Hours before Kushino's infiltration, the trio convened in the Masked one's headquarters.
The Masked one's calm demeanor belied his intimidating presence.
"So, there was never a Karen Sapphire in Yomimaho. Is that what you're saying?"
Nethercrimson's emotionless tone matched his expression. "Yes, father. Going there was one big waste of time."
Kushino intervened, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Now, now. I wouldn't call it a waste of time, father."
"We got some precious information about the rare gem, didn't we, Crimson?"
Nethercrimson's response was devoid of feeling. "I got the information while you were playing around."
Kushino's smile grew. "Well, it was a team effort."
Nethercrimson's gaze remained cold. "Your voice annoys me—"
"Crimson!" The Masked one's stern interruption halted Nethercrimson's remark.
Nethercrimson folded his arms, his gaze averted from Kushino.
The Masked one's attention shifted to Kushino. "Go on, Kushino."
Kushino's sinister grin resurfaced. "Ganja village."
The Masked one's instructions followed. "While your siblings are busy running errands, go to Ganja village. Both of you."
Nethercrimson's glance at Kushino conveyed his lingering disdain.
The Masked one's voice brooked no argument. "Don't come back until you've acquired Ganja village... and more importantly, the Karen Sapphire."
A brief silence preceded the Masked one's dismissal. "Leave."
As Kushino reached the door, the Masked one's voice stopped him.
"Kushino, a moment."
The Masked one's tone turned grave. "Keep watch over Nethercrimson. I remember Akira Indomu... the swordsmith and swordsman I... eliminated."
A flicker of unease crossed Kushino's face.
"I sense a lingering vendetta. Ensure Nethercrimson remains safe. He's still too inexperienced to face real threats."
Kushino nodded, his expression solemn. "As you wish, father."
With a final glance at Nethercrimson, Kushino departed.
The Masked one's thoughts lingered on the Indomu family.
Clashing blades echoed through the throne room. Kushino's relentless assault pushed Kiseki to his limits.
The young warrior's thoughts racing: "Hornless freak. I thought seeing the blade would give me the edge, but he's not giving me a second to think."
Sweat dripped from Kiseki's smirk as he struggled to keep pace. "I need to close the distance before his horns grow back. I need to get further."
Kushino remained stationary, unleashing strikes with precision.
Kiseki responded instinctively, his reflexes strained. A light slash struck Kiseki's left chest, but he pressed on, unfazed.
Kushino's silence grew more unsettling than his taunts. His composed, hungry expression unnerved Kiseki.
The battle raged, each strike intensifying.
Kiseki's resolve hardened, "Focus on his attacks. Avoid the ones you can. Push forward... Even if you're injured in battle."
Another light cut grazed Kiseki's right eyebrow. "Right? Dad?" Kiseki's thoughts drifted to a cherished memory.
Kiseki, a child, trained with his father, Akira Indomu, in their front yard.
Wooden elbow blades and a battle dummy were his tools.
"Dad, but Tenjin's asleep and I'm tired too. Why can't I go take a break?" Kiseki asked.
Akira's firm gaze met his son's. "A true warrior doesn't yield to pain. He adapts, perseveres. The slightest hesitation is fatal for the warrior... That's what your enemy wants."
Young Kiseki's surprise switched to determination. He continued striking the dummy, resolve burning within.
Back to the Present
The same look of determination played on Kiseki's face, now accompanied by a smirk. "That's what the enemy wants. I'm not gonna give it to him,"
Kushino's next slash grazed Kiseki's chest, but he gritted his teeth, unyielding.
As the fight intensified, Kiseki realized Kushino knew his blind spots. "If I can't get to him, then I'll have to shatter his ring blade... But I need to find its weak spot."
A glimmer of insight struck Kiseki. "That angle he only strikes from when he's aiming at my blind spots."
With renewed resolve, Kiseki prepared his counterattack. "I'll strike at the opposing angle... But the ring blade is a thin target, and attacking at that angle would leave me open."
Kiseki blocked Kushino's slash with his elbow blades, using the momentum to jump back.
Kushino's emotionless gaze met Kiseki's stern focus. "Uncultured runt, I'll end this now."
Kiseki's response was laced with conviction. "I was preparing this attack for Tenjin, but..."
Kushino charged, his killing intent palpable. Kiseki tossed one elbow blade, intentionally wide, to Kushino's left. Kushino's disappointment was fleeting.
The charging Kushino refocused on Kiseki, who now wielded two wooden elbow blades.
Kiseki jumped into the air, blades poised.
Kushino readied his ring blade. "Earth Strike! Earthqua-"
The second metal elbow blade landed on Kushino, catching him off guard.
Kiseki seized the opening.
"Alright!! Let's... Goo!!"
With a burst of strength, Kiseki struck Kushino's ring blade with both elbow blades. His wooden blades shimmered as green plasma-coated metal.
The ring blade sliced, its fragments falling from Kushino's grasp.
Kiseki landed, his body trembling. Adrenaline's fade revealed the toll of the battle. His 13-year-old body buckled under the strain.
As his vision blurred, Kiseki's thoughts panicked. "No", His knees weakened, Kiseki ccollapsed
Kiseki's thoughts faded in and out amidst labored breaths. "No... I can't move... I haven't beat him. I'm not done till I... It's not over till I kill him."
Vision blurring, Kiseki gazed up at Kushino.
Kushino's surprise lingered from Kiseki's last attack. "W-what was that? Those blades..."
Recollection sparked anger, replacing his confusion. "Strike force, out of a child?"
Kushino approached Kiseki, his footsteps deliberate.
Kiseki struggled to move, desperation fueling his thoughts. "I have to move... or more innocent people will die."
Kushino's grip closed around Kiseki's neck as he raised him above his shoulders. "The child of a Weaponsmith, no less."
Kiseki's airway constricted, his struggles weakening.
"The Masked one would've taken interest in a child like you... but you foolishly refused my offer." Kushino's squeeze tightened, Kiseki's strength waning.
Kiseki's hands fell, releasing Kushino's arms. "I... can't... take anymore. I... I guess this is it."
Tears welled in Kiseki's eyes. "Tenjin, I... tried... I really tried... to get strong."
Pain overwhelmed Kiseki, his voice barely audible.
"Tenjin..."
As darkness closed in, Kiseki's thoughts fragmented.
A faint memory echoed.
"Rematch after lunch?..."
Kiseki's resolve flickered, on the cusp of extinguishment.
In the next chapter