Spar

High above the boundless ocean, a majestic floating island hovered, a sanctuary of unparalleled beauty. This island, surrounded by vibrant forests teeming with life and sky-devibeasts soaring gracefully through the azure skies, was the masterpiece of Maxius Gremory. Established as his base in the human world five years prior, it was a place of peace and wonder, often transforming into the epicenter of extraordinary events. Today, the tranquil mountain range at its heart was shattered by the thunderous clash of two titanic forces, their battle echoing through the heavens.

Two men were locked in an intense sparring match, their blows resonating like thunderclaps across the entire island, causing tremors that reached even the farthest edges of the floating sanctuary. The devibeasts, highly attuned to danger, instinctively avoided the mountain range, their keen senses warning them to stay far from the cataclysmic duel. On the rocky peak, amidst the swirling winds and shattered terrain, the two warriors stood as living embodiments of power, their every move a testament to their unmatched precision and skill.

One of them, a striking figure with long, shoulder-length crimson red hair that gleamed in the sunlight and piercing blue eyes that seemed to hold untold depths, stood confidently bare-chested. His lean, muscular frame glistened with sweat, emphasizing the honed physique of a seasoned warrior. A long, faded scar stretched across his chest, etched there during a ferocious battle against Gilgamesh, casually, he rested a katana on his shoulder, the blade's edge catching the light as if eager to join the fray. His attire was red sweatpants and white sneakers that bore the marks of wear and combat. Despite the intensity of the situation, a confident smile played on his lips, exuding a charisma that matched his formidable presence. This was none other than Maxius Gremory, a man who thrived in the heat of battle.

"Come on, Tadashi! Is that all you've got? I thought you wanted me to get serious," Maxius teased.

"If you weren't serious, you wouldn't be using a sword right now," Tadashi Iwasaki replied, his voice steady.

"True, but I respect you enough to use one. Besides, you're my knight."

Tadashi stood opposite him, his long black hair with red highlights cascading in the wind, framing his sharp features and accentuating the proud horns that jutted from his head like a crown. His striking yellow eyes, glowing faintly with an inner fire, locked onto Maxius with unwavering focus, his katana poised for action. Dressed in a dark hakama that rippled with each gust of wind, he exuded an aura of composed intensity and lethal grace. Their history was etched was a story of initial animosity that transformed into a bond of mutual respect, forged through countless duels and sealed in a pivotal moment when Maxius saved Tadashi's clan from annihilation, earning him Tadashi eternal loyalty.

"Are you ready?" Maxius asked, dashing forward in a blur of motion.

Tadashi synchronized his breathing with the rhythm of his mana, adopting a firm stance. "Come."

Maxius vanished in a burst of speed, his katana flashing as he unleashed a flurry of rapid, precise strikes. His custom sword style, Kōgen-Ryū—the Crimson Mirage Sword Style—focused on extreme speed, precision, and overwhelming offensive power, with illusions that disoriented his opponent. He executed Kōgen Renzan, a technique that turned his blade into a blur of crimson energy.

Tadashi countered with Mugen-Ryū, the Infinite Flow Sword Style, a treasured legacy passed down through countless generations of his clan. This elegant yet devastating style emphasized the seamless blending of mana and technique, turning each strike into a force of nature. His katana vibrated with mana-infused energy, shimmering like a liquid flame, as he executed Hamon Giri—Ripple Strike. The precise, rhythmic motion of his blade generated waves of force with every deflection, sending ripples outward that disturbed the air and lit the battlefield with showers of sparks. The raw intensity of their clash fractured the earth beneath them, while the winds, now roaring like a storm, carried the echoes of their monumental duel across the entire island.

Maxius pressed his attack, transitioning seamlessly into Zanzō Totsugeki—Afterimage Charge. Each step he took left behind shimmering, ghost-like mirages that danced and flickered across the battlefield, their movements deliberately erratic to disorient Tadashi. The air itself seemed to ripple with the sheer velocity of his movements, creating a surreal scene where it was nearly impossible to distinguish the real Maxius from the illusions. However, Tadashi's used His Haki and tracked the true Maxius, and with fluid precision, he parried a low thrust aimed at his flank, the clang of steel against steel reverberating like a solemn drumbeat in the chaos.

"Good technique," Maxius remarked, retreating briefly.

Tadashi seamlessly shifted into Ryū Ho Hō—Wave Step—his movements a graceful blend of fluidity and speed, as if he were one with the air and earth around him. Each step seemed to ripple outward, leaving subtle distortions in his wake, a testament to the immense mana coursing through his body. With a sharp exhale, he channeled his focus and unleashed Mugen no Ha—Infinite Edge. The strike tore through the air, a radiant arc of compressed mana glowing with an ethereal light as it sped toward Maxius with deadly precision. The energy emanated a faint hum, resonating with the surrounding environment as it carved a path of destruction across the battlefield.

Maxius wove through the slashes with remarkable agility, his movements so precise that they seemed to defy the natural flow of combat. Each step he took was calculated, his body weaving effortlessly between the deadly arcs of mana-infused energy. The ground beneath him bore the scars of Tadashi's relentless assault, yet Maxius moved as if untouched by the chaos, his crimson hair streaming behind him like a banner of defiance. "Show me your full strength," he said, his voice tinged with a playful challenge, yet carrying an undertone of genuine anticipation for what was to come.

Tadashi's aura flared as he activated Genryū no Kagami—Phantom Stream Illusion. The battlefield became a swirling chaos of illusions, each one fluid and lifelike. Maxius closed his eyes briefly, focusing his energy. When he opened them, his aura surged, cutting through the illusions like a blade.

"This ends now," Maxius declared.

Both swordsmen charged, their blades glowing with an intensity that lit up the battlefield like a second sun. Tadashi channeled his mana and Armament Haki into his katana, the blade radiating a blinding light as if imbued with the very essence of his soul. With a roar that shook the mountain, he unleashed Mugen-Ryū Shinpan—Judgment of the Infinite Flow. A massive, spiraling wave of energy surged forward, its form resembling a tempestuous river of raw, untamed destruction. The wave's immense power carved through the air, sending shockwaves that rippled outward and shattered the rocky terrain beneath their feet.

Maxius met the attack head-on, his katana aligned perfectly with his body, radiating a fiery crimson aura that seemed to set the air ablaze. With a deep breath, he centered his energy, the world around him slowing to a hushed stillness. He performed Kōgen Shūsen—Crimson Mirage Final Flash, a technique born from the fusion of his unparalleled speed and the raw might of his mana. His blade moved so fast it transcended visibility, leaving behind an intricate trail of crimson energy that crackled and danced like lightning. The energy converged into a devastating strike, an explosion of radiant power that surged forward with the ferocity of a tidal wave, challenging Tadashi's monumental attack with unyielding force.

The two techniques collided in a cataclysmic explosion of light and energy, their clash painting the sky with vibrant hues of crimson and gold. The force of the impact shook the entire mountain, cascading boulders into the valleys below and sending ripples of tremors across the floating island. High above, clouds scattered and parted as if fleeing the overwhelming power released by the collision. For a fleeting moment, time itself seemed to hold its breath, freezing the two warriors in the brilliance of the aftermath—their forms illuminated like statues carved from light. The battlefield lay in stunned silence, the once-mighty mountain now scarred by their unparalleled might.

When the dust settled, they faced each other, their katanas lowered. Silence enveloped the plateau, broken only by the gentle wind.

Maxius smiled, nodding in approval. "That was fun."

Tadashi sheathed his blade, a faint smile on his lips. "Let's do this again."

Their laughter echoed across the mountaintop, only to be interrupted by a stern voice.

"Hey, you idiots! Are you trying to destroy this island, or are you both just stupid?" Katsumi shouted, her voice sharp and tinged with exasperation as she soared through the air, her figure framed by the golden light of the setting sun. She landed gracefully on the shattered terrain, her eyes scanning the devastation with disbelief. Craters of varying sizes pockmarked the once-pristine mountain, and a jagged crack snaked ominously through its core, threatening to split it further. The ground was littered with shards of rock and scorched earth, evidence of the immense power unleashed in the battle. Katsumi's hands rested on her hips, her gaze flickering between the two combatants, a mixture of irritation and begrudging admiration in her expression.

"Goro's going to have to fix all this damage you two caused," she added, exasperated, her voice carrying a tone of both annoyance and resignation. She gestured at the sheer destruction around her, shaking her head in disbelief. "I don't even know where to start. Do you two ever think about the consequences, or is the concept of restraint completely foreign to you?" Katsumi's wings fluttered slightly as she huffed, her gaze shifting from the massive craters to the cracked mountain peak, as if mentally calculating the time and resources needed to restore the island to its former glory.

Maxius ignored Katsumi's complaints and asked, "Is Christian back?"

"Yes, he returned while you two were trying to kill each other," Katsumi replied, her voice carrying a note of irritation mingled with concern. She brushed back a loose strand of hair, her expression growing more serious. "You were right. Gilgamesh did send someone to Kuoh Town, and it's clear they're not there for sightseeing.

Maxius grinned, his expression was a mixture of triumph and amusement. "Ha! He is still mad that I created a way to cancel out his annoying Gate of the King ability with my Infinite Arsenal. That technique was years in the making, and it is only fair, really. He kept stealing moves from me, why shouldn't I even the playing field? Now he has no choice but to face me head-on without relying on those ridiculous weapons he is always firing at people. Let's see how he fares when raw skill is the only thing that matters."

Katsumi rolled her eyes as the trio descended the mountain, leaving behind the scars of their epic sparring match.