Last Dance

The clash between us reverberated through the forest, the sound of steel meeting steel blending with the whispers of the wind.

With each exchange, our movements flowed seamlessly, synchronized with the rhythm of the breeze. As Hokushin darted behind me, I instinctively leaped backward, narrowly avoiding her strike.

Turning swiftly, our eyes met in a silent understanding. Without a word spoken, we resumed our duel, each movement calculated and precise.

Hokushin's stamina seemed endless, her movements fluid and precise despite the relentless exchange of blows.

Truly, she was living up to my expectations.

With determination burning in my veins, I assumed a battle-ready stance, ready to give it my all.

In a swift motion, I lunged forward, aiming to catch Hokushin off guard.

But she was quick to react, her instincts sharp as ever. Sensing my feint, she attempted to block her line of sight, anticipating my next move.

Yet, I wasn't about to fall for her trickery. Using the distraction to my advantage, I changed tactics mid-move, adjusting my katana's trajectory to parry her attack.

As the clash ensued, I seized the opportunity to utilize the dirt beneath us, flinging it into her face to momentarily blind her.

But Hokushin was not one to be easily deterred. With a knowing smile, she revealed that her block had been a feint, luring me into her trap.

Caught off guard, I barely had time to adjust, scrambling to defend against her sudden sideward slash.

Reacting on instinct, I shifted my stance and managed to parry her strike just in time, narrowly avoiding a devastating blow.

Yet, even as I countered her attack, Hokushin wasted no time, closing the distance between us once more as the fierce clash continued.

Adrenaline surged through my veins as Hokushin matched my intensity, her every move calculated and precise.

Amidst the chaos of battle, I forced myself to remain focused, blocking out any distractions or doubts that threatened to cloud my mind.

With each clash of our blades, I honed in on precision, striking with calculated accuracy rather than giving in to reckless impulses.

"Ho? Not bad... It seems you're taking this seriously now," Hokushin remarked, her eyes gleaming with approval. She kicked out, but I blocked it with my katana, using the knockback to put some distance between us.

"Surely, you're not telling me that you're going easy, no?" I said as my breath steady despite the intensity of the fight.

"Pfft... As if..." Hokushin's voice was light, but her stance was anything but relaxed.

We both took a deep breath, resetting our positions. Every muscle in my body screamed for rest, but I ignored it, focusing on the next move. Hokushin mirrored my stance, her eyes locked onto mine with a fierce determination.

With a mutual, silent agreement, we lunged at each other, our blades clashing in a flurry of precise strikes and parries.

As our fight continued, Hokushin suddenly stepped back, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. "Hm? Strange... For some reason, you're copying my exact moves," she observed.

I smirked, "Oh? That's strange... I was wondering how Hokushin Ittō-ryū works, but it seems to be effective."

"Don't tell me... you've perfectly copied my stance and moves."

"That's right. I've mimicked every move, every slash, every stance, every posture," I replied, my voice tinged with exhaustion.

Hokushin laughed, a genuine sound of surprise and amusement. "And here I was wondering why you weren't tired."

"You're wrong... I'm very tired... So tired that I—" My body wobbled, and I collapsed, unconscious before I hit the ground.

Hokushin stood over me, a mix of disappointment and curiosity on her face. "Disappointing," she muttered, raising her katana to deliver a final blow. But before she could strike, my body rolled back and sprang to its feet, landing in a fighting stance.

[Swtching to Hokushin's perspective]

"...Huh? That's weird... Is he fighting me while unconscious? Or... is it Tsurugi?"

No, it can't be her, she thought, shaking her head. Tsurugi is sealed inside him. She shouldn't be able to interfere. So why is he moving like this while unconscious?

Just then, Shin took a stance and dashed forward with surprising speed, catching Hokushin off guard. "Tch...!" she grunted, barely managing to block his strike.

He's faster than before! Hokushin thought, struggling to keep up with Shin's sudden increase in speed and precision. Each of his movements was a blur, his strikes landing with a force that left her reeling.

Then, just as abruptly as it started, Shin halted. He opened his eyes, staring directly into hers with an intensity that took her breath away.

He's been awake this whole time! Hokushin realized, stepping back as flames ignited along her katana. "Khhh!! I have to end this in one blow...!" 

Suddenly Shin drew his crimson katana, now wielding two blades: the crimson and his usual purple one. He took a deep breath, raising both swords above his head.

He drew the crimson katana... That must mean he's going to head straight on...!

But then she suddenly stopped, looking at Shin and his calm demeanor "What is he doing...?" Hokushin wondered, her thoughts interrupted by the sudden appearance of a massive Sakura tree behind Shin.

The tree's ethereal petals drifted gently to the ground, creating a serene yet powerful atmosphere.

Mesmerized, Hokushin couldn't move. She stared at the tree, entranced by its beauty and the calm it exuded. 

How pretty.

Shin's voice broke the silence. "Cherry Blossom in Full Bloom," he whispered, swinging his blades together as if they were one.

At that moment, the towering Sakura tree seemed to come alive. The petals swirled around them, the power of Shin's attack evident.

Hokushin felt the overwhelming force of his technique, realizing he had finally transcended his inexperience.

Smiling, she accepted her fate. The blades struck true, their combined power unstoppable. Hokushin didn't resist; instead, she embraced the moment, acknowledging the growth and strength Shin had achieved.

I panted, dropping the two katanas as they vanished from my hands. My body felt like it was on the verge of collapse. I looked at Hokushin, lying on the ground, her form slowly becoming transparent.

My eyes widened in alarm. "Wait! Hokushin!" I tried to get up, gritting my teeth against the pain, but I couldn't move.

She didn't respond.

"Hokushin!"

Still no response, except a faint voice calling my name.

"Shin..."

"Y-Yes...?"

"Take care of my katana for me..."

"What are you talking about!? Hokushin! You still have to train me! I haven't beaten you yet!"

"Shin... It was fun fighting you. I'm sorry we had to end it so soon."

"I'll fight you for real this time! Just... don't go..."

"I've been an evil ghost for over a thousand years. Thanks to you, I'm finally free." Hokushin laughed softly, "Shin... Take care. I hope we'll meet again someday."

"I...–" I couldn't speak anymore, tears streaming down my cheeks as I gritted my teeth. And then, just like that, Hokushin vanished, leaving the Demon Sword thrust into the ground.

Forcing my body to move, I stumbled towards the sword, panting heavily. I reached out and gripped the hilt of the Demon Sword.

I wiped the tears on my cheeks and bowed, "Thank you for teaching me with just a short amount of time, I had fun as well."

I turned around and my eyes widened at the sight of boulders sliced cleanly in half.

"Who did this..." I murmured in awe.

Shaking my head, a smile crept onto my face. "Right... My training..." I sighed, snapping my fingers to summon a sword. Standing on the blade, I prepared to head back. "Even though I'm exhausted, I have to get back to everyone..."

I wished I had my phone. It would make keeping up with everything so much easier.

With another sigh, I set off on my journey.

Although it might take a while for me to head back since It looks like I'm far away.

...

...

...

3 Months Later, After the Eruption

[City, From Someone's Point of View]

The city's loudspeakers crackled to life with an urgent announcement. "We have a Honkai event in ARC North. Local residents are advised to seek the nearest shelter. ARC Patrols are heading to the affected areas as quickly as they can. I repeat..."

A desperate shout pierced the chaos, "HELP!"

A young girl with white hair, watched from the shadows, frustration etched on her face as she clenched her teeth.

A woman's voice echoed in her mind, calm but firm. "Kiana, don't engage with the Honkai. Leave them for now... There's nothing you can do."

"Nothing?" Kiana whispered fiercely, her fist tightening. "I must do something..."

As a Honkai beast lunged toward a terrified civilian, Kiana sprang into action. with a metal baseball bat, she dashed forward and swung with all her might. "Run! Get away! I'll handle this!" she shouted, positioning herself between the beast and the civilian.