Location: Ryūga Arena, Tōun Academy.
A heavy silence hung over the crowd of gathered students. No one dared to speak. All eyes were fixed on the two figures in the center of the field - Tendō Kyōichi vs. Kurokami Jin.
One, the strongest swordsman of the Kenjutsu Club of the Tōun Academy, celebrated as the man of the "Sword that shatters illusions".
The other, the former captain of the Kenjutsu Club, missing for three years-now returned, wielding a darkness not of this world.
Their clash was not merely a battle between two individuals, but the ultimate showdown of earthborn swordsman versus otherworldly returnee.
"You have grown weak, Kyōichi."
Kurokami Jin's voice was deep and cold, his gaze as deep as ghostfire in the dark.
He slowly raised his right hand, and a blade as black as ink materialized in his palm.
The blade was wrapped in strange purple flames that flickered like burning shadows twisted together.
-Demon Blade: "Yangoku.
A forbidden weapon from the afterlife, rumored to be forged from the grudges of the dead. Each swing rips through reality, momentarily distorting space itself.
"Weak?"
Tendō Kyōichi stared calmly at Jin as his sword slipped from its scabbard.
"No-it's you who are no longer human."
In the next instant, the sword flashed.
First Clash: Illusion Breaker vs. Reality Ripper Their blades collided with a thunderous boom.
The shockwave rattled the ears of the crowd-many staggered back, their faces filled with disbelief.
"So fast! That was... spatial distortion?"
Mitō Karuma's pupils shrank, his eyes fixed on the demon blade.
-That wasn't just speed. It was spatial distortion.
Jin's sword style no longer belonged to the system of the academy.
"Tendō's 'Mind Sword: Illusion Breaker' can see through all falsehoods... But what if the opponent no longer exists within 'reality' itself?"
Kōdō Saya bit her lip, uneasiness rising in her chest.
She looked at Yoruomi Sō - his eyes were deeper than ever.
Second Clash: Spatial Distortion Kurokami Jin's blade trembled slightly, and his body split into several afterimages.
"Otherworldly art: Ephemeral Phantoms."
Five shadowy figures simultaneously attacked Kyōichi from five directions!
These weren't just illusions based on sheer speed - they were spatial displacements.
Kyōichi's heart tensed. He forced himself to breathe steadily and shifted his blade - "Mind Sword: Reflection."
The sword glowed, piercing through the illusion.
In an instant, he saw through the four false shadows - and struck at the real Jin!
Their blades collided, scattering sparks.
Jin grinned.
"Not bad... but can you block the next one?"
Third Clash: Shapeless Killing Intent Jin's aura shifted dramatically.
His eyes were consumed by darkness, glowing with a deep purple hue.
His blade carried an invisible malevolence - not just a sword aura, but a curse born of otherworldly beings.
Sō's head snapped up.
"This is bad...!"
Kurokami Jin's true power was about to be unleashed.
Kyōichi gripped his sword tighter, sweat dripping down his back.
This time, he might not escape unscathed.
Black Flame Curse All eyes were on the two in the middle of the arena.
Kyōichi held his sword tightly, sweat running down his face.
Jin stood calmly, his presence completely transformed. His gaze was like an abyss and his blade, Yangoku, devoured the surrounding light. His silhouette faded into shadow.
"...Kyōichi."
Sō murmured.
The oppressive aura radiating from Jin was no mere swordplay - it was a forbidden power beyond human limits.
A curse from the other world.
Those tainted by the black flame would never escape the void.
Kōdō Saya turned pale, clutching the sacred bow of her club.
This was no warrior - this was disaster incarnate.
Even Onimaru Setsura, the powerhouse of the spear club, frowned.
"If this is his strength..."
"Tendō Kyōichi won't win."
First Form: Shadow Rift "Ready?" Jin asked softly - his voice echoing as if from another dimension.
Kyōichi didn't answer.
His sword was already raised.
The next moment, Jin disappeared.
Not "moved quickly."
Vanished.
The audience gasped.
Kyōichi's instincts screamed - Danger!
A blade fell from above.
Kyōichi barely raised his sword in time - Yangoku struck with an explosive blast.
The ground cracked. A corner of the battlefield collapsed.
Such a terrifying power!
Kyōichi's arm went numb. He jumped back - but Jin did not give him time to breathe.
Second Form: Abyss Devourer Jin raised his left hand.
A black rift opened in the air!
A gravitational pull erupted - pulling Kyōichi towards the void!
"Damn it!"
Kyōichi slashed forward, "Mind Sword: Void Sever!"
His sword tore the train apart!
But just as he stabilized, Jin was already there - the blade descending.
"You react well."
Jin smiled as Yangoku cut deep into Kyōichi's shoulder - blood gushing out.
"Kyōichi!" Kōdō Saya shouted.
But Kyōichi did not retreat.
"That's not enough."
He took a deep breath and gripped his sword with both hands.
He closed his eyes.
Jin raised an eyebrow.
The next moment, Kyōichi's aura surged - "Mind Sword: Ultimate State."
His eyes opened, filled with unparalleled calm and clarity.