Character Quest:Tadatomo:VN:1

[Translation by Kukuru]

Character Quest: Tadatomo - Episode 1: A Father's Image

---

The power of the "Sacred Artifact" that revived him from his grave. Have the heavens declared him as a mortal still?

He who was still young, how did he die? Why did he come back to life? Not even he know the answer as to why.

Soon, the father's death was known. He knew that died living up to "loyalty" until the very end.

Additionally, he learned the name of the one that killed father. A flame that burned the soul lit up in his heart.

In this life, he resurrected in response to the father's "loyalty." He lived a long time to succeed the "loyalty" that the father had fulfilled.

In this life, he must burn and destroy the bitter enemy of the father.

Inuyama Dousetsu Tadatomo, a demon of revenge. He who swore to burn and destroy the father's bitter enemy, vanished into a rainbow light.

However, the demon of revenge soon realized there is one more "loyalty." He knows the person he needs to protect.

Sei! Yaaaah!!

Too slow...!!

Fierce sounds of clashing blows echoes inside the dojo. Immediately after that, silence filled the vicinity.

"They must become stronger together." The two bear that in mind to protect their lord, and their comrades.

Both of them acknowledged their place from the end of the scandal that occurred in the Chiyoda Ward. They realized that they could no longer protect anyone having superficial training alone.

They must get stronger... for the one that they need to protect together.

...!!

...!!

Even in this "match," they decided together that going easy is not acceptable. A sharp gaze like that of a sword was exchanged between the two.

During the break, they must find their means of survival - Means of survival relating to their own "success."

Hu... Kukuku~

... Eh?

Oh, I just find it funny. The day the same Hakkenshi making an effort to train together, shoulder to shoulder in this Tokyo.

It's quite a strange coincidence. It's as if "we're attracted to each other."

I agree. However, using discretion and cutting corners is absurd.

We're having a conversation in the middle of a match. A saying goes that "anyone can be a warrior."

Tadatomo:( face) Ain't that right!!

Tadatomo disappeared, caused by the illusion from the basis of speed, and proceeds to make his attack first.

Moritaka defends against a surprise attack from a blind spot in an instant. Immediately he readies the bamboo sword, escaping in just the right moment.

The only thing weird here is your face. Look at you so strained and unnerved!

In such a state you're in, anyone can predict your next move! Anyone and everyone!!

Ku... How dare you!!

Phantasmagoric slashes lunged out at Moritaka one after another, with Moritaka holding back with defensive stances.

Rushing in and attacking is so naive. You're not ready to step into the face of death!!

Gah... Uwaah!!

Yes! Rage, rage, rage as much as you want!! That'll make things a little better for you!!

Tadatomo continuously taunts Moritaka. Moritaka endures and endures the taunts until -

Haaaaaaaaaaah!!

After a violent clash... Both Tadatomo and Moritaka dropped their weapons.

1 option
That's enough! !

Tch...?

Tadatomo and Moritaka turn to you after your voice echoed through the dojo. There were the figures of Shirou and yourself here.

I hear you wanted to train using the kendo hall you rented... Don't you think this is getting a little too heated?

I was inquired by the teacher to call the other students. If you were to get injured here, you will not be permitted to use the kendo hall itself.

Forgive me, Chairman-dono. Moritaka here wanted to fight with real swords.

Ah! No, Tadatomo was the one instigating this! He's just playing innocent-

Now now~ I'd like to apologize for Moritaka snapping back. I was merely assessing his skills in my own way.

So... How long have you been there, Chairman Shiro and [Player]-dono?

3 options (Same Response)
I just got here.	I heard you were sparring in the kendo hall.	I brought you a lunch box.

What!? A lunch box... A lunch box from [Player]-dono...

Ahhh, I am in your debt! I am quite hungry!!

Hoh... You have an appetite bigger than your skill with the sword.

EXCUSE ME!?

Ah, I get it now... I had a feeling earlier that it was your rumbling stomach...

Your eyes glow the instant you lay eyes on food. You assent to the appearance of a manjuu just like that.

... I cannot ignore what I have been timidly listening to just now. Have you been told that "a samurai, even when he has not eaten, uses a toothpick like a lord"?

So then, Tadatomo~ You don't want to turn down [Player]-dono's generosity now, do you~?

2 options (Same Response)
U-Ummm...	It's like watching two brothers having a dispute...

Ngh!? Of course I'm thankful for that. It's only natural that you can't fight on an empty stomach.

Nonetheless, I wonder how I'll get past that. Isn't that right, Inuduka Mochi Manjuu-dono!?

YOU'RE ONLY USING THE "MO" IN MY NAME?!

You've been needling me for some time now! Is there something about me that displeases you!?

Oh... I surely remember some kind of impending danger concerning hunger, but...

See! That's what I meant by the consequences of your appetite!!

With a body like that of a hand ball, I wouldn't complain even if I rolled into a hole!!

Honestly those two... [Player], isn't he going on about things a bit harshly?

3 options
I'm sure he's just scolding him a little...	Perhaps Tadatomo needs to have more meals.	You two are so cute together~
Gah, [Player]-dono?! N-No, it's true I have weak intentions... The other day I was snacking against my better judgment... Look, Father... [Player]-dono says so as well! I'm reminiscing about you... more or less...	F-Fath... I mean, [Player]-dono!? A-Are you saying Tadatomo is skinny!? S-Surely there are those struggling heavily in life can only eat poor foods for some time...	Tadatomo & Moritaka:(shocked face) WHAT ARE YOU SAYING!? I-I don't want to be told as such. N-No, I am thankful for your remark... F-Father... [Player]-dono, do you joke around often!? Mochi Manjuu also has a permissive expression...

Moritaka:(b_thinking face) Tadatomo, you... What did you call [Player]-dono just now?

D-Don't worry about it, you're just hearing things! You're probably thinking about someone else!

2 options
I'm used to getting mistaken for someone else, so...	Looks like I'm someone's daddy, bahaha!
Are you twisting what I just said?! It's a slip of the tongue, seriously!!	D-Don't mock me...!! It was a slip of the tongue, really!!

[Player], why don't you reason with them? The bickering from these two are getting too much in my eyes.

Besides, I feel bad for Moritaka. As a matter of fact, I came to get you because my plans after this got moved up.

W-What! I-I see... [Player]-dono, I'm sorry but we must part ways.

I left this match to Inuyama! I do not plan on losing in the slightest bit!

A-Also, could you leave one rice ball for me if you can...

I should have told you this earlier... After this, I'm planning to have dinner with Shuichi-san.

There's something I want to discuss later on. Moritaka seems to be worried about that too.

2 options (Same Response)
Alright, Tadatomo...	Wanna have lunch together?

Y-You're okay with that? If Master [Player]-dono doesn't mind, then I'd be honored to...

Good. If you'll excuse us, we'll be going now. Don't forget to lock the doors to the kendo hall, got it?

After you and Tadatomo finished tidying up the dojo, the two of you sat down and unwrapped the bento boxes.

T-This is quite lavish...

2 options (Same Response)
Damn, it looks so good...!	It's really making me hungry!

O-Oh, this is, err... *Ahem*! Nnn...

I am honored with a handmade lunch box from [Player]-dono. I am greatly obliged by your thoughtfulness.

3 options (Same Response)
(Huh, his personality changed...)	(I wonder if he's feeling embarrassed...)	(This is similar to that "wait" posture...)

Inuyama Dousetsu Tadatomo... As someone who lives by devotion and loyalty, He thinks it's important to abandon his feelings and remain calm at all times.

However, Tadatomo is hiding something. Hiding his excitement of having a handmade bento from his Master, whom he respects and cares about.

I... was very rude earlier. I get awfully worked up when it comes to Moritaka...

I acknowledge that his abilities are superior to mine. So I feel I am not prepared enough to stand in the face of death.

I need to prove myself as a pioneer of the battlefield, like I have gone through numerous battles.

3 options
It... looked more like a brotherly fight, but...	You were incredibly childish during that match...	That's... such a stiff way of speaking...
Ulp! T-That was not my intent at all! O-Other than that, m-may I have a riceball?	N-No... That was not my intent! E-Either way, m-may I have a riceball?	N-No, I cannot go without being polite to Milord... E-Either way, m-may I have a riceball?

Tadatomo smacked his lips as he eats the riceball stuffed into the lunch box.

This was very well made... Quite delicious! Memories of my father from my childhood are coming back to me.

2 options (Same Response)
You called me father again...	Hahaha! I'm your father--

N-No, I wasn't referring to you this time, [Player]-dono. I remembered my "biological father."

As a child, I remember having my mother's handmade riceballs together after training.

Hah... I need to be mindful of verbal slip-ups in the future. This does not represent filial piety...

2 options (Same Response)
... So I resemble your father?	Ah... I'm being mistaken for someone else...

No, that is not the case! By no means am I overlapping you with my father.

... No, perhaps I am doing so. I suppose it's my lack of self-reliance...

My father was also my swordsmanship instructor. Severe arts of war were drilled into my head during my childhood.

That is the reason why I think on the battlefield. "How did my father cut his way through?"

My father always observed those battles. And I believe I can rebuke him for such shortcomings.

Because it's in the corner of my head, perhaps I suddenly said "father" was because I'm standing before my precursor...

2 options (Same Response)
When it comes to your teacher...	It's like being called a different name...

... I don't quite understand the example, but if I'm understanding what you said, then it may be like that.

3 options (Same Response)
By the way...	I've been wanting to hear-	stories about your past.

You... want stories about me, Inuyama Tadatomo...?

2 options (Same Response)
It's like there's some kind of purpose.	You needed money for that thing.

... I doubt it will be very interesting. For that reason, I prefer to talk about something else.

... But that'd go against my loyalty to you, Milord. If there is one thing to reveal...

It's that I have a "bitter enemy" I need to destroy. Someday, for the time when I see the moment with that person...

I will be strong. I need to become strong. To destroy the "enemy" of my father.

1 option
Re... Revenge...

Tadatomo shakes his head and tries to shake off the gloomy atmosphere. Then he smiles to express his thanks.

... I'm thankful for the delicious riceball. Let's head back before the sun sets or it will trouble the school.

3 options
Your tail is wagging like crazy...	I wonder if you can smile a little more cutely~	You got rice grains on your cheek for a long time.
T-That's, err... Pretend you didn't see that... please...	P-Please pardon my poor looks. I-I wasn't blessed with an opportunity to give a broad smile in any way...	Heh!? You should've pointed that out sooner! I-I can clean it off myself...

When you put away the lunch box, both you and Tadatomo touched the door to the kendo hall-

1 option
... E-Eh?

... [Player]-dono, is something wrong?

2 options (Same Response)
The door...	won't open...

1 option
Nn... Nnnn...?

All you remember was your eyes getting hazy along with dizziness. You became mentally slow after that.

When you came to... the scenery around you looked somewhat different.

2 options (Same Response)
This is... the kendo hall...	Isn't it...?

Mmm... [Player]-dono...? Was I exhausted? I was a little dizzy...

......!! This is...

Tadatomo observes his surroundings and turns pale. You gently hold up Tadatomo who's staggering.

W-Why... This place is...

2 options (Same Response)
Do you recognize this place?	It looks nothing like the kendo hall.

... Nothing I can remember, but... this place couldn't be...

... It's the house where I was born...

2 options (Same Response)
It's no good...	I can't open any of the doors...

I tried to go outside from the courtyard, but it appears I come back to where I started from... It's bizarre.

You and Tadatomo attempted to break out of the transformed chamber.

However, none of the methods led to a successful escape. The other side of the shoji door begins to dye in a dusk color.

2 options
Is this really your house, Tadatomo?	Yikes... It's getting dark.
Positive. This is the "training field" of my parent's house, but...	Stay cautious, [Player]-dono. It may be someone's black magic...

A place like this shouldn't exist at all. It must be a "trap" by some kind of "Sacred Artifact."

2 options (Same Response)
Then... How-	How are you so sure this is your house?

It's... It's firmly etched in my memories...

This is the place my father trained me when I was young...

Tadatomo suddenly opened his mouth as he observed the other side of the shoji door dyed in madder red.

... My father was a strict gentleman. How many times... How many times has he drank my tears with a wooden sword in one hand?

My father trained me, even with my fingers running with blood. He never says anything half-hearted. He's strict... very strict.

1 option
Why did he go that far-

Because... I admired my father.

He was loyal to his lord, strict with himself, and... He looked at me, serious than anything.

I recall hearing every time he was a person who would not succumb to any adverse circumstance. I want to become a fine warrior like my father was...

2 options (Same Response)
This "training ground"...	is a place of memories of your father.

... Yes, that's right. It's true this place holds memories of my father.

I... I wanted to be recognized by him. I wanted to be considered praiseworthy, so I continued getting stronger.

I hated these training grounds. Whether I like it or not, I am self-aware of my misery, and my own weaknesses.

I did not want to show my weak side to my father... But I did want to be strong as him.

2 options (Same Response)
Tadatomo...	It was painful for you to remember. I'm sorry.

When you raised your voice, a squirming figure materializes in the training grounds sinking into twilight.

????:( face) ... You are weak indeed. So weak to the point that you can't even accept it.

You recall hearing that voice before. It was surely a familiar voice to you two.

...! Y-You bastard...!!

????:( face) Kukuku... Tadatomo... Someone so weak can't possibly carry out "revenge."

1 option
Mori...taka!?

That figure looks like so in your eyes. Something resembling "Moritaka" stands in the swaying darkness laughing sinisterly.

You should have understood it more than enough by the previous match. You can't prevail against me with mere lip service.

The saying goes like this, "the smallest dog barks the loudest."

[Player]-dono, please stand down! This person may be the master of a mysterious technique!

... Mysterious technique? How do you mean? This is... no mere deception.

This is the "darkness" of Tadatomo's heart. And so am I.

2 options (Same Response)
Tadatomo's...	"Darkness of the heart"?!

That is his "own weakness"! He turns his eyes away without accepting the darkness of his heart. He is in his own darkness!!

You realized it as well when you squared off against me. "I can't win this."

Therefore I wore "the impatience of your heart"! To realize "his own weakness" at the bottom of his heart!

Oh please. You think you can throw me off with crap like that?!

Setting aside Moritaka, [Player]-dono has nothing to do with this!

Well well, there too is a need for them. Your precious lord will acknowledge your "weakness"!

Wh... What did you just say...!?

2 options (Same Response)
Tadatomo, don't lend your ear to him!	He's expecting you to fall for his sugar-coated words!

As you wish!! Things won't go your way, Phantom!!

Kukuku~ You follow your lord well. It's true a warrior will feel dishonored if their spirit is broken to such extents.

What kind of hand did you use to compete against that? Do well to remember keeping an eye on that!

2 options (Same Response)
M-Moritaka, he...	Multiplied!?

The "shadow" assuming Moritaka's shape surrounds you and Tadatomo in a blink of an eye.

Now then, Tadatomo of Loyalty! As your title suggests, protect your lord!!

[Battle Start]

---

UOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!!

Enduring the attacks, Tadatomo's fire release creates a wall before the countless shadows. However, the shadows attack you from all directions like it's nothing.

You're quite tenacious! You've only been trained by that "phantom"--

*Pant*... *Pant*...

The shadow laughs sinisterly at Tadatomo, who's illuminated by fire and scowling at him.

Kuku... HAHAHAHAHAHA!!

What's... What's so funny!?

The only thing weird here is your face. Look at you so strained and unnerved!

In such a state you're in, anyone can predict your next move! Everyone and anyone!!

W-What...!!

Rushing in and attacking is so naive. You're not ready to step into the face of death!!

G-Grrrr..!!

1 option
I heard those remarks somewhere...

S-Shut up, shut up, SHUT UP!! Don't you dare throw those remarks back at me!!

In reponse to his rage, the fire release increases in strength. The fire gradually spreads across the walls and onto the floor. The surroundings are becoming like the flames of hell.

Of course... You don't want to be told that by anyone else. That is because they're the same remarks your father scolded you with when you were a child!!

You were frustrated by such strictness that you kneeled over again and again!!

In other words, you haven't gotten any stronger since then!

On top of that, you abuse your opponents just to provoke them into discord!

Isn't that just a scheme of an "underdog" who accepted their own "weakness"?!

Shut... up... SHUT UUUUUUUUPPPPPPPPPPP...!!

Yes! Rage, rage, rage as much as you want!! That'll make things a little better for you!!

Tadatomo's fury and the murky shadow sinking into his heart causes the flames to spread out even more and become more intense.

Hahahaha!! It's just like that "time" isn't it!? The regretful rage turned into flames and burned this entire residence down--

Your face... and your memories!! Just like that "time" that was burned down by those regretful flames!!

Stop... STOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOP!!

Tadatomo's flames of sorrow dispelled the countless shadows. With the power to enfold the residence, including you.

2 options (Same Response)
Tadatomo...	TADATOMO...! !

Your flames are "vengence" itself... The flames of regret that burned in your heart that time.

You took in everything for yourself. It's your fate to burn down everything and disappear.

..............

... Pathetic. A single man mimicking a wrestling match caused by his own "weakness."

Can you... truly call that "loyalty"? What will you offer to your "late father"?!

What will you do when you burn out alone by raging at yourself before burning your "father's enemy" to the ground!?

Guh!?

2 options (Same Response)
Don't you torment...	Tadatomo more than you already have! !

... Milord...!

1 option
Tadatomo is strong.

3 options (Same Response)
Even if you didn't tell me...	that you're struggling against your pain alone...	by burning yourself...

2 options (Same Response)
And to protect those feelings...	... is the duty of one's "lord"! !

... [Player]-dono...!! I... I...!!

1 option
Live, Tadatomo!

2 options (Same Response)
And also...	Let's eat riceballs again with everybody.

... As you wish!! On shuri shuri mamari mari shushuri sowaka!

Burn onself, with flames of Ucchusma! Burn myself, my "frail self"!!

Yes... Kill me again and again..!!

I will return to hell from inside the flames! URAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!

Tadatomo's flames shines brighter, erasing the darkness and burning out the murky past. And...

... Splendid. Killing oneself who depended on the weak and returning to hell from inside the flames...

Very well. In deference to your mettle and your master's spirit, I will leave here...

Never forget, Tadatomo!! Revenge may be a form of your "loyalty."

Is falling for revenge the "loyalty" worth doing for your lord? Do well to keep that in mind!

Be strong... Tadatomo!!

The regret that you couldn't die alongside your father is enough to unravel it!!

[Kendo Hall]

Tadatomo:( face) ... [Player]... [Player]...!!

1 option
Mmm... Huh?

D-Did you notice? Somehow we returned to the original kendo hall.

2 options (Same Response)
I'm glad... Tadatomo.	Are you unharmed?

Yes... Thanks to your help, I came out unharmed, Milord. Because of you, I narrowly-

2 options (Same Response)
(Pet Tadatomo)	(Hug Tadatomo)

... [Player]-dono...

3 options (Same Response)
I may not be able to hold you back from revenge...	But...	I want you to stay alive.

Your words left Tadatomo speechless. Instead, he puts together words as if he's mumbling.

... Like that "shadow" said... I... I am still much of a novice.

I knew that Moritaka couldn't be agitated by such petty tricks. He is strong. At least from my "heart" now.

Because of my jealousy, I became impatient in winning and behaved miserably... That guilty conscience must have took his form.

3 options (Same Response)
Who... was that "shadow"?	I couldn't see cause it was bright.	It was a mouthful that I can think of it as an ordinary "enemy."

... It's most likely...

Tadatomo suddenly touched the tip of his left shoulder. He feels warm heat which is different from the scorching flames of revenge.

Tadatomo looks at his lord's face. The time has come... for revenge.

"I survived"... He though his life burned out just for the sake of revenge.

However, his other father-- his lord ordered it. "Live."

Tadatomo, this time again, swore to himself that he will become stronger.

"To die in revenge"? Or "live to go beyond that point."

He will come to make that decision... someday.

Character Quest: Tadatomo Episode 1... END