Chapter Text
Life couldn’t be much sweeter for Itto, really. After being released out of the slammer with a very disappointed glare from a very angry tengu woman, he couldn’t wait to stretch his legs a little and maybe find that small blond haired traveler again. They were adorable, almost like a little sibling to him, and he would never be able to thank them enough for their help with the blue oni.
And also that weird floating dumpling they have at their side. Paimon or whatever her name was. She was cool too.
Unexpected, things got even sweeter than he could imagine. His luck could get better after all! Said tiny traveler was waiting for him outside of the gates of where he’d been held, but amber colored eyes blown wide and clasping their hands together while rambling loud thanks to Kujou Sara for releasing the Oni.
“ How could I ever repay you! “ They‘re nearly in tears are they stare up at the ever stone faced woman who simply folds her arms.
“ You can start by removing him from the property. Please acknowledge how much I’m doing for you traveler. If he gets in trouble again, I don’t think I could bend my back again for you. “ She responds, and though she doesn’t want to admit, anyone is able to tell she’s hiding the slightest bit of a smile as she gently ruffles the hair atop the traveler’s head.
“ Of course Lady Sara ! It will not happen again. “ They give one final thanks as Itto is released from the extremely tight chains from around his wrists, allowing him to twist his hand a little to regain the feeling he’d lost from the incorrect size. Whether on purpose or accident is something Itto either didn’t bother to look into, or simply didn’t want to find out about.
If Sara even heard him complain about it, no doubt she would’ve tightened them again anyways.
Finally, his turn to speak without having to hold his breath at all, in fear Sara might turn him right back around and shove him right into the same ol’ shabby cell. Well, as shabby as it could be for the one and oni.
“ There you are buddy, I was beginning to think you’d forgotten about me! “ Itto huffed a laugh as his arm went around the Traveler’s shoulders, and tugging them into a side embrace so they could continue their walk forward.
“ I would never forget about you! How could I? “ They laughed softly as they were slightly lifted off the ground from Itto’s strength, who didn’t really notice until he felt them kind of cling to his arm.
Itto was quick to release them, hands instead holding the back of his head as he walked. Y’know, a really cool and punkish style of walking. “ Damn right how could you, but what’s the call for this ‘Get Out of Jail Free’ Card? Surely you don’t think you can bail me out of jail - just by asking Sara of all people - and not expect me to repay you! “
“ Name your price, and I’ll get right to it! “
“ …Hm.. Actually, there is one thing you could help me with. “ They pause in their steps, lifting a finger to their mouth as they ponder. Sometimes Itto wants to grab them and give them a noogie, just like he saw an eldest brother to do his sibling once. Though if he recalls, the sibling cried so… Maybe not the best idea.
“ Underneath Sanganomiya island, there are depths worth exploring. “ The traveler’s eyes gleamed as they spoke of their recent adventure, a smiling curling on their lips. “ I have already completed my request to go down and investigate for one of the shrine maidens - but that just leaves a whole new realm to explore! I have already asked others who have agreed, but I wanted you to be the finishing touch to our unstoppable travel party! “
Itto couldn’t help but smile, a big toothy grin that didn’t seem to get a startled look from the traveler. Of all the incredible people (don’t get him wrong, Itto knows he’s incredible too), traveler wanted him to go along!
“ Cant say I’m not excited bud, alright, I agree to be your extra muscle on your expedition! “ The oni watches as they bounce on their heels with excitement. He really ought to start counting the amount of times they get excited over something. “ And, I’ll have you know, I’m a pretty damn good explorer myself. You name it, and the one and oni has stepped foot on that very piece of land you walk on baby! “
With a grin and a hearty slap on the back of the traveler, their agreement was sealed at the lip and their journey to Sanganomiya Island could begin. A long walk, Itto figured, but not anything new for his long legs to journey across. To be honest, he was more worried about the traveler, who was a lot shorter than him. Just about waist height, but with how excited they were, it doesn’t seem as though they wanted to slow down at all.
Occasionally they would get winded, explaining their travel plans, or mumbling a checklist of supplies they had (most of them requested by Mr. 100th vision himself, Itto had noted. A silent plea that the traveler hadn’t invited them just to embarrass or intimidate Itto. Not that he was intimidated.) made them a bit tired. Do they forget to breathe sometimes? Not that Itto isn’t guilty of it himself.
“ ‘Ey, bud, be real with me “ Itto piped up just as they pulled a strange looking paper, a map, he would later find out, from seemingly out of nowhere. Is there anything this weird little friend of his can’t do? “ That jackass 100th vision guy is here with us isn’t he? Is he tall? Is he big? Think I could take him? I’m pretty fuckin’ strong, I don’t doubt it but just in case - ! “
“ Eh? “
“ Give it to me straight, how fucked am I? “
“ If you’re talking about Thoma… “ The traveler pokes their fingers together.
“ Traveler! “
The oni’s and the blond’s heads perk up from their previous mumbling. A guy, just a little under Itto’s height - about eye level with the collar decorated with his beloved geo vision, and appears to be a vision holder of his own. Pyro. Is this the guy?
“ Me and the High Priestess were beginning to wonder just where you’d run off too. Oh, and who is this? “ The guy smiles, a real cheesy one as he trots over towards them.
The traveler piped up before Itto can, who only can mumble out a short ‘I’ before he’s cut off.
“ Thoma! “ It’s him.
I told you about Arataki Itto, right? Well, here he is! “ They motion to a rather baffled Itto beside them.
This is it? Really? This is the 100th vision?
“ I see, pleasure to meet you Mr- “ Thoma holds his hand out only for Itto to gently swat his hand away from his face.
“ You’re kidding right? YOU? You’re the 100th vision? “ Itto puts his hands on his hips as a loud groan comes from his lips.
“ I’m sorry? “
“ Yeah whatever, you should be sorry, I’m obviously cooler than you. “
“ Now that’s not very- “
“ Okay!” Traveler claps their hands together, pushing through the two men before their conversation could possibly get any more heated.
“ I’m sure Kokomi is waiting for us! So let’s keep walking before the sun gets too low. “ They waved their hands with a nervous grin. From wherever they sensed how much of handful Itto could be, or they knew just how much they would kick Thoma’s ass in a fight, he didn’t know.
He would totally win, by the way.
Thoma walked in silence at least, a leisurely smile that irritated Itto beyond measure, but Itto decided to say nothing of it. Instead he babbled on about topics like bugs, or people he met while he was doing time in ‘Sara’s crib.’ What an idiot oni.
Large seashells, and very blinding hues of blues and pinks later, Itto and the gang finally meet up with the divine priestess and the doggy general Itto is only slightly familiar with. At least, that’s what Itto assumes, thanks to the fact everyone has shut up except him. Gorou’s glares towards him tell him so. Good thing he’s able to read rooms a little better than most.
“ Traveler. “ She starts with a polite smile, hands neatly folded over one another in front of her as she looks over the gang. Itto sweats when he feels himself being evaluated by her eyes, but what’s there to be nervous about! This is Arataki fuckin’ Itto we’re talking about!
“ I see you’ve brought the last of our company. What a pleasure to meet you. I am Sanganomiya Kokomi, and this is my general, Gorou. “ She introduces them and Gorou wags his tail side to side behind him.
How much to ruffle his hair?
“ Sure did! This is- “
“ The one and oni, Arataki Itto! “ He interrupts the traveler just before they could get to his name, hands proudly on his hips and his chest puffed out ever so slightly. So y’know. He looks cooler and what not. Having the traveler introduce someone as cool as him would just be lame.
“ So the disturbance in the wind did not lead me astray, we have a rather loud guest joining our party. “ A voice from literally nowhere introduces itself, and all but Itto calmly turn their heads towards the gate pillars that introduce the shrine behind it.
Some little guy, white haired with a red streak. Itto uses his brain for just a second and thinks…
‘ Another Crimson Oni? ‘
Unfortunately for Arataki Itto, whenever he uses his brain, he always hurts himself in confusion.
“ Let’s not forget our dear Kaedehara Kazuha. “ The priestess smiles as the little guy gently floats down from his perch. He’s not much taller on the ground, just below his pecs from what Itto can see, but he’s more so interested in how he got down and his name.
Kaedehara Kazuha… Is in, the dude who blocked the blade from the Raiden Shogun? Huh, Itto always figured he would be less… Scrawny. But suppose Itto can’t base it all on looks, thanks to his knowledge about bugs. Not that Kazuha is a bug. Sure he could be squashed like a bug but -
“ Pleasure to meet you. The traveler has told me briefly about you. “ Kazuha has a smile much like Kokomi’s, but much like the soft and bubbly feeling Gorou seems to give off when he stands near Itto.
“ Now with introductions and other pleasantries out of the way. Please, come with me. “ Kokomi instructs, and the band of men follow in suit.
“ As you have all been informed, this expedition will be no easy task. We have only eye reports from dear traveler, and from what I can gather, Enkanomiya is not a playground. “ She frowns as the gang gathers closer towards the edge of a large (and slippery, God’s forbid Itto slips,) seashell. At the bottom awaits a whirlpool, and a bright one at that.
“ We will need to be careful. Thoma and I will likely provide support, while Kazuha, Itto and Traveler will be our fronts. We must watch each other’s backs if we wish to be successful. Am I understood? “
Everyone nods.
“ Excellent. If everyone is nearly almost ready, we will depart in no time. “
“ Wait, what about me? “ Gorou pipes up, just as his ears droop to his sides. Seriously, how much to pet him?
“ I thought I was going too… “
“ Oh Gorou. “ Kokomi gives him a lighthearted look then another smile, “ I will need you to stay here, to watch over Watatsumi in my absence. Do not fret, everything will be okay. “
As if Gorou needed further convincing, Kazuha walks over to him and gently cups his face.
Alright that came out of left field, but nobody is staring but him while Thoma and Kokomi go over the information again. Best avert his gaze.
Itto looks over the cliff and at the vortex below. A long fall, and who knows how much water? Does he even know how to swim?
Nervousness trickles at the back of his neck, which of course he hates so a slap of his hands together is loud enough to get all eyes on him again.
“ Alright guys! Enough chatter! Let’s get this on the road already! “
Someone listens at the very least, Kazuha gives one kiss to the doggy general as he whines about being left and looks down. A sudden yet gentle wind picks up, and Kazuha is first to plummet. It’s almost graceful, the way he falls, but Itto can make it cooler.
Thoma is next with a flashy wink and a jump before he’s free falling backwards into the water. A lot faster than Kazuha, but who’s paying attention?
Itto is next, who goes for a canon ball that might end up making his back hurt or bruise something but hey! He’s better than that Thoma guy!
Kokomi is last, who gives one final reassuring grin to Gorou before she dolphin dives into the water.
“ Please be safe… “ Gorou’s ears twitch as he looks at the vortex once last time before walking away to find something to occupy is already itching to write or fight hands.