CHAPTER -14 Echoes of an Ancient Grudge

In the dim, eerie light of the abandoned cityscape, the tension crackled like electricity. The air seemed heavy with the remnants of a fierce battle, fading remnants of dread encircled a once-vibrant battleground. When the oppressive silence shattered, Yoto's voice rang clear. "Nishi, there's no point in killing him. Let's regroup with the squad and leave."

Nishi huffed in frustration. "Fine, fine. You're too soft, idiot."

Meanwhile, in a grimy office littered with flickering screens, Razor spoke into the phone, his tone cold and calculating. "Sir Genta, your assumption was correct. Yoto defeated Kashin in a single blow. He truly has power."

Genta's menacing laughter echoed through the line. "That's exactly what I wanted to hear. You know what to do, brother. I've always known I could count on you. Bring him to me. The others are already on their way."

Razor hesitated. "Sir Genta, do you think I can't handle him?" 

Genta's voice turned cold. "Razor, Razor… It's not that I doubt your strength. I just can't take any chances. I've waited 18 long years for this moment. Through Yoto, I can finally achieve my goal."

Razor nodded. "I understand, Sir Genta."

"Take care of the matter before they get away," Genta ordered, his tone final.

Suddenly, Hataki appeared before Razor, throwing a punch aimed directly at his face. Razor leaned back just in time, dodging the blow, but before he could counter, Ken emerged from behind and delivered a powerful kick that sent Razor crashing through a building wall.

From the rubble, Razor emerged, brushing off the dust, unharmed. "That was a good kick, Ken. I thought you'd gone soft over the years, but it seems the old you is still alive."

Hataki turned to Ken, his tone calm yet urgent. "Can I count on you to handle him?" 

Ken smiled faintly. "Leave him to me. Go. Take care of the kids."

Hataki nodded, sparing one last look at Razor before dashing off. "Don't keep us waiting." 

Ken's smile faded as he locked eyes with Razor.

Razor sighed, his daggers gleaming as he drew them. "Ken, are we really doing this? I swore I'd never fight you or Hataki after what happened 18 years ago." 

Ken's voice was icy. "And yet, here we are. Don't pretend guilt. You followed Genta's orders without question." 

"I had no choice!" Razor snapped.

Ken's patience wore thin. "Enough. Let's finish this."

Razor's lips curled into a manic smile. "It's a pain, but… this might actually be fun."

Ken's body split into two clones, vanishing from Razor's sight. Razor stood still, his daggers ready. A split second later, the two Kens appeared on either side of him, launching synchronized kicks. The impact shattered the windows behind Razor.

Razor intercepted both attacks with ease, catching the kicks midair. "Ken, you'll have to do better than this." 

With a powerful counter, Razor kicked both clones, sending them crashing through the walls on opposite sides. Rising from the debris, Razor smirked. "Is that all you've got? Where are the other two clones? Surely, you don't think you can win with just these." 

Two additional clones emerged from the rubble, rushing at Razor. Razor dodged their strikes effortlessly, but as he moved, a third clone attacked from behind. Razor sensed the strike and spun, countering with a slash—only to realize it was a feint. The real Ken came from above, delivering a devastating punch to Razor's face. The impact drove Razor into the ground, shattering the pavement and creating a shockwave that sent debris flying. 

Ken leaped back, regrouping with his clones. Razor stood, blood trickling from a scratch on his cheek. He wiped it off, grinning. "Now that's more like it. You haven't changed, Ken. Let's see how far you can push me."

He grabbed his daggers from the ground, his eyes alight with battle lust. 

Meanwhile, Hataki sprinted through the ruins, searching for the squad. When he arrived, he froze. A chill ran down his spine at the sight before him—Yoto holding Kashin by the face, ready to kill him. But Yoto stopped.

Hataki's thoughts raced. Is Yoto really this powerful now? He beat Kashin? But… why is Kashin here?

The squad moved cautiously toward Yoto. Eiji broke the silence, his voice trembling. "Yoto, how… how are you so strong? And… who's the other Yoto?"

Yushin's tone was laced with concern. "Yoto, who is that? Why did you hide your power from us?"

Before Yoto could answer, Hataki's voice cut through the tension. "YOTO!" 

The squad turned, startled.

Yoto's expression softened. "Sensei? What are you doing here? Why are you in such a hurry?" 

Hayato asked nervously, "Sensei, what's going on?"

Hataki's tone was urgent. "There's no time to explain. Follow me—now!"

Without hesitation, the squad followed Hataki, weaving through the streets as he led them away from danger. But their escape was short-lived. As they rounded a corner, Ken's body came flying through the air, crashing into a building ahead of them.

The squad halted in shock. From the smoke, Razor emerged, walking toward them with slow, deliberate steps. His voice was calm, yet threatening. "Hataki, stop this pathetic struggle. Hand him over. Genta is waiting."

Hataki stepped forward, shielding the squad. His voice was firm. "You'll have to go through me first." 

Hayato whispered, his voice tense. "Sensei… why is Razor here?"

Hataki didn't reply. Instead, he barked an order. "Squad! Take Yoto and run. Now! I'll hold him off."

Razor smirked. "Don't make this harder than it needs to be. Just stand there and watch as I—" 

"RUN!" Hataki roared.

Razor lunged toward Yoto, bypassing Hataki with blinding speed. Hataki moved to intercept, but hesitated—if he used his electric powers now, he might hurt the squad. Razor was just seconds away from grabbing Yoto when—

A mark flared to life on Yoto's face. Razor froze, sensing an ominous power.

Suddenly, sharp, black tentacle-like appendages erupted from the ground with incredible speed, slashing toward Razor. He jumped back, narrowly avoiding them, though one left a shallow cut on his Right eyebrow.

Razor touched the wound on his Right eyebrow, his grin widening. "Not bad, kid. You've got some tricks up your sleeve." 

Nishi's voice rang out, sharp and confident. "Hataki, stay out of my way." 

Hataki turned to Yoto—or rather, the figure now calling itself Nishi. His confusion was evident. "What are you talking about? What's going on, Yoto?"

Nishi's smirk deepened. "I'll create an opening for you. Just don't miss it, old man." 

Hataki hesitated, his instincts warring with his confusion. "Wait, what do you mean? And who are you calling old?!"

Nishi let out a low chuckle. "Look, I'll explain everything later, I promise. But right now, let's focus on making Razor regret getting up this morning."

Hataki nodded reluctantly, still wary but trusting in Yoto—or whoever this was. "Fine. I'm counting on you… Nishi, is it?"

Nishi's tone became almost playful. "Yeah, that's the name. Don't forget it, Hataki."

Hataki frowned but steadied himself. "Alright, let's do this."

Razor's mocking laugh echoed as he tightened his grip on his daggers. "Big words, kid. Let's see if you can make me run."

Nishi grinned like a maniac, his voice calm but brimming with dangerous energy. "You'll tell me… when you're lying on your back."