On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Three Hundred And Sixty-One

“It’s been a while, Chiyo-san, Kudou-san, Bankei-san.” I greeted the three important heads of shrines and temples. “And to you, Takakura-san.” I then nodded to the old head of the noble family that mediated the faith, dressed in his usual two-tone suit, this time maroon and grey. Behind me Kana strode in, though her steps faltered a little under the looks she received from our esteemed guests, before she swallowed, smiled and sat down next to me, her own shrine maiden attire wrapped around her like armour.

“Yes, it’s been too long, Akio-kun.” Kudou-san agreed. “Well, not so much as in time, but in trouble.”

“Don’t try and be clever, old man.” Chiyo-san sniffed. “You should be enjoying your retirement now Tsukuyomi faction is no more.”

“Such a harsh tongue as ever. I really don’t know how Bankei puts up with you, Chiyo-chan!”

“Chan? I’m as old as you, you damn fool.” She snorted, before Bankei-san put a stop to their bickering.

“My apologies. Well, we have been under a significant amount of stress since the battle of Kyoto, so it is only natural for there to be some… friction. It is mostly harmless posturing, I assure you.”

“Well, shall we get down to business?” Chiyo-san sighed. “We appreciate you making time for us, matters have to be busy for you right now.”

“Extremely so.” I glanced over at Kana, who smiled a little, though her face was pale. “My schedule is packed as always. But I don’t mind making some time to talk to my allies. Speaking of…” I raised the point that had been on my mind.

“Yes, I know. You were wondering where all the neutral faction trainees were, right? Well, why do you think they were largely absent?” she asked me, answering my unasked question with one of her own.

“Well, I don’t believe it’s because you lost faith in the project.” I looked at Kana, willing her to speak, and she did so, a touch proud.

“If that’s the case, I feel sorry for your granddaughters and the others, Chiyo-san.” She said brightly. “We’ve been having numerous breakthroughs in our training, and now all those that remained here have mastered either earth or wind element. Our training is only going to get better in time, I promise you that.”

Well said. “Yes, we’ve been gathering data, and putting further refinements into practise. But I think… politics, right?”

Chiyo-san nodded. “Well, the neutral faction served a purpose of keeping balance, trying to prevent the three main factions of faith clashing and messing up everything. Men can be such boys, even old fools who know better.” At that, Kudou-san merely laughed.

“Well, with Tsukuyomi dissolved and its purpose fulfilled, I am taking some much needed time to rest my weary old bones. But then too much rest is boring, so I decided to help out where I can. Well, my long time rival Gin is content to flex his influence in the new Ministry, and poor Ren is still in mourning, his faction shattered… a dirty business that. Leaking footage of the Kyoto attacks benefits nobody.”

“Yes. The faith is somehow more and also less united than ever.” Takakura-san agreed. “Which is a problem that is not on your shoulders to solve, Oshiro-san.” He assured me.

“Right. With the damage to Kyoto and the sad deaths of the Diviner as well as two of our Chosen, that hit harder than even the deaths of the trainees in Yamato-kun’s mess…” Kudou-san said. “Now, don’t get me wrong, Akio-kun. Everyone knows you did the best you could, and with the many defeated invaders, morale is still surprisingly high. But the Three Factions of faith, plus old man Bankei’s neutral parties, we’ve been playing politics, jockeying for position, for hundreds of years. And in times of great change… well, great opportunities lie.”

“But many opportunities are simply poisoned.” Bankei observed piously.

“Indeed that is true. Well, the adoption of Fukumoto Hinata-san to Takatsukasa house has caused a stir within the nobility, distracting them from the unrest and worry, the potential threat from China.” Takakura-san mused. “In fact, it may prove a well-timed boon. The nobility is still a monolith, but the faiths… Unlike Fujiwara, Takatsukasa and Ichijou houses, Tsukuyomi, Amaterasu and Susanoo have changed. The firm grasp we had on the faith is gone. Though don’t misunderstand, Oshiro-san. Your support is still strong, especially with those who wish to have their latent powers awakened by Chirurgery, or their kami walk the earth in the flesh. After all, what better demonstration of faith is there than that?”

“We need a purpose. And just as when Hiroto-kun, the young Hikawa brat, reached out to me, and I decided to test you… our new purpose is to act as a calming voice, preventing further disclosures and rebellions that harm the interests of our faith as a whole.” Chiyo-san finished.

“I see.” Kana spoke up, listening carefully. “So, you’ve been visiting the shrines and temples that don’t seem fully on-board with us, showing off the trainees and the fruits of Chirurgery?”

“As well as applying the stick too.” Kudou-san laughed. “With those from Chion-in effectively removed from control of their shrine, a branch family moved in to take charge, we sent a clear message that breaking the rules of secrecy we have long held to protect ourselves will not be tolerated. Nor should it be.” He stroked his long white beard sadly. “Not everyone is as strong as Akio-kun here. The last thing we want is for the populace to turn on us for being different, supernatural. Most only have mere sparks of power.”

“Yeah, I can’t believe how stupid they were, even if their revenge was justified, which it wasn’t…” Kana reassured me, and I did appreciate her efforts. Yes, I’m not all-powerful. Even Tan has her limits, and she confessed that even the rulers of the pantheons are limited which only makes sense, otherwise this whole mess here on Earth would be utterly pointless. I have to know what I’m worth, but I also can’t get arrogant and try too much…

“… then they should have picked another way. Remember when we first met, Akio? You wondered why nobody knew about the powers I and my father possessed, right? And I told you we didn’t want to end up some scientist’s lab rat or worse, dissected.” She shuddered. “Well, now I don’t have to worry about that, but most of us are feeble, helpless. Though…” she looked troubled, before speaking what had been on her mind. “… it’ll all come out soon. A cracked glass can’t hold water anymore, right?” she said, and Kudou-san chuckled at her expression.

“True, and with Kyoto, both events, the glass sure is cracked, Kana-chan. Well, I won’t say that nobody from the faith has ever broken ranks. But those that did were either… persuaded to recant, or those they talked to were kept in check by the nobility. Most problems can be solved by money and power.”

“While the pillars of Faith, Nobility and the Imperial Family all have their spheres of influence, and try not to meddle, certain threats necessitate a swift response. It is true that through Takakura house, in the past, troublesome fools from both the faith and the nobility have… vanished. Those who were more reasonable merely found themselves losing their shrines, another related family or bloodline taking over, while they that were more troubling and stubborn, well, they went into seclusion, to recuperate. Indefinitely.”

I hope that isn’t implying… At the look on my face, Bankei-san frowned. “No, the family of Chion-in, as well as many of those who lost relatives either in the incident with the trainees, or the subsequent Kyoto battle against the Chinese, they are angry, hurting, but they are also not entirely without reason. We will watch them all, and some shrines will be reassigned, like Chion-in. If they cause no trouble, they can live comfortable lives. But we have to protect all we have built up over the years. Nothing else is more important. For those who can’t protect themselves.”

“The Ministry is going to have a registry. Sure, it’ll be mainly about the Chosen, but those under Chirurgery and with special gifts will be listed.” I said. “Obviously, that will enable us to protect those with limited strength and influence.”

“Though the best way of course, would be what we are doing now.” Chiyo-san said softly. “Just on a grander scale. It was one thing, those of the faith seeing what could be done at Conclave. Mori-chan’s demonstration was most impressive. It turned heads. But a personal, tailored touch is necessary to overcome doubts, and to prevent those panicked by events making foolish, wrongheaded decisions.”

“Seeing the trainees from the neutral shrines, which are respected by all, and their progress and support, while Takakura-sama wielded the stick…” Bankei said sorrowfully. “… it pains me that such is necessary. Conclave should have resolved the path we were to follow. No, human nature is ever changeable and disappointing.”

“As a Buddhist, you should be more positive. Say that human nature is merely about overcoming challenges, bettering oneself.” Kudou-san laughed meanly.

“So, are the problems resolved? Will we have any more leaks or rebellions?” I asked. Right now Japan is a powder keg. We don’t need any sparks landing and triggering an explosion…

“Well, it’s entirely possible we have missed some who are dissatisfied, and some of those we have cajoled will only be pretending to fall into line.” Chiyo-san snorted. “Besides, we’re not the kami or the Gods, are we? Humans are fallible. We can only do the best we can, and hope it’s enough.” She echoed my earlier thoughts, causing me to smile. “But for now, the situation is contained. Though we now need to provide the carrot…”

I looked at Kana, who spoke. “Well, it’s all very well trying to increase the number of trainees. But already the key people involved are stretched thin. Akio and Shaeula don’t have time to keep up with the demands for Chirurgery, and then Haru-chan and the twins, they help when they can, but they all have their own matters. We don’t have an unlimited supply of earth element either.”

All good points. Well, I feel bad putting this responsibility on Kana, but she wants it herself, and she’s serious. Besides, she doesn’t have to do it alone. “She’s right. Obviously, the return of your neutral faction trainees is welcome, and I believe they will breakthrough soon as well. But the Government is always looking for more. I also have plans to grant the Black Wolf Company earth element.” Well, they can aid with the construction as well, but it’s mostly for the potential levels… “Our Trees and the White Snake Earth Altar do support a notable amount of earth element, even with the drain from the Ring Gates, but it’s not unlimited, as Kana points out. And yeah, the demands on our time are ever-growing. Sure, I was planning to take on a few of the more interesting bloodlines with long-term potential… well, Kana, what do you think? You wanted to be in charge of this, right?”

Kana nodded, her expression resolute. “I know I’m young and naïve, but you chose me for Kṣitigarbha’s Divine Favour, despite the fact I’ve been little but trouble for you. I want to live up to that, to better myself, to have a purpose. To be useful to you.” Her brown eyes looked at me earnestly. “So, I’ll do it.”

“Well, it’s bad when we have to rely on those who aren’t yet adults, but…” I paused, and she smiled radiantly.

“… but even now, I’ve experienced more ups and downs than adults over the last few months. I’m not a stupid girl anymore. So…” she looked at the people in front of her. “Well, let’s hear your proposals at least. Maybe we can work something out. Be warned though, I’ve been listening to Hinata talk about business, so I’m not going to negotiate gently!”

“Well, isn’t this the interesting turn of events?” Kudou-san laughed. “So…” he exchanged looks with Chiyo-san and Bankei.

“Well, we would wish to extend the training school further, we know you said it would be impossible to train everyone any time soon at Conclave, but… an expansion would help head off unrest. Surely that is worth a little sacrifice.” Chiyo-san asked.

“Well, I may be a young girl, but I’m also a frightfully greedy one. I’m not proud of that, but I’m getting better. Well, maybe I’m just greedy for differing things, now.” she said with a sigh. “And take it from me, if you try to pay off those who aren’t satisfied with bribes such as Chirurgery, then it’ll only seem unfair to those who supported us all along, or weren’t being selfish. I think that would just make things worse.”

“True.” Chiyo-san agreed. “But we didn’t grow senile with our age, girl. We also developed wisdom. Of course there has to be a balance.”

“Sixty.” Takakura-san said. “And also some further trainees from the nobility. Twenty sons and daughters. That balances the bribes with the favours for those who fell in line quickest.”

Eighty more, huh? In terms of numbers, the Chirurgery should be doable, but… I looked at Kana, who was also running the numbers. “I don’t know…” she said doubtfully. “I don’t think we can support them all…” she looked back at me, unsure. “Even if you took care of the initial Chirurgery, there’d be too many for the training school to give them rooms, and Haru-chan and the twins wouldn’t be able to link them all…”

“All right. So, do you have any ideas on how to improve matters?” I asked her. “Bear in mind, you don’t have to do this alone. I don’t expect you to be suddenly solving all our problems. You can ask for help. What would you need to make it work?”

“Probably… bringing them in shifts.” Kana said immediately. “The numbers we have now is manageable, around twenty or so. But when we start bringing in the Black Wolf Company, the military, and if we added these… maybe split it into separate days? It’ll be slower, but…”

As they thought about it, I asked if that would be acceptable. “Well, anyone that thinks it isn’t is a fool.” Kudou-san laughed. “Even a little priceless training is well.. priceless, no? I know Shiori won’t complain, she’s raised better than that.”

I raised an eyebrow inquisitively at his words, and he had the good grace to look a little embarrassed, though his laughter increased in volume to cover his shame. “Well, this old man gets to pull rank. My Shiori is happy with her Chirurgery, but I don’t want her to fall behind. Takakura-sama here is the same. Power has its perks.”

“If I may… a number of the prospective members of the faith we have chosen live in Kyoto and the surrounding area. If they were provided with Chirurgery, could they not use your Gate to travel to their training, just as you did in your efforts to save the Diviner?” Bankei asked. “I believe most of Kyoto is under control now.”

That’s true. “Well, it’s not like we can’t, if we spread the load, but I don’t want to take up Haru-san’s and the twins entire lives doing this. So we’ll have to have some ground rules and set expectations, assuming Kana thinks it’s manageable.”

“I think… yeah, groups of twenty.” She decided, making up her mind. “But I’m going to have to ask you or Shaeula to do the initial Chirurgery. I’m sorry I can’t do it right now. Even if it took me hours for each person, it’d still be useful…”

“Well, for Chirurgery you need good Aether Manipulation skills, Ether Healing and the ability to see the Astral body in detail. And to improve the training, you need the ability to link thoughts and guide them. Really, you have a lot of potential.”

“Yes, but I don’t know how I turn my gifts into useful ones.” Kana said. “Though…” she smiled, trying to remain upbeat despite the pressure. “… I’m not giving up. It’s early days yet.”

“That’s the spirit. My sis wants to be a Chirurgeon, and she doesn’t even have your advantages.”

“That’s true. Aiko-chan won’t let the fact it’s impossible stop her. She’s definitely your sister.” She said. “If only I had an idea of what training would work, I’d do it, no matter how hard. I’m going to be useful!”

“I’m sure you are. So… well, knowledge we can get. I’ll put in a request to Yasaka-san for him to ask his Book of Providence. Since we know what we have at our disposal and what we want, it shouldn’t be too hard for him to get some answers, and he owes me for the power levelling.” I did say I’d exploit his gift, well, it’s just too good not to. “Right, we also need Shaeula’s winds on the potential troublemakers you’re bribing. Just to agree to not cause problems while they are receiving our aid.”

“That’s not unreasonable. They won’t much like it, but… well, they shouldn’t have let their folly drive them to this. Those who lost relatives and children I understand, but some of the other Susanoo faction are damnable fools.” Chiyo-san agreed.

“We need the other trainees back and trained as soon as possible.” Kana was thinking hard. “While it might only be once every week or two they can have the benefit of Haru-chan or the twins, but we can have more than one group training the usual way, mentored by those of us who succeeded. That helps, having a role model. So your granddaughters and the others should be back and learning quickly, to help us offer guidance to the newcomers.”

“Of course. To be honest, most of them are sick of talking to idiots.” Chiyo-san snorted nastily. “They will be back tomorrow, on the usual schedule. I look forward to their rapid progress.”

We continued to talk matters out, and settled on the details. In the end, we had ended up taking on more trainees, but it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. The Black Wolf and Special Forces could largely train during the day, and occasionally receive guidance when Haru-san and the twins were free. The fighter pilots only needed Chirurgery, elements would be useless to them other than for the levels, and I wasn’t prepared to countenance that waste. The Black Wolf and Special Forces can help with our construction projects on the side when they learn successfully. It’ll strengthen their earth talents as well… the other trainees from the faith and nobility would have the normal programme, with all the advances we had made recently, and we would also add another class of twenty more, handpicked from Haru-san’s list of talents they possessed, making it a round one hundred newcomers.

“So, I’m sorry to ask you to do the Chirurgery. But we have to do preparations, so it can wait until your return.” Kana said, looking at the notes we had written.

“Right. Until after the weekend I’m too busy.” I have to get Tsumura-san to agree to my proposal for the Special Forces as well, give and take.

“Well, the outcome is satisfactory.” Bankei-san said, and the others agreed. We exchanged some more pleasantries, and then they departed, leaving me alone with Kana, who sagged in relief.

“That was nerve-wracking. Having to talk to such important people, propose plans.”

“You do it all the time. Shaeula’s pretty important, right?” I joked, and she scoffed.

“Hardly. Shaeula’s easy to talk to, so long as you’re cute, and I am very cute.” She stretched, showing off. “Besides, she’s a friend. Even the noble girls don’t bother me anymore. But that’s different. Well… how did I do?” she asked, waiting for my answer.

“Honestly? Not terrible. There’s obviously a lot of room for improvement, but if you want the role, you’re going to have to learn as you go. You didn’t blindly say yes and try and make it happen, which was good. But you need to exploit all the resources we have available. Even if it costs us more time now to get you prepared, if you save us more time later, it’s a win. To that end, you’ll have one of the most rigorous training plans of anyone.”

“I expect you’ll be wanting to do more Chirurgery on me?” Her smile turned wicked, and she clutched her body with her arms, speaking monotonously. “Oh no, Akio you brute, tearing a maiden’s clothes off…”

“Yeah, you wish.” I laughed, and she nodded.

“I guess I do. But now isn’t the time, is it? Besides, you’re more worried about our little Chinese girl right now, aren’t you?”

“True. Daiyu’er is a problem. She’s very… proactive. And I feel a bit uncomfortable with it, really.”

“Why? She’s like a doll, with that black hair and slender figure. She’s definitely cute.” Kana pressed.

“Yeah, but it’s like with Hinata. It just feels a bit soon for her. Well, Hinata is curious about love, but she’s got her head full with business and raising her status as Takatsukasa heir so there’s no rush. Daiyu’er though… she’s all alone in a foreign country, and don’t get me wrong, I utterly respect her dedication to her craft of Cultivation and the restoration of her Sect, and what she’s prepared to give up for that, but… it seems hasty, premature.”

“Have you considered maybe she just likes you?” Kana asked, and I rolled my eyes.

“Likes me? We hardly know each other. Sure, I accept that I promised to protect her and guide her, and help her with her goals, but if that was enough to make people like a person, then Police Officers and Politicians would all have massive harems.”

“Not according to my dad, he says the current government is full of crooks.” Kana shook her head. “But yeah, I get it. But well, love at first sight does exist. Hinata says she fell for you on first meeting, right?”

“Yeah, and I admit she was looking at me strangely back then, though I didn’t pick up on it. But lightning doesn’t strike twice, does it? Besides, I think it’s more complicated than that.”

“And while I’m flattered you’d turn to me for advice on your love-life, I’m a bit annoyed and hurt. Is it fun, messing with my heart?” Kana pouted. “But…” she sighed. “I’m trying to show I’m a strong, useful woman. So I’ll put up with it. It’s the whole life companion thing, right? It’s pretty heavy stuff, from what Shiro and Shaeula say.”

“Yeah, she’s not entirely explained it, but…it’s not just a relationship as we understand it, but an entwining of fates and also Cultivation, and her Cultivation is everything to her. It’s a bit heavy, to be honest.”

“Really? I hardly think it’s any heavier than what you’re already carrying.” Kana disagreed. “A Faerie princess, a maid you have to keep in line else she’ll probably go all serial killer…” Kana giggled at her joke. “A number of the most eligible noble daughters in Japan, and a woman basically possessed by a devil. Hell, Eri-chan is the most normal one, and I’d say she’s got a good chance of joining Hyacinth in her serial killing if something bad ever happens to you.” She paused. “Then there’s those of us who like you and you dither about. But I promised this wasn’t about me.” She pursed her lips, genuinely trying to offer me advice from a female perspective.

“Look…” she said at last. “You told me if I didn’t know something or needed something, to ask for help. Well, it’s a shame that you cant ask this Book of Providence about how to win a girl over.” She laughed at that. “Well, you can ask the two who matter. Daiyu, and your own heart. The others accept her. I’ve noticed Eri-chan is a soft touch for the ones with heartbreak in their past, and if she says yes, the rest is easy. Why do you think I try to make her like me? Though to be fair to her, she’s rather indifferent to those that don’t bother her. A lifelong commitment, how is that any different to what you have now with the others? You’re not ditching any of them, are you?”

“No. of course not.” I denied that.

“Well then. whether it’s dating, marriage or Dao Companion, it’s all the same then.” Kana pointed out.

“Yes, but… well, it seems to involve her Cultivation too. Dual Cultivation. I’ve never really read any stories involving it, but Shiro has. Apparently it’s raising Qi via sex, especially Yin and Yang. Well, there are surely other methods. Light element is supposedly some type of unrefined Yang Qi, and well, you’ve got some without having sex, right?”

“True. I can’t believe there are no other ways.” Kana agreed. “But have you genuinely talked through these matters, explained everything, asked her genuine opinion? There might be good reasons she needs to. Or she might just be using it as a pretext to force you into a relationship. Girls do that, you know.”

That they do. Eri admitted trying to get pregnant our first time to tie us together. But I don’t think Daiyu is the sort to pull such underhanded stunts. She has a high pride. “I think there’s more to it.” I disagreed.

“Well, ask then. I know you’ve had a busy day, but there’s still time to talk to her, right?” Kana pressed.

“I guess so. That’s right. I’ll clear the air. The thing is, I don’t want to do anything that harms her Cultivation. That has to be avoided at all costs. But I also want to learn her techniques, for all of us.”

“Oh, so planning on Dual Cultivating us too?” she joked, and as I tutted, she shook her head.

“Come on, have a sense of humour. Or grow a spine. But seriously, most of her techniques don’t involve sex, right? But to be fair to her, isn’t the Fae way of bonding kind of sexual too, I heard? I think Cultivation isn’t too dissimilar to what you do.”

Wait. That… it was as if a lightbulb went off in my head. Yes, the similarities seem too great to ignore. It might not be true, what I’m thinking, but if it is… I grabbed Kana’s hands, who flushed.

“That’s right. Kana, you’re a smart girl! I think you might be onto something here. I’m going to go talk to Daiyu’er now.”

“All… all right.” She said, her voice strangely high-pitched. “Uh.. you’re welcome?”

Releasing her hands, I grinned. “Thanks for your help tonight. I can’t really talk about this sort of thing with Shaeula or Shiro, they’d just tell me to make her mine. The others too. But there’s more to these decisions, I don’t want to be too hasty and have us regret it later.”

“Yeah, don’t I know it.” Kana fanned herself, feeling hot. “But… the thing you need to know is… love isn’t rational, not most of the time. People love who they love, there doesn’t even have to be a reason.” She paused, thinking. “Though oftentimes there is, even if the person doesn’t know themselves.”

“Well, once more I’m impressed by your wisdom. While I’m away, can you look after Daiyu’er for me?”

“Me? I don’t exactly speak Chinese. Shiro might be better… uh, maybe not. I’ll… do my best.” She promised.

“Great. Well, good night, Kana. I’ll be counting on your support from now on.”

“Sure. Me too. As a shrine maiden of Shirohebizumi Shrine, the Chosen of Kṣitigarbha, and also your aide. I’ll do it all, and I’ll excel. After all, I’m determined. Just like Daiyu.” With those parting words she nodded to me and left, leaving me to my thoughts. All right then. Time to clear the air, and also… to explore my new theory on just how the lunar chakra might be comparable to a Dantian…