6-4 Once More at Hand

1: Two Okatana (1)

Academy Intercom: Academy Intercom: Aradama have been sighted in the area of this academy. Toji, please prepare to sortie at once. I repeat, aradama have been sighted--
Mirja: On hand, we have Asakura Mihono, Musumi Kiyoka, and Shichinosato Kofuki.
Kofuki: Hell yeah! Less of us around means I can take 'em all! Don't go anywhere, aradama-chan!
Mirja: You know I won't allow that!
Yuuki: Wait, before you go! Please let the both of us come help!
Hirona: ......If you'll let uss.
Kofuki: Huhh!? Who needs them! Right, Mirja!?
Mirja: The extra hands would be appreciated, but... You won't be using tamayori, understood?
Yuuki: I know that!
Yuuki: And Akira-nee-sama's not here either... but still, I want to fight!
Mirja: ...You'll be operating under my command; I trust that won't be an issue either?
Yuuki: Of course!
Mirja: Very well then. Prepare yourselves as quickly as you can.
Mirja: As soon as they're done, we move out!
Kiyoka: YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!
Aradama: OOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Kiyoka: Ghh!?
Mirja: What's the matter, Musumi Kiyoka! Your swings are losing focus!
Kiyoka: I-I can handle this!
Kofuki: Hey, if you don't want it, go ahead and give 'em to me! Let's go, aradama-chan!
Kofuki: I've been real stressed out lately! So show me some fun here!!

2: Two Okatana (2)

Kiyoka: [pant pant]...
Kiyoka: Eh?
Kiyoka: Nitta-san...
Hirona: ......Did you get hurt? I don't think I've seen you spacing out like that before, Musumi-san.
Hirona: Your swordfighting used to be a lot sharper. You're acting so inefficient today.
Kiyoka: ...Was I really moving that badly?
Hirona: You were. Did something happen?
Kiyoka: ......
Hirona: That okatana... it's different from your normal one, isn't it.
Hirona: ...Why did you bring two okatana?
Kiyoka: This is Koryuu Kagemitsu... It was my first okatana.
Kiyoka: I got permission to bring it out with me.
Hirona: ...Can I ask why?
Kiyoka: I guess... to do whatever I can.
Kiyoka: I used to be so scared of fighting, all I ever did was run away... I was so pathetic that Koryuu Kagemitsu gave up on me.
Hirona: So you want to make it approve of you again?
Kiyoka: ...Yeah.
Hirona: ......I don't want to sound rude, but even if you can use that okatana again, it doesn't guarantee you'll be stronger.
Kiyoka: Mm, I know that. You're exactly right.
Kiyoka: But still... Even if you're right...
Kiyoka: This is something that means a lot to me.

3: Arm in Arm (1)

Kiyoka: This is something that means a lot to me.
Hirona: ...Alright thenn. I know some things are worth doing.
Hirona: So, I'll help you a little.
Kiyoka: Eh?
Hirona: Yuuki-san.
Yuuki: What is it, Hirona-san?
Hirona: It seems like Musumi-san wants to try something, so could we back her up?
Yuuki: Got it!
Kiyoka: ...Would that be okay?
Kiyoka: Toribane-san, we...
Yuuki: We haven't spoken all that much, have we? But that doesn't bother me!
Kiyoka: (It's not that we haven't talked much, it's that I was avoiding you...)
Yuuki: Ah, but, I heard you're very strong, Kiyoka-san! I'd be glad if you'll spar with me after we're done!
Kiyoka: ......
Kiyoka: Toribane-san...
Yuuki: Hm?
Kiyoka: That straightforwardness... It kind of reminds me of Hono-chan.
Yuuki: You mean it? I'm happy you think so!
Kiyoka: ...Nitta-san, Toribane-san! Please give me support!
Hirona/Yuuki: Understoood./Leave it to me!

4: Arm in Arm (2)

Kofuki: What, c'mon, is that all you got! Let's keep the fun going, aradama-chan!
Aradama: GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!
Kofuki: Whoa!? Th-This one's shooting fire!?
Mirja: !? Back down, Shichinosato Kofuki! Asakura Mihono! Clear the aradama for Shichinosato Kofuki's retreat!
Mihono: Okay!
Kofuki: We're really playing with fire now, huh!
Mihono: Fukki! Quit saying stupid stuff and get back here!
Kofuki: Sh-Shut up!
Kiyoka: A fire breathing aradama...
Hirona: It's probably an aradama Kagtsuchi made.
Yuuki: One of Kagutsuchi's aradama made it this far...
Mirja: Nitta Hirona, Toribane Yuuki.
Mirja: The both of you have fought with Kagutsuchi, haven't you. What were her flames like compared to this?
Yuuki: Kagutsuchi's flames were a lot hotter.
Mirja: That's perfect then!
Mirja: If we can't manage these flames, we can't fight against Kagutsuchi!
Mirja: We can't allow an aradama like this to give us a struggle! BRING IT DOWN, INVESTIGATION TEAM!

5: Koryuu Kagemitsu (1)

Aradama: GYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!
Mihono: HAAHH!
Mihono: Alright! I think I'm getting the hang of it!
Mihono: Fukki!!
Kofuki: I'm all over it!
Aradama: OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Kofuki: Tch! That's so annoying!
Mirja: ...They're growing used to dealing with the flames, though their offense is lacking.
Kiyoka: ......
Mirja: (Musumi Kiyoka's movements are off key... It looks as if she wants to try something.)
Mirja: (I suppose I'll let her keep at it a little longer.)
Kiyoka: (Koryuu Kagemitsu... Why aren't you responding...?)
Kiyoka: (I can't keep being a burden on the others... Maybe I should just give up while I can...)
Mihono: I'm getting the hang of what it's gonna do... Fukki, you give it another shot!
Kofuki: Sure thing! I'll do this as many times as you want!
Kiyoka: ...
Kiyoka: (No, I can't give up on this! Hono-chan and Kofuki-san aren't giving up either!)
Kiyoka: (If I'm acting this weak, I'm no better than I used to be! Koryuu Kagemitsu would be sickened by me!)
Kiyoka: See who I am now, Koryuu Kagemitsu!
Kiyoka: YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH!!

6: Koryuu Kagemitsu (2)

Yuuki: [pant pant]...
Kiyoka: Are you okay, Toribane-san?
Yuuki: You shouldn't worry about me...! Compared to training with Akira-nee-sama, this is...
Aradama: GYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!
Yuuki: --!?
Hirona: Yuuki-san!?
Yuuki: ...
Hirona: Yuuki-san! Get back up, Yuuki-san!!
Kiyoka: (I'm scared...)
Mihono: Yuuki!
Mirja: Move to cover for Toribane Yuuki! Musumi Kiyoka--
Kiyoka: (I'm scared... Koryuu Kagemitsu...)
Mirja: (...It's no use!)
Mirja: Asakura Mihono! Shichinosato Kofuki! Cut the aradama off!!
Kofuki/Mihono: On it!/Right!
Kiyoka: (I'm scared of my friends getting hurt... I'm scared of not being able to protect them...)
Kiyoka: If it has to be one or the other...
Kiyoka: I'm not scared of fighting at all! MIRJA-SAN!
Mirja: --!? What is it!
Kiyoka: Watch after Toribane-san! I'll stop the aradama...!
Mirja: ...Understood; I'm leaving it to you!
Kiyoka: RIGHT!
Kiyoka: (I had fun swordfighting, but actually doing it scared me.)
Kiyoka: (I was so afraid of getting hurt. Of having tooth and nail and blade pointed at me.)
Kiyoka: (I hated anything scary or painful.)
Kiyoka: (I didn't want to get hurt, I didn't want to die out on some mission.)
Kiyoka: (But... Now I know, there's something that hurts more... something that scares me even more than that!)
Kiyoka: (I hate having to fight!)
Kiyoka: (I really hate hurting anybody, or getting hurt!)
Kiyoka: (But still...!)
Kiyoka: (Being useless... Not being able to do anything for my friends, that hurts the most; I HATE THAT THE MOST!)
Kiyoka: THAT'S WHY!
Kiyoka: This aradama... It's nothing to Koryuu Kagemitsu and I!
Aradama: oooo...
Kiyoka: I did it... I did it, Koryuu Kagemitsu!
Kofuki: You're using two swords now...? C'mon, what're you, copying me?
Mihono: Kiyoka! You looked super cool back there!!
Kiyoka: It's all thanks to you, Hono-chan!
Mihono: Ehhh!? But, I didn't do anything!?
Kiyoka: That's not true. You're the one who taught me something so important, Hono-chan!
Kiyoka: (Hono-chan has been through so much worse... She was crying so hard, and all I could do was watch...)
Kiyoka: (Being like that is what I hate more than anything.)
Mirja: I had a feeling you were trying something... You had Koryuu Kagemitsu? Well done, Musumi Kiyoka.
Kiyoka: Thanks a lot. But, is Yuuki-san okay...?
Hirona: She's only lost consciousness. ...Musumi-san, thank you.
Kiyoka: ...! Don't mention it!

7: Mihono's Worries

Yuuki: Kiyoka-san, congratulations! I wish I could have seen you using Koryuu Kagemitsu too.
Kiyoka: ...I could only do it because of you, Toribane-san. Because you were trying your best...
Kiyoka: Since everyone was working so hard, I felt like I had to do the best I could too.
Yuuki: It wasn't like that! It's just, the most I can do is put myself on the line!
Hirona: ...It was very bad for my heart.
Hirona: I mean it.
Kofuki: Never thought I'd hear you shouting like that.
Hirona: Was I that loud?
Akira: ......
Yuuki: What's the matter, Akira-nee-sama?
Akira: What am I even good for... I was saying I'd keep Mihono safe, but wasn't even there when it mattered... How goddamn lame is that...
Yuuki: It's not your fault; the mission suddenly came up. Didn't it, Mihono-san?
Mihono: ...
Yuuki: Mihono-san?
Mihono: Huh? Ah, y-yeah. She's right. And anyway, we got to see Kiyoka being really cool too!
Mihono: You were awesome, Kiyoka!
Kiyoka: Th-That's enough, Hono-chan!!
Akira: ......
Akira: (Mihono... She's got something bothering her? Don't tell me...)
Akira: Sorry for calling you out here.
Ellen: We don't mind! Don't we, Kaoru?
Kaoru: Yeah, don't worry about it. You probably don't have that many friends to turn to after all-.
Akira: Dumbass, it's not like that. I've got plenty back home I could talk to if I wanted.
Akira: But this; you're about the only people I could think of I can tell about it.
Ellen: Oh, is this about something serious?
Akira: ...Mihono's acting weird.
Kaoru: Isn't that the best part about her?
Ellen: For sure. Being funny and cute is Mihomiho's appeal!
Akira: Is that really all you two think of Mihono...?
Kaoru: We're just kidding.
Akira: ...I'm trying to be serious here; could you cut it out?
Akira: On that mission before, you heard Yuuki got hurt, right? When we went to see her in the hospital, something was wrong about how Mihono was acting.
Akira: Like something was tearing her up, like something's on her mind...
Akira: I saw people get that look before. The girls who volunteered for tamayori... they all looked like that.
Kaoru: ...You're saying Mihono'd try and sacrifice herself?
Ellen: Mihomiho has a big heart, after all...
Ellen: Back when she was put in confinement too... apparently she said she was okay with it if it'd fix everything.
Akira: But nobody wants to fix anything if that's what it takes...
Kaoru: I thought that's just what they teach you at Minoseki. I mean, didn't you do the exact same thing?
Akira: Me? ...? No way, I've never done anything like that.
Ellen: What are you talking about? You're the one who became a tamayori toji when you knew all about the risks. And there were side-effects, weren't there?
Akira: The hell, even you guys heard about that?
Kaoru: So there really were side-effects?
Akira: Nn? Wait-- You just baited me!
Kaoru: You're the one who spilled the beans. But anyway, did you tell the investigation team Mihono might be thinking something bad?
Akira: Haven't talked to them.
Akira: It always feels like they're way too guarded with Mihono... I mean, I guess that's our fault though.
Kaoru: I guess so. Though, just talking to us isn't going to make anything happen.
Kaoru: Let's go ask Mihono about it.

8: Mihono's Feelings

Kanami: Mihono-chan, no matter what, you can't go thinking it's okay to sacrifice yourself!
Mihono: Wh-Where'd that come from, Kanami? Why're you so worked up...?
Mihono: And also... Why'd you bring everybody here...?
Akira: Sorry, it's all cause of me. I went and talked to Kaoru and Ellen, cause it was looking like you were thinking about giving yourself up...
Kaoru: We'd be in trouble if Akira's pointless worrying actually meant something. So I got them along to really drive it home.
Ellen: It's a show of virtue, Mihomiho!
Mihono: Uh, I'm happy to hear that and all, but...
Chie: Mihono-chan. I'll never let you do something like that.
Hiyori: Agreed. Sacrificing somebody just to get out of this; nobody wants that.
Kiyoka: Hono-chan, if you come up with any strange ideas... I'll stop you by force.
Mihono: Kiyoka, when you say that holding your okatana, it's actually really scary...
Mihono: And anyway, I wasn't thinking anything like that!!
Akira: ...Seriously?
Mihono: Seriously!
Mihono: With Tagitsuhime, and Kanayamahime... with Kagutsuchi, trying to sacrifice one person never really fixed anything, did it?
Mihono: Even if it did, all the people left would just be hurting inside... I'm dumb and even I can tell that!
Akira: Wait, then what were you thinking about back then?
Mihono: Back when?
Akira: Back when we went to see Yuuki in the hospital!
Mihono: Then...? About Kohime, I guess.
Kaoru: Oi, are you changing the subject?
Chie: Mihono-chan, can you explain everything from the start?
Mihono: Ah, okay.
Mihono: Well first, I was thinking, if we have to fight Kagutsuchi, we're definitely going to need Kanayamahime's power after all.
Mihono: And that I should probably try something too, like how Kiyoka tried really hard to use Koryuu Kagemitsu.
Kiyoka: Did you come up with anything?
Mihono: Well, I figured I just shouldn't do that.
Ellen: But why? You're right that, if we had Kanayamahime's help, fighting Kagutsuchi would go much easier.
Mihono: I mean maybe.
Mihono: But, Kanayamahime said the reason she's with me is cause she wants to be with me. Not because she wants to fight.
Kanami: I think that's really nice... The way you thought this through.
Mihono: Ehehe, thanks, Kanami.
Mihono: So anyway, I was thinking... If we had Kohime around now maybe we could do something.
Mihono: If Kohime were here, maybe we could talk to Kanayamahime and find out what she thinks.
Mihono: Huh, it's from Kohime.
Chie: Speak of the devil.
Mihono: Wait, huhhhhhh!? Kohime's coming out here!?

9: Toji (Me) and Aradama (You)

Makoto: Blue flames...
Makoto: Am I... dreaming...?
Kagutsuchi: ...
Makoto: Are you... Kagutsuchi...? Why is it that you're afraid of toji...?
Kagutsuchi: ...
Makoto: Even here like this... I can feel your fear towards us...
Makoto: But, why is that...
Kagutsuchi: ...
Makoto: ...I feel the same, Kagutsuchi.
Makoto: I'm afraid of you (aradama) as well...
Makoto: That, at any point, you might hurt the people dearest to me... scares me so much I can't help it...
Makoto: That's why... I tried to use tamayori, so no one would be hurt...
Kagutsuchi: ...
Makoto: The both of us... We're somewhat similar like that...
Kagutsuchi: ...?
Makoto: Kagutsuchi...?
Makoto: Something's coming...?

10: Reunion with a Little Aradama

Yukari: I'm glad you could make it, Kohime.
Kohime: I wanted to help Mihono too, so I'm glad you called for me.
Yukari: ...Do you understand the situation?
Kohime: The Sword Administration Bureau is in a stalemate. No one can push through the high temperature zone Kagutsuchi made.
Yukari: That's right.
Kohime: My role is to get near Kagutsuchi by moving through the torii gates. And talk to her if possible.
Kohime: ...Is that wrong?
Yukari: No, there's nothing wrong with your understanding of it.
Yukari: Do you think you'll be able to withstand Kagutsuchi's heat?
Kohime: I should be fine. When I practiced in Okinawa, I didn't have trouble.
Yukari: I see. Still, keep your limits in mind.
Kohime: I will.
Yukari: I suppose that's all.
Yukari: Though, now... There isn't much time, but you should meet with Asakura and the others.
Kohime: Can I?
Yukari: Yes; Asakura should be glad to see you.
Kohime: Okay!
Kohime: Mihono!
Mihono: We were waiting for you, Kohime! It's been so long; have you been doing okay?
Kohime: I have!
Kohime: ...I'm sorry, Mihono.
Mihono: Eh? Wh-What for!? Were you not doing okay!?
Kohime: Not for that... I heard about what happened with Kanayamahime. When you were having so much trouble, I couldn't be with you.
Mihono: That's okay. See, I'm doing just fine now!
Chie: It's been a while, Kohime-chan. We were surprised to hear you came out here so suddenly.
Mirja: For you to visit now of all times; it's related to Kagutsuchi, isn't it?
Kohime: Mmhm, I'm going to go talk to her.
Kofuki: Talk to her?
Kofuki: Don't waste your time; just chop her to pieces. You got trained by Yukari-sama, didn't you?
Kohime: I'm doing my best in training... but I'm not that strong yet.
Yui: It hasn't been all that long since she started; she can't help it! But, once you're done, you should show us how strong you've gotten!
Kohime: Okay!
Kiyoka: Kohime-chan, Nitta-san also happens to be here now! We can call her right over.
Kohime: Sorry, Kiyoka. I can't be here that long.
Kohime: I'll talk to Hirona after I get back.
Mihono: Oh... Don't push yourself too hard, okay?
Kohime: I won't. I'm glad I got to see you all again. I have to go now!
Mihono: Stay safe!

11: Aradama in Company

Kohime: Okay, I'm going.
Yukari: ...Don't force yourself to fight if it's unneeded.
Kohime: I won't.
Kohime: Nn? Something's on my back...
Nene: Nene!
Kohime: ...An aradama?
Kaoru: Looks like we made it before you went.
Yukari: Mashiko? Why are you here?
Kaoru: I was fine with waiting for you to get back, but Nene wasn't hearing any of it.
Kohime: Nene?
Kaoru: That's this little guy's name.
Nene: Ne!
Kaoru: I think he really wanted to tell you something. Sorry, but could you give him a minute?
Yukari: That's fine.
Nene: Nene, nenene.
Kohime: Yeah
Nene: Nee... Ne?
Kohime: Eh? But, then... Yukari. And, um...
Kaoru: Mashiko Kaoru. Just Kaoru's fine.
Kohime: Okay, Kaoru.
Kohime: Kaoru... Nene says he wants to go together with me.
Kaoru: Ahh... So that's why. Then, do you think you could bring him?
Kohime: Well...
Kaoru: If you're worried about Nene, don't be. He might not look like it, but he can at least watch out for himself.
Kohime: Yukari...
Yukari: I'll leave it up to you.
Kohime: ...
Nene: Nene! Nenenene!
Kohime: ...Okay. Let's go talk to Kagutsuchi together.
Kaoru: Good for you, Nene.
Nene: Nene-!
Kohime: Kaoru.
Kaoru: What?
Kohime: When I come back, could you tell me about you and Nene?
Kaoru: Sure. I'll cancel my missions and hang around.

12: Path of Flames (1)

Kohime: We're here... It sure is hot. Will you be okay, Nene?
Nene: Ne~...
Kohime: You can get through it? Then, let's hurry.
Nene: Ne!

13: Path of Flames (2)

Kohime: There's lots of aradama.
Nene: Nenene...
Kohime: Mm, they're really on guard for toji.
Kohime: ...I don't think I can fight those yet. Can you, Nene?
Nene: Nenene, nenene-!
Kohime: You can? You're amazing, Nene.
Nene: Nene.
Nene: ...Nee-.
Kohime: Mm, it's hot. When we get back, I want to have a cold bath.
Nene: Ne-, nene!
Kohime: Yeah, with everyone...
Kohime: Huh? It's not that hot here.
Nene: Ne~.
Kohime: Are you Kagutsuchi?
Kagutsuchi: ...
Kohime: I am Kohime. I came here to talk to you.
Nene: Nene!!

14: Breakdown

Kohime: Tell us, Kagutsuchi. Why did you say to kill Mihono?
Kagutsuchi: ...
Kohime: We shouldn't be involved with toji? Why do you think that?
Kagutsuchi: ...
Kohime: ...You're scared?
Kohime: I understand that. Toji are there to kill us. That's scary...
Kohime: But, Mihono wouldn't kill aradama if she didn't have to.
Kohime: Aradama and humans can be friends! That's what Mihono taught me!
Nene: Ne! Nenene!
Kohime: Nene says so too.
Kohime: So you should stop doing this! If you stop, toji won't use their okatana on you!
Kagutsuchi: ...
Kohime: It's not impossible!
Kohime: Can't you just try talking once? Kagutsuchi!
Kagutsuchi: ...
Kohime: Aradama!?
Nene: Ne!? Nenene!!
Kagutsuchi: ...
Kohime: ...I think they think we're the enemy.
Nene: Ne-...
Kohime: (We wouldn't be able to win against Kagutsuchi...)
Kohime: Let's run, Nene!