After cauterizing the wound, Kazutaka charged his prana and leapt towards Kagero. "Saishū maku (Last Act)..." he said, driving Kajin's blade into the ground when he got within range. "Jigokuhenomichi (Last Act: Path to Hell)!"
Scorching flames erupted from the ground and encircled them in a conflagration.
"There's no running away this time!" Kazutaka ran and sliced through Kagero's staff in a single swing. He followed up by kicking his torso and the Shadow King fell.
Kazutaka was quick to subdue his uncle with a heavy knee to the chest. He brought the edge of his katana near Kagero's face. "What do you want from my grandson?"
Although the flame reduced, the blade was still hot.
Kagero remained as silent as a monk in meditation.
"Speak! Before I burn you straight to hell!"
Kagero snickered. "I do not fear death… if you kill me, my Shadows will avenge me."
Kazutaka placed the scorching sword on Kagero's cheek, and the latter let out an agonizing roar. The fiery blade made its way across any exposed skin.
Kagero had severe burns on his face and torso but he refused to answer. He turned to his son, who was still chasing Asuka around. "K–Kagemaru! Break her shadow!" he screeched in pain and saw the prince freeze. "Do it now! Or I'll use that!"
Kagemaru made the Chinmaya mudra.
Kage genzō: Yume no fūkei!
(Shadow illusion: Dreamscape)!
A black aura formed around the Shadow Prince, growing denser as it consumed him. His pupils rolled back, making his eyes appear white as he pointed at Asuka.
After a few moments, both of them fell and started convulsing. Foam oozed out of the kunoichi's mouth.
"Oh no, Asuka!" Kazutaka turned to his student. Ignoring Kagero, he jumped out of the flaming ring and took to his feet. Once he reached Asuka, he made the Chinmaya mudra and placed a thumb on her forehead. Shiroku suru (Whiten)!
A blinding light pulled them into an endless void. Asuka's shadow plane. Inside, Kazutaka found her bound by black serpents. "Asuka-chan!" he said, tugging at the snakes. "Wake up..."
Once freed, she remained motionless.
"None of this is real." Tears dropped onto Kazutaka's wrinkled cheeks. "You're the strongest shinobi in this village and soon enough, you shall be Sage. I know you can fight this. Wake up, my dear."
Minutes later, the seizures and the frothing stopped. However, she was still unconscious so he urged her even further. After a short while, her fingers twitched.
"Yes! You can do this, Asuka-cha–" he said, spewing blood from his mouth.
Kazutaka returned to his body and found a spear impaling him through the gut. Luckily, it missed his vital organs. He coughed, tasting metal in his mouth and spat blood. Oh, no. With the Prana mudra in hand, he slowed his breathing. "Tell me, Kagemaru..." he said, locking eyes with the Shadow Prince. "What does he want from my grandson?"
"I–I don't k–know." Kagemaru stammered, trying to piece the words together. "I can't–" His body froze.
"Shadow cursing, huh? And deep down you're still fighting it so I shall spare you for that." Kazutaka made the Vyana mudra and exhaled. "Jinsoku!" As he vanished, he appeared within the wall of fire.
The Sage staggered towards the Shadow King, dragging Kajin on the ground. Kagero tried crawling away but his entire body ached. The end was nigh.
"Father spared your life back then... alas, I am not him!" said Kazutaka, taking another deep breath. "Jigoku no mon: Kasō (Hell's Gate: Cremation)!"
Kajin's orange flames encircling them faded to blue and drew closer at a rapid pace. The inferno, which was a thousand times hotter–reduced everything within its radius to ash.