"...Using force to suppress it might not work."
Hoshimi Aya said silently.
If it could be suppressed by force, she would have solved it long ago.
So, the option of using force is off the table.
But sealing it with external power... if I seal the blade directly, what will I use?
So, this option doesn't work either.
Now, only one option remains: persuasion through Talk no Jutsu.
After all, that Nine-Tailed Fox can be reasoned with, except for the occasional fits of madness during conversation.
In other respects, it's actually quite alright.
So, I just need to find a suitable opportunity to try and agree with it, and see what happens.
"Aya, you can only rely on yourself for this."
"I haven't encountered this situation before, so I can't be of much help."
Hoshimi Miyabi said in a low voice; such a matter could likely only be resolved through one's own strength.
Others certainly wouldn't be able to help.
"Yes, Aya, your own safety is the most important. If it doesn't work, you can temporarily seal the blade and wait until you're more certain."
Soichiro pondered.
"...I already have a plan, but I haven't had a suitable opportunity."
Hoshimi Aya said quietly, while also explaining her plan.
The two of them were stunned upon hearing it.
"Aya, you have a plan?"
"Can you tell me about it?"
Hoshimi Miyabi asked.
"Aya, you're not thinking of negotiating with the Demon Blade, are you?"
"My advice is not to do that; there are just too many unstable factors."
After a moment of thought, Soichiro guessed what Hoshimi Aya's plan was.
After all, it wasn't hard to guess; for now, this was the only way.
Since force and sealing were out, only this remained, as the blade couldn't be discarded.
"Yes, exactly."
"I want to find a chance to try. It has always wanted me to accept it, so I'll try to accept it and see if I can control it."
"But because there are too many unstable factors, I haven't dared to try, and there's a risk of losing control."
"Once before when I lost control, I almost slashed Nicole and the others."
"But it's not like I can't try now; I need you to suppress me if I lose control."
After saying this, Hoshimi Aya looked at Hoshimi Miyabi seriously.
"...I see, I understand."
"With Mi-chan to suppress it, even if you lose control, the situation can be kept in check."
"We can try again next time."
Soichiro's eyes lit up at the words.
"Alright then, Aya."
"Let's head to The Hollow right now."
"We can go all out there."
With that, Hoshimi Miyabi prepared to pull Hoshimi Aya along and head straight for The Hollow.
But she was stopped by Soichiro.
"Mi-chan, you forgot, we have other things to attend to this time besides the Demon Blade."
Soichiro reminded her.
"Father, those trivial matters can wait until we get back."
"It won't make a difference to wait a bit longer anyway."
Hoshimi Miyabi said after a moment of thought.
"...Alright then."
"But remember to take Carrot with you, so you don't get lost."
Soichiro reminded her.
Hoshimi Miyabi nodded and left with Hoshimi Aya.
...
A certain Void.
Within a vast, open area.
"Sister, come."
Hoshimi Miyabi and Hoshimi Aya moved apart.
"Okay, I'm starting."
"If black flames start emanating from my body, then you can be sure I've lost control."
Having said that, Hoshimi Aya closed her eyes and felt for the Demon Blade.
Before long, Hoshimi Aya arrived at that lake surface from before.
And the Nine-Tailed Fox was crouching on the ground not far from her, eyes tightly shut as if sleeping.
However, sensing Hoshimi Aya's arrival, it slowly opened its eyes.
"A rare guest."
"Hoshimi, I didn't expect you to take the initiative to come see me."
"What, have you thought it through?"
"Are you ready to accept me, to accept that unparalleled power?!"
The Nine-Tailed Fox said, looking at Hoshimi Aya with a playful gaze.
In any case, it wouldn't believe that Hoshimi Aya had come this time to say she was ready to accept.
Before, when it was pushing for it, she hadn't agreed; this time, she was probably looking for it because of something else.
It had already struck a pose, ready to mock her and even planning to mimic her tone to reject her!
The previous few times it had kindly invited her, she had unexpectedly refused with a blank face, her flat tone so bone-chillingly cold!
"Didn't you say before that you wanted me to accept you?"
"I've thought it over carefully and decided to agree."
"When do we start?"
Hoshimi Aya nodded and asked.
Nine-Tailed Fox:...
"Humph!"
"Do you think I'll believe that?!"
The Nine-Tailed Fox was stunned for a moment upon hearing this, then questioned her angrily.
Hoshimi Aya:...
"If you don't believe me, then fine."
"Then you aren't allowed to come looking for me anymore."
"Don't try to control me."
"Don't make me lose control."
Hoshimi Aya said, speechless.
Why wouldn't it believe her when she was telling the truth?
"Humph!"
"You'd better be telling the truth."
With that, the Nine-Tailed Fox came before Hoshimi Aya and lowered its head in front of her.
From its posture, it seemed to be letting her touch it.
"Do you want me to touch you?"
Hoshimi Aya said somewhat uncertainly, but she reached out her hand anyway.
The moment Hoshimi Aya's hand touched the Nine-Tailed Fox, a third eye opened on the fox's forehead, staring intently at Hoshimi Aya.
After the touch, Hoshimi Aya's mind suddenly dazed for a moment before her consciousness returned once more.
Her eyes slowly opened, but they weren't normal eyes; they were a pair of pure black ones.
At the same time, Hoshimi Aya felt that her body was no longer under her control, yet she could clearly feel every part of it, and through this perspective, her eyes could see Hoshimi Miyabi opposite her.
"Did it fail?"
"Aya, if you can hear me, give me a response."
Hoshimi Miyabi asked, hand on her sword hilt, already prepared to strike at any moment.
Hoshimi Aya didn't answer; instead, she stiffly tilted her neck and gave Hoshimi Miyabi a weird smile.
"It's confirmed, she's lost control."
"In that case... Aya, I won't hold back."
"It just so happens I also want to see how strong you are in this berserk state."
With that, Hoshimi Miyabi drew her blade and charged toward Hoshimi Aya, a pale blue light trailing from the swinging blade.
Clang!!
The two blades clashed.
Hoshimi Aya likewise drew her blade and met the strike.
Black and blue flames intertwined, as incompatible as fire and water.
...
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