Taikyoku Denki Drama CD - Chapter 1

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Tsukiuta. Tale – Taikyoku Denki

Chapter 1 – Cultural Exchange

 

[In the caves, water drips down. Someone is walking.]

 

Doutaku: Why, look who’s here. It’s my brethren, the vagabond Haru.

 

Haru: You’re...?

 

Doutaku: I am Doutaku. I rule over this area.

 

Haru: I’ve heard of you before. If memory serves me correctly, you’re a rarity amongst Gokuzoku for using a weapon when you fight.

 

Doutaku: Oh? It seems I’m well-known too. Yes, that’s right. I am that same Doutaku.

 

Haru: I had no intention of intruding on your territory—

 

Doutaku: It’s fine. I understand. You, too, are famous.

A capricious yet powerful opponent. Though you’re strong, you don’t linger in a certain area.

You let the flow carry you through the course of things, so tonight, you were simply here coincidentally. Is that correct?

 

Haru: Indeed, it is. I’ll leave before long.

 

Doutaku: Heh. Is that so?

 

Haru: ...Hmm...

 

Doutaku: What do you see?

 

Haru: I see nothing. Aside from the scenery that spreads vastly in front of me, without any change for the better.

 

Doutaku: What do you think about?

 

Haru: I think about nothing. What do you suppose I should think about when the world doesn’t change at all?

 

Doutaku: ...Heh. It seems the rumor that you’ve grown bored of living was true.

The sun has finally set completely.

Damn that irritating light of the Yang.

One’s strength or power matters not. When faced with that light, our skin burns, our flesh is torched, we become unable to breathe, and we lose our lives.

 

Haru: Is it... irritating? I don’t think it is.

 

Doutaku: Oh? A bit unexpected. To think that you, too, wish for something you can’t obtain.

Are you one of those who are drawn to Yang energy?

 

Haru: I don’t mean it like that. I don’t particularly desire the light. I simply believe...

 

Doutaku: Believe what?

 

Haru: I just think it’d be fine that there’s something which doesn’t necessarily go our way all the time.

It’d be boring if that were the case.

 

Doutaku: So, you believe it to be boring? I, on the other hand, believe that everything going my way would be the ideal.

I am not the only one who believes that. A majority of Gokuzoku would surely agree with me.

We are Gokuzoku. The strongest species.

It is normal for each of us to live according to our respective instincts and desires.

No one, nothing, shall obstruct us from doing so.

 

Haru: ...

 

Doutaku: Listen, Haru. Some fate must be at work for us to have met here.

How about you lend me that power of yours, for your fellow Gokuzoku’s ideals?

 

Haru: ...

 

Doutaku: Uninterested, I see. Then, allow me to rephrase it.

This world remains unchanging. Don’t you wish to change it with your own two hands?

 

Haru: ...What?

 

Doutaku: It seems you’re interested now.

 

-

 

[In Kuroneko Tei, the café located on the outskirts of the city Kurotsuki.]

 

Customer 1: Phew! Now that meal filled me up.

 

Customer 2: Me too. Urk! I’m totally full!

 

Customer 1: So, uh, I’ve paid the bill. Thanks for the food.

 

Yoru: Yes! Thank you for coming. Please come again.

 

Customer 2: Er, Yoru... Will that really be okay...?

 

Yoru: “That”?

 

Customer 2: Oh, come on, you know what I’m talking about! That! That thing.

 

Yoru: Ah.

 

Customer 1: That’s... a Gokuzoku, right? Never seen one before.

 

Customer 2: Me neither. Smaller than I imagined them to be, but that one’s supposed to be the strongest demon...

 

Yoru: He protected Rui and the others from monsters, so I’m... pretty sure it’s all right...? *laughs wryly* Ah... Anyway, we’ll be closing up shop a bit earlier than usual today.

I’m so sorry that it seems as if we’re kicking you out.

 

Customer 1: Uh, nah, I don’t mind, but...

It greeted me normally when I passed by, and if Hajime-san’s decided that things are fine, then I guess it’s fine...

Still, be careful, would you?

 

Yoru: Got it.

 

Customer 1: Ugh, you too. Don’t sneak around and let’s go already. What’ll you do if you upset it and make it angry?

 

Customer 2: Uh! Oh, yeah, you’re right. See you!

 

[The customers leave, and Yoru walks back into the restaurant.]

 

Kakeru: Food~ Food~ Smells so good~♪

 

Kai: Totally~ Totally~ I’m hungry too~♪

 

Iku: Kai-san, you’re already on the same wavelength as Kakeru? It hasn’t even been that long!

 

Yoru: The other customers left. So, er...

I’ve never made food for a Gokuzoku before, so are you all right with eating what Jinzoku do?

 

Kakeru: Yes! It’s very much all right, 100%! Thank you for your consideration!!

 

Koi: That was such an enthusiastic response... Oww... Owowow.

 

Aoi: Koi, are you all right? I’ll disinfect the wound, so put up with it a little while longer.

Yikes. That’s a clean cut. You must’ve been... er... gnawed on quite thoroughly.

 

Rui: Ah, Aoi, this wasn’t from when Kakeru gobbled on him. A different demon slashed at him and caused it.

Kakeru nibbled on him and immediately spat him out.

 

Kakeru: Yes, sir, I did! He didn’t suit my tastes! Because I’m a gourmet!

 

Koi: Why do I feel hurt. I feel hurt for some reason.

 

Aoi: Ah... Ahaha. So, if you did suit his tastes, you would’ve been eaten... Hahahaha...

 

Yoru: Here you go. I’ll rush to go make a proper meal, but could you eat this in the meanwhile?

 

[Yoru takes the lid off of the container, and steam spills out.]

 

Kakeru: Wow...!

 

Yoru: Sorry! It’s steamed, so be careful. It’s fresh, and it just came out of the steamer.

 

Kakeru: Is this... a peach!?

 

Kai: Yeah, it’s a steamed bun in the shape of a peach. It’s a peach bun!

 

Aoi: It’s the specialty of this place, Kuroneko Tei.

 

Kakeru: Ooh...?

 

Kai: The fluffy peel’s just slightly sweet... and inside of it, there’s sweet, sweet red bean! There are other ones with tasty meat inside, too!

 

Kakeru: Peach... bun...?

HOMPH! *chomping*

 

Yoru: How is it?

 

Kakeru: Mfh! SHOOOO TASHTYYYYYYY! *chomping*

 

Kai: Ooh! You like it? Nice, nice!

I’m gonna chow down on one too~ Mm! *chomping*

 

Iku: Kai-san, you... actually were hungry, huh? *wry laugh*

 

Aoi: Fufu. Okay! I’m done now. How is it? Is the bandage wrapped too tightly?

 

Koi: Uh, let’s see... Nope! No problem. Thank you so much for your help, Aoi-san.

 

Hajime: Koi.

 

Koi: Aah— Yes, sir!

 

Hajime: Though it’s a relief that you’re safe, you still forgot that it was the new moon and went on an outing.

It seems to me you lack vigilance.

 

Koi: I... do.

 

Hajime: Iku and Rui, you two as well.

 

Iku: Ah— Yes.

 

Rui: Yes.

 

Hajime: I understand your reason for doing so: Koi wasn’t back yet despite it being late. But don’t carelessly leave the city during a time of day when the sun staying up is questionable.

Talk to Kai or myself before you do so.

 

Rui, Iku: ...Yes, sir.

 

Koi: Hajime-san, the two of them were worried about me—

 

Hajime: Yes, I know. Your actions endangered not only yourself, but also the two of them.

You were fortunate today. However, we don’t know what’ll happen next time.

Reflect on this.

 

Koi: ...Yes, sir...

 

Hajime: *sighs, relieved* Please. Don’t make me worry about you too much, Koi.

 

[Hajime pats Koi’s shoulder.]

 

Koi: Ha... Hajime-san...!

 

Hajime: I’m glad you’re safe.

 

Koi: Um, I... I caused you so much trouble! I deeply apologize!

And Iku, Rui... I’m sorry!

 

Rui: Don’t worry about us.

 

Iku: Yeah. You should be thanking Kakeru, not us. You’re a real lifesaver.

 

Koi: Thanks, Kakeru.

 

Kakeru: Mm! *still eating* Mm? Mwe? *gulps down food*

I was just passing by.

 

Rui: You still saved us. You took out the demons... I’ve heard that even among demons, Gokuzoku are the strongest.

You really are strong.

 

Kakeru: Oh, I see. By doing that, I basically saved you guys.

 

Koi: Yeah, basically!

 

Yoru: All you did was glare at the demons, deal a few blows, and the herd of them ran away, I hear? You’re amazing.

 

Kakeru: Mm, uh... I’m happy about the compliments, but don’t you typically get a grasp for how strong they are, based on the energy they’re surrounded in?

And isn’t it normal that you don’t pick fights with those who’re stronger than you?

...Huh, wait? Do Jinzoku not really know that sorta stuff?

 

Iku: I guess our perceptions are different. For Jinzoku, we just vaguely get a feel for that, though gradually, and only after training.

 

Koi: By the way! Everyone here’s still training. Since our role is protecting the city.

 

Kakeru: City... Ah! Those are places where Jinzoku live in groups and go through their lives, right?

 

Koi: Hehe! We have to start from the explanation?

 

Aoi: I’ve heard before... Gokuzoku are strong enough to survive on their own, and they don’t have any natural enemies that could threaten them...

So, as a result of that, they’re incredibly individualistic, and they fundamentally act on their own.

Does that mean you have no cities or the like?

 

Kakeru: No, we don’t. At least, for me, I’ve always been wandering around alone.

 

Kai: Different places of origins make for different types of knowledge, eh?

 

Aoi: I think it’s less “place of origin” and more “entirely different species”...

 

Rui: The city is right up ahead if you follow this path. Kuroneko Tei is located on the outskirts of town.

We’re like the front door... the door guard for the city.

 

Iku: Thanks to there being fewer demons in this area, we don’t have to take part in many skirmishes.

We greet people and keep watch around the area so that monsters don’t get in, and also work as a teahouse.

Rui, Aoi-san, Yoru-san, and I work here.

 

Aoi: I’m the manager, Aoi. *wry laugh* That being said, though, I do just about anything: serving, cooking, and whatever’s needed.

 

Yoru: Let me introduce myself again. I’m Yoru. I essentially handle the cooking.

I’m proud of the peach buns, which I developed myself.

 

Kakeru: The peach buns were delish!

What do the others like Hajime-san, or Koi, or Kai-san do?

 

Kai: Hajime’s the chief’s son, so he manages the entirety of the city.

Koi and I are like Hajime’s attendants, guards, and/or the city’s bodyguards as a whole.

This place is a vital spot for the city’s protection, so we show up from time to time.

 

Kakeru: Ooh, gotcha.

 

Hajime: I’ve never thought of Koi or Kai as my attendants, though.

 

Kai: Heh. Yeah, I know, man. *pats Hajime on the back*

We’re like brothers who go way back, right? Well, the self-introduction was more like a status in name only.

 

Koi: That’s true. I bet Kakeru can recognize it, but Hajime-san’s super-duper strong, so honestly, the “guards” part of our job is also in name only.

Aah! But, but! In my future, I plan on becoming a man he can rely on from the bottom of his heart.

You can expect great stuff from me from now on!

 

Hajime: *chuckles* I’ll take you up on your offer. Looking forward to it.

...Hey, Kakeru.

 

Kakeru: Yes?

 

Hajime: Answer me this.

Will you bring harm to Jinzoku?

 

Koi: ...!

 

Kakeru: ...Hehe! No, I won’t!

Because I have no interest in anything aside from what’s edible!

 

Hajime: *chuckles* I see. That’s a relief.

 

Iku: *sighs in relief*

 

Kai: *laughs*

 

Iku: Edible and inedible... That’s like an absolute standard in your mind, isn’t it? *wry laugh*

 

Kakeru: You’re laughing about it, but it’s really important, y’know?

Since Gokuzoku are a demon species, we live based off our instincts. The things we decide to like based off our instincts can’t be changed so quickly or easily, right?

What I’m saying is, Gokuzoku’s “likes,” compared to Jinzoku’s “likes,” are way, way more single-minded, more earnest in our likes.

 

Koi: Liking something... single-mindedly and earnestly? Sounds pretty nice!

 

Kakeru: Right~?

 

Rui: And for Kakeru, that would be... eating?

 

Kakeru: Mmhmm!

Tasty food is an absolute, unconditional justice!

So! Now that I’ve made that clear...

 

Iku: Now that you’ve made it clear...?

 

Kakeru: I’ve decided that I’m going to become a regular at this place, Kuroneko Tei!

I’ll be frequenting this place from here on out!

 

Everyone: EEEEEH!?

 

Kakeru: Wanna know my reasons? The peach buns are tasty, and everyone’s Yang energy feels so comfy~

And to compensate for the food... Umm... Um... 

Ah, got it! I’ll help take out demons for you guys! I’ll send ‘em flying with some good whacks! I’ll protect the city!

How ‘bout that?

 

Aoi: T-that in itself is something we’d be very grateful for, but—er...

 

Yoru: Hajime-san, how do we respond...?

 

Hajime: Hm. Isn’t it fine to take him up on his offer? Kakeru likes food single-mindedly and earnestly.

In short...

 

Kai: As long as we keep providing food for him, he’ll help single-mindedly and earnestly protect the city with us.

 

Kakeru: Exactly so! Come at me, buddy!

 

Kai: In that case, I’m also in favor of it~

 

Kakeru: YAY~! Negotiations successful!

 

Koi: Oh, man... The strongest bodyguard, lured in with food, is now on the scene!

 

Rui: The ultimate species joined our side thanks to the peach buns. We’re lucky for that.

Yoru, your peach buns are amazing.

 

Yoru: It surprises even me, the creator.

 

Iku: Ahaha! But there’s no doubt that he’s reliable.

 

Kai: Nice to get working with you, Kakeru.

 

Kakeru: Neeheehee~ You can trust me to work well! I’ll be in your care!

Previous Chapter - 「Tsukiuta. Tale Taikyoku Denki」/Prologue 「Encounter」
Next Chapter - Chapter 2.1「Jinzoku and Gokuzoku and」