S1: Chapter 17 - Gates of Hell

- Southern part huh... Seems like a cave from the inside.- Kagutsuchi thought.

- Oh I'm so sorry it's so dirty in here! I didn't expect guests. - Koji joined

- A finger. First of them. - Kagutsutchi said.

- A legendary fire user. Only one of them. - Koji replied.

- Hm...

- However, you're old. Time is running you over already. Not to mention your sickness.

- You're good at observing aren't you?

- I certainly am. - Koji replied all proud.

- That's probably the only thing you're good at...

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- What's the damage on the city? - Himanishu asked - I want a full report. All of you go and search the area, help the injured if there are any.

- Yes ma'am!

- Not you Kaichi. You stay here.

- Why is that? - asked Kaichi

- We don't know if there are any other enemies around. Just because the main threat ran away, doesn't mean that it's over.

- Fair point. I will stay by your side. - replied Kaichi

- Not as if I particularly need you. I'm an independent women.

- I really didn't ask.

- But aside of that, you have a great potential and a good element. I'm sure you will make amazing use of it. So if a danger were to occur, I'm sure I could count on you to fight them off.

- You believe me that much?

- I do. You will be fine.

...

Back at the cave Kagutsuchi was trying to get info from Koji, but he was unsuccessful.

- What are you after. Who are you after? - Kagutsuchi was not giving up

- That's none of your business old man. - Koji replied

- The best I can think of right now is that you don't even know what are you after. Precisely because it's not you who is after anything to begin with. You are just a pawn.

- Watch your mouth grandpa, or I will shut them for you.

- There's not much about it at this point. I'll just..

At enormous speed Kagutsuchi made his way to Koji aiming directly for his head.

- DISPOSE OF YOU MYSELF!

...

- How's the situation. - Himanishu asked?

- Some parts of the city are damaged, but none of the damages are too great.

- Injured?

- A few. No casualties so far.

- Good. How's Leyce doing?

- He is asleep. Healers are looking after him.

- Great. Don't wake him up. And if when he wakes up, don't let him leave, immediately call for me.

- Yes ma'am.

- What about you Kaichi, feeling well? - Himanishu asked

- I didn't even fight, of course I'm well.

- I meant, worried about Leyce?

- Of course not, I don't really care what happens to that guy. On top of that, a bigger concern is what happened to Akane. We have to do something.

- You are right on the money, we have to do something. And I have a task for us.

- Why do I have a feeling that this task isn't related to saving Akane...

- Because it isn't. Kagutsuchi went after them, he is sure to bring her back and find out what is behind this attack.

- Are you sure that geezer is going to be fine?

- Of course, despite his looks, he is on fire when it comes to fighting...

- What a comedic duo you two are...

...

- It really is about the time you stopped crying. Such a pretty face shouldn't cry. - Kuroishi said to Akane.

- Let me... Go... Already... - Akane was saying through tears.

- I fair i can't do that, not today... But here's a fair deal. For now, you are going to stay with me. And if you end up being a good girl, I will let you go to say goodbye to your friends at family one last time.

- to mother and father? Nariko... Leyce... - Akane was lost in thoughts...

- So what do you say? It's not a bad deal is it? All you have to do is be a good girl, and I will let you go for a bit... Under my conditions.

...

Fire Element: Phoenix Wings

Huge Fire wings emerged from Kagutsuchi's back, and in the blink of the eye he flew right in Koji's face.

- He.. HE'S FAST!!! - Koji thought nervously

Fire Element: 7 Gates of Hell

A quick 7 fire strikes that can slice through anything, leaving nothing but ashes behind - 7 Gates of Hell is a move Kagutsuchi is well known for. And it's also a move he never misses with.

As he swings his sword, Kagutsuchi cuts off Koji's leg, burning his knee all the way to thigh. The leg that was cut off immediately burned and became ashes.

- did I miss? - Kagutsuchi was thinking - no, that's not it. I'm certain it was supposed to hit his neck... It feels as if my slash changed target in last moment... Is it his technique? Either way, I have 6 more strikes.

Despite the confidence, second, third, fourth and fifth strike all missed right before hitting Koji.

- I didn't even feel it connect. There is no way he can dodge these, he isn't faster than me. Then why... Is something making me miss?

Void Element: A bottomless pit

Kagutsuchi noticed in last moment what it was. Koji's element managed to save him until now.

- Screw this guy, old my ass! Even at this age he is this strong? And these are only 2 of his moves? Is it even his signature move...?! 7 hits, and even if one of them were to connect without me making it vanish, I'll burn whole, no doubt about it! Ridiculous! - Koji was panicking. - but I have to hold him off for a bit longer... Just a bit longer and I will win! WE WILL WIN!

6th Kagutsuchi's strike went for the other leg, and as expected it went through...

- good, only one mo-

Boiling blood the moment it touches, Kagutsuchi's edge met Koji at last, passing entirely through the chest to the other side of the back.

- AUGHH! - Koji screamed - what happened? That last strike happened out of nowhere!

- 7th strike is the strongest of them all, as each strike gets progressively stronger, the last one is the one that takes the person through the gates of hell... - Kagutsuchi smiled in victory.

And just like that, fire got completely extinguished, leaving only a blade in Koji's chest.

- W.. What?!

- You... You made it in time, master. - Koji replied in relief

- Having a fun time aren't you, Koji.....

At last, Kuroishi joins the battle.

- So you've managed to secure the target Koji. And even held him until I made it here. For once you did a decent job.

- Oh, so we do meet after all. Are you gonna answer my questions, or should I end you here. - Kagutsuchi asked

- Answer your questions? I guess I'll just let loose for a bit. - Kuroishi got all excited.

- You'll let loose? Let me open them then for you... Gates... Gates of Hell..... - Kagutsuchi was ready for showdown.

Void... Cavity of the Element.

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To be continued...