Kaguya's delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly.
"The Evil Soul Manifestation," she murmured, recognizing the technique. This ability allowed Susanoo to draw upon the evil soul within his chest, significantly amplifying his power by consuming his master Najenda's life force. The strength it granted was formidable enough to make even Esdeath struggle, forcing her to resort to her time-freezing ability.
However, this powerful technique came with a steep cost. Using it drained the life force of its master, and after just three uses, the master's life force would be completely exhausted.
Seeing Najenda resort to this move, Kaguya understood that she was prepared to fight to the death.
As the white mist dissipated, Susanoo's figure emerged. His hair had turned white, his face sharp as a blade, and his bare chest was muscular and robust. Behind him was a massive wheel resembling the frame of a clock, while a red magatama adorned his chest—a symbol of the wrathful soul.
Now, Susanoo's strength had multiplied several times over, with energy almost tangible as it swirled around him, exuding an overwhelming aura.
"Not bad, this is interesting," Kaguya clapped her hands lightly, a captivating smile playing on her lips. "But if this is all—"
Her words were cut short as her eyes widened in surprise. Susanoo had suddenly vanished from in front of her.
In an instant, Susanoo reappeared behind Kaguya, a golden orb materializing in his hand. With a swift motion, the orb transformed into a massive sword gleaming with a cold light, which he swung down mercilessly towards Kaguya's back.
Ame-no-Murakumo Sword!
"Boom!"
A shockwave erupted, and dust filled the air.
"The Ame-no-Murakumo Sword is Susanoo's strongest attack. No one has ever survived it unscathed," Najenda said with a smile, her face showing a rare moment of relief. "Princess, you were too careless."
"Is that so?" A clear, sweet voice rang out.
"What?" Najenda's eyes widened in disbelief as Kaguya stepped out of the swirling dust.
"That was quite a good attack," Kaguya admitted, stretching her arm slightly. A long tear ran down the sleeve of her garment, revealing her smooth, white arm. "You actually managed to tear my clothes. Luna made this for me, you know. What a pity."
Beads of sweat began to form on Najenda's forehead as she realized the true extent of Kaguya's power. Was this her real strength?
Susanoo, still gripping the sword, charged at Kaguya again with lightning speed. Like a shadow, he reached Kaguya in an instant, raising the Ame-no-Murakumo Sword high and slashing down at her with all his might.
But Kaguya didn't move. She stood perfectly still, as if she hadn't even noticed the attack. Just as Susanoo thought his strike would land, Kaguya suddenly lifted her head and flashed him a radiant smile. "Your speed is impressive, but it's not enough."
For others, Susanoo's speed might have been dangerous, but for Kaguya, with her enhanced perception, it was far from sufficient.
Kaguya raised her fair, delicate arm and pointed it at the airborne Susanoo.
Shinra Tensei!
Susanoo's pupils contracted sharply.
"Boom!"
A figure was sent flying—it was Kaguya.
While airborne, Kaguya adjusted her stance, her lithe body twisting gracefully as she landed lightly on the ground. Her face showed genuine surprise as she looked at Susanoo in the distance.
Susanoo had managed to reflect her Shinra Tensei back at her.
Although Shinra Tensei wasn't the most powerful of her techniques, it had always been effective in this world of lesser power levels. Even Esdeath had been caught off guard by it. But for Susanoo to reflect her attack back at her—this was unexpected.
Could it be...?
Kaguya's clear, discerning eyes narrowed as they fixed on the mirror in Susanoo's hand. If she wasn't mistaken, that mirror was likely the Yata no Kagami Mirror—Susanoo's ultimate defense.
The Yata no Kagami Mirror not only blocked attacks but also reflected them back at the attacker. Kaguya was aware of its capabilities, but she hadn't expected it to reflect even her Shinra Tensei, which left her slightly taken aback.
At that moment, Susanoo launched himself at Kaguya again, as if shot from a bow.
Swinging his arms, Susanoo unleashed a barrage of powerful punches at Kaguya. Each strike carried immense force, accompanied by fierce gales, and his speed was remarkable, creating multiple afterimages as his blows rained down like a storm.
But Kaguya, with graceful movements, danced around his attacks. Her steps were light and elegant, as if she were strolling leisurely, yet each step took her just out of reach of Susanoo's blows.
"Your abilities are indeed impressive, but even so, you won't be able to defeat me," Kaguya said with a light smile as she raised her arm.
Eighty Gods Vacuum Attack!
Countless fist-shaped shadows suddenly shot forth, streaking through the sky like blinding white beams, descending upon Susanoo like a relentless storm.
In the nick of time, Susanoo's eyes hardened with determination. He clasped his hands together, and a massive mirror appeared in front of him.
Yata no Kagami Mirror!
Boom, boom, boom!
Shockwaves surged, and dust filled the air.
Caught off guard, Najenda was struck by the violent shockwave head-on, her body sent flying. She crashed hard against a rock wall, spitting out a mouthful of blood.
"Cough, cough."
Najenda clutched her mouth, coughing violently as blood continued to trickle from her lips. She had already been injured earlier, and forcing the Wrathful Soul Manifestation had only worsened her condition. But Najenda had no time to worry about her own injuries now.
"Susanoo!" Najenda struggled to her feet, her voice trembling with urgency.
For some reason, a terrible premonition had settled in her heart. She could no longer sense the presence of her Teigu. Could it be...?
"Ah, I'm so sorry."
A soft, apologetic voice interrupted her thoughts. From the swirling dust, the silver-haired girl emerged, scratching her head and wearing a look of genuine regret. "It seems I might have hit a bit too hard just now and broke your Teigu. My apologies."
Najenda's pupils contracted sharply as despair filled her heart. In Kaguya's hand was Susanoo's shattered core.