The Sword Transcending Time(AI novel) Episode 7:The Revealed Truth

In that place filled with a strangely nostalgic atmosphere, Hijikata Toshimi slowly opened her eyes. Before her stretched a majestic temple hall—solemn, serene, and eerily familiar.

"Where... am I? It feels like I've seen this place before..."

Looking around cautiously, Hijikata was met with the calm voice of Yamanami Keiko.

"This is the main hall of Takahata Fudo Temple. Seated before us is the statue of the deity Fudo Myo-o."

Then, it happened.

"I have long awaited this moment."

A thunderous, low voice echoed throughout the hall. All five of them instinctively turned toward the statue. The deity Fudo Myo-o's statue was indeed moving, its mouth opening slowly.

"D-Did that statue just talk!?" Okita Souko exclaimed.

"Rude. I am none other than the deity Fudo Myo-o, who dwells within this Takahata Fudo."

At that voice, the five girls knelt instinctively, bowing their heads low.

"Deity Fudo Myo-o... Forgive us..."

A quiet tension filled the temple hall as the deity began to speak solemnly.

"I ask you this: The common people live humble lives, desiring only peace. And yet, the world is rife with war and conflict. Do you know who is trampling upon the wishes of those who yearn for peace?"

Saito Kazumi answered immediately.

"It’s the greedy politicians, isn’t it? All they care about is themselves."

"And those powerful corporate bosses who cozy up to the government for political donations, lining their own pockets," added Kondo Isako.

But the deity Fudo Myo-o let out a soft laugh.

"Heh. Is that the limit of human imagination?"

"Ugh... That’s a very divine ‘looking down from above’ kind of tone..." Okita murmured.

"Saito, recall what you saw—those dark mist-like shadows emanating from the bodies of the delinquents."

"...Yes," Saito nodded.

"That is the true form of the invisible evil—beings that parasitize and dominate human desires. They especially latch on to those consumed by lust for power and wealth."

Fudo Myo-o's words, though stern, carried undeniable truth.

"In this world, those blinded by greed have forgotten gods and buddhas, drowning in their own desires. It is a lamentable state. However, those with awakened spiritual sight—mind’s eye—can perceive the presence of these malevolent entities. Saito, your mind’s eye is already beginning to open."

Silence fell upon them.

"And... you may already suspect it—The five of you were once, in a past life, members of the Shinsengumi."

The girls gasped.

"You were drawn to this Takahata Fudo by the blood you carry. But from here forward, you must be prepared. Once your spiritual eyes are fully opened, there will be no turning back. Once you step beyond the sanctuary protected by this temple's barrier... the invisible evil will be everywhere."

The weight of those words made Hijikata speak up.

"Whoa, whoa... That’s a lot to take in all of a sudden..."

"I have not finished. There is one more truth you must know."

Fudo Myo-o's tone shifted.

"Kondo Isako’s Kotetsu, Hijikata Toshimi’s Izuminokami Kanesada, and Okita Souko’s Kikuichimonji Norimune—The blades you wielded in Kyoto during the Bakumatsu era were all 'Kageuchi' blades."

"Kageuchi...?" Yamanami responded.

"Indeed. When a swordsmith forges a blade, they often make two identical swords. The superior one is offered to the gods as the 'Shinuchi'—the true blade. The lesser one is given to people. That is the 'Kageuchi'—the shadow blade."

"Then... where is the Shinuchi now...?" Yamanami continued.

"The one who knows the location of the Shinuchi... is Kokuzo Bosatsu."

"Kokuzo...?"

"Kokuu refers to the universe. Kokuzo Bosatsu is the deity who records everything that happens in the cosmos. They reside in the heavenly realm and see all. Now, I shall grant you the mantra that connects you to this Bodhisattva."

Fudo Myo-o’s voice echoed with sacred gravity.

"If you chant Kokuzo Bosatsu’s mantra, a portal to the heavens will open above Takahata Fudo. Ordinarily, a mere monk couldn’t hope to open it... but this time is special. I, the deity Fudo Myo-o, shall lend you my power. Now—steel your resolve."

(to be continued)