A Piece of Our History

**Date Started:** December 22nd, 2023
**Date Completed:** Ongoing
**Users Involved:** User:Starving Skeleton, User:JTXP, User:Arukana
**Setting:** Wano, - 1588
**Characters Involved**:
* **47 Ronin**: Yasuke,
* **Samurai**: Seijo Tenmao, Shinchou Muratori
* **Characters Mentioned**: Lady Murasaki, Senri, Hamet. Diado Genkei

## History is the Greatest Treasure

"Mmmmmm you bring us honor with this gift." Akisada Tokugawa said. His stern expression unchanging but his voice filled with its famous power. He sat on his mat before a long table covered in an impressive spread. High ranking court officials sitting on both sides. Yasuke remained calm. "The treasure of Wano. Stolen all those years ago and brought back, by a Samurai nonetheless."

"I shall return it immediately to the Temple of the Sword God." Yasuke said.

"No." An official answered. "Have we learned nothing? We keep it in a grave and it gets stolen. Especially now that we have had a greater influx of foreigners. Must we not forget that it is one of the 21 Great Swords?! It needs to be here in the Flower Capital. Preferably at a Museum or maybe in our residence. Heavily protected."

"The look on the other ministers when they see we hold Shusui!" His counterpart added. "Surely that shall garner favor with the Spider Empress."

"Cultural treasures are extremely important. Although is it fair for us to hold it?"

"You suggest we give it to the Spider Empress as a gift?" Another responded. "She might find favor with it. But...Do we want to place it in some treasury to remain locked away forever? The sword of the Sword God and once weapon of the Right Hand to the Pirate King."

"Must we forget that our beloved Spider Empress is also surrounded by pirates?" Another dared to speak. "Whose to say they won't try to steal it or bargain it from her?"

But Yasuke noticed one voice was missing from the symphony. A strong, firm light before him. Sitting with his hand against his lap. Calm. Tranquil. Analyzing. A man Yasuke was slowly growing to respect. A samurai still dedicating his life to Bushido.

"If I may, My Lord, what is it you wish to do?" Yasuke asked. Daring to ignore his other superiors.

"Hm...." Tokugawa's thundering voice silenced the chattering. His aura commanding an attention. "And why do you not wish to claim the sword?" He asked. His piercing eyes felt like daggers even to the blind samurai.

"That sword is not my legacy." Yasuke said calmly. "Juzumaru was crafted by Seijo hands and hasn't been wielded since. It is a sword that I will increase in rank and turn into a Black Blade. The Sword God died without making Shusui one of the 12 Supreme Grade Swords. It'd be an insult to his honor to complete what he couldn't."

Tokugawa was silent. A loud calm. And yet Yasuke didn't dare speak against it. For he saw in the old man's heart in that moment a moving sea. Finally Tokugawa spoke. "Very well. Shusui will remain in our care."

Yasuke bowed. Those words spoken without emotion. Seemingly without favor. Yet all before him knew those two words were of greater value than the blade laying before them. A Hatamoto could request council with their Shogun. The greatest privilege one could wield. But for the Hotei to actually listen?

"But, we must remain in good favor with the Gods." Tokugawa continued. "Yasuke, you are to take Shusui back to the Sword God's Grave and make an offering. Then take the sword to the Spider Empress for her blessings." He snapped his fingers and a scribe brought forth a giant ink brush and scroll. Tokugawa swiftly wrote a note, rolled it and then sealed it with his stamp. "Bring her this and then return it back to us."

"Of course, my lord." Yasuke bowed.

"Go grab something to eat first. You've done well."

It’s been quite some time since Yasuke returned to Wano. The 47 Ronin would spend years at sea, partaking in their own journey’s while also serving as a vanguard for the Black Widow Pirates.

They would break into territories and weaken their defenses before the main forces arrived. A smaller unit meant to destroy foundations. It wasn’t without its troublesome moments. But survival garnered strength. And they’d return with great riches of their own.

As Yasuke walked through the Flower Capital, he felt different from himself two years ago. Where he watched with paranoia and anxiety, he now walked with a certain calm. His light indigo kimono hanging loosely from his shoulders. It covered his open Kosode and Hakama from which one could see his defined chest. His two blades sat on his hip. Juzumaru reaching behind him.

He felt the eyes of both admirers and others who wished him dead. Their envious hearts shining through the dark world he traversed. He walked with confidence as he felt the objects before him but still walked at a pace that’d allow him to analyze his path.

His demonic mask now white and with red rope hanging from its mask. He entered a nearby shop, walked to the bar and sat down.

“May I have Sesame Chicken with mixed vegetables and Soba. Oh and a said of Shrimp Shumai.” Yasuke asked kindly. “Apple juice to drink.”

“Oooooooo it’s him! The Akisada’s Hatamoto!” A woman whispered.

“He’s Lord Akisada’s personal retainer!” An older man responded. “I’m sure the woman he marries will have several castles of her own! Imagine the land he’s given as compensation.”

That’s right…Yasuke had a home nearby with his own servants tending to it. But he rarely came back. Instead instructing them to use it as an orphanage in his absence.

“I hear he’s the only one Lord Akisada entrust his dealings with the Spider Empress too.” Another man said nearby. “Ive got friends in court who mentions seeing him around and personalized letters coming from his ship.”

"No wonder, look at that Katana hanging at his waist. T-that's Shusui!!" Another voice screamed. "Did he kill the pirate who stole it? It's finally back home."

"For how long this time?" A man barked. "Until the next pirate decides to cheat their way to infamy?"

“Seems like the Dog of Seijo has grown into the Hound of Akisada!” A familiar voice joked. The older man helped himself to the seat besides Yasuke. Probably the last face he saw when those empty eyes still had light in them. When those deep amber eyes shined in moonlight as the samurai cut down those merchants. Drenching a young Yasuke in blood.

“Seijo-sensei!” Yasuke said shockingly. “How did you know?”

“This was always your favorite place in the Flower Capital. So once I heard your crew had docked I thought it’d be nice to see you.” He answered while sitting next to Yasuke. “Also, no need to be so formal. You’re a Hatamoto!” Tenmao exclaimed. “That’s the highest title a Samurai can reach. A title I forsook for wealth and status. A part of me envies you.”

“I wouldn’t have made it this far without you, Lord Seijo.” Yasuke said. One could hear the smile beneath his mask. “Although I’m sure I would’ve captured greater titles for you, had I remained in your service.”

“Eh. Maybe.” Tenmao responded. “Or we would’ve all died in an act of rebellion.” He pulled from a pipe. “But none of that matters to me. Your commitment to Bushido beneath the Akisada has garnered great fortune for my family. And with that, I am content. My wish fulfilled.”

“Lord Seijo…”

“Just remember you now have the chance to die for the sake of the Empress or one of her closest. And that shall bring forth fame and honor to your descendants when they come.” Tenmao smiled. “Remember to protect that name I gave you. For you are now to the world itself, Seijo Yasuke. You bring honor to me and my ancestors as you do your successors.”

“Yes, Lord Seijo.”

Tenmao smiled. “So you were able to retrieve one of Wano's greatest treasures?"

"Yeah." Yasuke answered. "We heard rumors of the World Government getting ready to take in the Shichibukai, Al Khalifa Ain. We made a dash to her island and I challenged her to a game of Chess."

"What did you offer of equal value to that sword?"

"Our lives." Yasuke answered. "But all those games of Shogi paid off and I was able to beat her."

"So I take it you’re going to take the pilgrimage to the Sword God’s temple?”

“Yes. After I speak with the Spider Empress.” Yasuke sipped his apple juice and ate his Shumai. Pulling his mask back to slurp his soba noodles. “I haven’t paid my respects in the years I’ve been gone, anyway.”

“Personal council with the Spider Empress.” Tenmao smiled. “My how've you grown. Just don’t forget to visit your father from time to time. Filial piety is Bushido.” He said while walking away. “See you soon, Yasuke. Remember that your place is the battlefield...Not the courts."

Yasuke sipped his apple juice as the phantom vanished in the wind. His heart pained but...He got up and left the shop.

Yasuke was familiar with his journey to the Spider Empress's domain. Where he once needed to be guided through Mt. Fuji, Yasuke could request one of the Akisada's carts to take him there. He still had to show the special insignia which allowed him passage. But it wasn't as much as a burden before. He'd taken this trip plenty of times before.

Soon he found himself back on the snowy top where the chaotic, primal cold surrounded an almost serene heaven. Juzumaru's loud screams growing quiet when he entered.

## To See the Sword God

“I should’ve dragged the others with me.” Yasuke grumbled as he made his way up the long winding path to the final temple.

*“I have to visit the stable.” Ranma said while walking off.*

*“I’m going to check on my family’s farm.” Senri offered before vanishing.*

*“I don’t want to go.” Murasaki said with a gleeful smile. The only honest one. Even the other underlings had their own excuses….*

The temples of the sun goddess. The moon. Sea. Wind. The dragons and directions. It was a days pilgrimage. Yasuke said his prayers and made his offerings.

One devoted to the Sword God himself. Yasuke had visited this temple every year of his life since embarking on his journey. Being away so long at sea, he needed to ask for further blessings.

“That’s fine. At least I get some piece and quiet.” He smiled. “It’s a beautiful autumn day. I can smell the leaves changing colors.”

Soon the gigantic temple came into view, or would’ve been within sight. Luckily he used a walking stick to guide him on the road. Usually he didn’t need to worry but these roads were often tricky.

Walking the long path toward the shrine of the old **Sword God** **Ryuma,** Muratori soaked in the atmosphere that blessed his eyes. This was his first year on a pilgrimage to his home country of Wano Country. The atmosphere felt like back home to him, the similar cultures and customs of the residents of the land brought a smile to his face.

The autumn leaves made music in the wind, as the leaves rustled against one another, the air felt cleaner and strong.

It was safe to say that Muratori felt right at home. His reason for coming to the altar was to witness the grave of the man who was held the highest of them all. Growing up as a child and the prospect champion of Shinchou, Ryuma was someone he idolized and looked up to. It was his duty to visit the shrine once in his young life.

In hand, he held a red vase with a wide base and skinny neck. The vase was filled with an expensive wine that Muratori had bought at a shop some time ago. It was going to be placed as an offering for God.

In the distance, the young samurai saw another figure with a walking stick ahead of him, "The gravesite must be a busy one. Hehe" he said.

Yasuke approached. The towering ebony samurai slowly pacing his way to the temple that had been built around Ryuma’s grave. He saw the other samurai besides him. A light emerald light. Noticeable in strength. Yet he didn’t bother to say anything.

Perhaps Yasuke’s name had traveled all of Wano. But what would garner attention would be the sword on his hip. A weapon that anyone who loves Ryuma would recognize. Shusui.

Yasuke bent over and burned some incense. “I have returned your treasure back home. It will never leave this land again. I ask for your blessing.”

Muratori watched as the white-masked man placed his offering, quickly he noticed the sword attached to his hip, "*Is that what I think it is?"* Muratori thought to himself gazing at the treasure. He walked closer to get a closer look at it, this was a big moment for him and he wasted no time.

Approaching the temple alter he stood next to the man carrying Shusui, "Here you go Ryuma-san. My uncle told me that you liked wine, I'm not sure how true that is hehe," the blonde and purple haired samurai said.

He placed the vase at the base of the alter and turned toward the stranger, "Forgive me for the intrusion but, what is a man like you doing with a sword like that?" Muratori's voice was calm and collected with no sign of hostility.

Yasuke was silent. He felt those same sentiments back in the Flower Capital. It’s a rare blessing to wield a sword such as Shusui. Hell, Yasuke had yet to even draw it with his own hand. He expected the anger and understood its origin.

“Returning it to where it belongs. Except it’s going to stay with the Akisada Family. Where it will remain protected.” Yasuke didn’t turn to Muratori. Instead he simply offered his own bottle of Sake.

“Does it bother you that I hold the sword of the Sword God?” He asked gently. “Do wish to strike me down for it?”

Muratori chuckled a bit before, returning an answer, "Strike you down for bearing a sword, how foolish. After all, I wish to one day hold a sword like that, who knows maybe I can become the next Ryuma hehe..." The young man said taking some of the sake the mysterious man offered.

Even though the man held a sacred treasure in his hands, Muratori found it more cool than evil. He did say he was returning the blade anyway, but the information about this Akisada Family was foreign to him, after all, he was just a visitor.

"Why is it staying with this Akisada Family?" He asked out of ignorance.

Yasuke found solice in the man’s heart and instead smirked. “This sword is a treasure worth several countries.” He started. “Who’s to say it won’t garner the attention of some other desperate, honor-less pirate.”

He sipped some Sake. Pouring it into the hole of his mask. “It’d be safe with a Hotei.”

He took a second. “Do you understand what it’s take to be the next Ryuma?” He asked honestly. “Do you not walk your own path?”

His eyes widened "Hotei! You mean the Black Widow Pirates... My father told me about them before coming here, they sound very dangerous, but badass to say the least." He too took a sip of sake.

He listened to the man reiterate his bold comments about Ryuma, to some that could've meant a high level of disrespect. The young man meant no harm in his words however, it was just his youthful confidence showing itself.

"I am well aware of the path I walk, it's the path of greatness. And why not become the next Ryuma, anyone can become a God on this earth from what I've seen." Muratori words were filled with passion and hope, something that would carry a warrior far.

“Anyone can be a god on this earth. That’s true indeed.” Yasuke smirked.

“But there are many who also say the same thing. Many who’ll try to take that dream away.” Yasuke’s said. “It’s a harsh life to embark on. Still, very rewarding.”

He turned to Muratori and tilted his head. “I’m someone with similar ambitions to you. Would you be able to strike me down?”

Muratori smiled from ear to ear, "Is that a challenge?" he said clutching placing his right hand onto the handle of his sword attached to the hip. "This would be my first duel in 2 years, maybe this was **fate**. Two samurai clashing before the grave of the sword god, Murhahah!"

Muratori took a few steps back from the challenger still not pulling his blade out to draw. "It would be a dishonor not to show God Ryuma a test of skill, may he bless us both." Muratori's face quickly turned from a smile to a dead calm expression, the only thing about him that looked alive was his dialed in eyes.

Now removing his blade from the scabbard, Asakaze no Ha showed its true beauty. A blade crafted by none other than, Shinchou Kouna Yubi one of the most talented blacksmiths of Akijima. The edge held a sharp designed purple tint giving the blade some personality and flair.

Yasuke also took a step back. He admired the beautiful blade before him. A piece that he heard about only in rumors on the mainland. But he could tell that the man before him will raise its name.

He himself reached for Juzumaru. Drawing it into a one handed stance. An oddity for a Samurai to do as an Odachi is know as a two handed weapon. But Yasuke’s towering body allowed him to wield it like a katana.

Juzumaru’s blade was a brilliant silver. It’s handle decorated with a silver piece on it. He held it to the side and tilted his head. The ebony samurai saw the green warrior before him, warm with a strong sense of justice. Suddenly he tilted his head.

“Your sword is quite the character.” Yasuke said. “Her determination is quite admirable. Always a fun time when my Akutensei Juzumaru meets one as exciting as him.”

It wasn’t rare for Yasuke to talk about his opponent’s sword. Hell, the other ronin often found him sitting on the deck talking to Juzumaru. Tenmao often told him it was a gift that he’d only seen rarely. Something lost within the history books.

He remembered the first time Juzumaru spoke to him….

He held his blade upward. Awaiting to see his opponent’s answer.

Muratori eyes remained locked onto his opponent steadfast and ready, "*What is this guy blabbering about? Her determination? Is he talking about Azakaze?"* He thought.

"Baaakkaa! Are you drunk off a couple of sips of sake! How can a man like you even have a sword like that!"

Gritting his teeth he felt insulted.

Yasuke was used to that reaction. People often called him crazy when spoke about the voices around him. He learned to ignore it. Instead he answered with a dash.

A step and the hulking samurai twisted into a downward slice. A one handed strike with tremendous force. Meant to slice a mighty oak. Juzumaru whistling as it came down on Muratori.

Even with Muratori dialed in and focused eyes locked on his target, they simply couldn't keep up with the speed of Yasuke. Luckily his many years of training in his youth, honed his battle instincts and fast twitch muscles to merely react on their own. As Yasuke reappeared in front of him, his right sword arm came up and blocked the attack.

The impact from the clashes broke forth a small gust of wind that sliced every nearby tree and structure around. The ground beneath Muratori's feet broke as the weight from the strike was heavy, and his arm started to shake resisting the force of the blade. He needed to react fast, his speed would prove a problem, but Muratori was a champion on his island.

A protector of peace, and has been in countless battles, but would he hold up against the white-masked demon? Muratori hadn't battled in two years and his skills would need some warming up. He managed to move his right away allowing him to shift the weight of the attack away from him, he then took a few skips back and quickly reacted.

"**Sanrai Sōjin**" swinging his blade up into the air he made a vertical slash shaped into a crescent moon. The slash attack then broke off into three smaller slashes, the dancing color of the purple quickly imitated the effects of lightning striking and spurting off in random directions.

*"Three?"* Yasuke thought to himself. The ensuing riposte was shocking. More akin to a Shinobi with a Tanto as opposed a Samurai and a blade. But that wasn't to take away from Muratori's skill. To move like that while wielding a Katana required power. And while the crescent pathway gave itself away...the strike becoming three smaller cuts threw Yasuke off rhythm. And thus he felt one slice into his arm as he blocked two. Albeit not deep enough to cause worry. Still an impressive display where blood dripped onto earth.

He immediately twisted his leg back. Regaining the infamous space brought by an Odachi and launched his blade forward in a deadly thrust.

**"Kyo!"**

His sword becoming a lance aimed at Muratori's chest. Juzumaru's long blade allowing enough distance to outreach Muratori's own sword. This would become a game of distance. The green samurai, although rusty, showed exceptional promise in close quarters.

Muratori was glad one of his attacks landed, it brought a small smirk to his face. But he was still shocked that he managed to block all 3, all that time off really had worn him out. It wasn't long before his opponent made another move, dashing in once again. "*He is a prob-"* Before he could finish his thought the white-faced oni appeared just before him, reacting yet again his right arm moved on its own. He moved his blade to lay flat on his torso blocking the piercing ability of the attack, but the force and sheer power sent Muratori flying backward.

The green samurai flew fast through the air breaking through multiple trees. The impact of his back smacking through solid wood stung, his body however had grown in the past couple of years filling in becoming more muscular and a few feet taller turning his body more durable. He got up quickly and brushed off some of the wood chips that covered his clothes.

On his chest, there was a hole ripped into his kimono from the impact of the attack and would start to form a bruise. He spat on the ground and small traces of blood mixed in the dirt floor. "I think I'm warm now..." He leapt into the air with tremendous force to reach back to his battle, it only took a single bound for Muratori to return back to the battlefield.

"That move packs a punch," Muratori said swinging his sword around his shoulder and resting it on his right side. He smiled at the man, but his eyes were filled with fire, and a burning passion to become great.

Yasuke, although without face, one would feel the same intensity raging from his body. He belonged on the battlefield. This was the only time he felt alive. He felt...complete. His body moved with the same burst. A single bound where he would meet Muratori midway. Except instead of getting within range, he continued to fight from Juzumaru's extensive length. Swinging his body in a circle, using the momentum to increase the power of another strike. This time a cut aimed at his upper shoulder.

His back preparing to pull Juzumaru from the strike. The clashing samurai sending birds flying into the sky. He didn't wish to kill the samurai. No. There wasn't an ounce of maliciousness in his cuts. Although fatal it was almost like Yasuke *knew* Muratori would survive. Or he would force him to.

"Tell me your name!"

As his blade swung for Muratori's shoulder, a moment to himself was taken. "*He likes to play at a distance a lot, I think if I can close the gap I can win.*" Muratori then preformed a high block, meeting his blade in the climax of the clash.

The steel blades screeched as both blades slid across the sharp edges. Muratori was able to hold his own from this slash, his stance had strengthened and his grip tightened. His muscles flexed and his core squeezed, his entire body was working in unison, "Muratori, Warlord, and Champion of the Shinchou Clan." he said still pressing his weight forward into his blade.

He looked intensely into the eyes of the opponent, "Since were giving out names now, you might as well tell me yours."

"Seijo Yasuke. Jikisan Hatamoto of the 47 Ronin and Akisada Family. Former head retainer for Seijo Tenmao." Yasuke said. He felt Muratori push forward. Yet Yasuke met it with his own weight. Pushing down on Muratori. His mask a short distance from the Samurai's face. He saw the determination burning within Muratori.

He pulled away. Bringing Juzumaru back in another vertical strike followed by a reversal. Lifting it back up for a twofold slice. A swift strike that was also precise. So much so that a falling leaf was flipped around Juzumaru's blade without being cut. For Yasuke did not desire to do so. A minute detail only observable by masters of the blade. He aimed to cleave into Muratori's torso.

Muratori evaded the first strike stepping back a few paces and giving himself enough time to react he would use his sword arm to block downward, meeting Yasuke's blade before ascending. "*47 Ronin? What's that?*" the samurai thought. Yasuke was indeed a skilled swordsman, there was no doubt about that. His unorthodox fighting style showed itself to be useful in combat, seeing as though Muratori had been on the defensive side of things most of the fight.

He looked at Yasuke and leapt backward once again widening the gap between them. The green samurai then jumped high into the air, placing both hands on Azakaze he brought it over his right shoulder, "**San'u Haku'yoku**" He then launched himself in a diagonal direction toward the Yasuke, delivering a slash aimed for his torso. Muratori jumped away and then repeated this process three times, hoping to land a winning strike on him. This technique was Muratori's first technique ever learned from Denko.

Yasuke felt the wind split as Muratori's blade first fell. Each step sent vibrations through the earth which alerted Yasuke. He also heard Azakaze cut air. And so Yasike answered by bringing Juzumaru against Muratori's cut. The samurai within his Odachi's range which made a successful counter difficult. Muratori's second strike drawing blood across his chest. A thin laceration but contact nonetheless.

However, this technique's greatest strength also served as its primary weakness. A second-rate swordsman would easily lose their life to this attack and one of Yasuke's caliber still failed to escape it unscathed. Its speed and explosiveness is worth mentioning. However the greatest weakness of repetitive movement, regardless of its power, is its predictability. Yasuke registered its triggers. His explosive initiating step. The time between Muratori's first jump and actual contact. The first to dissect and the second to defeat it.

And so, he moved Juzumaru up and entered a stance when Muratori started his final movement. He brought his sword above and across his body, facing it down on his opposite side with his knuckles and blade facing outward. A forward diagonal step. His arms striking horizontally in a powerful slice before him.Aiming to cut across Muratori's stomach before the green samurai brought Akahaze down. Timing his tremendous strike when Akahaze would move.

**Aku Ho!**

It was a violent cut. One which sent a sharp wind beyond Muratori's body that rustled the leaves. Disturbing trees as it grew over the distance it traveled. A cleave that would completely bifurcate all who failed to successfully defend and has destroyed countless named weapons. And yet, after Yasuke completed his step forward beyond Muratori...Muratori would find that, should Juzumaru land true, only his green Kimono suffered a gash.

*"A samurai is able to choose what they decide to cut. Regardless of how violent or evil a blade is. That is the sign of a master."*

It was ghostly the way Muratusba felt, he was put in a place he hadn't felt before. Fear. It was like his had lost a memory of the events that occurred, Yasuke was behind him and he was on both knees holding his stomach. The green samurai did nothing but stare at his shadow that cast on the ground.

"*What was that?"* He thought, removing his left hand from his stomach he found that only his clothes were cut in a straight line horizontal on his body. His breathing softened as he realized the possible strength one would have to come across to be the best. Even though Muratori had lost, he had gained. A new flame had been lit in the depths of his belly that would burn it's way into fate itself.

He turned toward Yasuke still kneeling, "I guess I've got a long way to go, don't I," he asked, now slowly getting to his feet.

Was it the realization that, in that moment, he'd died? The subconscious acceptance of what he *thought* had happened when Yasuke struck brought upon by a coagulated killing intent. Yasuke sheathed Juzumaru. Its unique guard clanking before he turned around and approached Muratori. His murderous presence slowly vanishing into a gentle blind man. His finger touched the blood dripping from his chest and he smiled beneath his demonic mask.

"The path to Sword God is indeed a long one. Especially if you plan on killing the Strongest Swordsman in the World." He said. Yasuke hadn't crossed blades with him yet. But he'd heard countless tales. Legends of a man whose swordsmanship crossed into fantasy. "That's if I don't get to him first." He teased. Walking beyond Muratori. The samurai stopped.

"Finish up here. Please honor me by allowing me to treat you to a meal later tonight."

Muratori laughed out loud, as he sheathed Asakaze away, "Looks like I'm going to need a new set of clothes though," he said rubbing the back of his head. "I meal doesn't sound so bad right now."

Muratori in defeat humbly accepted his lose with open arms, after all, he was a samurai, and he led himself with honor, not shame. He looked at Yasuke and began to walk toward him, he uttered something under his breath and then spoke out loud, "Geez looks like I need to get stronger."

## He Who Knows History

They hadn't exchanged information but Yasuke knew of the Shinchou Clan as well as their residences. He'd heard tales of their unique swordsmanship from when he was a child. Tenmao made sure to have Yasuke challenge other clans in order to adapt to different approaches of swordsmanship. And so a golden carriage arrived to pick up Muratori.

Hitomoshi Dojo. The personal residences given to Yasuke in the Flower Capital. As a personal retainer to Akisada Tokugawa, Yasuke was offered a place in Tokito. But the Spider Empress wanted Yasuke closer. She was particularly fond of him. However Yasuke wasn't one to stay in the Flower Capital for his place is the battlefield. Still, to let such a fine palace go inhabited for the months and years he spent on sea would be criminal. Instead he transformed it to a Dojo for orphanage.

As the carriage pulled up, Muratori would find himself before a place of tranquility. A koi pond filled with different colors of Koi swimming about. Two statues of red dragons decorated each side with one resting on a bridge which lead onto a pathway to the garden around the house. The manor itself was beautifully designed within ancient Wano architecture. Two banners on each side of the door stop several stairs. His manor stretched far back. His manor stood several stories high.

"Right this way." The steward said. Guiding Muratori onto the path which lead to his manor's opening. They entered to a wooden corridor. Sharp exhales from far beyond familiar to a samurai such as Muratori. The halls were decorated with mokuhanga. Priceless pieces and some imitations of the paintings adorning the Spider Empress's walls. Vases and other fine china accenting these paintings.

As they entered the main chamber, Muratori would find himself in a room with Yasuke sitting on a chain. Before him, 10's of students swinging their Bokkan in unison.

"This is quite the place you got here, Yasuke-sama!" Muratori said. He watched intensely as the students swung their swords in succession, the practice reminded him of his younger days. A vague memory of him and Denko caused him smile a bit. Hitomoshi Dojo was indeed a beauty place, perhaps one of the best places Muratori has been in Wano so far.

The entire place was tranquil, like a piece of heaven was plucked from the sky and placed onto the earth. "I do like the work of art around here, The Spider sure gives inspiration to everyone here."

Yasuke smiled. He waved his hands. “Thank you. A shame I’m never here but I can’t be away from battle for too long. Even now…I’m itching.”

He smiled. The ebony swordsman wore a white kimono with a wave crashing on it. His mask off revealing his gentle yet firm features.

Juzumaru and his Wakizashi on his hip. Shusui was dropped off at the Akisada manor earlier.

“That’s enough for tonight.” Yasuke said to his students. “You’ve all grown since my last visit. Eat and wash up. Tomorrow you will be tested.”

They all bowed and thanked Yasuke as they exited the room. He smiled softly to each one. And when they all were gone, a woman came from around the corner.

Those who were familiar with the Black Wifow Pirates would recognize the brown skin beauty. She wore a kimono as opposed to her shorts and jacket.

“Murasaki.” Yasuke said. “This is Shinchou Muratori. The young samurai I met earlier today.”

“Muratori, this is Murasaki. She’s a member of my crew.”

“A pleasure.” Murasaki bowed.

“Come, Muratori. Dinners ready.”

Yasuke lead the trio down the hall and through several other decorated corridors. Each attended to by servants.

“So Muratori!” Murasaki started. “Tell me about yourself? I’ve heard about the Shinchou family.”

The dining hall was huge, probably the fanciest place he'd been in recent months, he almost ignored the question asked by Murasaki before snapping out of his own head.

"Apologies Murasaki," the samurai bowed in sincere condolences, "I'm glad you heard of us! You probably heard some stories of one of my ancestors who founded my homeland, Akijima. I am truly honored." He lifting his body position out of the bow to face her directly.

Muratori began to explain his entire life story for Murasaki, he told her about his time in Akijima when he was 17 fighting in the West War against the South clan. He told her of 3 warlords just like him who fought and defeated a **Bear God** who almost destroyed the island. He explained his run into the Marines shortly after with his father Hamet, being a navy vice-admiral leading the charge.

He continued his epic tale of their battle that ended with no victors, but there were many losers. He talked about his journey to wano and his encounters along the way. He mentioned that he snuck on a random boat heading into the city to bypass the waterfall. He talked about his wife Miu and how much he missed her.

It was like time didn't exist for him in this moment, it was a simple question, but was reflective for him, a therapy in a sense. He finished his speech with talking about his pilgrimage around the country and his interactions with Yasuke.

"What about you guys? This country holds some interesting characters..." Muratori said softly.

"Well we are from different places." Murasaki started. "I was raised as the slave of a famous novelist. But...He really taught me everything I knew. I just had to attend to his house as he was getting old."

She paused, sipping her tea. The small ebony girl sat on Yasuke's lap while he grabbed onto her hip lovingly. "I learned to write from him and fell in love with words. But he was known for writing controversial think pieces. Which is fine...Those are the foundation of great society. He was famous...which garnered him some enemies."

"Someone wrote an article criticizing the Spider Empress using his pen name. They mimicked everything down to the seal itself. Then they took that piece to her courts and provided more "evidence" that he was working in line with the Shingetsu Alliance." She stopped once more. "Long story short, they killed him. Executed him not to far from here."

"I fucking snapped. I knew it was bullshit. It wasn't the Spider Empress's fault. Her courts had been played. She didn't even know of the situation herself. So I went to the men responsible...and had them murder each other. 450 people died that day. But instead of executing me...the Spider Empress heard of what happened and spared my life. Gave me an opportunity to join the 47 Ronin."

Yasuke took his turn. He ate his Shumai one by one. Using his free hand to grab the shrimp dish. "I was raised by...a great man who saved me from the slave ships as a child." He smiled.

"A man whose ambition drew him from the path of Samurai. Let's just say those ambitions lead to his downfall. At least I was able to kill him myself." Yasuke chuckled.

"Sorry it got so dark. The 47 are not a place of happy beginnings and fairy tales." Yasuke chuckled. "But we have some fun adventures too. Do you plan on leaving Wano soon, Muratori?"

Muratori pondered Yasuke's question...

"Hmm...I think I will stick around a little longer here, I need to get stronger, and I think this is the place to do so. Taking two years off of training sure takes a toll"

Muratori sipped some sake that was served for dinner, the table was long and full of dishes from many worlds. Of course they had some of the classics too. Muratori then turned to both of them, "Do you think Legs would train me?" He asked stuffing his face with some rice balls.

Murasaki tilted her head. “Absolutely not!” She screamed. “She’s the Spider Empress! She has an entire Empire to run and then to think about the other Yonko-NOT TO MENTION the World Government.”

”Perhaps,” Yasuke said running his chin beneath the mask. “I could always ask her when Lord Akisada sends-“

”ABSOLUTELY NOT!” Murasaki screamed. Slamming a glass sake bottle against his head. Yasuke hadn’t moved but the shattering glass fell like rain.

”What is it you wish to learn? Maybe I know someone else.” Yasuke asked.

Muratori looked confused, "*Yikes, tuff crowd."* Muratori thought to himself as he was Murasaki losing her mind over his and Yasuke's ignorant comments.

"Well, I was hoping she could teach me something a villager told me about. What was it again? Hoku? No, "Hato, no that's not it either...Ah Ha, Haki, I wish to learn haki. He said it would aid me in becoming strong, but I have no clue what it is?"

"Oh you don't know Haki?" Murasaki said. She tilted her head and looked at Yasuke and then back to Muratori. "She wouldn't be able to teach you that stuff anyway. It'd be a waste."

"Haki is your spirit.' Murasaki answered. "It's who you are. Everyone has the two basic types, Kenbunshoku and Busoshoku." He sipped his tea and had another Shumai. "There are so many applications to using Haki...It'd take all year just to teach you the basics."

"Hm?" Yasuke sipped his tea and had another Shumai. "I knew something was weird about you. I think you'd get the gist of it in a few months if you sail with us."

"Really?" Murasaki asked.

"Either that or he'd die." Yasuke looked at Muratori. "The option is always open."

Muratori stuffed his face with more food and took a large gulp of sake, he then poured another glass to cheer them both, "Well if it means I'll get stronger then so be it, if you will have me by your side Yasuke, I wish to learn and train under your banner." Muratori's spirit to grow showed through his smile and eyes. There was something about the young warrior, whether it was fate, destiny or random circumstances he was fated to meet Yasuke.

Yasuke smirked at the boy’s eagerness. Even if joining meant dying, the young samurai would grab his sword and face death with honor.

“So, Muratori, before we take you back to our ship, what brought you back home?” Murasaki asked.

Muratori's vibe and mood quickly changed as he remembered back to a few years ago. He had told him about the battle between the world government and his homeland. He explained to him that he doesn't remember much from that day and told them that he was saved by a merchant ship who were traveling to Wano. Ultimately he ended up here by accident or was it?

"However I did come across a man I met on the first day a few years ago, Diado Genkei. I lived with him for a bit as he showed me around the country, he mentioned something to me about a Library containing an ancient book. I think my next goal is to try and find it." Muratori looked down at his blade with intensity. "I need to get stronger, much stronger... Genkei said this book would help me reach new heights. However he did say it was hidden somewhere under the flower capital."

"A book under the Flower Capital?" Yasuke asked. He tilted his head.

"You don't mean the Book of Devils?" Murasaki asked. She sipped her tea.

"You know about it?"

"Of course! I'm a novelist's daughter." Murasaki smiled. "It's an ancient book said to have been written by Wano Country's first Great Unifer." She tapped her chin. "The **Tenka-bito** . It's a recollection of his travels."

"A book? Wouldn't something during that time be a scroll?" Yasuke asked. Tapping into his own historical knowledge. Wano always favored scrolls with the oldest Emaki being of the Lotus Sutra.

"Except the Tenka-bito was known to have a welcoming nature towards the outside world." Murasaki revealed. "Wano was open to the world before it was isolationist country. Which includes the Great Kingdom."

Very few knew of that name...But Yasuke wasn't surprised. Murasaki's mentor also lived as a purveyor of expensive, sometimes illegal, literature. Only one whose mind embraced knowledge without bias or boundary could approach enlightenment. "Anyway, most of Wano's history was lost during the rains..and that book is a myth. If my father couldn't get it then it can't exist. I mean there's nothing but rock under the Flower Capital."

"Mm." Yasuke responded. "I've heard Ancient Wano referred to as Under the Flower Capital when I travel West." He took a sip of Sake. "Do we have time for a trip?"

"W-what?!" Murasaki asked. "This has nothing to do with us."

"I've always wanted to visit Ancient Wano. I wish I had my vision for it...but...to feel what it's like. I know it's now a Fishmen island but..I wouldn't mind an adventure at home before we sail off again." Yasuke smiled. "One that could very well lead to the history of Samurai. That might enlighten my understanding of Bushido."

Murasaki took a second. Breathing deeply before conceding. "Tomorrow morning, I'll oversee the resupply of the Chushingura. I guess you can extend an extra day."

"Muratori," Yasuke started. "You can spend the night here and we can disembark tomorrow."

"*A book of devils huh...Sounds interesting enough."* Muratori thought listening to the insane information surrounding this ancient book. Finishing the last of his drink he wiped his lips with his hand and replied to Yasuke, "Thank you sir, it's a honor to be staying with you tonight."

 The Next Day
Muratori had woken up early the next morning like he usually did and performed his morning meditations, by the nearby koi fish pond. The estate that Yasuke stayed in sure was peaceful in the morning, its soft cold breeze and the sounds of the crickets and birds waking up while the sun rose was something tranquil to the soul. The morning air in Wano could fill one's chest with the freshest sweet air imaginable, Muratori could've sat there by the pond all day if he could.

Finishing his meditations Muratori stomach began to grumble despite his large feast given to him by his new master, "Agh, would you calm down. It's only been a few hours, so stop your whining." Muratori said out loud to his stomach rubbing it in a circular pattern. Looking around the pond off in the distance he spotted a plum tree, ripe for the picking. "Well if that aint fate, I dunno what is!"

Leaping up into the air he quickly headed over to the tree, it was tall and its branches hung low from the dense weight of the fruit. "Hmmm which one to choose," he said placing his fingers onto his chin stroking it over and over again trying to decide. It wasn't too long after Muratori would end up with multiple plums in his hands stuffing his face. The fruit was sweet and full of juices, that dripped out the corners of his mouth, it was the best thing he'd eaten so far. So fresh, so clean, so wano.

He headed back into the house, where he would try to find Yasuke, "Oi Yasuke-sama, you awake?" He shouted in the halls awaiting a response from his master. He was already prepared to depart, and most of all eager to see this so called book of devils.

“The master is expecting you outside.” A kimono clad women appeared from around the corner of a hallway. She guided him through the expensive hallways. Leading him beyond where the students were eating and talking joyously about their upcoming day.

She opened the door which lead to the path he took earlier. There were two carriages. One a light violet and the other a deep azure.

There Murasaki stood. Dressed in her white jacket and shorts which exposed her midriff. Two gigantic swords on her back.

Yasuke stood before her. The two were a respectful distance apart from one another…yet anyone could feel the desire for one another’s embrace.

“Be careful down there.” Murasaki said. “I know you’re…you…but I don’t want you to risk your life for the brat.”

Yasuke smiled beneath his white mask. “We were all brats once. And it’d be nice to have a trip at home this time. You sure you don’t want me to come?”

“We’ll be fine. Plus I want to make sure everyone’s ready to set sail.” Yasuke smirked. “Tomoe might try to run off again.”

“Looks like the rookies up and ready.” She smiled at Muratori and waived. “Come on! Unless you changed your mind and chickened out”

"Muratori smiled and waved back to Yasuke and Murasaki, "Changed my mind, haha, never! This is an opportunity of a lifetime. You expect me to miss out on that?" Muratori stated confident and ready to embark on his new quest. As he got closer he greeted them both with a bow and offered a plum to each of them, "That tree you got in the front tastes quite good."

"I'm glad that it does." Yasuke smiled. "A very important man to me is buried there. I use that tree for meditation." He looked at Murasaki and caressed her cheek before placing gently his mask to her forehead. A tranquil moment before the two split. Murasaki heading to her carriage and Yasuke to his. Opening the door for Muratori to enter after him.

Ancient Wano.

At one point it was a hidden history buried beneath centuries of rainfall. The ocean around Wano revealing itself to be instead an artificial reservior. It wasn't until the late Pirate King opened Wano Country that this forsaken realm became common knowledge. And when the ancient giant Fukuoka Koyuki took her rightful place as Empress, that it opened to the rest of the world. Soon this mystical land preserved in salt became common knowledge. With it becoming a home for the former royal family of the Ryugu Palace. A submerged city. Ancient Wano transformed into a powerful asset. A bridge for Wano to establish a connection with not just the surface world but also those that dwell underneath.

New systems were developed to take people down there. It became a new realm of life and commerce. Fishman culture fusing with traditional Wano culture. A unique and interesting blending. However to think that something like this ancient library could exist? Someone would've found it already. With all the reconstruction...The ancient paintings and woodblocks. Preserved books, even the damaged ones, were taken to the Flower Capital, researched and some left on display. Ancient Wano had been stripped of its history and transformed into something new. Surely something like this would've been found.

However when Yasuke reached out to Flower Capital museums last night, they all dismissed his questions as a legend. A childhood tale told to Samurai children. The evil Tenka-bito. He wasn't Ryuma. That name itself and everything that came from it was erased and considered a curse. Still, something pulled Yasuke. Just like that time when he first heard it....When that slight voice made its way through Mt. Fuji.

The trip wasn't long but it was tedious. A road had been carved into the mountain to take them to the sea where their carriage was treated with bubbles that'd siphon out carbon dioxide and provide them with oxygen. There was a life, a design taken from the Holy Land, that brought their carriage into the water and down Mt. Fuji. This wasn't Yasuke's first trip down but...it still fascinated him.

"Oi Muratori, have you been to Old Wano?"

Muratori looked like a child at an amusement park, eyes wide, and jaw dropped. They awe of this place sure fascinated him and sparked new key interests. Their travels were awesome despite, even after two years of living in wano, Muratori hadn't seen anything like this at all. He was surprised that Daido didn't even tell him about this place.

"No sensei," Muratori replied swiveling his head back and forth. The unique culture clashes were something that Muratori would remember forever.

Muratori’s fascinated tone gave it away. Yasuke remembered the first time he visited. He’d already been blinded. But he never had the chance to go too deep. Just to meet some shady Fishman in a random back alley.

This was the first time Yasuke went as a renown and respected samurai. The lift eventually stopped and the carriage pulled to the side. A fishman awaited for the two to get out where he’d treat them to their own personal bubbles.

“Thank you.” Yasuke bowed. Placing several Berri in his hands.

“Thank you, Lord Seijo.” He said. Yasuke winced. Still a new experience despite it being so long ago.

He turned to Muratori and nodded once it was completed. Guiding him through Ancient Wano. Yasuke couldn’t see its brilliance. The remodeled buildings built on the foundation of traditional forgotten architecture mixed with Fishman influence.

He heard the schools of children singing and laughing. Parents commencing in business. He felt their happiness. Saw their giggling spirits fly in his darkened world. Shining lights. Beautiful shooting stars against an eternal night.

It was a busy place. A fantasy for many alike. “Muratori,” Yasuke started. “Describe it for me.”

Muratori looked at his master, smiled and then looked at the surrounding areas, "Well master its quiet beautiful Im might say. The pillars and the buildings are just like the ones above the surface, but they have their own fishman spin on them. This place is riddled with colors of pink and purple coral with accents of yellow and gold almost everywhere..."

As they headed through Muratori acted as the audible scribe to his master describing everything he saw, many people would notice them and wave smiling. He described the unique look to Yasuke in deep detail down to the seashell path way which they walked, but what was most unique was the large statue of the Spider Empress herself lined in a beautiful Saphire gem, the dim lights reflected within the stone bouncing the light off the statue and projecting it onto the walls. This place was truly whimsical.

As they continued to watch Muratori would pop the question, "It's strange that a book of devils would be in such a heaven like this, ain't it sensi?"

Yasuke intently. Trying his hardest to paint an image of the colors he was so close to forgetting. How he envied the others sometimes…but he also found solice in his blindness. It allowed him to understand others better than most. To see the unseen and hear the unheard.

It is for this reason that Muratori’s question was quite intriguing. “Beauty often serves as the greatest disguise.”

They continued towards the largest palace. Royalty built upon the first shogun’s home. “There’s a deep history here that hasn’t been touched or explored. We just have to find where it is. Giving that the palace was once the Shogunate’s manor, I’m sure it’ll be there.”

The duo approached the manor it was very large, the largest building they had come across. Muratori would go on to describe the building to his master to aid him with envisioning it. The manor was tall and stoic with the simple wano flare that added to its personality. Its color scheme was an array of dark cold colors. Blue, and greys, with hints of gold accents along the collumn doors. At the entrance were smaller statues of some sort of fish gods which Muratori couldn't put a finger on.

They approached the front steps with it's wooden floorboards creaking beneath their feet. Reaching the top of the steps the doors slid open with a older merfolk woman greeting them at the door.

"Who are you?" She said giving them both a dirty look. The woman was wrinkly and fat, her voice was raspy and deep. She sounded like she had been smoking on cigarettes' for years, her teeth were yellow and full of dirt and grim.

Muratori placed his hand onto his mouth keeping him from throwing up from the ugly appearance, but he spoke out to her.

"Hello ma'am, we were...uggghhh...." he said looking at his master to help elaborate. Muratori didn't know this place to well, and Yasuke seemed to have a lot of strings attached to this place. If she'd let anyone in it would be Yasuke.

"Come on hurry it up and spit it out, otherwise I'll have to kick you off my property." The old hag uttered from her lips.

Yasuke stepped forward. "I'm the Jikisan Hatamoto of the Akisada Family. I serve beneath **Hotei** himself." He wasn't one to pull strings or use titles to demand respect. While he held honor in his accomplishments, humility was also a very important part of Bushido. But rather than argue or beg, he decided to use the card that would allow the easiest access.

"He's one of my students. We're here to find a particular book. The Book of Devils."

Muratori held his right hand behind his back with his fingers crossed hoping for the old hag to give in to Yasuke and his samurai aura, he was famous, working among the strongest of the black widows. It would be foolish enough for-

"Go away! We don't have such an absurd thing here white oni," the hag blurted out. Her rude tone was starting to annoy Muratori as a small vein on his head started to form.

"*Why this little*," Muratori tried to clear his head of negative thoughts but this woman was something else.

"You don't think I know who you are Yasuke, do you think I'm an idiot? I said this book isn't real, and whoever told you about that book is a liar." The said.

Yasuke flinched. "I understand and I'm sorry to have disturbed you." He said with a polite bow. "And also pardon me for my miscommunication as well. What I said was a statement not an inquiry." He saw her heart. Her dimly lit, grey, silhouette twitching during her rambles about the Book of Devils.

*She's lying.*

He started walking towards the desk. His towering body dwarfing the fat, old, royal attendant. "Take us into the archives."

"I-I have to get permission from-"

"There's no need." Yasuke responded softly. "Unless you are accusing me of treacherous activity? Do you wish to dishonor me as such?" His hand rested on Juzumaru's hilt, as if prepared to draw.

"N-no!" She stuttered. "I-it's right this way." The older fish woman nodded at a younger one. One of the other attendants that wasn't frozen in fear. She took her boss's place as the older woman lead Yasuke and Muratori deep into the archives.

The archives were covered in bubbles. An endless maze filled with cases of scrolls and books. Dated. Preserved. Protected. "This was once the Feudal Library." He rubbed his chin hidden behind his white stone mask. "This manor in particular was dedicated to the royal library. Upon Ancient Wano's conversion to a Fishman Island, the castle was broken into pieces but this library remained attached to the palace."

"That's right." The old woman answered. "But I assure you that book isn't here. We kept all the records left behind. Restored them and dated them properly. Even moved the more important documents to the Empress's library. Everything left here....isn't important."

Muratori followed his master and the old hag through the library as she explained the history of this place. Muratori felt an unease, something was off but he couldn't figure out what it was. Similar thoughts to his master came to mind, "*This woman is lying."* But if she were telling the truth, was Daido lying? Was there no such thing? A flow of constant doubt started flooding the mind of Muratori more than these Fishman waters surrounding this place.

"Well if there wasn't anything here, why resist in the first place?" Muratori blurted out trying to call his woman's bluff. "Do you think we are fools, I know a lying bitch when I see one." Placing his hand on Asakaze no Ha he went to pull the same intimidation tactic as his master. He probably shouldn't have used such trashy language around his master. but his anger overtook him.

"Now, now." Yasuke started. Even without looking back, he saw Muratori's spirit agitate. His mind's eye painted a 360 degree view of his immediate surroundings. Allowing him to track the dancing stars as they swam about. Including the light blue silhouette darkening with anger and confusion. "You represent the Akisada Family as my student. Such behavior like that is unbecoming a proper samurai."

"So you see, ma'am, this is a very sensitive subject for us." Yasuke said to their guide.

"I-i'm sorry...I'm sorry. I mean no dishonor. It's just-"

"There's something in the tunnels?" Yasuke interrupted. He felt her heart jump from his sudden revelation.

"H-how do you know?"

"When my eyes closed. My other senses were forced open. My sense of hearing in particular achieved a new state." With each step, an echo of sound exploded outward from his body. However, his submergence into the ocean had a unique effect. Suddenly the sound traveled farther and bounced off obstructions with an intense clarity. The three dimensional map of his surroundings became clearer.

"We haven't had this problem since the dolphins." She groaned. "Yes. The true Library of the Shogun is beneath us." She took a deep breath. "The first Shogun of Wano was a monster. The Great Unifier. But you know what unifies people more than anything else?"

"Hm?"

"Evil." A cold shiver radiated from her. "All records of his existence were sealed beneath this library well before the rediscovering of Ancient Wano."

"Why not burn it down?" Yasuke asked.

"W-we tried. When we first found the tunnels...some of our scholars ventured down there. One of them was my grandson..." She trailed off. "We-we don't know what's down there but...it should never be opened again. We promised to seal it. To hide it even from the Empress! So that damned curse would no longer wreak havoc on anyone else's loved ones." Tears started to roll from her cheek. "Tell your lord that we hid it from them. I-it was the right thing to do! Sometimes history is better left buried."

"Please, calm down." Yasuke said gently. He placed his hand on her shoulder. A calming squeeze to soothe her aching heart. "Buried history is always revealed. Its only when we face it and kill the curses that we can move forward. Please take us to the entrance to these tunnels and leave the rest to us."

She nodded. Guiding them to a gigantic statue that sat in the middle of an opening. She turned to a bookcase and touched a dusty painting. Suddenly Yasuke felt the ground start to shake. The opening cracking into a winding stone staircase. Water rushed into as if a drain.

"It's down there." She said. "May the Gods protect you from the great evils."

## Curses, Devils and Kirin

Yasuke led Muratori down the staircase where the upper door closed. Leaving the two in total darkness. Not that it bothered Yasuke. Still, he pulled out his Wakizashi from his hip and ignited it. Using his Foxfire Style to set his blade aflame. The normal steel causing his fire to retain its bright orange hue. Yasuke didn't need to see but he wanted to ensure Muratori wasn't hindered. Although this could serve as good training.

"I don't see anything beyond these tunnels in terms of life." Yasuke revealed. He carefully traversed the slippery stones. Using the previous to estimate when the next would come and previous would end.

Walking down the dark steps and watching Yasuke ignite his blade, sparked a question, "How do you do that? The fire..." Muratori was extremely curious about this phenomenon. Yasuke from what Muratori had observed in his brief time with him, was a talented and skilled samurai. He had many tricks and hidden skills up his sleeve and this was one of them. It made him wonder how much was Yasuke still hiding, Muratori's current goal was to become strong, maybe even strong enough to surpass Yasuke one day.

Awaiting a response from his master, the cold dark room, whispered its chilling howls that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand at attention. The samurai shivered as the sensation started from the top of his neck to his lower spine, "This place gives me the creeps," he said looking deeper into the darkness ahead of them.

Yasuke realized that was the first time Muratori saw him do *that*. Something that felt as normal as inhaling and exhaling. "It's Foxfire Style." He said with a slight softness. One of the three gifts left to him by his father. "Allows a Samurai to generate fire...but more importantly grants us the power to kill flames. I'm sure you're elders are aware of it. It's pretty widespread in Wano. Except everyone has their own expression of it."

He stopped. Placing his hand on the wall that sat on the bottom. *A door?* He knocked. And then again. Before pressing his hand against a stone slab located on the lower left. Using an empty echo to tell him where it was located. It indented. Proving to be a button where the water rushed into the new room with enough force to send them both blasting forward and popping their oxygen bubbles.

Afterwards, they'd realize that they were now in a dry area. One filled with oxygen. Yasuke moved to what felt like a torch and lit it aflame-suddenly sparking the entire tunnel system. Revealing a system of open tunnels corridors carved perfectly into earth. Intricate art painting the slabs. The work of master stonemasons.

"I see The first seal only allowed so much water in and then opening this door emptied it." Yasuke said ensuring that his kimono hadn't been ruined. "There seems to be ample air here too. Although not enough for us to stay here forever." He looked forward. "We need to hurry up."

Yasuke started forward. His sandals echoing deep into the tunnels.

"*Foxfire Style*," despite Yasuke saying that the people of Shinchou should've known this, he was never taught even though he was a selected champion. He couldn't recall back to them ever being used by previous champions. He drew his blade from his scabbard and took his master's advice literally. He closed his eyes and focused his mind, taking deep breaths in and out he tried to picture imbuing fire onto his blade. **Poof!** A small burst of green flames busted from his blade before quickly disappearing.

"Yasuke! Did you just see that?" Muratori was filled with passion and happiness, the green samurai was always a skilled swordsman being able to pick up on techniques and styles rather quickly. But Muratori's attention would be shifted as they reached the bottom of the stairs and a door stood in their way. He watched closely as his master was able to access the door by touching a stone slab, "*This place is very secure, that doesn't surprise me at all since they even hid this old place from the spider.*"

With the water flushing out of the stairwell, "Woah!" he said being forced into another room as his bubble popped. The young man somersaulted into the room, then sprawled out onto his back spitting out a bit of the water he had ingested from the popped bubble. Sitting up he listened to Yasuke's concerned expression to hurry the search. He jumped quickly to his feet, analyzing the area, he followed his master closely behind as Yasuke led the way.

"Yasuke-sama, what if that lady was leading us to a trap? What if there is no book here?" He asked his sensei. As they both moved through the tunnels Muratori felt his head start to get lighter, and his vision started to go blurry. "GYAHH!" he screamed falling to his knees. The samurai looked scared and shook like he'd seen a ghost, "Don't you feel that! GYAH!"

He reached the sides of his head trying to soothe the pounding headache that had fallen upon him. Muratori would suddenly stop his moaning and groaning, standing to his feet. He was expressionless and his eyes turned from the usual purple to an intense green. From the perspective of his master, something had happened to Muratori but what?

The samurai started to walk ahead of his master into the darkness...

“No. She was sincere. And I doubt she knows how to hide her Haki.” Yasuke was proud of Muratori for what he thought the young man did. He only felt a warmth from the samurai’s sword. However this sudden pride was washed over by confusion.

The emerald silhouette erupted into chaos. His babbling and groans shocking Yasuke yet the ebony samurai remained calm. “Is there something in the air?” He asked himself.

“No. If this was a trap I would’ve been effected too.” Instead of striking Muratori, Yasuke decided to follow the young samurai. Whatever was overcoming him would lead Yasuke to whoever he needed to cut down.

Within the mindscape of Muratori, he walked through dark waters, not being able to see a thing. The only sounds heard were the footsteps created by the splashing of water. With each stride, the samurai desperately called out for his master, but yet he was nowhere to be found. It was like a living nightmare.

"*Where am I? I-It's c-cold here."*

The samurai felt as though he'd been transported to another plane of existence, a dimension existing outside of space and time itself. The warrior moved with strength, although being shaken to his core with fear. Was this one of the 10 courts of Hell?

To Yasuke Muratori had just continued to walk in the dark down the tunnel, mumbling and uttering inaudible words under his breath.

"***#$%^ #%@#$%^ \*%@^&!***"

Muratori had faced some sort of possession but what? Muratori continued through the tunnel in his zombified state before turning left. The tunnel presented a large wooden door down the hall and the samurai headed right for it. The door itself was massive having a symbol of an Oni head on the front made from Iron.

*Back into the mind of Muratori.*..

The samurai continued walking through the dark waters as he approached a small island, sudden torches lit with ***green*** fire leading towards it. And so he went walking atop the black waters. But that's when the voices came, emerging upon the island was a figure cloaked in black forming out from the darkness. Muratori reached for his blade, but he found it missing.

Within the blink of an eye, Muratori had been transported to the shore of the island standing before the shadowy figure. It was tall and wore clothes of black smoke and green fire, but it's large hood covered it's face.

"Who are you? What is this place?" Muratori shouted out as his voice echoed through the cold darkness.

The figure said nothing, only the green fire cackling in the wake of the silence, the figure moved his arm pointing deeper into the island, showing its bone hand.

Looking in the direction of where the figure pointed Muratori saw a shrine, shrouded in the same green fire, and within that shrine was a book, his eyes widened and he looked back at the figure who now bore teeth. Its devilish grin shook Muratori to his core once again, "Go..." the figure said as if a thousand condemned souls from hell spoke out at once.

From Yasuke's perspective, he could hear the whimpering and fear from Muratori as he approached that wooden door opening it slowly, its door was heavy, creaking it's way open, the rust from the hinges hadn't moved in hundreds of years. Upon opening the door sitting on a podium was a book. The podium sat within a ring or rune markings all around it, from different symbols from times of old.

Maybe it was true. Maybe the first shogun of Wano was from the depths of hell...

Yasuke followed the troubled emerald spirit through the darkness until he stopped. He couldn’t make out what sat before him due to his blindness yet he felt an almost residual power humming from it. It spoke to him. Whispering of a Person Under Heaven. A unifier from hatred.

*Juzumaru.*

It called. He stepped back. “Muratori,” He ordered. “Snap out of it. Whatever it is.”

Muratori however couldn't, whatever thing had overtaken thing that had overtaken him, drowned out his master's voice. Muratori walked into the room towards the podium, upon entering the rune circle he stepped onto a stone. Within the room were four Oni heads similar to the one on the front door. The sound of rushing fluid came from the heads and from the tongues that stuck out the heads flowed a black oil. It hit the floor with the liquid running its course into the rune markings carved into the ground, shortly after a small spark was lit catching the oil on fire.

The room's atmosphere changed in an instant, it seemed like this was some sort of seance. An ancient ritual lost in time and buried away for anyone to see.

Within the mind of Muratori, he stood on the island in front of the green flame shrine and picked up the book. The book was tattered and old, the cover was black and partially destroyed. It was woven shut through binds of stinge keeping the book sealed, the moment he grabbed it Muratori had been transported to another place.

This place was a white space, with no walls, or sense of direction. Muratori wondered what happened to him, the book had also disappeared from his hands. "What is this place, what is going on with me?" He said as his voice echoed through the white void. The void was strange, there was no floor yet the samurai was able to walk across the void like it had solid ground. He walked and walked until he came across a floating black door, the same as the one in the real world. The door slowly swung open revealing an exit to the outside world, but the door quickly swung closed.

An evil presence came upon Muratori and made his heart beat out of his chest, he was frozen in place. His breathing became heavy and gravity seemed to hold him down. "What is this feeling?"

"**Death. Destruction.**" Throughout around the surrounding area, a distorted voice called out as the white void briefly pulsed with darkness, revealing hellish-looking fiends surrounding the samurai before vanishing within the blink of an eye. To say whether it was a trick of the mind or not was uncertain. However, the wave of darkness creeping closer in the distance was a clear reality for the blonde-haired samurai, with the evil presence growing as it approached.

"**That is what you've grasped at.**" The voice growled, observing Muratori like a wolf. "**Why?**"

Muratori's breathing went silent and still like the air from his very lungs had been extinguished. He kept his head on a swivel, Death? Destruction? Whatever the feeling was, it was coming and fast. The samurai went into a quick panic, his eyes darting around trying to spot anything that could aid him, but what? This was not how he expected this tour to play out in the slightest, but one thing was for certain, the warrior would walk out of this a changed man.

Upon hearing a deep growling voice he called out to it, "Reveal yourself!" He gritted his teeth and clutched his fists, despite the overwhelming sense of fear he felt in his soul, his will would not waver. He had made a promise to his master to become stronger, and for that promise he would die for.

"**Making demands in your position...**" A thunderous *BOOM* resounded throughout the white void, pushing the crawling darkness closer as it pulsed with crimson energy. With each beat of the samurai's heart, the distance closed until it stopped shy of Muratori's sandals, clawing at his footwear in an attempt to drag him into the infinite depths of chaos and destruction. "**...is quite foolish!**"

The hellish presence spilled forth as the crimson energy surged like billowing winds, lashing out with animalistic ferocity. In the midst of this, the energy slinked past Muratori and engulfed the door which stood behind him, swiftly transforming into ethereal chains.

"**Born atop of Mt. Ibuki, my mother perished with my arrival.**" With earth-shaking footsteps, a being which could only be described as an ancient Oni emerged from the void. With skin as dark as the night and a brown mask adorned on their face, they towered over Muratori with ease, holding a worn ōdachi in hand. "**Beasts, I slaughtered. Humans, I devoured. Blood, I savored like the ever-flowing sake!**"

Tightly gripping the scabbard of their blade, it was freed to reveal a serrated blade covered within the dried blood of past enemies. Immediately, a bloodthirsty aura enveloped the monster as *power* radiated from the very essence of their being. "**First of my kin, last to fall! I am Shuten Doji of the Three Great Monsters!!**"

Muratori could feel the pressure of the atmosphere push against his limbs as they were forced downward. The loud noises coupled with the strong winds violently shook his soul and heart, but he did not waver. From the crimson energy, Muratori watched closely as the demonic presence filled the white void. The warrior trembled as beads of sweat dripped from his brow, and his eyes vibrated from fear. Behold the demon presented itself taking the form of something Muratori had never seen before.

He had always heard stories of these so-called demons of old. Creatures that terrorized villages and islands stripping the peoples of their lives. The beast stood before the green samurai and Muratori could only look upwards at its large stature, when it came to size he was a mere child in the presence of a mountain. He took a gulp and swallowed the frog in his throat responding to the oni.

"..."

But yet no words could be formed, out of instinct he reached to grab his sword but he'd the fear that filled his heart had clouded his mind. He had no sword. He took a few steps back and took a few deep breaths. Closing his eyes he tried to think of another place, far from the hell he stood in, but how could he? Any sort of positive memory was stripped from him and replaced with the horrifying creature in front of him. Opening his eyes he thought back to this morning, the sun, the plums, Yasuke, Murasaki.

For Muratori's goal was to become great like Ryuma, the God of the Sword. But what was a samurai without it? He would soon find out.

Mustering enough courage to speak Muratori again called out to the demon, "Shuten Doji, Last to fall... I am Shinchou Muratori, I have no quarrels with you demon. I wish to go back to the realm of the living, my master waits for me."

"*And I have been tasked to defend treasure of my lord一the Demon King一with all of my might.* Shuten Doji swiftly replied, like a sword cutting down its foe. Taking another thunderous footstep forward, the distance between the two was closed in the blink of an eye. "**You wish to leave here with that which I've defended for centuries and I refuse to give it up to merely anyone...**"

At the same time, the blade was coated within hellish-looking flames akin to those which seeped out of the darkness.

"**An echo I am, a ill-forgotten remnant of the past! Show me your might! Reveal thy soul!"** His body tensed with unbridled power, unleashing a destructive wave of pure energy like a typhoon sweeping across a nation.

"**Fight to live and live to fight!**"

Muratori stood tall against his towering foe, trying to hold it together. The ethereal wave brushed against not only his physical body, but the soul itself, and the toxins of the aura painted vivid pictures of horror and despair. The souls of the damned that Shuten Doji had slayed. He could feel the effects of this aura hit him, as his body was put through immediate sharp pains. It felt like stab wounds not once, not twice, but countless slashes to his body.

He was blown back and sent through another plain of existence, which was open and vast. The area was worn torn with countless bodies of dead samurai littered upon the ground. Muratori got up quickly and observed his surroundings, the smell of smog, soot, and brimstone filled his lungs, and fire was placed around them in a ring. He glanced forward and there Shuten Doji stood, the first things coming to mind was this being one of the many massacres this demon had caused.

But this was a blessing despite the curse of being trapped in a place like this, on the floor countless swords, blades had fallen from the might of the demon. Muratori seizing this opportunity would pick up a nearby katana, it was light and smaller than his own, but it would do the trick.

Something about those words of Shuten Doji, sparked a new fire within the heart of Muratori. "**Fight to live, live to fight,**" and the green samurai would. Taking a deep breath Muratori focused and steadied his mind, gripping the blade with both hands entering a Seigan stance, he then uttered the words. "For I fear no evil, I know you are with me..." The samurai was ready for the demon's next move.

"***Good.* Fear has no place in battle.**" The lack of hesitation within Muratori's eyes ignited the primal urges of the Oni's lingering spirit, the song of battle resonating deep inside his phantasmal heart. Shifting looking eerily similar to the traditional stance of Jōdan-no-kamae, Shuten Doji raised his sword above the head with the tip pointing back and the blade facing up, ready to strike at a moment's notice. "**Now...**"

With speed unbefitting such a large man, the fiendish-looking Oni surged forth and closed the distance between them in the span of a heartbeat, causing a strong burst of wind to follow from the radical movement. His muscles tensed in anticipation, drawing upon ancient strength as his arms came down with the force of a crushing waterfall, aiming to cleave the blonde-haired samurai in two.

"**Shishio Kabutowari!** Shuten Doji roared, his voice stretching across the void.

Prepared and eager Muratori was ready, "No fear!" he shouted as Shuten Doji closed the gap. It was battle instinct as for Muratori's body seemingly moved on its own intercepting the blow and performing a shomen-uchi block. The attack was powerful, far more powerful than when he fought Yasuke. The impact of the two blades clashing sent shockwaves through the body of Muratori, which flowed through the ground pulsating outwards creating a creator at where they stood.

Muratori was sent deeper into the muddy dirt from the weight behind the strike, but his legs were strong and he was sturdy. For a brief second Muratori held his stance before knocking away Shuten Doji's blade to the left and followed up with a counter of his own. While in the shomen uchi stance he would deliver two back-to-back strikes to his large torso with the first coming from the right, gripping his blade and tightening his muscles within his forearms he aimed to tear apart the flesh of the Oni, he would follow through with the same amount of force coming from the left. Although his opponent was larger than him, it only made his body that much easier to strike.

If Muratori could land significant strikes on him he would be able to cut him down bit by bit.

Despite his best efforts to immediately counter with a resounding strike of his own, Muratori would soon understand why Shuten Doji favored the Jōdan-no-kamae as his preferred stance even though it provided many openings for his foe to take advantage of. As steel meet flesh in the form of a devastating cross slash, the samurai was greeted with the sight of undamaged skin as there wasn't a sign of a scratch nor even a bruise.

To the people of Wano, it was a well-known the body of an Oni was a formidable temple, which held monstrous strength and unyielding durability as well as endurance. Capable of overwhelming armies with their sheer savagery, they were still used as a cautionary tale to this day for inexperienced warriors.

In the case of Shuten Doji, he was a unique exception. According to legends, his body was beyond normal comprehension even amongst Oni. With the ability to deflect arrows and stop even high quality blade with ease, the demon known as the Raksha was said to possess an adamantine body.

"**Weak...**" With a snarl, Shuten Doji swung his sword with tremendous force as it dragged across the ground. As the blade carved through the earth, it raced towards the left side of Muratori's torso.

"**WEAK! SHOW ME SOMETHING WORTHY!**"

The unearthly body made Muratori's blade act like a plastic butter knife, despite his efforts of slashing his torso, his efforts ran dry. With another attack from the left, Muratori had to act fast and think of a way to get around Shuten Doji's tough body. A dou block to the left while maneuvering his blade to the flat side protected him from the slash but not the power of the attack.

The attack sent the samurai hurling through the air, he flew so fast that the resistance caused by the force didn't allow Muratori to move or catch himself. He crashed into a nearby bank of bodies tumbling through several piles before finally catching himself. The samurai had lost his sword in the exchange, but thank god this was a battlefield. He was covered in dirt and mud, while the small scraps from the muddy rock ground caused smaller scratches and nicks. With one strike Shuten Doji knocked the wide from out of his lungs, it didn't help either that the smog-filled air made it hard to just breathe normally.

The samurai scanned the ground and found another blade, stuck inside the body of a fallen warrior. He stepped on the back of the warrior pulling out the blade.

*SSHHLUNCK...!*

The blade was covered in fresh blood, with a foul smell coming from the corpse. Muratori went to move toward the Oni when his right ankle was grabbed. It was the fallen warrior. Muratori tried to break free from its grasp but the warrior didn't let go, but it did start to move.

"*Is that man still alive?"* Muratori thought as he swiftly cut the man's hand clean off his ankle.

***"You can't beat him, please run...***" The warrior said lifting his face from off the muddy floor for Muratori only to see half of the warrior's face eaten away by the worms and maggots of the earth. His flesh hung from his face exposing the left side with his bone showing his skull. "***Only those who have the spirit to fight can win...***" The warrior dropped back down to the ground.

Muratori could hear the thunderous footsteps of Shuten Doji heading his way as he turned to face him, he knew that his series of attacks came at a moment's notice and he had to be ready. He then re-entered seigan stance. "*spirit to fight... could he mean Haki...*"

The samurai focused his mind and closed his eyes, if not now what better time to learn this Haki? Maybe it could aid him in the efforts of taking out Shuten Doji whatever it was. Muratori didn't even know what he was aiming to do, or looking for, Muratusba was just simply winging it. But just at that moment, he could feel this warm wave rush over him, something that started from his chest and moved into his arms and then into his hands.

Around the blade was not Haki, but fire...green fire. Opening his eyes he was shocked to see, that it was Foxfire Style. Yasuke would be proud of his students if he were watching. A large grin started to form on his face as he stared down the Oni, "No Fear, Fight to live, Live to Fight. With the fighting spirit, I will overcome."

"**No more words!**" Even in the face of newly acquired strength, Shuten Doji didn't pause to acknowledge it as he raced to swiftly follow up with another attack. Crouching low to the ground, he sprung into the air with tremendous force, soaring until he was directly above Muratori. He immediately positioned his sword downward as gravity took hold of him once more, descending towards the earth like a meteor as demonic energy radiated from his weapon, empowering it even further.

"**Just action!**"

Like Shuten Doji wanted, Muratori was now ready for battle. Like a bloodthirsty wolf the Oni pounced towards the samurai, but so did Muratori. With his blade ignited by the green fire, Muratori too lunged toward him. Holding his blade with both hands he flexed his muscles once again reinforcing his might to withstand the impact.

**Boom!**

The shockwave of both swordsmen clashed sending a ripple of green fire, throughout the space of this alternate dimension. However, the might of Shuten Doji was still far greater than Muratori's raw strength. Gravity still played a factor, and Muratori would slowly start to descend downward. The samurai acted quickly before he fell to the ground, his father a marine had taught him a few tricks in his youth that would help him in situations like this. A form of the six arts used to evade and maneuver their way around attacks that were too dangerous to take head-on.

"Soru!" Muratori called out disappearing and reappearing behind Shuten Doji. Still mid air Muratori switched to a reverse grip of his blade and delivered a slew of fiery slashes to the backside of the Oni.

"**Ittoryu: Midori Oni Senpuu**"

The samurai rotated his body in a constant 360 motion like a spinning top, with his blade pointing outward from his body, he would deliver several slashes wrapped in the green flame, to the back of Shuten Doji. Muratori moved with ferocity and determination looking to cut open the back of the unbreakable skin.

Once more, Shuten Doji proved that his monstrous size didn't detract his movement as he twisted on his heel and raised his arm to block the incoming burning buzzsaw known as Muratori. With each rotation, the Oni's tough skin was subjected to the eerie nature of the green flames and sharp edge of the blade. Unfortunately, despite the significant strength behind said strike, it proved to be still ineffective against the very unbreakable body of the Oni as with a loud roar, he struck the blade mid-strike to kill the samurai's momentum and leave him open.

"**BETTER!**" With his sword stabbed into the ground from his earlier maneuver, Shuten Doji opted for the straightforward route in terms of retaliation. Moving with the weight of his entire body, the phantom unleashed a devastating blow towards Muratori, causing the air to *shift* and *twist* from the sheer force behind it.

Through the flames and the momentum, Muratori was once again stopped in his tracks as he was knocked out of rhythm. His blade rung and his rotation had stopped, and the sensation of panic came to him. "?" He could feel the air pressure intensify as the Oni shifted his body weight toward him.

"Fuck." With a devastating amount of power, Shuten Doji threw his entire body into the torso of the samurai knocking the wind right out of his chest. Muratori's eyes quickly started to roll in the back of his head and caused the warrior to loosen the grip of his blade. He spat out blood and spit, the bones within his sternum felt like they had been shattered into a million pieces. The brunt force of the attack broke the sound barrier and sent the green samurai flying through the air once more. He crashed hard into the ground, skidding across the floor like a crashing meteorite.

The samurai lay there still slowly wheezing from his battered body, his head rang like a bell and his blurry vision faded in and out. Warm blood filled his mouth causing him to slightly choke. The constant gasps for quick air to fill his lungs made it hard to focus on anything else but his breathing. But for a moment he'd forgotten his foe and the battle. All went quiet as the sound of his heart was the only thing he could hear.

**DU DOOM... DU DOOM... DU DOOM**

And then he was approached by the cloaked spirit who stood upon the island. Muratori eyes focused on the figure as it stood over his body,

"***Gettttt uppppp!***" The figure proposed as it pointed to the Oni who stood not too far away, but to Shuten Doji he did not see the figure it was only prevalent to Muratori.

The samurai tried to move his body but couldn't he had felt the weight of 1000 boulders placed upon him, he coughed out more blood, "I-I ca-can't".

"***Gettttt uppppp!***" The figure said again this time his shadowy figure hood started to expose it's face. The samurai's eyes widened his heart started to race faster, the increased adrenaline pumped through his veins, and what caused this was fear. The figure had revealed itself to be another version of Muratori, only covered in half the flesh and with his exposed open skin bleeding the same green fire he produced.

"*W-what? H-how c-could th-this be?*" He thought to himself as more fear filled his heart and mind.

The unexplainable phenomenon shook the samurai to his very core, causing his mind to race. He couldn't make sense of any of it, how could this figure look like him? Where did it come from? Why did it come? Why was it here? Was this an illusion of the mind? He had always heard stories of people seeing things before death, and maybe this moment was one of those events.

The figure moved closer to Muratori almost crawling over him but remaining in a slight hover. The figure gazed deeply into the eyes of the samurai with his eye sockets of fire, "***Gettttt uppppp!***" It said moving its hand from the shadowy smoke cloak that wrapped its body, from the hand sparked a flame of fire lit green and placed it onto the chest of Muratori. The flame started to flourish and spread around his body taking the form of green lily flowers, the figure then moved its head toward Muratori's right ear and whispered, "***Awaken from your slumber...Suigyoku Akuma!"***

The fiery flames burst and around them consuming the figure and disappearing, as a small vision of Muratori's wife Miu showed her walking an orchard tree on the West border of Akijima. Miu turned to face Muratori in the vision and smiled, "*Come back for me my love...*"

A slew of overwhelming emotions filled the soul of Muratori seeing his wife once again, as sadness, joy, bliss, pain, and anger flowed over him. "I will come back to you my LOVE!"

Muratori willed himself from his broken state, slowly lifting his stiff body from the debris. As a constant green aura coated the body of Muratori, a brief moment passed as the samurai now stood at his feet. He breathed in deeply coughing up more blood, but wiped the dripping parts from his lip. He looked to his right and picked up another sword of the many that plagued the battlefield. Upon lifting the blade he entered the seigan stance once again, "Come Doji...My spirit thirsts"

Within that moment Muratori closed his eyes and focused, igniting his blade once again, but this time he produced the black coat of will upon his arms and hands which seeped into the blade. Turning the silver steel blade black, at this moment Muratori had awakened this Haki.

"**Good! Let your spirit soar!"** His words resonated with the air, battle lust permeating the area. As the earth shattered underneath the weight of Shuten Doji's foot, the battlefield was enveloped within an unnatural gravity while an aura of malefic energy enshrouded around the Oni, taking on the shape of a *true demon*. Throwing his head back in laughter, Shuten Doji adjusted his stance into one similiar to the Waki-gamae, positioning his blade towards the ground.

"**Let your blood flow!**" Immediately, he took off like a rocket, sprinting towards Muratori with such speed he look more akin to a smear on a painting then an actual person. With the air twisting behind him and the deceased bodies being crushed underneath him, the Oni was like a bullet train, intent on heading towards its destination in the fastest way possible with a streak of crimson following behind.

With both hands tightly on the blade, Shuten Doji loudly declared to the infinite void and Muratori. "**Chisui...**"

Muratori flashed a grin and tightened the grip on his blade and quickly switched his stance to Te Ura Gasumi and prepared to engage Shuten Doji. The green samurai brought his blade close to his body pointing the sword outwards. He strengthened his legs and tensed his core while flexing his arm. He kept his eyes on his target never taking them off, not once. For Muratori feared the Oni no more, as he focused on the blooming sensation of haki flowing from his body. The green flames from his sword began to burn brighter flickering colors of gold, as his aura quickly manifested into that of a mighty golden eagle. The manifestation looked like a phoenix with green and gold flames embodying the Shinchou clan crest.

There was a build-up of pressure from the stance as Muratori went to use his special technique of Washi Kokoro, the ground broke beneath the weight of the samurai as he shot forward charging right for Shuten Doji. He moved swiftly looking as though he glided across the ground gracefully placing his feet not to crush the bodies that lay in the pathway. He had to move fast, faster than Doji, he had to cut harder, slash faster, he gritted his teeth and started to flow more haki into his sword increasing the amount of flames that engulfed it "**Shincho Seiso Tsumugu..."**