Chapter 25: Endo, 26 years later

The moonlight bathed the rooftop battlefield in a silvery glow as Inamaru and Endo locked eyes, their stances brimming with tension. For a moment, neither moved, the world around them eerily still. Then, as if on an unspoken cue, they launched themselves forward, disappearing in bursts of speed. The air rippled with shockwaves as they reappeared and vanished, trading blows at a pace almost too fast to follow. Each clash resounded like thunder, shaking the rooftop beneath them.

Inamaru twisted mid-air, driving a kick into Endo's gut with precision. Endo grunted, doubling over, only for Inamaru to teleport behind him, aiming a devastating heel strike at his spine. But Endo was ready. Twisting his body like a coiled spring, he dropped low, grabbed Inamaru's leg, and swung him over his shoulder. Inamaru slammed into the ground with a resounding crack—but instead of lying still, his body emitted a deep drum sound. The vibration launched Endo upward like a ragdoll, slamming him back into the ground with crushing gravity.

Struggling to his feet, Endo winced, the weight of the attack pressing him down. Inamaru rose gracefully, brushing himself off as he prepared to press the assault. He aimed a vicious kick at Endo, but before it could land, Endo teleported, reappearing behind him. In a flash, he spun Inamaru around and delivered a bone-shattering punch to his face. Blood sprayed as Inamaru staggered back, his nose broken and gushing crimson.

But instead of faltering, Inamaru threw his head back and laughed. "Not bad!" he roared, pounding his chest with both fists. The motion generated a powerful air force, and Endo was hurled back and forth like a ragdoll caught in a storm. The relentless assault left him battered, each strike punctuated by a drumbeat that echoed through the rooftop.

From a safe distance, Zan-Xi stood with his arms crossed, observing the fight. A girl with headphones perched on her head munched on BBQ chips, watching with mild interest. "Since when did Inamaru become a drummer?" she asked, her tone as casual as her snacking.

Zan-Xi smirked. "That's his ability. Whether it's a drum or his own body, he can manipulate gravity, repel opponents, or send them flying wherever he pleases. And from the looks of it…" His gaze flicked to Endo, who was taking hit after hit. "The only trick that kid's got is teleportation. That's not going to be enough to stop Inamaru."

Shoto clenched his fists, watching Endo's punishment with rising panic. "We have to stop this match! He's going to—"

"Look at the book," Ren interrupted calmly, pointing at a strange tome lying nearby. Its pages fluttered in the violent wind generated by Inamaru's attacks, glowing faintly.

Endo fell to his knees, gasping for air as Inamaru towered over him, grinning like a demon. "Prepare to fall!" Inamaru roared, raising a fist to end it.

Suddenly, the book emitted a brilliant light, followed by a loud poof. The light engulfed Endo, and when it cleared, the teenage boy was gone. In his place stood a tall, rugged man in his late twenties. He wore an open white fur jean jacket, revealing a chiseled chest and abs, paired with white cargo pants. His long black hair flowed down his back, and his expression was one of utter boredom.

"Did someone use that dumb book again?" he muttered, scratching his head.

Shoto's jaw dropped, his skin paling. "WHAT THE HELL?!?" he shouted, comically wide-eyed.

The older Endo sighed, looking around with mild irritation. "Jeez, this brings back too many memories…" He reached into his pocket, pulling out a small box. Opening it, he frowned. "Damn it. I left the sword. Alright, Plan B."

Inamaru took a cautious step back, his confident grin faltering as he stared at the transformed Endo. "What the hell… he aged up again!"

Zan-Xi's eyes twitched in disbelief. Even the girl with the headphones momentarily stopped eating her chips.

Endo ignored them, extending his palm as a glowing purple energy orb formed in his hand. The light cast an eerie glow across the battlefield.

Snarling, Inamaru teleported in front of him, aiming to strike before Endo could act. But it was too late. Endo slammed his glowing hand against Inamaru's chest, triggering a deafening drumbeat. An explosion erupted between them, shaking the entire school. Both groups staggered as the ground beneath the combatants was obliterated.

When the smoke cleared, both fighters lay unconscious in the rubble. Endo had reverted to his teenage form, battered and bruised, while Inamaru lay beside him in a similar state.

Yuumo rushed to Endo's side, gently lifting him off the ground. Across the rooftop, Zan-Xi glared at Shoto and his group. "A draw on the first day…" He smirked, pointing at Ryuji. "Tomorrow, it's your turn."

From behind him, a flamboyant young man stepped forward, his gaze fixed on Ryuji with unsettling excitement. "Oooh, finally! You're making him fight the pretty boy tomorrow? I've been waiting for this!"

Ryuji clenched his fists, his mouth twitching into a determined smile. "Finally.."