Clang!
The demon sword snapped in two. The Sukuna Demon's head also split in half as a faint sword shadow flew from the Light Blade and shot straight into it!
"Oooohhhhh!"
As the tall figure fell backward, the demon's resentment materialized into a faintly visible phantom. It was forcibly pulled out like taffy, its constantly twisting face opening wide to let out an eardrum-piercing roar. The psychic shock mixed within was enough to frighten an ordinary person senseless.
However, Ryu, completely immersed in the battle, remained as unshakable as a boulder. He took another step forward, Light Blade in hand, and in coordination with Nishikida Kagetatsu's sword shadow, pinned the Sukuna Demon's spiritual form to the tree trunk!
After struggling violently for a long time, the Sukuna Demon still could not escape. A pure stream of evil-purifying power surged into its body. The familiar sensation immediately calmed it down, and its pair of blood-red eyes stared intently at Ryu... and at the old acquaintance hiding behind the boy.
"Kuse Ryu! I'll remember that name!
And you, Nishikida Kagetatsu, don't think you've won just like that!
My resentment will never fade! I have plenty of time to wait for the next opportunity... Sooner or later, I will be free, and I will make humanity taste the wrath of my vengeance!
Hahahaha!"
By the end, the Sukuna Demon was even laughing wildly, not at all like a loser. Ryu could only be speechless.
Just as it said, even if it failed this time, all it lost was a spiritual form. As long as its main body remained buried in the mountain, it would always have a chance to make a comeback.
It couldn't possibly run into heroes like Kagetatsu or Ryu every time, right?
From the priest's memories he had read, modern humans had become powerful, but things like airplanes and tanks couldn't harm its main body at all. Only a nuclear bomb might have an unknown effect... but in short, as long as it could get free, it could run rampant in this world!
So what if you two beat me back? I can wait another few dozen, or even a hundred years. Can you?
"How arrogant... Does this thing have any weaknesses?" Ryu was quite annoyed. He was the one who had won, yet his opponent was here making threats.
"Is there no way to kill it completely? Speaking of which, Lord Kagetatsu, why didn't you do a more thorough job back then?"
"It's shameful to talk about, alas!"
Kagetatsu's shadow flickered, revealing his inner turmoil.
Why hadn't he killed the Sukuna Demon back then? It wasn't something that could be explained in a few words.
From a young age, he possessed the ability to discern demons and monsters. He was also exceptionally talented in martial arts. Just by training with a nameless swordsman in the mountains, he had developed a divine technique capable of slaying dragons.
The righteous Kagetatsu didn't use his martial might to vie for supremacy, but instead embarked on the path of slaying demons and protecting humanity, leaving his legends scattered across the land. In his youth, he undoubtedly saw himself as chosen by fate!
But as his experience grew, he gradually realized that demons were not born from nothing. The darkness in human hearts was the breeding ground that nurtured them. Even if he killed one, its resentment wouldn't just disappear; it would scatter elsewhere, waiting for some trigger to create a new demon.
At this rate, even if he lived to be a hundred, he would never be able to kill all the evil in the world!
Later, he encountered many other things, and experienced some emotional turmoil... which caused a great change in his mentality.
Specifically regarding the Sukuna Demon, Kagetatsu was starving and weak at the time, so he only managed to behead it, failing to destroy it completely. Later, after being treated to a meal by the villagers, he faced the Sukuna Demon's corpse. Instead of finishing it off, he chose to seal it.
Perhaps it was because he was older and had less of a murderous intent, or perhaps it was a sense of empathy for a kindred spirit:
The Sukuna Demon had once been human in its "past life," and a naturally gifted individual just like him. They had simply chosen different paths. In an era of war, Sukuna had used its military power to seize castles and countries, once becoming the hegemon of a corner of the world.
At that time, although Sukuna's methods were harsh, it was able to protect its people, definitely earning the title of "hero." There were even folk traditions that linked it with the local guardian deity for worship.
But power and violence are like poison to humans. Even the kindest person can easily turn dark, let alone Sukuna, who was never particularly kind to begin with... Its nation fell for various reasons, and it transformed from a guardian deity into a "demonic god."
Perhaps it was because of their similar origins that Nishikida Kagetatsu felt a pang of compassion. He used his sword to suppress Sukuna's heart and soul and sealed it with a shrine, hoping that time would wash away its resentment and allow it to attain Buddhahood (the Japanese cultural concept of salvation).
However, he was too optimistic back then. Who could have predicted that not only would this Sukuna not fade away, but its resentment would grow ever stronger?
Now, it has even surpassed its "past life." If its main body were to revive, unless Nishikida Kagetatsu could come back to life himself, a mere spiritual form would have no chance!
Therefore, Kagetatsu was now deeply regretful, never expecting that a moment of mercy would bring such a disaster upon the world...
"It's impossible to destroy the main body now, but if the shrine could be rebuilt, perhaps its resentment could be slowly worn away over a long period of time."
"Is a single shrine all it takes?"
"Of course, it would also need people to come and worship... Alas, that is likely impossible. The villagers from that time are gone, and there don't seem to be any other villages around."
"Getting people to worship isn't difficult," Ryu said thoughtfully. "Are you saying that the power of people's wishes can counteract resentment?"
"Not every ghost or monster is like this, but the Sukuna Demon was born from the darkness in human hearts. People's wishes can be both light and dark, and the Sukuna Demon carries the latter. This is also why demons and monsters run rampant in times of chaos.
The current era is much more peaceful than before, so people's prayers are generally more inclined towards the light. It's impossible to completely eliminate the Sukuna Demon, but weakening it is achievable."
Ryu fell into thought after hearing Kagetatsu's words.
But the Sukuna Demon didn't care at all, even clamoring, "Peace won't last forever! As long as darkness remains in the human heart, this world will sooner or later be consumed by flames!
You are doomed to fail, because darkness is eternal!"
"Sukuna, you... haven't changed a bit. Do you hate humans that much?" Kagetatsu sighed.
"You're the one who's changed! Why do you protect those ant-like weaklings?
We were born with power far beyond mortals! It was heaven's will for us to rule over those commoners! If everyone had just obediently listened to me and done as I said, the chaotic era would have been pacified long ago!"
"You're incorrigible! If violence alone could conquer the world, then why was the age of the samurai overthrown?"
"Nishikida Kagetatsu—"
The two exchanged heated words, their views clashing. But Ryu suddenly looked up, an idea striking him.
"Then let's just turn the Sukuna Demon into a white-haired little loli!"
"Hmm?"
"Huh?"
This utterly abrupt statement made both spirits freeze, seemingly unable to comprehend.
"Kuse... what are you talking about?"
"Regarding the shrine, I have a half-baked idea. In the modern world, there are things called manga and games. To be specific..."
Ryu looked at the bewildered Sukuna as he answered Kagetatsu's question.
"There are precedents for adapting the heroic tales of ancient heroes into best-selling games or manga. For example, the Three Kingdoms, the Warring States, and the Bakumatsu periods all have many excellent literary and artistic works—like a certain famous Three Kingdoms card game, which is very popular among the people!
Rebuilding the shrine isn't a problem, but gathering popularity in a short time requires extra steps.
What I mean is, we can use Lord Kagetatsu's deeds to create a historical-style action game, or serialize a manga in JUMP, to attract those otaku fans to make a pilgrimage to the holy site.
As long as the quality is good enough, I believe it can attract a lot of people."
Ryu was very confident, not just because he possessed vast resources, but more importantly, because gaming helmets were a dimension-crushing advantage over old-era works. A first-person 'Nioh'-style game would have no reason not to be a hit!
"I mostly understand that, but what you just said... uh, white-haired what?"
Kagetatsu was a bit baffled, but Sukuna, who was slightly more knowledgeable, had a gradual change in its expression.
"To cater to the market, some things must be sacrificed. For a game aiming for massive sales, cute girls are an extremely important factor."
Besides, with virtual reality technology... right?
Providing fan service to otaku is an act that accumulates good karma!
As everyone knows, Kuse Ryu has always been a man of virtue~
"So... you're saying... that... Sukuna's image has to be turned into... uh, that cute girl you mentioned?"
"No..." Sukuna groaned out. "Wait a minute!"
"A white-haired loli," Ryu corrected. "A bratty girl boss with a tsundere personality, high attack, low defense, a sensitive constitution, and who never takes off her black stockings."
"I have no idea what you're talking about!"
"Might as well arrange for some R-18 doujin while we're at it."
"I still don't understand..."
"The great name of Ryomen Sukuna will also spread throughout Kyushu and Shikoku along with the game!
At that time, the hot topic online might just be 'Why did Ryomen Sukuna preserve the dark history of being sealed by Kagetatsu'~
I really look forward to the day when everyone is discussing Ryomen Sukuna's bust size and how strong her feet smell~"
"St-Stop it!!!"
A roar of utmost fury echoed through the sky, a truly heart-wrenching cry: "You bastard! You can't, you can't do this!"
Having his name spread throughout the world in such a manner... Something like that, he didn't want it!
The thought of his lifetime of fame being ruined in one fell swoop caused Sukuna immense pain.
He could be feared, he could be worshiped, but the one thing he couldn't stand was being looked at with lust!
--And most likely by men!
"Oh?" Ryu looked at Sukuna's twisted face, its arrogant demeanor now completely gone, and suddenly let out a disdainful laugh.
Sukuna gritted its teeth: "Stop! Don't you... Mmph, fine, let's talk!
I believe that humans are beings who can understand each other!
...Hic, can we reconcile?"
"What do you think?"
Ryu swung his blade, completely shredding the phantom.
"No... damn it! Stop it!!!"
Kagetatsu watched this scene in silence. After Sukuna's screams had completely faded, he also sighed with complicated feelings.
"That guy valued his reputation above all else even when he was alive... He probably regrets not achieving Buddhahood back then."
"He brought this all on himself."
In Japanese myths and legends, the fall of demonic gods, especially those who were military commanders, is often related to 'pride,' and they all place great importance on their honor and achievements. After all, this is a nation that could give rise to the culture of 'seppuku,' so it's not at all strange that they would have this trait.
And Sukuna, as a standard ancient military commander, would likely value his reputation more than life or death...
Thinking of this, Ryu's mood instantly brightened.
He decided to forgive the Sukuna Demon for its previous disrespect. After all, he was a magnanimous person~
"This way, Lord Kagetatsu's deeds will also become widely known, which is a good thing."
Ryu composed himself, returning his weapons one by one to his private space. He then took out a spare phone to send a message to Ruri. As he leaned against a tree to rest, he started chatting with Kagetatsu.
"Haha, I am but a humble warrior. To receive such an honor is truly undeserved~"
"Although you weren't a daimyo or a provincial lord, in my eyes, your achievements far surpass theirs. It's not just the ambitious who should be remembered by history; pure heroes like yourself should be as well."
"You flatter me~"
Kagetatsu was in a rather good mood.
"If the shrine is revived, even though I am just a ghost now, I will receive offerings... Perhaps many years from now, I might become a true god.
Lord Kuse, although I must remain here to guard the Sukuna Demon, you have helped me so much and rectified my past mistake. If you face any difficulties in the future that I can help with, please do not hesitate to ask~"
Oh? So if R'lyeh rises in the future, can I ask you to go fight the deep-sea nautilus?
--The thought jumped into Ryu's mind.
"By the way, I have a small, rather embarrassing request... If my story is truly compiled into a book, could you bring me a copy to see?
Hehe, to be so vain even after death, how shameful~"
"Oh, that's a small matter. By the way, do you have any opinions on the creative adaptation?"
Ryu's tone was relaxed, as if chatting with an old friend: "After all, character creation should take the original person's wishes into account."
"Hahaha, I don't mind at all. I don't even care if I'm turned into a woman."
Kagetatsu was very open-minded, not at all like a conservative ancient samurai.
"In our era, entertainment was just dancing, acrobatics, and comedies. It's rare for young people today to have so many forms of entertainment. They should enjoy it to the fullest. As an elder, I must support them properly Haha"
"That's admirable."
Ryu said sincerely, "That's true in principle, but there aren't many who care for the younger generation as much as you do, Lord Kagetatsu."
"But then again, even if you turn Sukuna or me into a woman, will that really attract young people to play?"
After laughing, Kagetatsu became a little puzzled.
"They'll find out who the original characters are with a little research. When they see our portraits and learn what we really look like, won't the young people be very disappointed?
"..."
"After all, it's impossible to see the Sukuna Demon and a scruffy old uncle and still feel lust for the characters, let alone spend money on them, haha..."
"..."
"...That... wouldn't happen, right?"
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