Ashura stared straight into Kaoru's eyes.
"Given how Yami Hibuko was… you're the spitting image of his evil version."
Kaoru smirked, his voice dripping with venom.
"You're just a bunch of ungrateful rats."
The air between them crackled — the beginning of another storm.
Outside, thunder roared.
The doors burst open as the guards Kaoru had brought with him stormed into the room.
All the clan leaders except Rin rose instantly, hands gripping the hilts of their swords.
At the center stood Kaoru Hibuko, the crimson cloak of Yami fluttering behind him like a living flame.
One of the guards stepped forward, face twisted in fury.
"Kaoru… just die, you scum."
Kaoru slowly turned his head, his gaze sharp enough to cut steel.
"You turned against me?"
The guard didn't flinch.
"Not just me. The army of two hundred samurai you brought—they're all eager to kill you."
Ashura let out a short laugh, amused.
"Kaoru… you're going to die today for sure."
But Kaoru laughed louder — unhinged, confident, fearless.
"Come to think of it… none of you have ever seen me in action. There's a reason I'm called the Crimson Tempest."
Ashura grinned back.
"Don't think a nickname will save you."
He took a breath, then added:
"Five hundred samurai. Four clan leaders. All standing against you.
You really think you're walking out of here alive?"
Kaoru's crimson cloak snapped in the wind coming through the broken window.
His eyes gleamed like bloodlit steel.
"It's more like crushing rats," he said coldly.
"You are ungrateful. You should have licked my boots.
My ancestors did everything for you — it was finally time for payback."
Ashura shook his head.
"You never change… huh?"
The tension thickened.
Breaths tightened.
Blades gleamed.
The storm outside… was nothing compared to the one about to erupt inside.