The Growing Threat

Elaine's heart pounded as he took a step back, gripping his gun tighter. Across from him, Renji loomed, his eye shifting slightly, as if barely containing something far more monstrous than before.

Elaine narrowed his eyes. This isn't normal… That thing inside him—it's changing.

He raised his gun, steadying his breath. He needed to create distance.

Bang!

A shot rang out.

The bullet tore through the air, aimed straight for Renji's chest. But—

Thwack!

Renji's hand moved faster than Elaine's eyes could follow.

The bullet never landed.

It bounced off his palm and shot toward the ground.

Elaine's stomach dropped.

He just… deflected it?

Renji's gaze snapped toward him, his golden irises glowing faintly in the dim light. He wasn't just standing there anymore—he was already moving.

Before Elaine could react, Renji vanished—

Then appeared right in front of him.

Elaine barely had time to brace before a fist slammed into his ribs.

Boom!

The impact sent shockwaves through his body.

Pain exploded across his torso as he was hurled backward.

His body slammed against the ground, rolling several feet before he managed to plant his arm down and skid to a stop. His breathing was shaky.

He gritted his teeth, lifting his gun again.

Renji's expression didn't change.

Elaine exhaled sharply. "Tch… You're tougher than before."

He could feel it—the weight of Renji's power pressing down on him. He had fought strong opponents before, but this was different.

This wasn't just an opponent.

This was a more monster.

Elaine quickly assessed his options. Close combat wasn't going to work. He needed space.

His fingers tightened around the trigger.

His gun shifted, its form warping as the barrel extended.

A deep hum echoed as the weapon transformed into something larger—more powerful.

Elaine smirked slightly. "Big threats call for big solutions."

He fired.

Boom!

A massive bullet, almost the size of a cannonball, tore through the air.

The impact was instant.

Renji was blown off his feet, his body disappearing into the distance as a thick cloud of dust and debris followed.

Elaine exhaled, lowering his weapon.

"That should keep him down for a while."

A voice behind him scoffed.

"Are you sure about that?"

Elaine turned sharply, already raising his gun again.

Aika stood there, swinging her chain lazily. A smirk tugged at her lips.

"Forgot about me, did you?"

Elaine's eyes flickered with irritation. "Ya forget about you old bitch, what did you want are you going to fight me again?"

Aika twirled her chain, the metal links clinking softly. "No just enjoying the show. That monster was only targeting you, after all."

Elaine narrowed his eyes. "And? What's your point?"

Aika's smirk widened. "I figured I'd sit back and let it wear you down."

Elaine scoffed. "Tch. Typical."

The air around them was tense, but before either could make a move—

A low growl rumbled through the air.

Elaine's breath hitched.

Slowly, he turned his head.

Renji was back.

His body was different.

The glow in his eyes was brighter now. His fingers twitched, his muscles coiling like a predator ready to strike.

And this time—

He wasn't just looking at Elaine.

His gaze landed on Aika.

Aika's smirk faded. "Hah… Well, shit."

Renji vanished.

Aika barely had time to react before—

Boom!

A rock fist crashed into her stomach.

Her body bent over the impact, her breath ripped from her lungs.

She flew back, skidding across the ground before slamming her chains into the dirt, anchoring herself.

She coughed, wiping blood from her mouth.

"You little shit…"

Elaine clicked his tongue. "He really wants you dead."

Renji wasn't just fighting.

He was hunting.

And they were the prey.

Aika's chains lashed forward, wrapping around Renji's arm.

But—

Smoke burst from his body.

And then—

There were multiple Renjis.

Aika's eyes widened. "The fuck—?!"

She lashed out, striking at each clone.

Each one vanished in smoke.

She gritted her teeth. "Where's the real one?!"

Then—

She felt it.

A presence right behind her.

Before she could turn—

A hand smashed into her side.

Crack!

Her ribs gave way.

Her body was sent flying once more.

Elaine cursed under his breath.

So this is a higher jinju was,We're that's fucker when i needed him.

Aika struggled to her feet, coughing up blood. Her chain twisted, forming into a snake-like construct.

Her eyes burned with fury.

"You little shit… You're gonna regret this."

Renji simply grinned.

Elaine could feel it.

Something was wrong.

Then—

Renji vanished again.

And the next time Aika saw him—

He was right in front of her.

She barely had time to scream.

Because in the next moment—

Renji's jaw unhinged.

And then—

He bit down.

Elaine's mind went blank.

Aika vanished from sight—swallowed whole.

Renji turned to face him.

Elaine's fingers twitched.

His gun has no bullet that's can penetrate him.

And Renji—

Renji was standing over him now.

His mouth dripped with fresh blood.

His golden eyes burned into Elaine's soul.

Elaine took a sharp breath. "Shit—"

Then—

A sudden explosion of light.

Boom!

A laser beam pierced through the sky, striking Renji directly.

The force sent him flying.

Elaine's vision swam as he struggled to push himself up.

Then—

He heard footsteps.

A shadow loomed over him.

Elaine barely turned his head.

A new figure stood at the edge of the battlefield.

Elaine's breath came out ragged.

Fuck, finally you're here.