Kawagi smiled, a bead of sweat dripping down his bald wrinkled forehead as he watched Nordons aura evaporate. It’d been a real pain in the ass but he and Itadori had managed to pull it off. They’d sealed off Nordons ability to use magic. Making him no stronger than a normal human. No matter how hard he fought his death was certain, that much Kawagi was sure of.
However, that moment of relief was short-lived.
BAM!
Nodon slammed his fist into Kawagis face with enough force to throw him down into the ground with a thump, his reinforcement not even lessening the punches overall power enough to make it unpainful.
“You’re still this strong!?” Kawagi gagged, blood pooling out his mouth and nose and burning his dry throat.
“Do you truly take the name of Captain so lightly?” Nordon laughed, sweat dripping down his face and his knuckles swollen from the bone being cracked with that punch.
The mob of civilians leapt at Nordon who grabbed Kawagi and threw him into the crowd, knocking them backwards like pins hit by a bowling ball.
“Reeeee!”
With a battle cry Itadori ran at Nordon from his right, Wakizashi in hand ready to slit Nordons throat.
Come! Nordon through taking a defensive stance.
Itadori thrust the Wakisahi forward with a slash which Nordon leaned back at, he grabbed Itadoris knife wielding hand by the wrist and in an attempt to escape Itadori swung his leg up into Nordons side with a crack.
“Shit!” Nordon coughed, blood rising in his throat and out of his mouth. That was a fully enhanced kick, the quivlaent of being hit by a car! Nordon felt his brain begin to numb the immense pain blurring his vision. However he remembered the sensation in his right arm, the scar which sat there burned with memories and he pushed past the pain with the single though of I’ve felt worst! Replaying in his head on repeat. Twisting Itadoris hand and snapping his scalphoid and carpal bones with a loud series of snaps. Not letting Itadori get away with just that injury Nordon flicked his knee upwards slamming it into Itadoris elbow snapping it upwardsa t the joint.
“Gurrrah!” Itadori yelped at the immense pain in his entire right arm, his grip on the Wakizashi falling as he stumbpled backwards cluting his now destroyed arm.
“!”
Without hesitation Nordon grabbed the knife and stabbed himself in the stomach, the pain made his already blurred vision become red, his teeth ground down on eachother until his molars cracked and his temples throbbed with veins.
He could only hear his heart throbbing in his chest and blood pumping through his body, the searing pain in his stomach as he dug into his flesh to remove the burrowed bone was enough to drive one insane. Yet Nordon didn’t stop this self mutilation until he ripped the bullet right out.
“You’re insane!” Kawagi groaned from the ground, his face pouring blood from all orifices as he watched Nordon dig into himself with the Wakizashi.
“Plak.”
With that light tap on the floor the blood soaked bullet left Nordons body, his magic returning to him as he coughed out a chunk of thick congealed slimy blood.
“Jenku!” Itadori cried out in a panic.
BANG
BANG
BANG
BANG
BANG
BANG
Immediately and in quick succession a series of sniper bullets shot straight for Nordon.
[Little Helper: Pellet Pistol!]
Behind Nordon appeared his Buraku Doll Familiar [Little Helper] a small toy sized pistol in hand which it pointed at the incoming bullets.
Plek
Plek
Plek
Plek
Plek
Plek
With its own six shots each pellet fired knocked the sniper bullets right out of the air and to the ground with a sizzle.
[Little Helper: Passive Arrest!]
Little Helper spun around its mouth unhinging and shot out a large thick chain which wrapped around Itadori sealing his magic and movements.
“Shit!” Itadori yelped, straining against the chains which barely moved at his attempts to free himself.
The crowd which had been placed under the effects of [Madman's entourage] were now freed with Itadoris sealing. The lot of them quickly snapping into reality with a panic as they sprinted in all directions.
“Itadori!” Kawagi yelled, grabbing the Wakizashi from the floor and charging at Nordon in a blind rage.
[Little Helper: Stun Gun!]
With a flash of green light a bullet smashed straight into Kawagis stomach. Freezing his body's motor functions and forcing him to the ground.
[Little Helper: Passive Arrest!]
From the mouth of Little Helper came a second chain which wrapped around Kawagi sealing his ability to use magic as well.
That’s three down… Nordon thought with a deep breath, Little Helper began to heal the wound in both his side and stomach, mending his bones and organs which had been ruptured. “Where are the others? The Golem Conjurer, Spatial Manipulator and the one interfering with the Radio Signals?” Nordon questioned looking at Itadori.
“Up your ass!” Itadori grunted between pained gasps for air.
“Guess I’ll have to just find them myself then-”
[Radio Scan Operational Once More]
What cut off Nordon was not Little Helper's announcement but the sudden and powerful dark brown malicious aura which appeared beside him. An aura so vile it made his blood run cold.
Looking to the right he saw a man emerge from the inside of a small wooden store's front. He was a man without any particular outstanding characteristics. He wore a dirty wrinkled T-shirt, ripped jeans and worn tennis shoes. His blonde shaggy hair ruffled and facial hair looked as if he’d not shaved in a week.
[Target Acquired: Sumiyoshi Domushi, Hachibuto of the Toumeikan] Little Helper read aloud breaking the momentary silence.
“Domushi!” Nordon roared looking at the man. How did he get here? Since when has he been here? Who brought him here, Why is he here!? Nordons thoughts raced through his mind.
“Sorry about my little guys here causing such a situation. I’ll make sure to give them a good talking to once we get back home.” Domushi sighed, shrugging his shoulders.
“Domushi…” Itadori frowned from the floor, his face twisted in shame.
“Itadori Ichido and Kawagi Ookun will be going no where other than Royal Blue Prisons Magic Detention Center!” Nordon yelled, his eyes stern. “And you are to follow soon after!”
“Oh jeez.” Domushi frowned meekly in response, scratching the nape of his neck. “First that guy in Izumika and now these two? Kobes gonna be pissed.”
“He has my number so tell him to call me if he wants to resolve it!” Nordon rerouted with a hiss. His composure which up to this point had been such a torturous trial to break had simply crumbled when faced with the man known as Domushi who stood before him.
“Ya know, this morning one of the damn Vipers suggested that we kill the entire Venator Society here in Edoland. Of course Kobe rejected it but I’m starting to think maybe that was a mistake and the viper had a good idea.” Domushi sighed.
“That would only lead to the Venator Society having more reason to come.”
“As if they don’t already? You’re setting up some kind of teleporting system for them , aren't you?”
“How would you know?” Nordon snorted.
“A little birdie told me after I plucked a few of its wings.” Domushi hummed with a cruel smirk.
He’s trying to bait me with such comments, I need to regain my composure, if I lose it I’m as good as dead. I need to find a way to resolve this situation. Nordon let out a sigh as he cleared his mind. He’s trying to bait me with Sarumalder-San. But if he’d truly captured him before he’d left the country then they’d have already tried some kind of hostage deal…
“I might not have much faith in him myself. But those under me do so I can only believe them and wait for him to prove himself to me.” Nordon said his words now calm.
“So there is someone here with you?”
“Who knows?”
“Sigh, I don’t like you. You’re not much fun to play with…” Domushi sighed, rubbing his creased forehead.
Maybe ten minutes at most have passed since Rintarous movements were sealed. In that case I can release him from the [Passive Arrest] without worry of his escaping. Instead I’ll focus that chain on Domushi!
[Little Helper: Passive Arrest!]
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“?!”
Domushi’s eyes widened as Little Helper's mouth unhinged and from it shot out a chain which nearly wrapped around him.
[否法: Negate]
With a flash of red [Little Helpers] chain was flung backwards, smashing into the dall with a crash.
So it is true he can negate phenomena! Nordon thought with a frown.
“That wasn’t very codrial ya know!” Domushi complained as he stepped towards Nordon.
“!”
It was instant though it looked as though Domushi had only taken a single step when someone appeared right in front of Nordon, Domushis hand about to eclipse his entire face.
“Tch!” Nordon grunted as he fell backwards with a roll, Domushis hand only scraped the edge of his blazer yet it shredded the cloth
Domushi followed after Nordon as he rolled stomping on the ground like one would to crush an escaping bug.
[Little Helper] while a powerful spell was completely utility focused. Not being able to directly harm a person was one of its restrictions. However even with this against any other Hachibuto he’d still have a fair chance of victory. But against someone who can negate your every action, what could one possibly do?
Nordon jumped to his feet and readied himself to dodge any incoming attack from Domushi, however he saw nothing.
This wasn’t to say that he didn’t see Domushi but he saw nothing at all. His vision was absent, though it wasn’t black like he’d closed his eyes. No he saw quite literally nothing, not even the darkness he was suddenly thrust into.
“!”
Sensing something coming from his left, Nordon spun around and jumped back to dodge an incoming punch from Domushi which easily shattered the sound barrier.
“You’re pretty cool to adapt to losing a sense so quickly!” Domushi laughed, raising his brow.
Nordon continued to dodge the incoming attacks by just a hair as they came at him without pause.
He acts as if losing my eyesight is something he did. I can only assume he [negated] my ability to [see] how but? I doubt he can just negate my eye sight like he would an attack. Even if this is a blessing he still has to follow some kind of rule so what condition was met?
“Ya know I’d love to keep playing but… I’ve got a lot to do so how about we end our game here~?” Domushi hummed with a smile before his eyes glazed over with malice.
A final attack? If I could see what he’s doing I’d have a chance at dodging but right now I’m literally blind to it. Even if I used observation I’ve only been able to just barely dodge his attacks up till now and he’s been “playing” with me. If this final attack is any faster than the ones before I might actually die now… Nordon thought, curling his bottom lip. No, I can’t think like that. I have a job to do and I can’t die until I’ve at least completed it!
“!”
What happened next was so incredibly quick Kanashi wouldn’t have been able to follow it with his eyes using his highest level of Observation.
Domushi went for his killing strike aiming his hand at Nordon's throat but Nordon just in time leaned back dodging the attack ever so slightly. Throwing his arms back and to the ground as support, Nordon swung his legs upwards slamming his feet into Domushis chest, throwing him backwards with a thud.
He countered!? A bewildered Domushi wondered, falling to the ground a meter or so away from Nordon.
I did it! Nordon thought, jumping to his feet with a deep breath of sweat dripping down his chin. My vision has returned as well…
Since he’d been shot by Jenku only fifteen minutes had passed, maybe eighteen being liberal. Domushi’ appearance and subsequent scuffle with Nordon had only been going on four about four minutes, if reinforcements were coming to assist him they should have been closing in by now. But would I just be feeding sheep to a wolf? I’m nearly at my wits end just trying to survive this man and I’m the captain. Could those under me truly help in this situation without putting themselves at risk?
“Maaaan, you really are cool…” Domushi sighed. “Ya know I don’t really like to hurt people in all honesty. I think it’s a preetttty messed up thing to do… But it’s what puts food on my table so what other choice do I have? I think you can understand that cantcha, Nordon?” He asked.
“If you really don’t enjoy it, why are you smiling like that?” Nordon asked.
“Is there really…” Domushis muttered tracing his fingers along his ear to ear cheshire cat like smile. Affirming that his own face had betrayed his words he let out a deep sigh before making his final leap forwards. His true final attack. The road shattered under the force of his legs and he jumped straight at Nordon ready to crush his skull with his hands.
He might just be as fast as Hayai-San! Nordon panicked right as the shadow of Domushis hand eclipsed his face.
It’s over…
[Samegara!]
[Kyokoukyokon: Open!]
[Bushido No Kenshin: Release!]
In a flash of brilliant light three men crashed down to the ground before Domushi, each casting an attack aimed to take his life.
From under him appeared the gaping mouth of a shark ready to bite him in half at the waist. To his right a crudely made and weathered bamboo basket appeared floating in the air and opening to reveal an ominous aura. To his left was a massive ethereal Katana aiming to slice him in half at the crown of his head.
“Tch, I talked too much.” Domushi frowned [Negating] the incoming attacks and jumping back some with a skid.
“You alright Captain?” One of the men asked, he was short and round with thick muscle and notable sideburns which curved into a mustache and top knot. The man's name was Amabata Byakuto, Vice Captain of the Venator Societies Edoland Branch.
“Yes, thank you Amabata. You as well Kawakai and Honetarou, you have my utmost gratitude.” Nordon sighed with a weak smile and wiping the sweat from his brow.
“S-sorry we-were late. We had to take care of the other bad guys a-around here…” Honetarou muttered out his teeth chattering as he did so. He had a head of frizzy gray hair which stuck up like a cat who’d been scared. His round droopy eyes were similar to that of a dog who’d been scolded and his tone matched that description. Funnily enough his name quite fit his speech pattern, his name Gashadokuro (Chattering teeth) Honetarou, Rear Captain of the Venator Societies Edoland Branch.
“Don’t worry bout it boss man! We rounded 'em up nice and gud for the coppers!” The third man said, his sharp teeth clacking as he talked and his straw hat fluttering in the wind. This man whose appearance was reminiscent of a sharp was Kawakai Kouzou, rear captain of the Venator Societies Edoland Branch.
“Looks like the gang’s all here now… how the tables have turned.” Domushi sighed, putting his hands on his hips. I was hoping to kill Nordon and get both Kawagi and Itadori but it looks like that won’t be so easy anymore. Killing all four of these guys would be too much trouble right now and Kobe would be even angrier with me… looks like I’ll have to get what I can with the least amount of trouble. Domushi frowned, scratching the nape of his neck. “Change of plans.” He said with a weak wry smile.
“No you don’t!” Amabata roared as Domushi made a dash for Itadori.
[Bushido No Kenshin: Release!]
From behind Amabata grew a massive ethereal armored arm with an equally large katana in hand. The arm quickly swung down onto Domushi but was negated before it could land, being sent backwards with a crack.
“!?”
Amabata, Kawakai and Honetarous' faces all grew worried expressions upon seeing the attack so easily deflected. Kawaki being the first to follow up the failed attack.
[Samegara!]
From the sky shot down a number of small shark golems which aimed to bite chunks out of Domushi who grabbed Itadori by the back of his shirt.
[否法: Negate]
The chain around Itadori shattered into mana as the spell was forcefully deactivated, the sharks raining down on the two men nearly biting flesh from them before they too were flung away with a flash of red.
He couldn’t negate both at the same time? Nordon wondered, raising his brow as he watched Domushi retreat with a jump backwards.
[Kyokoukyokan: Nyoijizai!]
Once again a small and crudely made wooden basket appeared behind Domushi, shooting out of its open door was a child sized lanky creature with long tangled black hair and talon like claws. It shot towards Nordon aiming its claws at his neck.
[否法: Negate]
With an annoyed frown Domushi negated the summoned creature's actions as well, throwing it to the ground with a skid.
“Hey Domushi, what the hell are you doing!?” Kawagi barked as he flopped on the ground like a fish out of water.
“Huh? Are you talking to me baldie? Sorry but I’m not your captain so your status as a freeman isn’t my problem. If you wanna curse anyone, curse Yamikawa, not me.”
“But you’re the one who requested my assistance, you bastard!” Kawagi screamed.
“Oh, you’re right I did, didn’t I?” Domushi hummed with a smirk. “Well anyways, see ya later Nordon hopefully we can play to completion next time.”
Don’t let him go!” Nordon roared, leaping for Domushi.
“Yes sir!” Honetarou, Kawakai and Amabata yelled in unison jumping to grab the escaping Domushi as well.
“Senju-Chan, warp us outta here.” Domushi yelled as he jumped back into the store he’d appeared from.
“Yes sir Domushi-Sama.” A black haired woman said as she crept out from behind a wooden shelf in the stornes back corner.
Was she hiding in there the whole time? Did he purposely expand his aura so much to mask her presence!? Nordon wondered right as his hand nearly grabbed Domushi by his shirt collar.
“You’re quick Nordon, but not fast enough. I truly hope we do meet again.” Domushi grinned.
[否法: Negate]
With a crack of the air and a flash of red Nordons hand was flung backwards his action negated.
“Damnit!” Nordon yelped, feeling the throbbing pain of being rejected so harshly in his arm.
[Samegara!]
Kawakai conjured a large shark golem on the store's roof which crashed down right above Domushi and the woman Senji as they fell down into a portal in the floor, even if i didn’t actually land an attack on the two it was fine as long as it managed to force the portal open by jamming it’s massive body into it. However the shark was sliced clean in half as the portal closed and Domushi disappeared along with Itadori and the women Senju.
“Shit!” Nordon growled, punching the asphalt road with his fist imprinting his fists outline into the rock.
“S-sorry Nordon! I couldn’t conjure anything quick enough! If I was able to, maybe he wouldn’t have e-escaped!” Honetarou apologized between chattering teeth.
“No, it’s fine I don’t place any blame on you or anyone other than myself. Even if you did manage to conjure something it’d only be negated by his blessing. You have nothing to apologize for.” Nordon said with a weak smile.
“Enough with the apologizing, should we search the area for him?” Amabata interrupted.
“No, I imagine that with her spell restrictions they could have already teleported across the country.”
“What are those conditions exactly?” Amabata asked, tilting his head.
“These are of course only my assumptions but based on what I’ve seen the first is to have contact with the woman Senju herself as you use the portal. She also probably can’t warp by herself otherwise there’s no reason she wasn’t more involved in fighting me then being a background character. Also going by what we just saw if you try to enter her portal without being tagged by her it’ll probably cut you clean in half as it closes. But by making it possible to enter the portal at all without being tagged increases the spell's power. If I’m correct with these assumptions, that spell should be more than capable of teleporting them out of our range.” Nordon explained.
“I dun quite get it but that’s our Cap’n for us!” Kawakai laughed, slapping his knee.
“Since you were able to receive my Radio signal I can only assume that whoever had the spell to manipulate radio signals was the one who the Senju women warped with to find Domushi. Though you arrive far quicker than I’d expected.”
“W-we’re in R-rouku to investigate the B-b-black book v-video tape.” Honetarou stuttered out.
“Oh, the cursed video tape has resurfaced again? I thought we destroyed it twice already.” Nordon asked with an annoyed frown.
“Three times, we also have the fourth sealed in the archive but the damn thing keeps somehow replicating itself.” Amabata growled, showing his own frustration at the situation.
“The curse probably has a way to affect other video tapes then to spread its influence…” Nordon sighed, rubbing his space between his eyes. “But we can push that to the side for a moment.” He said turning to Kawagi who flopped on the ground in a feeble attempt to escape. “You said you’d captured the others, correct?”
“We got the one in the buildin over there that cap’n shot with his gun and the sniper on that there roof in the distance.” Kawakai answered pointing to where Jenku had been.
“What about the Golem Conjuered?”
“Dunno bout that Cap’n. He mighta escaped or been warped up outta here like ya said with radio signal fella.”
“Well having three is better than Zero.” Nordon nodded, turning to Kawagi who scowled. “We’ll take them to section 4-C for questioning.”
“Rodger!” The three men under Nordon said in unison.