Feeling the powerful aura erupting from Seigen Amawaka, Jogo's brows twitched violently as he closed the injuries on his chest with flames!
Because of the length lines that Seigen was speaking was enough time for him to calm himself from the sudden shocked that he was filling while also giving him enough time to "heal" his injury.
However—This reaction was not due to fear. It was partly from the mild shocked while mostly from excitement.
Pure, burning excitement!
Earlier, he was not really serious when fighting against Seigen, mostly because he could sense that Seigen was weaker than him making him (Jogo) subconsciously looked down on him, thinking that he could kill him very easily just like he did to the unfortunate exorcists than he meet earlier.
But that had cause him to get heavily injured and furious, while it was true that Seigen strength was acknowledge based on that he could injured him. Jogo still didn't think he (Seigen) was his match as the injury was mostly due to him not fully focusing on him to began with.
Jogo's focus was still on Gojo who was watching the show from the top building.
But now, Seigen had proven himself worthy just like his earlier words! Jogo wasn't scared or angry anymore as a cruel grin slowly spread across his cracked volcanic face as he began to focus fully on Seigen.
Crackle! Crackle—!
Flames began to rise from both his hand as if to show his whole intention of giving it his all. As his one giant eye now was fully focused on Seigen!
[Beast Claw Manifestation — White Lotus Tiger Cannon!]
Seigen in response, lifted his massive beast-like claw forward. As a surge of compressed spiritual power gathered instantly on its finger.
Then—
BOOM!!
An invisible shockwave blasted outward with an immense speed.
The air distorted violently due to shock waves.
Jogo's body was struck head-on, he wasn't able to dodge it which resulted in him getting blasted into the sky like a cannonball.
"GRAAAAH—!!"
Blood burst from Jogo's mouth midair companied by his scream, forming a red arc across the scorched battlefield.
Seigen's eyes sharpened, he didn't relax just because his attack him, he bent his body a little to the front as spiritual energy gather on his feet. The next second, his body vanished instantly.
SWISH—!
Within half a second—He appeared directly in front of Jogo midair.
His left hand shot forward and grabbed Jogo's arm tightly, as the beast claw on his right arm glowed fiercely.
"Got you."
He swung downward—Aiming directly for Jogo's face.
But—
BOOOOM!!
Without warning—A volcanic mound erupted from the ground behind Seigen.
It had appeared at some unknown moment. As High-temperature flames blasted outward violently and a massive stream of fire surged like it was alive.
Seigen's pupils shrank.
"Tch!"
He tsked in regret as he released his grip immediately.
Twisting his body midair, dodging the incoming flames.
Thud!
Landing on the ground with a heavy thud, he was about to attack again. But before he could—
Another wave of flames surged forward.
Then another.
And another.
ROOOOAR—!!
Continuous fire dragons swept across the battlefield, destroying the already destroyed buildings and roads as the ground began to exploded.
The sounds of explosions and collapsing structures merged into a chaotic symphony of destruction, ruining the beautiful city that it was once's.
Dust clouds swallowed everything as flames danced wildly across broken structures.
Above the chaos—
Jogo floated in midair. Laughing,
"Twelve Guardians? Hahahahaha!!" His laughter echoed mockingly, his blood covered face giving him a terrifying look that mother's used to keep their children from doing anything bad...
"Is that all you've got?" Volcanic energy surged around his body, with some flames running over to the air. Molten cracks glowed along his arms. "If you're worthy of saying such bold words—"
He pointed his pale gray finger downward. Directly at Seigen.
"Then come and kill me!" His voice turned savage, arrogant. "I'll slaughter you… and declare war on the entire world!"
Clearly—He had completely lost himself in battle madness.
The reason is unknown if it was due to him hitting his head or getting blinding by his own overconfident...
Seigen didn't reply as he wiped soot from his cheek. His breathing remained even in this immense heat. His eyes focus and calm as a pale white glow appear on his eyes.
"[Beast Claw Manifestation — White Lotus Tiger Cannon!] (Byakuren Kohō)"
He launched forward again, quickly closing the distance between them rapidly.
This time—His aimed was to force Jogo into close combat.
But Jogo was not foolish, even after losing himself in overconfident he wasn't going to make the same mistake.
A sinister smile appeared at the corner of his mouth, "Too naive."
Suddenly—
Swoosh—!
A strange and bizarre creature appeared in front of Seigen. It resembled a grotesque mosquito, it's wings were buzzing violently making a disturbing noise that quickly fill the surrounding.
Seigen's brows furrowed. "What is—"
Before he could finish—
BOOOOOOM!!
The mosquito suddenly exploded instantly, followed by a violent sonic wave that tore outward. Shockwaves blasted across the battlefield destroying whatever the ground was left.
.....
"Cough-cough—!"
Seigen coughed violently. Blood spilled from his mouth as small wounds covered his body. While the external injuries were minor, his internal organs felt as if they were being shaken violently—Like clothes inside a washing machine!
Pain surged through his chest.
Still—He stood up.
He brushed dust off his armor, a few cracks could be seen on the surface of the armor as he quickly used spiritual energy to mend those cracks.
(T/N: In my opinion, he should be able to do it since the armor and all are basically made from Spiritual energy tk begin with. While he did used Spiritual Energy to mend some of the cracks, that doesn't mean that the armor has fully recovered. He has only did it so it can take few more hits)
"You're really troublesome…" He muttered quietly without a change of expression.
Watching him from afar—
Anyone unfamiliar with his strength might think: Was Seigen weak?
But the truth was far from it. Quiet the exact opposite!
Among the Twelve Guardian, Seigen Amawaka ranked among the top three.
And across the entire world—He stood at the peak of modern exorcists with other talent exorcists.
(T/N: Devil, Demon and other being doesn't fall under it)
Yet— Facing Jogo…He couldn't close the distance, now. The endless waves of volcanic flames forced him into constant evasion while the immense heat make sure to suck him stamina continuously!
"By the way…" Seigen muttered to himself in an annoyed manner. His gaze lifted upward, toward a distant still intact building.
"Why is that bastard still watching?" His expression turned slightly irritated.
In the distance—Atop the building, Gojo Satoru sat casually beside Benio Adashino. Watching everything unfold as he waves his hands as if to cheer Seigen.
Seigen clicked his tongue again.
"Tch…"
He exhaled slowly. A cloud of white warm breath escaped his lips.
At this point—
He could only rely on himself.
Yes—
The flames were troublesome.
But not impossible.
He could cover himself in a layer of spiritual energy to protect himself from heat.
And If necessary—
He could trade injuries.
He eyes glint with cold light.
'Close distance.'
Once he reached close range—
He had absolute confidence that he could force Jogo into his rhythm.
And finish the battle!
.....
Just as Seigen prepared to attack again—
Two figures suddenly appeared near the battlefield, walking into the destroyed zone both were wearing a horrified expression their heads turning around here and there as if they were searching for something!
They were Marin Kitagawa and Shirakawa Shiroha!
Seigen's pupils shrank the moment he noticed them.
"Not good!"
His expression changed instantly before he knew it his body moved—But it was too late.
Jogo had noticed them way before him. A cruel grin stretched across his face as he observe Seigen's expression.
"Oh?"
He raised one arm, as flames gathered instantly before his palm. "Perfect timing."
WHOOSH—!
Fire surged forward violently.
The next moment—
Before Seigen could even react the flames had already swallowed the figures of the two girls!
"You bastard!!" Seigen roared in unconceal anger, his face darkened with fury as his eyes finally shown a change, locked onto Jogo.
Didn't they evacuate civilians?!
Why were there still ordinary people here?!
And worse—
Why did they come directly into the main battlefield?!
What were the police doing?
What were the exorcists doing?
Seigen struggle to keep himself from exploding as multiple questions assaulted his mind.
While, Jogo the culprits shrugged calmly. Completely indifferent to what he has done.
"Don't look at me like that." His voice remained arrogant, with some destain. "Human life is fragile by nature."
He extended his arm as the flames flickered at his fingertips.
"Even if they survive today… they'll still become dust after a hundred years."
He smirked, "I'm simply ending their suffering early."
As if—He were doing them a favor.
Seigen didn't respond, as veins began to appear on his neck area. His stance shifted silently trying to surpress his emotions.
But as he was about to rush to Jogo. Suddenly—His expression change as he finally relaxed. His shoulders loosened as the veins began to disappear.
Instead, a faint smile appeared on his face. Almost imperceptible.
(T/N: Imperceptible describes something so slight, gradual, or small that it cannot be easily seen, felt, or noticed by the senses or the mind. Feel like it match the situation and his character.)
"…Finally decided to show up, huh?"
He turned his head slightly. Looking toward the location where the two girls had just stood.
Jogo too froze, his body trembled slightly. He too stare at the spot, he had felt it.
A presence.
An overwhelming presence!
Gojo Satoru…had finally made a move.
...
Inside the burning zone—
The two girls had closed their eyes tightly, waiting for the burning sensation, for the pain.
For death.
But—It never came.
Slowly—They opened their eyes, cautiously.
And the first thing they saw was a tall figure standing before them.
White hair. Black blindfold.
Familiar presence.
"Go…Gojo-kun?"
Kitagawa Marin spoke uncertainly as if she herself couldn't believe it. Her voice trembled as her eyes began to get moist.
Hearing her voice—
Gojo turned his head slightly. That familiar playful smile appeared as usual.
"Are you two okay?" He asked casually, as if nothing unusual had happened.
Marin stared blankly, before she blinked feeling the situation very bizarre, she wipe the tears before she observe the place they were standing.
Around them—A transparent dome like something surrounded their bodies.
While, flames raged violently outside trying to reach inside. Yet, none touched them.
Reality finally hit as fear surged back. Because of how quick everything was happening they were in too much shock to react but now that they had finally realized what had happened.
Both girls collapsed forward—Throwing themselves into Gojo's arms.
"Waaaah—!!" Marin cried loudly like a little girl. Her voice broke into a miserable cry. Tears streamed down her face again ruining her eye makeup and the contact lenses.
"I thought… I thought I'd never see you again, Gojo-kun!"
Her body trembled violently as she hold him as tightly as she could, pressing her whole body against him.
Beside her—Shirakawa Shiroha too clung tightly to Gojo.
She didn't cry but her voice trembled with emotions.
"You saved me again…" She whispered slowly as the arms tightened around him. "This is… the third time."
Gojo looked down at them silently. His expression softened slightly.
Without saying anything—
SWISH—!
He teleported instantly.
.....
The next moment—
They appeared atop the commercial building.
Safe.
Far from danger.
"Marin! Shiroha!"
A familiar voice called out to them.
Marin stopped herself from crying as she turned her head. Shiroha following just behind her.
"Benio?!"
"Benio?!"
Both girls shouted at the same time in shocked and confusion.
Standing nearby (infront of them), Benio Adashino smiled gently as she nodded her head. While, her face was filled with worry for her friends.
"Hello." Resting atop her head, Kinako waved enthusiastically.
"Hello, friends of Lady Benio!"
He chirped cheerfully.
Marin blinked her tear filled eyes, as she stared at the blurry figure in front of her. She first began to remove her contact lenses as she again stare at the (now clear) small figure with her brown eyes before she glanced around.
Her brain struggled to process everything as she looked around.
Wretched building.
Destroyed roads below.
Strange fox-like creature talking.
And teleportation.
Everything felt unreal.
"W-What… what is going on?" Marin stammered. Her voice shook as she began to utter her question. "Weren't we just on the ground?"
She looked down at the burning battlefield.
Her legs trembled in fear as she quickly step back.
"How did we get here…?" Her gaze shifted toward Kirara. "And what is that creature?!"
...
...
If you'd like to support me and read chapters in advance, feel free to check out my:
Patr**on.com/Zero0000683
Discord:- NmKxzWGEPf
.....
Bonus Chapter:-
4 Bonus chapter at 100 powerstone
6 Bonus Chapter at 150 powerstone
.....
Word Count — 2,181