Chapter 9 Part 1: Captured

Torrential rain hammered the earth, turning the ground to mud and drenching the huddled forms of Saigo Watanabe's men. Each thunderclap sent shivers down their spines as they glanced up, wide-eyed and fearful, at the dark storm clouds above.

Within the swirling mass, a demonic face with twisted horns emerged, as if the god of lightning Raijin himself had descended upon them.

"Is that... Raijin-sama?" whispered one of Saigo's men, his voice cracking with dread.

"Maybe he's the reason for the old man's powers," muttered another, watching the approaching figure with trepidation.

Saigo clenched his jaw, his knuckles white as he gripped his sword. He could feel the unease creeping through him like tendrils of smoke, but he refused to show it outwardly.

This elderly man, Shôkin Kagiri, advanced with slow, deliberate steps, seemingly unbothered by the raging storm around him. The sight of Shôkin's missing arm only served to heighten Saigo's discomfort.

"Isn't it funny?" Shôkin chuckled, his voice barely audible over the rain. "A fearsome warrior like yourself, backing away from an old man with one arm."

"Enough!" Saigo barked, his pride stung. But as much as he tried to shake off his unease, there was something undeniably unnerving about Shôkin. It wasn't just his appearance or the calm manner in which he carried himself; it was his bloodlust that seemed to emanate from him.

Kazuki fell on the muddy ground, his body battered and bruised from the earlier battle. Rain pelted his face as he watched the confrontation between Saigo and the one-armed old man, with bewilderment. Despite the pain lancing through his limbs, Kazuki couldn't help but grin at the absurdity of it all.

"Who would've thought," he mused to himself, "that this elderly man would be so formidable? I could use this situation to my advantage."

"Hey, Saigo!" Kazuki called out suddenly, his voice strained. "You're afraid of an old man with one arm? Pathetic!"

Saigo's head snapped towards Kazuki, his eyes burning with anger. "Shut your mouth! You just wait your turn; you'll meet your god or demon soon enough."

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Kazuki smirked, knowing full well that his words had struck a nerve.

Meanwhile, Shôkin Kagiri raised his long samurai sword, its blade glistening with rain and lightning. With a swift motion, he sliced through the air, as if attempting to cut the very raindrops themselves. The sight was both mesmerizing and terrifying.

"I must admit," Shôkin said, lowering his weapon, "I'm not fond of fighting. The sight of blood makes me sick." He smiled, but there was a coldness in his eyes that sent chills down Kazuki's spine.

"Then why wield such a deadly weapon?" Saigo snarled, unable to hide his unease any longer.

"Because sometimes," Shôkin said, "it's necessary to protect what we hold dear."

"Enough of this!" Saigo roared, his patience wearing thin. "I will not waste any more time on this foolish banter!"

"Then come at me, young warrior," Shôkin challenged him, his voice steady and calm. "Show me what you're made of."

"Watch your tongue," Saigo growled, gripping his sword tightly. "You'll regret underestimating me."

"Ah," Shôkin said with a small sigh, "pride can be such a dangerous thing."

As Saigo prepared to lunge at the old man, Kazuki's thoughts raced. The tension between the two warriors was palpable, and he knew that their inevitable clash would create an opportunity for him to strike.

"Once they've exhausted themselves," he thought, smirking despite the pain coursing through him, "I can finish them both off. Two birds with one stone."

Saigo's face reddened with anger, torn between the desire to kill Kazuki and the challenge presented by Shôkin. Kazuki smiled inwardly, pleased with his manipulation. "He's a meathead alright," he thought, "and I'll use his pride against him."

"Come on, Saigo," a subordinate shouted, adding fuel to the fire. "Show this one-armed geezer who's boss!"

"Finish him, Saigo!" another cheered, and Saigo's confidence swelled with each rallying cry from his men.

"Very well," Saigo said through gritted teeth, determined not to be made a fool any longer. With a battle cry, he charged towards Shôkin, his sword held high and gleaming in the stormy darkness.

"Such a foolish move," Kazuki thought, his lips curving into a sinister smile as he watched the scene unfold. He reveled in the desperation in Saigo's eyes, knowing full well the warrior had been completely manipulated. Just a bit more, and they would both be ripe for the taking.

Shôkin stood calmly, unfazed by the onslaught of Saigo's charge. As the distance between them rapidly closed, Saigo's confidence wavered for a moment, but he quickly shook off the doubt and focused on his target.

"Die, old man!" Saigo shouted, his sword slicing through the rain and aiming straight for Shôkin's neck.

"Too easy," Kazuki murmured to himself, already planning his next move. He marveled at the ease with which he'd manipulated the situation, a wicked smile dancing upon his lips.