Chapter 42

**A Slave's Resolve** is chapter forty-two of the *Mato Seihei no Slave* manga.

## Summary

With Kidoumaru defeated, Yuuki Wakura congratulates Kyouka Uzen, but the two quickly realize that the Eight Thunder Gods are gone. A boulder collapses behind Yuuki and he realizes that the cave is breaking apart, a result of Jouryuu's attack earlier. Kyouka orders Yuuki to help her retrieve the injured and escape the cave.

Meanwhile, Shikoku flees the scene. She is surprised at how one-sided the fight was between Kyouka and Kidoumaru. She also found Yuuki to be rather interesting.

With the 6th and 7th Unit members gathered, Tenka Izumo uses her Ame-no-Mitori to teleport them to outside the cave. Kyouka and Yuuki then meet with Aoba Wakura, who now stands alone. Yuuki asks how she is and she assures him that her injuries will heal quickly. Observing his remains, Aoba admits she was not aware how dangerous Kidoumaru was. Kyouka informs Aoba that Kidoumaru did great damage to the human world, just like Kumadouji, whom Yuuki notices is gone. To Yuuki's surprise, Tenka returns, explaining that she wanted to be present for a "familial matter". Tenka informs Kyouka that the others are fine as the reinforcements at the cave entrance are tending to them. However, she further clarifies that they can't communicate with them from outside the cave, and so they must meet face-to-face. Kyouka asks Aoba is she still plans to revolt, but Aoba admits she no longer plans to as their Shuuki are gone and Naon Yuno and Koko Zenibako have been kidnapped. Still, Aoba is fiercely determined to save Naon and Koko. Since Aoba no longer plans to fight them, Kyouka will not fight her either, a sentiment that Tenka agrees with.

Yuuki asks Aoba to let the Anti-Demon Corps protect her, but Aoba insists that, while Kyouka and Tenka are trustworthy, she cannot trust the entire organization. When asked how she plans to survive, Aoba explains to Yuuki that there are other Hidden Villages and the other Humanoid Shuuki have already evacuated the one she showed him. Tenka remarks that Aoba's decision is valid, admitting that she is aware of the problems within the Anti-Demon Corps. Tenka says it is a problem of ideologies, which Kyouka clarifies is due to commander Ren Yamashiro. Tenka and Kyouka further explain that Yamashiro is a very patriotic leader who would sacrifice some for the sake of the many and she is likely colluding with the Onmyou Agency. Although Tenka herself could not attack Aoba, she claims that Yamashiro certainly would. Tenka says that, if Aoba asks for their protection, they will provide it, but it is probably the better choice to stay hidden and it is fortunate that no one could see them from outside the cave. Kyouka also says she will begin looking into the Onmyou Agency. Yuuki wonders how long Aoba and the other Humanoid Shuuki would have to stay hidden and Kyouka replies that is a simple matter of ensuring that she becomes the next commander. If that is the case, they should only have to stay hidden until the next Chief Elections. Since the current administration is trying to profit off of Mato, Kyouka proclaims that she will change their priorities to be the elimination of the Shuuki and to cure Aoba and the other Humanoid Shuuki. Aoba replies that, if she can do that, they will accept her protection. Yuuki asks Kyouka what she would have to do to become commander and Kyouka replies that they would need achievements, including defeating Shuuki and perhaps defeating the Thunder Gods. Yuuki observes that this would mean he would also be of use.

As another earthquake hits, Kyouka says they need to get going and Aoba says she will leave through the back. Aoba gives a tender smile to Yuuki as she says goodbye to him and tells him she will be watching him. Yuuki declares he will definitely find a way to help her. Aoba embraces him, overjoyed by how strong he has become and awards him "One Quadrillion Points". As they escape, Yuuki contemplates that he fought because he wanted to be a hero, but now he fights because he wants to save his sister.

## Characters by Appearance

* Kyouka Uzen
* Kidoumaru (remains)
* Yuuki Wakura
* Jouryuu *(Flashback)*
* Shushu Suruga
* Himari Azuma
* Tenka Izumo
* Shikoku
* Sahara Wakasa
* Yachiho Azuma
* Aoba Wakura
* Koko Zenibako *(Flashback)*
* Naon Yuno *(Flashback)*
* Ren Yamashiro (silhouette)