Chapter 8 - Trip Down Memory Lane

Kakuto and his team are in one of the school's training rooms as they practice with their synergy with each other. Kakuto and Junko as the team's Vanguard, Oda and Daniel on the Flanks and Shizuha on the rearguard providing long-range support with her spells as Oda and Daniel protect her from any stragglers that got near her.

With Kakuto and Junko, They make space for their team so Oda can use his skill to formulate a plan.

Oda: Kakuto, Junko! High-class Paranormal in the distance!

Kakuto/Junko: Roger!

Just as Oda warned them a strong looking Paranormal in broken armor and a large broadsword

Oda: United Strike, now!

Hearing Oda's command Shizuha made a pillar of ice in the middle of the enemies which slowly freezes them. Daniel then leaped up in the air before ax kicking the pillar shattering it into pieces and causing a shockwave which gave space to the boss, while the debris was in the air, Junko and Kakuto hopped on each debris, reaching the top point before Kakuto throwing Junko higher in the air as she began a chant.

With Kakuto, using his blades he began slashing the Paranormal to keep him busy as the Paranormal tried to retaliate, but due to Kakuto's speed, it seemed unlikely. Once Junko finished her chant, Kakuto fell back as Junko ignites her blade on fire before slashing the Paranormal's back, weakening it but not enough to die. Kakuto then jumped back into the fight, now wielding Renkai as he cuts the Pharanormal's armor revealing its heart before being destroyed by Oda with his magnum.

P.A: Stage Clear!

Once they heard that it was over Kakuto, Daniel and Shizuha collapsed in exhaustion as Junko and Oda walked up to them

Oda: Good job, everyone. We're really progressing well as a team. Great idea for the Team attack, Kakuto

Kakuto: Yeah...I don't really care...*sigh*

Chrysti: I'm impressed, another record from your team

Everyone turned to Chrysti who walked towards the team along with Quinccy, Musagen, and Detsuya

Chrysti: How are things going for you and your team, Oda?

Oda: We're doing great. our tactics are getting better. Do you need us with anything?

Chrysti: As a matter of fact, I do. There's a mission that I want your team to partake in. Meet us back to the Briefing room

Oda: Yes, Ma'am.

Hearing a mission, Kakuto and Shizuha stood up before walking with Oda and Junko. Daniel, who was still on the ground, extends and asked to help him up, but they just went past him

Daniel: Hey, wait up!

He hurriedly stood up and went after them as they made their way to the briefing room

Briefing

Quinccy: We've received a High-level Pharanormality in this location

They turned to the holographic grid map with a big red dot on one of the coordinate grid

Daniel: That's...

Chysti: That's right, the Paranormal is sighted near The Yakada Village near Astrella.

Oda's hand began tightening in anger but has calmed down once Kakuto placed his hand on his shoulder

Kakuto: Hey, we'll save them. Don't worry

Daniel: Yeah man, we got your back

Junko: So what's our mission?

Chrysti: Evacuate the civilians and take out the threat. Simple enough, right?

Kakuto/Daniel/Oda/Junko/Shizuha: Yes ma'am!

Chrysti: Then get ready to deploy, DIsmiss!

Once they left the briefing Oda hurriedly went to his room and got ready

Shizuha: He really seems stressed out about this mission...

Junko: I mean it is his home, so why wouldn't he be

The two talked amongst each other as they prepped all of their necessary equipment just as Oda left his room.

Oda: Is everyone ready?

Kakuto: Ready as we'll ever be

Oda: Then let's head out.

The team then left to embark on their mission, taking an aircraft provided for the mission as they set out to the Pharanormal's location. As The Aircraft took off, Kakuto decided to spark a conversation

Kakuto: Hey, What's your hometown like?

Oda: We're a peaceful bunch. nothing too eventful happens. Just kids roaming around playing, until it was time for supper.

The others began listening in on his story

Oda: My fondest memory is always with my family, never a dull moment when we are with each other.

Oda then began reminiscing about his past with his family as Kakuto sighed in sadness.

Kakuto: Lucky you...

They then turned towards Kakuto who sulked in his chair

Kakuto: All of you have good memories with your parents, you can make more even! But for me? I don't even know who my parents were or even what they do

Daniel: But what about Shizuha?

Kakuto: Shizuha's parents took me in when they saw me in the streets, so they're more like my Foster parents. So no matter what, always cherish those memories, and let me promise you. We'll make sure your family along with the rest of your people are safe.

Oda: Kakuto...

Kakuto: Ok, enough of the depressing part! Can you tell us more about your family? Do you have some interesting stories to share?

Oda: There is one actually. A tale of a Noble gunslinger who said to wander around the world as a Nomad, with him always are two pistols said to have strong magical aptitudes, but it suddenly disappeared and haven't appeared since.

Daniel: What were they like?

Oda: They were a magnificent spectacle. A midnight black with a red and blue hue. Combined with its firepower, bullets that can pierce through the thickness of Darkness and light the way for the future. That was the gunslinger of light, I always wanna be one someday

Kväll: That weapon sounds familiar

Kakuto: You think it could be an Eviser arm? like Renkai?

Kväll: I'm not sure

PA: Approaching Mission Drop zone, ETA: 10 seconds

Kakuto: Well, story time's over. We got a hometown to save

Oda: Right, Our priority is to keep the citizens safe, then we can take out the source of the Paranormality. Now let's start our mission!

Everyone: Roger!

The heroes then jumped out of the aircraft and soared through the sky until they reach the town square, where they saw a bunch of Pharanormals rampaging through the village. Taking action quickly, Kakutoand Junko dove down as they recite their spells

Kakuto/Junko: Ninpuu...!

They began as the Pharanormals looked up in the sky

Kakuto/Junko: Water Wave Tempest/Fire Storm Blitz

They cast as a wave of water and a tornado of Fire made its way to the Pharanormals, wiping them out and making a clear landing zone for the rest of the team.

Now, why don't we move back a bit and explain what exactly are Paranormals? Paranormals are demonic-looking creatures with purple ooze dripping down its body and have strange markings. they come through a breach in their reality called Pharanormalities which essentially acts as a portal to them. As of late, there are no indications of when a Pharanormality will occur. Also if the Pharanormals are higher in classes, they are strong. More on that later

Oda: Kakuto, Junko! Take out any Paranormal you see

Kakuto/Junko: Roger!

Oda: Shizuha, we need to make a haven for now until the whole area is safe

Shizuha: On it!

Oda: Daniel, You go save the survivors, I'll tell you where they are

Daniel: You got it!

After Oda gave the orders, they wasted no time following as they broke off and did their role. Kakuto and Junko dove into the horde of Pharanormals in their way as Shizuha made a small camp for the survivors that Daniel saves with the help of Oda's Clairvoyance

Clairvoyance is Oda's Phantasma, an ability that can let him see into the future giving him a strong tactical advantage against any opponent

As Oda is peeking into the future, he saw one outcome that shocked him enough to break his composure, he saw a woman surrounded by Paranormals outfit a bit disheveled as she tried her best to stand her ground in front of the village chapel

Oda: Mom!

Relying on instincts alone, he left the team in pursuit of his mom, once he reached a group of Pharanormals surrounding her, he wasted no time diving to the middle of the horde as he drop-shot collated two Pharanormals before rolling to his mother

Oda's mom: Oda...?

Oda then turned to his right shooting at three more Pharanormals taking them out before reloading and taking out six more in front of him. One Paranormal got close and tried to swipe at Oda, but he grabbed its arm and lock it behind its back as he uses the Paranormal as a shield as he destroys any that got in the way before shooting at the Paranormal that he had.

Oda: Mom! are you ok? *hugs*

Oda's mom: *hugs back* I'm ok, son. I'm ok

After they checked up on each other, The rest of the team made their way to him as they looked at the dead Pharanormals around them

Daniel: Damn...he really is pissed

Kakuto: Is everyone good? Are you hurt anywhere ma'am?

Oda's Mom: Oh, my little boy made some friends!

Oda: Mom, can you stop! We still need to get you out of here. Where's dad?

Kväll: I sense an Eviser arm somewhere nearby

Kakuto: You think it's the artifact that Oda mentioned?

Kväll: I'm not so sure. We need to find it directly to confirm it

Oda's Mom: He's by the Town gate, he's escorting the other villagers out and keeping the Paranormals

Oda: we're on it. Kakuto, Head to town gate Junko mind giving us a path for my mother.

Once Kakuto nodded, he summoned Senki and rode him to Oda's Father. He reached the village gate and saw him along with a few other villagers with weapons trying to fend off, he stood on top of Senki as he called out to Renkai

Renkai: What do you need me for, my liege

Kakuto: I need you to indulge me on what I saw in a game once

Renkai: *sigh* As you wish

Getting the green light on his plan, he strapped Renkai to his back and jumped off of Senki and into the air.

Kakuto: Ryujin-no-ken-wo-Kurae!

Kakuto shouted as he unsheaths Renkai, twirling him around as an image of Renkai followed the blade's twirl before engulfing Kakuto as his eyes glowed red and have a flaming red aura around him.

With this display, the villagers along with Oda's father looked up just as Kakuto dashed through the Pharanormals cutting them with such speed he was like a blur until the whole area is clear before he sheathed Renkai and turned to the Villagers.

Kakuto: *phew* Came here as fast as I could. Is everyone ok?

Villager: What's the Kingdom's Incarnate Unit doing out here?

Kakuto: I'm with Oda Yakana. He sent me to come to find his father

Once Kakuto mentioned Oda a tall man with a thick beard walked up to Kakuto with a large two-handed ax on his shoulder

???: Oda?

Kakuto: Yes sir, are you perhaps his Father?

Richard: I am, Richard Yakana. The Village Chiefton

Kakuto: Kakuto Onirize. My team is clearing out the Paranormals in the Village it should be safe for everyone to come back

Richard: I appreciate it, young man.

Once they introduced themselves they gathered the villagers and went to the camp that Shizuha made as she tends to any injured villagers.

Oda's Mom/Oda: Richard!/Father!

Richard: Sarah! Son!

Sarah: I'm so glad you're alright!

Richard: You too, honey

They then cherish the moment of having their family back together as Oda's teammates gave them some privacy and tend to any villagers in need.

Timeskip

Under a tree near the village, Kakuto is laying down on Shizuha's lap as she strokes his hair and admiring the leaves falling

Shizuha: It seems that you're catching up with your friend quite nicely.

Kakuto: Yeah she's changed a bit, but I still see the same ol' her till this day

Shizuha: You even made a couple of Team moves with her...that's nice

Kakuto: Aww...Feeling left out? I Could always make some with you

Shizuha: *giggle* I'll think about it

Oda: *walks up* There you are, I've been looking everywhere for you two

Shizuha: Oh hi, Oda. How are things in back the village?

Oda: They're holding up ok, surprisingly. I came to tell you that we're heading back to base

Shizuha: Are you sure? Don't you wanna stay with your family a bit more

Kväll: That boy...

Kakuto: Oda? What about him?

Kväll: He's the next host for the 6th Eviser Arms

Kakuto: The twin pistols in Oda's story?

Kväll: Indeed

Kakuto: How do we get it to appear?

Kväll: Only if the host can have a strong will and conviction it will appear. But I'm sure it'll appear soon

Shizuha: Hello~ Earth to Kakuto~

Kakuto: *snapped out* Hmm, yeah?

Shizuha: You ok? it seems like you have something on your mind

Kakuto: It's nothing really. Are you certain that you're set to leave?

Oda: Definitely, My dad keeps bragging that he got the village covered. He hasn't failed yet

Kakuto: *stands* Then it's settle. Let's head back

The three then made their way to the village gate where an aircraft is waiting for them to board. Oda shared a few farewells with his family as the rest boarded before him

Richard: We'll miss you very much, my son. Stay strong.

Oda: I will.

Richard: You have an amazing bunch of friends beside you. Please, take care of my son

Daniel: You got it, Mr. Rich!

Sarah: Be safe on your way back.

Oda: You guys stay safe too

The family embraced one more time before letting Oda board the aircraft as he waved to them one more time before the aircraft began flying back to the Academy

Kakuto: Well...I say that was an absolute win!

Oda: It is. Mission accomplished everyone!

Everyone: Yeah!!

Kakuto slumped down on his chair as he felt drained as Shizuha joined him

Shizuha: Not bad for our first mission, right?

Kakuto: Totally. everything went on without much problems *yawn*

Shizuha: Come here, you big baby

Shizuha leads Kakuto head down to her lap before nuzzling in his new pillow

Shizuha: Comfortable?

Kakuto: Very...

Oda: *shock* No way!

Oda's sudden outburst was followed by an explosion behind them. He hurriedly rushed to the backside of the aircraft to look at what happened

Kakuto: I was all snuggled up and everything

Shizuha: No more complaining. come on, let's go see what's going on

Kakuto: Guy can't ever catch a break

Shizuha: You can relax when all of this is over

Kakuto and Shizuha grouped with the others as they investigate the cause of the explosion. When they went to investigate, they found that Oda's village is under attack by unknown shadowy figures their pitch-black body is only highlighted by their bright yellow eyes. and strange glyphs surrounding them

Oda: My home!

Kväll: This is bad

Kakuto: What? Why?

Kväll: The things that are attacking the village aren't Paranormals. They are the darkness that lurks within the universe

Kakuto: and they differ from Pharanormals how?

Kväll: Without proper weapons, the shadows will never stay dead and they'll still come back for more.

Kakuto: Oh shit...

Shizuha: Can we change the course?

Junko: unlikely, the ship only responds to base's orders

Oda: I'm going back there

Kakuto: Woah, you're kidding right? There's no way you're that stupid to fight that on your own

Oda: You don't understand! My family is over there getting overrun. They are the only things I care about, not like you'll understand.

Everyone: *gasp*

Kakuto: You're right, I don't understand. I also don't understand why the hell will you risk killing yourself for a battle you can't win!

Kakuto: look for a second. You go in there alone and fight through an army of those by yourself and barely manage to get to your village, keyword Barely, The entire village will get wiped out and all your effort is for nothing.

Oda: Then what am I supposed to do!?

Kakuto: Let us help.

Kakuto place a hand on Oda's shoulder as he gestured to the others

Kakuto: You are never alone in this fight, you have us

Shizuha: So let us help

Daniel: Yeah man, We're best pals

Junko: I mean you are a part of the team after all

Oda: You guys...

Oda turned to the others, flashing a smile before turning back to the carnage with hardened determination

Oda: Let's do this...Together

Everyone: Right!

Daniel breached the emergency hatch as one by one they jump off the aircraft and into the uprising fight that will happen. Once they landed. they regrouped in the forest as they come up with a plan of attack

Oda: Listen up, our mission is to save the Yakada Village...again. We need to make sure that everyone in the village is safe

Kakuto: Oda, might I suggest proceeding with caution. I think our enemy this time is much stronger than what we faced before.

Daniel: What makes you say that?

Kakuto: I'll call it a gut feeling I suppose

Oda: *nods* Then we'll keep our guard up. Don't die, all of you

Daniel: We don't plan to

Knowing their objective, they burst out of the forest and into the horde in hopes of thinning it. Kakutoused his blades along with Junko as they try to create space, Oda with his magnum trying to pick off any easy targets while Daniel and Shizuha do crowd control to help Kakuto and Junko.

When they got to the middle of the horde, their agro is slowly turning to them, causing them to get pushed back. When they try to turn back to get some breathing room, they saw all the shadows that they slew slowly come back to life

Oda: This is bad, at this rate we'll get cornered and our progress will mean nothing

Kväll: They're creatures born from the darkness, normal weaponry won't stand a chance against them. I suggest using Renkai for this.

Following Kväll's suggestion, putting away his blades as he drew Renkai. While the shadows are slowly coming towards them, Kakuto charged Renkai with all his energy causing the blade to glow

Kakuto: Everyone! Take cover!

As everyone ducked to the ground, Kakuto swung Renkai around as the energy built up from the blade is expelled and turned into a Dragon gaining more space for them as it followed the Blade around

Kakuto: Everyone, Follow me! I'll make us a path forward

Kakuto readied Renkai again placing the sword in front of him as he focuses on the blade once more. The runes from the sword are slowly coming off the blade as it slowly surrounds Kakuto. Once Yin was finished channeling his energy to the sword, the runes that are floating around him, began manifesting Renkai's body as it shrouds Yin's own in Radiant energy.

Kakuto: Let's do this, Renkai!

Renkai: Yes, my liege!!

Kakuto then took his stance once more before dashing at the shadow in front of him. Once Kakuto got close, one swing with Renkai caused massive damage to the horde as the shadow that he targeted along with the shadows around it dissipate. He continued going through them cutting up any shadows in his path, his team was shocked at Kakuto's actions before coming back to reality and followed behind him.

Eventually, they manage to reach the Village while also minimizing the horde. The Village itself was in chaos, Buildings were destroyed, the villagers were injured and/or bleeding badly. Their attention was brought to the Large house that is barely intact and in ablaze, when Richard is thrown out of the house and landed next to Sarah on the ground. The culprit is now seen walking out of the hole that the man was thrown to, a very big shadow, armor only covering its chest and back, his weapon is a very large cudgel with spikes around it and topping it off with an Oni mask for his face.

Oda: Mother! Father!

Richard: No, Stay back!

Richard slowly got up and grabbed his weapon. He tried to take a swing with his weapon but due to his fatigue, his arms gave out, and dropped his ax giving the shadow a large opening as it swung its cudgel to his mid-section forcing Richard to his knees. The shadow was about to drop the cudgel on Richards's head until Oda ran to his Father's aid as he used Renkai that he swiped from Kakuto's hands

Oda: Get away from him!!

Kakuto: Oda don't!!!

Kakuto's warning falls on deaf ears as Oda had no signs of stopping. With Renkai, Oda did an Overhead swing stopping the large shadow on his tracks. As the shadow stepped back, Oda slashed at the shadow while it stepped back, it retaliated by using its cudgel to block the strike but Oda continued with his attacks forcing the large shadow back further. Once the shadow gained its footing again, it faced Oda's attacks head-on, blocking every swing with its cudgel. Yin then leaped into the fight kicking the large shadow away and puts Oda into a sword lock

Daniel: Hey, guys? The shadows are coming any second now!

Shizuha: Kakuto, what do we do?

Kakuto: *thoughts* This is bad...Oda won't listen to any of us and the army of shadows are slowly coming to the village, and with the number of casualties we have and the fact that our weapons won't do anything, we'll be wiped out in no time

Kakuto: Hey, Kväll. What makes the Eviser arms so special anyways?

Kväll: The Eviser Arms are weapons given by God in helps on aiding the people in slaying the darkness.

Kakuto: So if there was a way to siphon the ability of the Eviser arms in eliminating shadows. Will that weapon work against them?

Kväll: It could, but the problem is how?

Kakuto: I got that covered *out loud* Everyone! gather the injured and buy me some time, I got an idea.

Shizuha and the others look hesitant with Kakuto's suggestion but decided that it was better than nothing. As they gathered every injured villager near the gate, Kakuto began tinkering with his dual blades

Kväll: Can I ask what you are doing?

Kakuto: Well...If I change the crisis core's energy absorption output into an input. Rather than shooting out the energy from the blade, it'll instead be running through the blade basically forming a pseudo-Eviser Arms until I could get my hands on Renkai again

Kväll: Impressive...

Kakuto: And...done! All I need now is for these swords to absorb some of the Eviser arms energy

As Kakuto explains his plan, he looked back to Oda who is managing against his large opponent

Kakuto: And I know just how to do so...Oda!

Oda: What!?

Kakuto: Hit me with Renkai for a few seconds!

Oda: Are you crazy!!?

Kakuto: Just trust me!

Oda: *hesitant* Ok...you asked for this!!

Oda switched his attention to Kakuto as he charged unrelenting at Kakuto. once Oda was close enough for a strike, he did an overhead swing as Kakutocross-guarded to block Oda's attack but before Kakuto could begin his plan, the shadow from before swung its cudgel in between the two forcing them back as they gained some distance

Oda: What good will fighting you be, Kakuto?

Kakuto: I need Renkai's energy to be absorbed into my blade so I could make a pseudo-Eviser Arms

Oda: Eviser what?

Kakuto: Just trust me, Renkai do you mind participating?

Renkai: If you wish so, My liege

Once Kakutogestured to Renkai, the blade glowed a radiant red as a response. Leaving Oda shocked

Oda: Ok...here we go!

Kakuto: Bring it on!

The two shouted their battle cry causing the others to look at them curiously as Kakuto and Oda fight each other

Daniel: What are those two doing

Junko: Grr...That idiot *drew her sword*

Shizuha: No don't! Just believe in Kakuto. I know, he knows what he's doing

Daniel: Shizuha...

Junko: *sigh* Well, I guess it can't be helped. I just gonna believe in him. *sheathe sword*

Kakuto and Oda continued their brawl as they avoid the shadow's attacks. Yin then puts Oda in a sword lock as he began channeling the Crisis core from within his blades

Kakuto: Renkai, now!

Renkai channeled his energy from his blade to Kakuto's own as the Crisis cores began absorbing the energy being dealt to it and into the blade. Once the Crisis core absorbed enough energy the core itself began processing the unknown energy but due to its unknown matter, it morphed the crisis core itself along with the rest of the blade, finally turning it into a pseudo-Eviser arm.

The result of their clash caused a big shockwave through the whole village as it forged a new weapon. With the new properties come a different look for Kakuto's weapons. Its red and blue cores turned to gold as well as the engravings on the blade. The weapon shined as if brand-new.

The shockwave sent our heroes toppling back as they recoiled from their engagement. Once they recovered, Kakuto noticed that his plan worked and shouts in excitement

Kakuto: Everyone, take five. I'll take it from here.

Kakuto said confidently as he brandishes his weapons

Shizuha: Kakuto...

Kakuto: Oda, I'll leave that thing to you. Don't die, alright

Kakuto said jokingly as he walked towards the shadows approaching the village.

Junko: Wait, Kakutoyou can't be serious?

Kakuto: Relax Junko, I'll be careful

Daniel: But fighting a horde? You could die!

Kakuto: Dying is always a part of the job. It's up to you whenever you'll accept your fate to die. But I'm not the one who falls down without a fight.

Shizuha: *sigh* There's no stopping you isn't there?

Kakuto: Nope!

Shizuha: Then you better come back home safe

Kakuto: I will.

Once Kakutomade it to the village gate, he faced the army that is coming

Kakuto: Alright...Time to let loose

Kakuto walked to the army slowly picking up the pace. Once Kakuto was near, he channeled a bit of the energy in his blade to enhance it as he dashed through the Vanguard. Once he got through, he spun around and taking out a few near him to gain some space. He then pinpointed any shadows that were vulnerable and focused them first.

He dashed to the first open shadow that was in front of him, slashing at its mid-section before turning to his right where he took out two by doing a spin attack/ He thrusts his swords behind him confidently as he pierced a shadow behind him before jumping backward before pacing his attacks as he slowly defeats the horde.

Meanwhile

With Oda, his attacks are slowing down as the fatigue caught up to him, giving his opponent many openings. Oda swung at the Shadows head but the shadow just swung its cudgel to Oda's side, knocking him away. Oda is beaten beyond recognition, his head is bleeding and his vision impaired, his legs are wobbling like jelly, and his arms about to give out.

Yet despite all of that he stood up and stared against his opponent. Raising Renkai once more and doing an overhead swing, but the shadow blocked it with its cudgel knocking the weapon out of Oda's hands. In a last-ditch effort, he took out his magnum and took a shot against the shadow but to no effect.

Having enough, the shadow knocked down Oda with intense strength that causes the ground that slammed Oda in to make a crater. Accepting his fate, Oda rolled over as he faced the cloudy sky as the shadow loomed over him

Oda: So this is it? This is how I die?

The shadow then raised the cudgel above its head as everyone in the village looked in worry

Everyone: Oda!

Oda: I'm sorry Mother, Father. I guess I can't protect our home after all

The shadow began slamming his cudgel down as Oda closed his eyes with a smile on his face, accepting his fate at the hands of his enemy...but it was stopped.

The sound of metal clashing caused Oda's eyes to widen as he saw Kakuto, panting from his battle against the army outside, stopping the cudgel with his blades

Oda: Kakuto...what are you still doing here? Leave with the others, it's too late for me.

Kakuto: What happened to the "Don't die, all of you" part of your speech?

Oda: Kakuto, it's too strong. YOu can't beat it. I know my fate already, there is no use fighting it.

Kakuto: So you're just gonna accept it *struggling* Your...fate, decided by this cruel and injustice world? Don't you wanna change your fate? The fate of your home?

Oda: But what could I do? I don't have the strength to overthrow my own fate. Nor did I ever

Kakuto: Then...let me do it...I'll overthrow your fate...and turn it over! All you have to do is believe in me. Put your faith in me for I will save all of you.

Oda: *sniffle* Then I'll put all my I'll leave my trust and fate to you. Please, save me from this horrible fate!

Hearing his resolve, Kakuto then felt a wave of energy flow through him, causing him to break the lock with the shadow and forcing him back with a thrust of his weapons before offering a hand to Oda

Kakuto: Then stand, and watch as I turn over your fate.

Oda reached for Kakuto's hand as he helped him up. Suddenly light showered over them, wiping away all their fatigue and healing their injuries. After it settled, Kakuto's hand and Oda's chest began glowing a golden light

Kakuto: May I?

Oda: *nod*

Kakuto thrusts his hand to Oda's chest where the light is shining from and reached for something inside. As Kakuto was searching inside, he heard two childish voices speaking to him

???: His Highness has arrived once more!!

???2: Yes! Please let us be of service to you our Majesty! Command us to your will

Kakuto: Can I know who you are?

The voices then walked up to Kakuto, revealing themselves. The voices were kids, one boy, and one girl both wearing semiformal clothes. The boy has cyan eyes and short white hair and is wearing a black polo, black dress shorts with cyan suspenders, knee-high socks, and dress shoes. The girl has long white hair and Magenta eyes and is wearing a black dress with Magenta accents, knee-high socks, and heels

Girl: I'm Trish!

Boy: I'm Bahn!

Kakuto: Then please, aid me in vanquishing this darkness!

Trish/Bahn: As you wish your Highness!!

Once he has grabbed a hold of it, he pulled out his arm, grabbing the object he held to reveal a handgun. Kakuto twirled the handgun with his finger, twirling it up before placing his other hand on the other side of the gun and pulled it apart. Revealing two pistols as he posed with it confidently.

The twin pistols are Midnight-black with each pistol having different accents. One having magenta and one with cyan. Gems with the specific color above Kakuto's hand and where the hammer should be. The underside of the barrel is formed to a short blade and the barrel itself is wide and has half of an emblem carved onto it.

Oda: That's...

Kakuto: Behold, the manifestation of your belief in me! With this, I'll turn your fate over!

Kakuto twirled the pistols once more before taking aim at the large shadow as it slowly picks itself back up. Once Kakuto had a clear shot he fired both of the pistols at the shadow, the bullets glowed Magenta and Cyan respectively as they made their way to its target which caused the shadow to growl in pain before becoming in rage by something that finally hurt it.

Once it went berserk it took its cudgel and went for an overhead swing against Kakuto, he side-stepped the attack and shoots the side of its face. The shadow then wildly sung at its side, swinging left and right before slamming it down giving Yin an opening, taking this chance to run up the cudgel and jump on its head before shooting a few bullets at its back, forcing it on his knees.

Kakuto placed his twin pistols together, completing the emblem engraved before charging a devastating shot, but before he could get a chance to fire the shadow then howled loudly for everyone to hear. Kakuto questioned the howl before feeling the ground shake as all the shadows near the village that he yet to vanquish began running to the village, ignoring the injured villagers, and went straight for Kakuto.

Boy: Let us handle this, Your Highness

The gems on the pistols shined their respective colors causing Kakuto to faint before regaining his balance however his eyes became heterochromatic with Magenta on his left and Cyan on his right, a sign that Trish and Bahn took control of Kakuto's body.

Once the shadows got closer to Kakuto, Trish and Bahn wasted no time eliminating the threat as they spin around taking out shadows with each bullet fired until every shadow dissipated into smoke.

After checking for more shadows, Kakuto took a deep breath as he got control back of his body. This led to him forgetting about the large opponent that he faced as said opponent took hold of a large pillar, discarding its cudgel, and went to slam it down on Kakuto as he narrowly dodged the attack

Kakuto: Ok, a big guy with a bigger weapon is more than I can handle at the moment *summons Renkai* Better call backup. Junko!

Junko, who was near Shizuha and Daniel, had her attention pulled by Kakuto who tosses Renkai to her causing her to look at the future king in confusion

Kakuto: I'm biting off more than I could chew here, a little help would be nice

Junko: Of course you do, you big idiot.

Kakuto then turned to Oda as he handed him, Trish

Kakuto: Handguns really my specialty, wanna help out a bit?

Oda: Every step of the way

Once Oda grabbed Trish, Kakutolooked at Oda with fiery determination as Oda does the same before finally letting go

Junko: Are you boys done with your moment? We have a shadow to fight

Kakuto: Yeah, yeah we got it!

Kakuto assured as he posed with Bahn on Junko's left, Oda posed with Trish on Junko's left, and Junko posed with Renkai in the middle crouched. The shadow then roared at the trio, using it as the signal, they dispersed in their separate directions with Yin and Oda taking pock shots from the sides while Junko does a full assault from the front.

Focusing on Junko, the shadow swung the pillar at Junko as she rolled on top of it before using it to walk up to the shadow's head, unsheathing Renkai and cutting its eyes out as it roared in pain.

As the shadow recoiled from the pain, Kakuto slid under the shadow as he shot an empowered bullet on its chin, sending it back further while Oda jumped over it and shot two bullets behind its knee forcing the shadow down before tossing Trish back to Kakuto.

Once Kakuto regained both of his weapons, he placed them together, completing the emblem before spinning it in front of him, forming a glyph before shooting above and below him. After he shot, multiple chains bind the Shadow to its knees giving Junko a wide opening as she came down from above and slashed the Shadows head before it dissipates, saving the village once more

Junko: *pant* Is it over? *pant*

Oda: *pant* I believe so

Kakuto: Oh thank God! *pant* I thought we were gonna die for a second there

Shizuha: Well you all did great. You guys deserve some rest

Shizuha said as Kakuto took this chance and collapsed to the ground with Oda slowly following behind him

Junko: Is it really ok for them to lay down on the ground, like that?

Shizuha: Let them rest, I'm sure fighting large opponents caused them to be tired. *thought* I'm so proud of you Kakuto, always have, always will be. I love you, lil' brother.

Timeskip

A couple of days have past and the Villagers are starting to rebuild their home as Richard and Sarah see their son of once more

Richard: Thank you again for helping the village, we owe you our sincerest thanks

Oda: There's no need, Father. Just doing our job

Sarah: Still, are you sure you should be moving now? YOu can stay and rest for a few more days

Oda: We've stayed long enough, Mom. We still got to report back for our mission, I promise I'll visit again as soon as I can

Sarah: Ok *hugs Oda* Stay safe out there.

Oda: *hugs back* I will mom.

Oda shared one last group hug with his family before their aircraft landed near them and opened its door for the team to enter. Before going in, Oda waved to his family as they waved back before boarding as the door closed before flying their way back to report for their mission and celebrate a job well done