Shinigami's Resolved

Kaito braced himself, responding to the figure that blackened his vision who walked among the enemy Shinigami, tightening his grip on the sword. The air felt charged with spiritual energy, the pressure overwhelming. Emiko watched from behind Kaito, her fingers balled into fists as her heart raced in her chest.

She didn't have the strength to fight. Not yet. But she wouldn't let Kaito risk his life for her and do nothing.

The commander stepped forward slowly, his amusement glinting coldly in his eyes. "You are so stubborn Kaito," he said. "Do you really think you're going to win against all of us?"

Kaito grinned, rolling his shoulders. "I've beaten worse. And I'm still standing."

The tone of the leader's face hardened. "Then You Give Me No Option.

In a flash, he disappeared.

Kaito had barely registered the movement before a tremendous force hit him in the side. His body went flying backward into a stack of crates. The impact sent a jolt of pain racing through his ribs, but he took no notice, tumbling to his feet just as the leader reappeared, blade shearing a deadly arc.

Kaito raised his own sword just in time and their blades met in a tremendous clash. Flames erupted, and wind from the blast pushed through the warehouse. The other Shinigami remained silent, watching, their eyes trained on the battle.

Kaito resisted, creating more space between them. His mind raced. The leader was fast — faster than anything he had faced in years. It would be over if he slipped for even a moment.

But Kaito wasn't about to lose.

"Not terrible," Kaito said, wiping a glimmer of blood from his mouth. "But you're going to have to do better than that."

The leader didn't respond. Instead, his form sputtered again, disappearing from view.

Kaito's instincts screamed louder than ever.

"Behind!"

He spun just in time, raising his sword to block a devastating downward strike. The impact jolted up his arms but he held his resolve, gritted his teeth and pushed back.

"Predictable," Kaito said, twisting his blade to drive the leader away.

The leader's eyes narrowed. "You're a lot better than I thought you would be. But skill alone won't save you."

Just when Kaito thought his question went unheard, the other Shinigami finally made their move: Two of them attacked from the sides, their weapons glinting in the dim light.

Kaito swore as he barely dodged the first blow and parried the second. He twisted then and retaliated with a gracious counter, his sword cracking a plane of air. A long gash scored one of the Shinigami's arms and he stumbled back.

But the second was already upon him.

Kaito ducked under a blade sent for his throat. In response, he slashed upwards viciously and forced his opponent to back off. But he was outnumbered. No matter how good he was, he couldn't fight them all at once.

And they knew it.

The leader smirked. "You're strong, Kaito. But you can't work strength when you're overwhelmed."

Kaito clenched his jaw. He was running out of time. He was battered from almost nonstop assaults, his energy fading fast.

Then, something shifted.

A presence — cold and powerful — permeated the air.

Kaito's eyes flew wide when Emiko moved, fierce as hell.

"Enough!" she shouted.

Raw — volatile — a flash flood of spiritual energy exploded from her. The Shinigami flinched suddenly at the burst of powerful energy. Even Kaito could sense it—that ancient force stirring deep inside her.

The leader's gaze darted toward Emiko, his expression unreadable. "Interesting," he murmured. "Well, you're finally waking up."

Emiko was panting, her body vibrating from whatever effort she had just expended. She didn't comprehend it, but she knew one thing — she wasn't worthless.

Kaito smirked. "Looks like you made her mad."

The leader looked her up and down, then stepped back. "This isn't over, Kaito. The Council shall not permit you to continue as you have. And the girl … her very existence is a danger. More will come for her."

Kaito's hand clenched about his sword. "Let them come."

The leader chuckled darkly. "Very well. "Enjoy your momentary victory."

He waved the hand that still had blood and indicated with it the other Shinigami. They all went back into the dark, leaving the warehouse empty.

The second they left, Emiko's knees buckled, sending her crashing down to the floor.

Kaito was there beside her in an instant, catching her before she fell to the ground. "Hey," he said, with a note of worry. "You okay?"

Emiko nodded weakly. "I… I do not have any idea what happened. I just… I felt something. And then—"

Devotion recovered Kaito explained, "You tap into your spiritual energy." "It happens when you're in great danger. But that kind of power…" He broke off, looking her over slowly.

She was not merely a human being.

She was something much more.

Emiko held his gaze, determination blazing in her eyes. "I want to learn," she said. "I just don't want to be weak anymore. I want to have a fight, to defend myself. To help you."

Kaito looked at her for a moment and sighed. "You're pretty stubborn because you are, huh?"

She managed a small smile. "I had a good teacher."

Impossible, Kaito muttered, shaking his head with a laugh. "Alright, fine. But it won't be easy. You're going to have to train harder than you trained in your life."

"I know."

He nodded. "Then let's get started."

Because it was the early days of the hunt. And if they were going to survive, they would have to be stronger than ever.