Saiunkoku - 空の青、風の呼ぶ声, part 2
Page 104
"Is that so, Sa Enjun-dono has moved..." In the Satsujunzoku's enclave, in a section of Mt. Ryou, listening to the report a man stood alone and muttered.
Ranking 3rd in position, and with a mind a cut above the rest he could freely move resources in all directions, Chitasei called out.
"So, you say that among other things Sa Enjun went to Mt. Ginrou, what about it? To what degree do you think can he accomplish something on Mt. Ginrou? These ten years, the government forces hand and foot have not done a thing."
The assistant leader Meishou gazed at Chitasei very sarcastically. Already nearly ten years they had been together, but Meishou had still not come to like the man. Formerly Meishou was in charge of undertaking single-handedly a designed plan, the matter Meishou no more than brilliantly put out of the way, with Boss Chougai's voice of a crane {?} the matter of him becoming the rank of 3rd position he was unable to stomach, but above all the inside of his stomach completely he could not read. His (Chitasei's) nature was unknown.
However, inside the Satsujinzoku, there were few members Meishou approved of flat-out talking to.
"On Mt. Ginrou, so many times those (set of) people were an eyesore and got in the way of our looting, but after all it was a small force wasn't it."
Chitasei closed his long eyelashes. Prudently, "Is that so," he mumbled.
"...You became just a little uneasy. You sincerely haven't been neglecting caution."
At the circumstantial withdrawal of desperate obedience, Meishou became all the more irritated. In the end, what Chitasei did further, was perhaps grate on his nerves. Lastly Meishou, visibly as always flung over (to him) the bamboo scroll.
"This month's newcomers."
At the scroll's thickness, Chitasei knitted his eyebrows. Until now it may have been the thickest one.
"...A lot have enrolled, haven't they."
Page 105
"There probably isn't a way to get a replacement. Because everyday one after another, Shousenpuu is forced to kill. "
In the beginning, Chitasei's expression in his eyes became stern. Meishou raised his lips, and lightly smiled.
"Is it not me? The guys Shousenpuu brought down/killed were daikanbu [the big leaders] of high status, as well as giving us a hundred gold coins and [the promise?] from the boss. Surely there isn't another way of continuing to take out dead people?"
"It's not just that. Did you hear how the kidnapped villagers are sent to Shousenpuu?"
Meishou let out a simmering derisive laugh. Thanks to Shousenpuu, these worthless days have become fun.
"What I was seeing was interesting. Day by day his swordsmanship and good looks become more clear. Although he just keeps degenerating, still he assumes an air of importance. How much more will he get dirty and still think of himself as special. Isn't it adorable? It's as if he's a stupid innocent young woman/virgin. Pretty and arrogant, the extent of the time when the foolish boy is trampled underfoot is not a pleasant feeling."
In return for Meishou's criticism, Chitasei spoke in plain speech.
"Isn't it your own entire experience that you are talking about in a similar manner."
For a moment, Chitasei's manner burst into biting. It seems it has been a long time since he recognized the instance of being killed (by a blade), for a little while from a wound blood ran down. Well it wasn't a severe wound, but until it could be healed it was a painful wound.
"Excuse me...my feelings interfered."
When his tone of voice settled down, Meishou all the more provokingly clicked his tongue, and exited with high (loud?) footsteps.
From Chitasei's cheek that was pouring blood, he wiped off with a hand towel, and looked over the previous chikukan [bamboo writing strip] of newcomers. Suddenly, his line of sight (glance) stopped. In the age column, to a strange degree a young number stood out (he took note of). --Thirteen years old.
Page 106
Furthermore, as for the so called (guys) entering in the utmost barrier of the martial arts category, this year the man of valor within the upper level had surpassed and taken them out. The case in truth was, perhaps Shousenpuu also ranked equal (with them).
"Birthplace is...the place where "Umetarou" is...?"
Without thinking he finally burst out a breath of air.
The name was, Rou Ensei.
He muttered the name inside his mouth.
******************************
"Nickname?"
Ensei, who successfully [by good course of events] slipped into the Satsujinzoku, with a similar face as if from ten years ago, and with guidance (he was) coincidentally the man who became [教育係兼兄貴分] the senior group leader in charge of sword training afterwards, (regarding him) he was walking. Despite this guy, he did not have a sense of discomfort.
"Yo. Of each separate name what star signs can you remember! Because without (doing) that, certainly there will be many idiots, right. And yesterday somebody ate (too) many fish and there was a huge fight! Therefore (the conclusion is) do it like I said! Idiot! Everybody the next day had a competition for appetizers, it's pretty clear dont'cha think!?. Like I said. Cause I'm (quite/considerably) in the smart group."
Ensei came to have a feeling that he himself had become somewhat affiliated with the smart group.
"(In) the smart group of which you speak, is Chitasei."
"Chitasei?"
PAGE 107
"He ranks in 3rd place among the top leaders! Since he seemed very smart he was appointed. I forgot his name. Hey look, a nickname is handy isn't it. I won't forget it."
That was certainly so. For the sake of this person who resembled an older brother a nickname was necessary. Ensei wasn't anywhere near appearing to be in the smart group, and the feeling came to him that the truth was it was too late for him to be in the smart group. He had the feeling he would face a solitary naive idiot of a comrade who carried out his objective rather than an unrecognizable Aniki (older brother).
"So that guy's a strategist. (As for robbery in this world) I should have a chat with Chitasei on doing an entire plan."
Ensei put on an indifferent attitude, and nonchalantly appeared to make a request.
"Impressive, eh? What kinda person is he?"
"Someone who's a mystery. He certainly is a veteran, but even though that guy meets with the big leaders he almost seems to not exist. Well because (those in) the smart group think too much and are gloomy and stay indoors. That's about what I remember. On rainy days you wear a raincoat (雨合羽) right? He didn't sleep all night long until he finally arrived at the historic discovery [歴史的発見] that the reason he said was there's no mistaking 'rain' (雨) and 'ghost' (河童). "
Ensei's eyes lit up. ...Is that all?
There was something...different with the kanji...
He had a feeling that it wasn't "雨河童". But he also had a feeling from the appearance of the kanji. (It gave him an impression) If he did his best the feeling of a kanji seemed to come to him absentmindedly, but it in spite of that it was impossible. And yet he was almost diverted from "雨と河童論争" (the dispute between rain and ghost) and forgetting Chitasei's name. Terrible Aniki. He's in the smart group after all!
"Does Aniki also have a nickname?"
"Obviously. Hehehe, mine is ultra-cool! Listen and be surprised! My nickname is ---"
Page 108
Aniki arrogantly announced it. "Tanmeijirou!!" (短命二郎 = short-life second son)
"Tanmeijirou!?" Ensei was defenitely surprised. Tanmeijirou! I returned a reaction of that regard!?
First of all, that's great? Definitely great. Somebody gave him that super-(wonderful) feeling he has. First of all, applause? It was a time-earning for security wasn't it. First of all, ultra-cool? It's important that I (put on an) act.
Tanmeijirou Aniki got a sense of misunderstanding when Ensei's voice left (his mouth) with a troubled reaction, and he easily got an awful feeling. He could be his cute underling/little brother.
"Ok ok, I'll permit you to be my lil' bro anyway as "Tanmeisanrou". (third son)
This resulted in Ensei practically leaping (in the air). That's a bad-luck nickname from such a detestable blockhead!!
"Aniki!! I'm different from Aniki and I intend to live a very long life, therefore a different nickname is good!
Aniki knocked/struck Ensei in the face.
“Idiot! It's not arbitrarily reducing my life span! It's the matter of 'being doomed to have met me, that will be the end of you!' (Having the name of) Tanmei [short life] makes us partners since you met me. Partners!”
“(That's) misleading!”
“Shut up! Don't puzzle over it!”
Still Ensei [pokari = knocked] had been hit. Anyhow what was a nickname furthest from the intellectual clique. After all the intellectual group -
Page 109
- maybe Aniki was calling himself. Despite that the foundation of Aniki was as the person in charge of meals, why a nickname like that?
“Well, something like in a surprising way a name of a surprising feat you might have the experience, a nickname is currently impossible however. For example, (you could) defeat "Shousenpuu" among other things."
"Shousenpuu?"
As Ensei turned to look he suddenly saw Aniki's serious expression change from before.
“...... Hey Sanrou, I'm sorry I'm the someone who is telling you the situation with Shousenpuu.”
“Eh?”
“You are certainly strong. The time you defeated ten men within the leaders was admirable. Besides you were a foolish and adorable guy. I was pleased. Okay, to approach Shousenpuu makes life (more) precious. That kid has slaughtered already nearly a hundred guys who were attracted to the reward and challenged him. That guy is a monster! ...He's not human.”
The wind strongly shook the treetops. Ensei exhaled and looked up at the sky.
...He wondered why, he had a feeling that somebody was calling out to him. All along, it was (the same as) from the time he was on Mt. Ginrou.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Survive." Somebody close to his ears seemed to be whispering.
Wet padding was applied and medicine was rubbed into the wound. The former "Seien" a boy calling out, in too much...
Page 110
...intense pain he shouted many times over, and struggled violently. Nevertheless the other person continued persevering treatment. The inside of his consciousness was turbidity/muddiness, and all that remained was just repeating whispers in his ear.
"Survive...even if it's the bottom of hell still."
...Why? For what reason?
--After he woke up, on countless occasions the boy thought about those words.
The boy was a moment ago getting rid of approximately five dead bodies by rolling them on the floor. It was already usual of what was becoming an ordinary day for a long time, and he could not feel any sort of strong emotions. Still if the distinct sound of fleeting footsteps shifted his attention, next time a man who's crude/rough appearance changed suddenly came and entered the tiger's den despite trembling. (まろびつ = ?) He seemed to be an ordinary villager who was kidnapped from somewhere.
Even though the roots of the villager's teeth were ringing {?}, he saw the corpses cruelly piled on the ground, and the boy right before his eyes. The boy still seemed very young, and on both feet and head shackles were placed, furthermore chains of iron were fastened. If he killed this kid he would be able to return to his home -- the assistant leader Meishou who said such a thing made the promise in that way. He could just subsist only in this way. The villager who was provided with a wide-blade knife grasped it tightly, and held it closely.
In something of an instant, he met eyes with the boy. As if he was inorganic like a goblin with hollow eye sockets, the villager shivered and dropped the wide-blade knife. The boy's skill stirred. The next instant, the villager's head was cut off and he ended their life. The blood-spray spouting into the air leaped onto his cheek, and the boy didn't shift his eyebrows. However, from that villager's head something [carelessly? ぽとり] dropped down at the time, and he just gave a slight glance. It seemed to be a toy like a little flute/whistle.
Page 111
Immediately the next victim was taken out, and in the blink of an eye the number of corpses increased to seven. As one would expect his breathing became irregular. Even though the treatment of his wound had been satisfactory, the shackles on both feet which felt/looked heavy were akin to stone weights. Meishou laughed while watching. With great caution, it didn't carry over to the place of the chains and sword.
Meishou's hand shifted in a straight motion.
He raised the reflexive/reflecting sword, but he was one breath too late. It was unbelievable the degree to which how formerly he could very easily and elegantly manipulate a folding fan, both the sword and his body were heavy. The rook (shogi) blade was stuck to his right shoulder. It hadn't pierced him, but it was sufficient that his legs were all together approximately directing him towards the boy's spirit/willpower/obstinacy. {meaning = ?} The sword stood against his shoulder, but prodded his knee/lap.
There were footsteps as Meishou slowly walked away.
Survive.
...Why? For what reason?
Soon from the side [ボンヤリ] the corpses of the villagers turned pale. There was an odor of sour blood and death. It was the same rotten smell of the gaudy Imperial Court. However, this place bared even more, it was fishy/raw, like the bottom of a gutter.
Meishou's footsteps drew near. Naturally it was accurate that, mercilessly, if he trampled on the boy's pride, he was a man who had fun grinding/crushing him. It was not even the bottom, everyday however it was an everlasting hell of him just degenerating.
This hell was the same as a bottom of a gutter, nevertheless what was the meaning in saying “Live!”
The hand that grasped the blade was heavy with the sword.
Meishou noticed that he had stopped taking great caution with his legs. It was still a bit dangerous for this beast to reserve his physical strength as gunpowder. was that time. Recklessly his carefree voice of air which could not be read, changed into the same-as-always usual as expected.
Page 112
"Huh. That idiot is spreading a rumor about Shousenpuu?"
Meishou saw Ensei just then, and {くわっと} leaped up shouting.
"Hey kid! Are you listening again? What did you hear."
If usually assistant leader Meishou didn't expectedly remember a newcomer's face, this damn monkey was an exception.
In the case of entering what would be called a thing of half-month, the second-level ranking Meishou wanted to do him in as much as he would like. He wasn't cute, Meishou showed him little respect, and he reversed the nerve he was able to build up. Above all else, it was that looking at Ensei the inside of his nerves were stinging. Why did he irresistibly have a hateful premonition. It seemed like he was forgetting about something.
.
Today's little monkey who rarely had a serious face had seen "Shousenpuu". At that profile, Meishou raised his eyebrows. What it was was his face that could be seen fairly well turned into a serious face.
"Somebody heard the conversation about Shousenpuu, little monkey? Does that appear to be a challenge/defiance?"
In silence Ensei saw seven corpses rolled on the floor, and saw Shousenpuu. Dried blood clung to his whole body. On both legs entirely were iron restraints, and fastened chains. His face was upside down, and his previously long hair was hidden and couldn't be seen. After those (near him) one-by-one looked in a way to check on him, at last, the boy saw what was comprised of blood and grease spilling over the blade of a sword. Despite that he had just a staff, you see, and a voice.
"You, it would be good if you gradually separated from the sword. Or else, you won't be able to separate from it, right?"
This time for the first time Shousenpuu raised his face. For a moment, their two glances crossed.
Shousenpuu raised a suspicious eyebrow. As for the other boy's eyes, they were not critical nor compassionate nor ridiculing nor scornful.
Page 113
That is, for the first time in their lives the boys' eyes met by chance. There wasn't any kind of calculation/selfishness, that oneself would fear, they were eyes that worried about the (near) future. But the boy did not understand their meaning.
From the time he was born his parents and siblings and even the opposition, everyone had come to live (by? じず) what was said.{<--huh? Need help with this} The boy didn't have the experience to have seen anybody in a pretense like that. With merely the exception of his own little brother, the boy who by no means did not have the experience of his heart being open to a stranger, those words, the meaning of a transparent look, he was unable to understand that matter.
Ensei also became aware of that matter. Together he sighed and ruffled his flattened/grown-out hair [わしわし].
"It can't be helped. If you're not separated, I'll have to try and do it."
He lightly swung the staff on which he was leaning.
By that action, Shousenpuu watched his eyes. (He is) strong. The rogue up 'till now and he who remained were different. Thoroughly until by the foundation of traditional martial arts, he was inadvertently able to begin and to go into the spot of flesh and bones.{<--need help with this sentence}
Exactly there, Ensei's pleasant senior group brother [Tanmeijirou] bloody (mad?) as ever rushed in (at the last minute).
"Hey Sanrou!! Coming to meet with Shousenpuu, talk of you alone is a crisis!"
"Sorry Aniki. It was a feeling or something like that. But you don't have to worry it's alright."
At this interval when they caught wind of the rumor, a bunch of people one-by-one and with a burning curiosity came and gathered. As for who killed Shousenpuu, there now appeared within the Satsujinzoku an adequate hero who could handle “the great feat” [大手柄].
"Well then, shall I go ahead?"
Ensei, in a comfortable manner, stood before Shousenpuu. [にっと] He laughed.
Page 114
Shousenpuu was taken aback. ...how could this jerk laugh so thoughtlessly under these circumstances. In the place where the seven corpses tumbled, Ensei was just looking at the mere boy. In the case of the former, it was a strong and silent look. If he wasn't already a young nobleman/prince, any other boy would surely have died.
"...Gradually your true character will retreat. I can't help doing it. Without strong reservation. Because I am super-strong, (no matter) how much you struggle, I'll definitely kill you. Satisfied?"
This time for Seien [清苑] surely, the corner/nook of unconsciousness provided a small bit of relief. Survive, and,... somebody was speaking. That voice wasn't based on abiding by the rules. However, the fact was that the lamenting voice could be heard. Already long gone, it was the voice that was weeping.
It...it's lonely, isn't it.
--At that voice, the boy wielded the sword. It was in a place similar to the bottom of a ditch/gutter, however it was a miracle/mystery he was living there himself. Everyday his skill improved and (when) he killed somebody he disappeared/ died to a degree, Meishou had him pinned down and moving towards death/disappearing, like a dog the food/prey that was thrown/cast away was brought inside the gate.
Why?
For an eternity it seemed like a repeating hell, and if he had not yet realized he was trying to live properly. For what reason?
...Nevertheless, it was already over.
Soon with this, somebody will be killed.
Page 115
Suddenly, he could hear the crying voice of his younger brother again. His body acted contrary to his heart, and he went and sharpened a look of unconcern. In this own way his ability wavered. Up until now it seemed the same, but this time his body appeared to be alive.
"I will grant your wish."
An interval of wind left behind just a whisper so slight as to be all but non-existent, and Ensei prepared to use his staff.
"Is that so, Sa Enjun-dono has moved..." In the Satsujunzoku's enclave, in a section of Mt. Ryou, listening to the report a man stood alone and muttered.
Ranking 3rd in position, and with a mind a cut above the rest he could freely move resources in all directions, Chitasei called out.
"So, you say that among other things Sa Enjun went to Mt. Ginrou, what about it? To what degree do you think can he accomplish something on Mt. Ginrou? These ten years, the government forces hand and foot have not done a thing."
The assistant leader Meishou gazed at Chitasei very sarcastically. Already nearly ten years they had been together, but Meishou had still not come to like the man. Formerly Meishou was in charge of undertaking single-handedly a designed plan, the matter Meishou no more than brilliantly put out of the way, with Boss Chougai's voice of a crane {?} the matter of him becoming the rank of 3rd position he was unable to stomach, but above all the inside of his stomach completely he could not read. His (Chitasei's) nature was unknown.
However, inside the Satsujinzoku, there were few members Meishou approved of flat-out talking to.
"On Mt. Ginrou, so many times those (set of) people were an eyesore and got in the way of our looting, but after all it was a small force wasn't it."
Chitasei closed his long eyelashes. Prudently, "Is that so," he mumbled.
"...You became just a little uneasy. You sincerely haven't been neglecting caution."
At the circumstantial withdrawal of desperate obedience, Meishou became all the more irritated. In the end, what Chitasei did further, was perhaps grate on his nerves. Lastly Meishou, visibly as always flung over (to him) the bamboo scroll.
"This month's newcomers."
At the scroll's thickness, Chitasei knitted his eyebrows. Until now it may have been the thickest one.
"...A lot have enrolled, haven't they."
Page 105
"There probably isn't a way to get a replacement. Because everyday one after another, Shousenpuu is forced to kill. "
In the beginning, Chitasei's expression in his eyes became stern. Meishou raised his lips, and lightly smiled.
"Is it not me? The guys Shousenpuu brought down/killed were daikanbu [the big leaders] of high status, as well as giving us a hundred gold coins and [the promise?] from the boss. Surely there isn't another way of continuing to take out dead people?"
"It's not just that. Did you hear how the kidnapped villagers are sent to Shousenpuu?"
Meishou let out a simmering derisive laugh. Thanks to Shousenpuu, these worthless days have become fun.
"What I was seeing was interesting. Day by day his swordsmanship and good looks become more clear. Although he just keeps degenerating, still he assumes an air of importance. How much more will he get dirty and still think of himself as special. Isn't it adorable? It's as if he's a stupid innocent young woman/virgin. Pretty and arrogant, the extent of the time when the foolish boy is trampled underfoot is not a pleasant feeling."
In return for Meishou's criticism, Chitasei spoke in plain speech.
"Isn't it your own entire experience that you are talking about in a similar manner."
For a moment, Chitasei's manner burst into biting. It seems it has been a long time since he recognized the instance of being killed (by a blade), for a little while from a wound blood ran down. Well it wasn't a severe wound, but until it could be healed it was a painful wound.
"Excuse me...my feelings interfered."
When his tone of voice settled down, Meishou all the more provokingly clicked his tongue, and exited with high (loud?) footsteps.
From Chitasei's cheek that was pouring blood, he wiped off with a hand towel, and looked over the previous chikukan [bamboo writing strip] of newcomers. Suddenly, his line of sight (glance) stopped. In the age column, to a strange degree a young number stood out (he took note of). --Thirteen years old.
Page 106
Furthermore, as for the so called (guys) entering in the utmost barrier of the martial arts category, this year the man of valor within the upper level had surpassed and taken them out. The case in truth was, perhaps Shousenpuu also ranked equal (with them).
"Birthplace is...the place where "Umetarou" is...?"
Without thinking he finally burst out a breath of air.
The name was, Rou Ensei.
He muttered the name inside his mouth.
******************************
"Nickname?"
Ensei, who successfully [by good course of events] slipped into the Satsujinzoku, with a similar face as if from ten years ago, and with guidance (he was) coincidentally the man who became [教育係兼兄貴分] the senior group leader in charge of sword training afterwards, (regarding him) he was walking. Despite this guy, he did not have a sense of discomfort.
"Yo. Of each separate name what star signs can you remember! Because without (doing) that, certainly there will be many idiots, right. And yesterday somebody ate (too) many fish and there was a huge fight! Therefore (the conclusion is) do it like I said! Idiot! Everybody the next day had a competition for appetizers, it's pretty clear dont'cha think!?. Like I said. Cause I'm (quite/considerably) in the smart group."
Ensei came to have a feeling that he himself had become somewhat affiliated with the smart group.
"(In) the smart group of which you speak, is Chitasei."
"Chitasei?"
PAGE 107
"He ranks in 3rd place among the top leaders! Since he seemed very smart he was appointed. I forgot his name. Hey look, a nickname is handy isn't it. I won't forget it."
That was certainly so. For the sake of this person who resembled an older brother a nickname was necessary. Ensei wasn't anywhere near appearing to be in the smart group, and the feeling came to him that the truth was it was too late for him to be in the smart group. He had the feeling he would face a solitary naive idiot of a comrade who carried out his objective rather than an unrecognizable Aniki (older brother).
"So that guy's a strategist. (As for robbery in this world) I should have a chat with Chitasei on doing an entire plan."
Ensei put on an indifferent attitude, and nonchalantly appeared to make a request.
"Impressive, eh? What kinda person is he?"
"Someone who's a mystery. He certainly is a veteran, but even though that guy meets with the big leaders he almost seems to not exist. Well because (those in) the smart group think too much and are gloomy and stay indoors. That's about what I remember. On rainy days you wear a raincoat (雨合羽) right? He didn't sleep all night long until he finally arrived at the historic discovery [歴史的発見] that the reason he said was there's no mistaking 'rain' (雨) and 'ghost' (河童). "
Ensei's eyes lit up. ...Is that all?
There was something...different with the kanji...
He had a feeling that it wasn't "雨河童". But he also had a feeling from the appearance of the kanji. (It gave him an impression) If he did his best the feeling of a kanji seemed to come to him absentmindedly, but it in spite of that it was impossible. And yet he was almost diverted from "雨と河童論争" (the dispute between rain and ghost) and forgetting Chitasei's name. Terrible Aniki. He's in the smart group after all!
"Does Aniki also have a nickname?"
"Obviously. Hehehe, mine is ultra-cool! Listen and be surprised! My nickname is ---"
Page 108
Aniki arrogantly announced it. "Tanmeijirou!!" (短命二郎 = short-life second son)
"Tanmeijirou!?" Ensei was defenitely surprised. Tanmeijirou! I returned a reaction of that regard!?
First of all, that's great? Definitely great. Somebody gave him that super-(wonderful) feeling he has. First of all, applause? It was a time-earning for security wasn't it. First of all, ultra-cool? It's important that I (put on an) act.
Tanmeijirou Aniki got a sense of misunderstanding when Ensei's voice left (his mouth) with a troubled reaction, and he easily got an awful feeling. He could be his cute underling/little brother.
"Ok ok, I'll permit you to be my lil' bro anyway as "Tanmeisanrou". (third son)
This resulted in Ensei practically leaping (in the air). That's a bad-luck nickname from such a detestable blockhead!!
"Aniki!! I'm different from Aniki and I intend to live a very long life, therefore a different nickname is good!
Aniki knocked/struck Ensei in the face.
“Idiot! It's not arbitrarily reducing my life span! It's the matter of 'being doomed to have met me, that will be the end of you!' (Having the name of) Tanmei [short life] makes us partners since you met me. Partners!”
“(That's) misleading!”
“Shut up! Don't puzzle over it!”
Still Ensei [pokari = knocked] had been hit. Anyhow what was a nickname furthest from the intellectual clique. After all the intellectual group -
Page 109
- maybe Aniki was calling himself. Despite that the foundation of Aniki was as the person in charge of meals, why a nickname like that?
“Well, something like in a surprising way a name of a surprising feat you might have the experience, a nickname is currently impossible however. For example, (you could) defeat "Shousenpuu" among other things."
"Shousenpuu?"
As Ensei turned to look he suddenly saw Aniki's serious expression change from before.
“...... Hey Sanrou, I'm sorry I'm the someone who is telling you the situation with Shousenpuu.”
“Eh?”
“You are certainly strong. The time you defeated ten men within the leaders was admirable. Besides you were a foolish and adorable guy. I was pleased. Okay, to approach Shousenpuu makes life (more) precious. That kid has slaughtered already nearly a hundred guys who were attracted to the reward and challenged him. That guy is a monster! ...He's not human.”
The wind strongly shook the treetops. Ensei exhaled and looked up at the sky.
...He wondered why, he had a feeling that somebody was calling out to him. All along, it was (the same as) from the time he was on Mt. Ginrou.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Survive." Somebody close to his ears seemed to be whispering.
Wet padding was applied and medicine was rubbed into the wound. The former "Seien" a boy calling out, in too much...
Page 110
...intense pain he shouted many times over, and struggled violently. Nevertheless the other person continued persevering treatment. The inside of his consciousness was turbidity/muddiness, and all that remained was just repeating whispers in his ear.
"Survive...even if it's the bottom of hell still."
...Why? For what reason?
--After he woke up, on countless occasions the boy thought about those words.
The boy was a moment ago getting rid of approximately five dead bodies by rolling them on the floor. It was already usual of what was becoming an ordinary day for a long time, and he could not feel any sort of strong emotions. Still if the distinct sound of fleeting footsteps shifted his attention, next time a man who's crude/rough appearance changed suddenly came and entered the tiger's den despite trembling. (まろびつ = ?) He seemed to be an ordinary villager who was kidnapped from somewhere.
Even though the roots of the villager's teeth were ringing {?}, he saw the corpses cruelly piled on the ground, and the boy right before his eyes. The boy still seemed very young, and on both feet and head shackles were placed, furthermore chains of iron were fastened. If he killed this kid he would be able to return to his home -- the assistant leader Meishou who said such a thing made the promise in that way. He could just subsist only in this way. The villager who was provided with a wide-blade knife grasped it tightly, and held it closely.
In something of an instant, he met eyes with the boy. As if he was inorganic like a goblin with hollow eye sockets, the villager shivered and dropped the wide-blade knife. The boy's skill stirred. The next instant, the villager's head was cut off and he ended their life. The blood-spray spouting into the air leaped onto his cheek, and the boy didn't shift his eyebrows. However, from that villager's head something [carelessly? ぽとり] dropped down at the time, and he just gave a slight glance. It seemed to be a toy like a little flute/whistle.
Page 111
Immediately the next victim was taken out, and in the blink of an eye the number of corpses increased to seven. As one would expect his breathing became irregular. Even though the treatment of his wound had been satisfactory, the shackles on both feet which felt/looked heavy were akin to stone weights. Meishou laughed while watching. With great caution, it didn't carry over to the place of the chains and sword.
Meishou's hand shifted in a straight motion.
He raised the reflexive/reflecting sword, but he was one breath too late. It was unbelievable the degree to which how formerly he could very easily and elegantly manipulate a folding fan, both the sword and his body were heavy. The rook (shogi) blade was stuck to his right shoulder. It hadn't pierced him, but it was sufficient that his legs were all together approximately directing him towards the boy's spirit/willpower/obstinacy. {meaning = ?} The sword stood against his shoulder, but prodded his knee/lap.
There were footsteps as Meishou slowly walked away.
Survive.
...Why? For what reason?
Soon from the side [ボンヤリ] the corpses of the villagers turned pale. There was an odor of sour blood and death. It was the same rotten smell of the gaudy Imperial Court. However, this place bared even more, it was fishy/raw, like the bottom of a gutter.
Meishou's footsteps drew near. Naturally it was accurate that, mercilessly, if he trampled on the boy's pride, he was a man who had fun grinding/crushing him. It was not even the bottom, everyday however it was an everlasting hell of him just degenerating.
This hell was the same as a bottom of a gutter, nevertheless what was the meaning in saying “Live!”
The hand that grasped the blade was heavy with the sword.
Meishou noticed that he had stopped taking great caution with his legs. It was still a bit dangerous for this beast to reserve his physical strength as gunpowder. was that time. Recklessly his carefree voice of air which could not be read, changed into the same-as-always usual as expected.
Page 112
"Huh. That idiot is spreading a rumor about Shousenpuu?"
Meishou saw Ensei just then, and {くわっと} leaped up shouting.
"Hey kid! Are you listening again? What did you hear."
If usually assistant leader Meishou didn't expectedly remember a newcomer's face, this damn monkey was an exception.
In the case of entering what would be called a thing of half-month, the second-level ranking Meishou wanted to do him in as much as he would like. He wasn't cute, Meishou showed him little respect, and he reversed the nerve he was able to build up. Above all else, it was that looking at Ensei the inside of his nerves were stinging. Why did he irresistibly have a hateful premonition. It seemed like he was forgetting about something.
.
Today's little monkey who rarely had a serious face had seen "Shousenpuu". At that profile, Meishou raised his eyebrows. What it was was his face that could be seen fairly well turned into a serious face.
"Somebody heard the conversation about Shousenpuu, little monkey? Does that appear to be a challenge/defiance?"
In silence Ensei saw seven corpses rolled on the floor, and saw Shousenpuu. Dried blood clung to his whole body. On both legs entirely were iron restraints, and fastened chains. His face was upside down, and his previously long hair was hidden and couldn't be seen. After those (near him) one-by-one looked in a way to check on him, at last, the boy saw what was comprised of blood and grease spilling over the blade of a sword. Despite that he had just a staff, you see, and a voice.
"You, it would be good if you gradually separated from the sword. Or else, you won't be able to separate from it, right?"
This time for the first time Shousenpuu raised his face. For a moment, their two glances crossed.
Shousenpuu raised a suspicious eyebrow. As for the other boy's eyes, they were not critical nor compassionate nor ridiculing nor scornful.
Page 113
That is, for the first time in their lives the boys' eyes met by chance. There wasn't any kind of calculation/selfishness, that oneself would fear, they were eyes that worried about the (near) future. But the boy did not understand their meaning.
From the time he was born his parents and siblings and even the opposition, everyone had come to live (by? じず) what was said.{<--huh? Need help with this} The boy didn't have the experience to have seen anybody in a pretense like that. With merely the exception of his own little brother, the boy who by no means did not have the experience of his heart being open to a stranger, those words, the meaning of a transparent look, he was unable to understand that matter.
Ensei also became aware of that matter. Together he sighed and ruffled his flattened/grown-out hair [わしわし].
"It can't be helped. If you're not separated, I'll have to try and do it."
He lightly swung the staff on which he was leaning.
By that action, Shousenpuu watched his eyes. (He is) strong. The rogue up 'till now and he who remained were different. Thoroughly until by the foundation of traditional martial arts, he was inadvertently able to begin and to go into the spot of flesh and bones.{<--need help with this sentence}
Exactly there, Ensei's pleasant senior group brother [Tanmeijirou] bloody (mad?) as ever rushed in (at the last minute).
"Hey Sanrou!! Coming to meet with Shousenpuu, talk of you alone is a crisis!"
"Sorry Aniki. It was a feeling or something like that. But you don't have to worry it's alright."
At this interval when they caught wind of the rumor, a bunch of people one-by-one and with a burning curiosity came and gathered. As for who killed Shousenpuu, there now appeared within the Satsujinzoku an adequate hero who could handle “the great feat” [大手柄].
"Well then, shall I go ahead?"
Ensei, in a comfortable manner, stood before Shousenpuu. [にっと] He laughed.
Page 114
Shousenpuu was taken aback. ...how could this jerk laugh so thoughtlessly under these circumstances. In the place where the seven corpses tumbled, Ensei was just looking at the mere boy. In the case of the former, it was a strong and silent look. If he wasn't already a young nobleman/prince, any other boy would surely have died.
"...Gradually your true character will retreat. I can't help doing it. Without strong reservation. Because I am super-strong, (no matter) how much you struggle, I'll definitely kill you. Satisfied?"
This time for Seien [清苑] surely, the corner/nook of unconsciousness provided a small bit of relief. Survive, and,... somebody was speaking. That voice wasn't based on abiding by the rules. However, the fact was that the lamenting voice could be heard. Already long gone, it was the voice that was weeping.
It...it's lonely, isn't it.
--At that voice, the boy wielded the sword. It was in a place similar to the bottom of a ditch/gutter, however it was a miracle/mystery he was living there himself. Everyday his skill improved and (when) he killed somebody he disappeared/ died to a degree, Meishou had him pinned down and moving towards death/disappearing, like a dog the food/prey that was thrown/cast away was brought inside the gate.
Why?
For an eternity it seemed like a repeating hell, and if he had not yet realized he was trying to live properly. For what reason?
...Nevertheless, it was already over.
Soon with this, somebody will be killed.
Page 115
Suddenly, he could hear the crying voice of his younger brother again. His body acted contrary to his heart, and he went and sharpened a look of unconcern. In this own way his ability wavered. Up until now it seemed the same, but this time his body appeared to be alive.
"I will grant your wish."
An interval of wind left behind just a whisper so slight as to be all but non-existent, and Ensei prepared to use his staff.