"The military strength of our Dog Clan has already contracted. At present, the only force still able to move freely outside the Western Lands is the Leopard Cat Tribe. The Great Elder knows this well."
"So, no matter what happens outside, the worst-case scenario for us is that the enemy gains control of the Crow Tengu's treasured artifact and restores the number of elders to six."
"That makes little difference — at most, it would only restore things to how they once were. But if the best-case scenario comes true, then we would profit greatly!"
A glimmer of anticipation flashed in the Dog General's eyes. He longed to know which direction fate would turn.
"At present, the fortress is locked in stalemate — if the enemy does not move, neither shall we. The Great Elder would never allow the Leopard Tribe's Elder to leave. Within the clan, the only warrior who can still be mobilized is Tōga."
"That boy also wishes to go to Wind and Thunder Gorge. But times have changed — the dangers now far exceed what an intermediate yōkai could handle."
The Dog General frowned slightly, his fingers tapping the armrest of the throne with a crisp tok-tok sound.
In his heart, the most suitable candidate for this task was the Great Elder.
Because beyond reconnaissance, the deeper purpose of this mission was to finish the job.
The magnificent phenomenon of Heaven and Earth had a wide-reaching impact, but against the thick-skinned, resilient high-level yōkai, it might not be enough to kill in a single blow.
Unfortunately, Wind and Thunder Gorge was far too distant. Even with his own formidable senses, the Dog General could not detect the auras of survivors there.
"Let that boy make his own decision. With his wits, he won't attempt anything beyond his ability."
The Dog General narrowed his eyes, recalling Tōga's behavior from childhood to now. He always felt that boy was not like a normal dog-demon at all.
After all, what kind of pup carried himself like a scholar? In a pack of roughnecks and simpletons, he was like an alien!
The more outstanding Tōga became, the more the Dog General worried.
When Tōga even showed 'improper intentions' toward his precious daughter Shirayuki, the Dog General could no longer sit still. He spent considerable favors to seek the counsel of the Sage of Yōkai.
Only after confirming that Tōga was indeed a normal dog-demon did he finally breathe easy.
"The Sage called him the Yōkai of Destiny — the hope of our clan's future."
That appraisal still lingered in the Dog General's memory, a secret he had never shared with anyone.
Though he disliked Tōga personally, the thought that his daughter would have a good match eased his heart somewhat.
At the very least, he need not fear that once he was gone, Shirayuki would be bullied by others.
Soon, summoned by attendants, Tōga sat upright before him.
The Dog General wasted no words. He explained the entire situation bluntly, without concealment.
"No problem!"
Tōga's reply was just as crisp. His golden eyes lit up with excitement, a gleam of eagerness flashing within them.
To him, having only just mastered his divine technique, the appearance of an injured high-level yōkai was a heaven-sent blessing!
"Then go."
The Dog General asked nothing further. He merely watched quietly as Tōga rose and left the hall — and suddenly sensed Shirayuki hurrying outside after him.
Knowing what his daughter intended, the old father paused as he was about to rise. Struggle flashed across his face, but soon gave way to resignation.
"Forget it. Let those youngsters make their own decisions. I've already left safeguards upon Shirayuki. Against a high-level yōkai, her life will not be in danger."
"But… if that boy dares let Shirayuki be harmed, even if the Laopard Cats don't tear him apart, I will!"
The hall's atmosphere grew heavy as water. The attendants, watching their king's shifting expressions — smiling one moment, scowling the next — were utterly bewildered.
"I'm going too!"
Outside the keep, Shirayuki stood like an immovable wall, blocking Tōga's path. He felt a headache coming on.
Previously, he had been willing to take Shirayuki to Wind and Thunder Gorge because the chances of encountering a high-level yōkai were slim. He could guarantee her safety.
But this time, the mission was to trouble the Leopard Cat Tribe's elder. A real battle might erupt — and he could not be certain of keeping Shirayuki from harm.
If anything happened, he had no doubt that Shirayuki's doting father would hang him up and beat him!
The three Dog Clan Elders would probably stand by clapping, saying, "Don't hit too hard" while cheering every blow.
On the street, after four or five seconds of silence, Tōga helplessly glanced toward the Dog General's direction — all while Shirayuki's gaze grew sharper, tinged with disappointment.
'Wait… why is that old man still sitting there? Shouldn't he be calling Shirayuki back by now?'
To his astonishment, Tōga realized that his ever-critical future father-in-law had truly entrusted Shirayuki to him!
"Tōga, what are you waiting for?"
Clever Shirayuki, of course, had also sensed her father's intentions.
Her earlier urgency to sneak away with Tōga vanished without a trace.
Her heart was delicate, sensitive.
As she gazed at Tōga standing there dumbfounded, irritation inexplicably welled up within her.
"So you don't want to take me with you? Or is it…"
She stepped forward lightly, her figure graceful as a flower swaying in the breeze.
Leaning close, her fine, upturned nose nearly touched Tōga's.
Their identical eyes reflected one another's trembling gaze, as if each could see straight into the other's heart.
Her breath caressed his face softly. Her body, long bathed in the aura of heaven and earth, was pure, untouched by mortal taint.
A faint fragrance, delicate as orchids in spring, drifted around him, stirring his heart.
Her rosy lips parted slightly. Her whisper, warm with moist breath, slipped into his ear.
"Or is it… that you're afraid you can't protect me, hmm?"
The teasing lilt at the end made Tōga flush. To admit he couldn't protect his own wife? No man with pride could accept that!
"Ridiculous! High-level yōkai or not, whoever comes, I'll kill them all!"
His voice rose without him realizing. "If you want to go, then go — as if I couldn't protect you!"
The instant Tōga agreed, Shirayuki's face bloomed into radiant joy.
Hands clasped behind her back, she twirled lightly like a fawn before him.
Her smile, tinged with a rosy blush, shone like the moon upon a grove of blossoms — breathtaking in its beauty.
'It's been so long since I've seen Shirayuki smile like this.'
Looking at the girl beside him, eyes curved like crescent moons, Tōga abandoned the thought of seeking battle with a high-level yōkai.
To recklessly challenge those above him — such things were not for a man with a beloved wife.
In the future, only overwhelming strength would allow him to sweep all obstacles aside. That was the true, rightful path.