The wind was heavy, blowing through the broken trees, carrying the tension in the air. Across the battlefield, Kaku's eyes locked onto Ozaki, his fists clenched tight and body leaning forward, ready to strike.
He didn't speak. He just rushed forward with incredible speed, fists pulled back.
Ozaki's calm eyes followed every movement. At the last moment, he stepped to the side and swung his scythe. The blade slashed across Kaku's ribs, slicing through his shirt and skin.
Black blood sprayed across the grass.
But as soon as the wound appeared, it closed. Kaku's skin stitched itself back together. He straightened and grinned.
"Still healing that fast," Ozaki muttered, gripping his scythe tighter.
Kaku stepped back and smirked. "Case Form: Form 1 – Legman."
A sudden pulse of dark energy burst around his legs. The ground cracked beneath him. In the blink of an eye, he vanished and appeared in front of Ozaki.
CLANG!
Ozaki blocked just in time. The curved edge of his scythe met Kaku's knee. Sparks flew.
Without stopping, Kaku twisted his leg and aimed for Ozaki's side. Ozaki spun his scythe again and caught the kick, but just barely. Kaku grinned.
Then, with lightning speed, he landed a solid punch to Ozaki's face.
BAM!
Ozaki's head snapped to the side. He skidded backward but steadied himself, his eyes flashing with energy.
"You're enjoying this," Kaku said.
Ozaki smiled. "Maybe I am."
The fight escalated. Kaku's legs moved so fast it was hard to see. He darted around, each kick sharper and stronger. Ozaki matched him, blade spinning, sparks flying with every block. He moved like water—fluid but focused.
Then Kaku stopped.
He raised his arm and charged energy into his fist—the air shook from it.
Before Ozaki could react, Kaku slammed his fist into his chest, sending him flying backwards.
CRACK!
Ozaki's body hit a massive rock. His back thudded against it and his head slammed into the stone, giving him a tear. His scythe slipped from his hand.
He dropped to the ground, groaning, trying to move. But this time… he wasn't getting up quickly.
From the distance, Chella's heart dropped.
"Master Ozaki!"
She ran forward without hesitation. As she did, a golden light formed around her.
"God Form: Form 1 – Bronze Golem!"
Her body glowed and bronze armor wrapped around her, making her taller, heavier, and stronger. Her eyes burned with determination.
She arrived just in time as Kaku launched at Ozaki, aiming to finish him.
Chella stepped in front and blocked the blow. Her gauntlets clashed with Kaku's fists. The impact made the ground crack beneath her.
Kaku raised an eyebrow. "Hiding behind children now, Ozaki?"
Chella didn't answer. She reached out, grabbed Kaku by his arm, and threw him to the side. He landed on his feet, laughing.
She followed up with a punch straight into his gut.
THUD!
Black blood dripped from Kaku's mouth. He staggered back and leaned against a tree.
"Not bad…" he muttered. Then he grinned wider.
"Case Form: Form 2 – Shadow Arm."
Suddenly, the shadow ink that had been covering Ichiha earlier shot back toward Kaku. The black substance surrounded his arms and grew—twisting and expanding until each arm was triple its size.
Dark veins pulsed along the shadow-covered arms. They looked monstrous.
"Let's see you block this," Kaku growled.
He launched himself toward Chella, fists raised.
Chella braced herself. Her eyes narrowed. Her heart pounded.
But—
"God Form: Form 2 – Pact 1… Scythe of Death!"
A cold voice rang out. A wave of blue light appeared behind her.
Ozaki was on his feet again, his face bruised but his smile sharp. His scythe glowed with a pale silver light, surrounded by dancing ash-like particles. His aura had changed—it was deeper, heavier, more divine.
With a burst of speed, he teleported in front of Chella.
SLASH!
He swung his scythe with full strength—hitting Kaku's massive shadow arm directly. The force of the hit sent Kaku flying through the trees, crashing through branches and splitting bark.
Ozaki didn't wait.
He looked back at Chella and gave her a quick nod. Then—he vanished again, teleporting into the forest after Kaku.
---
The battlefield fell silent for a second. The team stared at the place Ozaki had just disappeared into.
Sora rushed toward Chella. "Are you okay?"
Chella nodded. "Yeah… but that guy is strong."
Lumei crouched beside Ichiha, who was still unconscious and wrapped in fading shadow ink.
Yamato looked at the group, his expression serious. "We might need to jump in if Ozaki starts losing."
He glanced toward the trees where the battle continued.
"Let's be ready."