Submarine: Ruthless Battlefield, Okinawa - 2

[verdantgrove]

 

Location: Okinawa Beach

<A few hours later, on a certain beach in Okinawa>

Keito: Kiryu, Kanzaki, we’re finally here!

So this is Okinawa…!

I see. I had expected that being surrounded by the ocean everywhere we looked wouldn’t be much different from our environment at both Yumenosaki and ES.

But what I hadn’t expected is that the climate would be so much more pleasant in winter. This should allow us to make significant strides in our idol activities.

Souma: Fufu. You have suddenly become quite talkative indeed, Hasumi-dono. It is a rare sight to see you so exuberant. 

Keito: Is that a bad thing? A temple’s work is rooted in its land, so I haven’t ever had much opportunity to leave my hometown. Just setting foot on some faraway land is thrilling. It’s wonderful.

Souma: Hmm. I, however, have traversed the lands to visit many shrines of different whereabouts as a part of gatherings and other events of the sort. I suppose the practices of temples and shrines differ from one another, even in what it means to place one’s faith in Buddha as opposed to God.

Keito: It’s not so much a belief held by my religion as it is one held by my family. Ah, no— it’s more like a personal inclination of mine.

I had a childhood friend who was much like an infant that could die if you took your eyes off it, and another with whom I wanted to share my thoughts each and every day.

On top of that, I don’t think I had much desire to leave my hometown as a young child either.

I became increasingly concerned that I’d be living the rest of my life like that, though, and so after I’d hit puberty, I did once leave home for no particular reason.

I set out on a solitary journey, under the guise that I was going to compete in an archery tournament.

But I ended up growing homesick almost immediately after I left. It was like leaving a part of my soul behind— I couldn’t just do it that easily.

Souma: Fufu. If that is the case, then I believe it is quite necessary we carry out our battles on this land as soon as possible before you begin to grow hoomushikku once more.

Were we to lack you, Hasumi-dono, Akatsuki would be left with only my inexperienced self and Kiryu-dono—considering he is feeling unwell, we would surely have absolutely no chance of success.

Keito: Speaking of which, is Kiryu alright…?

Kuro: Sorry, ‘m sorry— 

Souma: Hmm. Kiryu-dono has been naught but an endless string of apologies for quite some time now.

I believe that motion sickness is not typically a prolonged state of illness— after he has had a nice meal and a moment to rest, his condition should improve significantly.

Keito: Mhm. Kiryu’s a strong man, after all.

Kuro: Sorry...

Souma: Fufu. Though this may be foolish of me to suggest, perhaps it would be best if we were to allow Kiryu-dono a moment to rest in some temporary lodging before we begin to do anything else. Hasumi-dono, where exactly are we to stay while we are here?

Keito: Don’t leave everything up to me to figure out; go ahead and look into it yourself, Kanzaki. To be clear, I don’t actually mind taking this role; I don’t dislike being in charge and knowing everything ahead of time.

Souma: If anything, you would be much more discontented were I to interpose myself into your planning, would you not, Hasumi-dono?

Keito: Well, you’ve certainly grown bolder, you little— ...♪ 

Kuro: ...Hasumi… Kanzaki...

Souma: Ah. Kiryu-dono is attempting to bring something to our attention.

Keito: Kanzaki, you don’t have to answer this, but... How is it that you’re able to move with such ease while you’re carrying a man so much bigger than you— Kiryu, that is— on your back? You’re even carrying a large amount of luggage... You’ve got quite the physical strength there.

Souma: Fufu. That, I simply owe to my incessant training. The ability to carry a heavy weight relies not on one’s muscular strength, but rather on how they distribute the burden of that weight throughout their body.

Kuro: ...Beh—...

Souma: Hm hm? My deepest apologies, Kiryu-dono, but may I request that you enunciate your words ever so slightly mo— 

Kuro: —Behind you!

Souma: …!?

(What on earth!? There are innumerable men shuffling through the thicket behind us!)

(And this matter only grows more pressing in seeing that these men are caught in the throes of some sort of unnatural rage! It is almost as if they are possessed by evil spirits!)

(Moreover, they are armed with rod-shaped objects that appear to be weapons?! These men very clearly come with ill intent…!)

Withdraw, Hasumi-dono! I shall leave Kiryu-dono in your hands!

Keito: Wah?! Don’t just throw a person like you’d throw a ball!

Souma: It is urgent that I handle this matter! Do forgive me!

Hah! You lowly fools have made a grave error in provoking us! What good fortune that we were able to travel upon Tenshouin-dono’s private watercraft rather than being resigned to travel by air!

I had not been required to go through an inspection of my luggage, and so I am able to wield my beloved sword thusly and without issue, even in this faraway land!

Keito: Aah! But SS is going to be broadcasted nationwide! I demanded you leave behind anything dangerous, didn’t I?!

We’re used to your antics over at ES, but what makes you think the general populace is going to be as accepting?!

Souma: And I am well aware of such a consequence! However, it is not as if we shall die if we are to fall victim to some minor financial distress as a result of less than favorable press coverage, yes? Rather, I desire the strength to fight against physical violence above all else!

Look upon me, you ruffians! I know not whether you have fallen from the heavens above or sprouted from the earth below, but you shall regret having even dared to challenge us!

The sand beneath our feet may disappear, but my military prowess never shall!1 I hold no malice towards you all, but if it is your intention to make an adversary of us, I shall reduce you to nothing more than the rust upon my blade!

Keito: Kanzaki, calm down! We’re no longer in the Edo period where you can just kill anyone who’s affronted you without question! If anything, you’re the one who’s acting the villain here, you know?!

Souma: How utterly laughable a sentiment! We as Akatsuki are well accustomed to the role of the villain, you know! Fuhahahaha ☆ 

Keito: K-Kanzaki! Don’t tell me this is how you’re showing your excitement about the trip…?!

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TL Notes:

1: This line is a reference to a part of the death poem of Ishikawa Goemon (a famous folk hero and Japanese outlaw) which he recited at his execution. The poem originally reads:

The sand [of the Ishikawa river] may disappear, 

but the seeds of thieves never shall.

Souma replaces “the seeds of thieves” with “my military prowess”.

 

Proofread by 310mc, Revoltrad, and ryuseipuka