Demon Sword Maiden

Volume 11 - Yamata no Orochi: Chapter 6 – Minamoto no Yoshitsune’s Death

Minamoto no Yoshitsune, renowned as the world’s greatest hero, had a well-known saga that didn’t necessitate retelling. His rise to prominence and the tales of his encounters with Shizuka Gozen, culminating in their sorrowful parting, were familiar to most experts in Ashihara, succinctly summarized by Shizuka herself.

The circumstances leading to Yoshitsune’s untimely demise remained unclear, with only inconsistent rumors circulating. “In reality, Yoshitsune was tasked by his elder brother Yoritomo and the Cloistered Emperor to embark on a crusade across the world, to defend imperial authority, to annihilate formidable monsters and rebels, and to lay the foundations for the Heian Dynasty’s peace and prosperity. Once the world had stabilized, political rifts between Yoshitsune and Yoritomo began to emerge,” she recounted.

“Particularly eighteen years ago, celestial patterns started to shift. While phenomena like extended nights occurred sporadically in the previous century, they became alarmingly regular after that year, influencing the world’s vitality, bolstering the eldritch aura, and empowering malevolent demons,” she continued.

“Yoshitsune championed a radical transformation in celestial affairs, enacting fresh internal policies, boldly confronting foreign adversaries, and initiating a formidable crusade to unearth a means of world salvation. Conversely, Yoritomo insisted that the populace adhere to the celestial currents and adapt accordingly. Inevitably, Yoshitsune found himself embroiled in a sweeping crusade against an unending tide of demons and possessed samurai. Despite the adversaries’ overwhelming numbers, the decade that followed was marked by relative tranquility, with Yoshitsune’s campaigns resulting in the defeat or significant weakening of numerous arch-demons.”

“His fame surged, winning the hearts of both court and commoner alike; such was his renown that even in Kanto, he surpassed the Shogun, Minamoto no Yoritomo, in prestige. With the demonic forces momentarily subdued, he envisioned a journey to the heavenly gate to seek counsel on altering the tumultuous celestial path. This quest was met with Yoritomo’s stark opposition, yet the Imperial Court, and notably the Cloistered Emperor, offered robust endorsement.”

“After receiving an edict, Yoshitsune led his eight hundred flying cavalry toward the formidable Ise’s Heavenly Gate. Despite his considerable strength as a septuple-soul big dipper, half-step celestial, he had not yet attained celestial status. Yoshitsune was aware that his ascension to the celestial realm was unpredictable and the turbulent world would not pause for him. In his attempt to cross through the Heavenly Gate, he met with failure. I stood by him, yet my spells and arts offered no solace against the overwhelming force of the gate.”

“Both Yoshitsune and I sustained heavy injuries, with his being the more severe. We had no choice but to retreat to Heian-kyo to heal. However, as we departed Ise, Yoritomo’s forces encircled us.”

“Minamoto no Yoritomo deployed his army without an edict? Is this a conspiracy?” Lily questioned.

“No! That old *******, the Cloistered Emperor Go-Shirakawa, betrayed us. He denied sending any edict to Yoshitsune and proclaimed it a forgery. He slandered Yoshitsune, accusing him of desecrating the Heavenly Gate with his ignorance and arrogance, and commanded Yoritomo to wage a crusade against him,” came the reply.

Shizuka shivered uncontrollably, her eyes brimming with hatred as she recounted the traumatic events of that year. “That Go-Shirakawa, he was the Daitengu! How many times had he deceived us, only to be the architect of Yoshitsune’s downfall! Who would have suspected him of being an arch-demon?”

“Had Yoshitsune not been grievously wounded by the tempestuous winds at the gate, not even Yoritomo with his hundreds of thousands could have rivaled him. At that time, only Tamamo-no-Mae was his equal.”

“Not just Yoshitsune suffered injuries. I, Musashibo Benkei, along with several of his stalwart allies, were also hurt. Yoritomo had laid a myriad of cruel traps and launched a surprise attack, leading to our defeat. Nonetheless, we mustered our strength, shattered their formations, and made our escape to the open seas.”

“Even after escaping, he could not fathom that the cloistered emperor had turned traitor, or that his own elder brother would wish him dead!”