Persephone/Band Story 1/Chapter 4

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**The Bells of Reckoning Has Rung** is the fourth chapter of Persephone's Band Story.

## Synopsis

After running away from the ninjas, Shirogiri reaffirms Izayoi of the current situation...

## Transcript

[In one of the empty houses]

(Shirogiri examines the sorroundings, and confirms that no ninjas are in pursuit)

**"Shirogiri"** : Phew, looks like they gave up.

**Strange Man** : ...Why did you take me with you?

**"Shirogiri"** : Something's rather off about this. So I decided to test something out.

**Strange Man** : ...Test something?

**"Shirogiri"** : By the way, where did your wound go?

**Izayoi** : Wound?

**Strange Man** : ...

**"Shirogiri"** : Looks like I was right. You're not normal.

**Strange Man** : You'd realize they kill you if they get you, right?

**"Shirogiri"** : ...

**"Shirogiri"** : \*ding\*

**Strange Man** : ...

**"Shirogiri"** : Guess that makes both of us strange.

**Strange Man** : \*sigh\* This city is full of weirdos.

**"Shirogiri"** : Alright, since we settled on being strange...

**"Shirogiri"** : Let's work together to protect Izayoi-chan, at least until she's home.

**Strange Man** : Until she's home? Then what about afterwards?

**"Shirogiri"** : Considering Fummi's grandpa, he could care less about a civilian knowing our true identities.

**Strange Man** : ...That's good news.

**"Shirogiri"** : We should get moving. Izayoi-chan, let's go.

**Izayoi** : Shiro-chan, I have a question.

**Izayoi** : So all of you are actual ninjas?

**"Shirogiri"** : Yup. Genuine ninjas. Well, in this case, a kunoichi.

**Izayoi** : Hehe, somehow I had a feeling it's true.

**Izayoi** : But...Fummi...

**"Shirogiri"** : ...It can't be helped.

**Izayoi** : ...But aren't you branded a traitor now?

**"Shirogiri"** : That's fine. I can deal with it myse-

**Izayoi** : Come stay in my house!

**"Shirogiri"** : ...Eh?

**Izayoi** : I've always wanted a big sister!

**"Shirogiri"** : ...

**"Shirogiri"** : Hahaha! You're a very weird individual, Izayoi-chan.

**"Shirogiri"** : Alright, I'll take you up on your offer. It's gonna be interesting, I can tell.

**Izayoi** : What about you, Mister?

**Strange Man** : ...I think this is where we go our separate ways.

**Strange Man** : Sticking together will put you two on more risks. Plus, their original target was me to begin with.

**Strange Man** : White ninja girl.

**"Shirogiri"** : ...?

**Strange Man** : Do me a favor and protect Izayoi, alright?

**"Shirogiri"** : ...You have my word.

**Strange Man** : Izayoi.

**Izayoi** : ...We will meet again, right Mister?

**Strange Man** : ...Hopefully.

**Strange Man** : ...Take care.

(The man starts to walk away)

**Izayoi** : Mister.

**Strange Man** : ...?

**Izayoi** : Thank you...for saving me.

(Izayoi bows at the man)

**Strange Man** : ...

**Strange Man** : Seeya.

(The man leaves)

**Kanata** : Let's go home, Izayoi-chan.

**Izayoi** : Hm.

(Kanata and Izayoi walks towards Izayoi's home)

[Izayoi's Home, Nighttime]

**Izayoi** : Father, Mother! I made it back!

**Sakuya Okumura, Izayoi's Mother** : Oh, my baby! What happened? You look messed up!

**Kanata** : Don't worry, Ma'am. She's not hurt at all.

**Sakuya** : Phew. Thank god.

**Sakuya** : But...what happened? I thought you went to get okonomiyaki.

**Izayoi** : ...

(Izayoi looks at Kanata, and Kanata quietly shakes her head)

**Izayoi** : If I told you that I was chased by ninjas, would you believe me?

**Kanata** : (Ah!)

**Sakuya** : ...

(Sakuya hugs Izayoi)

**Sakuya** : I get it.

**Kanata** : (...?)

**Sakuya** : Are they scary?

**Izayoi** : Yeah.

**Sakuya** : But you're still safe, right?

**Izayoi** : Mhm!

**Sakuya** : Then everything's fine! Go on, go take a bath!

**Izayoi** : Ah, right!

**Izayoi** : Mom, this is Kanata-chan, my classmate from school!

**Sakuya** : Ah, I see.

**Kanata** : Ah, right. I'm sorry to barge in at this time of night.

**Sakuya** : No problem, Kanata-chan!

(Sakuya gives Kanata a thumbs up)

**Kanata**  : Ah.

(Kanata takes out a bell and rings it)

**Kanata** : \*ding\*

**Sakuya** : Oh, what is that bell for?

**Kanata** : A sign. This time, it's gratitude.

**Sakuya** : Ahaha! I see. Izayoi, your friend is a unique one!

**Izayoi** : Right! Oh, can she stay here too?

**Sakuya** : For the night? Sure!

**Izayoi** : Actually, she needs to stay for about a month...

**Sakuya** : EVEN BETTER!

**Kanata** : ...!

**Izayoi** : Welcome to the family, Kanata-chan!

**Kanata** : ...

**Kanata** : ...a family, huh?

(Kanata smiles, while she rings her bell)

**Kanata** : \*ding\* Happy tones, indeed.

(Just then...)

**Izumo Okumura, Izayoi's Father** : Oh? Izayoi's back!

**Sakuya** : Darling! We're getting a guest!

**Izumo** : ...

(Izumo looks at Kanata)

**Izumo** : Welcome! Make yourself at home...

**Izumo** : er...

**Kanata** : It's Kanata. Pleased to meet you, Sir.

**Izumo** : Pleasure's mine as well.

**Izumo** : Alright, let's have a celebratory dinner to welcome Kanata!

**Sakuya** : Yay, I get to cook more!

**Izayoi** : Yay!

**Kanata** : \*ding\*

**Kanata** : Everyone...

[Vermillion Dojo, Yahata City]

(Fumino, Sazane, Yasumasa and Ayane are tied up and taken into the dojo)

**Fumino** : ...

**???** : I have heard of what has transpired.

**Fumino** : Grandfather!

**Takaji Ryujo Shirokage, Head of the Shirokage Clan** : ...

**Plaguespreader** : Lord Ryujo. I have returned.

**Takaji** : Truly a failure...

**Fumino** : ...

**Takaji** : Plaguespreader.

**Plaguespreader** : ...!!

(Takaji pulls out a crossbow and shoots Plaguespreader's leg)

**Plaguespreader** : AGHHHHHHH!!!

**Fumino** : ...!

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