"Show me what you've got, Shidou. I wanna see that power—deep inside you. The one you've kept buried for too long,"
Chernobog snarled, eyes glowing with unholy delight.
Without hesitation, Shidou vanished from sight—instant teleportation. A brutal crack echoed as his fist connected with Chernobog's jaw, sending the dark warrior crashing through the air and slamming into a building at the edge of Yami Village.
Chernobog stood up from the rubble, laughing like a madman.
"YES! THIS IS WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT! BRING IT!"
His voice carried like thunder, manic and unrelenting.
Shidou didn't waste a second. He summoned a thousand shadow clones, each charging at Chernobog with lethal intent. The clones overwhelmed him for a moment, slowing him down—but not for long.
Chernobog roared and unleashed a massive wave of energy, disintegrating the clones in seconds.
With smoke and shadow swirling around, he teleported behind Shidou on his own shadow bridge, and with a vicious kick, sent Shidou plummeting to the earth.
Crash!
The ground cracked under the force. Shidou groaned, blood on his lip, but rose defiantly.
"You're still standing? Good," Chernobog growled.
He lunged again, grabbing Shidou by the collar and leaping high into the air—then hurled him down, smashing him through several houses across Yami Village.
Terrified villagers ran for cover. Windows shattered. Dust filled the streets.
"Who is that monster?!"
"No way… Isn't that Katakuichi? The one who trained under Shidou… Ryu's brother... and Kimikage's best friend?!"
"How DARE he attack our village! He should be one of us!"
The crowd turned against him. Boos echoed mercilessly, their trust shattered.
Chernobog—no, Katakuichi—heard every word. His face twisted in fury, and he turned his gaze toward the innocent villagers. His arm lifted.
He began charging a blast.
But then—
Whoosh!
Shidou appeared midair—and wrapped his arms around Chernobog, pulling him into an embrace.
"I'm sorry, kid…I wasn't the best mentor. But I did all I could. This… is goodbye."
Tears welled in his eyes as he whispered the name of his final technique:
"SHADOW BARRIER: THOUSAND BLOOD WAR!"
A deep, oppressive darkness erupted from Shidou, engulfing them both in a swirling storm of black and crimson. The sky itself seemed to scream.
And just like that… everything was consumed.
As the Thousand Blood War consumed the battlefield, a dark vortex spiraling with crimson tendrils began pulling everything into its void. Villagers shielded their eyes as the skies dimmed—the very air trembled.
Shidou held Chernobog tightly within the barrier, blood dripping from his lips.
"I won't let you destroy everything we built… this ends with me."
But then—
A deep, chilling laugh echoed from within the darkness.
"Hmm… a shadow barrier technique?"
Chernobog's voice cut through the storm like a blade.
"You think that's going to work on me? On the SHADOW GOD?"
Suddenly, his eyes glowed violet, and the shadows around him surged violently, tearing open the void Shidou had created. Chernobog raised both hands, fingers forming rapid, ancient hand signs—each one channeling deeper, darker energy.
"SHADOW BARRIER: GODFALL ABYSS!!"
A colossal, obsidian dome erupted from Chernobog's body, colliding with Shidou's Thousand Blood War in a deafening shockwave. The ground split. Buildings shattered.
The two barriers clashed mid-air, swirling like opposing galaxies—Shidou's driven by sacrifice, and Chernobog's by godlike fury.
"Very well then, old man..."
As Chernobog shattered Shidou's shadow barrier with a roar of dark power, he closed the distance in an instant. Blows rained down on the weakened warrior—fists like iron, each one echoing with the weight of a dying world.
The villagers watched in paralyzed horror, eyes wide, hearts breaking, as their last hope—Shidou, their hero—crumpled to the bloodstained earth.
Chernobog sneered, his voice thick with contempt and triumph.
"This is your so-called hero? Hmph. I'll admit… it was fun while it lasted, Shidou."
"But playtime is over."
He turned his back to the fallen warrior, raising his arms to the skies as black thunder cracked above.
"Buh-bye, Yami Village. Let me end your suffering. No more fear, no more struggle—submit!"
"For I am your new GOD. And in the reality I create, both humans and demons will know true paradise… under my rule!"
Just as Chernobog prepared to unleash his final decree, a sudden pulse of void energy tore through the square. The shadows around the villagers quivered—then exploded outward.
A voice rang out like thunder cutting through despair.
"Get away from Shidou, you creep!!"
Kazou shot forward, his blade drawn, surrounded by afterimages—his Echo Clone Style in full display. Each clone moved in perfect synchronicity, a blur of blades aimed straight at the tyrant.
But Chernobog didn't flinch. He raised a single finger.
CLANG!
The sword stopped cold. No resistance, no struggle—just absolute power. With a lazy flick, Chernobog sent Kazou flying back, skidding across the dirt as his clones burst into fading echoes.
"Next time," Chernobog says before vanishing to hunt down the remaining Shadow Relics, leaving the two men behind to tend to Sensei Shidou and seek medical care.
The forest rustled with distant sounds as Yuuchi, Gaki, and Koumei continued their long march. The sun had dipped low, casting golden rays through the trees. Gaki's younger brother, Koumei, groaned dramatically.
Koumei: "Heeey, Yuuchi, are we there yet? I'm sooo bored. We've been walking for hours!"
Yuuchi let out a long, tired sigh. His mother, walking just ahead, matched it with her own.
Yuuchi's Mother: "Ugh… be patient, guys. We can't just rush in. We need a plan if we're going to take down Kuzu Endo. Our spies say he's been forming alliances—other clans have joined the Shadow Organization."
Suddenly, a blood-curdling scream tore through the air.
The group instantly went alert, breaking into a sprint toward the sound.
Up ahead, they found a masked man, his face entirely hidden save for one sharp, visible eye. He stood over the twitching corpse of a Shadow Demon, kunai in hand, still steaming from the strike. He turned toward them, sensing their approach.
Masked Man: "Huh?! More shadow demons? BRING IT ON, MUHAHAHA!"
He cackled like a maniac, flipping a kunai in each hand, ready to fight.
Gaki (raising his hands): "Whoa! Chill! We're not demons!"
Yuuchi (narrowing his eyes): "We're human. Allies, maybe—if you don't try to slice us first."
After a tense moment, the man relaxed, sheathing his kunai.
Masked Man: "Heh… guess I got carried away. You guys smell too good to be demons anyway."
[Later, around a campfire…]
Crickets chirped and fire crackled as the newly-formed group shared a warm meal. The masked man had finally removed part of his mask, revealing a slightly scarred, mischievous face.
Masked Man: "So lemme get this straight... your name's Guki? And you're… Yuj? No, wait—Fuji? Kaji! HA! Got it!"
Yuuchi (clearly annoyed): "It's Yuuchi! And he's Gaki! That's Koumei, Gaki's brother—and this is my mom!"
Masked Man (grinning, ignoring the frustration): "Ohhh right, Yuuchi-chan's hot mom~ Can I get a little pafu pafu~?"
SLAP!
Yuuchi's mother's hand cracked across his face, leaving a bright red mark.
Yuuchi's Mom (furious): "Don't get ahead of yourself, you pervert!"
Masked Man (wincing): "Ouch... Your mom's got fire, Yuuchi—I like it."
He finally straightened up, offering a more formal bow—well, as formal as he could muster.
Masked Man: "Name's Kuma, by the way. From the Mitsuki Clan. Nice to meetcha all."
The forest stretched endlessly, bathed in the pale glow of the moon. Gaki and his companions moved silently along the dirt path, their steps quick but cautious. Kuma whistled a cheery, offbeat tune until Yuuchi finally snapped.
Yuuchi (irritated):
"Would you stop that?! We're supposed to be stealthy."
Kuma (grinning):
"Relax, Yuuchi-chan. My whistle scares away demons. Works every time. Trust me—I'm practically a professional."
Yuuchi's Mom (sighing):
"Professional nuisance, maybe."
Despite the levity, tension sat heavy on the group. Gaki's eyes narrowed as the faint smell of smoke reached them. He raised his hand, signaling silence.
They crept forward—until the trees opened into a vast clearing. There, beneath the blood-red moon, lay Nirokao Village.
But the village was not as it should be.
Chains of shadow crawled across the streets, binding homes and villagers alike. At the center of the square stood a tall figure cloaked in black and crimson, his long hair flowing like a river of ink. His eyes burned with cold confidence.
Kaji.
Kuzu Endo's right hand.
Kaji (measured, persuasive):
"You've all lived with pain. With hunger. With loss. Every season, you bury your dead from famine, disease, or war. And still, you cling to this… fragile life."
He stepped forward, chains of shadow rising and coiling gently around him—not menacing, but almost ceremonial, like the embrace of something greater.
Kaji:
"Chernobog does not come to destroy you. He comes to free you. In his world, there will be no suffering. No hunger. No grief. Death itself will be a memory."
The villagers stirred uneasily, exchanging uncertain looks. Some whispered, hope flickering in their eyes despite themselves.
Kaji's voice grew firmer, almost warm.
Kaji:
"I offer you this chance. Join us, and Nirokao will be spared the cruelties of this broken world. You will be part of the new order—a paradise where neither shadow nor flame can harm you again. Resist, and you cling to your chains. Accept, and you become… free."
The chief's knees weakened under the weight of his words. Around him, the people of Nirokao hesitated—not because they were cowards, but because, deep down, they longed for what he promised.
Hidden on a ridge overlooking the square, Gaki's group watched in silence.
Koumei whispered first, his voice barely audible.
Koumei (whispering):
"Man… he's just oozing scary. That guy's giving me major 'don't mess with me' vibes."
Kuma (snorting):
"Scary? Please. I've fought scarier-looking bears. Though I'll admit… the chains thing is pretty stylish."
Yuuchi glared at him.
Yuuchi:
"This isn't a joke. That man isn't just a soldier—he's Kuzu Endo's right hand. If we move recklessly, we're dead."
Gaki's fists clenched, his white eyes glowing faintly as his shadows stirred.
Gaki:
"If Kaji takes Nirokao, more clans will fall in line. This is how Kuzu builds his empire—one village at a time. We can't let this happen."
Yuuchi's mother placed a hand on his shoulder, firm but cautious.
Gaki nodded slowly, though the urge to leap into the fray burned within him. Hana's memory, Shidou's sacrifice, all of it pressed on his heart.
The chief lowered his head, sweat dripping down his brow. His lips trembled as he prepared to speak.
Kaji leaned forward, his voice like velvet steel.
Kaji:
"So, Chief… what will it be? Your pride… or your people's lives?"
Before the chief could answer, a loud crash echoed from the far side of the square. A group of young villagers had smashed one of the shadow chains with makeshift weapons, their faces twisted in defiance.
Villager Youth:
"We'll never bow to you! This is our home!"
Gasps filled the square. Kaji's smile vanished, his expression darkening.
Kaji (coldly):
"Unfortunate. I had hoped Nirokao would see reason."
He lifted his hand. The shadows beneath the rebels erupted like serpents, coiling around their limbs, dragging them to their knees. Their screams pierced the night.
Kaji's blade slid free with a whisper.
Kaji:
"Then let this village learn the price of rebellion."
Up on the ridge, Gaki surged forward instinctively, shadows bursting around him.
Gaki (furious):
"I'm not watching this happen!"
Yuuchi grabbed his arm, eyes wide.
Yuuchi:
"Wait! Don't—"
But it was too late.
Gaki leapt from the ridge, landing between Kaji and the captured villagers, his shadows rising like a wall. His white eyes locked onto Kaji's crimson glare.
Gaki:
"Not another step. If you want to take them… you'll have to go through me."
The square fell silent, the villagers frozen in awe. Kaji studied him for a moment, tilting his head.
Then, a slow, chilling smile spread across his face.
Kaji (low, amused):
"Well, well… the Kurosaki boy. I was hoping we'd meet sooner or later."
His blade hummed with dark energy as he raised it, pointing directly at Gaki's heart.
Kaji:
"Let's see if you're worth the legend they whisper."
The villagers held their breath. The night was about to ignite.
The square of Nirokao burned with tension. Gaki's shadows surged, twisting into jagged, crimson-laced blades—the Hirokage Technique flowing through him.
Kuma (shouting, leaping high into the air):
"YEAH, GUKAKI!!! LET'S GOOOOO! YAAHHHOOO!!"
With a violent spin, Kuma's twin swords cut through the night air, slicing past.He ripped off his mask mid-leap, revealing cursed eyes pulsing like molten silver, a signature of the Mitsuki bloodline.
Yuuchi (panicked):
"Nooo, Kuma! Come back! You're leading yourself into suicide!"
Kuma (laughing maniacally):
"I DON'T CARE! I LIVE FOR THE BATTLE!! MUAHAHAHA!! NOW… SHINJUTSU!"
With a flash of light and a twisted incantation, Kuma swapped places with Kaji, appearing behind him in an instant. The air shimmered violently—the Mitsuki curse allowing instant space displacement, a gift only those born cursed.
Kaji (shocked, turning sharply):
"What the hell is this?!"
Kuma's eyes glowed brighter as his swords hummed with light energy.
Kaji (grinning darkly, aura surging):
"Very well… you want to play? Then I'll send you all to hell."
The shadows around him twisted violently. The sky above Nirokao split into shards of darkness, forming an endless labyrinth of black towers and violet voids.
Kaji (chanting, each syllable a spell):
"Nine Polarized Ropes of Eternal Damnation… Shadowed Vortex of Infinite Chains… Obsidian Throne of the Damned…"
The villagers screamed as the air itself warped. The battlefield dissolved, replaced by Kaji's Shadow Realm—a dark, infinite castle suspended in a void. Walls stretched endlessly, lined with jagged spires and rivers of molten shadow. Gravity twisted. Time flickered.
Gaki's shadows lashed out instinctively, but they were slowed, drawn into the oppressive weight of Kaji's realm.
Gaki (growling, gripping his sword):
"Kaji… I'll break through your hell. I'll protect them!"
He slammed his palms into the ground, releasing the full Hirokage Technique—flames of shadow fused with his own blood chakra. The crimson darkness ripped and burned through the twisted castle, creating a temporary safe zone around the villagers.
Kuma, laughing wildly, leapt beside him.
Kuma:
"LET'S TURN THIS NIGHTMARE UPSIDE DOWN, GUKAKI!!"
Gaki:
"You wanted paradise without suffering?! Look around! You're just creating hell for everyone alive!"
Kaji laughed, a voice of pure malice echoing through the infinite towers.
Kaji:
"Hell? No… THIS is perfection. In Chernobog's world, only power decides fate. Weakness has no place. And you… you will kneel or be erased!"
The clash of techniques sent shockwaves so powerful they shattered imaginary walls within the Shadow Realm, sparks of black and violet tearing across the endless sky.
Yuuchi, Koumei, and the villagers watched from the temporary safe zone, fear and awe frozen on their faces.
Yuuchi (gasping):
"…They're not just fighting… they're bending reality itself!"
Koumei (gritting his teeth):
"And Kuma… he's completely reckless. If he messes up, they're both dead!"
But Kuma only grinned, leaping from tower to tower, swords clashing with Kaji's blade as if laughing at the danger.
Kuma:
"DANGER?! HA! THIS IS LIFE, BABY! SHADOWS, CURSES, AND BLOOD—LET'S SEE WHO SURVIVES!"