Somewhere in the forest
"Ugah!"
One man was knocked back, a cut on his body along with tattered clothing making him look more pathetic than ever.
Then, a katana was pointed at his forehead, deciding the victor right then and there.
"…I've lost. Kill me."
Resigned to his fate, he abandoned all defenses.
But then, the sword was placed on the shoulder of its wielder.
"Huh?"
He looked up at the one who had defeated him.
Golden-white hair with the lower half black, flowing in a strange direction.
Wearing a black kimono with a red cloak.
Most striking was the three-eyed red wolf worn around the neck like a scarf.
Truth be told, this was the most handsome Youkai he had ever seen.
"I have a question for you, and you'd better answer."
The Youkai spoke with a captivating voice, compelling him to listen to every word.
"Why did you kill those corrupt men in the city I rule? Just curious."
His deep golden eyes stared at him, forcing an answer.
"I… I despise their crimes! What they did was unbearable! No matter how despicable humans can be, those scum were a hundred times worse!" He gritted his teeth, slamming his fist into the ground.
"Ho? Is it because of your past with them, or were you just born that way?" The Youkai looked at him with interest.
"I have no connection to them. It's just… this burning anger to punish them flows through my blood. Every fiber, every part of me urges me to torment them for what they've done to their own kind."
"So, the second type, huh? That's rare."
The Youkai smiled, then pointed at himself.
"What about me?"
"Huh?"
"My crimes—do they stir any anger or feelings in you?"
He stared at the Youkai for a moment before speaking thoughtfully.
"No… though your sin of lust is quite heavy."
"Does that affect me?"
"Who knows… My guess is you'll just face retribution from women."
"Sounds dangerous…"
They looked at each other for a moment before the Youkai burst into cheerful laughter, leaving him bewildered.
"What's so funny?"
"No, no… It's just that we're chatting so casually even though we were fighting to the death just moments ago. Come with me."
"…?"
The two then walked to a forest filled with cherry blossom trees, beside a crystal-clear pond glowing under the full moon.
"Sit down."
"Hey… Why did you bring me here?"
"Hm? Isn't it obvious? I'm inviting you to join the Nura Clan."
?!
"WHAT DID YOU SAY?! WHO GAVE YOU THE RIGHT TO DECIDE THAT?!" He shouted, though the Youkai didn't seem to care much.
The Youkai took out a gourd filled with sake, pouring it into a cup.
"What's your name?"
He opened his eyes, looking at the Youkai offering him the cup of sake.
"I… I'm Enma," he said, taking the cup and looking at the Youkai.
"You don't seem to be from Japan. Are you a foreigner?"
"Yeah, I'm from India."
"Oh, the birthplace of Buddhism. I'm a Buddhist too, you know."
"That doesn't sound convincing at all."
They clinked their cups and drank in one gulp.
"Right now, my clan has a few members plotting to betray me and take my position. I don't care much, as long as I can drink sake and have fun. The problem is…"
The Youkai sighed, catching Enma's attention.
"Those guys are colluding with Youkai outside the clan, engaging in corruption and bribery, even dragging humans into it."
"Unfortunately, they're good at hiding. No matter how sharp my eyes are, I can't find them."
Then his eyes locked onto Enma.
"Luckily, you can see the sins of others. That's quite a special ability."
"But I'm not a Youkai."
True, for the Nura Clan's rules forbade humans from interfering in Youkai affairs, and vice versa.
But then…
"I know. But do you know? Youkai and humans are two sides of the same coin. Though unrelated, they're bound together. That's why the rules I set have a loophole, one I'm fully aware of."
"Besides, they broke the rules the moment they killed humans. So there's no reason for me to let my own rules hold me back."
"So, cooperation is inevitable. It's necessary."
"…"
Enma looked at him.
"Can I ask your name?"
"Nurarihyon."
"Can I trust you?"
"Who knows? If you're not satisfied, just follow your heart. I think you're a very just person."
"…"
Then Enma clinked his cup with Nura's.
"Supreme Commander, I accept joining you, but with one condition."
"Name it."
He looked straight into Nura's eyes, full of integrity and righteousness.
"If you ever commit a crime I deem unforgivable, please allow me, Enma, to behead you."
Nura smiled, satisfied.
"Of course, Enma, the first human in the Nura Clan."
***
"What do we do now?"
Mash, Fou, Caster Cú, Chen Gong, Jeanne, and Nura looked at each other.
"Introduce yourself, Nura! Let them know how awesome you are!" Gudako pointed both hands at Nura, who was shaking his gourd, disappointed to find it empty.
"Uh, Nurarihyon, Assassin. I like drinking sake, freeloading, crashing at people's places, and chasing girls. Looking forward to working with you."
What kind of introduction is that?
"Ah! Hello, Nulalilonton! I'm Jeanne!"
"A pleasure to meet you. I'm Chen Gong."
"If my Master does anything crazy or wild, please stop her," Nura said politely.
She's already done it…
"Hey! Don't say that, Nura! I just saved you!"
"I know, but I didn't expect you to save me with a nuclear bomb. Even if it was part of the plan, I still didn't see it coming."
Nura sat down, looking at Jeanne.
"Huh? Is there something on my face?"
"No, but I just met a much more evil version of you."
"Oh, right! Do you know anything about the Jeanne on the enemy's side? You just clashed with their group," Caster Cú asked, looking at me.
"There were four Servants on their side. I'm not sure about Jeanne, but with that physique, she's likely a Servant too."
"Wait, a Servant can be a Master?!" Mash exclaimed in surprise.
Everyone turned to look at her.
"…Huh? Did I say something wrong?"
"Uh… Ever heard of Medea?" Gudako asked.
"…Yeah?"
"Then you get it."
What does that even mean??? You didn't explain anything!
[Can you clarify the classes of the enemy Servants?]
"From what I can tell, they're likely Saber, Lancer, Rider, and Assassin, but their power levels are on par with Berserkers. It could be due to the Holy Grail, or…"
"Caster. After all, our class is known for scheming and preparation… though we're better at close combat," Cú said.
"No objections here," Chen Gong said with a smile.
"Hmm… There's a high chance they have more Servants on their side. We need more allies—specifically, Servants," Nura said.
"Absolutely," Marie nodded.
"I have no objections," Amadeus replied.
…?
The entire group jumped back, startled, eyeing the two unfamiliar Servants.
"Ah, it's Amadeus's fault!"
"Huh? Why me?"
"Who are you two?!" Caster Cú demanded, glaring.
Jeanne squinted slightly, feeling the girl in front of her seemed vaguely familiar.
"Me? I'm Marie Antoinette! You can call me Marie or Mary! And this guy next to me is some trash named Amadeus Mozart or whatever!"
"Greetings, everyone."
Jeanne immediately recognized them upon hearing their names.
"Ah! The queen and the composer!"
"Huh? You know them?" Caster Cú turned to Jeanne.
"No!"
"Are you messing with me?"
"Well… I kind of know them. They're from after my time, I think!"
"Kyaa! The saint knows me! Did you hear that, Amadeus?!"
"I have ears."
"So… these two are allies?" Mash asked.
[Probably?]