(At That Time, At The Middle Of The War)

The clash between Nuzuki and Orano had been a cornerstone of the war, their titanic struggle reverberating across the battlefield. Their clashes, each a testament to their indomitable spirits, shook the very foundations of the land. Time and again, they would fall, their bodies battered and bruised, yet each would rise, their determination unwavering. Their battle was a symphony of destruction, a spectacle of unmatched ferocity.

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Nuzuki, a tempest of fury, had hurled Orano across the icy expanse. Now, he descended like a feathered arrow, his fist a deadly projectile aimed at the fallen warrior. Orano, however, met the assault with a flash of steel, his sword intercepting the blow with a resounding clang. With a forceful push, he sent Nuzuki reeling backward, a testament to his strength and agility.

The two adversaries stood, their gazes locked in a silent battle of wills. The air crackled with tension as their breaths mingled, a chilling symphony of hatred and determination. Each bore the scars of their endless feud, a fire of vengeance burning deep within. Their sole objective was clear: to extinguish the other's life.

As their brutal dance of death continued, a welcome interruption arrived. Miko and Bachi, their faces etched with concern, burst onto the scene. They had come to Tatsumi's aid, having vanquished a menacing creature and rescued others. Waving excitedly, they tried to catch his attention, but their worried expressions belied their enthusiasm. A sense of urgency hung heavy in the air.

Distracted by their arrival, Tatsumi fell victim to Nuzuki's cunning. The villain's nails, hardened to a lethal degree, pierced Tatsumi's waist, sinking deeper with each agonizing thrust. A cruel smile played on Nuzuki's lips as he met Orano's gaze.

"What happened?" he taunted, his voice dripping with contempt. "Have you forgotten the cardinal rule of battle? Never let your guard down."

Tatsumi's anger was a tempest unleashed. He swung his sword with wild abandon, aiming for Nuzuki's face. However, his strike fell short, merely distracting the villain and allowing Orano to escape. The latter, seizing the opportunity, delivered a powerful blow to Nuzuki's chin, followed by a swift kick that sent him staggering.

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As he nursed his wounds, Tatsumi urged Miko and Bachi to leave, insisting he was fine. Yet, their concern was palpable. Miko's words were cryptic, hinting at something more pressing than the immediate battle.

Confused, Tatsumi stood, his gaze following Miko's nervous gesture. A peculiar object caught his attention, a swirling vortex of ethereal energy. Lydia, Caitrin, and Yuma gasped in unison, their faces etched with surprise.

"The Vortex?" Caitrin exclaimed, her voice filled with wonder and trepidation.

The elusive phenomenon, the very thing Orano had sought for years, had finally appeared. But its arrival at such a inopportune moment plunged him into a dilemma. Caught in the midst of a fierce battle, leaving to investigate the Vortex seemed impossible.

A memory of Elsa's words resurfaced. "I don't know if it still works like that, but the Vortex appears every five years."

Orano's mind raced. He had witnessed the Vortex twice in the past decade, always on the same day, exactly five years apart. If his predictions were correct, this Vortex would close on April 12th. The stakes were impossibly high.

A heavy silence fell as Orano weighed his options. Despite the pain and danger, he knew he had to make a choice. And then, to their utter shock, he uttered words that sent a chill down their spines.

"I'm not coming," he declared, his voice barely a whisper.

Miko and Bachi were stunned. They had shared countless battles, faced countless dangers together. And now, Orano was turning his back on them?

"Mr. Tatsumi, please stop joking!" Miko pleaded, her voice filled with desperation. "We don't have time! The Vortex will close!"

But Orano was adamant. "I've said what I've said. Go."

Their confusion deepened. Why was he refusing? What had changed his mind?

Bachi's anger was a tempest unleashed. "After all we've been through," she roared, "all the battles, the sacrifices, you're just going to give up now?"

Orano's response was cold and calculated. "I was obligated to do my part," he replied, "but I have other paths to pursue. Please, go without me."

Bachi's fury knew no bounds. "You're saying we've misunderstood you from the start?" she spat. "Why did you even bother if you didn't care? You're a coward!"

Nuzuki, ever the opportunist, grinned at the spectacle. "Tears and anger," he mused, "a delightful combination."

The others were equally perplexed. Why was Orano standing there, seemingly oblivious to the Vortex's imminent closure? Their confusion deepened as they watched him remain motionless.

Caitrin's voice pierced the silence. "Tatsumi, you have to go!" she cried. "Remember what Elsa said!"

Yuma echoed her plea. "Don't be foolish, Tatsumi! You've waited for this moment for so long!"

Lydia joined the chorus. "We can hold them off! You don't have to do this!"

Orano's voice, now laced with authority, silenced them all. "Be quiet," he commanded. "Listen carefully, because I will only say this once."