Can't get enough? Why not read ahead?
Visit my Patreon or Ko‑fi page and unlock +20 extra chapters for just $5!
Your support means the world to me. Check it out and enjoy the story even more!
patreon.com/Isopuff
https://ko-fi.com/isopuff
⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘
*Clang! Clang!*
The clash of metal rang out continuously as Murakami wielded his sword with skill, his strikes seamless and relentless. He and Kingpin remained locked in a fierce battle, neither able to gain the upper hand. With Madame Gao aiding from the sidelines, the two kept Fisk at bay, suppressing his moves effectively. However, his ability to transform his body into steel made him nearly impenetrable. Their attacks could only restrain him, not end him—at least not quickly.
"Give up, Iron Fist! Surrender now!" Madame Gao raised her hand, ready to unleash another powerful energy blast. But before she could make her move, Vanessa suddenly appeared from behind Kingpin and thrust her palm forward.
*Whoosh!*
Without warning, a powerful jet of water shot out from Vanessa's hand, striking Madame Gao with the force of a battering ram. Caught completely off guard, Madame Gao was sent flying across the room, slamming into the wall with a heavy thud.
"What just happened?" Murakami, still fighting Kingpin, was stunned. He could barely process the sight of a woman shooting water out of her hands. 'What kind of strange ability was that?'
Murakami's momentary distraction was all Kingpin needed. Seizing the moment, Fisk surged forward with a roar. Murakami tried to block with his sword, but Fisk ignored the sword that sliced across his chest. He let the blade slice into his steel body as his red-hot fist crashed into Murakami's chest with devastating force.
*Boom!*
Murakami was launched backward, his ribcage shattered, and his heart ruptured by the intense heat. His body hit the ground, lifeless, as his insides were reduced to molten flesh. Had Madame Gao been able to intervene, this wouldn't have happened. But without her support, Murakami was no match for Fisk's raw power.
"Murakami!" Madame Gao struggled to her feet, her eyes widening in shock and anger as she glanced at the crumpled body of her fallen comrade. She never imagined that the tide of the battle would shift because of Vanessa, a woman she hadn't even considered a threat.
Madame Gao's eyes glinted with fury as she prepared to strike again. But Fisk wasn't about to let her get the chance. With a ferocious roar, he charged at her, forcing Madame Gao to dodge, while Vanessa attempted another water attack but hesitated, afraid she might hit Fisk by mistake.
"Take him down!" Madame Gao barked at the remaining Hand ninjas. The assassins charged forward, but Vanessa was ready.
"Fisk, get out of the way!" she shouted. Fisk quickly stepped aside, giving Vanessa a clear line of sight. She unleashed a flurry of water blasts at the ninjas, knocking many of them off their feet. The remaining fighters were no match for her relentless barrage.
Her spirits soared—her powers were making a real difference. Fisk, too, was reinvigorated by her support. With Murakami dead and Madame Gao tied up with Vanessa's abilities, the remaining ninjas were little more than cannon fodder for Fisk.
"Vanessa, stay close to me and be careful!" Fisk called out, his fists radiating heat as he bulldozed through the enemy ranks. Every punch he landed was a knockout blow, sending bodies flying across the room.
These ninjas were no match for Murakami, let alone Kingpin. And with his body now hardened like steel, their weapons barely scratched him. He bulldozed through them with raw power while Vanessa used her water blasts to keep them at bay.
*Splish! Splash!*
Vanessa's water jets were relentless, striking down enemies and disrupting their formations. She even began draining water from the corpses around her to replenish her strength, uncaring if anyone noticed.
Together, the couple formed an unstoppable duo. One by one, the ninjas fell, and the tide of the battle turned in their favor. Even Bullseye, who had been struggling against a horde of enemies, began to gain ground as the pressure on him lessened. The battle scene slowly shifted from desperate defense to an all-out counterattack.
"Retreat!" Madame Gao finally commanded, her voice icy with resignation.
"We're just going to run?" The frustration in Shin's voice was palpable.
"There's no other choice!" Madame Gao snapped back. "Our forces are outmatched, and continuing this fight will only lead to more needless deaths. Withdraw now while we can." They still had a few fighters left, but Fisk and Bullseye had proven almost invulnerable, and Vanessa's water attacks rendered Madame Gao's abilities nearly useless.
Shin hesitated, but he knew she was right. Clenching his teeth, he scooped up Murakami's body and followed Madame Gao as they retreated. With them leading the way, the remaining ninjas quickly scattered, disappearing as if they had never been there. In moments, the hotel was silent, save for the sound of corpses hitting the floor.
Fisk surveyed the battlefield, taking in the carnage around him. "Vanessa, are you alright?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.
"I'm fine," Vanessa reassured him with a nod.
After a quick inspection, Kingpin confirmed that she was indeed unharmed. Only then did he allow himself to relax, albeit slightly. But his face quickly hardened again as he growled, his voice filled with deadly intent, "Shin… Madame Gao…"
⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘
Next Chapter: The Hand's Dilemma
Next Next Chapter: A Visit from the Future Wasp
Next Next Next Chapter: The Liquid-Liquid Fruit and the Wasp Suit
Visit my Patreon or Ko‑fi page and unlock +20 extra chapters and daily updates for just $5!
patreon.com/Isopuff
https://ko-fi.com/isopuff