After Gender Swapping, I Became the Daughter of a Yandere Mother with Animal Ears—With the Help of My Yandere Mom and Powerful Sister, I'll Live as a Fox Girl - Chapter 24: Determination

“GRURURURU!!”

Suddenly, the Magatsuhi began to move. Utilizing its long body, it swiftly closed the gap, opening its massive mouth to reveal sharp fangs.

“Damn…!”

Hishoku drew her sword. The blade, released from its sheath, shone with flames and just barely held off the Magatsuhi’s fangs.

“GUOOOOO!!”
“It’s big, but… it’s not particularly strong!”

Hishoku’s blade repelled the Magatsuhi’s fangs.

The exchange was brief, but it was clear that Hishoku’s skill was considerable. However, the Magatsuhi, despite its size, moved swiftly and attacked her again.

“Fast… but not fast enough to evade capture…!”

Hishoku skillfully dodged the attacks. However, this was a war of attrition. No matter how strong she was, there was a limit to her stamina. She would eventually be overwhelmed.

If only I could fight too…

But I didn’t know how to fight. Even if I tried to help, I’d only be a burden. All I could do was watch…

“You’re just going to stand there and watch?”

“Eh…?”

Mashiro, who had been silent all this time, spoke up from the mirror.

“If you don’t fight, she’s going to die, you know?”
“I know that… But there’s nothing I can do… I can’t fight.”

Maybe Mashiro was right. Perhaps this body had the strength to fight. I wished I could fight… But I was scared…

I had lived in a peaceful world…

I had never even thought of wielding a weapon…

The idea of taking a life was unimaginable…

There was nothing I could do…

Mashiro fell silent, seemingly understanding my feelings.

“It’s true that fighting isn’t easy. Even if the opponent is a Magatsuhi, it’s natural to feel sympathy. But…”

Mashiro took a deep breath, although she didn’t need to in the mirror.

“That’s what it means to protect someone. Sometimes, to protect, you have to inflict wounds. There are those you have to cut… For the sake of protecting someone important…”

Her words pierced my heart.

I had been making excuses all this time. Looking for reasons why I couldn’t fight.

I had convinced myself that I was incapable because I was afraid of hurting someone, of getting hurt myself… But that’s wrong… That way, I can’t save anyone…

“You’re right…”

I stood up, determined not to run away anymore. I had something I wanted to protect.

Slowly, I drew the sword from its sheath. The blade shone with a dull blue light.

“Actually, I realized something just now. Even from inside the mirror, I can control magic. See, the fox fires are still burning. So, I’ll handle the magic. You just focus on cutting down the Magatsuhi.”

The moment Mashiro finished speaking, a blue flame lit up on the blade. It flickered quietly, as if alive…

“Alright, I’ll leave it to you…”
“Then… let’s go…!”