Ichimaru’s hunt group came from both sides of the woods and threw their spears over the lizard, with ropes attached to them. Each one of them grabbed the spear from the partner at the other side and thrust them down, constraining the enemy against the ground. The strategy didn’t last for long, as the demon’s strength started to tear the ropes, but Ichimaru didn’t need much time.
“Hold’im, boys!” He shouted while jumping from the top of a nearby tree with a great sword ready to strike. The blade hit the lizard’s neck with precision, and its head rolled over. Ichimaru jumped from the top of the slain enemy’s corpse and landed right next his sister.
“Well, well, it seems someone has been disobeying daddy’s orders!” Ichimaru provoked her, grinning. “How does it feel to have your ass saved by your little brother?”
“It is something new, indeed,” she replied. “Usually it’s you that’s in trouble.”
“That’s right!” Ichimaru simply smiled back. Thrusting the great sword into the ground, he hugged his sister. “You are OK, right?”
“I am, thank you… Wait a minute! Did daddy lend you Tokigin?!”
“Yeah, he said it was about time that I tried to wield a real weapon. He said he would have another sword made just for me later. What?” he asked, intrigued with Sazume’s expression.
“Nothing…” She contained her envy, as she was more worried about Kumari, who was having difficulty breathing.
“Is that Kumari?” Ichimaru asked. “Crap, he’s wasted!”
“Watch your tongue, brother! He is like that because he was protecting me!”
“Really? He was with you this whole time I was out?” he asked, jealous, but Sazume ignored him.
“Let’s take him to the castle. He needs urgent help.”
“Leave it to me. Hey, boys! Finish up that nest! I’m heading back to the castle.”
“Hold on, Kumari,” she begged, but he had already passed out.
