Final Strike

The Kiba-hound let out a low growl that filled the clearing. Its body trembled, its glowing yellow eyes flickering. Blood dripped from its wounds, pooling under it on the dirt. Mono stepped forward slightly, his breath quick and shallow, his grip on his sword tight.

'It's nearly done,' Mono thought, his eyes fixed on the creature. 'But it's still dangerous.'

Raiba stood nearby, his arms trembling as he tried to steady his sword. "It's almost over," he said, his voice shaky. "It can't keep going like this."

Josei moved carefully, her hands clutching her sword tightly. Her eyes stayed on the Kiba-hound as it shifted weakly. "Don't let your guard down," she said firmly. "It's still moving."

Hito pushed himself to his feet, wincing as he moved. He looked at the beast, his face pale but focused. "Why isn't it giving up?" he muttered. "It should've dropped by now."

Sensei stood calmly at the edge of the clearing. His voice was steady as he spoke. "A wounded beast fights harder. It knows it's at its end. Be careful. Strike when the moment is right."

Mono gave a small nod, his breathing heavy but controlled. 'We have to finish this,' he thought. 'One wrong move, and it could turn against us.'

The Kiba-hound lunged without warning, its claws flashing toward Tokira. Tokira moved quickly, dodging the attack and slashing at its legs as it passed. His blade landed, and the beast stumbled forward with a snarl.

Josei didn't hesitate. She darted in from the side, her sword swinging down with force. Her blade cut into its shoulder, making the creature cry out in pain. It staggered back, its glowing eyes dimming slightly.

Mono saw an opening and moved fast. He swung his sword, aiming for the beast's side. The blade struck cleanly, and the Kiba-hound howled, its tail whipping wildly as it kicked up dirt and leaves.

Raiba followed, stepping forward with a strong swing of his sword. The blade hit the beast's flank, forcing it onto one knee. It panted heavily, blood pooling under its trembling body. Its yellow eyes flickered, but it bared its teeth, growling weakly as it tried to rise again.

"This is it!" Raiba called out, his voice filled with strained hope. "Let's end this!"

Mono moved forward, raising his sword high. "Stay with me," he ordered, his tone firm. "Keep the pressure on!"

The others closed in. Hito shifted toward the beast's left, his sword ready. Tokira adjusted his stance, watching for another chance to strike. Josei steadied her blade, her movements slow but sure. Raiba braced himself for one last push.

The Kiba-hound growled again, a weak but defiant sound. Its body shook as it tried to lunge one last time. Mono didn't give it the chance. He brought his sword down in a strong, decisive strike, cutting cleanly through its neck. The beast's body hit the ground hard, and it didn't move again.

The clearing went quiet, the only sound the disciples' ragged breathing. Mono stood over the Kiba-hound's lifeless body, his sword still in hand. Blood soaked the ground around the beast, and its metallic fur no longer shimmered in the faint light.

Josei lowered her sword slowly, her knuckles still white. "It's over," she said softly, her voice filled with relief. "It's really over."

Raiba let out a shaky sigh, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand. "That thing didn't make it easy," he muttered. "I didn't think it was ever going to stop."

Hito dropped to the ground, holding his injured arm. "I need to rest," he said, his voice low. "That fight… it was something else."

Mono stayed silent, staring down at the Kiba-hound's still form. His chest rose and fell as he caught his breath, but his mind was racing. 'It didn't fight like an animal,' he thought. 'It fought like it had a purpose. Like there was more to it than we know.'

The silence was broken by the sound of slow footsteps. Mono looked up to see Sensei moving toward them. His expression was calm, his steps deliberate. The disciples turned to watch him as he walked past them, heading straight for the Kiba-hound's body. Mono's shoulders tensed as he watched.

'What's he doing?' Mono wondered, gripping his sword tighter.

Sensei knelt beside the beast, resting one hand on its side. He stayed still for a moment, his face unreadable. The disciples exchanged confused and nervous glances, unsure of what was happening.

Then, without a word, Sensei pushed his hand into the Kiba-hound's body. Blood coated his arm as it disappeared inside the beast. Mono's eyes widened, and he stepped back instinctively.

Josei gasped, her grip tightening on her sword. Raiba's face turned pale, and he froze in place. Hito stared, his mouth slightly open, while Tokira's sharp eyes narrowed, his calm composure slipping.

Mono's thoughts raced. 'What is he doing?' he thought, his heart pounding. 'Why… why is he doing that?'

The air in the clearing felt heavier, colder. Blood dripped steadily from Sensei's arm, staining the dirt below. The disciples could only watch, their exhaustion forgotten. Mono clenched his jaw, his mind full of questions, none of which he dared to ask aloud.