Blood in Flame and Water

Founding of Three

Chaos ensued.

Roars and shrieks of enraged oni came from the arena below. Clashing of metal on metal reverberated through the Palace. Daki's outcry of pain came soon after her brother's sickles were lodged in the shoji doors of one of the arena's walls. A quick flash of red and black then the body of Daki slammed into the ledge of the wall between the onlookers.

Yasha was none worse for wear. Standing in the middle of the arena, talons drawn and fangs bared. Hissing, Gyutaro snatched his sickles from the doors and glared at the other demon. Hackles raised, the lengthy oni snarled at the composed competition in front of him. The sister demon picked herself out of the hole her body created in the wall and landed next to her brother. Daki slammed her fists angrily against the ground in a tantrum and complained to her brother about being beaten by an "ugly no named nobody".

Having seen enough, Muzan waved his hand. Pausing, Gyutaro backed down begrudgingly and Daki wiped away frustrated tears as she did so too. Sharing a glance, Daki and Gyutaro back away before jumping out of the arena. Finding their place amongst the other Upper Rank oni, they sulked quietly to themselves. The aura around the room grew deeper, almost foreboding in the sense of trepidation. Having the thought in their minds that a demon only created moons ago could be so powerful, that the very likelihood of their titles they've held for centuries could be in jeopardy; it sends a cold shiver down their spine.

Muzan gazed down at Yasha. The oni was as stoic as the beginning. Wounds dealt by Gyutaro's sickles healed evenly, as if they weren't ever there. Any trace of Daki's sashes gashing marks into pale skin were no longer seen. The only evidence left behind of the previous duel between the opposing demons was the fresh blood coating Yasha's further tattered haori. Snorting at the useless piece of fabric, the demon shrugged off the haori and threw it off to the side. Red markings were further exposed along the biceps and forearms of the oni.

Looking up at Muzan, the Demon King hummed and glanced back up at the spectating audience. With Gyutaro and Daki defeated with their title of Upper Moon on the line, the only viable option to go with next was Upper Moon five. Unfortunately, Hantengu was shivering in fear, as he usually was. This would detriment his ability to fight the other oni. Gyokko however, seemed content to just watch and find glee in seeing his fellow Moons getting mauled by Yasha. If he were to be picked, Muzan would have to deal with another tantrum, and he was not looking forward to that.

Instead, Muzan's eyes travel to Akaza, whom after his scolding, kept to keeping his mouth shut and watching in silent anticipation. Turning his body towards the Upper Rank 3, Muzan addressed the other oni, "Akaza. "

The striped demon looked up, topaz eyes shining with a glimmer Muzan knew all too well. Gesturing towards the arena with a tilt of the head, Muzan continued, "Take your position. "
Nodding, Akaza quickly stood and hopped down to the lower floor. Standing opposite of Yasha, Akaza leveled him with an examining look before effortlessly sliding himself into his Soryu stance. Glancing at Akaza up and down, Yasha too acquired his fighting stance, though his stance was less refined and more dependent on his talons and fangs instead of his fists.

Seeing the new power dynamic facing off against each other, Muzan grew closer to the edge of his stage to see the arena more clearly. With his interest now peaked, Muzan stared down at the opposing oni. Finally, Muzan commanded, "Commence the battle. "

Instantaneously, Akaza and Yasha rushed at each other. Throwing a right jab, Yasha blocked with his forearms. Recovering, Akaza dips and goes for a gut punch. Pivoting on his heel, Yasha spins and allows the punch to roll off his side. Appearing behind Akaza, the striped oni turns to accommodate, unfortunately Yasha was too quick and landed a slash across Akaza's left eye. Hissing, the third Upper Moon jumped away after sweeping Yasha's feet out from under him to allow his eye to recover.