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Daisuke vs Arashi
The world narrowed to just us—Daisuke's cold eyes locked on mine, his blade dripping with the chakra of Shinkuro's corrupted seal.
"You could have been my second-in-command," he said softly, almost regretfully. "But you're chained to weak ideals."
"And you're chained to a coward's fear," I countered, surging forward.
Our blades clashed, a storm within a storm. Lightning sparked with every strike, shockwaves cracking the earth. Daisuke was faster than before, his sword humming with dark enhancements, but I had something he didn't—Final Lock.
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Final Lock Counter
He slashed for my neck. I ducked under and grabbed his arm, forcing Storm chakra into the contact point. His own corrupted energy short-circuited, forcing him back.
"You… evolved the seal to work on people," he realized, breathing heavy.
"I evolved it to protect," I corrected, swinging in a wide arc that shattered his sword's guard and sent him skidding back.
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Daisuke Retreats
For a moment, his mask cracked—uncertainty flashing in his eyes. But then Shinkuro's voice echoed from the ridge:
"Enough, Daisuke. Fall back."
Daisuke hesitated, glaring at me. "This isn't over, Arashi." He threw down a smoke bomb, disappearing into the trees.
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Revenant Collapse
With Daisuke gone and the "Final Lock" seal still pulsing, the remaining Revenant shinobi convulsed before collapsing into lifeless husks. The battlefield went silent, broken only by the distant roll of thunder.
Sera scanned quickly. "No active signatures remaining… we won."
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Hana's Moment
Hana stumbled toward me, dirt and blood on her face but her eyes alive. Without hesitation, she grabbed my hand and held it tightly.
"I wasn't joking, Arashi," she said softly, voice trembling. "I meant it—I love you."
I cupped her face gently despite the blood on my hands. "I know. And I'm done pretending I don't feel the same."
The second kiss came slower, warmer, and for a moment, the storm quieted.
Kai pretended to cough loudly, muttering something about "finally." Sera just smiled tiredly.
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Aftermath
We carried our wounded back to camp. The battle was won, but the war wasn't over. Shinkuro was still out there—and now Daisuke was firmly at his side.
As I watched the rain wash the blood from my hands, Hana leaned on my shoulder.
"What now?" she asked.
"Now," I said, clenching my fists, "we end this once and for all."