The Fruits of Labor

“So, Kosuke, was I right or not?” said Toshiero.

“You were right, but do not be so stuck up about it! That was a splendid spar, Toshiero," Kosuke said, "you are the only one, I can ever consider a true rival. Do not fall behind me; I would not want to not live my life without a good challenge.” 

“Your arrogance is more on display than ever, friend; however, I feel the same way. You are the first friend, I have ever had. Unlike you, I had no luxury of growing up with siblings,” said Toshiero.

"I would not say that you are missing out on much! Especially, when you have sisters. They are such a pain, but I love them still," said Kosuke.

“If you say so, but Kosuke; where is he? I have not felt Master's presence," Toshiero said,  "it is already sunset, and he has yet to wake up.”

“Who knows? But it's not like we need him, do we? Anyhow, I am worried about them; it's been all day, and they both have not returned,” said Kosuke.

“Indeed, they have not returned; I have wondered where they been all day. I felt their signature nearby, but it kept vanishing as we trained.” said Toshiero.

“That is no problem for me! I can easily figure out where they are; just give me a moment,” said Kosuke.

Squatting down to the ground, he uses his index and middle finger; to tap onto the ground. He begins to sense the energy in his radius. Successfully, he pinpointed the whereabouts of Hideaki and the others; however, he was met with a surprise; the signature of five different energies coming from all directions

“Kosuke, are you okay? It’s not like you to tremble, what is it?” said Toshiero.

“This is not good; it's bad…” said Kosuke.

“W-W-What do you m-mean," Toshiero muttered, "w-wait, no, it just cannot be; I feel it too…it’s them!” 

“Them? You are familiar with these signatures," Kosuke asked,  "they are quite powerful; if I dare say, they arere on his level!” 

“I am familiar with them. That is because these signatures are from the first branch, which I was apart of," Toshiero stated, "the head must have sent all four, but I never thought he would send the strongest!” 

“Heh, heh; the strongest you say, huh?” said Kosuke.

“Kosuke, do not tell me that you,” said Toshiero.

“Want to fight them? Of course, I do," Kosuke said, "also, it is not, like we have a choice, do we? Do you wish to go back, to them?” 

“No, but it's just,” said Toshiero.

“Just what, Toshiero? They are strong? Eventually, we will have to fight strong opponents, anyways,” said Kosuke.

“You a’re right, but you have to realize. We and master can take three of them on, but there is no chance that your sisters can handle fighting them,” said Toshiero.

“I guess, I will just have to finish my fight quickly. Do not worry, Toshiero, I would not put such a responsibility on you. I will handle it, after I conclude my fight,” said Kosuke.

“If you say so, but if I manage to finish mine; I will head over and help them too,” said Toshiero

Taking their separate paths, the boys go to encounter the situation ahead. Three of the four, have managed to close in on their targets. Momentarily, the first one to reach their target would be none other than, Retta Hanzo.

Immediately, he cackled in the condition that he found his opponent in.

“Just who did Toshiero become friends with? A grown man, who is just rising from his slumber, and here I thought; I would have a good fight,” Hanzo said. “are you aware of who it is boy, you have given refuge too?”

Rising from his slumber, Hideaki yawns. He approaches the new arrival, wiping the eye boogers off his eyes. The appearance of the man was a bit familiar, to Hideaki. A man of slender build, hair neatly brushed and in a pristine knot; a typical custom of a male, from the Retta clan. However, the burn across his face made it apparent, who he was dealing with.

“I was always aware that this might happen. Once, I learned about his history and all. The Head must be desperate, huh?” said Hideaki

“The Head? So, you did know, who you were giving shelter and assistance too! Well, I will make sure to make your death, as gruesome as possible; for I am, the strongest!” said Hanzo.

“You sure have not changed, Hanzo! You are still the same bootlicker, as you were back then. Have all those blows to that cranium of yours made you forget about the one you once served? said Hideaki.

“That mannerism, are you; no, it’s impossible. He was rumored, to have died in the final battle. Just what are you playing at?” said Hanzo.

Emerging from the shadows, Hideaki cackles, extending his arms, almost as if he’s welcoming him for an embrace.

“Die? So that’s the story they decided to go with; I am happy to hear that! Now, I can get out of this shit hole. You have come for my student, and I simply doubt you will leave, without getting what you came for,” Hideaki said, “I assume, the only way, we will get to a conclusion is by battling out. In this case, it will be a battle to the death.”

“Retta Hideaki, to think I would come across you, first. Well, if I cannot have Toshiero, surely you will be enough, to satisfy The Head.” said Hanzo.

“The only way you will take me back to that hell hole is dead; and I do not see that happening,” said Kosuke.

Drawing his sword, Hanzo grins, “You are nothing, but a mere runt of the litter! These last few years, sure have made you confident; just tell me, what have you been doing?” said Hanzo.

“Growing stronger, I would say. My most important objective is raising the next generation of warriors, to finish what my master started,” said Hideaki.

“You valued that man more than your actual father; maybe, you are a lost cause, after all. I could not care less; show me your strength, boy!” said Hanzo.

“You have always had a hunger for battle, like no other. If I have to be the one, to fill the void; so, be it,” said Hideaki.

As the battle between the strongest is about to commence, Ishikawa Maki and Tachibana Himari, face off against their challenger; a slim man, a bit younger than Hanzo. Unlike his superior, this one would not wear his hair in a knot; also, he did not carry a sword, instead, he sported a staff.

Before the challenger could arrive, Himari summoned her spirits, in response to the shift of energy around the area.

“What’s wrong, Himari? Is something wrong?” said Maki.

“There’s something, no multiple. Maki, I need you, to get away from here. This is not something you can handle...” said Himari.

Before she knew it, crashing down to the ground; the worst of Himari’s fears would come to light! The enemy has arrived, and she's failed to put her little sister to safety.

“Seriously? Do not tell me, you two were the signatures, I felt. Just when I get to leave the district, and here I come across two amateurs. How about you make this easy, and tell me where Toshiero is? Now I suggest you girl, to listen and release those spirits of yours,” Hashi said. “It is disrespectful to even summon, such weaklings to face me.”

“I-I.” said Himari.

“You what? Lost that fight in you already? Just who did Toshiero decide, to associate himself with?” said Hashi.

Smacking Himari across the face, Maki lashes out, “Snap out of it, Himari! Together, we can do this!”

“Adorable, I will give you that. Actually, that sword of yours, little one, who did you get that from? Swords like that are only made by a certain swordsmith. And I know, there is no way you could have had access to him,” said Hashi.

“This sword was passed down to me, by my master, Akiyama-Retta Hideaki!” said Maki.

“Hideaki!? He’s alive; and you two are his pupils? Perhaps, I will get to enjoy a great battle, after all!”

Seizing the opportunity, Himari took the chance to summon Terra, and begin her attack. She used herself, as the point of attack. Deciding to switch her strategy, she began to go in circles, trying to find an opening. However, she would find it difficult; the opponent before her was not worried. Immediately, Maki backed her up.

Locking eye contact, the two ran at him. The idea was obvious, as she would get her opponent focused on them. She would proceed to use Othari and Terra back them up, and in addition, she would use the remaining three to strike, when he’s caught off guard.

However, this would be for nothing. Retta Hashi is no man to play games; he formed the handsign's that brought about destructions, as he sinisterly said, “How courageous, students of Hideaki. Well done, you are worthy,” Hashi said. “Realm, The Age Ragnarok.”

Stopping in her tracks, Himari immediately released her spirits, terrified at the sight. This was an opponent beyond her skillset; she would opt to use Nullification, however, she could not help, but worry for her sister. 

Turning to her sister, she yelled, "Maki, use Nullification now!"

These words would fail to reach Maki. As soon as the realm was casted, Maki was immediately caught in it; quickly, Hashi moved at light speed, and struck her in the neck and chest area. Such an attack blew off said portions; the organs as well. She hit the ground, struggling to even breathe. In a couple of minutes, she could possibly die.

“That was disappointing;  you are probably wondering, why she was not able to reinforce her body, to minimize the damage? The truth is she stood no chance, if she could not use nullification on time!” said Hashi.

Terrified, Himari bit her lip, muttering, “Maki, no; you cannot be dead! You just cannot be!”

“Dead? Not yet, at least. While inside my realm, she will remain in a suspended state of death. Unless, you can use regeneration, she will not die. If you cannot, you can lose all hopes of her making it out alive,” said Hashi.

Out of options, Himari is corned. Either she’s to engage with this freak of nature, or attempt reviving Maki. With no knowledge of the regeneration technique, she’s left with no alternatives to revive her. However, in her disposal she has a spirit, in which is capable of such a feat!

“Ideally, I would only use this against them. But I consider you an opponent, who I cannot fight without using everything, I have,” said Himari.

Invoking a multitude of hand signs, she began to chant; invoking a slight grin to across Hashi’s face, as he cannot wait to see what she in store.

“All mighty beast of death; I beg of thee, please heed to my commands. Merge thyself from thy five, and incarnate before me! I beseech thee, grace this great warrior before thy, but first I shall call out thy name, come forth, Fused Beast of Death, Thuarion!” said Himari

Emerging from the shadows, is a spirit unlike no other. The humanoid titan appears right behind it’s master. It’s enormous build and horns would be enough to terrify anybody. However, the most notorious aspect of it was that the creature had a bird head.

Unlike, most spirits this one is visible even to non-contractors; since, he incarnated. 

“What! You had this? How splendid! It seems, you were not affected by technique, huh? Usually, anybody who fails to coat themselves, will lose usage of their techniques and aura. It’s an instant kill, and the only ones unaffected are me and anybody, who uses nullification. It seems, you and that creature of yours are coated with it. Not taking any chances, are you?” said Hashi.

“You sure do not know, when to shut up,” said Himari

“Shall you be the first to make me?” said Hashi.

Immediately, she commanded the beast before her, to attack the opponent. And so it did, as the first thing the beast did was launch an enormous energy blast ,from its mouth. Hashi’s quick reflexes was enough, to counter this. Taking the offensive, he began to use his quick speed to get ahead; however, Thurarion’s abilities are not limited.

He is the culmination of five different spirits. Otharri, Terra, Hecaton, Argus, and Thoth. This beast is easily equal to anything; however, the consumption of the user’s aura would be dire! As it stands, Himari is granting it ninety percent of her energy!

“W-What? Did it just create eyes all over it’s body!?” said Hashi.

Immediately, the beast acted on instinct. One aspect of this creature is that it carries the powers of the spirit of Thoth: a creature with a humanoid body, which has the head of an avian; the best aspect of such a spirit is its immense knowledge of anything in its control.

If there’s anything to fear about, Thuarion, it’s the beasts immense knowledge, to utilize everything in his control, as if he had a will of his own.

Thurarion made quick work out of the challenger, who he continuously pummeled to the ground. However, the beast would not be able to counter, the electric charge of his aura. It would push the beast aback, giving Hashi enough time to recover. Standing there, breathing heavily; he chuckles, “Just what the hell are you? You have a will of your own, do you? How troublesome!” 

In response, the beast just grumbled, as it began to walk over to him; having created a distraction, Himari aids her sister.

“I held back from fusing my sixth spirit, since you were in such a bad state. I present to you, Sirona of The Stars!” said Himari.

The appearance of the spirit was humanoid, but she carried a splendid smile, unlike no other. Surrounding her body were snakes, in which, are noted to be of use when she’s ordered to battle.

“Shall I begin, master?” said Sirona.

“Yes, please, but I need you to focus everything in healing her to a state, where she’s not at risk of death. Considering, I have granted you five percent of my energy. I can be certain you would need time?” said Himari.

“Had you granted me at least ten percent, I would be able to do it in minutes. Seeing as you summoned me in such circumstances, I will need more time,” said Sirona.

“Time is of the essence here, I do not know; how long he plans to keep this realm up. If at anytime, it goes down, Maki will die; but if I take even ten percent of my energy from Thurarion, this man will kill us off,” said Himari.

Finding herself in a predicament, it’s up for Himari to drag out the battle between her and the opponent; even if dragging it out, is not convenient. There is no choice. As the fight between the weakest links of the students reaches its rise of action, another is about to commence.

“I found a boy, but you are not one whom I want. This presence of yours, just who are you?” said Shikibu.

Analyzing the woman before him, Kosuke could not think what was so special about her. Immediately, he recalled the time, Toshiero told him what he had to do, to escape. The biggest obstacle of that night was a woman, who was renowned for ability to cast a realm.

There was none like her, but the woman before him, just possibly could not be it! She’s so soft-spoken, polite, and beautiful! Could the dark-haired beauty just be a passerby?

“Lost your tongue, boy? I hate to repeat myself, but if I have too; there will not be another chance for you to reply, so answer me,” said Shikibu.

“If you have to know, I am Kosuke; and I know, why you are here,” Kosuke said, “You are here to take him back, and I will not let you.”

“Why do you think this matter concerns you? Surely, you realize that what he did was wrong. He even damaged my eye, so I will ask you another question. Where can I find him?” said Shikibu.

“I have no answer, but before you attend other matters. You should focus on the opponent before you, if you do not, you will die.” said Kosuke.

“Die? The arrogance of the youth, how splendid! I would prefer not to drench my hands in a child’s blood, but if this is what I must do, to accomplish my mission, so be it.” said Shikibu.

“Since, you are the second strongest of the four. I will not hold back, and I promise you that if you take me lightly, you will suffer for it!” said Kosuke.

“Noted,” said Shikibu.

Teleporting to her, Kosuke immediately landed a punch on her ribcage, shattering six at once. She tried to counterattack, instead, she focused on shielding herself from the barrage of punches.

‘He’s quite strong, isn’t he,' She thought,  'but that could not have been just from brute strength, or simple reinforcement! He nearly made me puke; even when I try to land an attack, it’s almost as if I can’t touch him. My attacks just slow down, just what is he doing?’

Pulling back from her exchange, she stared him down. There’s just something about this that does not feel right; Kosuke would pick up on her suspicion.

‘She must have realized it, huh,' Kosuke thought, 'my technique! She really is strong, but what will she do? Her attacks cannot, and will not reach me; if I do not allow them too. This is a losing battle, for her, and when she realizes that; it will be too late.’

“Normally, I would not resort to such measures, but you are a different case, and I learned to not take somebody of your age lightly.” said Shikibu.

She began to formulate her handsigns, saying, "Realm, Idle of Silence."  Surprised at this, Kosuke muttered, “Is she serious!? Already!?”

Restoring to Nullification, he would forego his gravitational technique. If anything, it would be best to avoid the effect of the Realm. However, the inexperience of the boy’s youth, failed to realize the casting was not meant to strike; instead, it was to corner him!

At that moment, she pierced the boy from behind, saying to him, “So, it was a technique, after all; how unfortunate!” said Shikibu.

Raising his hand, he tricked her, to make her think that his technique still worked; she retreated quickly. Kosuke grabbed onto his chest, and he would realize that it was not lethal.

“It seems you have an issue with utlizing your technique, and nullification at the same time. If you were much more older, I would not have had a chance at catching you off guard,” said Shikibu.

“So, you have forced me to defend against your realm’s effect. What of it? Do not tell me you’re pleased with yourself, by landing a surprise attack?” said Kosuke.

“Surprised attack? I planned that, and I did not think, you would choose to guard against my Realm. You were unwilling to take the risk, and that will never take you to the next level,” said Shikibu.

This sparked something in Kosuke, who would begin to engage her again in hand-to-hand combat. However, the impact of his blows were not as great, as before.

‘The impact of his blows remain strong, but they do not feel as overwhelming,' Shikibu thought, 'it is not due to a low output of energy, and it has to do with his technique; is he able to manipulate his mass? It still does not explain, why my attacks seem to slow down…’

“How long will you continue to fight with such tactics? If you wish to even give me a bit of excitement, show me!” said Shikibu.

Catching the youth’s fist, she tightened her grip around him; she brought him forward, headbutting him!

“If this all the fight you have in you, I shall finish you off !” said Shikibu

At that moment, the limiters of Kosuke would break, as he breaks free. He clenches onto his head, grunting, “How long are you going to keep talking? You should have killed me, before I grew used to using Nullification and my technique, at the same time.”

“Should I? You are acting, as if I was dragging out the encounter, but I was not. This is simply, you, just growing as you fight!” said Shikibu.

“Whether, it’s true or not. It’s time to see, whether you can handle this!" said Kosuke.

Within moments, he would advance his technique to the next level, by creating a black hole. A gravitational pull so strong, there was nothing, which could escape. It was at this moment, Shikibu realized that her end was upon her…