Silent final breath—
cherry blossoms drift slowly,
bones rest in the dusk.
----------+-+---+-(-+--++(+++-+
Moon was a pale predator—blood-tinted, rimmed with stormclouds.
Beneath it, the mist rolled low over the northern plains, coiling like serpents around gnarled roots and forgotten stones. And in the heart of it all, two swordsmen faced one another beneath the old withering tree.
Ishikawa, cloak torn, Kurayami and Kurasa at his sides.
Toshizu Arai, Vice-Captain of Tsu, his haori fluttering like a shadow. In his right hand—a short, gleaming sword with a green-tinted sheen. It writhed slightly in his grasp, as though alive.
"Heibi," Toshizu said, caressing the blade. "Forged from the fang of a serpent demon. She doesn't bite. She devours."
Ishikawa said nothing. His breath steamed from his lips. His stance low.
"Let's begin," Toshizu said with a grin.
He vanished.
Ishikawa's eyes widened—behind!
CLANG!
Kurayami caught the blow, but just barely. The force sent him skidding back. Heibi coiled around Kurayami's edge like a snake constricting its prey. Sparks danced like fireflies.
Toshizu didn't let up.
"Shikkiri: Orochi-dan!"
(執切:大蛇段 — Final Cut: Segment of the Serpent)
He lunged, blade spinning, joints twisting unnaturally—like a serpent with broken bones. Heibi lashed out in unpredictable curves, slashing from impossible angles.
Kurasa flew up to parry—CLINK!—but was knocked from Ishikawa's hand.
Toshizu ducked low, swept Ishikawa's leg, and slammed the hilt of Heibi into his ribs. Ishikawa coughed blood and rolled back, snatching Kurasa again as he stood.
"Impressive you're still up," Toshizu said, wiping his blade with two fingers. "But this is far from over."
He whispered.
"Shikkiri: Jashin no Fukuin."
(執切:邪神の福音 — Final Cut: Gospel of the Heretic God)
The ground turned black beneath him. Heibi's blade hissed—then split into dozens of serpent-like extensions, slithering through the air like whips.
Ishikawa's eyes burned green.
He roared and activated his technique—
"Shikkiri: Kuroi Kiba!"
(執切:黒い牙 — Final Cut: Black Fang)
He blurred forward, slicing down one serpent blade, then another—until Heibi wrapped around his leg. In a flash, Toshizu yanked Ishikawa off balance and sent him crashing into the tree trunk.
Crack!
Blood streamed from Ishikawa's temple. His breathing slowed. Knees buckled.
Toshizu walked forward.
"You fight well. But you're tired, wounded, and heartbroken. And I? I'm the shadow of Tsu."
He raised Heibi.
"You won't die here. No... you'll suffer first."
But he stopped.
Instead, he sheathed the blade.
"I could kill you," Toshizu said coldly. "But I want you to come to Tsu."
Ishikawa's head lifted, barely.
"Asaki... Yumi...?"
Toshizu nodded.
"They're alive. For now. But the one holding their leash isn't me. It's the Captain."
"The Fiend of Nakajima."
Ishikawa clenched his fists, body trembling.
"Come to Tsu. Face Nakajima. If you live—you get them back. If you die... at least you'll see your girl again."
And with that, Toshizu vanished into the mist.
Meanwhile, in Edo — Central Zero Headquarters, House of Kagoshima
The great mansion roared with ancient power. Built in the heart of Tokyo, it stood like a fortress of history and blood. Great dragon carvings wound through its gate—symbols of dominion and death.
Inside the main hall, dozens of men in ceremonial black sat at low tables, murmuring.
"Where is he?"
"He was supposed to arrive an hour ago..."
"This is disgraceful."
Then—
BOOM!
The great doors burst open.
In walked men clad in black haori, silver markings glowing under the lantern light. At their center: an old man with piercing eyes and a heavy cane.
Kusunoki Kagoshima.
The Grandfather of Kagutsuchi. The head of the Asakura lineage.
He slammed the cane.
"SILENCE!!"
All fell silent.
"How dare you squabble in my hall?" he spat. "My family has ruled Central Zero for generations. You will not insult me with cowardice."
"But Master Kagoshima—" an old swordmaster said. "Your grandson—he's burned our dojos, taken our disciples!"
"And you let him?" Kagushima thundered. "Weakness breeds ruin."
But before anyone could answer, the room darkened.
Heavy footsteps echoed.
And then—Kagutsuchi Kagoshima stepped in.
He was draped in a black kimono, embroidered with fire lilies. Behind him stood his Vice-Captain, Miyazato Machinagaikeda, and a dozen black-clad elite.
"Kagutsuchi!" Kusunoki snapped. "You dare show your face?"
Kagutsuchi said nothing.
He stepped forward, slowly, face expressionless.
Kusunoki raised his cane.
"You are not fit to lead this family. You're reckless. Impatient. A monster."
"Yes," Kagutsuchi said at last. "But I am your heir."
Kusunoki pointed a trembling finger. "You have no claim—"
SHING!
Kagutsuchi's blade had already moved.
SLASH!
Kusunoki's arm dropped to the floor.
Gasps echoed.
He clutched his stump, staggering back. "You…!"
Kagutsuchi raised his sword—cold, elegant, burning red at the tip.
"You clung to the past, Grandfather. You feared the new world."
"You refused to make me King."
"Now you'll be the first to kneel before the fire."
Kusunoki raised his blade in defiance.
Kagutsuchi moved like lightning.
SLASH-SLASH-SLASH!
In seconds, Kusunoki was cut down. Body twitching, blood pooling at the foot of his throne.
Silence.
Then, Miyazato kneeled.
"All hail Kagutsuchi-sama. The true heir of Asakura."
One by one, the others bowed. Some out of fear. Some out of awe.
Kagutsuchi stood before the throne, blood on his cheek.
"Let it be known," he said calmly, "The era of elders is over."
"I am Kagutsuchi Kagoshima. Head of the Asakura. Master of Central Zero. And the world will burn to kneel before me."
He sat upon the bloodstained throne.
To Be Continued