Hanari's domain, although incomplete, manifests as a distorted space around her, fluctuating with unstable energy. The surroundings warp and shift erratically, giving glimpses of Hanari's intended domain—a complex network of threads and shadows woven together.
Hanari's strings lash out like living serpents, slicing through cursed flesh with precision. She manoeuvres gracefully, weaving a deadly dance amidst the chaos. Takeshi's shockwaves echo through the air, each strike aimed at disrupting and dismantling the curses.
Takeshi lands a heavy blow on a towering curse, cracking its armour-like hide. The impact sends shockwaves rippling outward, knocking nearby curses off balance. Hanari seizes the opportunity, her strings becoming taut as she lashes out, slicing through limbs and torsos.
Blood splatters all over their forms. Strings are everywhere, dripping with all manner of coloured blood. They stand over a horde of corpses, breathing heavily.
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Black Flash!
Amashi would slam into the ground nearby, reeling from the impact of the black flash. He began to stand slightly, looking at the two. Blood splurted from his mouth. He had taken too much damage to keep fighting.
Michio would stand tall. He glanced at Kyofu, who struggled to stay on his feet. "You alright?"
Kyofu nodded and regained his composure, clenching a fist as he looked towards Arashi. His eyes widened briefly as he looked behind him. There was a boy standing not too far from Arashi, tears in his eyes. His hand would be outstretched.
"Stop..! Stop fighting!"
In that moment, a multitude of curses erupted from around him. There was a horde of them. Michio's eyes would widen as he turned to Kyofu.
Kyofu stared into the boy's eyes. He saw himself in him. A boy is new to this crazy world. The curses surrounded the area, and Kyofu briefly closed his eyes as he prepared to go on fighting.
He'd save him. He swore to himself.
One day had passed. Kyofu opened his eyes as he stared into the pond. He smiled slightly, looking at the koi fish swim around gracefully.
He looked around Fujiwara Manor and admired its beauty. He heard a set of footsteps behind him as he glanced back.
He saw Takeshi, Michio, and Hanari. Hanari sat down next to Kyofu.
"I've never seen anything like that," Michio mused, his voice laced with a hint of apprehension. "That cursed energy was... abnormal. And the way he spawned curses, it's unlike anything I've encountered before."
Kyofu nodded in agreement, his brow furrowed with worry. "He's just a kid, younger than me even." Kyofu sighed, looking at the pond intently. "We have to find him; help him. He seems..confused."
Takeshi would nod. Hanari did too. "I want to protect him. I want to protect everyone," Kyofu said, his voice laced with worry.
Michio gave a smile. "Let's make a vow then. To protect each other. No matter what happens."
Michio and Takeshi exchanged glances. Hanari would look at Kyofu. "Forever."
A newfound resolve!
**********************
Hanari stared blankly ahead at two figures walking down a path. She remained unnoticed as she was looking through a window in a nearby set of dorms. The hallway she was in was empty. She honed in on the stitches on one of their heads. Shirogane, her father. Beside him was Uraume, his assistant. She clenched her fists. The night sky was bright with stars, and all the stars were shining on her.
She heard footsteps behind her. Michio walked up behind her. He looked at her intently, then up to the figures walking down the path. "You noticed too, didn't you?" Michio said, his voice serious.
Hanari's eyes narrowed. "Yeah. Every time I look at him.."
"I wonder who he actually is."
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A double upload, yeah. I hope everyone has enjoyed the story so far, and I'm announcing a short, two-week hiatus while I work on other works.
The next volume might focus more on Chikara and Kaito than Kyofu, so if you have any ideas for Chikara's character, comment, and I'll take them into consideration.
Have a nice day.