The wind howled across the quiet ridge overlooking the Klyrode Valley.
The sun hung low, painting the world in shades of gold and blood-red. Juichi stood at the edge of the plateau, staring down at the two familiar figures standing on the path ahead.
Sakura Harasen.
Renji Harasen.
Sakura's expression was unreadable—arms folded, back straight, but her eyes carefully avoided his.
Renji stepped forward, exuding calm aggression. His voice carried across the clearing.
"She doesn't belong with you."
Juichi clenched his fists. "She gets to decide that."
Renji scoffed. "No. She doesn't. She's a Harasen. And we don't run from our duties."
The tension between them thickened, unspoken history simmering just beneath the surface.
Sakata yawned from a nearby boulder, watching them with a mixture of boredom and interest.
"Well, this is awkward. Are we throwing hands, or just trading trauma?"
Renji's gaze locked onto Juichi. "He's the one standing in the way."
Sakata raised a brow. "Then do it properly."
He clapped his hands. A pulse of magic rippled through the air.
The ground shimmered, and in an instant, the surroundings faded into a different space—a dimensional battlefield forged by Sakata's magic. A flat stone arena floated in midair, surrounded by crimson clouds and jagged peaks. Time felt heavier here, slower and more focused.
Sakata cracked his knuckles. "No interference. No distractions. Just a clean duel."
Juichi stepped forward, his boots echoing against the stone.
"I don't care who you are. I'm not letting you take her like that."
Renji's hand went to his side—but it wasn't the hammer Juichi had seen before.
It was a sword.
A beautiful, deadly crimson blade, pulsing faintly with heat and wrapped in ancient red cloth near the hilt.
Juichi's eyes narrowed. "You switched weapons."
Renji unsheathed the blade with a hiss. "The hammer was tradition. This—" he raised the sword, angling it down— "this is my path."
The runes along the sword lit up, and Renji took a stance.
Crimson Sword Style — First Form: Burning Crescent.
Juichi's fire burst to life in his palms. "Then let's see it."
Renji vanished.
Juichi barely managed to parry the downward strike that came a heartbeat later. The force of it cracked the stone underfoot, and the shockwave hurled him back.
He skid to a stop, sparks flying around his feet.
Renji followed up without hesitation.
Second Form: Phoenix Fang.
His sword spiraled upward, a sharp, fluid cut that created a burst of flame along its arc. Juichi ducked, rolling forward and countering with a blast of fire.
Flame Burst Palm!
The explosion forced Renji back—but only a step. He twisted mid-air and landed smoothly, sword raised again.
"You've improved," he said flatly. "But your fire is wild."
Juichi gritted his teeth. "Better wild than dead."
He charged, launching a volley of flame-infused punches. Renji weaved between them, faster than before. His sword flicked in and out like a serpent, every movement elegant and efficient.
Clang. Slash. Dodge. Flame. Steel.
Their battle turned into a violent dance of light and heat, every strike shaking the arena.
On the edge of the floating platform, Sakura watched silently, her eyes shadowed beneath her bangs.
She didn't move.
Didn't speak.
Just watched.
And inside her, something was breaking.
Juichi flared his aura.
Fire Dragon Art — Twin Comet Fists!
His hands burst into twin spirals of blazing red-orange, crashing down toward Renji.
Renji spun, pivoted, and answered with a rising slash.
Crimson Sword Style — Third Form: Ember Spiral.
The two attacks collided, creating a shockwave that split the arena's surface and shot flames high into the swirling sky.
Both fighters staggered back—neither giving ground.
Breathing hard, sweat dripping down his brow, Juichi growled, "You're not taking her. I don't care what your last name is."
Renji steadied his sword and replied calmly—
"She was never yours to protect."
Then he lowered his stance.
And activated something new.
Crimson Sword Style — Fourth Form: Scarlet Mirror.
A glowing sigil formed beneath his feet, and the air warped.
Juichi's instincts screamed—
But it was already too late.
---
To be continued...