Ato and Kojo were running swiftly toward the center of the forest.
Ato: "This island sure is big."
Kojo: "Yeah… this village used to be a big city."
Suddenly, a monster lunged from the trees.
Ato: "Oi, Kojo, there's a mon—!"
Before he could finish his sentence, the creature was sliced cleanly in two.
Ato: "Oh. I was worried for nothing."
Kojo: "Huh? Did you say something?"
Ato: "No… nothing."
Suddenly, another monster attacked—this time aiming straight for Kojo.
Ato: "Kojoooo!"
Kojo was sent flying several meters away.
Kojo: "I'm okay… but something's there. You can come out now, monster."
A tall figure stepped forward — a man with six arms, each holding a sword. His body was stitched together, and worst of all… he had no eyes.
Kojo: "Oi, Ato, leave him to me. You go ahead and defeat that bastard. I'll come after you once I beat this one."
Ato hesitated.
Ato: "…Alright. And you there, Six-Swords — he's going to destroy you."
Kojo: "Heh. Now I've really gotta defeat him."
Ato started running again, disappearing deeper into the forest.
Kojo: "Now then, Six-Swords… take this! Two-Sword Style — Tiger's Wrath!"
Kojo launched a powerful slash.
The monster deflected it effortlessly.
Kojo smiled.
Kojo: "Alright then. How about this— dra—"
Before he could finish, the monster jumped at him. Kojo barely managed to block the attack.
Kojo: "Okay… you've got strength. But—"
He pushed the creature back.
Kojo: "DRAGON'S CLAAAAW!"
A monstrous shockwave blasted Kojo through countless trees. He finally slammed into an enormous trunk and stopped, blood streaming down his body.
The monster slowly walked toward him. Seeing the damage, it assumed Kojo was dead.
Monster (in a deep voice): "Master… I have done my job."
Suddenly—
Kojo struggled to his feet.
Kojo: "So… you can talk, you ugly six-sword freak…"
Scene change — Ato
Ato raced toward the forest's center, destroying monsters in his path.
Ato: "That bastard created a whole army… Huh? What is that?"
He spotted a gigantic tree, its roots stretching unnaturally.
Ato: "I need to get there—fast."
Soon, he reached a house… and the tree was growing directly out of it.
Ato: "Why is that tree growing inside a house?"
He kicked the door open.
Ato: "Oi, mask freak! Where are you?! Come out!"
A calm voice replied:
???: "You shouldn't enter someone's house without permission."
Ato saw a man on a throne—his face hidden behind a mask.
Ato: "Wait… are you… are you the bastard Kojo was talking about? The one who planted the seed?"
Masked Man: "Yes. I am the man who planted it."
Ato: "You idiot! Do you even know what happened to the villagers because of you—"
Masked Man: "Watch your mouth."
Ato: "Why should I—"
Masked Man: "If you don't stop talking… boom."
In an instant, everything around Ato exploded.
Moments later, Ato lay on the ground.
Masked Man: "Tch. Now I have to rebuild my lab… again."
Scene change — Kojo
Monster: "How are you still alive after losing that much blood?"
Kojo: "The answer is simple… he has faith in me."
Monster: "I don't know who you're talking about, but this time I will finish you!"
Monster: "Oni-Rhino!"
He charged again.
Monster: "He stopped it? Impossible—!"
Kojo: "My turn… Oni-Slash!"
His blade cut through the monster's stomach, blood spraying everywhere.
Monster: "Such speed… but not enough!"
He struck Kojo back.
Monster: "If I can't win with strength… then I'll win with speed!"
He attacked again and again — slash after slash. Kojo started bleeding more but raised his swords.
Kojo: "If that's how you want it… then let's go all out!"
They both launched a continuous storm of attacks. The sounds of clashing blades echoed across the forest.
Together they screamed:
"HHHAAAAAA!!!!"
Finally, Kojo staggered back, unable to keep up with all six swords.
The monster smirked.
Monster: "This is the end… ONI-RHINO!"
Dust filled the air.
When it finally cleared, Kojo was still standing — barely — his body covered in blood.
Monster: "How… are you still standing?"
Kojo (smiling weakly): "Like I said… he has faith in me. And I won't fall… until I see him again…"
Kojo slowly raised his swords.
Kojo: "Now… it's my final turn."