Chapter 24: Let's sleep together, like how we've used to before

It's clear as day, Zaiaku's mask, Nikushimi no Rensa, has been damaged by Kiyoto's punch just now. A small crack can be seen at the center of the mask, with blood dripping from Zaiaku's nose.

Even though it hurts him, Zaiaku feels that the pain he is suffering from everyday has diminished. He also noticed the decreasing amount of chains engraved in his body.

"This is, the power of your mask?"

Zaiaku inquisitively inquired.

"I honestly don't know."

Kiyoto answered, he then thought about something: 'Then what about the damage in my mask? Don't tell me…that I-'

A laugh stirred Kiyoto out of his thoughts and snapped him back to reality.

"HAHAHAHA!! You really are an interesting fellow. First you can break something that cannot even be touched, now you can damage masks!? How about you show me some more eh!?"

Zaiaku wiped the blood dripping from his nose and rushed Kiyoto. He let out a number of unrelenting blows which were shielded and countered by Kiyoto.

It is also noticeable that the blows that Zaiaku is throwing are getting weaker due to his pain and chains getting diminished. But this doesn't mean he's out of commission yet.

Their exchange of blows started getting more intense as the two did not stop their attempt, even for a second, to take the other one out. Whenever the other's punch lands, a counter would definitely take place.

No unnecessary talks, no third party interference. It was a battle of endurance, the first one to falter in their attack loses the battle.

'Why? What's happening!? I'm definitely the more skilled brawler here, and this one is just a little kid! How am I in a stalemate, rather, I'm losing the exchange!' Zaiaku pondered as he noticed Kiyoto's advantage over him.

It might honestly be a little confusing why, but there must be a reason he is losing the exchange of blows.

"I'm not stopping til I drop dead! You hear me!? I–"

A counter from Kiyoto landed right in his chin, making him feel more and more fatigued to continue the battle.

At the same time, as Zaiaku felt weaker, his long gone memories started to linger once again. A batch of sweet moments he had with his wife when they just started their journey, along with the memories of their peaceful nights, sleeping with their son, Juzo.

A voice echoed throughout his mind. A voice that soothes the aching, violent heart of the man who has no more road to take.

"My love…let go of this chain. Let it break, and let's sleep together again."

A voice of a child then followed:

"Pops! You already proved how strong you are, no one in this world can endure the pain you carried that long! You're the only one!"

'Aaah…so this must be the reason.' Zaiaku drowned in his thoughts while fighting with just pure instincts. 'I'm not getting weaker-.' He and Kiyoto did not falter for even a second, their exchange of blows continued as if it's their way to receive each other's resolve.

'-I'm just starting to long for freedom…freedom and the warmth of my loved ones.' Until finally…he puts his hands down.

Bam!

'Change…is my fate…still qualified…for a change.' 

The successive punches from Kiyoto made the engraved chains disappear from his body and now from the mask itself. Kiyoto then pulled his right hand back for a finishing blow.

"ZAIAKUUUU!!"

Zaiaku opened his arms, as if welcoming the attack that would happen. He hoped that Kiyoto would not fret and back down, which in turn, his expectations were met as he saw Kiyoto charge his fist without stopping. It was by then he realized that Kiyoto…is the strong man that Zaiaku dreamed for Juzo to grow up to.

'Kiyoto, looks like your change…is the answer that I've always been seeking.'

A solid right punch landed in Zaiaku's face. With the Chain breaker along with Zaiaku's denial of the chains-

Crack. Break!

-Nikushimi no Rensa, the Chain Mask…has been broken in half, shattering as it hits the ground.

Zaiaku slides off the ground after getting hit. His body won't move and his pulse is weak. Kiyoto gasped for air after their ceaseless trade of blows.

After a few seconds, Zaiaku coughed up some blood while lying on the ground, signifying that he still had some life left of him. Kiyoto limped towards him, but then Zaiaku laughed as if he's satisfied with the result. But it's not his usual laugh that gives off an eerie atmosphere.

"The chains, the pain. Everything bounding me in this world…is finally gone." Every second he speaks, his voice becomes more feeble, but he doesn't mind. He persists through.

"Kiyoto…I  am in your debt. As a repayment for your gallantry." 

Zaiaku coughed up some more blood.

"I will deny you of your burden!"

Kiyoto was taken aback with Zaiaku's announcement.

"Zaiaku, you…"

"The unrelenting Zaiaku...can only be killed by himself!" Zaiaku then, bit his own tongue.

A bright light, sprightly atmosphere, and a peaceful bedside. It was perfect resting place for someone who endured pain for a long time. Two people waited for him, opening their arms with a wholehearted smile.

A tear then dropped in Zaiaku's closing eyes as he laid down and hugged his family:

"Let's sleep together, like how we've used to before."

The fate of the unrelenting Zaiaku, have changed right before his last breath.