Hearing Hakuro's concern, Doga crossed his arms and growled loudly.


Kazan and the gatekeeper. I'd say it's unlikely, but you never know what a desperate man will do. I'd like to say it's unlikely, but you never know what a desperate person might do.

But Brother Hakuro, how are the gatekeepers going to get in touch with Kazan?　I don't think they're that familiar with our situation.


　Hakuro responded to Kagari's question without hesitation.


I'm sure there are people close to us who are knowledgeable about the demon world, Kagari. I think it is possible that they acted as an intermediary between Kazan and the gatekeepers.

"Brother Hakuro is suspicious of the Koujin religion?


　Cagalli's eyes widened in surprise.

　Kagari herself had grown suspicious of the Koushin sect after witnessing the words and actions of the Kouken, a Koushinist, during the last battle.

　However, I can assure you that Oaken's hatred for humans is real and he did not do anything to fight against the gatekeepers. Kagari thought that if the Koushin sect was in contact with the gatekeepers, they would have instructed him to refrain from killing or wounding the kraken.

　When he pointed this out, Hakuro responded with a calm expression.


It's a valid question. But, Cagalli. But, Cagalli, didn't Oken scream as he was dying?　"He's such a good fighter, he can't be an unknown. People are not to be trusted when they plot against me.

"Yes, he did say that, but that was after he had been mortally wounded by the sky. I'm not even sure he was sane.

Even if he wasn't in his right mind, it's not something he could have said without any background. I don't know if it was the old men of the Koshin Sect or someone who came into contact with them there, but I'm sure that someone gave Oaken information about the land.


　If it's the former, it means that Koshin-kyo has its own means of obtaining information outside the gates. If the latter, it is still the same. There must be someone among the gatekeepers who is familiar with Koshin-kyo and who secretly passes information to the Koshinist, Oken. Otherwise, Oaken's words would not be true.

　This fact affirmed Hakuro's suspicion that the Koushin sect and the gatekeeper were in cahoots.

　Kagari growled when she heard this.


"Brother Hakuro is a bishop of the Koushin sect, don't you know anything about it?


　Hakuro has a record of knowing about the existence of the sacred artifacts of the Koushin sect that can be used to enter the gates, but hiding it from his brothers.

　I'm sure you've heard of it.


It is true that I participate in the Order's pivot as a bishop, but that is only in the Nakayama domain. They won't let me touch the parts that are really important to them. In fact, if you go to the main shrine, you will still be followed by a watchman called a guide.


　Nowadays, Hakuro is regarded as an outstanding warrior, but he was weak as a child, and even as an adult (13 years old), he could not stand on the battlefield like Azuma and Doga. When he learned to cook, he thought hard about what he could do for his brothers who could not fight.

　This is also the reason why I joined the Koushin sect. If he could gain a position within the cult, he could use the influence of Koshin-kyo for the benefit of Nakayama. He had no interest in the doctrines of Koshin-kyo.

　To Hakuro, the information that Kagari brought back from the last battle was something he could not ignore.

　He did not believe that Koushinkyou was a pure and innocent religious group. The fact that he told Kagari to watch out for the movements of Oken is a sign of this.

　However, it seems that the darkness that Koushinkyou is facing is much bigger than Hakuro expected. Perhaps we should expose the secret parts of Koshin-kyo before we fight the gatekeepers.

　As Hakuro pondered this inwardly, Azuma, who had been quietly listening to his brothers, opened his mouth at this point.


He said, "There are a lot of people, both soldiers and civilians, who follow the Light God religion. We need to be careful in our search. Hakuro, you must not overreach yourself.

"As you wish, eldest brother.

If it were up to me, I'd concentrate on fighting the humans for now. Things are not as they seem. By the way, Cagalli.


　When his brother suddenly called his name, Kagari responded suspiciously.


What is it, Brother Azuma?

What is it, Azuma?" "The person you just mentioned, Sora. You said that he was wearing a bracelet that belonged to the demon tribe, do you think he has any connection to Kazan or the Koujin religion?


　This is the first time I've ever heard of a human being wearing the bracelet of the demon tribe and using traitorous swordsmanship to slay Oken and bury, albeit incompletely, the demon god Isagaki had sent down. In his report, Kagari had listed five people to watch out for, but the most mysterious of them all was Sora.

　Since he slayed Oaken, a light god, and also Isagi, a general of Kazan, it is hard to believe that there is a direct connection between them. However, Azuma thought that in order to unravel the complicated situation, it would be normal to start with the most suspicious person.

　He also thought that by listening to the opinion of Kagari, who had actually confronted him, he might be able to see something new.

　Cagalli responded to his brother's question with a simple answer.

"No, I don't think so, Brother Azuma. I don't think he would have done such a troublesome thing before he cut down Oaken and Isagi. That's just my intuition, though.

"Hmm. So, do you think you can win him over to our side?


　Kagari wasn't the only one who reacted to those words. Three different calls were made at the same time, "elder brother," "eldest brother," and "brother Azuma," which shook Azuma's earlobes.

　The three brothers quickly exchanged glances, and after a moment, Degas opened his mouth to speak for all three of them.


The three brothers exchanged quick glances. No matter how strong the sky is, it is still a human being. If you make an ally out of a human, your people's discontent will quickly reach the heavens.

"I understand, Doga. But, as Hakuro said earlier, if there is a way to get information outside the gate, Nakayama would like to secure it. Especially if it is possible to know the condition of our people outside. Don't you think so?

"That's certainly not a problem, but ......


　When Degas was unusually stumped, Azuma smiled as if to dispel the other's concerns.




"Don't worry, I won't make peace with the humans at this point, Doga. Hakuro and Cagalli, listen to me. We'll take back the gate. This is a prerequisite for Nakayama and me. We will never do anything to violate this premise.


　The three brothers nodded vigorously at Azuma's words.

　Azuma looked at the faces of his brothers with satisfaction, and his tone slowed slightly at this point.


But taking back the gate is not the end of the story. That is where it all begins. It has been three hundred years since the demon tribe was imprisoned in the demon world. In the meantime, humans have prospered in the rich outside world and their numbers have increased greatly. I have no intention of fighting until I kill them all. Because what I want is for Zhong Shan and the demon tribe to prosper, not for them to continue to sip human flesh and blood.


　The younger brothers nodded at these words as well. However, the speed with which they nodded varied somewhat, probably because each of them had their own thoughts.

　Azuma's words continued.


Of course, the people who have lost the gate will be eager to fight back. Even if we don't want to fight, we must continue to fight. In order to stop this cycle, we have to talk to the humans somewhere. We must face them not with blades but with words. I think it's not a bad idea to prepare the tools to do so now.

"...... Does Brother Azuma expect the one in the sky to play that role?

Expectations. Yes, I do. You'll be able to use your skills as a gatekeeper and also have friendship with the demon tribe. I don't think there are many people like that.


　My brother's voice was soft, yet deep. As if struck by his voice, the younger brothers hung their heads in unison.

　Each of them felt differently about human beings, but that did not outweigh their respect for their older brother. Nakayama has always followed Azuma's words. And that would not change in the future. By chance, the three brothers felt the same feelings in their hearts.



　The four brothers continued their discussions.

　As a result, it was decided that Kagari would go to Daxing Mountain, and Degas would continue to guard the gate. While Azuma was settled in the West, he was prepared to act as the back-up for both Da Xing Shan and the Gate if the need arose. And Hakuro was to go to the main shrine of the Koushinkyou to inquire about the cult.

　After these decisions were made, Doga moved his huge body and turned to his brother.


Then, brother, I will return to the camp ahead of you. The gatekeepers are only guarding the fort and not making any move, but that may not last forever.

"I see. I'm sorry to have to send you back, but I need you to hold the gate for me.

I'll leave you in peace.


　After bowing to his brother, Degas turned his gaze to his two younger brothers.


"Take care of yourselves, Hakuro and Kagari, and do your duty.

"Very well, Second Brother.

"I'll be back soon with the rest of Da Xing Shan. Until then, Brother Doga.


　Degas nodded in reply to his brothers, then stood up and left Azuma's office.

　And so, the four brothers began to take on their respective roles.