Kaoru laughed like a maniac, crimson energy crackling around him like a living storm.
"I was waiting for you, old man… now die!"
Outside, the thunder raged, lightning slicing across the battlefield, reflecting off shattered rooftops and splintered walls. The storm mirrored the chaos of the clash — the ultimate battle between legacy and tyranny.
Rin Takeda wielded his sword one final time, gripping it with every ounce of his strength.
He slashed through the air, leaving a glowing shockwave streaking toward Kaoru.
"Whispering Gale!"
Kaoru parried with a flick of his blade, dashing forward like lightning.
Rin planted his feet, stance unyielding.
"Iron Mind Stance!"
SWISH!
Kaoru's slash collided with Rin's, the impact sending a BOOM across the battlefield.
Kaoru stepped back, a smirk on his face.
"Nice, old man."
Rin coughed, blood staining his lips. "I'm seventy… I'm not expecting more from me," he whispered, chest heaving.
Ashura's voice tore across the battlefield.
"You are… sick! Step back!"
But Rin's momentary distraction was enough — Kaoru lunged, stabbing deep into Rin's chest.
SWISH!
Blood gushed as Rin sank to his knees, coughing violently.
"You were like a mouse… and I was the cat," Kaoru said coldly, crimson aura swirling around him.
But then, a spark ignited.
Ashura stood, aura blazing brighter than ever. His comrades' screams echoed in his mind:
"You can do it, Ashura!"
His father's hand pressed onto his shoulder, steady and firm.
"Free Emka once again. It's on you, Ashura."
Ashura's eyes burned with resolve.
"That's the exact tyranny Yami Hibuko freed us from," he said, voice cutting through the storm.
The air thickened. Lightning struck closer. The battle for Emka's freedom had truly begun.