ojisan, the one that the old man lost. It matches his height and even have a note attached to it thou he can't read the strange symbols on it.

He laughed and laughed because he can't believe that the old man's treasure was his leg. He was laughing so hard that he had himself crying in tears. As he was laughing, he accidentally touches the leg.

As he touched it, he felt magic flow toward him. Daija even noticed a strange magic flowed from the leg and to his master. As Daija approaches his master he noticed his burns on his back started to heal instantly.

"Master! Your wounds! It heals!" as the snake yells he touches his back and was bewildered by the event. The burning sensation, the smell, and the pain are gone!

He touches the mummified leg longer and this time he felt energy and magic passing and flowing around him. Daija coils around his master and felt the surge as well. The wounds began to heal and soon enough he is healed. Then he felt the magic seal within his body was lifted.

"Daija! The seal! The seal was broken!" the longer he touches it the more power it gave him. The leg also gave him power and their physical appearance changes. The leg then is being slowly absorbed into his body and more and more power is powering in. He can feel it. It calls to him. It calls him friend.

After he absorbs the leg into his body, he felt that his powers are back and even more is added.

"Master? What are we going to do see Tsunade?" Daija asked.

"We destroy the royal family to negate the exile that was placed upon me then we get Tsunade and I shall wed her. There is no Jiraiya to stop us now. I will liberate this island from such cruel rulers. No man or woman should endure the laws of an oppressive system. Everyone should able to love anyone and enjoy living free in this island."

"If we are to liberate the island from King Izanagi and Queen Izanami, then where will amass an army?" the snaked asked.

"Sen Yōkai no Yoru; I will show my power the next time we held it. Lets promise them that no Yokai will be misunderstood and they can go where ever they want. They can live with the humans and the lies they told about the yokai will be exposed and soon, we will liberate this island against the tyranny of the royal family. Then once I unite the Yokais and over threw them, therer will be peace among yokai and humans." he replied

"Then you can be wed to Tsunade. And will be known as Queen Tsunade and King Orochimaru." Daija and the man celebrate for they believe they will begin a new age. Age of love and free from the corruption of the old system.

Little did Orochimaru know Jiraiya will be back after a few cycles and with him a group of guardians with the Chronicler will land on this island. Soon, Orochimaru will face the greatest threat to his ambition.