The Kijin reached Minami Kyoto slowly.
Each of its steps shook the earth.
Snow slid from rooftops.
Cracks spread through the frozen road outside the city.
The monstrous figure towered above the trees and ruined walls, its four arms hanging at its sides as red chains coiled around its body. The chains glowed faintly with ritual power, winding around its chest, throat, and limbs.
Norihiro stood some distance behind it.
His ceremonial robe moved in the bitter wind. The small red scepter rested firmly in his hand, its crystal glowing with the same light as the chains binding the Kijin.
He had watched Nathan disappear beneath the creature's strike.
No man could survive that.
Even Ryo.
Even the black ronin who had cut down Daimyos, walked through Death God Valley, and ruined every careful plan Norihiro had made.
Nathan was gone.
Now only Urakami remained.
Norihiro lifted his gaze toward Minami Kyoto.
Then his expression darkened.
The main gate had been destroyed.
