Mob Yandere

[Part 1/4]

That youkai had been observing the humans all along, using their excellent abilities in illusion and stealth to lurk in the forest with its subordinates.

Well, to be precise, they were aware that at least one human had sensed their presence... but for some reason, that human didn't try to exterminate them or inform anyone else about them.

It was an extremely mysterious phenomenon, but at the same time, it was a clear fact that had to be accepted. After all, even during the great war 500 years ago when the ground was covered in piles of corpses, there were cases of humans pulling each other's legs for various reasons. With the current balance of power among humans being what it was, such a situation was even more possible. As the observer, they came to this conclusion through their high intelligence and experience as a member of their species.

...In any case, that wasn't the most important issue right now.

'More importantly, the problem is what's happening inside, right?'

It was nearly one hour until the humans would collectively attack the magnificent mansion, 'Mayoiga,' and destroy it. Despite some allies still unable to escape, the others continued their preparations to obliterate the place. Humans, as always, seemed like a gathering of cold-blooded creatures.

Of course, it was true that this youkai was also forced to wait mechanically due to the lack of internal communication...

'Now then, what is Yuka-san doing? I wish they would retrieve the target soon.'

To the weasel youkai, it might not matter much since they could create a substitute as many times as they wanted, but it was different for this observer. Lurking around with a swarm of exorcists buzzing around for so long was unbearable for their mental well-being. They sighed deeply, lamenting their position of having to do fieldwork.

"Oh no, oh no. Wasn't it said that sighing makes happiness escape? That's troublesome! Very troublesome indeed!"

While this observer didn't care if all beings in the world plunged into unhappiness, they firmly believed that they, at least, had to be happy. The observer chastised their foolish behavior and, as if trying to put on an air of composure, shook their head in self-reproach...

"Hmm?"

...Suddenly, by chance, they spotted a presence within their field of view.

"Oh my? Oh, oh my, oh my? Is that..."

For a moment, the observer doubted their own eyes, but then they squinted from the shade of a tree and fixed their gaze on the figure again. The observer pressed their forehead as if trying to see through and carefully observed. They double-checked and triple-checked... and finally acknowledged the person's presence.

A white fox child among the humans' camp—a presence that naturally blended in as if it belonged there.

"This might be... No, but wait. Why would someone like her be in a place like this? And why in that form..."

They murmured, unconsciously touching their chin with their hand and expressing doubt. From the observer's perspective, it was highly perplexing and mysterious to see someone like her in this place, especially in such a pitiful form.

"Well, well, this is troublesome. Perhaps she's playing 'human games,' or... if she has some ulterior motive, it could cause problems if she interferes with the prey."

Although the observer had a relationship that wasn't particularly deep, it wasn't like they were complete strangers. In the past, they had interacted to some extent through 'Nee-sama,' and they had even participated in some 'entertainment' involving humans along with the other members of their kind.

As such, the observer was well aware of her fiery temperament, her rashness, and her notable talent... they wondered what kind of tantrum she would throw if they inadvertently provoked her. The observer's and the girl's species tended to have irritable personalities; they didn't want to unnecessarily attract her grudges in a place like this.

"However, I can't just abandon my duties here and ignore her."

If they could ignore each other's existence as if it never happened, that would be for the best. If they had any desire, it would be to consider this meeting in a place like this as some sort of fate. Utilizing her unpleasant nature for their benefit wouldn't be a bad idea.

"Well then, since this is a rare opportunity, why not take a chance and extend an invitation?"

After all, words are free. With that thought, the observer's mouth curved upwards. They elegantly wiggled their eight tails extending from behind...

* * *

The clash of blades continued, and the metallic sound of their intersection echoed ceaselessly in the surroundings.

"You're good at holding on...!!"

The lion-like woman sarcastically praised the young girl before her. Indeed, Hotoya Tamaki, the exorcist, displayed swordsmanship and skill that even seasoned experts would find impressive.

Tamaki's movements were improving rapidly, and she was shedding her novice demeanor, adapting to the experienced opponent before her. Although there were a few precarious moments, Shishimai's naginata was expertly countered by Tamaki's quick thinking. Despite being an exorcist for less than half a year, her talent and potential seemed extraordinary, bordering on natural-born prowess.

"Shishimai-san, why, why are you doing this...!! Please stop!!"

Tamaki cried out as she deflected the thrust of the naginata with her wakizashi. Her face contorted with desperation, seeking a moment of respite. But...

"If I could do that... I wouldn't have to go through so much trouble!!"

Shishimai replied, and in the blink of an eye, she closed the distance and struck with a swift kick empowered by her half-youkai strength and spiritual energy.

"Ah!?"

Tamaki's wrist guards intercepted the kick, but she was still sent flying by the impact. The force shattered the guards, and she was slammed against the earthen wall.

"Ahh...!!"

As she tried to protect herself from the incoming light with her wakizashi, it was quickly shattered by the force. Despair washed over Tamaki as Shishimai's naginata plunged deep into her vision. Their eyes met, and Shishimai's gaze was sharp.

"Shishimai-san, why... Why did you save me, only to do this...!!?"

"Ah...!? Stop it. Don't look at me like that, please."

Shishimai briefly met Tamaki's despair-filled gaze but looked away uneasily. She bites her tongue.

"Although I don't hold a grudge against you. It can't be helped. No one can go against their own circumstances. I can't die in a place like this. ...I can't die, no matter what."

"I can't die...?"

Tamaki reacted to Shishimai's words. Shishimai showed a conflicted expression, seemingly unsure of what to do, but she reluctantly revealed a glimpse of her current situation.

And it was, the contract with 'Mayoiga'.

"Am I a monster's servant, a lackey, or a slave? Whatever it is, this is the result of begging for my life from that bastard. I've become nothing but a puppet following its orders. Hahaha, it's laughable."

Shishimai answered, explaining her circumstances, how she sought mercy from a monster and ended up being held captive. She revealed her current role.

"I helped you because the master of this mansion needed it. Quite cowardly, isn't it? It seems that bastard sent me with my memories sealed just to mess with you."

Then Shishimai exhales a sigh.

"The reason they didn't unseal my memories when I attacked other and manipulated my body was to upset you, okay? Well, it had no effect on that servant and the exorcists, though."

"Wha...!?"

Tamaki's expression turned puzzled by the revelation, but Shishimai continued, coldly laughing as she pulled her naginata out from the earth wall.

"Now, let's stop the chit-chat, shall we?"

"Shishimai-san...!!"

"I won't kill you. I've been ordered not to... But I'll cut off your limbs."

With a menacing gesture, Shishimai shook off Tamaki's fear-ridden reaction and raised her naginata, ready to strike...

'I won't let you, puppet.'

"!!?"

An unexpected call came from somewhere, and in that moment, Shishimai's vision was obscured by a ofuda (a talismanic paper). The ofuda had been hidden since Tamaki entered the labyrinth and had now stuck to Shishimai's face. Startled by the sudden surprise attack, Shishimai inadvertently deviated the trajectory of her naginata strike. The blade only grazed Tamaki's cheek.

"!!? ...You!"

In the momentary confusion and shock, Tamaki quickly pulled out a dagger she had kept by her side and cut the naginata's blade from its base.

"What!?"

Momentary surprise at losing her naginata, but Shishimai quickly reacted, tearing the ofuda stuck to her face and attempting to engage in hand-to-hand combat with her claws and physical abilities. However, it was clearly a reckless move.

'I told you, I won't let you.'

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