'We didn't retake it and it ended in defeat, but how do you feel now!
'There seems to have been a big difference, but what do you think caused it!
What are your aspirations for the next time you're here?

　As soon as the Summer Reioh Battle was over, Vogue was interviewed by a large number of newspaper reporters in the corridor leading to the waiting room.

　Six months ago, she could still afford to ignore them.

　But now she is .......


'It just so happened that the plan didn't work out. If Salamandla had been able to move more properly, we wouldn't have known the outcome. I've been a bit busy for the past six months, so I want to be better prepared for the next challenge. But he has a very bad temperament, and I'm sure he'll come up with some nasty plan that only I can beat.


　Excuses and smears come out of my mouth.

　I could say that it was inevitable.
　A question that could only be answered by "because I was inferior to the Second in everything" if I were to tell the truth. There was no way the former Spirit King's pride would allow such miserable words to be used.

　Her mental state was on the edge. She was supposed to have been brilliant, but now she couldn't even realize that the lie was slowly choking her.

　A hundred years of effort had been denied her, and rightly so. Instead, she was remarkably strong. The Second must have seen through this strength. Hence, he had crushed her to smithereens to this point.


''The Second is coming!''

　The excited group of reporters around Vogue quieted down at once as the reporters ran in a hurry to report on the scene.

　Immediately afterwards, the door on the arena side was opened and a second came into the corridor.


''Second Triple Crown!　Congratulations on your defense!　How do you feel now!
This is the second defence of the title, but how excited are you for the third!
How many titles do you plan to win this season?　Let us hear it!

　The reporters move on at once. Not even a word of thanks to Vogue.

　Finally, every single reporter was gone from Vogue's presence.


'What the hell? ......'


　Miserable. That's all I can say.

　Vogue forgot to even leave and could only stare blankly at the second, surrounded by reporters.



'Hmm?　Hey, did you guys interview Vogue as well?

　Then a second noticed Vogue's situation and asked the reporters the opposite question.

'Yeah, yeah,'
What kind of coverage?
You know, about the cause of the loss.
Are you kidding me?
'What?　No. ......

　In an instant, the air turned cold.

　We all sensed it - we were angry, and we were angry.


'Whoever interviewed Vogue, raise your hand honestly.

　The second said, but no one raised their hands.

　...... No, there was only one reporter who raised his hand in horror.

'You are,'
The Vine's Newspaper.
Yeah, uh,

　Second nodded one, then looked around at the reporters around him.

'What question did you ask them?'

I'm sorry ......, apparently I misheard you. Since no one raised their hand, I thought it was someone who wasn't covering the story who would raise their hand.


　Instantly, the reporters were like, "We're f*cked! face.

　In fact, the Vins newspaper did not interview Vogue. Because the editor-in-chief had given them a nod.

　This reporter, who raised his hand, didn't understand the reasoning behind it at first when the editor-in-chief gave him the order, but just now, he understood it all. It's because the Second is angry, he said.

　If so, then this is an opportunity to outsmart the other newspapers. With good tact, he had successfully framed all the reporters present.

I thought to myself, "Oh, I see. So, everyone else in the paper, go home.
............
What are you doing? Go home now.
............

　The reporters were baffled and didn't move.

'What, what's your problem?　You guys interviewed Vogue, didn't you?　I have no use for people who don't have that kind of consideration. They're just an eyesore in here, and I'm telling you to get the hell out.

　Second tells them to start from scratch and explain.

　The reporters couldn't lie to him now and say that they weren't interviewing him. Because Vogue himself is watching behind them.


'Fine, but I can't complain about what they write about.

　In the crowd, one of the reporters uttered such a discarded line.

　It was like a threat to the second person. However, the Second in question didn't seem to care about it, saying, "Yes, yes.

　Then, the reporter from the Vins newspaper blurted out.

''Oh.''

　Yes, uh-oh.

　He knows. He was almost certain that he would be visited by that horrible military strategist to that newspaper.

　As he watched the reporters leave with a disgruntled look on their faces, he thought about that, and gave a small, victorious smile.

''Well, let's hear it then,''
''Yes. Let's start with the characteristics of the newly unveiled demons in this match--






'How dare you suggest that Miroku-sama was a demon: ......

　One corner of the bleachers.
　A group of people dressed in kimonos and carrying swords at their waists were talking to each other with shuddering expressions on their faces.

'It's a bit late for that, Mr. Cambaye. I've always suspected that Mee was right.
I'm surprised ...... it's human by all accounts. But the fact that Second-kun isn't disqualified proves that Miroku-sama is a demon. ......

　Either spirits or demons can be summoned in a Spirit King match. The moment you let anyone else participate in the match, you would be disqualified. In other words, it was the best proof that Miroku was a demon.

But what's even more surprising is Second-kun. Don't you think you're ahead of the pack in both the Issenza and Reigning King battles?　How is it possible to have a battling technique on top of that ......?　It's already a foul play.
"Masamune.
What?　Red Cat.
That's not all he has to offer.
...... No, yeah. I know, but I don't know if I want to think about it too much.

　Masamune mumbles, "I realize I'm not going to be able to catch up," he mutters.

　Akaneko chuckles, "Huh," and opens her mouth.

''Masamne-dono will be able to catch up with you someday. The talent you have at the age of sixteen to become an Iemoto is not a lie. Miroku-sama must have seen your talent and named it Benzai-ryu," he said.
I wish I could.
When the need arises, all you have to do is ask your master for guidance. If it's for Masamune, he will visit the Tohachinochchi no Kuni every day without any trouble.
'Well, that's nice to hear, but ...... gohon!　By the way, Akaneko-chan. You call Second-kun a master, don't you?
...... twists and turns. I usually call it what it is.
'Wow!　You're getting along so well.
That's not why I'm here, sir!　Oh, come on, a second!　Totally!
...... is, uh, well, it looks like it's been building up quite a bit.
'If you see how messed up that man is every day, you'll have a thousand or two things to complain about!
Oh, that's a lot of complaints about ......

　Akaneko's complaints about the second suddenly erupted like a rage. Masamune gave her a gentle look and asked her, ''Yeah, yeah.


''Bai Da Wei, which way is Lord Thistle in?　Ever since we broke up six months ago, Mee has been rather worried about it.
Oh, Sister Azami. I heard that the business is so prosperous that they can only afford it on the day of the Bishamon fight.
"I.C. Thank you, Master Masamune. You are a relief.

　The bakery run by Azami was having a wonderfully busy season for the big event of the title fight.

　If you look around, you can catch a glimpse of a spectator holding one of Azami's breads.

Have you eaten yet, Akaneko-chan?
That is not yet. I've spent a lot of time training.
You're so serious.
No, that's not why I'm here. If I could, I would have enjoyed the company of everyone back home.
I see. ...... It'll be fun.
Yes. ......

　This was the first event in the long history of the sword Hachinokuni.

　Everyone was looking forward to this summer, even though the shape was different.


Oh, Akaneko-san, would you like me to buy some bread?　If you're thirsty, you can have something to drink: ...... Oh, yes, and if it's too hot, I can fan you.
Very well, Master Cambei.
Are you on the left? Please let me know if there's anything I can do for you.
Don't worry about it.
Well, are you on the left? ......

　Masamune's muttered, "Hang in there, Kanbei-kun," which almost sounded like pity, made Kanbei shrug his shoulders in disappointment.






''Hey, that guy,''
'What?　Oh, um, I believe it's ......
Miss S.
Do you know, Mr. Vice President!
'A servant of the First Test, one of the ten legendary maids who are claimed to be the ten greatest.
That's the Aroma Vice-Chairman. That's what's creepy.
'Well, I knew it, too. I just couldn't remember it on the spur of the moment, though.
What, this ...... what?
Too nerdy, huh?
Bragging about your knowledge. Good, do better.

　The battle for the Spirit King was over, and the adulterous group was on their way home.

　The one who appeared in front of them was Es, a red-haired side pony, orthodox maid, the ten outstanding maids.

　When Es noticed them, she greeted them beautifully and then slowly walked over to them.

''Ko, the matter of your presence over here.''
'Oh man, oh man, oh man, oh man, ......'
Did we do something unpardonable?
In some cases, I do it every day.
Yeah.

　To the girls, who were suddenly baffled by the suddenness of the situation, Es quietly opened her mouth.


'Thank you very much for your support of your master today. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow as well.''

Heh?
What? No, no, no, no.　Thank you, thank you.
Hello, darling, hello!

　The fan club members responded to the unexpected words with extreme nervousness biting them.

　Es smiled smugly and continued to speak.

''Is Aroma-sama here?''
Yes, ma'am. It's me.
Do you have a moment?
Yes!

　Vice President Aroma Vanilla was called in.

　After the two of them left for a bit, Es cut to the chase.

''Lately, the Prince Tenmuza fan club members seem to be in a rough spot. Did they get involved?''
"......!　Yes, yes. I was on my way home yesterday.
Are you being treated in any way?
You were just telling him not to look so big or to be sorry.
'Oh, right: ......'

　Es nodded with a look of "I knew it".

'Is something wrong?'
'Yes, sir. The girls are now in a state of internal division. For what it's worth, I heard that about 30% of them left the group in the last six months. Even now, there is no end to the number of women who have left the group.
...... I see.
Yes, Master Aroma, I'm sure you're right.

　Aroma's prediction was that he would switch from being a "Prince fan" to a "Second Fan".

　In fact, there was a noticeable trend in this direction. Hence, .......

They are resentful of their master's fans. We, the servants, are doing our best, but please keep Master Aroma in mind.
'Mr. S.. Thank you so much for your efforts and for your advice. I'll make sure that no one else is in danger.
'Yes, thank you. If anything happens to you all, your master will be saddened.

　When Es finished speaking, he bowed gracefully and left.

　Aroma watched her back vaguely.


''Vice-chairman, what on earth were you talking about?''
"...... first test. ...... Everywhere you go, you are wonderful people. ......
Oh, no, he's f*cking with me.



　　* * *



I can't believe it!

　Capito, a young man with dog ears, is sobbing.
　Maybe it's because he's drunk, but his voice is very loud.

Mr. Second!　You saw it!　That s*xist woman tamed the Aquadragon like it was an insult!
Why don't you taste some more demons?
'Kaaah!　Great job!　A man who has completely overwhelmed that woman has a different story to tell!

　It's supposed to be a compliment, but it's kind of annoying.
　All right, I was going to console you, but you need to preach to them.

"Earth Dragon, Honoo Wolf and Kamikaze Eagle.
Yeah, yeah.
Good choice. But do you see how we can't beat Vogue at this rate?
'Right. I think it's hopeless, even for me.
What do you think I'm missing?
...... genie, is it?
And?
'And ......?　Um, and more powerful demons?
And?
'And ......?　Er, ...... Oh, status!
And?
'Oh, they're still there?　Um, ......
No, it's close.
What the hell?

　Yes, spirits, demons, and status. In other words: ......

You're all wrong. Vogue.
Please don't tell me you have a problem with ......

　He purred his dog ears and winced.

　Sherry, who was looking at such a pathetic situation from the side, opens her mouth.

''In other words, everything is vastly inferior to the second that was overwhelmed by Vogue, right?
UGHHHHH!

　Mr. Capito covered his ears as he screamed.

　No, plugging the human part of your ears won't do much good because you have dog ears, right ......?

'I mean, Cherie. You can't speak for yourself, either.
"Hmm, I'm good. After all, I have room to grow!
You're not flinching.
'Of course!　I'm not going to stop until I beat you.
That's good. That's good.

　And when it comes to challenging me, Sherry will also suffer the same despair as Vogue.

　Capito, you are the problem before that. We'll see if you can get over this defeat.


...... Yeah, Sherri is right!　You can't stay down forever. Yes, stretch!　Oh, that's a good word~

　...... No, it looked fine. It's simple, Mr. Capito: .......



"Oh, and by the way, Mr. Second. That demon, or is it a demon?　What the hell was that? I've never seen or heard of it before.
Oh, I'm curious too. Well, if you're going to keep it a secret, I'll wait until the next game to see if you like it.

　When the party was in full swing, the two men asked me out of the blue.

　Is it Miroku? It's true, it's been in human form for a long time, so we won't know what kind of monster it is. No, even if you returned to your original form, you probably wouldn't know .......

'Let's just summon it anyway.'

　I activate the Demon Summoning and summon Miroku.


"--Lord, we need to talk.

　Immediately after, as soon as Miroku showed up, he broke the flow of the conversation and started talking.

"Oh, what's the matter with you all of a sudden?
This is the first time in his life that he has seen so many people. I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the work you have done to prepare me for this big event that is truly worthy of its unveiling.
No, I didn't get all those people together.
No. No, I'm happy to be able to perform my battou in front of a large audience. This opportunity could never have come to me while I was living and working on my island. Hence, my heartfelt thanks to the Lord. This will make the dead samurai feel a little better about themselves.
Oh, I see.

　This guy is a demon who has lived with the will of the dead samurai. In other words, he shares the same will as the samurai. There isn't a samurai who isn't happy to be able to show off his skills in front of a large audience. If the blood of the samurai inside Miroku is happy, this guy must be happy too.

　Ah.

I see. That's why you were so excited about it.
...... No, Lord. Others are listening.

　He's a little embarrassed.

I don't know, he just did it. Three of them.
........................

　Miroku silently crosses his arms and quietly meditates. His cheeks are heartily red.


''How can I say ...... you're cuter than I thought.
He's such a human-like demon.

　That's right. I don't know if it's the result of continuing to absorb humans or if it's from the beginning, but Miroku is a very human guy, both in appearance and inside.

　That's why I felt comfortable entrusting Akaneko with him.

　Even from my point of view, Akaneko, who has an outstanding sense of [Battoujutsu], has inherited the souls of hundreds of samurai, and even absorbed the souls of 0k4NN-san, how in the world will she transform under Miroku? There is no end to the interest.

　According to Miroku, "The flowering is near. I'm looking forward to the Bishamon battle.


　...... Ah, the Bishamon battle reminded me of this.

You know, Yukari, what is tomorrow's date?
'You didn't check again, Master.
Don't make me keep repeating myself. There's no way I'm going to check.
'No, so why ...... no, it's not worth mentioning,'

　Yukari half-heartedly told me the plans for tomorrow.


''Tomorrow is the Senju Shou fight.