"CLANK!, CLANK!, CLANK!, CLANK!, CLANK!"
Ryu and Francisco exchanged a flurry of lightning-fast sword strikes, their blades flashing like silver and crimson streaks across the large room. Each clash rang out like a thunderclap, sending showers of sparks bursting into the air. The floor beneath them cracked under the pressure of their duel as neither gave an inch, their fierce gazes locked on one another while steel met steel in a relentless storm of attacks.
Francisco's eyes narrowed sharply, and a chill ran down his spine.
With every clash of steel, Ryu's swordsmanship evolved before his very eyes. His blade grew faster, smoother, and deadlier with each passing second, as though he were adapting in the heat of battle itself.
Sparks exploded through the air as their swords collided again and again.
"What the hell...?" Francisco muttered inwardly.
The pressure coming from Ryu continued to rise. Every strike was more precise than the last, every movement more refined. It was as if Ryu is evolving his swordsmanship with every exchange.
For the first time since the battle began, Francisco felt his heart tremble with genuine shock.
'This brat... he's getting stronger with every second we cross blades! How is that even possible?!' Francisco's eyes widened in disbelief as he parried another strike. 'I've fought countless swordsmen across the West Blue, but never ever have I seen someone evolve this rapidly in the middle of a battle!' Sweat trickled down his brow as Ryu's sword flashed once more, faster and sharper than before. 'At this rate... he'll surpass me before this fight is over!'
Suddenly, a fierce glint flashed across Ryu's eyes. With lightning speed, he swung Chi Hime to the right, creating a convincing feint. Francisco's instincts reacted instantly, his blade moving to intercept the attack.
"Got you!"
In the next heartbeat, Ryu abruptly changed the trajectory of his sword. The feint vanished like lightning as Chi Hime shot forward in a deadly thrust, tearing through the air and aiming straight for Francisco's heart. The sheer precision and speed of the strike left no room for hesitation.
"CLANK!"
Ryu's eyes widened in shock as his blade struck something solid. A sharp metallic sound erupted through the room, the ringing sound echoing through the air as sparks burst in the air. In that instant, disbelief flashed across his face.
Francisco's eyes flashed coldly as he seized the opening. Without a shred of hesitation or mercy, he swung his longsword in a fierce arc. The blade howled through the air and tore across Ryu's chest, sending a spray of crimson blood bursting outward as the young Samurai was driven back by the ruthless strike.
"SQUASH!"
'What in the world is going on?! It felt like Chi Hime had slammed into solid steel!' Ryu's eyes widened in disbelief as he quickly leaped back, his grip tightening around his blade.
'That hardness... was that the power of the Crystal-Crystal Fruit?!'
Francisco's lips curled into a cruel smirk as he caught the shock in Ryu's eyes.
"Heh..."
A sinister gleam flashed across his gaze as he tightened his grip on his long sword and spoke with undisguised malice.
"Boy, you're wondering why your blade couldn't pierce me, aren't you?" he said mockingly. "Very well, I'll satisfy your curiosity."
He raised his crystal-covered arm, the sunlight reflecting off its gleaming surface.
"I ate the Crystal-Crystal Fruit! Its power allows me to create and manipulate crystal however I please. Your sword may be sharp, but against my crystal, it's nothing more than a toy!"
"GAHAHAHA! I can harden my crystals until they're as tough as steel itself! Ever since I ate the Crystal-Crystal Fruit, not a single swordsman has managed to cut me. So tell me, brat... will you join me? Do that, and I might just spare your life."
"Join me, and you'll get everything you ever desire! Wealth beyond your wildest dreams, beautiful women, powerful connections—the entire world will be laid at your feet! A whole new possibilities will open before you, boy!"
Francisco spread his arms wide and grinned arrogantly.
"The smartest choice you can make right now is to stand by my side. So, what'll it be, boy?"
His eyes narrowed as he rested his long sword on his shoulder.
"Choose quickly. I'd hate to cut down a swordsman as talented as you."
Ryu offered no reply to Francisco's words. His gaze drifted to the deep gash carved across his chest, blood pouring from the wound and staining his pants crimson before dripping onto the floor below. Then, slowly, he lowered his eyes to the ground, his expression hidden beneath the shadow of his blond bangs.
Ryu slowly lifted his head and locked eyes with Francisco. Then, without warning, a savage grin spread across his blood-stained face. The corners of his lips curled upward in a terrifying smirk, brimming with battle lust, while his eyes gleamed with a wild, almost manic light.
Rather than fear, the wound across his chest seemed to ignite something deep within him. The more blood that flowed, the wider his grin became, as if the thrill of standing on the edge of death only fueled his fighting spirit.
Ryu suddenly threw his head back and burst into wild, booming laughter.
"KAHAHAHAHAHA! At last, a worthy challenge! A challenge fierce enough to force me beyond my limits and drive my evolution! Good... very good! Show me more! Let me see how far your strength can push me!"
Ryu's grin only widened, stretching from ear to ear as he locked eyes with Francisco. There was a wild, fearless gleam in his gaze, the kind that sent chills down anyone's spine. Tightening his grip on Chi Hime, he let out a low chuckle before continuing.
"Franciscobo!,Take that offer of yours and shove it into your ass, After I cut you down, I'll become a swordsman capable of slicing through steel itself! And when that happens, I'll be one step closer to reaching my ambition!"
Ryu bared his teeth in a fierce grin, his eyes blazing with unshakable determination as he pointed his blade straight at Francisco. The very air around him seemed to tremble with fighting spirit.
Francisco's eyebrow twitched the moment he heard Ryu getting his name wrong yet again. A vein bulged on his forehead as an irritated scowl crept across his face.
"I told you, my name is Francisco, not Franciscobo, you idiotic brat!"
His voice exploded across the room like cannon fire as a murderous aura surged from his body.
"I've had enough of your nonsense! I'll stop wasting my time with you and finish you off right here, right now!"
"WHOOSH!"
Francisco slowly raised his hand, a sinister grin spreading across his face. The crystal embedded in his palm suddenly melted into a shimmering liquid, glistening on the floor.
With a sharp flick of his wrist, the liquefied crystal surged forward like a pink torrent. The flowing mass twisted and expanded in midair, rapidly taking on a two human shapes.
In the next instant, the crystal solidified.
"CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!"
Two perfect clones of Francisco stood before Ryu.
"GAHAHAHAHAHA!" Francisco's laughter echoed across the room. "Let's see how you handle this, boy!"
Ryu found himself surrounded as the crystal clones stepped forward in unison.
________
With Jack
As Jack reached the third floor, a thunderous metal clashed echoed through the halls. His expression sharpened upon hearing it. Without making a sound, he slipped into the shadows and moved quietly, to uncover the state of the battle currently taking place.
The air was filled with the deafening clang of steel colliding, sparks exploding with every clash as Ryu fought against Francisco and his two clones without taking a single step back. Jack's expression hardened as he watched the young Samurai push himself beyond his limits, his movements growing sharper and more refined with every exchange.
"CLANK!, CLANK!, CLANK!, CLANK!, CLANK!"
Jack grin slowly spreading across his face. He shook his head in disbelief, a faint chuckle escaping his lips.
"Heh... this kid's a real freak." Jack muttered under his breath, his eyes gleaming with amusement and excitement as he continued watching Ryu's monstrous growth.
Jack's fingers twitched beside the grip of his pistol the moment he noticed Ryu's battered state. His eyes narrowed sharply as he took in the countless cuts covering the young Samurai's body, his expression growing darker.
'Hold on, kid! Buy me some time!' Jack said in his head, he then flashed a reckless grin as he turned away. 'I'll come back and back you up later, but first... I've got a little business to handle.'
His eyes gleamed with greed and excitement.
'Captain Ning's treasure isn't going to steal itself!' he thought before retreating, leaving the battle behind as their blades continued echoing through the halls.
Jack moved through the corridor, his sharp eyes scanning every corner as he searched for the silver door the Capone Family grunt had mentioned. The sound of his footsteps echoed faintly against the walls as he pushed forward with cautious determination.
As he reached the end of the corridor and turned to the right, his gaze suddenly locked onto something ahead.
A cold metallic gleam reflected in the light.
There it was—the silver door.
Jack's eyes lit up with pure greed the moment he laid sight on the door. A sly, cunning smirk stretched across his face as his fingers twitched with excitement. Without wasting another second, he hurried over, crouched down in front of the lock, and pulled out his tools.
"Now then… let's get to work."
With a sharp grin, Jack began working on the lock, his hands moving swiftly as he attempted to crack it open.
"CLICK!"
When Jack's ears caught the loud click of the lock finally giving way. A sharp, greedy grin stretched across his face as his eyes gleamed with excitement. Without wasting another second, he grabbed the handle and slowly pushed the silver door open, ready to claim Captain Ning's treasure and all Capone Family treasures hidden inside.
Before Jack could step through the doorway, a rapid storm of bullets tore through the corridor, blazing toward him like a swarm of angry hornets. Jack's eyes snapped wide for a split second before dashing to the side.
"TARARARARARARA!"
"Crap!"
In a burst of speed, Jack narrowly weaved through the storm of bullets as they tore through the air behind him. Each shot whistled past his body, forcing him into a desperate evasive dance.
The moment he landed and spun around, his expression darkened.
"Damn my luck…" he muttered.
"It is Bege."
"I know nothing about how his Devil Fruit abilities work..."
"If I retreat now, I'll lose my chance at Captain Ning's treasure... and the kid will be in trouble if Bege and Francisco join forces against him." Jack's eyes narrowed as he weighed his options.
"Tch... looks like retreating isn't an option anymore. I have no choice but to take Bege head-on."
His hand tightened around his pistol and sabre as a grim expression crossed his face.
'I can't rely on my usual tricks against him either... One wrong move, and I'll end up dead.'
A sharp grin then slowly crept onto his face.
"Fine... I'll just have to figure it out the hard way."
Bege was a short, stocky man whose presence carried the weight of a seasoned underworld agent. His hair was slicked back with a polished, oily sheen, giving him a sharp and intimidating appearance. His stern expression was carved with cold authority, made even more striking by his long, hooked nose that resembled the beak of a predatory bird. Every feature about him radiated menace, as if he were a man who had spent his entire life commanding fear and respect.
Bege dressed in a sharp black-and-white pinstriped suit that screamed wealth and authority. A dark green scarf was wrapped neatly around his neck, the loose ends tucked beneath his jacket in a refined yet intimidating fashion. His fingers were adorned with lavish golden rings, each set with glittering precious gemstones that caught the light with every movement. Topping off his extravagant appearance was a stylish fedora hat, casting a shadow over his stern features and giving him the air of no one would dare cross.
Jack drew his saber in one hand and leveled his pistol with the other, bracing himself to face Bege head-on. Yet Bege merely answered with a smug grin. The next instant, three gates creaked open across his torso, their iron frames unfolding like the entrances to a fortress hidden within his body.
Jack's eyes shot wide open, disbelief etched across his face as he stared at the unbelievable sight unfolding before him. For a moment, even he couldn't believe what he was witnessing.
"What the hell?"
"Launching the Canon."
"BOOM!, BOOM!, BOOM!, BOOM!, BOOM!"
"YOU MUST BE KIDDING ME!"
Jack burst into a sprint, his coat flaring wildly behind him as thunderous cannonballs tore through the air. With astonishing agility, he twisted, ducked, and leaped between the explosions, each step carrying him just beyond the reach of destruction. The cannonballs smashed into the walls and floor behind him, sending debris flying in every direction, but Jack weaved through the barrage impressively.
"BOOM!, BOOM!, BOOM!, BOOM!, BOOM!"
Jack burst forward without a moment's hesitation, his boots pounding against the floor as he charged straight at Bege. Bege merely stood his ground, a cold, mocking smile creeping across his face as he watched the Jack rush toward him.
"Armed force attack."
In the next instant, more gates embedded across Bege's torso burst open one after another. From within them poured a swarm of heavily armed grunts, wielding rifles, pistols, and even heavy cannons. With fierce battle cries, they charged forward like an unstoppable force of steel and gunpowder, their weapons trained squarely on Jack.
Jack's eyebrow twitched in irritation. Without a word, he raised his pistol, its barrel locking onto them. A sharp grin tugged at the corner of his lips as his finger squeezed the trigger.
"BANG!, BANG!, BANG!"
"BOOM!, BOOM!, BOOM!"
"AGGGGHHHH!"
Jack's customized round detonated with a deafening explosions, unleashing a roaring inferno of crimson and orange flames that swallowed the charging grunts whole. The fiery blast surged across the carridor like an enraged sea, engulfing everything in its path including Bege himself.
A violent shockwave ripped through the air as smoke and embers spiraled upward, turning the corridor into a blazing hell for a brief moment.
Watching the explosion consume his enemies, Jack's lips curled into his trademark shrewd grin. Raising his voice over the fading roar of the flames, he shouted confidently
"Do you really think you can bring down the fabulous Captain Jack Sparrow?! Not a chance, you brainless mafia fools! Burn this moment into your memory, because this is the very day the legend of Captain Jack Sparrow started carving into history! The day you'll tell your grandchildren about the pirate who stood before impossible odds and laughed right in their faces!"
Jack then turned on his heel while smirking shrewdly, ready to head back and claim Captain Ning's treasure. But just as he took a few steps, he froze.
"Tap!, Tap!, Tap!"
The sound of steady footsteps echoed from within the raging flames.
Jack's eyes narrowed sharply as he halted in place, the corners of his mouth curling into a wary grin. The figure drew closer with each measured step, emerging from the sea of fire without the slightest hint of fear.
Jack's eyes flew wide in disbelief. From within the roaring sea of flames, Bege emerged with steady, unhurried steps, as if the inferno itself posed no threat to him. A cold smirk tugged at the mafia lips as he seized several terrified grunts and dragged them before him, using their bodies as living shields while he advanced through the blaze.
When Jack witnessed the way Bege treated his own men, using them as nothing more than disposable shields, his eyes blazed with fury. Veins bulged at his temples as his grip tightened around his pistol and sabre.
"You damn trash..." Jack growled, his voice dripping with rage. "To think you'd use your own men aside like worthless cannon fodder. I've seen plenty of scum since I started sailing, but you've just sunk to a whole new depth, Bege!"
Bege didn't so much as flinch at Jack's furious outburst. Calm as ever, he reached into his coat, pulled out a thick cigar, and struck a match. The flame danced briefly in his cold eyes as he lit it, taking a long, unhurried drag before exhaling a cloud of smoke into the air.
A smug grin tugged at the corner of his lips.
"Those fools were nothing more than expendable pawns. They oughta be grateful they got the chance to prove their worth to me." Bege said, calmly exhaling a cloud of cigar smoke as a cruel smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "A pawn's purpose is to be used... and discarded."
Jack's knuckles whitened as his fists clenched at Bege's words. A vein throbbed on his forehead while his eyes burned with fury, locking onto the mafia agent with a glare sharp enough to cut steel.
"I ain't ever gonna forgive a scoundrel like you for treating your own men as nothing more than disposable pawns!"
Bege let out a derisive snort, the corners of his lips curling into a mocking grin. Unfazed by Jack's furry, he watched calmly as Jack launched himself forward without the slightest hint of hesitation, charging straight at him with fierce determination blazing in his eyes.
_______
With Ryu
"CLANK!, CLANK!, CLANK!, CLANK!, CLANK!"
Francisco stepped backwards, he folded his arms across his chest. His sharp eyes never left the battlefield, watching Ryu clash against his two clones with unwavering focus. A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he observed every movement, carefully studying how the young Samurai handling his clones.
Ryu's body was covered in fresh cuts, crimson streaks tracing across his skin, yet not a single hint of fear could be found on his face. Instead, his eyes blazed with excitement, shining brighter with every wound he received. With a wild grin stretching across his lips, he charged forward again and again, his blade crashing relentlessly against Francisco's clones as the battlefield echoed with the thunderous sound of steel colliding.
Francisco watched with a keen gaze as sparks burst through the air, Ryu's sabre colliding fiercely against one of his clones. The Samurai failed again cut the clone, he instantly duck beneath another clone's sweeping blade. With a sharp twist of his body, Ryu unleashed a powerful kick that blasted the attacker away, sending both sword and clone hurtling through the room. The relentless exchange drew a grin onto Francisco's face as he watched the clash grew fiercer by the second.
Ryu suddenly launched himself backward, his feet carving across the floor as he created distance between himself and the clones. Blood dripped from the countless cuts covering his body, yet his expression showed nothing but exhilaration.
A wide, feral grin stretched across his face as he stared down Francisco and his duplicates. His eyes burned with the hunger of a beast that had finally found its prey, like a predator waiting for the perfect moment to tear into its target. Despite his injuries, Ryu looked more dangerous than ever.
Ryu's gaze shifted toward Chi Hime, and for a brief moment, the chaos around him seemed to fade away. His grip tightened as a memory resurfaced, the final lesson his grandfather had passed down to him two years ago.
Flashback
Two years ago
Logue Town
In a desolate corner of Loguetown, far away from the bustling streets, Musashi stood silently beside Ryu. The wind swept across the empty wasteland, carrying with it an eerie stillness.
Before them lay a massive chunk of steel, its weight and size comparable to that of a full-grown adult. The cold metal surface gleamed under the sunlight, standing like an unbreakable wall.
Musashi's expression hardened as he stared at Ryu, his eyes carrying the weight of a seasoned warrior. The old Samurai remained silent for a moment before speaking in a deep, serious tone.
"Ryu... watch closely." Musashi's voice carried a rare weight as he stared forward, his expression filled with solemn determination. "What you are about to witness is the final lesson I will ever pass on to you."
Ryu's eyes widened slightly in surprise at Musashi's words, but he quickly composed himself. Without hesitation, he gave a firm nod, his expression turning serious as he focused every bit of his attention on his grandfather.
Musashi calmly placed his hand upon the hilt of his katana. The air around him grew heavy as he slowly drew the blade, the sharp ring of steel echoing through the air.
For a brief moment, he stood completely still, his eyes locked onto the massive chunk of steel before him. Then....
"SHING!"
In a single fluid motion, Musashi unleashed a swift, precise slash. The katana cut through the air with such speed that the blade seemed like a flash of light, cutting the steel in half.
Ryu's eyes widened in pure disbelief as the massive chunk of steel split apart before him. The cut was so clean and precise that for a moment, the two halves remained perfectly still, before slowly sliding away from each other and crashing heavily onto the ground.
"BOOM!"
Ryu stood frozen, staring at the impossible sight before him, his heart pounding as he realized the true level of his grandfather's sword.
Musashi slowly turned toward Ryu, his expression becoming sharp and unwavering. His gaze locked onto the young Samurai's eyes, carrying the weight of years of experience and countless battles. With a stern voice that left no room for argument, he spoke to him.
"Remember this, kid... and carve these words into your soul. A true master of the sword does not see things as uncuttable. Steel, stone, even the impossible itself... they all fall before a blade wielded by someone who has reached the peak. A great swordsman can cut through anything, no matter what stands in their way."
End of Flashback
Ryu's eyes suddenly lit up with determination. A familiar spark burned within them as he lowered his stance With a faint grin spreading across his face, he tightened his grip on Chi Hime and muttered under his breath.
"Grandfather... today, I will learn how to cut through steel!" Ryu clenched his fists, his eyes burning with excitement. "And one day, I'll reach a level where even the impossible itself will fall before my blade!"
"Ryu Sword Style Great Dawn."
Ryu exploded forward with fierce determination, his feet tearing across the ground as he rushed straight toward one of Francisco's clones. His grip tightened around Chi Hime, the blade gleaming as he raised it high above his head.
With a roar, Ryu brought the sabre crashing down with every ounce of strength he possessed, the sheer force of the strike sending a powerful gust of wind erupting around him.
"CLANK!"
The Francisco clone was sent skidding backwards several meters from the force of Ryu's attack, his feet carving lines into the floor as he struggled to regain his balance.
But before Ryu could press his advantage, another clone suddenly appeared behind him, charging forward with his blade raised, ready to strike from his blind spot.
At the same time, the real Francisco stood calmly in the distance. A sinister grin spread across his face as he raised both hands and shaped his fingers into makeshift pistols.
"Crystal Bullets Barrage."
"SWISH!, SWISH!, SWISH!, SWISH!, SWISH!"
"CLANK!"
"PU!, PU!, PU!, PU!, PU!"
"SPURT!"
Ryu barely managed to block the clone's sword strike, the force of the impact sending sparks flying as his blade trembled in his hands. But in that very moment, a storm of crystal bullets from the side came flying towards him.
The sharp projectiles tore through the air and slammed into Ryu's body before he could react. His body being pushed back from the sheer impact.
A trail of blood escaped his mouth as he staggered, and he coughed violently, spitting out crimson droplets that scattered through the air.
Yet despite the pain, Ryu's grip on Chi Hime never loosened. His battered body trembled, but his eyes still burned with the fierce excitement of a swordsman standing before an overwhelming challenge.
Francisco's clones suddenly burst forward, charging at Ryu from behind like a predators striking its prey. But Ryu's eyebrow twitched slightly as he caught the movement in the corner of his eye, his instincts screaming a warning before the attack could reach him.
"Ryu Sword Style Circular Sword."
"CLANK!"
Ryu twisted his body into a powerful spin, sweeping Chi Hime around in a blazing arc. The force behind the slash sent a wave of pressure crashing outward, forcing Francisco's clones to leap back as they were pushed away by the overwhelming strike. The air itself seemed to roar as Ryu stood at the center of the room, his blade gleaming with unstoppable momentum.
Francisco scoffed confidently as he raised his hand and opened his palm. In that very instant, a surge of liquidized pink crystal erupted from his hand, twisting and flowing through the air like a living force.
The shimmering substance rapidly took form, hardening into three enormous Eastern dragons made entirely of crystal, their serpentine bodies coiling through the battlefield as their glowing eyes locked onto Ryu.
With a deafening roar, the crystal dragons lunged forward, their massive jaws opening wide as they prepared to swallow everything in their path.
"Crystal Dragon Fangs."
"SWISH!, SWISH!, SWISH!"
Ryu's eyes widened as he looked up and saw the three enormous pink crystal dragons hurtling down from the sky. They came crashing toward him like massive cannonballs, their razor-sharp crystal bodies tearing through the air with overwhelming force. The ground trembled beneath their descent as Ryu felt the sheer power behind Francisco's attack.
Ryu cursed under his breath and suddenly burst into motion, kicking off the ground as he dashed to the side. But before he could escape, one of Francisco's clones lunged forward to cut him off.
The clone charged straight at him like a raging beast, its sword raised high before it swung downward with a vicious slash aimed to cleave Ryu apart.
""CLANK!"
Ryu twisted his wrist at the last possible moment, catching the incoming blade with the very tip of Chi Hime. A sharp clang rang through the battlefield as he redirected the sword strike away from his body.
Before the clone could recover, Ryu launched himself upward with explosive force. His eyes gleamed with battle excitement as he flipped through the air, then came crashing down—planting his foot firmly on the clone's head and smashing it toward the floor.
The three colossal crystal dragons plunged from the sky like deadly missiles, each one charging from a different direction with enough force to tear through anything in their path. Their jaws opened wide as they moved in to finish Ryu once and for all.
But at the very last moment, Ryu's eyes sharpened.
With a fierce grin, he kicked off the ground and launched himself into the air, narrowly escaping the three crystal beasts as they crashed past him. The dragons missed by a hair, their massive bodies tearing through the room below as Ryu soared above them, ready to strike back.
"BOOM!"
The Francisco clone was caught directly in the path of the three colossal crystal dragons. In the next instant, the beasts crashed into it with devastating force, shattering its body apart as the clone erupted into a storm of glittering crystal fragments that scattered across the battlefield.
Ryu's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as the shattered remains of Francisco's clone scattered across the room. A small, confident grin tugged at the corner of his mouth.
But at that very instant, the remaining clone launched itself into the air, its figure casting a shadow over Ryu. With a cold, merciless glare, it brought its sword crashing downward, aiming to cleave straight through his neck and sever Ryu's head in one brutal strike.
"CLANK!"
Ryu's instincts took over. In a flash, he raised Chi Hime and caught the incoming strike, the clash erupting into a shower of sparks as steel met crystal.
But his eyes widened a moment too late—he hadn't noticed the third dragon moving in from his blind spot. The enormous pink crystal beast swung its massive tail from the side with terrifying speed and overwhelming force, like a cannonball crashing through the air straight toward him.
"BOOM!"
"CRACK!"
"SPURT!"
"WHOOSH!"
"BAAM!"
Ryu's eyes widened as a devastating impact shattered through his body. His ribs cracked under the overwhelming force, and a spray of blood burst from his mouth as he was launched backward like a cannonball.
"GRAAAH!"
His body tore through the mansion's walls one after another, each collision exploding into a storm of debris and dust. Stone pillars crumbled, wooden beams shattered, and the entire mansion shook from the sheer power of the blow.
Yet even as he was sent flying through the ruins, Ryu's grip on Chi Hime never loosened.
Francisco let out a sinister smirk as he calmly followed the trail of destruction left behind by the shattered walls. His long sword rested casually against his shoulder, his steps echoing through the ruined mansion.
Behind him marched his crystal clone, while the three enormous pink crystal dragons soared and crawled forward like ancient beasts of destruction, their massive bodies gleaming menacingly.
With every step, the pressure around him grew heavier as Francisco and his crystal monsters closed in on Ryu.
_______
In the Backyard of Capone Family base
"BAAM!"
"SPURT!"
Ryu was sent hurtling through the air like a cannonball before crashing into the mansion's backyard with a thunderous impact. The ground shattered beneath him as dust and debris exploded in every direction. He lay buried in the crater for a moment before coughing violently, blood spilling from his mouth as the brutal force of the attack coursed through his battered body.
His vision began to fade, darkness creeping over his eyes for a brief moment. But even as his senses weakened, he felt it, the presence of Chi Hime nearby. The sword's breath was faint at first, like a distant whisper, but with every passing second it grew stronger and clearer, calling out to him from the shadows.
"What is this strange sensation...?" Ryu's eyes widened as a mysterious feeling surged through his body. "It's as if I can sense Chi Hime's very breath..."
"I've never felt anything like this before... What in the world is happening to me?!"
Ryu slowly forced himself back onto his feet, his entire body trembling from the pain. A deep groan escaped his lips as he pushed through the agony and refused to collapse. Blood poured from countless wounds, staining his pants and dripping from his face to the ground.
Each step felt heavier than the last, but he gritted his teeth and continued forward.
Dragging himself, battered and covered in blood from head to toe, Ryu slowly made his way toward Chi Hime, his grip tightening as he reached for his blade once more.
"It's Chi Hime's breath... I know it is. There's no mistaking that feeling!" Ryu's eyes widened as a surge of disbelief and determination flashed across his battered face.
Ryu slowly turned around, the world falling silent around him. He lowered the tip of Chi Hime and gently brushed the blade against the leaves of the nearby trees. The leaves trembled from the faint touch alone as his eyes narrowed with quiet focus.
With a calm expression, Ryu muttered under his breath, his voice carrying the weight of a swordsman who just got enlightened.
"Not just Chi Hime's breath... I can feel them all."
Ryu's eyes widened as a strange sense of connection spread through his body. "The breath of the leaves... the trees... the grass... even the soil beneath my feet..."
A faint smile crossed his face as he gripped his blade tighter. "Everything around me is alive... and now... I can feel it breathing."
"BOOM!"
At that very instant, the mansion's shattered walls erupted outward as a thunderous roar shook the mansion backyard. Francisco burst through the ruins, standing atop the massive head of one of his crystal dragons as it soared forward like a living weapon.
His clone followed closely behind, riding alongside him with the same cold, arrogant presence.
The two figures looked down at the battered Ryu, and Francisco's lips curled into a sinister grin. His eyes gleamed with cruel amusement as he raised his blade onto his shoulder.
"No place left to run, kid..." he growled, a cruel grin spreading across his face as his presence filled the backyard. "I told you already. You disrespect the Capone Family... and for that mistake, I'm going to bury you!"
"Now die."
The three colossal Crystal Dragons plunged from the sky like falling mountains, their massive bodies tearing through the air as they descended upon Ryu with overwhelming force.
Yet Ryu didn't move.
He stood there in complete silence, his posture relaxed, his expression calm as if the incoming destruction before him was nothing more than a passing breeze. But his eyes told a different story.
They burned with an intense, almost unnatural brilliance.
It was absolute focus.
"Those dragons... Franciscobo... and even his clone... they all have their own breath." Ryu's eyes widened as understanding finally dawned upon him. "I see it now... This is what grandfather was trying to teach me all those years ago... Everything has its own rhythm... its own flow... its own breath!"
Ryu gave a faint, confident smile as he lowered his body, bending his knees and planting his feet firmly against the ground. His grip tightened around Chi Hime as he settled into his stance, his eyes burning with calm determination.
The battlefield fell silent for a brief moment.
Then, he leaned closer to his blade and whispered softly.
"Let's do this Chi Hime."
"SWISH!"
Ryu launched himself into the air without a shred of hesitation. His eyes burned with excitement as a huge, almost maniacal grin stretched across his face, the kind of smile that belonged to someone who had just found the thrill of the battle he was searching for. His body soared upward fearlessly, ready to meet the incoming crystal dragons head-on.
"Ryu Sword Style Chi Hime's Rage."
"SHWINGGG!"
"BOOM!"
Francisco's eyes widened in pure disbelief as the impossible sight unfolded before him. In a single, breathtaking swing of Chi Hime, Ryu cleaved through all three enormous crystalized dragons at once.
The massive beasts froze mid-charge before cracks spread across their pink crystal bodies. A heartbeat later, the three dragons split cleanly in half, their shattered pieces raining down like a storm of glittering shards.
For the first time, Francisco's confident smirk vanished, replaced by a look of utter horror.
"Impossible!!!"
Francisco's eyes widened in disbelief as the force of the sword strike shook the massive crystal dragon beneath him. His footing vanished in an instant, and his body was thrown off balance.
Ryu's vision began to fade once more, the world around him sinking into a blur of darkness. His body screamed at him to collapse, but he clenched his teeth and refused to surrender.
"Not yet…"
With sheer willpower burning in his eyes, Ryu forced his battered body forward. In the next instant, he kicked off the ground once more and launched himself into the air once more, chasing after the falling Francisco before he could hit the ground.
Even as his consciousness threatened to slip away, Ryu's grip on Chi Hime remained firm his resolve blazing brighter than his fading sight.
Francisco's eyes widened as he saw Ryu launch himself through the air after him.
"Damn it!" he cursed under his breath, his expression twisting with irritation.
Without wasting a second, Francisco raised his hand and commanded his remaining clone. The crystal clone immediately reacted, pushing off the ground with explosive force as it leapt into the sky after Ryu, its blade drawn and ready to strike.
"Don't let him get near me!" Francisco snarled as the clone chased after Ryu, cutting through the air like a deadly arrow.
At that very moment, a deafening crack echoed through the battlefield as two massive pink crystalized bat wings erupted from Francisco's back. The jagged wings spread wide, sending shards of crystal scattering through the air as he hovered menacingly above the ground.
Before Ryu could react, the crystals around Francisco's body surged forward and a gigantic crystal shield formed in front of him, completely blocking his path. The towering barrier gleamed with a deadly pink glow, standing like an unbreakable fortress between them.
Francisco glared down at Ryu, his eyes burning with uncontrollable fury. Veins bulged across his face as his rage erupted like a storm, and he clenched his fists tightly.
"YOU...!" Francisco roared, his voice shaking the battlefield. "You dare stand against me?! You dare look down on the power of the Capone Family?!"
"I'll carve that arrogance out of you with my own hands!" he shouted. "You won't leave this place alive!"
Ryu raised Chi Hime high above his head with both hands, the blade gleaming under the battlefield's chaos. His battered body trembled from exhaustion, yet his grip never weakened. With a calm but fierce expression, he stared forward and muttered under his breath.
"Ryu Sword Style Chi Hime's Fang."
Francisco violently flapped his massive pink crystal bat wings, sending a shockwave of glittering shards through the air as he launched himself toward Ryu like a raging beast. With a giant pink crystal shield firmly gripped in his left hand and his long sword clenched tightly in his right, he charged forward with a savage grin, his overwhelming presence shaking the battlefield.
"You're finished!" Francisco roared as he closed the distance, his crystal armor gleaming under the light while he prepared to crush Ryu with the force of his unstoppable assault.
"DIE!!!"
"SHWINGGG!"
"SQUASH!"
"AAAGGHH!"
"CRASH!!"
Ryu twisted his body with perfect timing, smoothly swaying to the right as Francisco's sword thrust sliced through the air beside him. In that same instant, Ryu's grip tightened around Chi Hime and he unleashed a powerful swing.
The slash was different.
It wasn't just faster—it was cleaner, calmer, and far more refined than anything he had ever done before. The blade moved as if it had its own rhythm, cutting through the air with overwhelming force as a sharp crimson wave of pressure erupted from the strike.
Francisco's eyes widened.
For the first time, he felt it.
Ryu's swordsmanship had reached an entirely new level.
Ryu's blade flashed like a streak of crimson lightning. With a single devastating swing, Chi Hime tore through the massive crystal shield, shattering the layers of hardened crystal one after another.
Francisco's eyes widened in disbelief as the unstoppable slash broke through his final defense and carved deeply across his chest. The sound of cracking crystal echoed through the battlefield as fragments rained down around him.
Blood erupted from Francisco's chest like a crimson fountain as he let out a thunderous roar of agony. His cry echoed across the battlefield while the crystal wings on his back trembled violently. Cracks spread across them like a spider web, racing through the pink crystal surface until, in the very next instant....
"CRAAASH!"
The massive wings shattered into countless crystal shards that exploded into the air like a storm of glass along with his clone. Francisco's strength finally gave out, and his body crashed face-first into the ground, leaving a trail of broken crystal scattered around him.
The moment Ryu crashed onto the ground, a sharp groan escaped his mouth as agony surged through his body. His broken ribs shifted painfully with every breath, sending waves of torment through his chest.
Yet, instead of fear or hesitation, a wide, almost reckless grin slowly spread across his face. Despite his battered body and countless injuries, his eyes burned with determination as he forced himself to rise.
He slowly turned his head toward Francisco lying on his pool of blood on the ground. Despite his battered body and fading strength, Ryu looked at him with eyes filled with deep respect. A small smile formed on his face as he spoke.
"You are the strongest foe I have ever faced..." Ryu said, his battered body trembling but his eyes burning with newfound resolve. "Because of this battle, my swordsmanship has reached a whole new level. You forced me to surpass my limits and evolve my swordsmanship."
He tightened his grip on Chi Hime and smiled proudly.
"From this day onward... I've become a swordsman who can cleave even steel itself!"
"But this is only the beginning!"
"This is merely the first step... the first step toward becoming the greatest swordsman of all time!"
Ryu's strength finally reached its limit. After uttering those final words, a faint smile remained on his face as his legs gave out beneath him. His vision faded, the world around him grew silent, and in the next instant...
"THUD!"
Ryu collapsed onto the ground, falling into unconsciousness as his battered body could no longer keep fighting. Yet even as he lay there motionless, the aura of a true swordsman still lingered around him.
_________