### **Chapter 85: The Guardian of India**
The bar door burst open with a loud *BANG*, the sound echoing through the room. The Black Brothers stepped inside, their presence immediately shifting the atmosphere. Vodoyme led the way, his black coat billowing as he scanned the room with a predatory gaze. Lucius followed, his sharp eyes darting from person to person, while the third brother lingered near the entrance, his arms crossed.
Sakamoto, now dressed in traditional Indian attire, blended seamlessly into the crowd. He sat at the bar, his scarf pulled up to hide his face, but his mind raced. *Should I run? Fight? What do I do?* His thoughts were a whirlwind of panic and calculation. He kept his head down, trying to remain inconspicuous, but Lucius's keen eyes caught a detail that betrayed him—his boots. They were foreign, out of place in this setting.
Lucius smirked, his voice cutting through the noise of the bar. "Sakamoto," he called, his tone dripping with mockery.
Sakamoto's heart sank. *Shit.* He dropped a few coins on the bar, muttering a quick "Thanks" to the bartender. Without hesitation, he tightened his boots and leaped toward the nearest window. The glass shattered with a *CRASH* as he burst through, landing on the ground outside with a roll. He was up and running in an instant, his feet pounding against the pavement.
The Black Brothers were right behind him. Vodoyme led the charge, his movements fluid and precise. Lucius and the third brother followed, their speed matching Sakamoto's. The chase was on, a blur of motion as they leaped from building to building, their footsteps echoing with a rhythmic *THUD-THUD-THUD*.
Sakamoto's breath came in short gasps as he pushed his body to its limits. He jumped from one rooftop to another, but as he landed on a particularly old building, the wood beneath him gave way with a loud *CRACK*. His eyes widened as he plummeted through the roof, crashing into a room below. The impact sent dust and debris flying, and he found himself sprawled on the floor, staring up at a very surprised couple. The man and woman, both naked, screamed in shock, "Creepppppp" they screamed and Sakamoto responded saying "No No No" but Sakamoto didn't have time to apologize. He scrambled to his feet and bolted out the door, the sound of the Black Brothers landing on the roof above him spurring him on.
Vodoyme chuckled as he watched Sakamoto flee. "He's fast, I'll give him that," he said, his voice carrying a note of admiration. "But let's put an end to this little game." He raised his hand, muttering, "Cursed Technique: Granite Balls."
Thirty-six tiny, glowing orbs materialized in the air, each one humming with destructive energy. They shot forward, homing in on Sakamoto as he ran. The first ball exploded near his feet with a deafening *KABOOM*, the force of the blast sending him stumbling. The building behind him crumbled, debris raining down as the explosion rocked the street.
Sakamoto kept running, but the balls were relentless. Another one appeared directly in front of him, its glow intensifying as it prepared to explode. His eyes widened in panic. *I'm not going to make it.* He ducked, but the explosion was too close. The blast sent him flying, his face searing with pain as the heat scorched his skin. He landed hard, his vision swimming, but he forced himself to keep moving. A little scary now marked his face, a reminder of how close he had come to death.
The balls continued to pursue him, their explosions tearing through the streets. Sakamoto's stamina was fading fast, his legs burning with every step. Just as four balls appeared in front of him, their glow intensifying, a figure descended from the sky like a diving bird. The silhouette moved with incredible speed, a sword flashing in their hand. With precise strikes, they sliced through the balls, the blade humming with energy. The figure then used the tip of the sword to flick the remnants of the balls upward, where they exploded harmlessly in the air with a series of *BOOMS*.
The figure landed gracefully, stepping forward to stand between Sakamoto and the Black Brothers. He was an older man, his white beard and hair giving him a distinguished appearance. His eyes were sharp, and his posture radiated confidence. He turned slightly, glancing at Sakamoto. "Stay behind me," he said, his voice calm but commanding.
Vodoyme's grin widened as he recognized the man. "Rajesh," he said, his tone a mix of respect and annoyance. "Still playing the hero, I see."
Rajesh smiled, his grip tightening on his sword. "Vodoyme," he replied. "I thought you'd have retired from hunting prey by now. But no, here you are, causing trouble in my country."
Vodoyme shrugged. "Old habits die hard. Step aside, Rajesh. This doesn't concern you."
Rajesh's smile faded, his expression hardening. "It does now. I protect this country, and I won't let you start a fight here. Not while I'm alive."
Vodoyme sighed, shaking his head. "Very well. But I cannot back down from this, Out of respect for old times, I'll fight you alone. But if you lose, the boy is mine."
Rajesh raised his sword, the blade glowing with a fiery light. "We'll see about that." With a swift motion, he swung the sword downward, releasing a wave of burning flames. The fire spread rapidly, forcing the Black Brothers to shield their eyes and leap backward to avoid the inferno. In the chaos, Rajesh turned and grabbed Sakamoto, his movements a blur as he carried him away from the battle.
When the flames subsided, Vodoyme stood amidst the smoke, his grin returning. "Rajesh, you brat," he muttered. He turned to Lucius. "Track them."
---
Rajesh dropped Sakamoto unceremoniously beside a tree, the young man landing with a soft *THUD*. They were now in a quiet, wooded area, a small wooden house visible in the distance. Rajesh walked over to a chair and sat down, pouring himself a glass of beer. He drank it in one gulp, setting the glass down with a *CLINK*.
Sakamoto stood up, brushing himself off. "Thank you," he said, his voice sincere. "You saved my life. But I don't have time to stay. Those guys are after me, and I can't let them catch me."
He turned to leave, but as he took a few steps, his eyes widened. He spun around, his voice filled with urgency. "Rajesh!" He screamed out realizing he just meant the very man he was searching for….