Chapter 34: Shattered Bonds

The fight between Ash and Katsuo continued with brutal intensity. Katsuo dominated, forcing Ash to retreat and defend against relentless, calculated strikes. The sacred room shook with each clash of their blades, the blue light casting eerie shadows over the combatants.

Katsuo's voice cut through the chaos like a blade, cold and mocking. "You're a fool, Ash. No matter how hard you try, you'll never escape what you are—a weapon forged by my hands. And now, I'll destroy what I created."

Ash, battered and bruised, fell to one knee. Blood dripped from his lips, his vision blurring. Katsuo raised his sword for the finishing blow, a cruel smile on his face. "This is where it ends."

But as the blade descended, something inside Ash snapped. Memories flooded his mind—of Takumi's laughter, Kei's loyalty, and the cruel training they endured under Katsuo. A deep, burning resolve ignited within him. Ash gripped his katana tightly, and a surge of energy flowed through him. His aura flared with raw power as he unlocked his true potential.

"Not yet... I won't fall here!" Ash roared, standing tall despite his injuries. Katsuo stepped back, surprised by the sudden surge in Ash's strength.

Ash focused all his energy into a new technique—Phantom Projectile. His katana hummed with power as he channeled his will into a single, decisive strike. He charged at Katsuo, his movements a blur. Katsuo attempted to counter with Blazing Shadow Strike, but Ash's speed overwhelmed him.

The final blow landed. Ash's blade pierced Katsuo's chest, driving through his heart and emerging out his back. Katsuo gasped, his sword falling from his grip. Blood spilled from his mouth as he looked down at the blade, then up at Ash, disbelief etched across his face.

"You... you've surpassed me," Katsuo whispered, his voice faint. "But... you'll regret this path. Freedom... always comes with a cost." With that, Katsuo collapsed, lifeless, onto the floor.

Ash, breathing heavily, stared at Katsuo's body, his hands trembling. He felt no triumph—only the weight of his actions.

Before he could process what he'd done, the door burst open. Takumi stood in the doorway, her eyes wide with shock as she took in the scene. Her gaze locked onto Katsuo's lifeless form, then shifted to Ash, whose blade was still stained with her father's blood.

"No..." she whispered, her voice breaking. "No, no, no! Father!" She rushed to Katsuo's side, cradling his body as tears streamed down her face. She looked up at Ash, her expression a mix of sorrow and fury.

"Why?" she screamed. "How could you do this?! He took you in! He raised you! And you killed him?!"

"Takumi, I" Ash tried to explain, his voice faltering.

"Don't!" she cut him off, her voice venomous. "I hate you! l'll never forgive you for this!" Her words hit Ash like a blade to the chest. He stood frozen, unable to speak as Takumi's sobs filled the room.

Suddenly, the sound of rushing footsteps echoed through the hallways. Dozens of ninjas stormed into the room, their weapons drawn, their eyes locking onto Ash and Raiden.

Ash, still shaken, gripped his katana tightly as he prepared for another fight. Raiden stepped forward, his expression grim. "Looks like we've overstayed our welcome," he muttered, readying himself for battle.