Sacred Killers - Akuma no yoru

The battle at Yokai City

The battle in Yokai city

The battle raged on between the men, Misuke going head to head with Maku, who was bleeding from his head and starting to weaken. More of Kinoshiba's subordinates had shown up and joined the fight as well. Yamachi continued to fight with the old man from before who took off his hood, known as Ano.

[Yamachi] For an old man like you, age affects you greatly right? Unlike me, your wisdom and strength has regressed.

[Ano] You're not like the stories from back then; "The Face of Death"

[Yamachi] Funny how in my eighty plus years of life, I haven't heard your name once.

[Ano] I'm not surprised, if I wanted my name known I'd have it known.

Ano, clenching onto the handle of his katana, did an upwards slice. It pried Yamachi's guard up instantly as Yamachi didn't have time to counter the force. His arms flew up, and his body leaned back, leaving himself completely exposed. Yet, his face showed no expression of surprise or shock. While he was leaning back, Ano went to strike again and when he did, he was met with the unnatural style and demeanor of Yamachi. His feet moved so quick and while he barely had balance, he bursted backwards at a slant, holding his katana up while leaning. He quickly crouched down after he created some distance and flashed behind the old man, instantly striking him across his torso. The strike was so quick, Ano couldn't track it. There was also no presence of life energy, this was done by pure raw skill. Ano staggered for a moment before catching his balance and retreating back. Yamachi stood up and got in a stance, holding his katana loosely in front of him, his right leg leading in front and his left leg back, carefully shuffling back and forth.

[Yamachi] This is true skill with a blade, learn it. You thought that you managed to set me off guard for a moment? Pay attention to your opponent and watch every strike, the feet, the hands, everything, instead of getting cocky.

[Ano] *in pain* Why...you!

A horde of Kinoshiba's men overtook the battlefield and rushed forward, Misuke drawing his katana, and everyone getting ready. Suddenly, an uneasy presence filled the air, followed by complete silence as every single one of them froze, including the wind. Tapping on the ground could be heard by some object, and scraping like someone's foot dragging behind on the rough pavement. Hidden by the darkness behind, slowly coming into view, appeared to be a slightly tall man holding a cane of some sort and using it to assist him in walking. As he came into view, his features could be seen. He had short black hair with gray streaks, wore a long dark coat, and had small visible wrinkles on his face but he didn't appear to be that old. He reached the battlefield, everyone frozen, some in fear, some in shock, but no one expected the appearance.

[Rui Yamamaki] My my...what's going on here?

[Misuke] *in shock* Sensei...

[Yamachi] *shocked* Yamamaki?

[Jeyna] *confused* Who is that man?

[Yokeitanto] *in shock* Mr. Rui?!

[Maku] You...

Rui inched closer to Misuke, eventually putting his hand on his shoulder with a smile on his face.

[Rui] *smiling* Long time no see?

[Misuke] I thought you weren't coming back?

[Rui] I've done my time, now I'm going to just chill out for now. So, I sensed a lot of ruckus going on, so what's the problem here?

[Yamachi] Hey hey hey, wait a second? What's the problem, you shouldn't be here right now. Have you really done what you needed to do?

[Rui] I've seen what I needed to see, I'll share my findings another time. I just can't seem to relax with all that is going on right now.