Yamiyo no Hotaru

Chapter 126

　"Well then, as I've conveyed, do you get it? Then, it's about time for me to go."

　"Yeah, got it."

　In a room within an inn in the Shiromoku city, the two conversed quietly. One was dressed in attire, while the other picked at a morning meal of rice porridge.

　"..."

　While preparing to go outside, Tamaki glanced sideways, sneakily observing the appearance of her wolf friend. Seated cross-legged in front of a pot, her friend consumed the rice with pickles as she usually did.

　Her friend's behavior was typical. Pretending to lead an ordinary day, concealing true emotions.

　"..!"

　Gritting her teeth, Tamaki suppressed her emotions. Despite understanding each other so well. Avoiding it, as if both were deceiving each other, felt unbearable.

　The absent friend, who should be there, comes to mind. Normally, she wouldn't be indifferent to the silence in the room. In fact, she'd be the type to act first in such situations.

　...No, she's actually acting. She was proactive. Tamaki knows. When Tamaki returned to her room the other night, she noticed her friend rubbing her side as if trying to conceal something. Considering her master's warning in the corridor that night, she was probably warned and disciplined before Tamaki, as a precaution.

　(Though it's hard to believe she'd obediently follow that...)

　Is it a curse or some kind of threat? If it's plausible, could it be related to her? If so, Tamaki feels genuinely sorry. While she'd never voice it to protect her friend's honor, she apologizes to Iruka in her heart.

　(...But is it fortunate that Iruka avoids danger?)

　Memories of a past event in her hometown resurface. Her friend with a torn belly while darkness closing in. And it happened just half a year ago. How much has she changed since then? She couldn't confidently answer if asked. In fact, she's become increasingly aware of her own powerlessness.

　Whether in Hieda County or Mount Horaku, she's achieved nothing. Protected nothing... Paradoxically, that's why Tamaki felt relieved her friend is in a safe place. At least Iruka is safe.

　So now, all she has to do is find her other friend...!!

　"Hey, Tamaki."

　"Huh?! Um, umm... what is it, Iruka!?"

　...Tamaki was completely taken aback by the unexpected call. A huge mistake from the outset. A major failure. Internally, she felt like crying at her own incompetence.

　"...Come on, you're panicking too much, aren't you? Don't get worried. Okay?"

　Iruka, who called out, seemed to be exasperated, and her pitiable gaze made Tamaki feel embarrassed. Under that gaze, Tamaki hung her head in shame.

　"Settle down. If you're too tense, you'll miss the mark, you know? You'll end up like that bobbed-hair freak over there."

　With a sharp, almost cheerful sound, Iruka announced this while crushing a cucumber pickle between her teeth. The bobbed-hair... Was she referring to her senior disciple of the Ako family?

　"Well, considering the simple prowess alone, she's probably better than you, and maybe even better than me? She's got natural luck... But she's a bit weak. She's good in training, but she acts foolishly in real battles."

　"Uh, yeah..."

　Iruka's tone included mockery. Tamaki couldn't deny it. Rather, she averted her gaze, as if it hit the bull's-eye. Over the past half year or so of being together, Tamaki had realized that all too well. ...No, how has her senior disciple managed to survive until today?