The battle was over, and the group finally made their way back to the village, exhaustion settling into their bones. Despite their fatigue, there was a warmth in the air—not just from the rain that had washed away the blood and grime but from the cheers and admiration of the villagers.
For the first time, Jasper and Serena weren't seen as outsiders. The people clapped, bowed, and shouted their names, calling them heroes who had saved the village. Even Ryuji, who always saw himself as a bit of an underdog, soaked up the attention, waving to the crowd like a true champion.
Kai, however, walked in silence, deep in thought. How the hell did that loser Ryuji save me? He couldn't comprehend how someone like Ryu, who always messed up, had stepped in at the last second to protect him.
Seinna, on the other hand, was beaming with excitement. She had gathered so much data during the fight, eager to analyze it. She turned to Jasper, her eyes sparkling.
"Hey, Jasper! You won't believe how much data I collected! This is incredible! We can—"
But Jasper completely ignored her, too busy laughing and joking with Ryuji.
Seinna's eye twitched, but she forced a smile. Alright, you want to ignore me? she thought. Let's see how long you can keep this up. I'll make sure you notice me again.
By the time they reached the hotel, everyone was drenched from the rain. Their clothes clung to their bodies, making them shiver. The first thing on their minds? Getting out of these wet clothes and into something warm.
Serena stretched her arms and yawned. "Ughhh, I need a hot bath… My entire body feels like it's been through a war—oh wait, it has."
Seinna laughed. "Yeah, and your brain has been through zero effort as usual."
Serena grinned wickedly. "Zero effort? Sweetheart, I put in a lot of effort, especially when I'm undressing. Maybe you should take some notes."
Seinna sighed, dragging her hand down her face. "Why do I even try?"
***
Inside the hotel's changing room, Serena and Seinna peeled off their wet clothes, their skin finally free from the cold fabric.
Serena tossed her soaked red inner garments aside, her ample chest bouncing freely after being trapped for so long. She sighed in relief. "Ahhh~ finally! I swear my girls were suffocating in there."
Seinna, still drying her hair with a towel, glanced at Serena's chest before quickly looking away. "You could at least cover yourself, you know?"
Serena smirked and stepped closer, her bare shoulders gleaming under the dim light. "Why? Feeling a little insecure, Seinna?"
Seinna scoffed, crossing her arms. "Insecure? Please. My figure is perfectly proportioned."
Serena leaned in, her breath teasingly warm against Seinna's ear. "Oh, I know, sweetheart. You've got those perfect curves… and that oh-so-smooth spot between your inner thighs—no hair, huh? Quite the little temptress, aren't you?"
Seinna's face turned bright red, her hands immediately covering herself as she took a step back. "W-WHAT?! You—! Don't say stuff like that!"
Serena licked her lips playfully. "Mmm~ if I were a guy, I wouldn't be able to control myself around you. But guess what?" She grinned devilishly. "I'm not a guy, and I still can't control myself. Maybe I should give those perfect breasts of yours a nice, deep massage~"
Seinna's entire body stiffened, her mind shutting down for a second before she screamed in panic and shoved Serena hard.
Serena laughed hysterically, catching herself before she could fall. "Oh, come on, Seinna! We both know I'm just teasing… unless~"
Seinna glared at her, still flushed, and wrapped herself tightly in a towel. "You're the worst."
Serena winked. "You love it."
Meanwhile… Outside the Changing Room
Ryuji and Jasper were standing near the door, completely still, their faces red as tomatoes.
Ryuji gulped. "D-Did you just hear what I heard…?"
Jasper nodded slowly. "Yep. And I think I just had the best mental image of my life."
Ryuji's legs trembled. "Serena's boobs are… really big. Like, HUGE."
Jasper grinned slyly. "Soft too. Wanna know something interesting?"
He leaned in close, whispering in Ryuji's ear. "Back when Serena was… uh… naked, she hugged me. Full exposure, dude. Everything. And guess what? I was a gentleman. I didn't peek. Not even once."
Ryuji's face exploded in red. "WHAT?! YOU WERE HUGGED BY A FULLY NAKED SERENA?! WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME?!"
Jasper chuckled, enjoying Ryuji's suffering. "Because I knew you'd react just like this."
But before they could continue, they suddenly felt an overwhelming presence behind them.
A terrifying crimson glow bathed the hallway.
Serena stood in the doorway, her knuckles cracking, her eyes burning like fire.
Kenshiro, watching from afar, sighed. "They're dead."
Before Ryuji and Jasper could even blink, Serena lunged at them like a beast, her fists flying.
"YOU IDIOTIC PERVERTS—!!!"
The entire hotel shook as the sound of their punishment echoed through the walls.
After the gruelling battle that had shaken the very foundations of Kamizuki Village, a sense of peace finally settled over the town. The streets, once filled with terror and fear, now echoed with laughter and cheers. The villagers—many of whom had lost hope under Daimyo's rule—were celebrating their newfound freedom.
As the group prepared to leave the battlefield behind, the landlord approached Kenshiro with a grateful smile, his old eyes shining with respect.
"You and your warriors have saved us." His voice was steady, filled with deep appreciation. "Please, join us for a feast before you depart. It is the least we can do."
Kenshiro, ever the disciplined leader, hesitated for a moment. But looking at his team's exhausted faces, he knew they needed rest.
With a small sigh, he nodded. "Alright. We accept."
As Kenshiro, Serena, Jasper, Seinna, and the rest of the group walked through the streets, something felt different.
The people who once viewed Serena and Jasper as outsiders now bowed their heads in respect. Children ran up to Ryuji, their eyes shining with admiration, calling his name like he was a legendary hero.
"You were amazing, big brother Ryuji!" a small boy shouted, running beside him.
Ryuji grinned, ruffling the boy's hair. "Haha! That's right! I'm the strongest shinobi Blader in the world! Want to be like me?"
The boy nodded furiously. "Yes! I'll train hard!"
Ryuji crossed his arms proudly, striking a dramatic pose. "Alright! First rule of being strong—eat a LOT of food! And then, you have to practice cool moves in front of a mirror. Makes you look stronger."
Kai, walking silently behind them, gritted his teeth.
"How the hell did this idiot become so strong?"
His Yamigan flickered slightly, his frustration growing. "I won't let that happen again. I need to get stronger."
Aiko, noticing his tense expression, gently nudged his arm.
"Kai, you okay?" she asked softly.
Kai didn't respond.
He simply kept walking, his gaze locked on Ryuji, his mind filled with thoughts of how he had lost so easily.
When they arrived at the landlord's home, the sight before them was nothing short of a feast fit for warriors.
A long wooden table stretched across the dining room, filled with steaming bowls of rice, freshly grilled fish, spiced vegetables, roasted meats, and exotic fruits.
The landlord's grandson eagerly guided everyone to their seats, his tiny hands pulling at Ryuji's sleeve.
"Sit next to me! I want to be strong like you!"
Ryuji grinned, patting the kid's head. "Good choice, kid. I'll give you all the best advice."
Everyone settled in, the exhaustion of battle slowly being replaced by warmth and comfort.
The food was delicious, and everyone was eating heartily. Serena, as expected, was eating like a wild animal, stuffing her face without a care.
Jasper, despite his usual attitude, was relaxed, chatting with Ryuji about the upcoming Emerald Championship.
But one person… was having trouble.
Seinna.
Every time she tried to speak to Jasper, he ignored her.
"Jasper, can you pass me that dish?" she asked, her silver eyes watching him.
Jasper didn't even glance at her. Instead, he turned to Ryuji. "Hey, Ryu, you think Talon will win?"
Seinna sighed but smiled.
"You want to keep ignoring me? Fine. Let's see how long you last."
She tried again.
"Jasper, did you notice that during the battle—"
Jasper turned to Serena instead. "Oi, how much food are you gonna eat before you explode?"
Seinna exhaled sharply, gripping her fork.
"You stubborn idiot."
Even Serena noticed. Between mouthfuls, she leaned toward Seinna, whispering with amusement.
"Damn, he's really committed to ignoring you, huh?"
Seinna simply smiled, her silver eyes shining.
"Let him. He'll break eventually."
Jasper, standing up from his seat, stretched his arms.
"I need some air." Without another word, he walked outside.
Kenshiro sighed, rubbing his temples.
"That boy is impossible."
***
After finishing their meal and saying their goodbyes, the group set off once more, making their way across the now-liberated bridge.
The villagers of Yamigawa, who had suffered under Daimyo's rule, gathered in the streets, bowing in gratitude.
"You freed us! Thank you!"
"You are heroes! Please, take this!"
Merchants offered them fresh food and supplies, handing them bundles of fruit, dried meats, and warm bread.
For once, the group felt truly welcomed.
As they walked through the market, the sky began to change.
The soft blues of the afternoon faded, replaced by a stunning blend of oranges, reds, and purples.
The sun dipped lower, casting golden light over the streets.
A sense of peace settled in.
But for Seinna…
Her mind was still on one thing.
As she typed into her holographic panel, she analyzed the energy she had recorded during Ryuji's transformation.
"That dark energy… It wasn't normal."
Her silver eyes flicked toward Jasper's sword—Dragonis.
"And why did Dragonis and Infernum react to it?"
Meanwhile, Jasper, walking slightly ahead, tapped on his wrist device.
A holographic screen flickered to life.
It displayed data from the Emerald Championship.
His eyes scanned the latest report.
The final match had been set.
Talon vs. Phi.
Phi—a rising warrior with a mysterious sword, Dread Phoenix.
Unlike the legendary weapons like Dragonis or Infernum, Dread Phoenix was no ancient relic…
Yet, it felt powerful.
Jasper narrowed his eyes.
"I need to see this match."
As the evening deepened, the group moved forward, leaving their past battle behind.
But unknown to them—
Their next challenge was already waiting.