As the trio traversed the eerily deserted streets of Shinagawa, Enishi, harboring a restless energy, broached the topic of potential adversaries. "They're not going to launch an attack on us anytime soon," he asserted with a tone of certainty.
Haruka, his expression composed, concurred, "After your showcase of power, it's quite obvious that they wouldn't." The aftermath of Enishi's formidable display had left an indelible mark on any would-be challengers, dissuading them from attempting any rash endeavors.
With an air of nonchalance, Enishi turned to Haruka, his curiosity piqued, "Do you want to practice with me?" However, Haruka, displaying astute discernment, rebuffed the proposition. "I'm not stupid," he retorted, recognizing the futility of engaging in combat with an opponent of Enishi's caliber.
Enishi, undeterred by Haruka's refusal, redirected his inquiry to Ayame, seeking her perspective on the matter. Ayame, her voice tinged with a hint of apprehension, asserted, "There's no world where I fight you." Her reluctance to engage in confrontation with Enishi underscored the formidable reputation he commanded.
Sighing in mild frustration, Enishi contemplated his next course of action. "Perhaps, I should attack them," he mused aloud, entertaining the notion of instigating conflict to alleviate his boredom. However, Ayame swiftly interjected, reminding him of his commitment to assist Haruka with his plan. "Didn't you just say that you'll stick with us and help Haruka with his plan?" she queried, her words laced with a sense of urgency.
Unperturbed by Ayame's reminder, Enishi countered with a flippant remark, "Can't I have a little fun?" His cavalier attitude toward the gravity of their situation hinted at a penchant for mischief and unpredictability. Before either Haruka or Ayame could interject, he dismissed the conversation with a dismissive wave. "Whatever," he muttered, resuming his solitary trek through the desolate streets.
Haruka, ever the strategist, seized the opportunity to remind his companions of their impending relocation. "Don't forget, we'll move to Shinjuku soon," he cautioned, a note of urgency underscoring his words. Enishi, though preoccupied with his own thoughts, acknowledged Haruka's reminder with a curt nod. "I know," he affirmed, his gaze fixed ahead as they continued their journey through the vacant thoroughfares of Shinagawa.
As they continued their meandering journey through the desolate streets of Minato, Ayame broached a topic that had been lingering in her mind. "Are there any practitioners who have reincarnated, resurrected, or incarnated?" she inquired, her curiosity evident in her voice.
Enishi, ever the enigmatic figure, nodded in affirmation. "Yes, I know some that have incarnated," he replied, his tone tinged with a hint of intrigue.
Haruka, however, appeared nonchalant in his response. "It's nothing too important, I assume," he remarked, seemingly dismissing the significance of such occurrences.
Enishi, however, held a divergent perspective. "For the majority, yes. There are a few that are interesting, though," he elaborated, hinting at the complexities that lay beneath the surface.
Intrigued by Enishi's cryptic statement, Haruka pressed for further clarification. "What do you mean?" he inquired, his curiosity piqued.
Enishi, ever the purveyor of ambiguity, delved into an explanation. "The majority are just high-tier 'normal' Enes users. However, some wield 'unknown' Enes, just like me," he elucidated, shedding light on the enigmatic nature of their abilities.
Haruka, now grasping the gravity of the situation, nodded in understanding. "Ah, I see," he murmured, acknowledging the intricacies of the practitioner hierarchy.
Ayame, however, remained contemplative, her thoughts drifting to her own capabilities in comparison to these enigmatic practitioners. "Are they powerful in comparison to me or Haruka?" she queried, her voice tinged with a hint of uncertainty.
Enishi, ever the pragmatist, offered a candid assessment. "Some of them, yes. Not all of them, though," he admitted, acknowledging the varying degrees of prowess among their peers.
Ayame, however, bristled at the implication of her own limitations. "But, you've not seen my full power, ever," she protested, her words infused with a defiant edge.
Enishi, undeterred by Ayame's protestations, issued a provocative challenge. "Do you want to fight me, for showcasing your power, and as practice right now, then?" he proposed, his tone laced with a hint of mischief.
Ayame, however, recoiled at the suggestion, shaking her head vehemently. "No!" she exclaimed, her reluctance to engage in combat with Enishi evident in her response.
With Ayame's refusal ringing in their ears, the trio continued their journey through the empty streets of Minato.
As Kaito and Aria found respite on a weathered bench in the tranquil ambiance of Kyoto, Kaito's thoughts drifted to the looming specter of conflict that threatened to disrupt the fragile semblance of peace. With a heavy sigh, he confessed, "I may have to actually return and fight against Enishi, again... Ah, I hate this."
Aria, ever the voice of reason, sought to understand Kaito's apprehensions. "Why? Don't you want for peace to be restored?" she inquired, her concern evident in her gentle tone.
Kaito's response was tinged with resignation as he contemplated the futility of their struggle. "There never was peace anyways," he mused bitterly, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. "These people are just increasing the scale of damage caused."
However, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, Kaito found himself grappling with existential questions that had long eluded him. Turning to Aria, he posed a query that had plagued his mind for some time. "Spiritual Beings existed since... Wait, I've not gotten this question answered. Did they always exist?"
Aria's expression mirrored Kaito's contemplative demeanor as she acknowledged the profundity of his inquiry. "I haven't found an answer to this question either," she admitted, her brow furrowed in thoughtful reflection.
Regret tinged Kaito's voice as he lamented his missed opportunity to seek clarity from Altharion, the enigmatic guardian whose wisdom transcended the realms of mortal comprehension. "I should have asked Altharion back then," he murmured, a pang of remorse evident in his tone.
Aria, sensing Kaito's inner turmoil, sought to offer solace amidst the uncertainty that enveloped them. "Have you formed another contract?" she inquired, her voice tinged with curiosity.
Kaito's response was tinged with resignation as he acknowledged the improbability of such an occurrence. "No. I won't have the luck to form a contract with a guardian of whatever Enes they might be guarding again anyways," he confessed, his words laced with a hint of resignation.
Aria's reassurance served as a beacon of hope amidst the encroaching darkness that threatened to engulf them. "You never know... Well, do whatever you find fit," she advised, her voice infused with a sense of quiet determination.
As they sat in quiet contemplation, the gentle rustle of leaves overhead served as a reminder of the enduring beauty that persisted amidst the chaos of their tumultuous world.