?

  Feeling a little better about herself, even if the loneliness was as oppressive as ever, Tsukinoko trained on her own. Determined to become stronger to eradicate anyone who dared to come after her family, and one day, she hoped, strong enough to protect all those who suffered as she did.

  One afternoon, she was playing quietly in the front garden, settled in blankets in the tall grass with her many dolls and stuffed animals. In an attempt to make up for her absence despite her proximity, Jinmuya had unearthed a magnificent painting case for her daughter on a secret excursion, before disappearing into the cellar once again.

  That afternoon, Tsukinoko was drawing when a noise drew her out of her inspiration. Hidden in the tree above her, a panther was watching her, swinging its long tail just above her little head. Terrified, she stared at the animal with her crimson eyes. The same animal that had harmed her last year and promised never to return.

  The panther straightened up, stretched out like a cat, before jumping in front of the stuffed toys. Tsukinoko kept an eye on her, trying to anticipate her movements, as the panther sniffed curiously at the toys and strutted between the crayons.

  - How are you, little one?" asked the panther suddenly.

  Tsukinoko hesitated to answer, but she didn't feel that the animal was hostile this time.

  - What do you want?

  - I was thinking about you the other day on my way to devour some calves, wondering how you were doing.

  - What do you care?

  - You intrigue me," she growled. It was the first time I'd seen Negin.

  - How do you know what it is?" she wondered, frowning.

  - I just know.

  Tsukinoko, perplexed, immediately exclaimed boastfully.

  - I've had this ever since you attacked me. I know you got scared and ran away because of my power.

  The panther growled at her, lips curled.

  - Yes you did, you ran away," she laughed, swinging her feet, oblivious to his aggression.

  - I'm a snow leopard, master of these mountains, do you think I'm afraid of a kitten like you?! You're a brat whose head I'll tear off with one swipe of my paw!

  The panther feared violently and Tsukinoko hid behind her hands, before returning to her drawing and muttering under her breath.

  - Why don't you keep the prey anymore?" she asked curiously. They're gone now.

  - I can't, I have to stay hidden," she says sadly.

  - Hiding?

  Tsukinoko then naively explained the situation.

  - We can play together if you like," the panther rudely suggests. You were a good fighter.

  - I don't want to fight you!" she snapped. You're a monster!

  The panther growled, then scanned his surroundings curiously, before coming across his drawing. Another sketch, it was the panther. Tsukinoko was becoming annoyed by his presence.

  - Why don't you go?" she asked. Don't you have any friends?

  - Yes, not like you," she said arrogantly. I want to try fighting you again.

  - Do you want to be my girlfriend? I only play fight with my friends. Because of if you want to attack me but if we're friends I know we're playing so I'm willing to fight, but if not then that means you want to attack me but if you're my girlfriend then I know we're playing but if not-.

  - I get it, dummy," she growled. And I'm a guy.

  - Are you a boy?" she wondered. Anyway, we can't," she shrugged. I'm not allowed out of the garden. And if we play here, Mum will hear and chase you away.

  Still lying with her feet dangling, Tsukinoko gradually relaxed with the beast. Its company, however fierce, was more pleasant than solitary silence. Just as she was about to continue, her mother called to her from the kitchen window. She was startled and thrust the panther's head into the tall grass.

  - Who have you been talking to?" continued Nukade.

  - Er... My dolls!" she cried, lifting her head. Oh, it's nothing! We're playing tea ceremony!

  - All right, then. Well, have fun.

  The kitchen window closed and the panther finally sat up, growling. Tsukinoko discovered the softness of its fur and knelt down to stroke it again, but the feline squirmed to avoid her.

  - I'm not a stuffed animal, get lost!

  Tsukinoko scratched her forehead and chin at the same time. The panther finally relented and even began to purr. Tsukinoko continued to play with her life-size stuffed toy, which no longer frightened her at all.

  - Hey, do panthers have names?

  - Yes... he purred.

  - What's your first name?

  - Yukihyō.

  - I'm Tsukinoko!

  - I know, I heard your mother bellowing.

  - How old are you?

  - In human terms that's... Twelve, I think.

  - You're big! I'm almost seven! Do you want to be my friend?

  - Ben... he mused. You're still a kid, but why not.

  - I'm not a baby anymore!" she sulked.

  - You're as old as a kitten.

  - Kittens are cute, but you mustn't hurt anyone!

  Tsukinoko had stopped her caresses to look her straight in the eye with a menacing air, but Yukihyō sneered.

  - It's cute how your nose curls up when you get mad.

  - Huh?!" she said impatiently.

  - Yeah yeah," he sighed. Will you train me then? With your powers, I'll be stronger than my cousins," he boasted.

  - I don't want to give you my powers!" she snapped.

  - But no, it's going to help me to face up to it.

  Tsukinoko accepted the contract, delighted at the idea of finally having a friend, despite her ferocity. Besides, her parents wouldn't mind her having a pet, even if he did talk.

  His little hand full of paint outstretched, Yukihyō grimaced before reaching out with his paw to conclude their friendship. Her paw pads encompassed Tsukinoko's hand, and she giggled as she pressed down on them. Overexcited to have a new friend, she chatted and showed him all her dolls so they could get to know each other. Yukihyō lent himself to the game and pretended to be impressed in order to tame her.

  - Yeah yeah!" he says, turning his head away. Come on, let's practice!

  - Bah... Nah," she shrugged. Here I can't and I can't get away-

  - You've got to be kidding me!" he snapped. Damn you.

  Yukihyō, annoyed, turned on his heels but Tsukinoko held him back by the tail, hurt and disappointed. Having harshly realized that he was only in it for himself, tears flooded her cheeks in spite. The feline stared at her before turning back to lick her cheeks, hoping to stop the leakage from her eyes, for the sensation he perceived was unpleasant. Surprised by the roughness of his tongue, Tsukinoko immediately calmed down.

  - Do you have to go home? Where do you live? In the mountains? Do you have a family? Are they panthers like you? You-

  - Oh," he grunted, shaking his head. Yes, I'm going home.

  - Where do you live?

  - You don't know.

  - Where is it?

  - Into... Another dimension. Well, no, it's complicated.

  - What?

  - Damn it... he mumbled. Forget it, I'm going.

  - You don't want to play anymore?

  - Dolls aren't my thing.

  - You'll be back to play tomorrow, then? she giggled, stroking his neck. You're so soft!

  - Well... We'll see if-

  - My daughter!" shouted Nukade abruptly from the other end of the garden. It's bath time, come on in.

  - Yes!" she shouted. Are you coming tomorrow?" she asked Yukihyō again, patting his pink nose. Will you? Yes ?

  Secretly touched by little Tsukinoko, whom he found adorable with her big eyes and little face, Yukihyō nevertheless didn't lose sight of his goals. He leapt into the trees, leaving her there without an answer.

  The next day, Tsukinoko returned to play in the garden after her workout, hoping for Yukihyō's return. Asleep amid her dolls, a rough sensation licked face. She opened her eyes again and Yukihyō's pink nose blocked her view, purring in her ears.

  The week passed and Yukihyō watched her train every day, hidden in the foliage. Despite her underdeveloped speech, which suggested weak abilities, Tsukinoko's movements didn't fool her fighting skills.

  One afternoon, when Tsukinoko had finished her chores, Yukihyō told her he'd found a solution so they could train undisturbed. He had returned with a large scroll slung over his back, and unrolled it at her feet. Tsukinoko would be able to come to his house to train.

  - Home? But I can't leave the house! she grumbled.

  - I know! But in theory you won't cross the boundaries of your house, so it could work," he rolled his eyes.

  - Huh?

  - You'll just change dimension and teleport to my kingdom, but without leaving your garden.

  - Huh?

  Yukihyō sighed at his ignorance as Tsukinoko glanced home to check that the coast was clear. Anxious to disobey, she then tried to convince him to train here after asking her father's permission, but the feline didn't trust humans

  So much so that he was about to deceive his young friend without any remorse. Claiming to need to be entered in the register of visitors to his Kingdom, Yukihyō urged her to inscribe her full name in the parchment linking summoners to Janguru, above her own imprint. Tsukinoko dipped her brush in blue glitter paint and crawled forward to write her name, but Yukihyō sent her brush waltzing with a growl.

  - Stop it! Stop it! Not that way!

  - Ben? Go ahead, then," she said, picking up her brush.

  - I don't think so either. You have to write it in your... blood.

  - Ugh! Why is that? You panthers are weird..." she stared at him, grimacing.

  - Hold out your finger.

  He drew out one of his long claws and she reached out before crying out as he stuck her fingertip in a flash. The little boo-boo began to bleed, ready to be used as ink, but Tsukinoko began to cry. Her high-pitched cries reached her mother's ears at the other end of the house. With a jerk of her head, Yukihyō ordered Tsukinoko to get rid of her so as not to screw up her act.

  Tsukinoko then rewrote her full name over the glittery paint and then left her fingerprints there over her friend's. The parchment ended up stained with blood and glitter, but Yukihyō wasn't one to mess around

  Tsukinoko got up to go back inside, sucking her finger and whining. Yukihyō was beginning to despair but Tsukinoko finally returned, a lollipop in her hand and her finger in an overdone bandage.

  - That's nice, kitten," he laughed. Well, are you ready?

  - Yes! How do we-

  She didn't have time to finish her sentence before he teleported them both into the sanctuary in a second.

  Tsukinoko looked around, lost, before marvelling at the landscape. The place looked like a huge jungle with mountains, little huts, and a great palace at the top of a hill at the end of the path ahead of them

  Janguru, the territory of the wild felines, untraceable without having signed a pact with the Kingdom. Lost in the middle of the mountains, where those who ventured there were lost without being able to find their way back. The Kingdom's surroundings were riddled with a disorienting essence, designed to make the curious turn in circles if they got too close.

  The only access was south of the mountain country, above the land of the Sun. The country was made up of many steep, narrow mountains, which merged into a chain all the way to the Land of the Sun. This was how Yukihyō had found himself in the valley where Tsukinoko lived.

  Humans were not allowed to enter the Kingdom, so Yukihyō insisted to Tsukinoko that she not wander off. He left for a few minutes in the library behind the esplanade to put the scroll back in its place, before anyone noticed his absence. By the time he returned, Tsukinoko had vanished.

  He feigned anger and used the scent of his lollipop to find her, riding in her direction. Tsukinoko had dashed into the jungle and hopped up the hill to get a closer look at the big palace, curious. There were no doors, just a wide staircase leading up to a large, dimly lit room full of designer tapestries, cushions and feathers.

  As soon as she entered, an impressive roar erupted from the back of the room. Her Negin scanned the enormous mass huddled on the platform. Fearful but bold, Tsukinoko advanced towards the threat. The mass took shape, and a huge black panther emerged. Tsukinoko bounced on the giant cushions to get closer to the two big yellow eyes staring back at her. A dull, menacing voice rumbled over her.

  - Hello!" she shouted, jumping in front of her. I'm Tsukinoko Karumin, a visitor. Oops, I'm not supposed to say my name... she grimaced, tapping her head.

  - What's up? What are you doing here?

  - Is this your house?" she asked, looking up at the ceiling. Are you a giant panther?

  She approached a little closer, putting her eyes back to sleep now that she was used to his presence, but the panther curled up his lips and snarled again.

  Tsukinoko stumbled between two cushions and sprawled out in front of the panther, dropping her lollipop. The panther slowly uncurled her muzzle, wondering whether this child posed a threat to her, staring at her with contempt. She sat up disappointedly in front of her furry pacifier.

  - I'll give you another one if you tell me how you got here, kid," the panther cunningly said.

  - It's Tsukinoko, I said. What's your first name?

  - Daitan.

  Tsukinoko planted herself in front of the panther, even though it was no higher than her nose, then suddenly widened her eyes, pointing at her half-shredded left ear and its many scars.

  - Bobo? How did you do it Daitan?

  - Defending my territory.

  - To protect the ones you love?" she asked innocently.

  - Yes, that's right," he wondered after a moment's reflection.

  - Is there a war here?

  - Not anymore. Enough, explain how-

  - Wait! Wait! Wait! You really have candy? Animals don't eat lollies," she doubted, crossing her arms.

  The panther roared in annoyance and Tsukinoko fell backwards.

  - My patience has limits, you asked for it," he growled, rising to his feet.

  - Hey wait!" she shouted in panic. Do I have to go home?

  - Yes!

  - What's wrong with it? It's lovely here!" she exclaimed sadly. I want to come and play here, I'm bored at home Daitan...

  The panther still stared at her candor and gave her one last chance to explain before devouring her to finish her off.

  - If you tell me how you got here, you can stay a while.

  - Really?

  - Speak up!

  - It was my friend who showed me the parchment so that I could register on the visitors' list to come and play and train at his place," she confessed quickly. This is where he lives and-

  - Who's your friend?

  - Yukihyō! He's twelve years old and he-

  - Yukihyō... !" roared the panther in anger. That miserable runt!

  - Tsukinoko asked, fiddling with her whiskers.

  The panther shook her head and lay back, sighing in annoyance.

  - The list of visitors then? How stupid of him-

  - Yes," exclaimed Tsukinoko, half-listening. I'm seven and we're friends! How old are you?

  The panther didn't reply and suddenly remained calm, as if his presence no longer bothered her. Tsukinoko demanded an answer, curious, and so she jumped on top of his skull. But Daitan shook his head and she slid onto his ribs, giggling as she thought he was playing

  With large gestures, she stroked his cheek and sank into his rough, aged coat. Daitan didn't flinch and answered her calmly.

  Stolen novel; please report.

  - You can stay here until he arrives, then you'll both be banished.

  - What?" she stopped abruptly. Why did she stop?

  The panther didn't respond, and Tsukinoko went back to stroking it to coax it into changing its mind. Just as the feline seemed to be purring, a shadow crept into the palace. Yukihyō was advancing with his tail between his legs towards them and Tsukinoko recognized him at once and named him happily, pointing.

  - I know, it's my stupid nephew," growled Daitan.

  - Really? Can I call you Uncle?

  Tsukinoko fell into the cushions then joined Yukihyō in crabbing. She hid behind him, slightly terrified and anxious at the thought of the remonstrances ahead. But Yukihyō didn't dare respond and instead turned to her with a growl.

  - I told you to stay with me! Now you can't come back, you fool!

  - But...

  Hurt by his accusations, she turned her back on him, sulking. Yukihyō then confessed the truth to his uncle, who called him to order.

  Janguru was his Kingdom, and he had ordered that no contracts be signed with the military from now on, let alone with members of the Karumin clan. Yukihyō explained his autarkic condition, trying to reassure him, and as Daitan threatened them both with execution, he suddenly came to his girlfriend's defense.

  - Bollocks!

  - I've never seen a human scratch your ears before," he said insolently.

  He dodged his uncle's violent clawing blow. All the same, he continued to defend himself, telling him about his encounter with Tsukinoko, his courage, his conditions for sparing the animals, and ended by lying down in submission before him to convince him.

  - It's still a kitten, she-

  - I'm not a baby anymore," she grumbled, turning around.

  - Shut up, you! She's not military, Uncle. I'm sure there's nothing to fear from her. I want to train with her!

  - What for?

  - To improve myself," he says, looking away.

  - Why?" he insisted.

  - I-

  - He wants to win the fight against his cousins," Tsukinoko reported innocently.

  - Shut up, you! Dirty...

  - Here. And you're okay with that?" he asked Tsukinoko.

  - Yeah," she shrugged. I'll be training with Dad soon, that's for sure, we'll be able to help each other with Fréro!

  - Dad?

  - Forget it," sighed Yukihyō.

  - Just a minute... Who's your daddy? Where did you come from?

  Tsukinoko hesitated to answer. He looked her up and down, then curled his lips and bristled. A bad feeling had arisen in front of this child with familiar features.

  - I... I can't! I can't! Dad said I shouldn't tell anyone," she panicked.

  - Why's that? The Karumin clan founded the hidden village of Hanamaru, where they live with impunity. All except one, their former leader, who deserted the village a long time ago.

  - Six years, Yukihyō realized, widening his eyes. But he left alone...

  - How would you know? What's your father's name?" roared Daitan again. Answer me before I pierce you on the spot!

  Tsukinoko began to cry under the pressure, trapped, and finally confessed everything, hoping they would stop.

  - Damnation..." murmured Daitan, stunned to hear Jinmuya's name.

  He let out an angry roar that shook the palace walls. With a swipe of his paw, he sent his nephew tumbling across the room. Tsukinoko rushed to his aid and woke his eyes with a start.

  - Get out of here, both of you!" he roared.

  But Tsukinoko would have none of it, and leapt to guard her friend, then shouted with great courage.

  - Never! Never! This is his house, he has a right to live here! And why don't you like me? I've done nothing! Is it because of my power? Daddy's right, you're eaten up with hate!" she shouted when he was surprised by her words. I want to play here with my friend! I didn't do anything," she repeated angrily as her aura flashed more and more brightly. And you hurt him, you're the monster! I won't let you hurt my brother again!

  - Shut up!" growled Yukihyō as he got to his feet. Stop provoking him!

  Finally, the young panther felt bad to see her so upset after having lured her here. Thinking that his plan would succeed, he preferred to cut short the conversation when he heard her uncle growling just behind her, lest he come after her.

  - I knew I had no right to do that, it's my fault. Come on, I'll take you back-

  - Nan! I don't want you to be punished because of me," she cried with tears in her eyes. You're my friend, I have to protect you!

  - I'm telling you, get a move on!" he snapped. Anyway, if he's really your father, we won't be able to see each other anymore.

  - What?! Why?" she sobbed stoically. He didn't do it, Dad!

  - Are you kidding me?!

  He was cut off by Daitan, who roared loudly, as if to prevent him from uttering truths that would make a daughter lose all adoration for her father. As he strode menacingly towards them, Yukihyō grabbed Tsukinoko by her dress to get away, but Daitan exclaimed.

  - Not another step. Little girl, why do you say you have to protect him?

  - Well, because he's my friend," she says matter-of-factly.

  - And Yukihyō's friends, will you protect them?

  - Well, yes! If they're the ones he loves, then I've got to protect them," she cried with determination, swinging through the air.

  - And you, the defective offspring, would you do the same for her?

  Tsukinoko looked at him with big, bright, teary eyes. Yukihyō thought back to his short friendship with her, his late father's dreams, then exclaimed confidently.

  - I'll protect her. I'll protect her, especially from you," he frowned, standing up to her.

  Tsukinoko grumbled in satisfaction at Daitan, hanging in the air, but the latter remained silent for a moment.

  - And Jinmuya, what's he doing on this mountain?

  - Daddy? He reads a lot of books and he works in his office in the basement, he goes hunting sometimes. Um... Stuff like that. Why-

  - Who'd have thought the terrifying Jinmuya Karumin would turn into a docile lamb," sneered Daitan haughtily. And he says nothing about the fact that you're here?

  - He doesn't know... Neither does Mum. But I'm going to have to tell Dad because if I train with him, well now he's going to train me, I'm sure, so I have to ask him for play time to come here because if we train all' day I don't have time to come here with Yukihyō so if I want to train with Yukihyō I have to tell Dad so he'll give me time because we're going to train all day and-.

  - He gets it, you idiot," Yukihyō growled through gritted teeth.

  - My feet are tingling," she whispered, fidgeting.

  He set her down on solid ground again, and she immediately took refuge between his paws to console herself, wiggling her toes in a simpleton way. Daitan looked at them both for a long moment, as Yukihyō licked her tear-soaked cheeks to calm her, then asked him one last time if he was sure of his choice and warned him of the consequences.

  - Does that mean she can come back?" he wondered.

  - First I have to make sure that Janguru won't be in any danger if she's linked to us. You didn't choose anyone's human, you moron! Go and get the parchment from the registers.

  - I didn't choose it," he arrogantly defended himself, "it was fate.

  Daitan roared and he obeyed, running away at full speed. Tsukinoko got up to follow him, but Daitan blocked her path with his tail. She wiped her face in her dress as he asked who her mother was. She still hesitated to answer. To get answers, and not to upset her knowing her sensitive value by now, he let little Tsukinoko lie on his head. Finally, she answered him by making a snow angel in his coat, amused.

  - Mom's name is Nukade Anba, and she said she has a cousin called Hashirama, but they live far... very far! You too have cou-

  - How..." he froze abruptly.

  The panther was at a loss for words, but Tsukinoko continued.

  - You can't tell anyone who Mom and Dad are. I mean, I can't tell anyone, and neither can you. Do you promise?

  - Don't you live in Hanamaru?" he asked dryly.

  - Hanamaru? What's this? A country?

  - It's a neighboring country, yes," he lied in ignorance. I was wondering if you'd ever traveled.

  - Travel? Migratory birds travel, not humans. Promise you won't tell anyone about Mom and Dad, will you?

  - Count me in," he sneered. Tell me, aren't you going to school?

  - What's school?

  - I understand better, your narrow vision.

  - Huh?

  The dissipated Tsukinoko giggled, forgetting his question, and busied herself with her monumental caresses, while Daitan allowed himself to be docilized for the first time, not that he found it unpleasant. Tsukinoko lived cut off from the world and this reassured the sovereign a little, telling him that her terrible father had given up the ghost, or so it seemed.

  - Do you love me a little?" she asked shyly after a moment. Or do you hate me...?

  - I don't hate you, kitten. It's just... Complicated.

  - Is it because of the power of my eyes?

  - Mainly. Because of your origins, the clans you came from. You've caused a lot of damage over the centuries. But all the clans have their faults in these stories.

  - But I didn't do anything... she took offense. Didn't I? We're friends then? she rejoiced.

  - We'll check with your father.

  Yukihyō returned with the scroll and climbed onto Daitan's shoulder. He abruptly canceled his summoning, teleporting them and Tsukinoko back to where she'd originally been.

  Suddenly appearing in the garden of Tsukinoko's house, the panthers, and particularly the oversized Daitan, did not go unnoticed. Tsukinoko immediately panicked, all the more so as Daitan had just uprooted a tree by naively swinging his tail around it.

  - What the hell is this?!

  Nukade had burst onto the porch, alerted by the crash. She rolled up her sleeves and strode furiously into the garden.

  - Tsukinoko! Where are you?! What have you done to her, you beasts!" she threatened, screaming.

  - I'm here, Mommy!" she cried, kneeling over Daitan's head. I... He's the beast I told you ate the little calf!" she shouted, pointing at Yukihyō. They-

  Tsukinoko fell silent immediately as Jinmuya appeared on the roof of the house, on the same level as Daitan. His red eyes glowed with animosity. Yukihyō bristled, feigning defensiveness, but Daitan calmly spoke up.

  - So you're the infamous Jinmuya Karumin. I'd like to talk to you.

  Jinmuya didn't react. With a blink of his eyes, he found himself in front of Daitan's nose, tant? in hand. The latter dodged his attack in time and leapt backwards. Jinmuya fell back to the ground in front of Nukade, and his deep voice rose to his ears.

  - Release the child.

  - I came to talk to you about her. Your daughter is safe.

  - I won't say it again," he scolded.

  Daitan remained motionless, but Tsukinoko climbed down from his shoulder to hide behind Yukihyō, frightened by their confrontation. She hadn't seen her father in months, and emotions were tangling in her head. Ready to join him, Yukihyō held her back at the last moment to climb onto his back. He jumped to the ground with her, then took a few steps away after dropping the large parchment in front of Daitan. Jinmuya sprang up in front of him and in a flash retrieved Tsukinoko from his arms, and lifted him by the other's neck.

  - That's enough, Jinmuya," Daitan said softly. He means her no harm. The outcome of this story is up to you," he said, placing his paw on the parchment. They'll go and wait with his mother while we discuss the summoning contract Yukihyō made Tsukinoko sign.

  - The contract?" offended Jinmuya. I'll burn your territory to the ground before you return.

  Strangled, Yukihyō began to squeak and gesticulate in the air, oppressed by Jinmuya's imposing strength. Tsukinoko straightened up and tugged on her father's arm, tears in her eyes, begging for mercy for her friend.

  - Maybe not so docile, this black sheep," breathed Daitan further on.

  Nearly breaking his neck, Jinmuya finally released him, throwing him violently against one of the trees. Nukade rushed to retrieve Tsukinoko and jumped with her onto the porch. Yukihyō waited until Jinmuya, charging towards Daitan, overtook him to sneak towards the house, skimming the ground. Nukade stepped back as she saw the panther approaching, but Tsukinoko leapt from his arms to check on her friend. Wary, she finally took pity on the animal suffocating at her feet. Tsukinoko took her mother's hand to place it on Yukihyō's head and explained the situation. Daitan had managed to calm Jinmuya by unrolling the scroll, which revealed Tsukinoko's name written in indelible ink, and thus that a discussion was in order.

  The summoning contract would be upheld on Jinmuya's terms, and in Janguru, Tsukinoko was to remain discreet and not reveal her identity either. Tsukinoko hid her joy by staring at her feet, dreading the possibility of being argued with after they had left. Jinmuya crouched down in front of her, lifting her head. He looked into her eyes for a long moment, then returned inside. She remained sheepish, until he returned with a calligraphy brush and a small pot of ink. Daitan rolled the parchment over to him and grabbed his left wrist to reproduce the invocation seal corresponding to Janguru. Some fighters used this method to avoid wasting time. This meant that no incantation corresponding to the seal had to be signed, which in this case would help Tsukinoko to perform her invocations more easily, as she had not yet mastered the teaching of seals.

  - That's what he asked," explained Daitan. This black sheep is rather protective of her offspring, after all, he mused.

  - That's right," replied his nephew ironically, "he's killed hundreds of people but he-

  - Jinmuya will teach her to knead her chakra properly before long, so you can train together quickly," he cut him off dryly. And I'm counting on you to keep an eye on the little one, so she doesn't get us into trouble.

  - Yes, Uncle," he said shamefully. Sorry, Uncle...

  - What's that thing?" asked Tsukinoko, rubbing her skin further.

  Jinmuya didn't respond and pulled her by the arm to go inside, but she resisted.

  - Wait Dad, can I play at Yukihyō's tomorrow?" she asked shyly. Please...

  - It's out of the question. He'll be back, later," he insisted, looking at him.

  She gave Yukihyō and then Daitan a quick hug, squeezing her high paw, and dashed off to join her mother. Jinmuya glared at Yukihyō.

  - I give you permission to train in combat together. However, if she finds herself in danger because of you, or if you cause her even a semblance of pain, your fur will adorn the floor of my armory and your name will disappear even from your Uncle's memory.

  Meanwhile, Tsukinoko had gone to the bath with her mother, full of hair and drool. She returned to her room in her pyjamas, but was startled to see her father cross-legged on her bed, seemingly waiting for her.

  - Sorry, Daddy..." she said softly, climbing onto his lap. Am I being punished?

  He sighed for a long moment, then crossed his arms and raised his head.

  - Aren't you the one who says that lies are bad?

  - I didn't tell you a lie... she defended herself.

  - But you hid all this from us. And you disobeyed my order not to tell anyone about us.

  - I know. But he's my friend. But he's my friend, I trust him," she lamented. He's a nice guy!

  - Your friend? Does it make you happy to have a friend? he hesitated.

  - Yes!" she smiled. This is my best friend Yukihyō!

  - So be it. From now on, no more secrets between us, okay?

  - All right, all right, all right. Are you mad?

  - It's all right," he sighed. You're far too pure-hearted for me to hold a grudge against you," he said gently, stroking her head. Let me see your wrist, I'll explain," he changed the subject. I'm going to resume your training in earnest tomorrow, and I hope you have some progress to show me.

  She found herself crushed in his arms, unable to move under the grip of his embrace, but ended up falling asleep tenderly, exhausted after the long day.

  Some afternoons, Tsukinoko would take the opportunity to call Yukihyō to keep her company while she drew, using him as a soft cushion. Jinmuya had planned a program rich in techniques, but also to harness her chakra nature and teach her some of her personal techniques, which led her to master the element of fire as well.

  Tsukinoko now went to Janguru and explored the territory with the panther. Like that day, a year later, when she was practicing climbing a gigantic tree using her chakra.

  As she returned to the ground, she suddenly heard a growl behind her. Face to face with a black panther even larger than Yukihyō, Tsukinoko stood motionless.

  The panther roared louder, then leapt, but before she could react, Yukihyō leapt from the tree and threw himself at his fellow panther to defend her

  The panthers fought with a roar, before the black one leapt to the side. Tsukinoko remained hidden behind the tree, terrified by the aggression.

  A second growl sounded behind her and this time she found herself in front of an angry leopard. She took off running from Yukihyō and the other panther, who in turn dashed after her. Yukihyō leaped in front of them and jumped Tsukinoko on her back to safety, before facing them with all her might feigning.

  She clung to him and stared at the panthers, terrified. The three of them glared at each other, snarling, their lips curled up, and then the black panther began to speak. Calling Yukihyō her cousin, she threatened him with reprisals when Daitan discovered the presence of a human in the territory, but Yukihyō confessed to them that he already knew about it and accepted it

  He quickly summed up the situation and they exchanged puzzled glances, but remained on their guard.

  - She's different," he defends himself.

  - Nonsense! He's rotten like the rest of his kind.

  - offended Tsukinoko. You old piece of shit!

  The panther stood stunned by his insult as Yukihyō sneered.

  - She's harmless," he continued. She's still a kitten.

  - I'm not a baby anymore!

  - Shut up!

  - And what are you going to do with that?the panther annoyed.

  - Hey, who are they?" whispered Tsukinoko.

  - I'm Hyō, Sovereign Princess of Janguru, she replied at once, and my little brother, Pansā, Sovereign Prince of Janguru.

  - Oh! Are they your cousins?" exclaimed Tsukinoko.

  - So Tsukinoko, beat it before I take care of you personally.

  - Huh?! I've got a right to be here!" she exclaimed, vexed. Take a look!

  She waved her wrist proudly in the air and Hyō curled her lips at the seal, while Yukihyō watched her get angry with a superior air.

  - Why don't you like Yukihyō?" asked Tsukinoko, looking menacing.

  - Because he started a civil war with his father eight years ago, Hyō replied dryly.

  - Tsukinoko was astonished. Why Fréro?

  - He was my father," he said softly, "he disagreed with Daitan on how to run the Kingdom.

  - Why?

  - He wanted to take his place on the throne, Hyō dryly insinuated.

  - Are you serious? By the way, why are you talking about him in the past tense?

  - Because he was murdered," he said aggressively, looking at his cousins

  Tsukinoko let out a startled sigh and immediately leaned over to give her a big hug. Hyō raised an eyebrow as she asked shyly.

  - By whom?

  - He was killed by Daitan.

  - Is that why he's missing an ear? But wait... it's her brother!" she saddened.

  - There's no place for traitors here, declares Hyō. Nor the sons of traitors-

  She was cut off by Pansā, who grunted slightly, disagreeing with her elder sister.

  - Is it true you were in the war?" Tsukinoko asked sadly.

  Yukihyō hesitated to answer when he saw the disappointment in her eyes but he couldn't lie to her, clamoring to avenge his father's death. Hyō snarled and curled his lips with his brother at his declaration, and Tsukinoko straightened, concerned

  No one moved, and Tsukinoko planted herself in front of him, turning her back on her cousins so that they would listen.

  - Stay back!" he growled.

  - No! Why are you doing this?!

  - Because their father killed mine, he only wanted to help the Kingdom! he shouted angrily.

  Tsukinoko then turned back to Hyō and Pansā and glared at them without blinking.

  - Just because we disagree doesn't mean we're enemies," she exclaimed. Mom hates beans but I love them, but we're not mean to each other because of that," she said proudly.

  - What are you talking about? Get out of here, you rat!" annoyed Hyō.

  - Idiot!" shouted Tsukinoko. Why don't you make up?

  - Never!" said Yukihyō.

  - Do you want to start another war with your revenge?" asked Tsukinoko, frowning.

  - But no!" he protested. I want to protect Janguru and avenge my father by taking Daitan's place-

  - Let me laugh!" laughed Hyō, accompanied by Pansā. Dream on, scumbag. We're the heirs, and we'll never let you-

  - But you want peace too, don't you?

  - Of course!" exclaimed Hyō. But-

  - So you want the same thing," she exclaimed, throwing her arms up in the air. Why don't you make up?

  - That has nothing to do with it," growled Hyō.

  - Bah si," said Tsukinoko cheekily. You-

  - Shut your mouth! Get out of here you!" roared Hyō.

  - Not until you make peace with my brother.

  - He's not your brother, you idiot!" snapped Hyō. You don't belong here!

  - I love him just the same! she declared. We protect each other and I-

  Hyō roared and brandished her paw in the air to silence her, but Yukihyō pounced on her again before she could. They rolled several meters and landed against the tree, fighting violently again.

  Tsukinoko became enraged and threw a tantrum as she watched them fight, frightened for her adopted brother in danger before her very eyes. Her chakra began to emanate under the tension and two arms of chakra suddenly sprang up above her as she screamed at them to stop, stamping her foot

  Her chakra arms swooped down on the panthers to immobilize them at a distance from each other. The beasts stopped dead and stared at Tsukinoko, while Pansā lay down behind her squealing, frightened by her aura blowing around her

  Her chakra densified in anger and the panthers squealed as they felt crushed. Tsukinoko came to her senses when she heard them and immediately released them. She ran to Yukihyō but Hyō was ready to pounce on him again. Tsukinoko interposed herself, sword in hand, and ordered her to get out of the way.

  - He wants peace like you, and it's not his fault his father did something stupid! He didn't do anything!" she cried, standing up to him. What's more, he's sad because his Dad's dead..." she said softly. You have to be nice to him! And revenge sucks, Yukihyō!" she shouted at him. It's Daitan who should apologize, you can't settle violence with violence, Mommy says so! Now make peace! she ordered.

  Pansā slowly moved forward to sit beside Tsukinoko. The leopard gave her a gentle headbutt as he purred, and she was reassured to understand that he was supporting her, which gave her a big, hopeful smile.

  - You both want to protect Janguru, so let's do it together," she says, putting her hands on her hips. Fools, think! If you do it together, there's twice the protection. Mom says that when you're a family you're stronger, and family's for helping each other, not fighting," she says proudly. Isn't it?

  The two felines stood stunned in front of her, beaks nailed and confused by her clumsy little war truce speech. Tsukinoko began to doubt their silence, but just as she was about to continue, Daitan suddenly jumped from the tree just behind her. Relieved to see him again, she lowered her weapon as the three felines bowed to him.

  - Hyō, Yukihyō, that's enough," he said gravely. I've been watching you for a while, he confessed. The little one is right. This has gone on long enough.

  He suddenly lowered his head and said in a solemn voice.

  - Yukihyō, my words won't be enough to express my regret, but know that I never wanted it to come to this.

  Yukihyō abruptly raised his head when he heard her, speechless at her apology, which he no longer expected.

  - Your father wanted to protect the kingdom, but we disagreed. But this war was unnecessary and it was the reason for his decline. It was an accident. Today, I'm still trying to make up for our mistakes.

  - I know you're trying to do what he would have wanted," he said, pointing with his chin at Tsukinoko. But that doesn't make up for what you did," he said dryly.

  - I don't blame you. I don't expect you to forgive me. However, I do ask one thing of you, and you too, Princess. Do as the little one says. Otherwise the result will end up being the same as it was ten years ago. And then you'll both have failed, just as we failed your father, Yukihyō. Don't make the same mistakes we did. We placed our hopes in you, not our failures," he said solemnly.

  The two teenagers lowered their heads, reflecting on their actions and his words. They exchanged an embarrassed glance, and Tsukinoko exclaimed when she saw them.

  - Let's make peace! You must shake hands!

  - I accept, but only for the good of the Kingdom, Hyō said with his head held high.

  - Well, so am I. But... Let's move forward together then, Yukihyō said shyly, looking away.

  - If you're less stubborn, why not-

  - You've got to be kidding me, you're the one who's stubborn!

  - Species of-

  Daitan growled again and the teenagers immediately made their peace. After a sincere glance, they rested their foreheads against each other for a few seconds. Tsukinoko heaved a small sigh of astonishment at their gesture, but suddenly rushed over to hug them.

  A hug is better.

  Tsukinoko began pawing Hyō's muzzle with a giggle, adorned with a nose as black as his coat. The panthers set off for home, followed by Tsukinoko, who ended up climbing all the way up to Daitan's head because of their fast pace.

  The young felines stared at him, shocked, but he avoided their gaze and let the little girl do her thing.

  - Now that you've made peace, we're all friends!" she rejoiced, kneeling on her perch. And I'm helping you protect the Kingdom too, aren't I, Daitan?

  - Of course chato- Yes," he said curtly.

  - Great," she giggled happily.

  The three teenagers laughed in their corners as they heard it. Tsukinoko saw the sun setting from above and glided down on her back. She clung to Yukihyō's neck, addressing her cousins with a big smile.

  -Are you coming to play with us tomorrow? After my training, we're going to play-

  - Shut up!" shouted a distraught Yukihyō.

  - Huh?" she wondered. It's fun to play ce-

  - No!" he shouted in panic.

  - To what ''kitten''? insisted Hyō with a wry smile. Tell us, we're interested.

  - To the tea ceremony!" she exclaimed with a big smile. Mommy's making doughnuts!

  Hyō and Pansā stared at Yukihyō for a second before bursting out laughing. Tsukinoko didn't understand everything and questioned Yukihyō with her eyes, who grunted at them looking terribly embarrassed.

  - Do you play with dolls too?" laughed Hyō. I can't...

  - No, he doesn't like it, but he takes a nap with Sushi!

  - Shut the fuck up! Fucking...

  - Sushi?" giggled Hyō. What's this?

  - My cuddly toy is shaped like a maki! Dad and I didn't know what to call him, but we both prefer sushi, so we decided to call him Sushi even though he's shaped like a maki! Mom prefers maki, so when we eat fish with Dad we make maki and Mom makes sushi, and we give the leftovers to Yukihyō! Afterwards he's eaten so much that he goes to sleep with Sushi in front of the fireplace!

  Hyō howled with laughter along with Pansā and Daitan struggled even to hold back a giggle, a few steps ahead of them. Yukihyō roared with shame and stepped forward to go inside, but Tsukinoko held him back by the tail. His little protégée's sulkiness got the better of him. Daitan had a quick chat with his children on his side, revealing who Tsukinoko was and the conditions to her presence here, but they accepted with difficulty. Yukihyō set off again, discreetly slipping to Tsukinoko astride his back.

  - Well, yes, I'll come tomorrow, but-

  - Shall we play? I've got to tell Mom to make the doughnuts tonight! So? she insisted.

  - Can we come too?" laughed Hyō to provoke him.

  - Too good! But... Can they Daitan?" she shouted at him. I'll ask Dad tonight!

  He accepted with a nod, and Tsukinoko jumped for joy on Yukihyō's back. As the teenage fawns continued to squabble on the path, Daitan watched for a moment as the four of them advanced toward the Palace under the setting sun, his mind peaceful and lighter at seeing his successors reconciled at last. From the top of the hill, he admired his kingdom.

  - My brother," he whispered into the wind. You were right. I have a feeling this curious little one will do great things. I can't thank you enough... Please forgive me.

  The old fawn closed his eyes with wisdom and relief, finally allowing himself to mourn

  ?

  Back in the present day, in the steep mountains leading to Somitto

  Yukihyō finished his tale. During her childhood, Tsukinoko would sometimes join Daitan to annoy him, but would find herself sorting out the troubles between the locals who came to consult him during this time, as she was outraged at his solution of chasing them away with a swipe of her paw. Over time, many ended up coming to her in person to beg for help, hence her current title of Ambassador of Peace.

  Although she'd never realized it, Tsukinoko had helped resolve disputes between Janguru residents that had sometimes lasted for decades.