Hagure Yuusha no Kichiku Bigaku Vol 8 Chapter 3

The wind was blowing high in the night sky.

It wasn't a natural phenomenon caused by the difference of atmospheric pressure. It was a wind with a certain intention.

The final destination was JPN-Babel. And -- the name of the wind was Nanase Haruka.

"I'm coming......"

While moving as fast as she could with the wind through the air Haruka lightly said with voice full of determination.

Haruka couldn't possibly stay at home waiting for the Akatsuki and others to return. Therefore she was personally flying to the battlefield.

She was wearing the same uniform that got wet when she transferred to the Ousawa home.

Haruka clenched her right fist, and pressed it against her chest.

She was firmly resolved in her mind. As for the uniform, it was already completely dry as she found it in the dryer.

It was probably Listy who took the trouble to wash it for her, believing that she would be able pull herself together and stand back up -- that thought made Haruka incredibly happy.

-- Haruka couldn't forget the promise she made with Miu, swearing that no matter what happens to protect her.

But she wasn't able to fulfill her promise, and end up not being unable protect Miu. The shock over finding her two best friends Uesaki Ryohei and Aihara Haruka dead had also indirectly lead to Miu being capture by Hikami Kyouya.

And to top it all off she only survived -- thanks to Akatsuki.

At worse she wanted to somehow get away, and tell everyone what happened to Miu.

That was at a minimum the mission she imposed on herself.

However, under Kyouya's dreadful power she could only sit there and wait for death.

...... It's such a undignified story......

Remembering how pathetic she was, Haruka coukdn't help but strongly bite down on her lip.

-- Even though Haruka could only cry at her own limitations, Akatsuki still took the time to comfort her. The overwhelming fear that was carved into her heart by Kyouya was overwritten by Akatsuki's warmth and body heat. In order to settle her heart Akatsuki told her to only think of him.

Although she couldn't protect Miu he still forgave her, and consoled her -- by extending a warm arm to her.

Even though she was unwilling to confront her real feelings... ... No, strictly speaking, she didn't know how to be honest with herself, however with Listy's help she was able to at long last accept Akatsuki.

It was completely different from the time when she was detoxified at the brothel in Alayzard.

Haruka entrusted all of herself to Akatsuki by her own accord.

Her always resistant, and obstinate way of expressing an opposing view from long ago had disappeared.

Akatsuki had thoroughly freed her body and mind allowing her to realize her new self.

...... That was the biggest difference, I'm sure......

Now she understood. There was still a little reluctance to make Kyouya or the rest of the world her enemy somewhere deep down in her heart. With her believing in Akatsuki, and him trusting in her there was no longer any hesitation, and also perplexion over Miu. She started to wonder what exactly was differences between the two.

Just the thought of Akatsuki, the though of her other friends an endless amount of emotions overflowed from her heart.

There was an unbound power in those feelings when she thought of what was precious.

A strong conviction.

It was surely the same answer Miu, Listy, Chikage and Kuzuha already come up with.

...... Yeah.

She was able to understand at last.

Secondary to her sense of values, her ethics also, even antagonizing the entire world. If it was for the sake of dedicating everything of herself to a specific someone.

It might be a selfish belief.

And may cause harm to others.

However......

There was something she wanted to protect -- she could absolutely not lose to herself.

It remained inside her body, the consideration and warmth Akatsuki given her. In such a way, created a powerful force that was driving her to advance forward, which was surely......

...... Courage.

Therefore, there was no longer any wavering.

"I'm coming......"

Haruka repeated the same words to herself. The feelings in those words gave her strength as she did so.

She failed to keep that promise she made.

But, there was still time -- to make up for it.

And for sure this time she was going to fulfill it.

Her crying and feeble self was a thing of the past.

The current Nanase Haruka will walk forward.

Bestowed with great courage like so to save a friend.

In a vast s.p.a.ce in one of the lowermost levels of the tower of Babel two battles were raging on.

Tiana for the most was dominating the battle with Phil as it progressed. The opposite could be said to be true for Onizuka with Tanaka as an opponent, from the beginning on he was overmatched. Attacks came from all directions and against the incoming shock waves,

"......!"

Onizuka could only see the attacks from the flickering of the fire surrounding him. The ones he wasn't able to dodge had to be countered with slashes from his chakrams he materialized in both hands by means of his AD.

Using wind based magic Tanaka was creating shock waves that not only were invisible to the naked eye, but also were cla.s.sified as a medium range attack. Compared to how Onizuka was frantically running all over the place, Tanaka just stood there slightly away impa.s.sively unleas.h.i.+ng attacks.

It was undoubtedly a cruel way of killing someone. Of course, Onizuka occasionally found an opening to strike back, and when he did he made the most of it by abruptly increasing the number of chakrams to eight,

"Ooo oh oh oh!"

He crossed his arms, and all the chakrams shot out together.

But......

"-- It's useless."

The chakrams that came flying from all directions were very easily neutralized by Tanaka with a shock wave.

"Accept your fate...... there are no blind spots with my wind magic."

And the offense and defense was reversed in an instant.

"Ku......"

A series of shock waves forced Onizuka back on the defensive.

...... c.r.a.p!

Even the doubles of himself he created using mirage were taken out in a split second.

The offensive attacks of Tanaka could be released at the same time. Onizuka's mirages however were only able to imitate the movement of the main body making it impossible for them to deal with each wave.

Once hit, the double would immediately disappear.

-- This compatibility was too evil was Onizuka's innermost thoughts.

Ever since the fighting started he was forced on the defensive.

One aspect of that was certainly because of magical attributes and methods of attack each of them used, however that wasn't the biggest problem.

...... Pull yourself TOGETHER!

Onizuka severely rebuked himself in his mind.

The person in front of him was no longer a former cla.s.smate. He was an enemy who was trying to kill him. And who's ability was far greater than his own. Even if he fought with all of his power he would not necessarily win. However -- there was still some hesitation that never disappeared from the back of Onizuka's mind.

The hesitancy was over the regret about how he acted in the past that he couldn't let go.

His spirit of self-reflection would indeed be worthy of respect.

But -- to hold that confusion in the middle of battle was undoubtedly a death wish.

...... Put it out of your mind, at least for now!

Onizuka clenched his teeth trying to rid himself of hesitation in his mind.

And,

"Uuu oh oh oh oh oh oh!"

He suddenly charged out towards Tanaka in a desperate suicide attack.

"Foolish......"

Thereupon, Tanaka held out his palm straight at him -- however the next moment,

"-- What!?"

The deadpan expression on his face for the first time showed a hint of surprise.

...... Fooled!

Onizuka was convinced the other party had fallen for his trap.

It was the same mirage magic he already used. However, Onizuka didn't necessarily have to only create a double of himself. Instead using the principles of mirage he blended his body into the surrounding scenery. In Tanaka's eyes, it would have looked like Onizuka had disappeared. With that chance he created -- Onizuka narrowed the distance between the two sides in one breath.

But......

"If that's the case......"

With himself at the center, Tanaka released a shock wave out in all directions.

However, he could reach him with only a few more steps -- so.

...... It is now!

Onizuka's body was still hidden, only the mirage of himself he just now created was visible.

"-?"

With Onizuka's figure suddenly appearing, Tanaka's attention had reflexively turned to that place.

But that was only aimed at the illusion. He erased his body, and created a doppelganger -- in preparation for a two-p.r.o.nged attack.

And because of that Onizuka Kenya was able to breach that gap of a few steps.

At the same time he was sprinting he tightly grasped the chakram in his right hand.

With his opponent being almost immortal he aim at the neck.

One strike to settle things.

And as the distance between the Onizuka and Tanaka went to zero,

"------------!"

The chakram didn't cut open Tanaka's throat.

It was stopped a little more than half way in the air towards his throat.

However, it wasn't caused by anything Tanaka did. Onizuka voluntarily stopped the attack himself.

"...... s.h.i.+t... ... I couldn't do it after all......."

Onizuka quietly groaned to himself.

He was perfectly aware that Tanaka was a dangerous enemy, but still Onizuka couldn't bring himself to kill him.

"...... What is the meaning of this?"

"......"

Faced with Tanaka's question head-on, Onizuka was speechless.

What does that mean? Such a thing was very obvious.

The prior grievances had yet to be settled.

Onizuka thought if he taken down Tanaka without doing that he would never be able move on during his entire lifetime.

Even if it was just self-satisfaction, or to console himself.

And so......

"...... I'm very sorry for how I acted."

Onizuka Kenya took the initiative to apologies.

And with all sincerity,

"Even if you are a terrorist. Even if you used me to cover for yourself. It does not mean I should be forgiven for what I did to you. So, I want to apologize to you."

"............"

Tanaka also went silent on how to respond Onizuka.

And after a pause,

"I've said...... you do not need to apologize for anything."

It was said in very tranquil manner, nevertheless they weren't words of forgiveness for Onizuka.

Tanaka held up his right hand unfolding a magic formation at Onizuka's face,

"What you you did was meaningless. No matter what intention you had in mind -- you can't change the fact that you're going to die here."

And the moment the shock wave was about to turn Onizuka's face into pulp.

"Huh? -- the one who is certainly going to die here is you, though."

Tiana suddenly jumped into from side with a flying kick to Tanaka's face.

Intense reverberations of meat and bone being struck spread widely.

Tiana's kick caused Tanaka to fly back more than ten meters.

"......"

Onizuka was stunned, and just stood there with a blank expression.

"Hey you! Ken-chan...... How could you just foolishly stand there in front of the enemy? What were you thinking?"

And Tiana expression revealed her disapproval,

"Listening to you two, it seems that this is the person you mentioned before in the family restaurant. The one who Ken-chan often used bully, right?...... And now you want to show mercy to an enemy out of sympathy and regret. However, I'd advise you not to be such good person, most good people don't live very long."

"...... Shut up. I don't need you to b.u.t.t in. And also I never felt I such good person."

Onizuka excessively turned away.

"You are. I told you before Ken-chan, you just love to pretend to quarrel like that. It is very tiresome characteristic."

"Your noisy. -- Leaving that aside, did you settle things on your end?"

From Tiana's relaxed appearance he thought she had already won.

The results......

"Not yet."

She readily answered back and,

"A little longer I would of had him, but because Ken-chan was about to die I had to come over here."

"......What? Then --"

As Onizuka was trying to finish,

"-- Heads up!"

Tiana forcibly shoved Onizuka to the side. And at almost at the same time a red ball of light struck the spot where the two were standing, causing a powerful explosion sending a cloud of sand soaring.

And,

"...... What a headache. How could be so unfaithful? Your opponent was plainly me......"

The voice from the other side of the sand cloud was Phil's. Tiana said she was about to win, however the situation looked very different now. It seems he already recovered from any injuries he might of had because of , and tracked her down.

The voice was light, completely unlike a person who was seriously injured.

So......

"...... I guess, it couldn't be helped."

Tiana sighed, and,

"Well then -- it seems we need to change the strategy a little."

Of all the things that was too careless.

After only being one step from finis.h.i.+ng things with Onizuka, Tanaka slowly got up.

...... That being said.

Tanaka looked around carefully. The girl, Phil was responsible for dealing with was still in good health, had taken him by surprise.

While Phil was floating a thin smile staring at a cloud of sand in front of him.

Over there probably was Onizuka with that girl.

"-- Very well."

There was no damage left to his body anymore by virtue of the .

So, Tanaka developed a magic formation again, in preparation to send a shock wave over there at once.

It was at that time when the girl broke through the smoke coming directly towards where he was.

"Eh......?"

Tanaka couldn't help being surprised over the girl's movement being much faster than he imagined.

In the time before he could finish chanting his magic,

"-- Sorry, we have to change locations a little."

In front of Tanaka eyes, the girl swung down her fist towards the ground.

At that moment -- along with a loud bang, the ground around the Tanaka collapsed.

"Oh my -- It seems I've been genuinely dumped."

The girl to whom he was facing off against had fallen together with Tanaka as he looked on.

Phil Barnett sighed disappointingly and,

"Really what a headache......"

After saying so -- he casually waved his right hand.

With that the fireball that was coming at him was shot down.

Phil quietly turned his eyes to the left, towards the direction where the attack originated.

It near the spot where his was magic ball of light exploded.

The sand that had been kicked up had cleared before he was even aware.

A young man was standing there, with eyes like a wild dogs.

Phil remembered during the tournament when he once tried to black his path, at that time his eyes were br.i.m.m.i.n.g with hostility.

"This really is turning into a headache......"

Phil laughed with the same words he previously mumbled.

Then started walking towards the young man, while the smile on his face gradually turned into cruel one.

"Bullying the weak -- is not one of my favorite hobbies."

Tanaka fell with the piles of rubble into deep pit of darkness.

The area looked like it was untouched, and the height of the fall was probably around of two stories.

But Tanaka specializes in wind magic, and had immediately created a cus.h.i.+on of air to absorb the shock, successfully landing on the ground.

"............"

His eyes still hadn't become completely accustomed to the dark, so he was unable to visually inspect the surroundings. Naturally that also meant it was impossible to see if the girl fell with him. However, with the slight air flow Tanaka understood what kind of s.p.a.ce was surrounding him now.

It was a good sized cavern, complete with the rock faces all over the wall.

And -- Tanaka knew where that girl currently was.

So......

"...... You made a mistake in your judgment."

Tanaka spoke towards the darkness in front of him.

"You probably wanted to separated me from Onizuka, but you left Phil Barnett up there. He is much stronger than me, Onizuka now is certainly going to end up -- dead."

Then,

"...... You don't have to worry. Ken-chan is much stronger than you think, or even Ken-chan himself thinks."

From the other end of the darkness came ringing laughter.

"If Ken-chan had to watch the spectacle of you being attack, he was highly likely to get distracted. So I had to purposely go out of the way to create this pocket of s.p.a.ce. With this we can be undisturbed, and there won't be any sort hesitation to take you down."

"You really have a much exaggerated confidence......"

Tanaka then said with a very unfeeling tone,

"I was observing your fight with Phil, basically your method of attack is straight up direct attacks with your hands and feet. But unarmed attacks won't be enough to defeat me with the transplanted in my body. And besides your now in the dark it will take a considerable period of time before you can see whats before you."

However,

"In here, I completely understand where you are from the flow in the atmosphere. There are blind spots with my magic, even if you stop breathing you can't escape my detection."

Tanaka had spoke calmly as he was a.s.serting facts, but in the darkness in exchange came laughter.

"Didn't I say something about not worrying? I was only fighting that way, because I didn't want to let others see my -- real ability."

"What......?"

When Tanaka knitted his eyebrows the girl happily laughed,

"That area was already opened up for developed. It wouldn't of been surprising if there were security cameras somewhere in that place. Even though the system update is underway, thanks to your guys using flashy and loud attacks all over the place, who's to say that some emergency line was activated. So of course I have to be extra careful. But, from the materials Mot-chan (もっちゃん) sent me this area was still untouched. Naturally, there won't be any power or fitted with cameras to watch us. Plus with the darkness, even if for some reason Ken-chan or Phil chased after you, there won't be a worry about being seen."

After a short pause,

"Especially -- the miserable state your body will be left in."

"-!"

Tanaka immediately released his wind magic.

Because on the other end of the darkness in front of him an eerie aura swelled up at once.

A strong breeze was sent to allow Tanaka to detected his target. And when he sensed that the wind was obstructed he sent multiple invisible shock waves at that location at the same time. With all that, it was impossible read his attack from the fluctuations in the atmosphere.

But......

"What the......?"

Tanaka was startled. Because of the deep darkness, it wasn't possible to see the girls every move. But he was quite sure that all his attacks had been avoided by the girl.

And,

"Okay then -- now its my move."

The girl's voice immediately reached Tanaka's ears.

The destructive power of the ball of light that swallowed both Akatsuki and Kaidou was overwhelming.

The forest was shaken from the vibrations in the atmosphere, even caused tremors in the ground.

The ma.s.s of light mowed down everything in its path. The trees within JPN-Babel's forest were blown off by their roots, the mountain that was there was subsequently gouged deeply into the earth. After the shock dissipated the scene was one of desolation, with nothing remaining in which it rushed through.

But......

"...... Ku......!"

On that ground where that destruction was carved there still remained a slow moving presence.

It was a student who was wearing combat attire of a Demon King from another world -- Ousawa Akatsuki.

Even though he was thrown far from the place he was fighting, Akatsuki was somehow safe and sound.

"What the h.e.l.l was that just now......"

Mumbling to himself at the same time he looked back in the direction which the ball of light appeared -- and saw.

The forest and the top of the mountain over there had vanished, and there was a huge semicircular path gouge out of the ground leading to it. Akatsuki knew it was caused by the light that devoured him, and anything and everything in the vicinity.

...... That must be what happened.

Then Akatsuki suddenly remembered he was in the middle of dueling someone.

"-- Kaidou!"

He called out in a hurry, while looking around for any signs of him.

"...... Here, Ackkee."

He got a response right away. It came from a place not too far from himself, where resting against an uprooted tree on the ground was Kaidou.

"You okay?"

"Uh...... somehow."

Akatsuki asked after he walked over half way, Kaidou returned a nod,

"But, do you know what that light was?...... Not even my barrier could stop it."

"The barrier was the same as your chain, right? A product of your conceptual magic."

"Ah, yeah. And it was fairly high-level at that. It wasn't something any normal element or physical-based magic could break. Actually, wasn't even the absolute barrier you activated broken, Ackkee?"

Akatsuki was able to use an absolute barrier after he defeated Phil -- that is, when he received Zahhak's power.

"So your saying, that light ranks even higher than Zahhak's barrier......"

An attack so high it was possible to shred Zahhak, and a member of Crimson Twilight's barrier couldn't had come from that many people.

...... It can't be.

The figure of one person appeared in Akatsuki's mind, who he decided knock down himself.

It was COc.o.o.n's Hikami Kyouya.

But, immediately after -- Ousawa Akatsuki witness a different reality from his expectations.

Not far from Akatsuki and Kaidou a presence swooped down from the sky landing softly.

"............"

Looking closely, it turned out to be a teenage girl that Akatsuki knew very well.

She was wearing the same battle attire which was only seen on one occasion at the ranking tournament.

In her hand was the embodiment of her AD, a magic wand with an inlaid red jewel with gold decoration -- Holy Tin (聖錫).

However, no expression could be seen, because her head was down.

As if she was afraid to look at Akatsuki.

"You ......"

Akatsuki muttered, as he involuntarily stared at the girl.

Her knee-length twin tail was gently flowing under the night breeze.

-- Silently, Ousawa Miu stood there facing Akatsuki.

....... So that's how it is.

Only until now, did Ousawa Akatsuki understand what Hikami Kyouya's intentions were.

If the light a little while was Miu's doing, then all explanations were easily solved.

Even the reason why Kyouya abducted Miu, and the reason why he said that he was going to make an utopia using Miu.

All the answers were in front of his eyes.

...... Miu is higher life-form than Zahhak.

That happened because the alternate world of Alayzard she came from was of a higher dimension? It would far too simple for that to be the reason.

If that argument held water, the conditions for Listy were the same as Miu. However, putting aside the barrier currently binding her that Kaidou made, Listy couldn't break the absolute barrier Akatsuki had once subconsciously set up.

But that wasn't all that unusual. After all, Zahhak was a higher-order-life-form of Alayzard.

-- However Miu destroyed both quite easily.

The only possibility conceivable -- Miu was a special existence.

Kyouya probably took noticed of that at some point.

At the same time, the value of her existence was surely worth all the desperate means that Kyouya was undertaking.

And the results -- was the present situation.

"......"

Akatsuki's gaze stayed fixed on Miu.

With her bangs covering her eyes it made it hard to make out the expression on her face.

....... Now what should I do?

Akatsuki needed a moment to think of how to proceed next. Before this event, it was a no brainier what he had to do.

The whole reason Akatsuki was here was to save Miu. Taking down Hikami Kyouya was only a means to that end. Although he could never overlook what Kyouya did, but still it was only a secondary priority.

Miu was top priority. That much, would never waver -- So,

As it was, he should now immediately rush straight at her, and tightly hugged her in his arms, celebrating getting her back safe and sound. Then afterwards look for an opportunity to bring down Kyouya.

"...... Ackkee!"

"Ah, I know."

Kaidou called out as a reminder, and Akatsuki nodded with his back still turned to him,

"Things aren't that simple, after all......"

Miu had leveled a forest and a mountain top to unquestionably stop his own battle with Kaidou. At that Akatsuki could only wryly smile and sigh as he slowly walked towards her.

Moreover, this no longer had anything to do with Kaidou, who couldn't even drag himself downstream.

"Our reunion was very moving, but it was a little too showy for my tastes... ... What exactly was the meaning of all that?"

"......"

However, after Akatsuki asked there was no answer. Her reaction was more or less what he guessed it would be, confirming what he thought -- she was being manipulated.

But after he was about a dozen or so steps apart from her, Miu suddenly opened her mouth a little,

"...... My intentions?"

Having been answered with a question, Akatsuki immediately stopped his feet and,

"I only wanted to ask what your......"

He said that much, when Miu unexpectedly look up at him with a resolute and clear gaze -- which stopped Akatsuki from being able to say words stuck in his mouth.

"Once you take down your brother and father...... your intention is to die?"

"......!"

Miu's very unexpected question caused Ousawa Akatsuki to not know how to respond.

Most likely it was an notion that Kyouya instilled into her. So it was possible to deny it outright, as a complete lie.

But the Miu of now, was speaking in state of an ultra higher-life-form.

Then, it might be possible...... for her to read the deepest layer of his consciousness.

If Akatsuki where then to outright deny it, he would instantly lose Miu's trust.

...... What do I do now......

The hesitation in his heart brought about a temporary silence.

-- But it my be enough with this.

Whereas Miu -- and, also Hikami Kyouya were concerned.

Kyouya was observing the exchanges between Akatsuki and Miu from a remote location,

"-- Not good Ousawa-kun, how can you fall silent at this critical juncture?"

He said so with a profound sneer on his face.

Kyouya knows full well about what Akatsuki accomplished in the alternate world Alayzard.

Also knows that Akatsuki returned to this world to stop his own father and older brother.

But on the other hand, after defeating the Demon King Galious, it could be interpreted as Akatsuki was reluctant to become the next flashpoint for a new conflict in Alayzard. Thus abandoned any t.i.tle or hero's honor, and quietly went back to his original world.

In that case, when Akatsuki accomplishes the same feat in this world -- then what is he going to do?

If Akatsuki after this, truly defeats the people standing on top of this world his father and older brother.

-- At that moment, Akatsuki would be the one to reign at the top of this world.

But, he more than anyone was looking forward to freedom, and could never permit himself to be the one who dominates.

"So when the dying Demon King entrusted you with his daughter you came up with an idea -- In Alayzard she lost her place, and in this world she would be seen as a person from another world, forever living under the gaze of curiosity and avoided as taboo. So you thought to create a unique place where she could belong."

While laughing Kyouya finished his reasoning,

"That is defeat your father and older brother, and then have yourself killed to prevent becoming a threat to the new world -- Isn't that the reason you had her by your side? After she kills you, she gets a place to stay in this world as a hero. In addition to dispersing her honor and feats after becoming a hero, you arranged for her to make many close friends so in your death they would be sure to support each other... ... Isn't that right?"

Then Kyouya laughed very happy, staring at the place where Akatsuki was,

"Keeping her in the dark would of been very pitiful... ... So I helped convey your gentle cruel thoughtfulness to her."

"...... Why aren't you answering?"

With Akatsuki keeping silent Miu asked once again,

"Is it because...... It was the truth, after all......?"

"............"

Akatsuki still only returned silence.

He thought that perhaps this meant Miu wasn't able to read his subconsciousness.

If she was really reading his mind, she would of first found how strongly he was concerned about her, rather than an answer to a possible choice in the future.

...... It seems she's been brainwashed.

And also instilled with extremely one-sided information to manipulate her mind to convenient for other party involved.

-- But even if Akatsuki pointed out the contractions in her thoughts, Miu probably would be deaf to it.

If that sort of persuasion were possible there wouldn't have been an attack from the outset.

So Akatsuki chose not to say anything.

No amount of words could change Miu's thinking -- so.

Ousawa Akatsuki dared to seal his own words precisely because of much he cherished Miu. However, Miu right now couldn't understand his feelings, only the harshness of it,

"Why......"

In a tone wrought with despair,

"'Your place is with me'... ... Didn't you tell me that?"

With a trembling voice,

"...... Was that all a lie?"

"--------"

It would of been easy to deny her words.

But -- Akatsuki didn't do so, because he knew what Miu needed now was not words. Even if he said anything she wouldn't believe in his words. It would of only spurred on more suspicion.

However, the silence in the other person's eyes stood for an absolute affirmation.

Therefore Miu,

"...... All right."

After saying a short sentence, Miu looked down at her feet, her shoulders began to tremble slightly.

Akatsuki in response slowly tried to approached Miu,

"Liar... ... Your such a LIAAARRRRRRRRRRR!"

Miu's emotions exploded.

At the same time her AD reacted. Holy tin changed its shape into a sword.

"-!"

Miu began to run while turning the tip of the sword towards Akatsuki. However, Akatsuki reacted with,

"............"

Akatsuki stopped moving on the spot, standing there motionless.

And slowly closed his eyes. As if he intended to receive Miu's blade -- in atonement.

Miu however didn't stop as a result. The sword was the embodiment of her stirred up emotions that in a moment were going to run through Akatsuki's body,

"-- I won't let you put a hand on him."

Immediately after that voice containing strong feelings was a harsh metallic clash. Even without opening his eyes he knew who was the one who did that.

Because he could tell from the Ki's that had gathered around him, close enough to him that he could reach a hand out.

"--------"

Therefore -- Akatsuki slowly opened his eyes to see.

Listy Sherfied, Izumi Chikage, and Doumoto Kuzuha.

The backs of all three girls where in front of him as to protect him.

Ousawa Miu immediately leaped back, distancing herself.

After landing, she discovered that she well acquainted with those other girls.

And from there could see they were standing in such a way to protect Akatsuki.

So......

"...... Step back everyone."

Her tone was cold, without any emotion. Listy, Chikage, and Kuzuha all three took some slight action.

Upon seeing that Miu couldn't help narrow her eyes.

"--------"

Countless particles of light surrounded the three girls.

Reacting their new uniforms and newest model AD s.h.i.+ned with a light.

The three's clothes completely changed.

Their Babel school uniforms transformed into -- combat attire.

"You guys ......"

Akatsuki was going to say something when,

"...... This is really unexpected."

Chikage opened her mouth first. And somewhere in her voice held a smile,

"We came running after Kaidou's barrier was broken but...... I certainly never thought I'd come across a situation like this."

"Most likely Ousawa-kun did something lewd again."

"Hey hey...... your going to put this on me?"

With a bitter smile Akatsuki protested. After which Kuzuha added "It was a joke" while quietly staring Miu in the eye,

"When you take in account the barrier was destroyed to attack you Ousawa-kun and Kaidou-kun most of what's happening here becomes very clear."

Then,

"Miu-chan......"

Listy lowered her magic wand she used to block Miu's sword while softly calling out to her.

In Listy's eyes that were staring at Miu were compa.s.sion and pity.

...... Why is she looking at me like that?

It was like she was faulting her, even though in that look there was also a trace of loneliness.

Ousawa Miu couldn't help wonder -- Could it be that Listy was sympathizing with me?

Was it because her trust in Akatsuki from the bottom of her heart had been betrayed -- and now she see's her as pitiful.

"Step back......"

So Miu repeated what she just told them and,

"That person was deceiving me... ... No, that person was probably deceiving everyone. So please, I ask you to step aside."

However......

"...... It's different Miu-chan."

And Listy slowly shook her head,

"Akatsuki wasn't fooling you, and also isn't deceiving us. He hasn't lied to anybody......"

"Impossible, I don't believe it. Listy-san don't be fooled by that person. You have no no idea what that person is really thinking."

Miu continued with,

"I'll ask again. Please let me through everyone, or I won't be so polite."

Then, Chikage shrugged her shoulders with a bitter smile. And good grief,

"It's useless...... she won't listen at all. For an earnest type like Miu, once she sets her mind on something no one will be able to change it. If I'm right, this is most likely how she's being used without even realizing it."

"It would seem Miu really can't be persuaded by us. Ousawa-kun probably a long time ago figured out she won't listen to reason... ... I guess it can't be helped."

"...... Seems so.

As soon as Listy finished saying so, the three's expressions had turned serious.

"-- What do plan on doing?"

Seeing them, Akatsuki couldn't help but ask.

"Since words won't work. There's no other way than resorting to force. Ousawa-kun you don't need to interfere. We'll somehow teach this blockhead a lesson."

"Well...... in order to strengthen our friends.h.i.+p even more, sometimes fighting it out isn't too bad. Even now may also be a good chance."

Kuzuha and Chikage spoke while keeping their gaze firmly planted.

And......

"If you really forget, then let us help you remember...... Miu-chan."

Listy spoke up, and with a sincere look,

"How much -- you believe in Akatsuki."

So the three girls began to walk towards Miu.

"............ All right then."

Miu quietly said to herself. She had already warned them.

But, both sides didn't have to come to this, if only they didn't cross. Since the other side was so inclined, she's not going to hold back either.

"--------"

Ousawa Miu swung the sword back up in her hand, and returned its shape back to Holy tin,

"-- Let's go."

After lightly shouting at the empty s.p.a.ce in front of her -- Miu dashed forward.

Forced into a battle with Phil, Onizuka chose to maintain a distance from his opponent.

After their confrontation at the ranking tournament he fully understood each other's strengths.

Moreover, Onizuka's round chakram wasn't a good match for the longsword over there.

To make matters worse was the fact the phoenix cells could heal pretty much anything, making the other almost immortal. It would be too disadvantageous to fight close range. Therefore, comprehending the circ.u.mstances it was the best possible way to fight.

But......

"Hah...... hah......"

Ten odd minutes after the fighting began Onizuka was already badly bruised.

The reason of course was from Phil's overwhelming difference in ability.

"What's the matter, is this all you have?"

Onizuka's vision was gradually fading, while Phil standing several meters apart took the time to ridicule him.

...... d.a.m.n!

While enduring the intense pain attacking his whole body, inside Onizuka was seething with bitterness causing him to subconsciously grit his teeth.

-- The ranking tournament matter was only a few days ago, and within that time period of course it was impossible to make for that hopeless difference in power. That being said, he never dreamed he face him again. In any event, himself now could barley stand on his legs much less prevail over Phil.

However, Onizuka's purpose in this battle was not victory.

But to buy time. So,

...... I'm going to do it......

Onizuka Kenya didn't lose even a bit of his the will to fight. Phil was probably stronger than Tanaka, but there wasn't any hesitation in his heart like when he was facing Tanaka. He recognized Phil Burnett as a enemy to the truest sense of the word. There was no indebtedness to him, so he could put his all into the fight.

-- In the tournament confrontation before Onizuka certainly didn't hold his own.

He was there to stop Phil from moving forward until until Akatsuki arrived. However, he failed to accomplish this task, conversely Onizuka was defeated, and Phil once again chased after Miu. None the less, it was enough for Akatsuki to make it in time, and turned out to be a small help to Miu.

...... But.

Onizuka thought a loss was a loss. That was an indisputable fact. Therefore, he couldn't afford to repeat the same mistakes this time. He must hold on until Tiana takes down Tanaka.

That was the battle -- Onizuka Kenya placed on himself.

-- And instead of a crus.h.i.+ng defeat this time there was a slight chance of victory for Onizuka.

The reason was because unlike Tanaka, who was trying to kill him, Pil was just toying around with him ever since a battle began.

And now, it reached the point where the damage Onizuka was inflicting became too consistent, causing Phil to decide to start dodging. Although he would occasionally close the distance to strike, whenever Onizuka pulled back again Phil made no attempt to actively pursue.

...... He's completely looking down on me.

Phil was obviously counting him as an inconsequential existence.

However, Onizuka believed nothing could be done about it. Deliberately diverting his eyes from his own weakness would be of no help to the situation.

...... Yeah, that's just how it is.

Staring at the weakness in himself, Onizuka was still facing forward.

He won't run away. Either from Phil -- or also from his own weakness

"Go......!"

Concentrating his mind, Onizuka unfolded a magic formation creating a myriad of flame javelins.

Unleas.h.i.+ng them all at the same time towards Phil.

But......

"This again... ... Could you at least change to some fresh tricks?"

Phil laughed off Onizuka's attack.

He lightly took a few steps to the side, while cutting down the flame javelins one after another with his sword. But, that didn't matter to Onizuka, he new from the start this level of magic could do nothing.

"Oh oh oh oh oh!"

Onizuka increased his concentration.

Phil sneered at his attacks as boring, but these javelins weren't the same ones as in the tournament. The evidence -- when Phil went to slash them out of the sky the flame javelins avoided his sword sneaking around his back.

"This......"

Phil immediately jumped away several steps. However,

"-- You can't escape!"

Onizuka shouted, as the flame javelins were trailing behind Phil.

The remaining javelins totaled eight, the same as number of chakrams he could summon. It was possible with enough mental concentration to completely control the flame javelins. He could change their trajectory to pursue, or even avoid being intercepted by Phil. And with eight at the same time it was practically impossible to dodge or repulse.

"Eat this and die!"

Against the multiple flame javelins approaching in an irregular orbit,

"This sort of magic is only a cheap gimmick --"

Onizuka could only watch as Phil took action with a composed smile. He first thrust the sword in his hand into the earth beneath his feet. Along with a loud noise, large pieces of the ground were kicked high into the air forming a perfect barrier of rocks around him. Onizuka's flame javelins one by one collided causing an explosion before disappearing.

Then,

"-- Here's my return gift."

Breaking through the flying dust multiple red b.a.l.l.s of light came at Onizuka in succession.

"s.h.i.+t!"

Onizuka immedaitly ran in a horizontally manner attempting to dodge them. The b.a.l.l.s of light automatically curved, closely catching up to him.

It seemed tracking quality was also added into the magic. So Onizuka created two fireb.a.l.l.s in the palms of his hands, and unleashed them behind his hack,

"Explode!"

Along with clenching his fists they burst into flames. The resulting fireball fragments detonated the red b.a.l.l.s of light coming at him.

But......

"Your too distracted about what's behind you."

Before Onizuka was aware Phil appeared in front him.

"I was just playing with you -- I can't believe you actually got c.o.c.ky. It really is something offensive to the eyes."

The tip of the sword in his hand was already moving horizontally.

The edge of the sword was glistening in the dim light around them as it was ruthlessly about to cut into Onizuka's body.

At that moment -- Phil was confident of his own victory.

His slash completely caught his opponent off guard. And now it was too late to dodge.

As long as everything stay the same at present, Onizuka's upper body would definitely be severed from his lower body. That was the outcome Phil was looking for.

The dazzling blade moved right to left, instantly cutting all the way through Onizuka's waist.

However......

"This --"

Phil was slightly caught by surprise, because there was no feeling of cutting through anything.

...... Was that a copy?

To produce a double in that moment for handing that surprise attack wasn't too bad of a reaction.

But, no matter how good that magic was, it was was only a faint to gain some distance for those weak attacks.

If I feel like it, I can end this at anytime. The moment when he thought so,

"-- Gu!?"

Phil suddenly was unable to breathe. He was being strangled from behind

...... No way......!

Phil couldn't conceal his inner surprise. A battle between those with abilities beyond that of a human were always dominated by the embodiment of a weapon, or through the use of magic, never did he expect to fall under such a primitive attack. However, Onizuka while choking his neck from behind slowly told him,

"Sure, now that your immortal any kind of wound might heal in an instant."

Phil could only listen on as,

"But as long as you're still a human -- you can't resist your bodies natural reflexes."

And the force being applied to his neck increased even more.

...... This isn't good......!

Onizuka did not intended to suffocate Phil to death.

But to cause carotid sinus syncope -- that was to cause Phil "to lose" consciousness.

The phoenix cells could repair any wound to the body, but it was not possible to prevent the loss of consciousness.

Onizuka caught Phil's blind spot. If done right, it would make him faint in less than ten seconds.

...... I won't go down so easy!

Phil reversed the grip on his sword at once,

"Guh, uh uh uh!"

He didn't hesitate to stab himself in the stomach. A dull feeling was returned to his hand, when the sword ripped through his own flesh and internal organs. While an intense stinging pain attacked his mind causing almost all the power in his body to leave. However, Phil wasn't concerned about it. He had the phoenix cells supporting him. So as long as it skewered Onizuka behind him it was his win.

And -- with this, there was no way for Onizuka griping his neck could avoid the surprise attack with his sword.

But even so,

"E...... h......?"

Phil Burnett was stunned over the sensation he felt.

In the palm of his hand, there was no feeling of have had pierced Onizuka.

"I already expected you would do that......"

While still tightly having a grip on Phil's neck from behind, Onitsuka said with a touch of confidence.

With his opponent having had the phoenix cells transplanted into his body, an attack that would normally kill oneself in the process became extremely possible to survive. Thus, Onizuka a long time ago antic.i.p.ated that Phil would try such a risky method to stab through himself to get himself while behind him.

Therefore, the moment Phil's sword pierced his body -- Onizuka turned his upper body to the side to escape the attack.

Now with his posture half turned to the side, the end of the blade that pa.s.sed through was right up against his chest.

Even so, Onizuka didn't relinquish his grip. With the inside of his right elbow joint locked against Phil's throat,

"Give uuupppppppppp-!"

Onizuka was tightly pressing on the carotid arteries in Phil's neck, but with having an immortal body he was still able to form some resistance,

"Guh..... ah ah ah ah ah!"

As Phil forcibly shook his body to struggle, the edge of the blade swayed back and forth lighting cutting into Onizuka's chest,

"...... Uh......!"

No matter, Onizuka wasn't going to loosen his grip. He understood more than anyone else, if he released his hand here his only chance at winning would be gone forever. By no means could he pa.s.s up this golden opportunity for himself to win.

"Wha......!"

Phil released his grip on his sword, while de-materializing his sword to grab onto Onizuka's arm.

Sharp pain ran through Onizuka's right immediately. The tremendous strength in the grip caused the bones to creak.

...... d.a.m.n...... Keep holding out!

Onizuka was bearing with the pain. He didn't particularly mind if it broke. Since if he was able to take down Phil it would be a small price to pay.

But, it would be difficult to continue holding the chokehold with a broken arm. And without any power in his arm Phil could be able to escape. If that happened -- it would most certainly also lead to Onizuka's defeat.

The moment he thought so,

"Uuuhh...... oh oh oh ah ah ah ahhhhhhhhhhhh!"

Onizuka Kenya roared, he refused to be defeated from the bottom of his heart.

There was no way for him to retreat, so he had to go for broke. His next move came purely out of instinct.

"Gaaa!"

Onizuka headb.u.t.ted the back of Phil's head. The power in Phil's grip on his right arm relaxed a little. Onizuka immediately took advantage of that to hook his right leg with his own, rolling both of them to the ground.

Nevertheless, Onizuka did not release his right arm from Phil's neck.

Phil also never stopped resisting, mustering all the strength in his body to shake off the chokehold. It completely turned into a situation where Onizuka Kenya and Phil Barnett's survival instincts were colliding with each other.

-- And after an eternal ten seconds pa.s.sed.

The duel between the two finally ended.

While fallen on the ground all their limbs had intertwined.

And then the first to get up -- was Phil Barnett

"............"

But, Phil was silent. On the contrary, he wasn't even conscious.

All Phil's arrogance and self-importance even pertained to his body as it also wasn't willing to admit his own defeat.

However, it wasn't possible in such a comatose state, and fell down and collapsed forward in no time.

Then......

"...... Hah...... hah...... gua."

Another young man slowly raised his body. He was the winner of this fierce fight. His shortness of breath was causing both his shoulders rise and fall, and the excitement from the fight still hadn't worn off.

".................."

Onizuka looked down stunned at his own hands. It was still slightly unbelievable.

His hands were still trembling. The same pair which always bullied the weak, and always betrayed himself in times of need. Now had finally lived up to Onizuka's expectations.

"っ......"

Suddenly -- an unidentifiable voice spilled out from Onizuka's mouth.

The long cry began with the torrent of emotions that he couldn't suppress.

Then Onizuka clenched his fists, arched his torso and,

"---------"

Onizuka Kenya looked up at the sky, and detonated a roar.

He yelled, and then continued yelling. He was able to be accomplished something by himself.

He finally succeeded, and finally seized a victory. This was at last the day he wished for, the day where he could finally accept himself.

And through that roar of the winner -- Onizuka was telling himself that over and over again.