Chapter 24

## Hachimaru vs. Ryu, Rematch!!

**Chapter 24** is titled "Hachimaru vs. Ryu, Rematch!!".

## Short Summary

As two of the last three fighters of the battle royale, Hachimaru and Ryu battle to see who will progress to the finale. Acknowledging the gap in skill, Hachimaru relies on support from Ann and Hayataro to compensate, but it proves insufficient against Ryu's superior skills. Despite the difference in power, Hachimaru narrowly prevails with the help of a secret weapon. Once the fight is concluded, Daruma drops out of the running, leaving Hachimaru the last man standing. With the eliminations complete, the host of the battle royale leaves his satellite base with his Ox Holder, intent on confronting the winner of his contest.

## Long Summary

Hachimaru and Ryu prepare to square off, intent to see who will continue in the contest. the enemy Samurai that Hachimaru cut down acknowledges the skill of both young warriors. Daruma's opponent, decides to peacefully watch the fight while he regenerates, and is thanked for staying out of it. Kotsuga is amused by the state the enemy Samurai are in, and confident that Ryu will win based on the results of their first duel. Ann asks Hachimaru to be allowed to pray for him, and eagerly accepts the aid, admitting that he was cocky in the duel. Acknowledging his weakness, he accepts that he will need to be at his best to win, meaning he needs both her and Hayataro to help. Though he is not sure it will make for a fair fight, Hachimaru decides it to be necessary, and Ryu is moved by his good nature. Kotsuga is wary that Daruma will get involved, but he declares that he will only spectate to see which is superior: Ryu's overwhelming skill or Hachimaru's Samurai Trinity. Though unsure who will prevail, he thinks to himself that he is pleased that the battle royale is slowly improving his student.

Ryu expresses confidence that he can win since he has seen all of Hachimaru's tricks. Hachimaru counters that he may still have cards he has yet to play, and the two takes stances to begin. The two clash blades, and ryu catches that Ann's prayer is has raised Hachimaru's speed. Hachimaru tries to spin around for another slash, but Ryu reshapes his Samurai Soul to hook Hachimaru's Soul, stopping him cold. He then disconnects his Soul from his Handle Bone to throw Hachimaru to the ground. Using his second Soul, he dashes in for a follow-up attack, but Hayataro positions itself above Hachimaru and takes the blow. Using the opening, Hachimaru slides from under Hayataro and moves to stab Ryu, but he enlarges his Soul into a blade large enough to block the thrust, then cuts Hachimaru's arm off. Unwilling to yield, he uses his remaining arm to unsheathe his katana for a slash, but Ryu uses his foot to push the sword into the ground, leaving him open a finishing blow. Everyone watches as Ryu slashes at Hachimaru's neck, and Hachimaru himself wavers, but he decides the match isn't over yet.

Hachimaru remembers a online battle he once won on Daruma's video game. His victory celebration is cut off by a message from his opponent. He opens it to find a troll message, which coincidentally calls out his isolated life and lack of skill in any other area. Closing the game, he confides in Hayataro his wishes, such as eating actual food, meeting a pretty girl, and becoming an apprentice Samurai. While fantasizing, he drops his cane, and Hayatoro fell asleep, preventing him from fetching the cane. He then gets pulled out of his thoughts by Furuta, who needs to put a feeding drip in. Dwelling on those times, Hachimaru remembers that fantasies and his old cane were lousy supports for him, but his dad's stable presence more than made up for it. For a long time, he felt that he would be helpless if he ever lost his dad. He als recalls the artificial arm with a retractable cane made for him. Though his father is gone, he has not lost his support: his friends are more than enough to keep him going.

With renewed will, Hachimaru unveils the retractable cane, which became a blade upon his transformation into a Samurai. Hayatoro then lies down, allowing Hachimaru to slash Ryu's abdomen while narrowly dodging Ryu's attack by mere inches. Ryu is shocked by the hidden blade, and Kotsuga is shocked that Hachimaru managed to win. Deciding that the new possibilities his student is creating are worth betting on, Daruma declares his surrender, leaving Hachimaru the winner of the battle royale. Aboard the satellite orbiting Kenka, the host of the contest is pleased that the weak contenders are all gone. Satisfied at the quality of the Samurai, he decides to contact a certain someone. He then calls for his Holder, Ushiwakamaru, and heads to Kenka's surface to begin his hunt.

## Characters in Order of Appearance

* Hachimaru
* Ryu
* Hayataro
* Ann
* Kotsuga
* Daruma
* Furuta (Flashback)
* Ushiwakamaru