The call shattered the morning's tranquillity, an urgent summons echoing through the quiet sanctuary of the Yankai hideout. Atama Kaku gathered her members, their presence an essential part of a critical mission: to infiltrate and dismantle the formidable Yokai base that Michael and Yoichi had recently uncovered. Sensing the scale of the imminent threat looming over them, Atama decided to assemble a larger team, each member selected for their distinct skills and unparalleled strengths.
In the main hall, Atama stood before her gathered comrades, her sharp gaze sweeping over them like a hawk surveying its territory. As she meticulously assessed their readiness, her eyes landed on Kazu, and a chill seemed to ripple through the air. The warmth of her usual calm was replaced by an unmistakable frost as she announced that Daichi would be at the helm of the operation, resolute in her decision and leaving no room for dissent. Kazu felt the piercing weight of her silent judgment, an unspoken disappointment that enveloped him like a shroud. With his jaw clenched tight, he battled against the urge to reveal his frustration, mastering the storm brewing within.
As the team set forth, a collective determination fueled their steps, each member acutely aware of the treacherous path that lay before them. Daichi embraced his leadership role with unyielding seriousness, orchestrating their strategy as they approached the foreboding Yokai base. Their movements were choreographed with precision as they skillfully dispatched smaller adversaries, the air crackling with adrenaline and focus. Minoru's stealth was akin to shadow itself, allowing the team to slip past unsuspecting foes, while Michael's speed propelled him ahead like a darting falcon. Kuon's immense strength proved a reliable fortress, and Unmei's extraordinary powers cast a protective layer over the group, ensuring that few Yokai could withstand their relentless advance.
However, as they drew near to the epicentre of the base, a gargantuan figure loomed into view, a Yokai the likes of which they had never before encountered. Its presence was an ominous storm, radiating dark, malevolent energy that rippled through the air with palpable intensity. The creature's eyes, glowing with fiery malice, pierced through the shadows, igniting a primal fear within the hearts of even the bravest warrior. The team momentarily froze, an unspoken understanding dawning upon them: they were not merely infiltrating a base, they were stepping into a battle against a formidable nightmare.
Kazu took an instinctive step forward, prepared to defend his team, but the Yokai moved faster than anyone expected. In an instant, it delivered a brutal punch to Kazu, sending him hurtling back with a scream of pain. He crashed into the wall, blood staining the ground as he struggled to move, his vision blurring.
"Kazu!" Unmei's voice was a mixture of fear and anger as he rushed toward his injured friend, but Daichi was already by Kazu's side, his hands glowing with healing energy.
"Hold on, Kazu. I've got you," Daichi said, his voice steady despite his own worry. He poured every ounce of his strength into healing Kazu's wounds, the strain evident on his face.
Meanwhile, Unmei felt a surge of anger he could barely contain. His curse began to stir within him, its dark power crackling around him as he unleashed it on the Yokai, his determination sharpening his focus. The others joined him, attacking from all sides, coordinating each move to keep the Yokai off balance. Kuon's strength, Michael's speed, and Minoru's calculated strikes all came together, and with Unmei's unleashed power, they finally overpowered the creature, bringing it to its end.
As the dust settled, Daichi helped Kazu to his feet, who was still weak from his injuries but grateful to be alive. They made their way back, the weight of the battle heavy on their shoulders. Once they returned, they headed straight to the infirmary, Daichi personally ensuring Kazu received proper treatment.
Later, the team stood before Atama, the air thick with anticipation. She listened intently, a subtle smile gracing her lips as she praised their hard-fought success, her eyes glinting with pride as she highlighted Daichi's exemplary leadership and the strength that blossomed from their teamwork. However, when the conversation turned to Kazu's injuries, her demeanour shifted. She barely registered their significance, her indifference palpable as she glanced past him, dismissing his sacrifice and the gravity of his wounds as if they were insignificant details. Without a backward glance at Kazu, she waved the team away, leaving him to wrestle with the agonizing pain of his injuries intertwined with the searing hurt from his sister's continued coldness.
The atmosphere among the others shifted, and a quiet anger simmered beneath the surface, but they chose to keep their frustrations to themselves. As Kazu lay on the infirmary bed, the sterile scent of antiseptic lingering in the air, his friends gathered around him. They offered heartfelt words of encouragement, their voices a soothing balm to his wounded spirit, trying to lift his morale. Daichi, in particular, remained steadfastly by his side, his expression a mixture of concern and resolve. He silently vowed to support Kazu through the silent battles that plagued him—the emotional wounds that cut deeper than any physical injury. Although the mission was marked as a resounding success, the weight of Atama's indifference left a deep scar in Kazu's heart, a constant reminder of the chasm that still separated him from his sister.