Operation: Kuroshima

Kenji spoke firmly, "Your concern is about potential loss and your lack of faith in our human ally, correct? I'm uncertain how exactly we'll cover your losses, but I believe we can accept your offer."

Chandra's gaze sharpened. "Well then, find a way to secure our investment."

"We can offer the mask and Bakura," Kenzo suggested.

Chandra's eyes dilated briefly, envisioning a spiky-haired man elegantly wielding Bakura, crimson aura blazing as he effortlessly defeated Kuroshin, leaving the tyrant humbled and breathless.

"Yes," Chandra said slowly, nodding. "That should suffice."

Kenji leaned forward slightly. "Excellent. How do you intend to structure your forces?"

"We have sixty thousand trained soldiers, some of them can even use aura." Chandra explained. "We'll divide them into five groups of twelve thousand. Powerful commanders are essential—your recommended warriors Kaminari, Sumire, Raizen, and the two of you, along with myself, will lead. Give me three to four days to relay the details. You're free to return to Sahara in the meantime."

Kenzo hesitated. "That's acceptable. However, do you have any intelligence regarding Raizen's memory seal?"

"The Black Lotus Seal, you mean," Chandra replied thoughtfully. "The general has mastered over a hundred sealing techniques."

Note: Sealing techniques are unique skills accessible to various aura users, each tailored to target specific movements or abilities within an opponent's body. Black Lotus Sealing is particularly effective at sealing memories, though the general has modified it further, restricting even techniques and combat precision.

"Raizen shouldn't be underestimated," Chandra continued seriously. "He's surpassed his former prime and he's Hiroshi's brother—the Blood Warrior who defeated Kuroshin with unparalleled swordsmanship. Yet even now, facing Kuroshin directly might prove challenging."

Kenji pondered aloud, "Who would’ve thought Raizen could reach such heights? Their village scorned those brothers. How did Hiroshi manage to defeat Kuroshin? Tell us everything you know."

Chandra recounted carefully, "He employed his legendary technique—the Sword Steps, specifically the Dance of Destruction, unpredictable and lethal. No one could foresee where the attacks came from. His final words to Kuroshin remain famous."

Flashback to Hiroshi vs. Kuroshin:

From Kuroshin’s perspective, Hiroshi stood before him, dressed in a regal blue samurai robe, his face severe yet calm, Bakura glowing vividly.

"What do you think real peace means?" Hiroshi challenged quietly, his voice edged with suppressed fury. "And what about love, under your oppressive idea of peace?"

Without further hesitation, Hiroshi launched into the Dance of Destruction, fluid and chaotic—swift rotations, sudden dashes, each step intensified by a surge of blood-red aura. Kuroshin crumpled, defeated.

"The era of fear ends now," Hiroshi declared, raising Bakura as Kuroshin closed his eyes in surrender.

Kenji spoke again, "I've heard only two individuals defeated Kuroshin. Hiroshi and a female Executioner."

"Yes," Chandra affirmed. "Executioners possess unimaginable power, said to rival even the gods."

---

Meanwhile in Sahara — Within Sumire’s Kyokai:

Raizen unleashed Thunderclap, sending a shockwave rippling through the space. Kaminari responded with Zen Hokko Surassho.

As Kaminari fell through the air, Raizen dove down rapidly, fist glowing with Raijin Strike. Kaminari quickly crafted sharp, blood-forged wings, propelling upward and launching blades at Raizen.

Dodging mid-air, Raizen praised, "Marvelous, Kaminari! You're finally mastering your aura's true advantage. But you'll need even more to defeat me!"

Raizen punched toward Kaminari's solar plexus, but Kaminari swiftly formed a protective blood layer over his palm, blocking the strike.

"Don't underestimate me, Mr. Blue!" Kaminari retorted sharply, kicking Raizen downward, crashing him into the ground.

Raizen rose, dusting himself off. "Your timing's improved dramatically. You're ready for Kuroshin. Now... training dismissed!"

---

Kenji and Kenzo returned from Sinhal to Sahara after seven to eight hours

Kenji addressed the gathered group, "The agreement is secured. Now we must scout Kuroshima City and prepare our final strategy."

Sumire asked curiously, "If it took you seven to eight hours to reach Yellow Zone, how long to reach the Green Zone?"

"About five or six days on foot," Kenzo answered.

Kaminari excitedly interrupted, "Guess what? I can fly now!"

Kenzo's eyes lit up. "Truly, Kaminari-sama? Even Hiroshi couldn't achieve flight!"

Raizen interjected with mock offense, "Hey, Kenzo, what exactly are you implying? He just hadn't thought of it!"

Kenji interjected calmly, "Just tell me clearly—how long will it take you all to reach Kuroshima?"

Raizen responded confidently, "It'll take me roughly thirty minutes to get there if I fly in a clear sky."

Sumire echoed thoughtfully, "It would take me the same—around thirty minutes, provided the skies remain clear."

Kaminari dramatically declared, "X minutes to get there—find the X!"

Everyone stared blankly.

Kaminari's confidence faltered slightly, sweat forming. "Ah—ahaha... seems my joke fell flat."

Kenji calmly diverted, "Forget it. My speed is slower than yours. It'll take me around four to five hours."

"Night is best for discreet travel," Sumire suggested.

Kenzo agreed. "We'll set off at 9 p.m. sharp."

They began preparations in earnest.

Kaminari whispered into the evening air, determination clear in his voice, "Kuroshin... I hope to find you soon."

—To be continued