The cascade of water trickled down in steady rhythms as Kenji, Eleo, Tony, and Olorun basked in the refreshing mist of the waterfall. The world felt at ease in the cool, damp atmosphere, with the sun filtering through the canopy overhead.

"Man, this feels good," Kenji said, leaning back in the water, his arms resting on the smooth rocks at the edge.

Eleo nodded in agreement. "Yeah, and it's nice outside too. The perfect blend of cool and warm."

Tony splashed some water up, letting it drip down his face. "Yeah, but all this water is going into my bone head."

Olorun laughed, the deep sound echoing off the nearby cliffs. "This is the life, boys. Can't beat moments like this."

Eleo sighed, stretching his arms. "Yep, we should soak it up while we can. Days like these don’t come around often."

Kenji sat up, suddenly remembering something. "Wait a second... aren’t we supposed to head to the city?"

Olorun blinked, a moment of realization dawning on him. "Oh... yeah, you’re right."

The group reluctantly pulled themselves from the water, drying off quickly and dressing in their clothes. As they gathered their belongings and prepared to set off, the peace of the waterfall was replaced by the faint but constant thrum of anticipation for the journey ahead.

After a short walk, they reached the road, a worn dirt path framed by the lush greenery of the surrounding forest. Olorun, always perceptive, noticed something on the ground.

"Guys, look," Olorun said, pointing at a series of footprints. His brow furrowed as he examined them closely. "Seems like a group passed by recently. More than a few people."

Tony knelt down beside him, studying the tracks. "Hmm... I'd say five people, at least. We're definitely going in the right direction."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Eleo said with a determined grin. "Let’s get moving!"

Kenji pulled out his broken sword, the weapon now more of a memory than a tool of battle. He glanced at Olorun. "Oi, Olorun, mind if I stash this in your bag?"

Olorun nodded, slinging his pack over his shoulder. "Sure thing, toss it in."

With everything in place, they set off once more, eating from Olorun’s bag as they traveled. After nine hours of walking, the forest began to thin, revealing a vast city on the horizon.

"Finally," Olorun said, wiping his brow. "We made it. Welcome to Orka City."

Eleo let out a low whistle, his eyes wide with awe. "Wow, it’s huge."

"Yep," Olorun confirmed. "Now, I’ve got some things to take care of at the bar. Tony, I assume you're looking for a map to the Second World?"

Tony gave a confident nod. "That’s the plan."

Kenji sheathed his broken sword as best as he could, his eyes gleaming with determination. "I’ll find a new sword."

Eleo, always the explorer, looked around at the bustling streets and buildings. "I’ll check out the city, maybe see what it has to offer."

With that, they split up, each heading in their own direction.

---

Kenji strode through the narrow streets of Orka City, weaving between the crowd of merchants, travelers, and locals. Eventually, he found the weapon shop he’d been searching for—a small, dimly lit storefront tucked between larger buildings. The wooden sign above the door was worn and faded, but he could just make out the words: "Hilly Billy’s Weapons."

He pushed open the door, and a small bell rang as he entered. Behind the counter stood a rather rotund pig wearing a stained apron, its beady eyes glaring at him.

"Oi, are you Jackie?" Kenji asked, glancing around the cluttered shop.

The pig snorted, clearly unimpressed. "No, you dumbass. I’m Hilly Billy, and I sell weapons."

Kenji chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "Oh, really? What’s your strongest, most dangerous, and cool-looking sword?"

Hilly Billy let out a deep laugh, his belly jiggling as he reached under the counter. "Oh, I’ve got just the thing for you, kid. But be careful what you wish for."

He pulled out a key and unlocked a safe, revealing a large, dust-covered case. With a grunt, he lifted it onto the counter and opened it. Kenji’s eyes widened in awe as he gazed upon the weapon inside.

The sword was unlike anything he had ever seen. Its blade was forged from a dark, sleek steel that seemed to absorb light, and jagged, crimson streaks ran along its length like veins of blood. The handle was wrapped in black leather, accented with sharp metal fittings, and a glowing red gem pulsed at the pommel like a living heartbeat.

"This here is the Shinmetsu no Ha," Hilly Billy said proudly. "The Blade of True Annihilation."

Kenji could feel the sword's deadly aura from where he stood. It was intimidating, but also... tempting.

"It’s... perfect," Kenji muttered, unable to tear his eyes away from the blade.

Hilly Billy smirked, leaning over the counter. "Yeah, but there’s a catch. This sword is more than just a weapon—it’s a test. A test of worthiness. If you’re not worthy, the sword will crush you. Physically, mentally, even spiritually."

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Kenji, undeterred, leaned in closer. "What kind of test?"

Hilly Billy explained, his voice dropping to a grave tone. "To wield Shinmetsu no Ha, you need more than just skill. You need strength, courage, and an unshakable will. If the sword finds you lacking, it won’t just reject you. It’ll consume your—mind, body, and soul."

Kenji stared at the sword, a challenge burning in his chest. "Sounds like my kind of blade."

Before he could touch it, the door creaked open, and a man entered the shop. He was tall and broad-shouldered, wearing a dark bolero jacket with intricate golden embroidery and a short crimson cape flowing from his left shoulder. His presence commanded attention, and Kenji turned to face him.

The pig’s eyes narrowed as he recognized the newcomer. "Oh, it’s you, Jorbo."

Jorbo nodded curtly, his eyes quickly spotting the sword on the counter. "You’re trying to give someone else the sword?"

Hilly Billy shrugged. "Yeah, why not? You’ve had your chance."

Jorbo sneered. "I was proving myself. That’s why I haven’t claimed it yet."

Kenji, sensing the tension, grinned. "Oi, Jorbo, right? How about this—you and me, sword fight. Winner gets the sword."

Jorbo raised an eyebrow, studying Kenji’s confident stance. Then, with a slow, calculating smile, he said, "Deal."

The two of them walked outside into the street, a small crowd already beginning to gather around them. Kenji tightened his grip on the hilt of his broken sword while Jorbo calmly drew his rapier from the scabbard at his waist, the blade glinting in the midday sun.

As they faced off, Kenji couldn’t help but feel the weight of the moment. This wasn’t just a fight for a sword—it was a test of his resolve, his determination to grow stronger.

And he wasn’t about to fail.

The sun blazed over Orka City, its golden rays painting the cobblestone streets in a warm glow. The city square, once filled with bustling activity, had fallen silent as the crowd gathered, eyes wide with anticipation. Whispers rippled through the spectators, drawn by the rare spectacle unfolding before them—a duel between two of the most dangerous men in the region.

Kenji stood tall, his hand gripping the hilt of Kokuryū no Kogane (黒龍の黄金), its black-and-gold blade gleaming ominously in the light. He chuckled to himself, his expression casual as if the fight was an inconvenience in his day.

"Ah, shit," Kenji muttered, rubbing the back of his head. "I forgot to sell my broken sword."

The remark hung in the air, a strange contrast to the charged atmosphere. Jorbo, standing just across from him, his eyes narrowed in irritation. He was clad in intricately designed Spanish armor, dark as midnight, reflecting the shadows within his heart.

"You really have time for jokes right now?" Jorbo’s voice was sharp, cutting through the tense silence like a blade. "Shut the hell up and fight me, you smug bastard."

Before Kenji could reply, Jorbo’s sword flashed through the air in a violent arc. "Cruz de la Muerte!" Jorbo snarled as he unleashed a savage cross-shaped shockwave, its dark energy humming as it tore through the space between them.

The ground beneath Kenji's feet trembled as the attack surged toward him. He could feel the crackling power of the shockwave, a palpable force ready to tear him apart. But Kenji didn't flinch. His body moved in sync with his instincts as he raised Kokuryū no Kogane to block the incoming blow.

The collision was deafening.

Steel met energy, and the impact sent a wave of force across the square, shoving Kenji back several meters. His boots skidded across the ground, digging into the stone as he strained to stay on his feet. His arms quivered, but his grip on the blade remained firm. The shockwave dissipated in the air with a hiss.

Jorbo grinned, arrogance gleaming in his eyes. "You're slipping, Kenji. I thought you were stronger than this."

Kenji let out a sharp breath, his lips curving into a sly smile as he steadied himself. "Maybe I’m just warming up."

Without warning, Kenji's sword glowed faintly, the blade shimmering with a golden light. His eyes sharpened, calculating. "Ryūkō Shō (龍光傷) – Dragon Light Slash."

With a swift, precise motion, Kenji swung his sword. A bright arc of golden energy burst forth, cutting through the air toward Jorbo. The strike was fast—too fast.

Jorbo barely had time to react. The energy slash struck him cleanly across the chest, sending him stumbling backward. The crowd gasped, and murmurs broke out as they witnessed Jorbo—the undefeated warrior—momentarily off balance.

"Still want to talk about slipping?" Kenji taunted, his voice casual yet dripping with menace.

Jorbo glared at him, gritting his teeth as he brushed the burn marks from his chest. "So, we're using powers now?"

Kenji sighed, rolling his shoulders as if the whole thing was a nuisance. "Oi, Jorbo. How about we call a truce on the fancy tricks? If we keep this up, we’ll level the damn city."

Jorbo’s eyes flashed with contempt. "Fine. But don’t think for a second that means I’m holding back."

In an instant, they were upon each other. The clash of steel rang out, their swords dancing as sparks flew with every strike. Jorbo's blade moved with deadly precision, but Kenji matched him blow for blow. The crowd around them was silent, entranced by the display of raw skill and lethal grace.

Kenji’s eyes locked with Jorbo's for a split second, and in that moment, the air seemed to still. Jorbo shifted his weight, pivoting to the side in a sudden movement. His blade flashed, a glint of steel aimed directly at Kenji's abdomen.

The strike hit home.

Kenji’s breath hitched as Jorbo's sword pierced his gut. Blood welled up around the wound, staining his clothes crimson. Jorbo twisted the blade with a wicked grin, savoring the moment. "Ha! I knew you were weak, Kenji."

Kenji’s knees buckled, but he didn’t fall. Instead, he looked up at Jorbo, his teeth bared in a twisted smile. "You think... that's enough... to stop me?"

Jorbo's eyes gleamed with sadistic glee as he pulled back slightly, his sword now glowing with a fiery crimson hue. "You’re done, Kenji. Llamarada de Sangre (Blood Flare)."

The blade, now infused with Kenji’s own blood, ignited into a fiery weapon. Jorbo swung down with all his might, the heat radiating off his blade as each strike exploded in bursts of molten energy. The crowd shrieked as the ground around Kenji cracked and smoked.

Kenji screamed in agony as the heat seared through him, but through the pain, his resolve burned even hotter. With sheer force of will, Kenji lashed out, his foot colliding with Jorbo’s chest in a powerful kick. Jorbo staggered back, his grip on his sword tightening as his grin faltered.

Kenji wiped the blood from his mouth, his smile never leaving his face. "You thought I’d just lie down and die? You must be dumber than you look. You want to play dirty? Fine. Let’s see how you handle this."

Kenji’s body tensed, and he spun his blade in a wide arc, the air around him beginning to shift and churn. A low hum built up, growing louder with each rotation of his swords. The ground quaked beneath his feet.

"Gōruden Kaze (ゴールデン風) – Golden Wind!"

A furious vortex of golden wind erupted from Kenji, the spinning storm forming razor-sharp edges that cut through anything in its path. The wind howled like a thousand blades, slicing through the very air, and slashing at Jorbo with relentless ferocity.

Jorbo’s eyes widened in shock as he was engulfed in the whirlwind. He raised his sword, trying to block the onslaught, but the sheer force of the attack was overwhelming. His defenses crumbled under the pressure, the golden wind tearing at his armor, his skin, and his pride.

"Kenji! You bastard!" Jorbo shouted, his voice barely audible over the roaring wind.

Kenji’s eyes gleamed with a savage intensity. The aura around him darkened as the spirit of an Oni materialized behind him, its glowing red eyes glaring down at Jorbo. The supernatural presence intensified the attack, the whirlwind now infused with the raw, malevolent power of the Oni.

"You wanted a real fight, Jorbo. Here it is."

Jorbo screamed as the golden wind tore into him, his body battered and bleeding. But through the pain, his resolve held firm. His breath was ragged, his energy nearly spent, but he wasn’t finished yet. Not by a long shot.

He stood tall, defiance burning in his eyes. "I’ve come too far to lose to you, Kenji!"

Kenji smirked. "Then bring it."

As the two warriors stood amidst the wreckage of their fight, the tension reached a fever pitch. Their next moves would decide everything.

The wind carried a soft breeze as Kenji and Jorbo locked eyes, the intensity of their battle lingering in the air between them. Neither spoke for a long moment, but the shared understanding of what came next was palpable.

"You know what has to happen," Kenji finally said, his voice calm yet charged with a deadly seriousness.

Jorbo gave a short nod, his expression unwavering. "Yeah. One of us is the loser, the other... the winner."

As they stood there, tension hanging thick, a single flower petal floated lazily from a nearby tree, drifting toward the ground. Time seemed to slow as it descended, and the instant it touched the cobblestone, both warriors exploded into motion.

In perfect synchronization, they broke into a sprint, leaning far forward with their hands on their weapons. The crowd, watching in silent anticipation, could only gasp as the two warriors raced toward each other, the air between them charged with lethal intent.

From each other’s perspective, all they could see was the other drawing closer, determination in their eyes. When they reached critical distance, both leaped, their weapons drawn, yet not a single strike could be seen. Everything happened in slow motion, the tension so thick it was suffocating. For a moment, all was silent except for the faint, eerie sound of steel sliding against steel. But it happened too fast for anyone watching to understand what had transpired.

Both Kenji and Jorbo landed in a crouch, their backs still to each other. Neither moved for what felt like an eternity. Kenji's face tightened as his body tensed. Slowly, he dropped to one knee, as if the weight of an unseen blow had struck him. The crowd held its breath, waiting for the final outcome.

Jorbo, still standing, let out a small chuckle. A faint smile spread across his face, but just as quickly, it faded as his body gave out. With a heavy thud, Jorbo collapsed to the ground, motionless.

Kenji, breathing heavily, pushed himself back to his feet. Wiping the sweat from his brow, he glanced at Jorbo’s fallen form. “Well... I guess I’m the fucking winner.” His words came out in a rough exhale, but there was no joy, only the weight of victory.

Kenji turned his back on the crowd and slowly walked back toward the ship. His comrades were waiting, but he barely acknowledged them as he approached Billy. "Hand me the sword," Kenji demanded.

Billy, watching the entire fight with a smirk, laughed and tossed the weapon to him. "Alright, take it."

Kenji grasped the sword, his face instantly becoming serious as he felt its immense weight. The legendary blade was heavy not just in form but in the burden it carried.

Billy gasped, “Oh my god! You’re the first person to even hold onto it besides me!”

Kenji, drenched in sweat and looking like he was on the verge of collapsing, gave a brief nod. He didn’t have the strength to respond properly, but his resolve was unwavering. With a final glance back at Jorbo's body, Kenji walked out of the square, each step heavy but determined. The duel was over, and with it, one chapter had closed.

Kenji disappeared into the distance, leaving behind the fallen Jorbo and the stunned onlookers, the story of their battle already being told in whispers.