Saturu stood at the peak of Skull Mountain, where the air grew thin and the ground was littered with the bones of countless failed swordsmen. Before him stood the Blade Demon, its form shifting like smoke before solidifying into a monstrous samurai, its body covered in protruding blades and scars from endless battles.
"I give you a choice," the demon's voice grated like steel on stone. "Leave now or face my wrath."
Saturu stood firm, his gaze steady. "...A brave swordsman does not back down from a challenge," he replied, his voice cutting through the howling wind. "Not until I achieve what I came for."
"So be it."
The Blade Demon's form swelled, blades sprouting from its arms as it grew to twice its size. It moved with blinding speed, closing the distance in an instant. Saturu snatched a sword from the skeletal grip of a fallen master and met the charge.
Their battle erupted in a storm of steel and sparks. Saturu activated his Heavenly Authority, moving at light-speed to deliver dozens of strikes. But the demon matched him blow for blow, its own Swordsman Authority amplifying its power. The ground cracked beneath their feet as they fought across the mountain peak.
In a burst of movement, the demon vanished from sight, reappearing behind Saturu with its blade already swinging. Only centuries of battle instinct saved him - he twisted just enough that the sword only grazed his cheek. Enraged, he charged forward, but as their blades met again, his sword shattered into pieces.
The demon seized the moment, grabbing Saturu and hurling him across the peak. He hit the ground hard, skidding through bone and rock.
[FLASHBACK]
He stood in Kayon's sanctuary, holding the fragments of another broken blade.
"Is it even possible for me to master a sword technique?" he asked, frustration evident.
Kayon took the pieces. "Every sword you use ends up broken. Your spiritual energy is too much for any physical weapon. But there is an alternative - unarmed martial arts. Channel that energy into your fists."
Saturu's eyes widened. "Now I understand how a sorcerer fights in close combat."
"Master this," Kayon said seriously, "and my teachings will live on through you."
"You place too much faith in these teachings," Saturu replied. "They'll be lost to time..."
Kayon's hand shot out, grabbing his with terrifying speed. "I don't expect you to fail," the sorcerer said, his grip tightening until two fingers snapped. "Otherwise, I'll hunt you for all eternity."
[END FLASHBACK]
The memory of breaking bones brought clarity. "So that's what he meant," Saturu breathed, pushing himself up. "Time to use his real teachings."
He took a measured breath, then moved toward another fallen sword. The demon anticipated him, snatching the weapon first and hurling it away. But Saturu didn't need it anymore. As the demon charged, mana expansion flared around him. He became a blur of motion, meeting the charge with focused force rather than steel.
The resulting collision shook the mountain. As they clashed, Saturu unleashed his Heavenly Authority one final time. "Sword of Light!"
A blade of pure energy formed in his hand, piercing through the Blade Demon's core. The creature staggered back, its form beginning to dissolve.
Suddenly, they stood in a featureless white space. The demon's monstrous form was gone, replaced by a humanoid figure in samurai attire.
"Out of the many swordsmen I've faced," the figure said, its voice now calm, "none came close to me. But today... I witnessed my lifelong dream. To be defeated." It bowed slightly. "Saturu, I deem you worthy of my authority... my title... my dream. Take care."
Back on the mountain, Saturu stood alone as rain began to fall. A new sword rested in his hand, perfectly balanced and humming with power. As he sheathed it, the blue tint in his eyelashes deepened permanently.
At the mountain's base, the Northblades waited. Their leader stepped forward. "You have broken the mortal realm's taboo. Surrender or face our wrath."
Saturu simply drew his new sword.
"So be it," the leader said, and they charged.
But Saturu was already moving, a blue streak against the mountain stone.
He arrived at the grove where Kayon waited, but found the sorcerer leaning against a tree, bleeding from a wound that gleamed with celestial energy.
"Oh, kid... you're here," Kayon rasped weakly. "Sorry you have to see me like this."
"Let me help you," Saturu said, kneeling.
"No need," Kayon waved a frail hand. "I lived as I wanted. Remember my promise... as my final will... Goodbye, kid."
His eyes closed, and his body faded into light.
Saturu watched, tears streaming down his face. "I will keep your promise," he whispered.
He stood, his expression hardening, and walked toward the Plum Blossom estate. At the top of the stairs, his sister Kaya waited, her face a mask of fear and defiance. The final storm was about to break.