Flame of Recca Issue #206 - #233:
Wings spouted out from Kurei's back as he faced off Mori. Recca was happy to see Kurei again but Kurei beat him up as he viewed Recca like a trash. Raiha greeted Kurei. Joker also came along to meet them. Raiha informed Kurei tha Tsukino was still alive. Recca blasted at Kurei for hitting him but the latter ignored him as he was more interested in fighting Mori.
As smoke cleared, the more evolved monsterous form of Mori emerged. Kurei demanded Recca to leave the place. Mori trapped Kurei within his body and dived at Recca. Suddenly, the voice of Kaima commanded Mori to retreat as the body was yet completed. If the body was spilt, so was the power. In order to become perfect, Mori had to absorb the ability of Yanagi who had the power of healing. Recca was angry and sworn to protect her from Mori. Kurei broke out of Mori's body. Together with Recca, they prepared to crush Mori before he could go after Yanagi.
Kaima commanded Mori to flee while he still could. Renge appeared and shield Mori from Kurei who was being reminded of his late lover-Kurenai. Renge suddenly stabbed Kurei who tried to remind himself that his Kurenai was now part of his flame. Raiha tossed his katana at Aoi who was interfereing Kurei's fight with Mori. She had came to fetch Aoi. Together with help of Aoi and Renge, Mori fled. Recca tried to go after them but Mori's separate body part obstructed him. As the cave crumbled, Mori and his followers escaped.
Meanwhile, at other place, Domon (who was carrying Yanagi), Kaoru and Mikagami were running. (Fuuko was still hugging Hisui's body at Recca's side.) The eternal living corpses Mikagami had froze pointed the escape route for them as their original exit was blocked. Kaoru was delighted and thanked them. The living corpses wished them success. Other place, the true body of Mori and Kaima had fled while his duplicated bodies taunted Recca and Kurei's failure. Fuuko confronted the duplicated body and stabbed through his mouth with Hisui's knife as he taunted Hisui's worthless death. Recca told the duplicate body to pass the message to the main body that he would be meeting it soon before he destroyed the duplicated body. As all of them prepared to leave, Fuuko regained her confident self back as she grinned at the grinning Recca.
Other place, Mikagami, Kaoru, Domon (with Yanagi) made it to the ground level. In the house, Kagerou and Recca's foster father were waiting anxiously for Recca and others' return. Meanwhile, Domon and others were aghasted to see Kurei, Raiha and Joker out in the open. As the opening collapsed, Yanagi had a strange dream of herself in ancient kimono standing before a kneeing ninja, betowing him her gratitute for saving her life. She woke, calling Recca's name. Just then, Domon and Kaoru heard something else. Recca and Fuuko had emerged into the opening. Domon and Kaoru dived at them in happiness and Yanagi hugged Recca in tears. Kurei showed Recca his reversed Hokage symbol and sworn to kill Recca after killing Mori. With that, he left with his group. Daybreak, despite their failure to destroy Tendou Jigoku and Mori, Recca and the group were not worried and looked forward to the next confrontation.
In the darkness, Mori sworn to devour the healing girl - Yanagi to ensure the completeness of Tendou Jigoku.
COMMENT: (Kurei reminds me of Sesshoumaru while Recca reminds me of Inuyasha. Mori also reminds me of Orochimaru.)
New day, Recca woke in his messy bedroom when Kaoru pounced at him. And later by his foster father and hit by Kagerou-his mother. The day in school continued as usual. Other room, Yanagi was teaching Domon how to draw manga. Recca was relieved as Kagerou promised to help him search Mori using her Eikai ball. The usual day went on until the teacher's announcement of a new student - Kagura Aoi (aka Mori's subordinate). Recca who had not seen her throughout the battle found her familiar but couldn't recall where he had last seen her before. Aoi greeted him and he returned his grin. In school, Aoi excelled both in studies and sports. She was also popular with other students. He told Domon and Fuuko about her. Yanagi was also impressed with Aoi as well. The four of them started talking about Mori Kouran. Kokuu-Recca's old dragon flame had warned them that Tendou Jigoku could become powerful by nourishment from flesh of the dead. Just then, Aoi came to the rooftop and greeted them. Later, along the corridor, Mikagami walked past Aoi and sensed a strange fear of her but couldn't remember.
In the woods at night, Hiruko came out to meet Aoi.
New day, Yanagi woke up from her sleep. Her guardian-Haruda told her off for going to bed late the night before until she criticised her friends as Yanagi gave her a fierce look. Her gardener praised Yanagi for being stronger than before. In school, Recca greeted her. Aoi was watching them quietly. Mikagami confronted her and left her alone for his lack of evidence against her. But within himself, he knew she was not simple as she appeared.
Out in the park, Recca noticed that Yanagi's hair had become longer and apologised to her for hugging her suddenly. She kissed him. Recca stayed in the park, motionless with bleeding head for hours after she left, blushed. The next day, everyone found Recca still stiff from the kiss the day before. Aoi asked a favour from Yanagi. After school, Sunday, Mikagami and Kaoru disturbed Recca at his house. Mikagami warned Recca of trouble as Aoi took Yanagi out to the park. Aoi had asked Yanagi to show her around the place. Yanagi told Aoi that it was the first place where she met Recca. From that time on, Recca had been calling himself 'ninja' and Yanagi 'his hime (princess)'. In his room, Mikagami told Recca his suspicion of Aoi and he agreed. Mikagami had went further by visiting Aoi's registered mansion and calling her home phone but they were both fake. Mikagami suspected she was Mori Kouran's spy. Mikagami suspected Aoi had a madougu that had the power to erase memories. Mikagami's conclusion was, Aoi was their enemy. Recca knew Yanagi was in danger.
Other place, Aoi and Yanagi were still walking into a deserted building where she used to play fireworks with Recca. Aoi's smile darkened and she pointed her pistol at Yanagi. She revealed her identity as Mori's follower. Deep in her heart, Aoi was jealous of the students for the normal human life which she could never get.
Aoi was a man-made clone from Mori's laboratory using Kurei and Kurenai's genes. Unlike Renge who could produce flames, Aoi was labelled failure. However, only she and Renge survived the experiments. Other place, Recca sensed Yanagi's screamings and ran towards the old building for Yanagi. In the building, Yanagi was trapped by Aoi's sphere, manipulating her mind. Outside the building, Hiruko confronted Mikagami, Recca and Kaoru. Hiruko could manipulate his own blood like weapons. In Yanagi's mind, she saw bodies of Kaoru and others stabbed by long spears. Aoi sent illusion of Recca and others dying because of her. Aoi was trying to get Yanagi to go with her willingly. Outside, Recca and others stormed into the building and found Yanagi already gone.
In Mori's mansion, a maid who brought him meal sensed deaths around Mori who was sitting like normal human being (but naked nonetheless). As he turned on the light, she saw corpses of women around her but she was trapped. As she screamed in horror, Mori confronted her in his monsterous form.
Other place, Recca and others were dejected as they told Kagerou of the latest update. Kagerou pointed Mori's lair to them. Recca tried to run off after Yanagi but Kokuu stopped him. Kokuu told Recca that he was also a maker of Madougus. All Madougus held by Fuuko, Mikagami, Domon and Kaoru were his creations. He used to be a specialist at same level as Kaima and he told them that all madougus lacked magical power which Yanagi possessed. Kokuu told Recca that Resshin-the leader of the eight headed dragon flames wanted to speak to him. Recca wanted to face the battle alone as he did not want anyone to die anymore. He wanted all of them to decide in three days' time if they were really prepared to die with him in the final battle. In a room, Yanagi woke on a bed to find Mori sitting on the sofa next to her. She screamed as he slashed her clothes from her body. But light from her forced his body on fire. Kaima explained that Yanagi's positive force had such impact to repel Mori's negative force. As Yanagi was stunned over her fading memories of Recca, Aoi stood watching. Within the illusionary world, Recca met his dragons in human forms. Meanwhile, Fuuko and others were training hard as they considered their option to go with Recca in three days' time.
Meanwhile, life seemed back to normal for Kagerou and Recca's foster father as they watched Kaoru running off to school with his secret admirers. In school, Kaoru aroused hatred from Hiroya who was jealous of his ability and popularity. But they eventually became friends as Hiroya had reminded Kaoru of Domon. However, some student gangs were after Hiroya's blood (because he had beaten up too many of their men in the past). The gang abducted the girl Hiroya liked and threatened him with her life. Hiroya left off without telling Kaoru the real reason. As the gang beated Hiroya, Kaoru turned up to help him. He finished the fight within short time. One Mori's men turned up to confront Kaoru who fought him calmly. Kaoru made up his mind to follow Recca in saving Yanagi. Hiroya told Kaoru to return as his friend once the battle was over. The girl whom Hiroya liked had a bad feeling that Kaoru might never return again.
Other place, Domon was attending to flowers at his shop when Mikagami visited him to buy flowers and left shortly. Just then, Domon had a customer-a tiny girl. She bursted into tears and he had to take her to a quiet spot to ask her to avoid embarrassment. She introduced herself as Kasumi. She had cried because she heard rumors that Domon was quitting school and wanted to help him in his studies. Over the next three days, she spent time helping him in studies in his room. She told him about the flower meaning of 'Kasumisou' as pure heart. She recalled Domon protecting flowers from a brunch of bullies with his fists. She confessed her feelings for Domon but he rejected her. They hugged. Domon prepared to leave with Recca and his mother promised to prepare good food for him when he returned. As he left, he hoped Kasumi could still help him with his studies if he returned.
Other place, Fuuko was at her place, sorting her decision to follow Recca in the final battle. A fortune teller approached her and she tried only to receive the message for death. She insisted on pursuing her aim and he gave her a slip of paper to read when she reached home. Out in the woods at night, Fuuko went to look for the fortune teller again. He revealed himself to be Raiha. He challenged her to a duel, planning to train her to a higher level if she proceeded for the final battle. As she succeeded tracking him, he gave her the main jewel for her Madougu of wind to her. He wanted her to pull out the true power of the Fuujin. Fuuko asked him why he fought for Kurei who told her that it was blood before he left. Later, Fuuko made her way towards the meeting place with Recca and others. Her furry servant of wind was following behind her.
At a graveyard, Mikagami was visiting his late elder sister's tombstone. Her spirit emerged to communicate with him, telling him that he would not be alone in the battles as his friends would always be there for him. Other place, a girl overlooked as a gang of people destroyed a house. She was Neon-Kurei's follower. Other place, a group of mysterious people were also on the move. In Mori's mansion, Hiroku and Aoi visited a man in a cell who was in chains and seemed to have a grudge against Mikagami. In a room, Mori was embracing the naked Renge, telling her that he would never eat her no matter what happened. Along the corridor, Aoi came face to face with Renge. Renge greeted Aoi who told her to go away. Aoi was not happy for the lack of praise from Mori even after she had abducted Yanagi and decided to visit her. Yanagi could not find herself to hate Aoi even after her abduction and she told her that they were friends. Aoi could not help but feel warmness. In her room, Renge was tearing her teddy bear in anger at Aoi's coldness. From his dark room, Mori was watching her from his CCTV.
Meanwhile, Recca was meeting Resshin-the leader of the eight headed fire dragons. A comical human greeted Recca with a test. Recca had to reach a meeting room within the burning of a candle or he would be sent back. He chased after it as traps slammed around him. Recca passed the test and reached the meeting room where the human reverted back to a leaf. He entered to see the dragon form of Resshin who subsequently turned into human form of a bearded warrior man. Recca recalled him as his flesh and blood father-the sixth generation Hokage, Ouka. He confessed that he couldn't meet Kagerou-Recca's mother and also Ouka's wife as he was no longer human. He told Kokuu (who came along) and Recca of Kurei and Recca's past when they were back in the ninja age.
Flash back, 1575 (Third year of Tenshou) in Hokage Village. Kurei was being condemned after the birth of Recca as the child who would cause disaster to the village as he possessed cursed and evil flame. Ouka had been ordered to kill Kurei. Kagerou protested to spare Kurei. Throughout the commotion, Kurei remained expressionless. Later, Kurei had been looked down upon by other villagers due to his position. Kurei was later imprisoned for attacking the then infant Recca. Even so, Ouka felt guilty as he believed Kurei's evil heart was formed at later time. Ouka told Recca that Kurei's flame took the souls of dead people as its form and its original form was a phoenix. Recca and Kurei were born at the same time during the destruction of Hokage ninja 400 years ago as Recca had to sever his ties with the cursed fate of Hokage. Ouka told Recca that Yanagi was also related to the history of the Hokage. Ouka had knew that girl when he was still alive 400 years ago.
The incident happened before the birth of Recca and Kurei. Even before the Hokage had ever considered the possibility of being erased. Year 1568, 11th year of Eiroku. Oda Nobunaga was the shogun at that time. In a remote fortress-Tenkatouitsu, a letter had been sent to seek for marriage proposal of Sakura hime princess). She had been asked to marry Takasugi. Koheita visited her and she confessed that she only wanted to marry Koheita and no one else. Koheita was being sent for questioning by Oyakata who had no objection for Koheita to marry with Sakura hime but Takasugi posed a problem. Koheita suggested seeking Hokage ninja's help. Next to a river, 14 year old Kagerou ran to Ouka informing him of a messager from the Sawaki clan. Reina (later mother of Kurei) told the wet Ouka to change. Koheita asked Ouka to assassinate Takasugi. Ouka requested seeing Sakura hime to determine if she was worth helping before he decided. Sakura healed his scratched hand when they met and he was shocked. He showed her his fire and lent her a fire magoudu to play but it broke in her hand. He was shocked. Ouka told Sakura of the situation of her country. She wanted Takasugi who had threatened her country to die by her hands.
In the fortress of Takasugi Masakane, Takasugi was having fun tormenting a girl when his messager brought message from Sawaki clan. Other place, Koheita and his followers were delivering a carriage on the street. Later, in the hall, Sakura (in her hooded coat) greeted Takasugi. Later that night, he scrapped her from her clothes in his room. Her expression remained unchanged. She used ninja technique to destroy his vocal cords and revealed the true identity as Kagerou. Evil spirits swarmed around her suddenly and she was shocked. A ninja of Kouga clan appeared behind her as Takasugi had hired him to dispose people in his way. As Kagerou fled, Ouka turned up to her aid and they escaped. Takasugi declared war on the Sawaki clan. Ouka volunteered to fight for the clan as it was his mistake to begin with. Sakura was upset over the fate of Koheita, her father and Ouka. Despite their infavourable position, everyone was happy to protect Sakura hime. Reina and Kagerou volunteered to follow Ouka to back him up. From the top, the three of them charged to attack Takasugi's army. The Kouga ninja also appeared to fight Ouka. The injured soldiers were taken to Sakura hime who healed them. Koheita who was gravely injured was brought in and she wanted to save him. He begged for her forgiveness as he died in her arms. She wept. At the battle field, Ouka, Raine and Kagerou were still fighting. Unfortunately, Sawaki clan still fell with the death of Oyakata - Sakura's father and Koheita. Ouka ran to look for Sakura who was wearing death robes. She wanted Ouka to prevent no man to enter the building and to stop Takasugi's force while she committed suicide. She also wanted him to set the building on fire so that no part of her body would belong to Takasugi. Meanwhile, Takasugi's troops approached the fortess. Ouka faced off the soldiers alone. Ouka found himself thinking of Sakura hime as he fought. Ouka revealed his fire dragons. In the fortess, Sakura hime stabbed herself as she looked at Koiheita's corpse. Kokuu-the then leader of the seven fire dragons warned Ouka that if he ever died with an unclear heart, he would become the eigth fire dragon.
When the battle completed with the death of the enemy, the spirit of Sakura hime appeared and thanked Ouka for allowing her to end her life with dignity. One year later, Ouka took Kagerou as his wife and Raine as his mistress. In the 7th year of Tenshou, 1579 during the Tenshou Iga battle, the Hokage line ended.
COMMENT: Hokage clan was named Iga in the manga and it was fighting against Kouga clan, kind of reminding me of Basilisk which was about Kouga and Iga ninja clan rivalry. The Kouga ninja called Ouka a 'genin' which reminds me of Naruto again. I'll probably resume watching the anime either next week or next month once my exam's over.
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blah
weird
frustrated
hungry
amused
determined
curious
creative
