“So he left you for me then huh?” Naori sighed seeing the women in front of him. She looked to be around his age and dressed in an emo like fashion. In her hand she held a black book with a red pentagram on the cover. A Grimoire.

Grimmores are a form of magical technology which allows someone to use the spells written into the grimoire by feeding it mana. While Grimmores are useful they're also fairly hard to create. You can’t simply write the spell onto a piece of paper and then cast it. There’s a long and torturous process to prepare a grimoire and then imbuing it with the spell formulas is another nightmare.

In Edoland they use rice paper scrolls while in western countries like the Verous Union, Neverland and Vulracious empire they use tomes.

“Which brings me to my question… why do you have a tome?” Naori asked, raising a brow.

“Does it matter? I have one and what’s wrong with that? Are you saying that I can’t have one!? Who are you to tell me a complete stranger what to do? Are you trying to police my rights as a human being and citizen of Edoland? Listen here boy, I don't need you to tell me what I can and can’t do I’ve been-”

Naori frowned and his ears drooped comically as he tuned out the young women Setsukas rambling.

Alright Naori, you’ve got two choices here. You’re normally against hitting women but in this situation not only is she asking for it but she’s also armed with a deadly weapon… no actually I only have one choice. The one I'm about to make!

“-And not only that but I graduated from ethics class with a 98% so the idea that you think you can tell me anything is-!”

Naori took a sudden lunge at Setuska, he was nothing more than a blur her brain could barely process. He slammed his palm into her stomach and swept her legs out from under her.

[Genesis!]

“!”

Sensing the incoming attack Naori flipped backward. As he did so a pillar of mana fell down from the roof vaporizing the place where he was just standing.

“How dare you interrupt me!” Setsuka screamed in a blind rage.

Naori without responding jumped at Setuska again intending to disarm her.

[Pantera!]

From behind Setsuka came a storm of knives which shot at Naori.

“Knives!?” Naori gasped, falling backwards as the knives flew overhead. As soon as the knives passed over him he flipped himself forwards and used an axe kick aiming for Setsukas shoulder.

[Perfect Circle!]

DONG!

Naoris attack failed once more, this time his heel smashed down onto a barrier above Setuska. “Emission, Transmutation and now a barrier? And what's up with those names? Did Araki write that grimoire?” Naori grumbled kicking off the barrier and landing to his feet a safe distance away.

“Ha-ha-ha.” Setsukas mascara dripped down her face along with beads of sweat as she nervously gripped the Grimoire in both hands ready to flip the page at a moment's notice.

Naori frowned and stared at the Grimoire inspecting its every detail from afar.

That grimoire… it’s not legit. No, that’s not the right word… It's incomplete and messily thrown together. Grimmores normally pertain to one field of magic like Barriers or Transmutation. This is some chimera that was thrown together and sold for a quick buck… He thought.

Naori leapt forward, preparing another kick this time to the side of Setsukas arm.

“Ha!” Setsuka cackled, flipping the grimmores page one more time.

[Iron Maiden!]

From behind Naori appeared a metal coffin with open double doors.

“Huh?” He grunted as the doors slammed shut, locking him inside.

“Hahaha, I got you ya’ little midget! No ones ever been able to escape from my [Iron Maiden] spell, once you’re trapped inside it’s impossible to escape-”

Boom!

The coffin exploded into a burst of flying metal. Flying down to Setsuka was Naori soaked in blood and with a swollen eye.

“B-but how?!” Setsuka cried trying to flip to a new page.

[Green Locus Style: Disarm!] Naori chopped the back of Setukas wrist hard enough to shatter the joint.

“Gah!” She gasped as the book fell from her hands to the floor.

[Red Tiger Style: Pouncing Fangs!] Naori swept Setukas legs out from under her and as she fell to the floor he grabbed her arms, restraining her.

“How!?” The girl argued, kicking her legs in defiance.

“Tch, did you really think some half ass copied spell like that would work on me? Maybe if I was some low time crook but anyone with a semblance of skill could break free from such a sad spell!” Naori laughed tying a [限織抑] Sealing rope around her hands and arms.

Setsuka tried to argue some more but Naori ended that with a pressure point to her neck which knocked her unconscious.

“Ha-ha–ha.” He panted, cleaning the blood from his body with conjured water.

By the time I get back up here after dropping this girl off to the officers down stairs I should be fully healed. He thought watching his wounds slowly close. Don't die before I get back here old man. He thought with a smile.

# # #

“Damnit!” Kanashi grunted leaning up against the alley's wall. He’d made it to the end of the alley only to be greeted by a warzone. Cops and Yakuza battled clashing Batons and Katana. Both sides fought viciously. There were no sparks of mana or vibrant emissions of aura. Only men beating each other bloody. Breaking bones and crushing limbs. Like two cavemen clubbing each other to death with their fists. It made Kanashis stomach flip and become nauseous.

He wanted to help but there wasn’t much he could do. Even if he was a magic user who could shoot fire and bullets made of stone, he could also be quickly overwhelmed by the swarm of Yakuza. They’d lose a good majority of their numbers but eventually they’d get ahold of him and stomp his chest and skull in.

“...” He could only watch the carnage unfold before him. A bloodbath of broken bones and knocked out teeth.

“Kanashi!”

The soft voice pulled Kanashis focus out of the battle and to his side where Naori was standing.

“What happened to your arm?” He asked with a furrowed brow.

The question itself was painful, just as painful as the thumping in his stomach and the burning in said arm.

“I let Guro get away…” He said with downcast eyes.

“What? Guro, who the hell is that?” Naori asked, cocking his head back.

Kanashi opened his mouth to explain but Naori interrupted him.

“No, never mind. If he escaped he's gone and we can get him later. What's important are the people in front of us right now! Otsuga and Sakashima have Ugoki cornered and if we jump in to help we can overwhelm him!”

“...” Kanashi didn’t respond.

I’ve never really liked violence to begin with… sure it's fun to play fight with others and read fights in comics but… between the Witch, Titan, Satoshi and now Guro… the idea of fighting anymore makes me sick. I just want to go home… I don't want to get hurt anymore. What am I even doing here? I’m not even a citizen of Edoland, I was only supposed to place waypoints. Why did I agree to this and not just call and ask Rebecca or Jason for some money? My pride? Now all that pride has given me is a missing arm and a panic attack.

“I… I’m useless… I’ll be nothing more than a burden-” Kanashi was interrupted by a soft yet firm slap to the cheek.

“Shut up and fight.” Naori said.

“What?” Kanashi asked with tears in his eyes, turning to Naori who had a cold face with narrowed eyes.

“Fight! People are in danger and you want to run away? Aren’t you a member of the Venator Society!? We don't have room for cowards amongst us! If you truly don't want to fight anymore you might as well slit your belly right here and right now with your katana! Even if you run away from here you’ll have no choice but to fight for the rest of your short miserable life! This is the world you’ve been thrown into! The one you said you dreamed of! Don't back out of it now! Take responsibility and kick its ass!” He yelled.

“I- I cant…” Kanashi whimpered, covering his face. “I hate myself so much! I should be able to help you guys, I should be able to cast away my fears but I can't! I’m nothing but a coward who doesn't even have the courage to slit his belly! What good am I if I can’t even keep my promise to protect a single man!” Kanashi cried pulling on his hair.

“Kanashi, I’m scared too! I don't want to get hurt or die either. I’m not here because I want to be but because I have to! I’d rather be with my girlfriend on the beach or watching a movie! I’d rather do anything else than be here but I’m here so I might as well fight!”

Kanashi fell to his knees and slammed his fists to the ground. The hard concrete hurt his hands, he was alive and in this hell. He could still feel pain and fear. Naori was right. He couldn't deny that no matter how much he wanted to. He was here so he should fight. Even if he didn't want to anymore this was his new purpose in life. “Heal me first.” Kanashi sighed, rising to his feet and wiping his eyes.

# # #

Ugoki charged at Otsuga and Sakashima who swung his cutlass using [颱切: Typhoon Slicer Extension Technique Spidersweb] once again.

“!”

Just as suddenly as Ugoki was running at Sakashima, he was above him in the air as if teleporting. Otsuga, who had predicted this, had already leapt into the air and intercepted Ugoki.

[Crushing Rock WaterFall Style: Midnight Tides] Otsuga threw out a 3 pronged combo. First he kicked Ugoki in the knee, bending it backwards, then he spun around with another kick this time to the liver and finally a chop to the throat. A devastating combo sure to mangle the massive man.

However none of these attacks had landed, before they could Ugoki once more vanished, now appearing in front of Sakashima.

Sakashima swung his cutlass at Ugoki who grabbed Sakashima's wrist and punched him straight in the stomach. The sound was horrific, a loud popping noise followed by blood exploding from Sakashima's mouth.

[Crushing Rock WaterFall Style: Ame-No-Nuboko!]. Otsuga flipped forwards in the air and then stuck his leg out like a spear as he fell to skewer Ugokis back.

“!?” Ugoki leapt to the side just in time to avoid a lethal blow, only his shoulder being grazed. Otsuga continued downwards, his leg stabbing into the floor and embedding itself in the concrete knee deep.

Ugoki punched Otsuga straight in the face with enough force to rip him out of the ground and fly backwards. Before he could get too far away Ugoki grabbed Otsuga by the ankle and swung him into Sakashima like a baseball bat.

With a loud crack both Otsuga and Sakashima were sent flying across the hotel and slamming through one of the walls.

Ugoki followed them sprinting through their path of destruction. Otsuga caught himself on the floor and used [Crushing Rock WaterFall Style: Instant Rapid] throwing a storm of punches at the approaching Ugoki who returned the favor. Both of their punches sounded like machine gun fire as their fists rattled against one another's bodies.

[颱切: Typhoon Slice!]

Sakashima jumped up from behind Otsuga and unleashed a series of cuts which flew at Ugoki.

Ugoki, unable to defend, was lambasted by the emissions which cast cuts all over his body. Ugokis blood poured into a pool beneath him and Otsgua who continued to throw a never ending storm of punches.

Ugoki caught one of Otsuga's punches and pulled the old man inwards. With a side step and spin he flipped him over his shoulder and to the ground below.

Otsuga threw his feet forward and slammed them down first to prevent himself from being caught on his back.

Sakashima leapt at Ugokis exposed rear with [Wolf Fang Style: Arctic Howl] intending to slice the behemoth down the middle.

“I’m getting sick of you interrupting!” Ugoki yelled, spinning around and catching Sakashima mid air. He then slammed the swordsman down into the ground with a crash causing the entire building to shake.

What immense power! Otsuga thought, pouncing on Ugokis exposed back himself. [Crushing Rock WaterFall Style: Tsunami!] His palm strike landed straight into Ugokis back with a dull bang, like a large bells chime.

“Grrrrah!” Ugoki screamed as he felt the force of a train slam into his back. His entire body shook from the immense power and he was thrown forwards through many walls until reaching the opposite end of the 7th floor.

“Are you okay Sakashima!?” Otsuga asked, reaching his hand down.

“That hurt damnit!” Sakashima roared, jumping to his feet. He was ghost white and shaking like a wet dog. Sweat dripped down his entire body and blood trickled out his nose and mouth.

His internal organs sustained serious damage and only his adrenaline is keeping him going… if things continue like this he’ll die… Otsuga thought with a nervous smile and squinted eyes. “Sakashima, you should retreat for now and get healed by Naori. I can handle him myself for a little bit-”

“No! I refuse!” Sakashima argued with blood shot eyes. “I’ll kill him with my next attack!” He said looking to where echoing footsteps came from.

Clack.

Clack.

Clack.

With echoing footsteps emerged Ugoki. His body fully healed and looking like it just had before their fight began.

His enhancement is ridiculous! Otsuga frowned, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

“I’ll kill you!” Sakashima screamed, lunging at Ugoki. [颱切: Typhoon Slice-]

Zip!

Sakashima was interrupted by a sharp whistle followed by the side of his stomach being ripped open. “Gah!” He screamed between gargles of blood. The damage was horrific, it looked as though he’d been shot in the side with a cannon ball.

“I told you to stop interrupting.” Ugoki spat, flicking his now smoking hand through the air.

“Sakashima!” Otsuga yelled with wide eyes.

“Forget about him!” Ugoki laughed, slamming his fist into Otsugas jaw with a crack.

CRASH!

Otsuga smashed into the wall behind him and Ugoki punched him once again, this time in the stomach.

“Gah!” Otsuga coughed, blood flying from his mouth.

“What's wrong Miyagami!?” Ugoki asked between more punches. “Is my heart still tainted!? Am I still not honorable!?”

Otsuga could do nothing but take the punches, each one capable of killing a man. They rattled against his body and he could feel his soul slowly being blown out like an old candle.

[Kyoyu Style: Zangeki!]

From behind Ugoki came Kanashi, he swung Itachi straight into Ugokis back carving it open.

“Grah!” Ugoki yelled out in pain. He spun around swinging his arm which smashed into Kanashi sending him flying through a wall.

“If you keep doing that this place isn’t gonna stand much longer.” Said a new voice.

“!?” Ugoki flicked his head to see Naori and a hunched over but alive Sakashima. The side of his stomach healing slowly.

“You…” Ugoki grumbled. “Sending the foreign boy to distract me from your healing. Huh [Technique Thief?]” Ugoki asked with an annoyed smile.

“Ho, I didn’t know I was famous among the Toumeikan.” Naori laughed.

“You’re not, I only know of you because you’re friends with Miyagami.” Ugoki snorted.

“Oh…” Naori frowned. “Well either way looks like I’ve kept you busy long enough huh Otsuga?”

“What!?” Ugoki flicked his head over right as Otsuga threw a punch. The Karate God's fist smashed into Ugokis nose and sent him tumbling backwards across the floor.

“Cast a barrier around your hands and feet when you attack him! He can redirect your energy back at you!” Ugoki yelled, wiping the blood from his face.

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“Got it!” Naori nodded.

Both men ran at Ugoki preparing to fight. Ugoki threw up his arms to defend himself but Naori used [Red Tiger Style: Sweeping Dash] smashing his leg into the back of Ugokis neck.

He’s this strong!? Ugoki gawked, falling forwards.

Otsuga grabbed the falling Ugokis head and brought it down into his knee. [Crushing Rock WaterFall Style: Crashing Tree].

Ugokis skull bent inwards and his nose caved in from the impact. He stumbled backwards momentarily stunned and Naori used [Green Locus Style: Mantis Swing] to swipe his legs out from under him.

Ugoki fell onto his back and Otsuga followed up with [Crushing Rock WaterFall Style : Ame-No-Nuboko] Kicking his foot downwards like a spear, stabbing into Ugokis stomach.

Naoris observation flashed red and he jumped to the side. Right as he did so the air whistled like a sniper bullet zipped by and the glass wall behind him shattered.

The attack that almost killed Sakashima! Otsuga thought in a panic. He jumped down onto Ugoki, thrusting his elbow forwards intending to crush Ugokis skull.

But Ugoki had come back to his senses and smacked Otsuga with the back of his hand.

“Gah!” Otsuga groaned, rolling across the floor.

“Now I’m mad.” Ugoki growled, standing up and spitting blood on the room's carpet. His sunglasses were broken, the middle of the bridge making a V shape. The veins on his forehead looked like a spider's web and nearly stretched to his widow's peak. When he stood next to Naori who was only 5 '6 it looked like they were parent and child.

Naori leapt forwards with a roundhouse kick and Ugoki threw his arm to defend.

Crack!

Naoris kick shattered Ugokis Ulna and Radius. Ugokis eyes widened and his mouth opened slightly in a surprised expression.

“Did you think because I was the healer I’m weak? What are you an idiot!?” Naori laughed. He kicked off Ugoki and flipped the opposite way now using [Red Tiger Style: Blitzing Tail] his opposite foot slamming into Ugokis head throwing him to the side.

Noari attempted to chase after Ugoki but he didn't need to. Ugoki somehow shifted direction mid air now falling towards him.

“Hmph!” Ugoki grunted slamming his fist into Naoris chest.

Naori was thrown backwards with a yelp and Ugoki stretched his arms out clapping his hands together. Then once again came the whistling noise.

“!” Naori grabbed a chair and threw it in front of him. It came into contact with whatever Ugokis attack was and exploded into splinters of expensive wood.

The way he can change direction while keeping the same amount of inertia and shoot these arrows made of air… is he manipulating vectors? Naori wondered with a frown.

[Crushing Rock WaterFall Style: Tidal Wave]

From behind Ugoki came Otsugas leg smashing into his back and sending him towards Naori.

[Crushing Rock WaterFall Style: Tsunami] Naori copying Otsugas fighting style thrust his hand forwards into Ugokis stomach with a crackle of mana.

“Grrrrah!” Ugoki roared with blood shooting from his mouth. His body arched forwards and he flew back to Otsuga who used his own [Crushing Rock WaterFall Style: Tsunami]

But Ugoki shifted directions, he flew upwards and clapped his hands together shooting the same blast of air at Otsuga who failed to dodge the arrow which shot through his bicep.

“Tch!” Growled Naori running at Otsuga. [Red Tiger Style: Beasts-]

Naori was interrupted by Ugokis fist smashing into his stomach.

[Deus Ex Machina!]

Ugokis punch activated a [Deus Ex Machina] and threw Naori through the shattered glass wall and outside the hotel to the streets below with a splash of blood.

“Tch, stupid brat!” Ugoki grunted, cracking his neck. His swollen arm began to shrink as the bones reformed and the cuts across his body sealed shut. Around him crackled bolts of Mana.

“You bastard!” Yelled Otsuga running at Ugoki. He threw a punch with no form just one filled with emotion which smashed into Ugokis side with a soft pop.

“You want some more!?” Ugoki laughed, smashing his elbow into Otsuga's shoulder.

“Gah!” Otsuga grunted, feeling his shoulder break.

Ugoki followed this elbow with a kick to Otsugas side, throwing him out of the penthouse and across the hotel's 7th floor.

“Looks like it’s time to wrap it up then…” muttered Ugoki, pushing his wet hair out of his eyes.

“Forgetting about someone?” Sakashima wheezed from behind Ugoki.

Ugoki turned around with an exaggerated frown and tilted his head to the side. “I already killed you once. Do you want to die again that badly?” He asked.

“Heh, kill me once, shame on you, kill me twice, shame on me. There won't be a second time Ugoki.” Sakashima replied, lifting his cutlass.

[砕けた紅月の下の桜: Sakura Petals under the Shattered Crimson Moon!]

Sakashima's cutlass broke apart into chunks of mana which looked like flower petals. They danced through the air towards Ugoki who was immobilized by their immense beauty. He wanted to move but couldn’t, like his body was frozen in time and he could only admire the petals which fluttered towards him.

He stood there frozen as the petals sliced his skin open, each one like a razor cutting his flesh and making blood spew out.

His entire body was covered in blood creating a red sea beneath him. A Crimson Moon.

This was Sakashima's ultimate attack. The pinnacle of his ability and the one which would kill Chujou Ugoki if things went his way.

Unfortunately they wouldn't.

“GURRRRAH!” Ugoki roared, breaking free from the trance he was placed into. His shout and his aura enhanced by the [Deus Ex Machina] forced the petals away from him where they vanished into the air.

“M-monster!” Sakashima growled in disbelief.

“Not bad swordsman, but I’ve fought plenty like you before!” Ugoki laughed, grabbing Sakashima by the head and smashing him into the ground hard enough that the floor collapsed under them.

“Hahaha!” Ugokis laughter filled the hotel as they fell to the 6th floor below and then the 5th.

Sakashima lay there covered in rubble and barely breathing. Every bone in his body was broken and his cutlass was only a handle with no blade.

“All that’s left is Otsuga and the cops in the street…” Ugoki said between pants of air. He’d not only claim the heads of three of the Venator Society's Edoland branches' strongest fighters but also rob Otsuga of his title. Just like he’d done to Ugoki so many years ago. Imagining the look on the Hachibutos (Eight Division Heads) face when they saw the news tickled Ugokis humor.

“That cheating roach Domushi will finally be forced to recognize me! I’ll crush him under my shoe and take my rightful title as a member of the Hachibuto!” Ugoki laughed. His laughter shook the building and sent shivers down the spine of the two who heard it.

Kanashi and Otsuga, the only remaining fighters.

# # #

Kanashi lay in a pile of rubble, his chest throbbing in pain and his vision blurred. He could still feel Itachi in his hand so he knew he wasn’t paralyzed even if it felt like he was.

Ugoki was worse than he’d imagined. As soon as he saw him the image of a mountain sized bull appeared in his head. With spear-like horns pointed directly at him.

A casual smack was enough to make Kanashi struggle to breath. He lifted his torn shirt and saw a massive purple bruise over his chest.

“Dammit…” He grunted, struggling to stand. He used Itachi to hold himself up as he took a few more deep breaths.

Thankfully Naori had healed his many wounds and numbed the pain in his Stomach wound and new arm but it was only replaced by a new injury.

Kanashi limped across the room he’d found himself in, which was in tatters from the chaotic battle that’d filled the hotel.

“I don't even know how we can beat him…” Kanashi grunted while walking out into the hotel's hallway.

As he did so he walked straight into the path of the monster himself. Slowly walking towards him was Chujou Ugoki. His body looked perfectly fine and his aura writhed with energy. It was like no fight had even taken place.

Ugoki looked down at Kanashi with disgust, like he was a piece of trash in his way.

“Move.” He said.

The word made Kanashis blood run cold. He stood there trembling with fear as his adversary looked down at him.

WHAM!

Ugoki smacked Kanashi with the back of his hand so hard that Kanashi bounced off the wall beside him. He fell to the floor with a heave as Ugoki stepped on him and then continued walking.

Kanashi could do nothing, he could only lay there humiliated at his own weakness. Chujou Ugoki the man who rivaled a Yakuza Head in power. This is who he was fighting, an entire organization of monsters.

What would Frairk do if he was here? Kanashi thought, clutching Itachi in his hand. He’d probably keep fighting until he won.

“Wait!” Kanashi croaked out, standing to his feet shakily.

Ugoki didn’t even acknowledge Kanashi, he just kept walking down the hallway to an unknown destination.

Being ignored made Kanashi grit his teeth and his body filled with anger.

“I said wait you stupid bastard!” Kanashi yelled. His aura spiked enough to fill the entire hallway and catch Ugoki by surprise.

“Seriously?” Ugoki muttered, whipping his head around.

“I kicked Guros ass and I’m gonna do the same to yours!” Kanashi screamed. An empty threat which he knew he could not uphold.

“Heh… hahaha, HAHAHAHA!” Ugoki tried to hold back his laughter but failed to do so. His laughter sent a shiver down Kanashis spine but he stood firm. He was going to beat this monster even if it was the last thing he’d do.

Kanashi charged towards Ugoki with Itachi above his head. Ugoki threw a punch and the men clashed.

Ugokis reinforcement was enough to hold back Itachi and Kanashi struggled to cut Ugokis fist. Ugoki kicked Kanashi in the stomach, making him stumble backwards and vomit what was left in there.

But Kanashi wasn’t done, he stomped forwards remembering Naoris words and swung Itachi once more. Ugoki deflected it easily and punched Kanashi in the side.

“Gah!” Kanashi groaned, his vision blurring. Keep going! He thought stomping his foot back to the ground and swinging Itachi once more.

“Impressive.” Ugoki chuckled punching Itachi. The impact sent bolts of mana through the air, their auras clashing.

Kanashi struggled against Ugokis reinforced fist but he focused all of his aura into Itachi, reinforcing it as much as he could.

I’m stronger than this! I know I am. I was stronger than this when I fought Guro and even stronger against Satoshi! Magic is based on your will, desires and emotions. By hating myself I’m only limiting my power. I need to let those negative thoughts leave me. I'm gonna win this!

“Ho?” Ugoki hummed as Itachi slowly broke through his reinforcement and sliced open his knuckle.

[Crushing Rock WaterFall Style: Tidal Wave]

Just then from behind Ugoki came a bloody Otsuga with a kick to Ugokis head.

“!”

Ugoki stumbled over and Kanashi taking the chance threw a fully enhanced punch into Ugokis side.

[Deus Ex Machina!]

“Grah!” Ugoki yelled as he smashed through the wall next to him. His side caved in and blood poured from his mouth. The [Deus Ex Machina] delivered devastating Damage.

Kanashis eyes shined with power as mana crackled around him. He was filled with new found energy. Achieving a single [Deus Ex Machina] was the hard part. Once one's soul has aligned with their body it only becomes easier to use. The 2nd while still difficult to achieve is also double the power of the first.

“You!” Ugoki yelled, swinging a punch at Otsuga who kicked his knee upwards snapping Ugokis arm at the joint.

“Gah!” He grunted in pain.

[Bog!]

Ugoki sank down into Kanashis bog and Otsuga kicked him in the head as hard as he could, making a tooth fly from Ugokis mouth.

“Don't stop Sarumalder-San! Even with a boost from [Deus Ex Machina] he won’t be able to heal like he has been! He’s already getting weaker than he was at the start!” Otsuga yelled.

“Yes sir!” Kanashi yelled back.

[Paralysis!]

Kanashi sent currents of electricity through the [Bog] which shocked Ugokis entire body. His blonde hair stood up and his mouth foamed.

Otsuga once again kicked Ugoki like you would a soccer ball and Kanashi sliced into his shoulder with Itachi.

“Kill him Sarumalder Kanashi! We need to make sure he can’t get out of this! Slice his head off with your Katana.” Otsuga yelled continuing to Kick Ugokis head.

“!?” Kanashi grunted in surprise, his face warping in a flurry of emotions. He looked down at Ugoki whose sunglasses had long been broken off. His angry yet human eyes reflected in Kanashis.

“I-I…” Kanashi gripped Itachi's handle as hard as he could.

I need to kill him! Kill him! I need to do it! I just…

The thought of him killing Ugoki made his stomach turn. He felt the effect of the [Abyssal Zone] burning in his soul. But he didn’t want to win by killing Ugoki.

This wasn’t a matter of killing making you good or bad, it was that he would kill someone. He’d take their life with his own hands. The last thing they’d feel was his sword and he’d watch the light in their eyes fade.

“DO IT KANASHI!” Otsuga roared stomping On Ugokis head.

Kanashi raised Itachi above his head and with a shriek swung it at Ugoki.

CRACK!

Ugoki caught the blade of Itachi in his mouth and clenched down on it as hard as he could. He shook his head like a dog and the muscles in his freakishly large neck threatened to tear the blade from Kanashis grip.

“Use your emission attack! Kill him with it!” Otsuga cried trying to push the blade deeper into Ugokis mouth with his foot.

Ugoki looked at Kanashi with panicked eyes, like he knew his life was about to end.

“Sorry…” Kanashi muttered, cleaning his own eyes shut.

[Kyoyu Style: Yuuka!]

“Heh.” Ugoki smirked.

Otsuga realized it too late, he’d told Naori about Ugokis ability to redirect energy but not Kanashi. When Otsuga said it Kanashi had been knocked out of the room.

WHOOSH!

The blast from Itachi was reversed, a blast of mana enveloped the hallway and destroyed the 7th floor. The ground collapsed and they fell down to the 6th floor which then crumbled sending them to the 5th.

Otsuga grabbed Kanashi and shielded him as they fell and Ugoki broke free spitting Itachi out of his mouth.

Kanashi fell out of Otsugas arm as they fell and grabbed Itachi, turning it back into a ring.

BOOM!

The building erupted with smoke and who came out of that smoke was Ugoki grabbing Otsuga and Kanashi by the throats. He slammed them through one of the hotel room's outwards walls and then broke through that room's window. He held Kanashi and Ugoki down as they fought back, falling from the 5th story of the hotel to the street below.

Crash!

They landed on a police officer's car which flattened under the combined weight of the three men.

Ugoki picked the limp Kanashi up and threw him to the side where he smashed into another police car and fell to the floor unconscious. He turned to Otsuga who struggled against his grip and picked him up off the car's roof. He slammed him down a number of times until Otsuga too went limp.

“Phew.” Ugoki sighed out of breath. He stood up tall and stomped on Otsugas stomach as a farewell. “It looks like I’ve taken my title then.” He laughed.

“Fire!”

A rain of bullets shot at Ugoki pelting him all over. The police officers who remained after their war with the lesser Yakuza let out a battle cry shooting the behemoth with their pistols.

Ugoki grabbed Otsuga and threw him at the crowd, knocking three of the officers down. He then jumped up into the air and smashed down onto the floor which shattered from his power. Rubble flew into the air and the police officers lost their balance. Ugoki ripped a stop sign out from the road next to him and smashed one of the officers with it like one would a fly with a fly swatter.

“Anymore!?” He laughed looking around at the few remaining officers.

[Red Tiger Style: Final Fang!]

“!?”

From behind Ugoki came a bloody Naori who smashed his shin into the back of Ugokis head, throwing him forwards.

“Did you think one lucky strike would finish me off!?” Naori asked with a crazed smile.

[Deus Ex Machina!]

From Ugokis side came Kanashis leg which smashed into his back with a spray of mana bolts.

“You healed him!?” Ugoki roared looking at Naori with eyes full of hatred.

“Keep him busy, Kanashi!” Naori yelled running to Otsuga.

“Don't think I’ll let you!” Ugoki yelled, spinning around with a punch aimed at Kanashi.

[Kyoyu Style: Zangeki!] Kanashi swung Itachi straight into Ugokis fist slicing into it all the way to his wrist.

“Gah!” Ugoki yelled as blood sprayed from his hand. Otsugas previous assessment was correct. He was now starting to feel exhausted. He’d continually healed himself but he could only do that so many times. If these people kept escaping death and coming back for more like Cockroaches he would be overwhelmed. I need to kill the [Technique Thief] once and for all! With him gone I can permanently kill the others! Ugoki thought. He kicked Kanashi in the stomach, making him fly backwards and slam into another police car.

“Shit!” Kansahi groaned. Thanks to the two [Deus Ex Machina] Naori only had to heal him a little to let him fight again but it seemed as if he’d be broken if things continued as they were.

“Graaah!” Ugoki ran towards Kanashi who threw up a finger gun and used [Mana Pistol].

“!?”

However Ugoki had suddenly changed direction while running. He switched directions, now running towards Naori and Otsuga while keeping the same inertia as if he’d never turned.

He changed his direction while maintaining the same speed!? Kanashi wondered in a panic. He jumped up and ran towards Otsuga leaping at him with a roundhouse kick to the side fully Enhanced.

[Deus Ex Machina!]

The kick landed smashing into Ugokis arm and ribs which shattered from the attack. He vomited blood as he was thrown backwards and through a building's wall.

“He can control vectors!” Naori yelled at Kanashi while healing Otsuga. “Hold him off for 3 more minutes! By then Otsuga will be healed and we will jump him together!”

“Got it!” Kanashi yelled, taking a defensive stance and watching the building where Ugokis had been thrown into.

CRASH!

Kanashi looked up and saw Ugoki flying down towards him from above.

He ran up the stairs and jumped through the window!? Kanashi thought with a grimace. He grabbed Itachi from the ground and swung it upwards with [Kyoyu Style: Yuuka.]

[Vector Extension Technique: Air Arrow!]

Ugoki clapped his hands together and from them shot out an arrow of air. By applying a vector to the air he increased its speed and power making it match that of a crossbow.

The arrow shot through Kakashi's emission destroying it and continuing to Kanashi.

“Grah!” Kanashi yelped, jumping to the side to avoid the arrow. It zipped past him grazing his side and slicing his outer layer of skin. “Gah!” He grunted feeling the burning pain.

Ugoki fell to the floor and charged at Naori.

“Stop!” Kanashi yelled running at Ugokis back. From his continuous [Deus Ex Machina] his wounds healed quickly but Ugoki was still faster from his experience of using Enhancement.

He keeps falling for surprise attacks so his Observation is poor! He must have put all his points into Reinforcement and Enhancement! Thought Kanashi enhancing his legs to run faster.

“It’s good enough, Naori-chan!” Otsuga groaned, rising to his feet to combat the upcoming Ugoki. “Gah!” He yelped falling back down as his foot gave out snapping at the ankle.

“Dammit, keep still Otsuga-San!” Naori yelled trying to heal him as fast as he could.

“You just don’t know when to quit, do you now Miyagami!?” Ugoki laughed cocking his hand back.

[Improvised Throwing Rock Style!]

A massive boulder made from the hotel's rubble flew at Ugoki smacking him to the side and into another building which shook from the impact.

“Sakashima!” Kanashi and Naori yelled in unison.

“Hahaha! You stupid islander! I told you I only get stronger the more I’m hurt!” Sakashima laughed. He looked horrible, the hole in his stomach while somewhat healed was still apparent and his limbs were malformed like they’d been manually popped back into place and forced to work with glue and tape. Sakashima picked up the stop sign and examined it in his hands.

“Groovy!” He hummed.

He’s burning his soul to keep fighting… Thought Otsuga as sweat dripped down his face.

[Vector Extension Technique: Air Arrow!]

From inside the building Ugoki had been thrown into shot out another arrow of air.

“!”

Sakashima, now anticipating the attack, smacked it out of the air with the same stop sign.

“It’s a bit big but It’ll make a fine sword!” Sakashima laughed.

Kanashi let out a weak smile. Things were turning around for them. While they had just been on the ropes a minute ago, that position was given back to Ugoki. There were four of them and one of him.

While the four of them were severely damaged and only Kanashi was full of energy from his continuous [Deus Ex Machina] use, Ugoki was hurt and exhausted, everyone could sense that his mana pool was almost completely empty. Sooner or later this man would be defeated and the mission would be over. Then Suddenly…

“Gah!” Sakashima let out a blood curdling scream as Ugoki thrust his hand into Sakashima's chest using.

[Crushing Rock WaterFall Style: Water Dragon Spear]. Ugoki ripped Sakashimas heart out and crushed it in his hands.

“!” Everyone was shocked at this display, it was nothing like his vector manipulation. He’d actually teleported this time.

Sakashima fell to the floor. He was for certain dead, without a heart he couldn’t live. Only someone like Jin could pull off a feat like that.

Kanashi watched this with wide eyes. His stomach turned and he felt bile rise up in his throat. He hunched forwards vomiting nothing but stomach acid which burned his throat and mouth.

“What’s wrong foreign boy? Too much to handle?” Ugoki asked with a wicked smile. “Don't worry you’re next.”