Chapter 48: Rebound

Whenever Ozpin and Corvus would clash, a portion of the place would vanish as craters were created and buildings were blown away, exposing the devastation.

"So this is Ozpin when he's serious..."

Qrow expressed his amazement.

"Wow" Winter said.

(Not bad...)

Pyrrha was still just silently watched, She looked at Haruki going berserk from a distance.

All of Haruki's women were observing him, they couldn't help him again... Sure they were strong, but what's the point if their strength can't be a pillar for the man they love.

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Haruki on the other hand were killing Grimm with his bare hands, with only the void bats devouring the corpses.

He was grinning like a mad man, But deep in his psyche was trying to suppress the madness.

A hulking Goliath Grimm stood in front of him, Glaring down on him, as if saying that he was irrelevant.

He jumped upwards and grabbed the trunk of the Goliath Grimm, "Looking down on me!? I'll tell you who's superior!!!"

He lifted the Grimm and slammed it towards the hundreds of Grimm that were approaching. He slammed his fist crushing the Goliath's head and turning it into pulp.

The impact of the fall caused the ground to shake. As the cloud of dust cleared, what appeared before the Grimm was a person holding a Huge Great Sword, adorned with a dragon's head, and lustrous black scales. It reflected the beauty of the moon, while emphasizing the brutality of the wielder as he Carried the blade with a twisted grin.

The more one stared at him, the more they would feel the disparity between them.

Even the Grimm could perceive the danger that man represented. The giant sword rested on the man's shoulders as he walked calmly towards the battlefield.

The people who were observing Haruki were entranced by the elegance and danger he exuded.

Yet no one could utter a word. Exposed to the overwhelming power emitted from Haruki, Their own Bodies won't listen to them.

Even though that person's back was turned, They felt the pressure of the overpowering intimidation they received from the approaching Grimm that numbered over thousands fading.

When Haruki looked at the Grimm the sins created, as he stood directly opposite and facing each other, Their movements have stopped.

Their eyes glowing red, even though they were soulless beings, they clearly showed hints of fear and submission.

'For even the Grimm would show hints of fear...' Winter thought to herself as she was awed by the presence of the young man who stood in front of an army of monsters...

All alone...

How much power was needed to do that!?

Among all the people she has met, there was none with a presence like that of the young man before her very eyes.

Then suddenly a Huge manticore swooped down from above, Winter thought to herself 'Shit! He didn't notice that one!'

But before she could utter a world, Haruki just casually swung his sword at the direction of the approaching grim, splitting it in half from between with just the wind gust from his swing...

"Hm? Was I this strong? or are these things just weak?"

A casual remark and yet the people around it took it as a form of declaration, That he alone could achieve the power to stand on top... The Apex, where all the warriors yearned for...

For the Residents of this world, The Grimm were an unstoppable Force pushing humanity towards the brink.

The Grimm charged towards Haruki, and yet not a hint of fear surfaced from his face, He was still smiling as if he welcomed them, To him these Grimm were all the same... They invited their own destruction.

But the price behind this fervor was immense he couldn't stop himself once he starts...

*Zzzziiiiip*

A tearing sound came from the battlefield.

<<Shura 1st Form- Bladestorm>>

Countless of slashes that cut through space itself assaulted the Grimm that approached him, He swung his massive great sword around with extreme speed. He hasn't even used lightning form yet.

In an instant, the wall of hulking Grimm was demolished.

Though they were far away from the clash, they couldn't help but feel that as if the attack itself was near them.

The Carnage didn't stop and the area where the Grimm should be, had only but the constantly flying limbs and Remains of the Grimm that flew to the sky.

Dying screams echoed, Haruki who was barely visible, hadn't stepped forward from his former position.

He bathed in the blood of those Grimm he killed, And yet the luster of his blade hadn't lost its shine. In fact it seemed to grow even stronger as it cut through the enemies.

Countless void bats Devoured the corpses littering the place.

Just how many Grimm faced Haruki? Who was only just one person? Numbers were power. No matter how strong one was, They would get crushed by the endless waves of monsters sooner or later.

But before that young man's power, The Grimms strength, Type, or even physique were insignificant.

Just who was the true monster here?

He didn't seem to care about the Grimm that surrounded him, He only cared about satiating his thirst.

This was the Path of Shura, This was the path of Blood.

To him who was like a raging tempest of tumultuous calamity of death, Things like numbers were not a problem at all.

The others could barely discern the change but it was noticable if they focused, they could see that the blade was chewing. A mouth appeared in the blade.

'It's eating the Grimm!?' Winter and Qrow thought.

While the destruction spread in what could only be described as a massacre, a form of Grimm cruelty...

He wasn't just swinging the sword with brute Force alone... His swings were matched by faultless technique.

Every single slash was powerful and had vigour... After killing one without a single delay, he would connect his attacks towards another.

It felt like a dance, in the middle of those menacing Grimm, he alone stood at his stage performing... matching the rhythm with the Grimm falling to the ground.

Slowly He was clearing the Grimm, but He hasn't had enough yet... He still thirsted for battle...

He looked towards Ozpin and Corvus fighting.

His feet wouldn't listen to him as he charged towards the two clashing after clearing out the remaining Grimm.

He left the other Grimm to be dealt with by his friends.

He was being pulled towards the more exciting battle.

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The intense sounds stopped...

[Let me say this now Ozma... I'll be going all out, my system demands me to finish this quickly...So come at me with your full power.]

Ozpin nodded at his statement.

It was time to go all out from here.

Corvus released all of his power.

The negative aura that covered Corvus's body expanded. The air shook violently, as his body slowly transformed.

He turned into a two meter tall Leviathan Grimm that had Manticore wings.

In direct contrast with Corvus, Ozpin invoked multiple magic circles around his body and weapon.

"Come... I'll end this once and for all..."

Both He and Corvus grinned at each other.

"[ Here I come!!"]

Both disappeared. It was high speed movement without any prior stances, Their reaction speed was top tier.

Both sent a fist towards each other- -

*Crash!!!!*

Haruki used his lightning form and grabbed both of their fists with each hand, and flung them on opposite directions.

*Bam!!*

The two didn't notice Haruki when he approached, As they solely put their attention on each other.

They were slammed to the ground rolling multiple times.

Qrow was about to charge in but Ozpin immediately raised his hand to stop him. as soon as he regained his footing.

"Mr. Haruki... it seems that you couldn't control it anymore..."

Haruki shrugged his shoulders, "Hehehe, sorry about that professor... your battle was so enticing I couldn't help myself..."

Corvus roared in laughter as he brushed aside the rocks on his Grimm body, [Hahahaha!! This wasn't what I expected but this is a welcome addition! Two of the strongest people I know... Hahahahaha what a way to go!!]

Haruki smirked as he looked at Ozpin, "Don't die on me old man! I don't want to apologize to a corpse later..."

Ozpin scoffed, "Interesting... I do want to test you limits."

He unleashed one of his magic skills, A green thunder approached both Haruki and Corvus,

"[It won't hit!!"] They both said as they dodged and moved closer to each other.

They sent punches towards each other, a three way fist fight.

[I see so you've improved huh!?]

Corvus said to Haruki, He was in a fired-up mood. They closed the distance to each other once more while feeling the heat from Ozpin's fire balls.

They all grinned, They all have gone from battlefield to battlefield, polishing their own skills and techniques, they all found the style that exceeded the limits of humans...

How far could each of them go? To what extent could their skills take them? To what height?

[Hahahahaha!! I have been waiting for a moment like this, This time Ozma! my blade shall reach you!!]

He accelerated, He was faster as he avoided Ozpins Powerful barrage of Magic, It bypassed even Ozpin's reflexes. His whole body screamed with the intention of at least wounding Ozpin, as he charged towards the target before his very eyes.

[Oraaaahhhhhh!!!!!!]

He drew back his blade, as he maintained top speed, with a power that was not even comparable to a few moments ago...

"Don't get cocky you puuuunnkkk!!!!"

Ozpin steadied his stance into a riposte stance, A hundred magic Circles appeared from his cane.

Corvus knew he was at the boundary of the summit where his friend was standing, And finally he caught a glimpse of what the top feels like. However, Ozpin was already there. He was not so naive to think that this amount of attack could beat him...

[I won't fucking back down!!!!]

Bang!* The two clashed their weapons, not giving each other the advantage until suddenly, Haruki appeared at the air, slamming Warmonger down.

*Crash!!*

The two gained some distance from one another, They both glared at Haruki for interrupting them.

He shrugged his shoulders, "I don't know if this comes with age, but you people really tend to forget things huh?"

Corvus attempted a second assault, If he didn't close the distance he would have no chance of taking a glimpse of that summit again.

Haruki on the other hand was elated, This is what The path of Shura was chasing after... The Pinnacle of Skill, If he can't beat these two with his skills alone... then what is the point. Even if he Had colossal strength it is meaningless in front of true skill, just as Eris showed him.

These two Giants stood in front of him to block the summit, If he manages to at least wound Ozpin and Corvus on his peak state... He could finally see the top. Where his Master stood...

He could finally understand why he had that lonely look on his eyes Everytime he fights.

Using the Path of Shura once more Reignited the spark, the feeling of wanting to stand at the Apex of all creation...

Fuuuuuhhh*

They all breathed a cold mouthful of air...

All three of them Met at the middle of the battlefield, Against the fist that was approaching Ozpin's face he put up his cane. The attacks didn't always come from behind.

Before the countless Sparks went away, Their figures vanished once more, They were running around as they clashed blades. Even on one's blindspots were attacked, they would only get minor injuries.

They were all trying to exceed their own limits, The one wanted to maintain his seat at the top, The other wanted to Catch a glimpse of that glory, while the young upstart wanted to uproot the old trees and plant a new legend.

is he going to use magic? Or will it turn in to a fist for all! melee?

Haruki asked himself as he stepped back.

Their Viewers However were shocked, To Qrow he thought that Haruki was still leagues apart from those two old monsters but on his skill alone he was about to reach their levels of skill, without even mentioning his physical prowess.

How far away was the existence that spoke to her all those years ago? How far has he gone in the span of five years? The back that she has chased and yearned for all those years... He was still... Oh so far away.

She was likely unable to see through the depths of that man, She wanted to unravel the mystery of the man called Kazama Haruki. That was the reason why Winter strived for excellence, if she hadn't met that man she would've already died from her own complacency.

While hearing the clashing blades from far away, they etched this battle in their memory, they will see through it until the end.

While striking Corvus who didn't move, Ozpin thought on how to deal a single blow with all his might.

In his judgement, Corvus who was taking advantage of his Grimm form used this to move from place to place, It was troublesome. Supposedly if Haruki was not distracted by his own mantra, He could help Ozpin to pin Corvus down.

Not only was Corvus strengthened, His Negative aura served as a shield from aura attacks of haruki.

Ozpin Thought that he could amplify his attacks by sapping away at his life force, at worst he could always reincarnate.

Corvus Movements exceeded his limits, and yet Haruki kept up with his lightning form, [Hahahahahaha! Take this!!!] He sent multiple tentacle spikes towards haruki.

Haruki fended them off, but he needed to stop and that gave corvus the chance to gain some distance from the both of them.

All three of them stood still, They all knew they couldn't maintain their present state or too long.

They all spoke in unison. "[I guess we don't have much time!! Shall we go out with a bang!?!?'"]

When the fight had become drawn-out, Only Haruki would have the advantage. Such a thing, was not the fight they all hoped for.

Reserve power for the biggest gain!? Fuck that!!

Such thoughts were discarded as they glared at one another, Ozpin Charged his mana he gave every last bit of his strength to this attack. Corvus Transformed back to his Zombie form as he condensed his negative aura on his hands. Haruki summoned Fenrir Fangs as he stood there patiently.

They began to run at each other, With a shout all three of them collided. Nobody avoided. They each answered each others resolve.

It was the most simplistic of blows. There was no need to put much thought into their attacks. As their Fists collided mutually.

Haruki Used Lightning Form and absorbed all of the damage using [Reflecting Moon] And he redirected all of the damage he has accumulated towards Corvus and he used [Exploding Star] at the same time.

*Booom!!!*

A huge explosion that decimated the entire area, The only ones left were the three of them laughing, even if They were all wounded and tired, they kept hitting.

Corvus's mangled Body, stood as if not wanting to fall down yet, He was pushing his limits, he knew his immortality was gone. He couldn't be reckless like before. He wanted one more second just one more, he wanted to see if he could surpassed him or would he be surpassed by the boy.

"HAHAHAHAHAHHAHA!!!!"

[HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!]

"KUHAHAHAHAHAHAHA"

They were at the last vestiges of their strength, the only thing that's making them stand was sheer will power... Haruki has decided to send off Corvus, a proper send off this time...

Haruki Summoned Mournful Vengeance, He dual wielded both Warmonger and Mournful Vengeance.

He also activated <<Absolute Domain>> to amplify the damage he could dish out.

<<Shura 7th Form - Fukuzutsumi>> x 10,000

A dazzling flash, of White light it was as if he cut through the dimensions itself. Tearing through everything, Telling everyone that The path of Shura is absolute.

Then as if a beautiful silhouette of a flower was created as He struck Corvus with it.

Painting the ground blood red, as Corvus's blood spattered on the ground, and flew out like falling snow.

The strongest strike, Hidden within the two blades invaded Corvus's body, Then silence...

A Serene and Calm Sword, unlike the Path of Shura represented... This was the Final Form of The Path of shura, After the torrent of unrelenting anger what followed after was the unsettling calm.

His blood splattered making a mess, The moon reflected the beauty of his final strike, this also showed Haruki's respect towards the two of them, two great warriors forgotten by time.

Ozpin was clutching his cane as he wobbly walked towards Corvus.

"Farewell old friend..."

"See you around Old Man, the rematch was fun."

*Cough Cough*

[Kehehehehahahahaha!!! In the end i'm still a stepping stone for the next generation... not bad kid... not bad at all you managed to beat me, and this time with out using your fancy tricks...but still not enough to beat him.]

Haruki tilted his head not understanding what Corvus meant.

Corvus slowly closed his eyes, Ozpin gathered on what remaining magic power he has left. He showed corvus images of his family one last time.

Haruki used Warmonger to devour his corpse to prevent him from being resurrected once more...

[Get to the Top kid... I will be watching from down there...]

Haruki smirked as he reassured Corvus one last time.

The long Silence finally ended as they saw the sun rising from the horizon.

He looked towards the direction of his friends and women, they all had mixed expressions but they still went near the two of them.

Haruki breathed a sigh of relief, but as he looked towards the direction of where Aergia fled to, he knew that this was only the start...

Soon they would have to confront the sinners again, but at that time he will be prepared.