Surprise Attack

Threads of their brown hair lingered in front of dual daggers. The assailant’s fox-like smile widened as they saw Yukimura struggling. “What’s wrong? Did you expect me to miss a trip to Meido, Yuki?”

“Were you tailing us, Satori?”

“Yup! Ever since you left the car. Aren’t I the best?” Before she could give Satori a response, they leaned toward Yukimura’s ear and whispered, “I know you didn’t kill the Yuki-onna.”

When Yukimura heard that, she lost focus for a second. How did you know? She thought to herself. And that second was all the time Satori needed to recite a single word.

“Cyclone.” Sharp and harsh winds surrounded Yukimura after Satori uttered that word. As those winds began to cut away at Yukimura’s skin and clothes, Satori leapt back. However, when they landed, a crimson fist was waiting for them. “Oh, Shin, nice—”

Shin didn’t entertain Satori’s words. He only threw his mana-loaded fist at her in a fit of rage. Although none of the attacks Shin attempted collided with Satori’s body, the flurry of blows did cause them to focus on Shin for a second.

As Satori shifted their attention from Yukimura to Shin, the spell around Yukimura dissipated. Before Yukimura collapsed to the ground, Takeda caught her, and the Ozeki siblings followed a few steps behind him.

“Suki, are you okay? Suki, can you hear me?” Takeda’s voice rose as his body continued to shake.

“Yes, Dad, I’m awake.” Yukimura smiled at Takeda as he clenched his teeth.

“Hinako, heal Yukimura,” Takeda said as he gently laid Yukimura on the ground. His shaking stopped as he stood up, watching the fight between Shin and Satori unfold.

“Okay, I will.” Hinako bent down and began silently reciting her sealing magic for Yukimura.

“Oh yeah! I get to have my rematch!” Rentarou stood behind Takeda, pounding both of his fists together. “This time—”

“No, Rentarou, you stay here. I need you to protect your sister and Yukimura in case she attempts a sneak attack.” Rentarou balled his hand into a fist, wanting to protest, but before he could, Takeda shouted. “That’s an order! You can disobey if you want, but then you might be putting your sister in harm’s way.”

Takeda started to dash to Satori after saying those words, but before Rentarou was out of earshot, he shouted toward Takeda. “You'd better beat her up well for me! If you lose, I’m killing both of ya!”