The battle between Josuke and Chaos had reached its conclusion. Josuke stood victorious but broken, his body flickering with an otherworldly light as if dissolving into nothingness. His breathing was heavy, each inhale accompanied by the sharp sting of his injuries. Yet, in his eyes, there was a newfound determination.
But then, he noticed something strange. His hands, his legs his entire body began to fade, fragmenting into shimmering particles. Panic set in as he turned to Chaos, who remained unfazed, his molten Fullbringer resting casually on his shoulder.
"Chaos," Josuke called out, his voice tinged with urgency, "what's happening? Am I… ascending to heaven?"
Chaos stared at him, unimpressed, then sighed heavily. "C'mon, man," he muttered, rubbing his temple as if Josuke's question physically pained him. "Ask me something that doesn't make me want to rip my own ears off."
Josuke frowned. "So… what's happening?"
"You're returning to the living world, genius," Chaos explained, his tone flat. "And before you get all sentimental, let's clear something up. I've healed your body, but only because I can't stand the thought of my power being tied to someone who looks like they've been through a meat grinder. Now, get out of my realm."
Josuke blinked in confusion, the weight of Chaos's words slowly settling in. He hesitated, then said quietly, "Chaos… thank you. You helped me understand what I needed."
Chaos's eyes narrowed, his face twisting into a scowl. "Don't get it twisted," he snapped. "I didn't do it for you. I fixed our body because I don't like losing, and frankly, your whining was giving me a headache. So go out there, crush that devil, and stop wasting my time."
Josuke couldn't help but smile, despite the blunt dismissal. "I understand. I won't let your power go to waste."
Chaos rolled his eyes. "Good. Now leave." He waved a hand, and Josuke's body began to disintegrate fully, his consciousness slipping away.
Before Josuke vanished entirely, Chaos called out, his voice softer but firm. "And, Josuke… don't come back here unless you've got something worthwhile to show me."
Back in the Living World
The battlefield was a ruin of ice and stone, littered with craters and broken weapons. Arthur, Ace, and Lily lay sprawled across the ground, their bodies battered and bloodied. Hinata, the team's healer, knelt among them, her hands glowing faintly as she desperately tried to mend their wounds.
The devil loomed above her, its grotesque form pulsing with dark energy. Its laughter echoed across the desolate landscape. "Time to eat," it growled, its voice a guttural rasp. Its enormous hand wrapped around Hinata, lifting her into the air.
The devil's jagged mouth unhinged, its teeth gleaming as it prepared to devour her. Hinata struggled, her energy nearly depleted, tears streaming down her face as she silently prayed for a miracle.
Then, a deafening crack echoed across the battlefield.
The ground behind the devil exploded in a burst of ice and rock. The creature froze, its glowing eyes widening in shock as it turned. From the newly formed fissure, a massive figure emerged, stepping through the dust and debris.
Josuke had returned.
But this was not the Josuke they knew. His body was transformed, black markings stretching from his forehead down his left arm. A single crimson horn jutted from his head, and his left eye burned a fiery red. His presence radiated an overwhelming, a demonic power.
Strapped to his back was an enormous Fullbringer sword, its blade pulsating with a dark, fiery aura. The weapon was unlike any other, ancient and ominous, its surface etched with glowing runes.
The devil roared in anger, its massive hand swinging toward Josuke. But before it could strike, its arm was severed in a single, precise motion. The beast howled in pain as its dismembered limb fell to the ground, releasing Hinata.
Josuke caught her effortlessly, cradling her in his arms. His transformed face softened as he looked at her. "Don't be afraid, Hinata," he said gently, his voice steady and calm. "It's just me… Josuke."
Hinata's eyes filled with tears, her lips trembling as she whispered, "You're back… You really came back."
Josuke gave her a small, reassuring smile. "Yeah. And this time, I'm not letting anything happen to any of you."
He gently set Hinata down, turning his attention to the devil, which now roared in fury. The creature lunged, its grotesque form surging forward.
Josuke reached behind him, grasping the hilt of his massive Fullbringer sword. The ground trembled beneath his feet as he drew the blade, its dark aura flaring to life.
"This battle is over," Josuke declared, his voice filled with unshakable conviction.
The devil hesitated, sensing the shift in power. Josuke stepped forward, his transformed figure radiating an overwhelming presence that seemed to shake the very air around him. For the first time, the devil felt fear.
Josuke pointed his blade at the creature, his eyes burning with resolve. "You've hurt my friends for the last time. Now, it's my turn."
As the devil let out a defiant roar, the battlefield seemed to hold its breath. The final clash was imminent, and with Josuke's newfound power, the tides had turned.