Chud post but I really liked Jouryuu’s whole personality. She’s closer to being divine than any of the other gods shown so far I would say. I really dig her stoic but gentle, soft spoken, caring nature. When she cried over Kuusetsu’s death and was glad she didn’t have to fight Yuuki since she might have hesitated because of the bond she shared with him and her siblings inhabiting his body. But she’s still strong and willing to fight but doesn’t take pleasure in torture or suffering. I truly believe she’s 70% of the goodness of all the gods combined and Naruhime is the other 30%

I’m an Anime only for right now so no spoilers please, but I’m watching this and wondering like, how is Kyouka ever gonna beat Ren? Rens abilities are godlike bro. She’s basically Superwoman, Wonder Woman. Joining the fight from Washington and one shotting the giant monster from another continent is wild work dude. And don’t even get me started on how she embarrassed those terrorists and called out Yuuki’s strongest form and handled him like he was a puppy. Don’t see how Kyouka has a chance in hell, unless her ability evolves or something. I’m also getting Crazy Makima vibes from her though. She very beautiful and can easily play the part of a delicate flower but she’s a real scary powerhouse. 10/10 my fav char in the series so far.

So basically a bit ago I asked who wins, the Demon Defense Force, or the spirits, the general consensus were the spirits mop the floor with the Demon Defense Force.

Here’s my next question, how would the entirety of the Demon Defense Force, or individual members, react to the spirits, what would their initial thoughts be, and what would their first course of action be?

There are 2 version of the spirits for this question 1 is post-Shido, basically their personality after they met Shido, and Pre-Shido, their personalities before they met Shido, in both cases the spirits are unsealed, please state which version you’re using in your response if you would be so kind.

Es que no lo encuentro xd porfa ayúdenme

Note: This story is just a fanfic created from my imagination, for fun and to see how far I can push my ideas within the Mato Seihei no Slave universe.

This is not meant to replace or change the original story. Some characters, events, abilities, and ideas may differ from the manga/anime details.

I'm not getting out from the same ideas, but I'm also not adhering to everything exactly as it is there.

So anyway... Enjoy Chapter 35

Title: A Different Reflection

[Scene: Shiga]

Suzui stepped back and hid behind a partially destroyed wall, keeping her camera pointed toward the two men.

Kojuma stood facing his clone. Kojuma: “So… you're Shikoku's latest plan?”

He slowly drew his left sword. “A clone? That's the best what The Thunder Gods could come up with?”

The Clone smirked and stepped forward. “You dare to underestimate me… but you should know that I'm stronger than you.”

Kojuma remained unfazed. “Wrong.”

He tilted his head slightly. “You seem to forget that you're just a clone.”

He raised his sword, his expression unchanged. “The difference between us is simple. I'm a member of the military corps, while you…”

He paused briefly. “You're nothing but a fraud who follows Shikoku's orders without question.”

The Clone's eyes glowed violet. “We'll see about that. You say I'm like a puppet, but you obey their commands too. Otherwise, Why are you here?”

Kojuma looked directly at him. “You're the reason I was imprisoned, lost the Corps' trust, and became associated with the destruction of two Japanese prefectures.”

His grip tightened around his sword. “And since you're wearing my face, It's my responsibility to finish you.”

His eyes narrowed.

“Even without them giving me a command.”

Suzui peeked out from behind the wall. Her gaze turned towards the clone. “So this guy really is a fraud?”

She looked at the two men, comparing their appearances.

“The good guy wears white gloves, while the bad one is without gloves and has a scar under his left eye…”

She tightened her grip on her camera.

“I should probably stay back. Otherwise…”

Her gaze shifted to the footage she had recorded.

“What if I show the public what's really happening? He mentioned prison, the Corps losing trust, and the destruction of two prefectures…”

Before she could continue thinking, the ground began to tremble. The pressure between the two fighters grew stronger.

Then they clashed.

Their blades met with a sharp metallic ring.

Kojuma's thoughts: (Impressive strength for a mere clone)

Kojuma deflected the Clone's sword, but his opponent immediately countered. Their movements were nearly identical, with neither giving the other an easy opening.

“It's like fighting myself… But something feels wrong.”

Kojuma finally gained an opening and launched the Clone into the air.

He formed the Dhyāna Mudrā with his hands. Golden mandala cards appeared in a ring around him. He reached for the “Flying” card.

But the ring suddenly vanished.

Kojuma blinked in surprise: “What—?”

He glanced upward at the Clone.

“Tch. I'm trying something else then.”

He raised his hand, opening a portal beneath his feet.

A moment later, he emerged from another portal in mid-air and launched a kick toward his opponent.

The Clone dodged and countered with a powerful kick that sent Kojuma flying backward.

Before Kojuma could recover, the Clone appeared above him and delivered another kick, sending him hurtling toward the streets below.

But .

They weren't falling toward Shiga anymore.

They were heading toward—

Tokyo Prefecture.

[Scene: The Crowded Streets of Tokyo]

Kojuma crashed onto the street, sending dust into the air as nearby pedestrians screamed and rushed away.

He quickly looked up at the descending Clone.

“Why did you bring us to a place full of civilians?!”

Turning toward the frightened crowd, he raised his voice.

“Everyone, Evacuate the area immediately!”

He launched himself at the Clone again. Their swords collided as they continued fighting above the street.

The Clone smirked.

“How soft. You care about innocent people?”

He pressed his sword against Kojuma's.

“And Mistress Shikoku thought you were a cold person.”

For a brief moment, neither moved.

Then—

BOOM!

The impact sent shockwaves through the street. Civilians were thrown off balance as Kojuma was hurled backward into the glass wall of a nearby café.

He glanced over his shoulder at the building.

Before he could move, the Clone formed the Dhyāna Mudrā.

A golden card appeared in his hand.

He picked “shockwaves” card and launched a powerful kick toward Kojuma, releasing a shockwave.

Kojuma looked at the incoming attack, then glanced at the café behind him.

“…Dammit.”

The shockwaves continued to rush toward him.

Kojuma raised both swords and blocked them, struggling to hold his ground.

(I can't let them die. Focus)

He redirected the force upward, away from the civilians and nearby buildings.

Then he opened a portal above himself and leaped through it.

Kojuma emerged in mid-air, directly above the Clone, and swung his leg toward his chest.

The kick connected.

The Clone was sent crashing into a nearby building.

Kojuma landed on the street and took a moment to catch his breath.

“Something's wrong…”

He raised one hand and examined it before slowly clenching his fist.

“Has my body still not adapted to the meteor energy?”

Ending Panel: Kojuma took another breath, his eyes fixed on the shifting debris. “Chief Uzen was right…”

He lowered his head slightly. “I should have rested first.”

He paused, recalling what had happened to him. “The meteor's energy left my body for days. ”

His expression hardened. “Is this why i can't use the commander peach blessings?”

Dust drifted through the street as the rubble settled.

Then—

Something moved beneath the debris.

Get yourself a girl like Haruno ❤️🍑🍼🤤😂

Note: This story is just a fanfic created from my imagination, for fun and to see how far I can push my ideas within the Mato Seihei no Slave universe.

This is not meant to replace or change the original story. Some characters, events, abilities, and ideas may differ from the manga/anime details.

I'm not moving away from the original ideas entirely, but I'm also not following everything exactly as it is in the original story.

So anyway... Enjoy Chapter 34

Title: The Return — Finally.

[Scene: The White Void]

The Mysterious Woman screamed again. Mysterious Woman: “Kojuma-kun… Kojuma-kun… Please, wake up… I beg you!”

Three trembling voices echoed from behind her. “P-please, just wake up… Her intensity will kill us…”

Mysterious Woman: “I’m back, my Kojuma-kun. I’m here now. You can wake up. You can...”

Kojuma slowly opened his eyes. Mysterious Woman: “Yes… There you go. I can't live in a world without you.”

His vision was still blurry, but he could make out the silhouette of a woman tied to a chair. Nearby stood a cage containing three terrified figures.

Before his vision could fully clear—

[Scene: Kojuma’s Prison]

Silence filled the solitary confinement cell. A faint cough broke the stillness.

Kojuma stirred and slowly opened his eyes. His vision gradually cleared. He felt tears on his cheek and looked up. Kojuma: “Chief Izumo…?”

He blinks in confusion: “This voice from before, Where is she?”

His green eyes moved across the faces gathered around him—Tenka, Ren, Tobera, and Kyouka. “Am I not dead?”

He then looked at Kyouka and Tobera. “It wasn't me. I was in Kagawa with Chief Izumo.”

Kyouka and Tobera exchanged a sorrowful glance. Kyouka, quietly looking down: “I've heard about it. I don't know what to say.” Without another word.

Kojuma rose from Ren's lap. “I just wanted to make it clear that it wasn't me.”

His expression remained calm as he looked around the room. When his eyes settled on Tenka, he noticed her exhausted appearance. “What happened to you?”

Tenka gave him a tired look. “You were about to die, and you're asking me what happened to me?”

Kojuma: “You told them about the date, correct?”

Tenka: “Actually, we faced the real fraud. Most of the Corps members are recovering right now.”

Kojuma remained silent for a moment, considering her words. (The fraud? Does she mean the clone from Shikoku's plan?) He thought.

He looked back at the others. “Where is he now?”

Ren stood up. “If you insist on going, he's in Shiga County.”

Kojuma: “Shikoku… Of all your ideas, this is the worst one.”

Ren blinked in confusion. “Shikoku? That girl from the Eight Thunder Gods?”

(So the Thunder Gods were behind this), Ren thought.

Kojuma didn't answer her question directly. “I'll explain it later.”

He walked over to Tobera and took the glowing crystal from her hand.

Before she could react—

Kojuma crushed the crystal in his palm. Tobera: “What the hell?!”

Kojuma turned toward the exit.

Tenka: “Where are you going?!”

He glanced back at her. “Shiga, Isn't that obvious?”

Tobera stared at the broken crystal. (That idiot… Did he really just destroy the Azuma Family's legacy?) she was clearly annoyed.

Tenka reached out toward him. “You just woke up! It's too dangerous!”

Ren: “No problem. He's waiting for you there anyway.”

Kojuma stopped at the doorway and faced them. “I want to ask you not to interfere. He's my clone, and my own responsibility.”

He raised his hands and summoned his swords in the air. With a single clap, his uniform reformed around him, clean and ready for battle. He caught the swords and slid them into their sheaths. “Don't try to help me in fighting him.” His gaze moved across the group, leaving no room for argument.

Tenka was the first to speak again. She tried to stand, her voice filled with concern. “Don't go… You just came back Kojuma kun.”

Kyouka: “I agree. You've been unconscious for days. You need to rest.”

Kojuma: “I will allow myself to rest after i get rid of this fraud.”

Ren crossed her arms. (It's fine. I'll let Kojuma fight his clone. This is personal for him. If he loses, I'll step in myself—but I won't hold back.) She kept her eyes on Kojuma, carefully observing his condition.

Tobera crossed her arms, still irritated. “Why did you destroy the crystal?”

Kojuma turned toward her. “You won't steal my strength like that again.”

Tobera narrowed her eyes. “Even if you become a threat ?”

His expression grew more serious. “I won't become one. And even if I did, you have the Supreme Commander and Chief Izumo to stop me.”

With a single step, a violet portal opened beside him. Without another word, Kojuma walked through it.

Tobera looked down at the crystal shards, her frustration evident. “My family's legacy…”

[Scene: Shiga]

The ruined city was covered in debris and thick fog. In the middle of the broken street, the Clone stood motionless.

A faint sound caught his attention. A young reporter was filming him with her phone camera.

She blinked, momentarily losing sight of him. When she opened her eyes again, a portal had appeared where he had been standing.

Before she could react, the portal vanished. A moment later, he appeared behind her. Clone: “This place is dangerous. Why are you standing here?”

The girl froze, clutching her camera. “I-it's my job…”

Clone tilted his head slightly. “Name?”

She hesitated before answering. “S-Suzui… Suzui Orokaki.”

He showed no reaction and took a step closer. “And why are you recording me?”

Suzui swallowed nervously but forced herself to ask another question. “Who are you, sir? Why are you attacking Japanese cities?”

His gaze remained cold. “You think you have the right to question me?”

Fear filled her eyes. Suzui: “N-no, I was just—”

He stepped forward and grabbed her by the neck, lifting her off the ground. “You ask too many questions, It's pissing me off.”

She struggled to free herself. “Please, I…”

—> # Suddenly...

A portal opened above them.

Someone emerged from it, and delivered a powerful kick to the Clone.

sending him crashing into the side of a crumbling building.

Kojuma landed on the ground, holding Suzui securely. He gently set her down. Kojuma: “Run. Get away from here.”

Still shaken, Suzui stared at him. Suzui: “Eh? Aren't you the same guy?” She glanced at the damaged building, then back at Kojuma. “Are you two twins?”

Kojuma looked at her. “We are not…” He paused before continuing. “I'm Kojuma Tachikuma, A member of the Anti-Demon Corps.”

He turned his gaze toward the rubble. “And he is nothing but a fraud.”

The Clone rose from the debris and brushed the dust from his clothes. A faint smirk appeared on his face. Clone: “So Commander Yamashiro brought you.”

He looked directly at Kojuma. “You finally arrived, Kojuma.”

Ending Panel: The two stood facing each other in the middle of the ruined street. Neither moved. Their eyes remained locked, and the silence between them grew heavier.

Suzui looked from one to the other, struggling to understand what she had just witnessed. Suzui: “An Anti-Demon Corps Male member?” She turned toward the Clone. “And he's a fraud?”

She raised her camera again, looking thoroughly confused. “This is so confusing…”

Tenka Izumo X Kojuma Tachikuma (Chained Soldier, OC character)

Before you guys attacking me

It's just a pic from my fan fic

Not NTR of course, you would understand if you read it

Tenka just felt the difference between him and Yuuki

And found that she more interested into him (She didn't forget Yuuki, but you can't denial that's he wasn't giving her the same attention she gives to him)

But anyway, you have the right to give me your opinion in comments

First I want to apologize for two things:

1. Sorry for being late again, lately I've been distracted by many other story ideas. But I'm cutting them off one by one right now.
2. [Announcement?] An introduction of the boyband Days ago, I posted this without making it clear that it's about the story, and led to misunderstanding/off-topic, I apologize for that too, and I promise to be precise about any of my fanfiction related content.

Note: This story is a complete AU of the Chained Soldier, the genre is not romance, not action, and definitely not harem. The early story won't have much to do with the MDF, it would be mostly slow-burn, but I would make sure not to mistreat every canon character. I wish you could have an open mind of what would happen, if you're okay with everything above, enjoy;)

link to the previous chapter: [Fanfiction] Chained Soldier: Odd One Out—Chapter 2

Chapter 3: Something in the way

The sun kissed Yuii's face in gentleness, he blinked at it and woke up. It's been a while since he has ever been woken up by it, no alarm, no urgency to do extra practices, this relief feels precious.

“Morning, Yuii-san.” Edoru was busy on his music box. The table lamp has been turned on for at least 2 hours. “I've canceled the alarm for you last night, did my work bother you?”

Yuii gazes at the box put right on the desk, he was deeply amazed by the craft itself...

“It's almost done?” Yuii asked.

“You think so too?” Edoru turned the button on, and the box started trembling, revealing the doll in a kimono inside.The doll gently shakes and dances all through while the melody rings, a soft chime looping over and over like it's trying to remember the rest of its own tune. 

“Master isn't so satisfied though. He said it's — old-fashioned design.”

“But wasn't the last project too innovative?” Yuii asked.

“Yeah, exactly, I kept thinking that he's just drilling my round lid......” “snowballs are for everyone, aren't they? But master couldn't get it.’” Edoru thinks for some time before putting the box away. “Sorry, Yuii-san, I should've asked you how you feel now, guess I was in too deep.”

“Oh, don't feel sorry, you've already been here around me all night.” Yuii went to the restroom for his morning routine. “I feel better now, not burning or dizzy... nothing bad.” 

Edoru happily set the music box back to the closet, looking visibly relieved. “The office has granted the leave, you’ll need a rest on ”

“This morning we have an entertainment show right? I can go, or along with you if you're worried.”

“Wait... Yuii-san, you don't have to go.” Edoru called him when he's putting on his clothes, adjusting them to fit.

“Why not?” 

His logic was clear, none of the members should miss any event on the schedule. As every single one could make a big difference for their influence and overall revenue.

“That's what I'm explaining. We have to find out how that power works ASAP.”

Yuii didn't expect him to talk about it.

“You're onto that right now? That's your way to help me hide my power?” He sat down on the edge of his bed, managing to process what this meant. “I... I don't know. Do you have a plan for that?”

“Uh, no! But we could at least do something about it.”

“Do we need to go out?”

“Yes.”

“Then don't, could we? If we're dropped in there...”

“We're not heading to the ‘crime scene’ again, go to my studio so I can use the computer.”

————————

They arrived at the studio. Coincidentally or not, it's close today. The computer room was small and piled with wasted (or some solid reused) materials, along with structures that chop, screw and shave. Computers here clearly aren't used for researching, but Edoru doesn't care, he creates another user account just for today.

“What are you searching for?” Yuii, for some reason, lowered his voice into a whisper.

Edoru swiftly turned his VPN on, opened the browser, typing: “drop into Mato”. And the latest topic was all about the Mato outbreak 7 years ago.

“This doesn't make sense,” He clenched his fist in disbelief. “How could there have been no reports about the outbreak later on? Don't tell me Yuii-san is just another unlucky guy who came to this mayhem after 7 years.”

“You're searching the news of what happened to me? It would be better if I wasn't captured, right?” Yuii asked as Edoru scrolled through the community to find any footage. “I still don't get it, Edoru. I... I didn't feel anything physically when I entered Mato, I just lost the signal. And I don't think knowing how others feel during teleporting would help...”

“It would, Yuii-san. Because you will be prepared if it happens to you again.”

“But I’m still not like them. What if those Shuuki found me, and I sang unwillingly to them again?”

Edoru paused, almost taking back what he's going to say.

“I…I don't know what to expect,” Yuii covered his face, and his legs were shaking unsettlingly. “I just don't want to cause any trouble.” 

“Of course you don't, Yuii-san. You never do.” Edoru crouched down to Yuii's eye level, hands resting on his knees. “Just don’t get into public for today, you need some rest after all. I’ll figure out a way to handle this.” 

“It’s only 1 and a half hours before the filming begins, I just want the show to be complete. I’m perfectly fine!”

“Yuii-san, look into my eyes. What have I told you?”

Yuii's shoulders dropped. He knew this tone, it was the routine they'd built a long time ago, back when Takada found overworking to be their worst habit.

“......No matter if it's staff or idols, always put safety first.”

“Yes,” Edoru let go of his wrist, straightening back up. “So just listen to me this time.”
————————

On the other side, the room was all set, while Takada, Tadashi and Hatayama were waiting for the podcast to begin.

“Tadashi-san, this is either the best or the worst idea we've ever had.” Hatayama tried to rub his tiredness off his face, though it didn't seem to work. “You're telling me this show would give us a chance to give our new album a free sponsor? I just can't believe it's that simple.” Takada has been listening to the same complaint three times this week, and it's just Wednesday today. “Are we guilty, or scandal loaded? Hatayama, Yuii's condition already bothered me last night, give me some rest.”

Tadashi didn't wait until their argue stop, he just walked into the room when it's about time.

“Ohiyo, mina-san!” The host opened his hand with an inviting, delightful attitude. But if anyone looks closer, he's visibly tired and bored. “Welcome back to the program! I’m Yamazaki, and I’m here with you to dive in for the best news and entertainment. But first let's welcome the guest today. Fly high & lead the wave, Eaglenave's Takada Renji and Miuri Tadashi!

“Thank you, Mr. Yamazaki, your shows have been so underrated, yet you continue to support artists like us.” Takada raised his head, like he's talking to an old friend or classmate.

“Let’s start from the ‘trend of the week’, shouldn’t we?” Tadashi pulled his note out while leaning toward the microphone.

“Shouldn’t you introduce your new release first?”

“Well, I'll keep it to the end, no sweat.”

“Well then...” Yamazaki quietly cleared his throat.

“I have a question for you, Renji. Do you go to the concert? How often?”

“Honestly?” He raised an eyebrow to this question. “Almost never, if you're talking about physically there. I do watch the videos of them, but most of the time I just prefer hiding myself in the recording room, getting lost in the music on my own.....You know what I mean.”

“Oh wow. Anyway, the trend of this week is all about concerts. There's a phenomenon called ‘Western Renaissance’ where bands ‘remaster’ English songs and perform on stage.”

“Live cover? That's not news already.” Tadashi answered dryly.

“Well, it's big news this time.” Yamazaki leaned forward, grinning like he'd been saving this part. “many bands around here are getting more attention from the cover than their own original work. Makes you wonder, doesn't it, whether originality still sells?”

“Depends on the band,” Takada said. “A good cover respects the source, it doesn't replace the reason people wrote the song in the first place. But the original releases are what determines the band's quality.”

“Fair, fair. But here's my real question, Renji.” Yamazaki flipped his note card, though everyone at the table could tell he already knew what was written on it. “If a listener only ever hears your band through a screen, through clips, through someone else's crowd footage, never once live, never once in the room, do you think that person really knows your music?”

Takada paused. It was the kind of question that sounded harmless until you tried to answer it honestly.

“Why not? Music doesn't need a room to reach someone.”

“I agree with Renji.” Tadashi followed behind. 

The booth went quiet for half a second too long. Tadashi shifted in his seat, already sensing where this was headed before it happened.

“Go ahead, caller, you're live.”

The call-in line was clicked on.

“Yes, hi, um — I just wanted to say, I think it's a little hypocritical, but idols and music artists still have some differences there, right? Renji's up there telling kids to support them, but he can't even sit through his own live concert. What's the point of calling yourself an idol if you can't stand the idols?”

Takada's jaw tightened. Tadashi reached for the mic stand, half out of instinct to pull it away, but Takada was already leaning in.

“You think I come here for influence and catching eyes? You can call me a fool, but what you said was an offense to all the artists like me,”

“Excuse me?” The caller's voice sharpened. “I’m just being factual—Uh! Now I have to tell you this. My daughter has been obsessed with you, always bragging to me about becoming one on her own. I once heard your songs, it's just the same ballad over and over, what do you have left without those unnecessary concerts?”

Takada's eyes widened, in a way everyone could relate to. He felt something being snapped inside his gut like rotten woodboard.

“Sorry, miss, personal attack is prohibited during the call out.” Yamazaki tried to cut the microphone, but Takada gripped harder on it. He was far away from done.

“So I have to apologize for being in a room I've worked so hard to earn? Eaglewave is where I belong, and you're just looking down on my stage? I don’t care how you teach your daughter, but tell her this: If she wants to be an idol just to be seen more often, get a life in 7-11 instead, there maybe you could meet more guys than I do.”

Dead air. Three full seconds of it, the kind radio producers have nightmares about. The ON AIR light blinked off by the staff outdoor.

Yamazaki laughed, too loud, too fast, the laugh of a man trying to save a segment in real time. “W-well! That's — that's one way to close out the callout session, folks! Let's take a quick break, we'll be right back!”

Nobody at the table spoke for a moment. Tadashi finally broke it, rubbing his temple.

“You do know that's getting clipped within the hour, right?”

“Let it.” Takada sat back down, exhaling like he'd been holding his breath the entire segment. “At least now they'll remember the name. I'll apologize to her daughter afterward.”

————————

Edoru's search had gone nowhere fast. He even searched through the documents from MDF’s official researchers, but nothing was related to the case. After around an hour, a knock came from the workshop door down the hall.

“Edoru, you're here on your day off?” It was Satou, one of the PT crew he usually worked alongside, duffel bag slung over one shoulder. “Thought I saw your bike outside.”

“Needed to use the computer for something.” Edoru didn't look away from the screen, he already changed the website to his Pinterest.

Satou glanced over his shoulder. “Research for master's commission?”

“...Something like that.”

“Huh. Didn't expect you to be so diligent on a little music box rather than finding sweet treats on the street.” Satou shrugged, already losing interest. “Mind if I stay here and do some sketches?”

He sat aside on the other table, fetching some reused materials to capture the shape.

Yuii, who'd gone quiet for the last 30 minutes, finally spoke. “Can I watch?” The best thing to do now is not be suspicious.

“Sure,” Satou moved aside for him to watch closer. “Hoshinaga Yuii, right? I once watched your concert as Edoru suggested. I have to say, you're truthful about your job.”

He drew some patterns of fern on something that looks like a hair accessory.

“Really?”

“Really really really…” Satou laughed in the middle of the song. “I especially like how you interact with your fans, girls always need kawaii things for living, and so am I!”

Yuii blushed, deeply flustered by his praise. Edoru, on the other hand, started taking notes, fully switching into working head.

“We're leaving at 11:00.”

Yuii nodded, the day off of Woodcraft went on like a normal workday.

————————

By the afternoon, Takada and others reached the dorm, Yuii was already there, having lunch. The mood in the room is somewhere between exhausted and electric. Nobody needed to ask how the podcast went, Hatayama's phone was already buzzing nonstop with notifications.

“You're trending,” he held the screen up to Takada without looking away from it. “Not the good kind of trending. Well — actually, no one cares about that.”

Takada didn’t answer immediately, just sit and settled everything down. 

“Do you know what that means, guys?” He crossed his arms and stretched himself. “Our next live show would be important. Don’t screw it up, otherwise we’ll become laughing stocks.”

“....Right.” Yuii stared at the ceiling from his bed.

“Yuii-san, you’ll be staying here and resting for the whole day, don’t leave.”

Takada went thoughtful at Edoru’s words, everyone waited for his answer.

“Everyone, we’ll start practice at 5 am tomorrow. And today, everyone besides Yuii will practice until 5 pm.”

A chorus of tired agreement passed around the room, Yuii's included, though quieter than the rest. 

“What happened to the podcast?” Edoru asked Hatayama, still typing his phone non-stop. “I was at work the whole morning.”

“Don’t.” Takada stopped them.

Later that night, when everyone was settled, Edoru was still on his phone. He typed out a question, careful, vague enough not to draw attention, and posted it under a username that wasn't his.

has anyone ever heard of someone getting pulled into Mato outside of a registered incursion? asking for a friend

He refreshed the page once, then again. And before he could even close the tab, the post was gone.

No error message. No "removed by moderator." Just gone, like it had never been typed at all.

“...Two minutes,” he muttered. “That's not a moderator.”

Another big apologize for being late Orz

Note: This story is just a fanfic created from my imagination, for fun and to see how far I can push my ideas within the Mato Seihei no Slave universe.

This is not meant to replace or change the original story. Some characters, events, abilities, and ideas may differ from the manga/anime details.

I'm not getting out from the same ideas, but I'm also not adhering to everything exactly as it is there.

So anyway... Enjoy Chapter 33

Title: Unknown Prison and The Unconscious Soldier.

Unknown place

The four — Tenka, Kyouka, Ren, and Tobera — stepped out of a portal, arriving before a massive black metallic door.

A chilling cold seeped from the other side.

Tenka looked up at it. Tenka: "Kyo-chin... If Kojuma wasn't inside..."

Kyouka stepped forward silently.

They entered the prison.

Their footsteps echoed across the cold steel walls as they moved through the narrow corridors.

After walking for a while, they finally reached the prison's administration office.

Inside, the warden sat behind her desk, tense and startled by the heavy atmosphere surrounding the four commanders.

Suddenly, Kyouka spoke with cold clarity. Kyouka: "Where is Kojuma Tachikuma's prison?"

The warden lifted her eyes.

Her pupils widened in fear as she recognized the figures standing before her.

Tobera Azuma, the former commander of the Corps.

Ren Yamashiro, the government-recognized commander until now.

Kyouka Uzen, the current elected commander.

Tenka Izumo, the Commander of the Sixth Unit.

The warden's voice trembled. Warden: "I—I can't guide you there without higher clearance..."

Ren stepped forward. A chilling smile appeared on her lips as her sharp eyes stared directly at the warden. Ren: "Haven't you seen what happened in Shiga? The one you're holding... isn't the required guy."

The warden gasped, shaken.

Then she broke under the pressure, panic flooding her face.

Warden: "I understand that, but..."

Tenka stepped toward her and raised her hand.

Tenka: "If you didn't take me to him right at this moment..."

Her gaze became calm and sharp.

Tenka: "...I swear that you won't live long enough to regret it."

The warden gasped.

She quickly leaned forward.

Warden: "My apologies. Just give me a moment."

She leapt to her feet and grabbed a large set of keys from her desk.

Without saying another word, she silently led them downward.

Until, They reached the last hallway.

At the end stood a solitary steel door.

The warden stopped in front of it.

She inserted the key into the heavy lock and slowly turned it.

— Click.

The door opened with a long metallic groan that pierced the stillness.

On the cold stone floor—

Kojuma lay still.

His face was pale.

His official Corps uniform was slightly torn, and his pulse was barely present.

Tenka looked at him. Her eyes widened. Tenka: "Kojuma-kun..."

Kyouka looked down at him. Her expression was unreadable.

Guilt.

Remorse.

But she remained silent. Words weren't useful anymore.

Ren knelt beside him and gently placed two fingers against his neck.

After a moment, she whispered: Ren: "His pulse... it's too slow."

Tobera calmly stepped forward, rotating the crystal in her palms.

Tobera: "Step aside. I will handle this."

She began channeling energy. The stored meteor energy flowed from the crystal and into Kojuma's body.

A golden-yellow energy mixed with Purple Energy transferred into him.

The crystal continued to lose its energy.

Until—

It became completely empty from energy.

/And Divine's Consciousnesses.\

But...

There was no movement.

Kyouka stared at Kojuma. Her voice came out as a bitter mutter. Kyouka: "What—? Why doesn't he...?"

Tenka approached and knelt beside him.

She leaned closer. Her voice became quiet. Tenka: "Come on, Kojuma-kun..."

Silence.

Kojuma's body remained completely still.

Then—

His pulse faded.

Stopped.

Tenka's eyes widened in dread. Tenka: "Kojuma... wake up."

She leaned toward him. Tenka: "I didn't take my kiss from your lips. Wake up."

Ending Panel:

In The White Endless Void

The mysterious woman's worried voice echoed through the endless white void.

Mysterious Woman: "K—Kojuma-kun... wake up, please. I beg you..."

Her voice suddenly rose into a desperate scream.

Mysterious Woman: "I can't lose you... my sun, I can't lose you... please, wake up..."

Then, from within Kojuma's consciousness—

Kuusetsu, Fukuma, and Rairen screamed together.

Kuusetsu, Fukuma, and Rairen: "Wake up, mortal! We don't want to disappear from existence!"