According to Seimei, that ancient samurai possessed characteristics of the Minamoto Clan, and Miketsu, after combining this with Mokou's previous descriptions, deduced that the individual might be of imperial lineage. Miketsu was herself surprised upon realizing this.
Could this series of events be related to the Imperial family? Are they behind it? But what would be their motive for carrying out such a harmful operation against Heian-kyo? Although the Imperial family has now almost become puppets, they are still, nominally, the rulers of this country. Their fundamental interests are intrinsically tied to Heian-kyo, so they would have absolutely no motive to be involved in such an affair.
After much deliberation, Miketsu ultimately felt that these matters were unlikely to be closely related to the Imperial family. Even if that ancient samurai was confirmed to be of imperial lineage, it would have been from several centuries ago. If he had been wandering outside for so long, his ties to the current Imperial family might have been completely severed, much like Mokou and the Fujiwara Clan.
However, even if these matters were unrelated to the Imperial family, they could still serve as a starting point to investigate that ancient samurai. If his true identity could be confirmed, many secrets might be unveiled.
Thus, Miketsu settled on a direction for her investigation. She planned to begin paying attention to the Imperial family and gathering relevant information once she returned.
“Lord Owl, have you thought of something?” Seimei asked directly, observing Miketsu's pensive expression beside him. He was very curious why this mysterious great yokai would fall into such deep thought after hearing those words about the Minamoto Clan. What did she know?
“Just some conjectures...” Miketsu did not directly answer Seimei. Instead, she shifted her gaze to Nura Rihyon and Tamamura, who were unconscious and recovering from their injuries nearby. Then, with considerable concern, she asked.
“Are they alright?”
“Although they are quite severely injured, their lives are not in danger. They are yokai and can recover quickly.”
“That's good...” Hearing Seimei's words, Miketsu let out a sigh of relief. Her anxious heart finally settled.
At this moment, Miketsu noticed that the conflicting demonic energies in the distance had now subsided. The clashes of weapons and shouts of battle had gradually faded to nothing. She knew that the Tengu rebellion had been quelled, Roku's rebels suppressed, and Aoi and her forces had achieved final victory.
This calamity for Sugo Ungo and Heian-kyo could be considered safely overcome for now. However, the losses sustained by both sides would require a long time to recover from.
...
Afterwards, Aoi, having achieved victory, led a Tengu troop to find Miketsu and her companions. They swiftly transferred the wounded to specialized rooms for careful treatment. After briefly but solemnly thanking and settling Miketsu, they hurriedly went about their busy work. As one of Sugo Ungo's leaders, there was now a mountain of affairs to manage and aftermath to handle.
Having lost their clan leader and experienced a rebellion, Sugo Ungo was now at its most critical juncture. Fortunately, the Tengu's strong organizational capabilities prevented basic order from collapsing and kept the situation under control. Under the deliberation of the various Tengu elders, Aoi, who had contributed the most to quelling the rebellion and possessed considerable prestige, was nominated as the acting clan leader, to manage the clan's affairs until a new Great Tengu emerged.
Nura Rihyon and Tamamura awakened later that day. Facing such severe injuries this time, although the two still teased and joked with each other as usual, Miketsu could discern subtle shadows of resentment and unwillingness in their expressions. The Divine Messenger's immense power had made them realize the weakness of their own strength, and it was inevitable that they would momentarily withdraw into themselves.
“I never imagined I'd end up being a hindrance. If not for Lord Owl, I'd probably be six feet under by now... Looks like I'll have to train twice as hard. Next time I meet him, I'll get my revenge.”
“Damn it... I can't believe a human could be that strong... it's just unreasonable... If I don't pin him to the ground and beat him next time I see him, I'll be too ashamed to return to Shikoku...”
“Oh, oh~ Big Tanuki and White Hair are both hurt... They can't move, how pathetic...”
Incidentally, having foreseen the dangers of the battle earlier, Miketsu had kept Yamausagi far away beforehand, not allowing her to participate. Seeing the injured Nura Rihyon and Tamamura, she was unusually obedient this time, neither jumping nor causing a fuss, behaving very meekly.
Having received a secret spiritual message from Heian-kyo, Seimei was urgently recalled to Heian-kyo. Thus, after a brief farewell to Miketsu, he departed on his White Crane. He would relay all that had transpired in Sugo Ungo to the Onmyoryo, in order to resolve the misunderstandings between the two sides.
As this incident had occurred somewhat suddenly, Miketsu had only sent Konkiku to convey a message to Tsuruha and the others before joining the Tengu. Therefore, Miketsu was somewhat concerned that Tsuruha and the others at Inari Mountain might be overly worried about her situation. Thus, after spending half a day admiring the scenery of Sugo Ungo as a small excursion, she also decided to return to Heian-kyo first. As for Nura Rihyon and Tamamura, the Tengu promised to send them over as soon as their injuries improved a little, so Miketsu had no need to worry.
...
After the bloody night of rebellion, Sugo Ungo returned to its former tranquility. Amidst the clouds and mist, the towering peaks and mountain streams stood as always.
Miketsu and Makoto stood atop a tall mountain peak. Before them were Aoi and a group of Tengu, including many high-ranking Tengu elders.
“We will diligently care for your subordinates and safely escort them to Heian-kyo, so please do not worry.” Facing Miketsu, Aoi spoke very politely. Miketsu responded with a corresponding nod.
“Mm... I hope you all also safely overcome this predicament.”
“Please rest assured about that. For the long-storied Sugo Ungo, such situations have not been uncommon in the past, and we have ample strategies to navigate the current crisis...” As she spoke, Aoi's gaze drifted towards the Heavenly Pillar Peak, which pierced the clouds in the distance, and the thick, dark clouds gathered above it.
At this moment, countless young Tengu were attempting to cross the dark clouds and reach the mountain peak directly, but without exception, they were blown back and hindered by fierce winds and lightning. After this, they would begin their challenge anew, and among them was the silhouette of that same young Tengu from before.
“One day, a true Great Tengu will pass the Thundercloud Trial, acquire Tengu-do, and Sugo Ungo will welcome a new Great Clan Leader. Then... everything in Sugo Ungo will return to its proper course.”
Aoi finished speaking softly, then turned her gaze back to Miketsu, speaking with immense solemnity.
“Lord Owl, we will not forget your benevolence towards Sugo Ungo. You will forever be Sugo Ungo's friend, and should you ever have need, we will assist you with all our might.” As Aoi spoke, she removed the mask from her face, revealing a valiant expression, and performed a unique bow. Behind her, all the Tengu followed suit, removing their masks and bowing.
It was only much later that Miketsu learned the ritual Aoi and her Tengu had performed was called the 【Mask Removal Ceremony】. It was a revered Tengu etiquette, performed by the proud Tengu only in the presence of the most esteemed individuals.
...
With everything properly settled, Miketsu and Makoto began their journey back. Riding a beautiful, bright yellow bird, Miketsu flew towards Heian-kyo.
And along this journey, she once again heard the sound of prayers.
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