Bonds of Loyalty and Justice

Kuki Shinobu, the missing companion the Raiden Familia had been searching for, was found and currently confronted by Ayaka. However, her appearance differed significantly from what the young lady used to remember.

Her green hair, once long and free, was now shortened and tied in a messy ponytail. Instead of her usual shrine maiden attire, she wore a purple hooded jacket over a black tank top and shorts. Armor adorned her leggings, and a mask concealed the lower half of her face. Lastly, reddish markings can be seen on Shinobu's skin, further highlighting the shifts in her looks.

Upon seeing these changes, Ayaka's heart skipped a beat. It was evident that her companion had experienced significant modifications since they last saw each other, both physically and emotionally.

"Oh my, how lovely clothes you have, Shinobu~" Miko's voice commented from behind, her voice tinged with surprise

Ayaka turned to see her Familia approaching, their expressions a mix of shock and concern at Shinobu's altered appearance.

"What happened to you, Shinobu?" Sara inquired, her voice laced with worry.

However, Shinobu averted her eyes, not out of indifference, but seemingly weighed down by a tremendous feeling of shame.

"I'm sorry if you all had to see me like this. But I... I've formed a pact with someone else," she confessed, her voice heavy with regret.

The revelation left the Familia stunned, their thoughts racing to comprehend the implications of Shinobu's words.

Meanwhile, Ayaka tightened her grip on the katana as she contemplated the implications of the pact Shinobu had taken. Shifting her attention to the masked leader, she suspected him to be the culprit for her companion's conversion.

"You, what have you done to our friend?!" Ayaka suddenly demanded, pointing her blade at the leader. "Did you corrupt her or something?"

"Eeek!!" 

The masked leader, cowering on the ground, let out a fearful shriek while the other masked individuals huddled together nervously. Noticing the situation escalating, Ayato and Thoma stepped forward, attempting to appease Ayaka's aggravation.

"Ayaka, please calm down. Let's not escalate this situation," her brother implored.

Thoma gently reached for Ayaka's katana, trying to prevent her from hurting anyone. "Milady, please. There must be a reason for all of this. Isn't that right, Miss Shinobu?"

Shinobu nodded and proceeded to narrate her side of the story. She recounted how she had departed the Kamisato estate intending to return to her hometown. However, on her travels, she encountered a group of masked individuals which she reveals as the Arataki Gang. They had pleaded for her assistance, and despite her initial reluctance, she couldn't help but feel sympathy for them.

"They were in a difficult position and needed someone with my skills," Shinobu explained, her words weighed down by guilt. "I didn't plan to get involved in their affairs, but I couldn't turn my back on their plea."

Hearing Shinobu's explanation, Ayaka's expression softened slightly, her initial outrage giving way to empathy as she realized the predicament her companion had found herself in. 

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While Ayaka comprehended the situation, the rest of the Familia harbored several questions, their curiosity bubbling underneath the surface as they addressed Shinobu.

With a furrowed brow, Sara stepped forward, her gaze fixed on her companion. "Shinobu, we understand your intentions, but why keep us in the dark? We could have kept in contact with each other."

Shinobu lowered her gaze, visibly conflicted as she considered Sara's question. "I... I didn't want to burden you all with my troubles. Besides, it's my choice to deal with this alone."

Feeling the weight of Shinobu's words, Sara nodded gently, acknowledging the idea behind her companion's actions. However, the concern of the Tengu captain for her member's well-being outweighed any frustration she might have felt.

"Oh dear, are you forgetting that we're Familia, Shinobu? We're supposed to be facing these challenges together," Miko interjected, echoing the sentiment shared by the entire group.

Sara nodded as she regarded Shinobu with compassion. "Indeed, we, as members of Raiden Familia, stand united through thick and thin. Your burdens are ours to bear as well."

Shinobu's resolve wavered as she absorbed the unwavering support of her companions. For so long, she had carried the weight of her decisions alone, believing that she was protecting them from harm. But now, surrounded by their unwavering loyalty, she had realized the folly of her actions.

"I... I'm sorry, everyone," Shinobu whispered, tears welling in her eyes. "I thought I was doing the right thing, but I see now that I was wrong. Please forgive me."

Witnessing their companion whimpering, Miko and Sara rushed to hug her, offering comfort and solace in their embrace. Meanwhile, Ayaka, flanked by Thoma and Ayato, watched the tender moment from a distance.

"So, uhh... This is awkward..."

The moment was suddenly interrupted when the masked leader and his henchmen voiced out their opinions with a mixture of awkwardness and unease.

Ayaka furrowed her brows and tightened her grip on her katana, her suspicions lingering as she glared at the masked leader. "Quiet, you. We still have to talk after this."

The gang recoiled under Ayaka's stern gaze, falling silent once more. They couldn't help but wait awkwardly for the hugging scene to end.

Eventually, Shinobu settled down and regained her composure, willing to handle the inquiries and concerns of her Familia. However, they turned to the Arataki gang for inquiries.

"Now then, with our sentiments finally settled, it's time to introduce yourselves and acquaint with each other," Ayato asserted, allowing the gang to present themselves to the Familia.

The masked leader hesitated, but when Shinobu nodded at him, he conceded, realizing the gravity of the situation. "Alrighty then, mates! Gather around and listen up! My name's Arataki Itto, and here is my gang! Together, we stand for justice and defend the helpless humans!"

With that flashy introduction, the Raiden Familia fell into silence, while Shinobu instinctively buried her face in her hands, overwhelmed by embarrassment and cringe.

"Right... So, do you mind explaining why you require Shinobu's service? So much so, that you practically disconnected her from us, her Familia," Sara questioned, her eyes narrowed at the masked leader.

Itto scratched the back of his head, his demeanor shifting slightly as he prepared himself to answer Sara's inquiry. "Well, you see, it goes like this..."

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After several minutes of nonsensical rambling from the masked leader, the Familia more or less understood what was going on, albeit annoyed and perplexed by his use of slang words.

"So, let me get this straight," Ayaka interrupted, her patience wearing thin. "You're essentially a band of vigilantes, but instead of fighting alone, you recruit individuals like Miss Shinobu to assist you in your endeavors?"

Itto nodded exuberantly, relieved that someone finally grasped the concept. "Exactly! We're like a Familia, but cooler and with a sense of justice, ya know?"

Ayaka narrowed her eyes before exchanging glances with her comrades, who were amazed by her rough translation of Itto's tautology. 

"Thank you for the clarification, Ayaka. I don't know how you comprehend those words, but it's quite impressive," Sara remarked before turning to Itto. "Anyway, that still doesn't answer my question, Itto. What precisely do you require Shinobu's assistance for? And why was her involvement kept a secret from us?"

Itto scratched his head, momentarily stumped by Sara's explicit question. "Well, you see, our buddy Shinobu here got some pretty fancy skills that are mighty useful for our operations. As for the secrecy bit, it's more about safety, ya know? We didn't want any trouble to come your way 'cause of our doings."

Hearing his explanation, Sara turned to Shinobu, who was averting her eyes in shame, and asked, "Is this true?"

"Yes, it's true," Shinobu answered reluctantly, "They required my observation skills and mind to acquire food and necessities for the orphan children."

"Orphan children, you say?" Ayaka contemplated before something clicked in her mind. "Wait, Miss Shinobu, does that mean-"

"If you're referring to Miss Makoto and her friends, then yes, it was them," Shinobu confirmed with an earnest nod.

Ayaka's eyes brightened upon hearing the mention of her childhood friends from three years ago. She remembered playing with them at the clearing that one night. With that in mind, the young lady returned her gaze and uttered a command.

"Please. Miss Shinobu, take us to their place. I want to see them."

Shinobu hesitated momentarily, considering the implications of leading her Familia into the territory handled by the Arataki Gang. However, seeing the resolve in Ayaka's eyes, Shinobu knew she couldn't refuse her lady's request.

"Very well, Milady. I will guide you to the orphanage," Shinobu agreed, ready to lead the way.

However, as Shinobu turned her back, Itto tapped her on the shoulder and whispered, "Oi, Shinobu, are you sure we're just letting these strangers go to Nanny's place like that?"

"I understand your concern, boss," Shinobu replied in a hushed tone, "But my Familia mean no harm. We can trust them."

Itto paused, weighing the decision carefully before finally nodding, albeit reluctantly. With a resigned sigh, he stepped back, allowing Shinobu to escort the Raiden Familia toward their next destination.

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Upon crossing the Northern Forest and arriving at the other side, the Familia were met with a long flight of aged stone stairs that seemed to stretch endlessly upward. Shinobu motioned for them to follow her as she walked each step with familiarity.

As they reached the top, a tall, red shrine gate stood before them, looking rather worn out due to lack of maintenance. Beyond the gate, a serene landscape unfolded, with a scattering of quaint wooden houses surrounding an ancient temple in the middle.

"Wow, this place looks magnificent."

Ayaka's eyes widened in awe as she took in the sight before her. The calm atmosphere and the oriental structure reminded her of Japan from her past life, stirring a nostalgic longing for the familiar sights of her previous homeland.

The rest of the Familia shared Ayaka's sentiment, marveling at the beauty and tranquility of the scene laid out before them.

"Wait here, everyone. I'll call for Makoto and the others," Shinobu announced, her voice soft yet carrying a hint of reverence.

As the green-haired woman turned around and made her way toward the houses, the Raiden Familia waited, accompanied by the Arataki Gang, who had just arrived at the scene.

"Damn, there she goes," Itto muttered under his breath. "Such a fantastic and reliable buddy, don't you guys agree?"

Everyone from the Familia furrowed their brows at the boastful masked leader of the Arataki Gang, seemingly annoyed by his words. However, before anyone could respond, the sound of footsteps approached them.

"Oh my, what do we have here?"

"Looks like we have visitors."

Upon hearing a familiar voice, Ayaka turned her head to notice two figures walking from the direction of the temple. The first one was a familiar woman with blue hair and humble attire while the other one was a man with black hair and the same worn clothes.

Seeing them, Ayaka widened her eyes and uttered a name.

"Lady Tsukuyomi?"