The Black Dragon

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The children of Mistsuki all have a reputation for being some of the strongest fighters the Cero Clan has ever seen. Ichiro, Hinata, and Andrias all hold positions as powerful fighters, while Indigo is well on his way to achieving the same kind of merit. Then there's me Russo Cero the fifth child and runt of the litter. Born with a naturally weak body I have no right to be a fighter, my muscles ace after even the most minuscule amount of physical activity and my bones are fragile. I'm seen as a failure, unfit to be known as a child of Mitsuki, and the other clan members made sure that I won't forget this.

So in order to stand among them I resulted to fighting the only way my body would allow. What some might call dirty fighting, pressure points, poison, hidden weapons, and low blows, are my only hope of winning any fight I'm in.

After learning to fight dirty I started to rack up an impressive number of wins. However, many saw my wins as hollow achievements, earned through cowardice and dishonor. The Cero Clan doesn't look down on dirty tactics on paper but fighting with nothing but dirty trick after the dirty trick is a different story. Even after all my hard work to become strong in my own way I hadn't changed a thing. I was alone, tolerated by my mother but disregarded by my own brother. A proud warrior like him wouldn't waste his time with a cowardly weakling such as myself. It would bring shame to the boy who's scheduled to be the next head of the Cero Clan.

Then I found out about you, Zato Cero. A boy who just like I was hated by the majority of the Clan. Yet unlike me, it never seemed to bother you. Even after being given the title of the Stain of the Cero Clan, you continue to stand strong. Without even knowing it you and I became closer than anyone else in this damn Clan and deep down I grew to admire you.  Two outcasts, hated by the majority for reasons out of our control, I wish our first meeting could have been under different circumstances but alas here we are. I may admire you, but can't hesitate to strike you down, I have no choice but to win here.

Back in the arena, the two boys look at one another waiting for one of them to make the first move. With the chains of restraining removed the remainder of this fight will be nothing like before.

"Something's different," Kiba says as he looks into the arena. "The feeling alone has changed from what it was like a few moments ago," Kiba explains

"It has?" Akeno asks, not feeling the difference Kiba is referring to.

"You've got some good instincts." Zen laughs.

"Kiba's right, the fight itself has changed from two fighters just going through the motions to a dangerous dance where even a single mistake can spell defeat," Hinata explains.

"They're moving!" Asia shouts as Russo and Zato rush toward one another.

Time seemingly slows down for the two, each step becoming heavier than the last. As their opponent inches closer their minds race, to predict their opponent's next move and to create a counter strategy, for whatever they may throw at them. Possible attacks are eliminated and replaced with something else.

The two continue running toward each other and once they're within range they strike. Zato comes in with a straight punch while Russo lets loose an uppercut. Both fighters see the incoming attack and respond accordingly. Both dodge to the opposite side and their eyes quickly move to regain their gaze on their opponent.

However, blood erupts from Zato's hand as he looks down to see thin long cuts covering his hand. Looking from his hand to Russo, Zato can see his own blood covering thin almost invisible wire that connects to the glove on Russo's hand.

"Wire? That can't be allowed...can it?" Xenovia asks

"All fair here," Hinata explains with crossed arms as she watches the fight.

"It'll take more than a few cuts to take Zato down," Rias says with the utmost confidence.

Zato's eyes narrow as he quickly spins around his arm, the razor-sharp wire dig into the skin as Zato grabs the wire and yanks it forward pulling Russo toward him.

Raising his fist Zato prepares to bring down the hammer but Russo disconnects the wire and jumps back as Zato brings down his fist. The ground shatters as rocks and dust launch into the air.

Not wasting a moment Zato charges forward while ripping the wire off his other hand. Zato lets loose a right hook but Russo ducks under it and then Russo lifts his lower body off the ground using his hand and spin kicks Zato in his left side.

Zato's eyes widen as his body shivers. His cloth begins to become stained with red as Russo brings his foot away from Zato's side. As he does this a blade retracts back into his shoe.

However, before his leg can get too far away Zato's hand shoots out and grabs Russo's leg. Yanking the leg toward him Russo is dragged off his hands.

"Got you," Zato says with a menacing grin as he punches Russo in the face so hard that when Russo hits the ground he bounces like a stone being skipped across water. As Russo lands and skids across the ground, Through heavy breaths, Zato brings his hand to the stab wound on his side. "It's deep but it didn't hit anything vital.  Still, I'm losing blood fast." Zato says as he looks back at Russo who's still motionless on the ground before turning away and begins to walk away.

"Don't look down on me you bastard!" Russo shouts as Zato turns around with a powerful right, but the moment before his hit would have landed Russo stops all motion and Zato's punch just grazes him. As This happens Zato faintly hears something tearing  but before he can think too much into it a powerful uppercut connects and sends Zato flying back. As Zato lands back on his feet he sees Russo standing before him. His entire body is shaking and it looks like he's not just struggling to stand but it hurts to even be on his feet.

"You haven't used your sacred gear once, do you see me as nothing more than a joke!" Russo shouts as he balls his fist.

Standing up straight Zato looks at Russo and sighs. A black arua oozes  from his right arm before it takes the shape and becomes his gauntlet. "I'm sorry." Zato says bluntly as he looks Russo in the eyes. Suddenly Zato appears in from of Russo shocking the boy who jumps back but upon landing he sees that Zato is gone. Looking behind him he sees Zato lifting up his right arm. Russo tries to make some distance again but finds that the moment he moves away he's drawn back to the same spot. Zato's fist come down and slams Russo into the ground. Russo's eyes go pale and hois body limp as he collapses to the ground.

"Would you look at that, Russo Cero is down! The winner is Zato!" Barron shouts as Mitsuki sighs.

"How predictable."

Zato looks down at the uncousous Russo before kneeling down and throwing his arm over his shoulder and lifts Russo up. With Russo with him Zato leaves the arena with his former opponent in toe. The next round soon to begin.