Ashes of Battle
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Chapter 6: What Defines True Strength Is a Man's Soul
"You're putting up quite the fight, Itadori," the S-Rank Majin snarled, its grotesque body slowly knitting itself back together as it regenerated.
Aoshimaru, in his spiritual form, could feel his energy waning. His presence had stretched on for too long—too much blood, too much power burned, and too little time left. His ethereal form flickered like a failing flame. If he didn't wrap this up soon, he'd lose control completely, and once he de-manifested, Yusa would be left helpless—vulnerable to the monster standing before them.
"I believe this fight ends here and now," the Majin said with a wicked grin, eyes glowing with unholy amusement. "I'm afraid… it's over."
The beast bit into its own wrist, letting a thick droplet of blackish blood fall into its mouth. It lapped it up reverently, a grim ritual from the ancient bloodlines of cursed warriors. Suddenly, a strange blue aura began emanating from its form. The forest itself responded to this wicked energy—trees decayed, grass shriveled, animals fled in panic. The very air became heavy with corruption.
Aoshimaru narrowed his eyes.
"No… this isn't just cursed energy… this is ancient magic," he muttered, clutching his sword with increasing desperation. "If this keeps up, both Yusa and I are done for."
But he couldn't give in.
No matter the cost, this Majin had to die here.
System Activation: Death Parade Tier: Ninth Form
Electricity crackled around Aoshimaru's blade as blinding sparks danced along its edge. He surged forward with godlike speed, unleashing a horizontal slash so fast that the air screamed. A blazing arc of light exploded outward from the swing.
But the Majin was faster.
Blood Technique: Fifth Form – Illusion.
In a flash, five identical copies of the Majin materialized around the clearing, encircling Aoshimaru. Each one bore the same predatory grin, the same vicious gleam in their eyes.
"No... no… no," Aoshimaru whispered, backing up slowly. "I've seen this before… centuries ago."
It had been Yuu Viren, the legendary Majin Hunter, who once faced this very technique. Yuu had triumphed—but only by suppressing his own inner demon and staying perfectly composed under pressure.
Unlike Yuu, Aoshimaru didn't have that same luxury. He was a spirit born of rage and vengeance. Strategy wasn't his forte.
"See, Lordy Lord," Krul said with a sly smile as he turned to the towering figure beside him. "Gintama is doing nicely."
Lord Akuma scowled, his arms folded tightly as his orange-veined skin pulsed with latent fury.
"I'm not so sure," he muttered. "Gintama might hold an S-rank, but this technique... it draws too much from his life essence. If he doesn't finish this soon, he'll fall apart."
Back on the battlefield, the five Majin forms lunged toward Aoshimaru in perfect synchronization.
He moved instinctively—ducking under the first claw, slicing through two illusions with a single upward swing, then twisting mid-air to kick another to the side. Each movement was precise, desperate, almost beautiful in its savagery.
But he was slowing down.
His breaths came ragged now. The sun had started to peek over the horizon, its light casting eerie shadows through the ruined clearing. The battle had lasted the entire night. Both combatants were bleeding, worn, and nearly spent.
The illusions shimmered and dissipated into thin mist.
And then the real Majin charged again—straight at Aoshimaru.
But this time… it froze mid-air.
Motionless. Lifeless. Like time had stopped for it alone.
"What the—?" Aoshimaru blinked, confused, then immediately refocused. There was no time to hesitate.
System Activation: Cobra Tail.
The blade in his hand surged with a golden-green aura, and the air around him shimmered. From the edge of his weapon, nine colossal serpent spirits erupted, fangs bared and mouths wide as they lunged toward the immobile Majin.
The beast could only watch in disbelief as the serpents struck.
The attack split the Majin in half, its body exploding into fading wisps of black dust. As it collapsed, it mumbled one last thing:
"I promise… to come back… home…"
Aoshimaru didn't care. He surged forward and, with a final swing, beheaded the creature before it could regenerate.
Silence.
Then, Aoshimaru dropped to his knees, the sword vibrating in his grasp. His voice echoed faintly through the clearing.
"I relinquish control… back to Yusa Itadori."
His spirit dissolved into the blade, disappearing with a faint hum.
†††
"Well, I guess you were right, Lordy Lord," Krul said, his voice light with amusement.
Lord Akuma's face twisted into something between fury and humiliation.
"If you call me that again, I will kill you," he growled. "You've been nothing but a waste of time."
But Krul only smirked. "Oh, don't be so dramatic. Look…"
He pointed down toward the unconscious form of Yusa, now returned to his human state—naked, bruised, and completely vulnerable.
"There he is. Helpless. Yours for the taking."
Lord Akuma's eyes lit up with recognition and hunger.
"Yes… you're absolutely right."
He lunged forward, claws extended, ready to rip Yusa to shreds—
Only for Yusa to vanish into thin air.
"What?!" Lord Akuma howled. "Teleportation?!"
Krul laughed again. "Oh my… involuntary teleportation. Quite the little trick, wouldn't you say?"
"I'LL KILL YOU!" Lord Akuma bellowed, swinging a massive arm at Krul—only for the noble to vanish just before impact.
"I'll find you, Yusa Itadori," Lord Akuma hissed, adjusting the golden cufflinks on his black royal regalia. "And when I do… I'll kill you myself."
Then he vanished too, sensing hunters approaching.
†††
"My name is Chiasa Chinatsu," the girl said gently, brushing a few strands of blood-matted hair behind her ear. "But you can call me Chii."
Rui barely registered the words. He was completely distracted by her—by the softness of her voice, the strength in her eyes, and the sorrow clinging to her like mist.
"Yes… of course," he replied awkwardly.
Muichiro, standing quietly nearby with one arm holding his bloodied sword, gave a faint nod and turned to leave.
"Wait… I offer my thanks to you as well," Chii said, offering a small, heartfelt smile.
Muichiro nodded again and disappeared into the trees.
"You can't stay here," Rui said, turning back to her. "The Majin know this place. They'll come again."
"And where do you suggest I go?" she asked bitterly, voice trembling.
Rui thought for a moment. "The Kyojuro residence."
Chii's brow arched skeptically. "That massive place in town? I doubt they'll accept someone like me."
"You'll be safe there," Rui assured, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I live there. You have my word."
To his surprise, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him into a tight embrace.
"Thank you," she whispered. "I don't know how to repay you."
Rui flushed. "Maybe marry me?" he mumbled under his breath.
"What was that?"
"Nothing!" he blurted, scratching his head.
"Shall we go then, Miss?" Rui asked, looking toward the rising sun.
Chinatsu didn't respond immediately. Her gaze remained fixed on the burnt remains of her home—and her fallen brothers.
"This… this was my home," she whispered. "They were all I had."
"I understand," Rui said softly, eyes darkening. "I lost someone too… my father, Daimao Kyojuro. He never came back from the front lines."
There was a moment of silence.
Then Chinatsu stretched out her hand. Rui took it firmly.
And together, they walked away from the ruins—toward a new beginning, and the storm that lay ahead.