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"Weak."
Shinya froze.
Whether a thousand years ago as a yōkai or in the past millennium as a summoning beast, its essence had always remained that of a serpent.
A wild beast.
And as a beast, its instincts made it despise weakness above all else.
Just like how its desire to become a yōkai again was ultimately driven by the pursuit of strength.
"Weak?" Shinya asked cautiously, "How weak?"
"You've been tainted by chakra for far too long, Shinya."
Kaito's gaze carried a hint of pity, which only deepened Shinya's unease.
"From your body to your soul, chakra has seeped into every corner of your being." Kaito continued, "To become a yōkai again, you'll have to abandon your current body—even restructure your soul."
"This…"
Shinya gulped, its throat producing a loud, guttural sound.
"When that happens, you'll become an entirely new version of yourself." Kaito took a step forward, still craning his neck to meet Shinya's single eye. "Tell me, just how weak do you think you'll be then?"
Shinya struggled to speak. "D-Does that mean… I'll revert to a newborn yōkai?"
"Not necessarily." Kaito offered a reassuring smile. "I've reviewed historical records and know how strong you were a thousand years ago as a yōkai."
After a moment of contemplation, he concluded, "At best, even with my full effort, the newly transformed you will retain only a third of your former power."
"A third?"
Shinya exhaled heavily in relief.
After Kaito's terrifying explanation, retaining even a third of its original strength felt like a blessing.
At least it wouldn't be reduced to a snake egg!
"So, can you accept this?"
Kaito asked again.
"I…"
Shinya was about to agree, but hesitated at the last moment.
"What's troubling you?"
Kaito raised an eyebrow, suddenly remembering his role as a friend and deciding to show some understanding.
"Once I become weak…"
'Shinya actually seemed… embarrassed?'
Kaito blinked, suppressing the urge to sigh, and gave it an encouraging look.
Bolstered, Shinya continued, "Once I'm weakened, I probably won't be able to survive in Ryūchi Cave anymore."
"Ah, I see."
Kaito stroked his chin thoughtfully before nodding.
"You're right. Setting aside your relationships with the other snakes, Ryūchi Cave's environment is no longer suitable for yōkai cultivation. That's something I overlooked."
"No, it's not your fault."
Shinya looked at him with deep gratitude, touched by this friend who truly cared for its well-being.
Kaito quickly made a decision. "In that case, you can come to Mount Ōeyama afterward."
"Really?!"
Shinya's single eye gleamed, as if it had been waiting for this very offer.
"Of course."
Kaito nodded firmly.
But Shinya still hesitated. "But… snakes have never joined Mount Ōeyama before. Before Kaguya arrived, my relationship with Yokai from Mount Ōeyama was…"
"Don't worry, I'll explain everything to them."
Kaito cut off its rambling concerns, then teased, "I always thought you were the decisive type, Shinya."
"Fine! I'll go!"
Shinya immediately affirmed, puffing up with pride.
'That's right! I'm bold and resolute!'
Its eyes seemed to declare.
"Then the transformation ritual will also take place in Mount Ōeyama."
Kaito's body gradually turned translucent.
"Wait for my summons, Shinya."
"Understood."
Shinya's massive coils shifted along the stone pillar, its enormous head slowly retracting to the top.
"Well then, farewell, my friend."
Kaito's fading figure waved before vanishing completely, leaving only the shattered remnants of a paper talisman drifting to the ground.
"Farewell."
Shinya rested its head atop the pillar.
...
Inside the alternate dimension now fully controlled by Enma Daiō, the previously sealed miniature Ten-Tails had been returned to its "room."
This time, however, it was no longer restrained by black rods of Yin-Yang Release but by an array of dragon vein crystals.
Standing atop the room's ledge, Kaito looked down at the roaring, thrashing beast.
"Tch. This setup requires regular replenishment of energy crystals. What a hassle."
After a moment's thought, he flicked his sleeve.
A swarm of tiny paper talismans poured out, fluttering to the ground before standing upright and gathering around him in a lively, bouncing crowd.
"The most basic shikigami technique of an onmyōji… and I haven't used it in so long."
Kaito was mildly surprised at his own negligence.
"I really have grown complacent after obtaining Ryūmyaku…"
"Indeed. That's worth reflecting on."
Enma Daiō materialized beside him without warning.
"You again?! Seriously—don't you have anything better to do?" Kaito scowled. "Shouldn't you be busy managing the Underworld? Weren't you the one who said hell's reconstruction keeps you occupied?!"
"This king is extremely busy!!"
Enma Daiō floated in a lazy circle around him.
"As I've said before, this is merely a wisp of my energy!"
"Whatever."
Kaito ignored him, shaking his sleeve downward again.
Clattering loudly, perfectly sized dragon vein crystals spilled out, quickly forming a small pile.
He addressed the paper shikigami. "Your task is to monitor the barrier and replenish the crystals when necessary."
The palm-sized paper figures obediently hopped toward the pile, each embracing a crystal before marching away in an orderly line.
Kaito watched them briefly before turning his attention back to the Ten-Tails.
"So, how do you plan to study this thing?"
Enma Daiō glanced dismissively at the beast.
"The Ten-Tails—or the Divine Tree—is essentially a mass-produced plundering tool of the Ōtsutsuki clan." Kaito's eyes gleamed crimson as he observed the creature. "To understand it thoroughly is to uncover the secrets of the Ōtsutsuki themselves."
"In that case…" He added, "there might even be hidden knowledge about their race within it."
Enma Daiō nodded approvingly. "Well said. Know your enemy, and victory is assured."
Kaito rolled his eyes.
Suddenly, he paused.
"What is it?" Enma Daiō noticed immediately.
"About Shinya."
Kaito explained.
"It wants to move into Ōeyama. I agreed."
"You agreed?" Enma Daiō raised an eyebrow. "If I recall correctly, Ōeyama is Shuten Dōji's territory."
"I'll discuss it with the yōkai later." Kaito floated forward. "For now—let's focus on studying this thing properly!"
A blinding golden light erupted as the Ten-Tails let out an unearthly howl.