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Without a single word spoken, Hiroshi stood still, but his presence was commanding. The foot soldiers seemed to understand his unspoken order and rushed forward, attacking Kenjiro and the teenagers with deadly precision. Kenjiro, undeterred, executed Whirlwind of the Samurai, his blades spinning in a controlled fury, creating a defensive barrier that sliced through the oncoming ninjas, holding them at bay. He knew it was only a matter of time before Hiroshi himself would engage, so he aimed to buy precious moments for the teenagers.
"Jake! They’re here for the Sword of Flames! Keep it safe, and don’t let anyone take it from you!" Kenjiro’s voice boomed with urgency as he locked eyes with Jake. "I will buy time for all of you! Yoko, lead them out of the house!" He ordered his daughter, the weight of the situation heavy in his tone.
Yoko nodded, her face pale but determined, as she prepared to guide her friends to safety. Meanwhile, several more foot soldiers launched themselves at Kenjiro and the group.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/2/2f/Code_of_the_Protector.png]
Kenjiro, true to his word, unleashed the Code of the Protector once again, fending off the attackers with expert precision. His katana flashed as it deflected strikes meant for the teenagers, his stance unyielding in his commitment to shield them from harm.
"Uncle Nomura, we can help you!" Jake protested, his voice filled with urgency and fear for his uncle, unwilling to leave him alone against Hiroshi and the ninjas.
"I said run! Now!" Kenjiro's command rang out, leaving no room for argument. His tone, sharp and unyielding, made it clear that he wouldn't tolerate defiance. "Yoko, move!"
Though her heart ached at the thought of leaving her father behind, Yoko knew she had no choice but to follow his orders. "All of you, follow me!" she called out, leading the group through an opening behind Kenjiro as they made their escape.
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Hiroshi, not one to let his prey slip away so easily, raised his hand. "You all are not escaping!" he snarled. With a swift motion, he unleashed Electro Shuriken, throwing electrically charged shuriken designed to incapacitate or stun.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/3/3e/Samurai%27s_Resolve.png]
Without hesitation, Kenjiro moved in front of the incoming attack, invoking Samurai's Resolve. His movements were fluid, anticipating and deflecting each shuriken with the grace and precision of a seasoned samurai. The charged projectiles dropped harmlessly to the floor, sparks flickering out in defeat. His gaze, now cold and intense, locked onto Hiroshi. "If you want to get to them, you'll have to go through me!" His voice was unwavering, every word a declaration of his intent to stand firm.
Hiroshi, knowing full well that Kenjiro wouldn't let him pass, said nothing in return. Instead, he ordered his foot ninjas to pursue the teenagers. As the ninjas rushed out of the house in pursuit, it was just Kenjiro and Hiroshi left behind—a looming clash between shadow and steel.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/4/44/Silent_Willow_Strike.png]
Yoko led the way, guiding Jake, Carter, Akane, and Luna through the dark streets as they tried to keep their distance from the pursuing foot ninjas. Despite their efforts, the ninjas were relentless, staying close behind, each holding katanas at the ready, prepared to strike at any moment. Suddenly, a foot soldier appeared in front of them, blocking their escape. With no other option, Yoko drew her tanto, executing Silent Willow Strike, targeting non-lethal points to incapacitate the ninja without causing serious harm. The foot ninja crumpled to the ground, allowing them to move forward. "Let's move!" she urged, though the skirmish had bought time for more ninjas to catch up.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/1/14/Home_Run_Swing.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/3/3b/Hockey_Stick_Sweep.png]
Before long, the group was surrounded, forcing them into combat. "Looks like we have no choice but to fight!" Jake said confidently, gripping his bat. With a powerful Home Run Swing, he knocked three foot ninjas to the ground with one mighty blow. Carter was quick to follow, wielding his hockey stick like a seasoned player. "My turn, bro! Let’s give them a real face-off!" he called out, executing a wide Hockey Stick Sweep that took down four ninjas with a satisfying crack. "That’s how we do it on the ice! Yeah!" Carter shouted, exhilaration surging through him as they continued to push forward.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/5/5c/Crimson_Flash.png]
Akane wasn’t far behind, spinning gracefully into her Crimson Flash. With lightning speed, she closed the distance to five ninjas, landing precise, powerful strikes that brought each one down in rapid succession. "Nice Akane!" Carter complimented her, the trio effectively taking down all 12 foot ninjas that had surrounded them.
However, just as they began to move again, they saw more ninjas pouring in from behind, seemingly endless in number. "We have to keep running!" Yoko commanded, determined to follow her father's order to keep her friends safe.
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"Wait!" Luna called out, quickly activating her Holographic Feint, creating visual illusions of themselves. "Alright, let’s go!" she urged as the foot ninjas became confused by the sudden wave of holograms, splitting up in different directions. This gave the group valuable time to escape.
Yoko glanced over her shoulder, making sure no ninjas were following too closely. "We’re not clear yet. Keep your guard up and stay silent," she warned. The group, tense but focused, continued their escape, determined to avoid capture and reach safety.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/9/98/Bushido_Blade_Strike.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/3/31/Plasma_Blade_Technique.png]
In the Nomura household, only Hiroshi and Kenjiro remained, their duel a symbolic reflection of the clash between traditional valor and modern ruthlessness. The air crackled with tension, filled with the sharp clinks of metal as the ancient samurai steel met advanced plasma technology. Kenjiro was the first to strike, executing his Bushido Blade Strike, a technique that embodied the precision and discipline of the bushido code. His swift, accurate sword strikes were met by Hiroshi's Plasma Blade Technique, a series of rapid, cutting strikes from his plasma saber, its energy capable of slicing through almost anything. Their weapons clashed violently, the sound of steel and plasma meeting reverberating through the room as they pressed against each other, trying to overpower one another.
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"You already know the sword chooses its master, Hiroshi!" Kenjiro stated firmly, his voice steady and resolute. "Why insist on getting it for Mori-san?"
Hiroshi’s response was cold, refusing to be swayed by Kenjiro’s words. "We should let him decide when he has it. It's not for you to say."
Both warriors leaped backward simultaneously, their weapons still locked in a silent contest as they evaluated each other. Neither had gained the upper hand.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/e/ec/Electro_Shuriken.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/f/f3/Electro_Shuriken%2C_high-tech%2C_electrically_charged_throwing_star.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/4/4c/Kenjiro_performing_Samurai%27s_Resolve%2C_a_defensive_skill_that_allows_Kenjiro_to_anticipate_and_counter_enemy_attacks_with_remarkable_calmness_and_precision.png]
Without hesitation, Hiroshi followed up by throwing Electro Shurikens, each electrically charged star spinning towards Kenjiro with blinding speed. They seemed impossible to avoid, but Kenjiro, ever calm and precise, anticipated the move. With Samurai's Resolve, he countered using his katana, slicing the shurikens cleanly in half before they reached him, the precision of his strike undeniable.
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Kenjiro shifted into the offensive, unleashing Whirlwind of the Samurai, a whirlwind of slashes directed at Hiroshi. But Hiroshi, with his Tactical Combat skills, analyzed the situation rapidly. Predicting Kenjiro's movements, Hiroshi expertly countered each slash, matching Kenjiro’s offensive with strategic finesse. The seamless combination of his ninjutsu training and advanced technology made him far more dangerous than a typical opponent.
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The fight reached a standstill, with no clear advantage for either side, as both of them breathed heavily. "I see you're persistent... Don't blame me for what I’m about to do to you!" Hiroshi decided to shift gears, using his Enhanced Reflexes, augmented by his cybernetic enhancements. He lunged forward with superhuman reaction speed, trying to catch Kenjiro off guard, knowing that as a normal human, Kenjiro might not match his dexterity.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/de/Daish%C5%8D_Harmony.png]
Sensing the danger ahead, Kenjiro was finally forced into using what he was best known for with his Daishō. His free hand drew his wakizashi, and he performed Daishō Harmony, a combination attack that showcased his ability to fight with dual weapons in perfect harmony. Hiroshi’s unparalleled inhuman speed clashed with Kenjiro’s dual mastery in samurai combat, with neither able to gain the upper hand. Both realized the battle was futile as they stood, catching their heavy breaths, their weapons still raised. "If you need an answer to Mori-san, I will come with you," Kenjiro declared, hoping to persuade the man who sought the Sword of Flames to give up. He lowered his Daishō, signaling his willingness to follow Hiroshi in peace, with serious intent. This revelation also indicated that Kenjiro knew Mori-san, revealing that he and Hiroshi were associates, working within the Yakuza.
Hiroshi paused, pondering for a moment as the plasma saber cast eerie shadows across his half-metallic face, highlighting the blend of flesh and cybernetics. With a deliberate click, he deactivated the weapon and lowered the hilt, signaling his agreement to Kenjiro’s decision to follow him to the Yakuza headquarters to meet Mori-san. "Very well, Kenjiro," he said, his voice carrying a measured tone of reluctant agreement. "Let’s go to Kazuo together and see what the future holds for the Sword of Flames." Hiroshi referred to their boss as Kazuo, whose full name was Kazuo Mori.
Before leaving the house, as a dutiful father, Kenjiro left a note for Yoko, Jake, and their friends to prevent them from worrying. "I will be back soon! Please don't worry about me!" With everything settled, Kenjiro followed the cybernetic ninja, willingly departing for the Yakuza headquarters to meet with their boss, Kazuo Mori.
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The foot ninjas continued hot on their heels, persistent in their pursuit to obtain the Sword of Flames from the group. Jake, Yoko, Carter, Akane, and Luna struggled to shake them off, breathing heavily as the relentless ninjas seemed to anticipate their every movement. As they made a sharp turn down another street, they spotted a familiar face—Kaito Fujimori. He was alone, walking along the street, looking surprised to see the group running towards him, clearly unaware of the situation.
"Kaito, run quick!" Yoko called out warily, warning him of the danger. Without hesitation, Kaito joined them, running alongside the group as they tried to evade their pursuers.
With Kaito now part of the group, he immediately took the lead, guiding them through the streets as if he knew every turn by heart. "Move to the right, turn at the corner, go straight up, behind that high wall," Kaito instructed, his voice calm but urgent. He led them to a secluded alley, hidden from sight, where they could finally stop and catch their breath.
"Thanks, Kaito... We're glad... we ran into you..." Carter panted, hands on his knees, exhausted.
"We should be safe here for a moment," Kaito assured them, pressing himself against the wall while the others, still out of breath, leaned on whatever support they could find. "Why are they chasing you?" Kaito inquired, his brow furrowing in concern as he surveyed the group's weary and anxious faces, clearly unsure of what was going on.
"They're after Jake's sword," Yoko exclaimed, not revealing too much information about it being the Sword of Flames. "Kaito, if you have any plans to help us, please let us know," she pleaded, her voice tinged with desperation. "Your strategic mind could be our best chance to get out of this."
"Why are they after the sword? I remember it belongs to your father," Kaito said, curious about the foot ninjas' motive. He glanced at Jake, hoping for an explanation. Jake hesitated, deciding it was best to keep the Sword of Flames a secret from Kaito. The fewer people who knew about its true power, the better. He told a white lie to protect everyone.
"I believe it's an antique and very valuable, which is why they’re after it," Jake explained, keeping the true nature of the sword hidden.
Kaito paused, his expression thoughtful as he began formulating a plan. After a moment, he proposed a risky strategy. "Jake, would you pass me the sword?" he asked. "The foot ninjas were targeting all of you and didn't notice me when I joined. I'm not their main target. If you all create a diversion and I take the sword, even if they catch up to you without the sword, they’ll probably give up."
He continued, laying out the plan further. "Once the coast is clear, I’ll meet up with you and return the sword."
Jake thought carefully about Kaito's plan. It sounded risky, but also foolproof—the best possible solution to keep the Sword of Flames out of the pursuers' hands. His only hesitation was in passing the sword to Kaito, remembering the rule that a person doesn’t choose the sword—the sword chooses its master. However, handling the sword to Kaito wouldn’t risk revealing its true nature. Kaito had already proven himself trustworthy, helping them defeat PROUD at Seiryu High. With only slight hesitation, Jake handed the sword over. "I trust you, Kaito. Please take good care of it," he said, his voice tinged with reluctant care.
"Rest assured, I’ll keep the sword safe," Kaito responded confidently, securing the weapon at his side.
"Kaito, please be careful! Where should we meet after this?" Yoko asked, her concern evident as they prepared to leave him alone to face the dangers ahead.
"Let's meet at school tomorrow," Kaito suggested, his strategic mind already plotting the next steps. "If we meet tonight, there’s a risk the foot ninjas could continue tracking you all. Tomorrow, with students and teachers around, they won’t be able to make any moves in public."
Agreeing to the plan, the group prepared to split up. Yoko hugged Kaito tightly. "Please be careful, Kaito! Promise you’ll come to school tomorrow safely."
"I promise," Kaito assured her, patting her head with a reassuring smile. "Jake, all of you create the diversion now," Kaito instructed as the sound of approaching footsteps echoed closer, signaling the nearness of the pursuing foot ninjas.
Jake nodded, "Alright, let’s go!" With that, the group scattered, beginning the diversion as Kaito watched, sword in hand, ready for the next phase of their plan. Once they emerged from the secluded alley, the foot ninjas immediately noticed them and gave chase. The group led the pursuers on a wild goose chase through the twisting alleys of the quiet street, expertly drawing their attention away from Kaito, who slipped away unnoticed with the sword concealed by his side.
The plan was unfolding smoothly. As the foot ninjas focused entirely on Jake and the others, Kaito was able to escape without detection, moving silently through the shadows. Meanwhile, the group continued running, trusting in Kaito's strategy and each other's ability to survive the night.
They hoped to regroup tomorrow, safely under the watchful eyes of their school’s grounds, where the foot ninjas would have no opportunity to strike.