A.N. Another chapter! The semifinals of Genkai's tournament begins.
Wolfs Child: Glad to hear you followed. Chapter 16 is coming soon!
Damaged Forest Spirit: Would it count as cheating if Sakura was dragged into the fight against her will? Or if she tried to intervene? I think Genkai may have something to say about that in this chapter. Sakura loves her brother more than anything in the world, and she's not going to like what he's about to go through. Your reviews always make me smile.
Tashio: It would be an easy solution, but with what I have planned I don't think it would work. Your insights are appreciated. And without giving anything away, you might just be getting warmer...
Didn't expect to finish Chapter 15 so soon, but I'm sure nobody is complaining. Please follow, favourite, and remember to review! It's the best way to help me keep writing about my beloved Sakura.
I don't own YYH, just my OCs
Chapter 15
The remaining few followed Genkai outside and up a steep hill. Where, nobody was sure, but it was clear they were in for an intense time.
"Great, now I have to fight a dude who can fire an energy blast out of his whole palm, and my little Spirit Gun is all used up!" Yusuke complained.
"And don't forget, one of those fighters might be Rando in disguise," Botan reminded them in a whisper.
Sakura rolled her eyes. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, Botan, but that's true"
"If Rando's hiding as a human, there's only two guys he could be now!" Yusuke realised.
The three of them looked at who was left. Tall, confident Kazemaru, the ninja bodyguard and stealth expert who'd easily taken down professional assassin Kuroda. And Shorin, the small psychic responsible for eliminating Chinpo in the previous round.
"There's something not right about that Kazemaru guy," Yusuke said darkly. "Call it a bad hunch,"
Sakura furrowed her brow and stayed silent. She had her own suspicions, but wasn't ready to voice them yet. There had to be a way to find out if she was right…
"This will be your new fighting ground," Genkai gestured at the wasteland she'd let them too.
"Wh-what is it?" Kuwabara stammered.
"The site of an ancient battle," Genkai explained quietly. "An entire army was overcome by madness. Thousands of soldiers attacked their own men. Restless souls fill this place,"
It was faint, but Sakura could see the imprints of the fallen from thousands of years ago. They were scattered across the field in a grotesque display, the screams still echoing through the ages.
Kuwabara's running whimper gave way to a wail of terror. "I'm seeing things here I never wanted to see! Oh please, please! Someone take me home!"
Genkai ignored him. "On this hillside, spirit energy begins to overtake the body. It's perhaps the best place on earth to use spirit power, and therefore the best place for your fight,"
Kazemaru's body radiated with power. "Excellent. Their energy is circulating through me now. I feel stronger already!"
"What about you?" Botan turned worriedly to Yusuke.
"No use," he admitted. "I'm feeling some of my power coming back, but there's no way it's enough to use my Spirit Gun,"
"Then let me fight," Sakura said suddenly.
Every single person in the vicinity slowly turned to stare at her. Botan was speechless. Kuwabara and Yusuke seemed to be competing for the world record of furthest jaw drop.
However, Kazemaru was the first to speak, or laugh. "You?!" he howled. "That's a hilarious joke, young lady, but some of us are trying to take this competition seriously,"
Sakura looked calmly into his battle-hardened face. "Who says I'm joking?"
Kazemaru scowled and drilled his onyx eyes into Sakura's chocolate brown ones. "Little girl, I am a warrior, and not in the mood to play games. Your reckless brother hardly seems enough to scratch the surface of my interest, therefore you wouldn't even register as a drop in the ocean,"
"The ocean is made of drops, Kazemaru. Or is that a roundabout way of dodging the admission you're actually afraid to lose to me?"
Sakura didn't take her eyes off the ninja for a second, but was extremely entertained by the sounds of astonishment coming from Yusuke and Kuwabara behind her.
Kazemaru shot out a hand and tilted Sakura's face up with his long fingers. "I fear nothing, girl," he said softly. "But you are not a fighter. At least, not yet,"
"I don't know," said a quiet voice. Shorin was watching the drama with interest. "Perhaps the girl is talented in another way. I can sense her energy, and it is not unremarkable,"
"I did not ask for your input, Shorin," Kazemaru turned to Yusuke. "Shall we begin this fight, boy? Or do you need a moment to confess your sins?"
Sakura felt a hand on her shoulder and she was pulled around to face Yusuke. His face was comically distorted with enraged disbelief.
"Something wrong, brother?" she asked innocently.
"What...are you...I...what were you...have you lost your mind, you damn brat?!"
Sakura tilted her head and put on a face like she was thinking. "Mmm, no, it's still there. Why?"
Yusuke shook her fiercely. "THERE IS NO WAY IN HELL YOU'RE FIGHTING ANYONE HERE, GOT IT?!"
A hard slap on the back of the head caused Yusuke to momentarily pause, stunned.
"Don't be such a bully, Urameshi!" Kuwabara protectively pulled Sakura away from him. "It's ok Sakura! I won't let boys hurt girls!"
Groaning internally, Sakura forced herself to smile. "Thankyou, Kuwabara. How...gallant of you," she said pleasantly.
Yusuke had sufficiently recovered enough from the hit to resume his tirade. "Squirt, you have exactly five seconds to tell me what the hell you were thinking by saying that!"
Hands on hips, Sakura gave Yusuke a withering look. "I just saved you, genius. I don't think Kazemaru is your demon,"
"What?!"
"I agree that he seems...off. But I actually think it might be Shorin,"
Botan joined them, looking stunned. "What are you talking about, Sakura?"
"I could be wrong about this," Sakura admitted. "But Kazemaru's style seems to be more combative and stealth based, which doesn't sound like Rando from what we know. And if it's not him, it has to be Shorin,"
"Shorin? How could he possibly be Rando in disguise?" Botan didn't look convinced.
"Look, I was listening closely when everyone was introducing themselves in the last round," Sakura said grimly. "Shorin mentioned he was a psychic who'd travelled the world in search of a 'perfect instructor'. Ring any bells?"
Poor Kuwabara looked thoroughly lost. "What's that got to do with anything?"
"Rando steals psychic abilities," Sakura explained slowly.
"But would he be stupid enough to just confess like that?" Botan wondered.
"I don't know about stupid, but I'd be prepared to bet he's arrogant enough to do it," Sakura insisted. "So that's why I just offered to fight. Demons are supposed to be able to read spirit energy, right? H-Hiei could sense it when you met him in the forest. But Kazemaru didn't seem to realise I have telepower. He was more interested in physical prowess. Who seemed a bit more curious about me?"
Everyone froze. "Shorin…" Botan breathed. "I...I suppose it's possible, but we still can't say for sure, right?"
Yusuke clutched his head with both hands. "Gah! I think my brain just melted. But if you're right about this Squirt, you're a friggin' genius!"
"WOULD YOU MIND IF WE STARTED THE FIGHT SOMETIME THIS MILLENIUM?!" Genkai roared. Everyone jumped.
Yusuke ran over. "Ok, ok. Calm down Grandma!"
"What a shame for you," Kazemaru said with mock sorrow. "Fighting two battles in a row, both mismatched. Everyone knows Kibano would've defeated you if not for your little trick. And as for my own advantage? Well, you'll soon find out!"
"Why don't you quit monologuing and get the hell on with it, you ninja freak?" Sakura called in irritation.
"Quiet, girl! If I wanted your opinion, I'd give it to you!"
"Botan?" Yusuke said pointedly.
Botan cottoned on and pulled Sakura aside. "So is that why you said you wanted to fight? You were testing Kazemaru?"
"I...I wanted to see how he'd react. I was hoping that I might be able to figure out if he was Rando. But like I said, I could be wrong," Sakura muttered. "I knew Yusuke would flip out, but if it saves him, isn't that worth one of his tantrums?"
Botan smiled warmly. "You know he only reacts like that because he cares about you so much, right?"
Sakura flushed. "I know. Especially since...what happened last week…"
Botan looked sympathetically at the girl. She'd noticed Sakura struggling to name the demon who had held her hostage. "It wasn't your fault, Sakura. You know that, right?"
Chills spread throughout Sakura's body. "I know," She said a little too quickly, and turned back to the fight before Botan could pursue the subject. It was fair to say that Yusuke was being pummelled.
"You can't even fight back!" Kazemaru yelled, but showed no sign of slowing his assault.
Kuwabara turned to Sakura. "Why aren't you trying to help him or something?"
Sakura gave him a scathing look. "Look, I guarantee I hate watching my brother getting beaten up more than you do, but what exactly can I do from here?"
"Can't you read the other guy's mind or something?!"
Sakura ground her teeth together. "As I've already explained to you, I can't just connect to the mind of a perfect stranger. Not yet, anyway. And even if I could, Yusuke's completely worn out, so I don't see what good it would do either way!"
Just then, Kuwabara's attention was diverted as Yusuke went flying. "Don't give up Urameshi! Put everything you got into one hit!"
Yusuke looked up to see Kazemaru barrelling towards him. Just before the ninja's fist met his face, Yusuke ducked out of reach. Kazemaru was momentarily surprised, and Yusuke prepared his own attack.
Here's everything!
Sakura heard his steely resolve as he swung his arm for the finishing blow, but it never landed. Kazemaru backflipped out of the way with lightning fast reflexes, no doubt the result of his ninjutsu prowess.
"Oh, perfect!" Yusuke yelled in frustration.
Initially, the ninja looked triumphant, but that quickly changed when blood poured from a gash on his cheek. Botan and Kuwabara reacted in disappointment, but Sakura saw Genkai's knowing smile.
"That would have finished me if I hadn't dodged it," Kazemaru muttered, wiping the blood away. "I can't get close. Guess I'll have to fight long distance!" With a flourish, he withdrew several throwing stars from seemingly nowhere.
"You're joking!" Yusuke gasped.
"Shuriken throwing knives," Kazemaru nodded. "My favourite," He sprang high into the air and lobbed said weapons right at Yusuke.
"Oh, give me a break Ninja Boy!" groaned Yusuke. "I'm not too weak to dodge!" True to his word, he leaned to the side and narrowly missed the blades. But Sakura's nerves weren't settled, especially considering Kazemaru's smug grin.
"Hello? I was expecting a more shocked reaction. Did you not just see me dodge your toys?"
Kazemaru smirked. "Not quite,"
"Yusuke! Behind you!" Sakura screamed.
Yusuke looked behind him and dramatically leapt out of the way, avoiding being hit by millimetres.
"Ok, they're like boomerang knives. That's a decent trick!"
"Actually, they lock on a person's spirit energy," smiled Kazemaru. "And they can stay up in the air for days until hitting their appropriate target,"
"Days?" Sakura repeated, feeling quite faint.
Yusuke proceeded to perform all sorts of manoeuvres to evade the shurikens, but was clearly running out of options.
Don't just stand there, Sakura! Do something!
Without thinking of the consequences, Sakura assumed her Spirit Blast position.
"Don't even think about it, Missy!" Genkai said sharply. "You so much as blink the wrong way and I'll disqualify the dimwit,"
An explosion rocked the ground. Yusuke had manipulated two of the knives into a nearby tree, but for some reason they'd erupted.
"Oh, perhaps I neglected to mention the gunpowder stored in the tip of every blade," Kazemaru taunted. "They blow up on impact. Even if you dodge the blade, you can't avoid the explosion!"
"Yusuke!" Botan sounded on the verge of tears.
Genkai looked entertained. "It might be a good time to tell him goodbye,"
"Shut it, you old bat! Kazemaru, you MONSTER!" Sakura shouted.
Kazemaru looked at her condescendingly. "Not so brave now are you, girl?" he laughed, revelling in her despair.
Kura, there's only one thing to do. Yusuke told his sister.
What's that? Do you have an idea?
Sort of. Make this explosion worth something!
With a yell, Yusuke began sprinting towards the group as the shurikens once again made a beeline for him.
"You have to listen to me, Kuwabara! You have to win the tournament now!"
"Yusuke? What are you doing?" Sakura cried in alarm.
"See ya!" Yusuke shot a sneaky grin at them and ran off as fast as he could towards his enemy.
Kuwabara turned to Sakura, utterly bemused. "What do you think he meant? I figured he wanted to win!"
"I see," Genkai nodded sagely. "He knows he can't escape, so he's decided to kill two birds with one bomb,"
"He WHAT? Urameshi! Don't do it! Can't you think this out a little more?
Kazemaru looked at Yusuke's approaching form with amusement. "Prepared for the ultimate sacrifice, huh? Well, he's forgotten my power!" he reached slightly to the side and began charging his spirit energy into a purple mass.
"You try whatever you want, ninja. But I'm taking you with me!" Yusuke ran forward without fear.
"Sorry, I have other plans!" Kazemaru readied his attack.
What happened next defied anyone's expectations. Sakura blinked, and Yusuke was simply gone from sight.
"He vanished!" gasped the ninja, but it was too late. Before he could launch his energy, the unforgiving shurikens plowed into him and exploded.
Kazemaru's body landed with a thud. Sakura and Botan ran forward followed by Kuwabara.
"Yusuke!" Botan called.
"Hey, Urameshi! Are you playing around?"
No answer.
Kuwabara turned to Botan. "I'm gonna be mad if he can turn invisible and nobody told me,"
"I've found him, you idiot. Help me pull him out!" Sakura snapped from the ground. Kuwabara and Botan looked down to see her hauling Yusuke out of an apparently deep hole filled with water.
Yusuke emerged from the hole choking and spluttering.
"Pretty clever, hiding in the mud like that," Kuwabara slapped Yusuke on the back, causing him to cough up more filthy water. Sakura winced.
"I wasn't hiding," Yusuke managed to say. "I slipped!"
Sakura and Botan looked at each other then burst out into hysterical laughter.
"Are you trying to tell me that whole thing was an accident?!" Kuwabara goggled.
"What whole thing?" Yusuke asked irritably. "And what the hell are you two laughing at?"
Sakura was doubled over, wiping tears of laughter from her eyes. Kuwabara jerked his thumb to where Kazemaru lay.
Yusuke blinked. "You mean I actually won the match?"
"Kazemaru's power emitted so much spirit energy that it diverted the knives towards him when you fell. Your victory is a total fluke. But then, as I've said before, anything goes as long as you can win the fight," Genkai told them.
"It's not fair!" Kazemaru spat bitterly, but no sooner had the words left his mouth that he passed out.
"He's got a good point," Yusuke admitted begrudgingly.
"Makes up for the unluckiness you had drawing lots!" Kuwabara pointed out helpfully.
"Works for me," Yusuke smiled.
"Winner, Yusuke Urameshi!" Genkai declared.
Yusuke looked at Sakura. "You'll never let me live this down, will you?"
"Never," Sakura grinned, but she threw her arms around him. "You did it!"
Botan pulled the twins aside. "It seems you were right, Sakura. If Kazemaru was Rando, he would've shown his true form after being beaten,"
"Then Kura figured it out," Yusuke eyed the unassuming boy who stared out into space with a benevolent smile.
Botan nodded. "Shorin is Rando,"
"Only three fighters are left. I hope you're excited," Genkai said. "Let's move to the second match of the semi finals. It's not hard to guess. Kuwabara versus Shorin," she looked over at Kazemaru. "Since he doesn't seem to be moving, you'll just have to fight around him. Come on, you two. It's time to close up the semifinals,"
"Shorin was last on my list as a suspect," Botan told the twins.
"Yeah, if you're going to disguise yourself, why not look cooler?" Yusuke wondered.
Sakura rolled her eyes. "Weren't you two paying attention? He didn't want to draw attention to himself. He's more interested in getting stronger than looking flashy,"
"True, but if Shorin is in fact Rando, I'm afraid Kuwabara's out of his league,"
Kuwabara and Shorin stared at each other, unflinching. Kuwabara was grinning, and Sakura knew he was thinking this would be an easy win.
"Yusuke, you have to stop him," she whispered. "He has no idea what he's up against,"
Yusuke nodded. "Hey, Kuwabara! Wait up!"
"Don't try to give me your coaching advice, Urameshi,"
Yusuke lowered his voice and spoke quickly. "Listen, you've got to pull out of this fight. Remember that demon I was talking about? Well I think Shorin is him, dressed up,"
Kuwabara pulled away. "I don't care who he is! First of all, I'm gonna beat this guy. And then I'm gonna grind you into the dirt, so don't try to get out of it by making me scared! And second, you beat that last guy by luck!"
"So? What's that got to do with this fight?" Yusuke snapped.
"I'm not exactly sure!" Kuwabara yelled in a temper. "But I'm gonna fight this guy, monster or not!"
"What's the point?" snorted Yusuke. "You know I'd beat you next anyway. Heck, I reckon even Sakura could take you on,"
"Yeah? Well that'd be true if it was opposite day, stupid!"
Botan jumped in between them. "Hey! Would you boys please behave? This isn't junior high!"
"Shut up!" Kuwabara and Yusuke yelled simultaneously.
Fed up, Sakura smacked the boys' heads together, practically seeing the stars circling their heads from the impact.
"What the hell did you have to do that for, you damn brat?"
"Don't speak to Botan that way, you idiots," Sakura laid her hand on Kuwabara's. "Kuwabara, we're not trying to scare you. I can't stand by and watch you get killed. Please, let us handle him!"
Shorin stepped forward. "Please sir, may we start?" he asked politely.
"Yeah!" Kuwabara rubbed his head. "Don't you worry your pretty little head, Kura. I'll be fine!"
"Famous last words," Sakura muttered, defeated.
"Begin!" Genkai ordered.
"I'll take you down in one hit!" Kuwabara charged at Shorin and punched him in the face. The small boy fell backwards, whimpering.
"What the…?" Yusuke murmured.
Shorin sat up and pressed a hand to where Kuwabara had struck him. "I see this fighter will take more strength than I thought,"
Kuwabara looked slightly ashamed, awkwardly rubbing the back of his head. "Sheesh buddy, are you alright? That was just a warm up shot,"
Shorin stood up. "You needn't worry about my health, sir,"
He launched himself at Kuwabara with a flurry of punches and kicks that were easily dodged. After a few seconds, Kuwabara knocked Shorin on the head causing him to fall flat.
"Our difference in strength is pretty big, huh?" Kuwabara chortled.
Yusuke looked at Botan. "So...what are the chances of a demon being a total wuss? Maybe Rando's been hiding here somewhere, but not as a fighter. Or maybe he was one of the fighters, and he already got beat?"
"Don't be so sure," Sakura muttered grimly. Likewise, Genkai looked stone-faced.
"Let me try a few techniques!" Shorin's energy crackled slightly in his hands, giving off an aura that made Sakura recoil.
"The structure of Shorin's Spirit Energy is changing," Botan said.
Kuwabara, you better be careful! Sakura thought desperately.
Wisps of energy swirled around Shorin's outstretched arm and formed a flaming ball in his hand.
"What is that?" Kuwabara asked in alarm.
Genkai's eyes widened slightly. "It couldn't be!
"Circles of Inferno!" Shorin hurled the fire orbs at Kuwabara, who ducked out of the way and missed the brunt of them by an inch but the hem of his jacket had caught fire. Kuwabara danced around beating at the flames.
"You're ok Kuwabara. Stop giving yourself a pat down and get ready for his next attack!" Yusuke called.
"Would you shut up!" Kuwabara snapped.
Shorin was already preparing a second wave of fireballs.
"Fine! If you want to use your fireworks, then I'll use mine!" In Kuwabara's hands was a piece of Musashi's weapon from their earlier fight. From the end, Kuwabara's Spirit Sword emerged forth and he held it up, ready to fight. "Alright, you little shrimp baby. Batter up!"
Shorin's attack flew through the air and Kuwabara smacked it away with his spirit weapon. The fireball shot backwards and collided with the sender, causing Shorin to take the full force.
"I guess that's a home run?" Yusuke offered.
Shorin doubled over, clutching his stomach.
"Those pitches were pretty nasty, but nothing compared to the old batting cages back home!" Kuwabara laughed. Shorin gave him a scathing look.
"Wow, Kuwabara's like a whole new fighter when he starts using that Spirit Sword of his," Yusuke grinned. "I think he can beat this little punk. Rando or no Rando,"
"Anything's possible, I suppose," Botan said slowly.
"It's not over yet," Sakura said in a low voice.
Yusuke put his arm around his trembling sister. "You ok, Squirt?"
Sakura realised her nails were cutting into her palms from terror. If Shorin was Rando, then he was merely toying with Kuwabara and this match was far from over.
"Very surprising," Shorin smiled. "Twice now, you've managed to evade my attack and make it your own offensive,"
Kuwabara smirked confidently. "Ah, don't try to make it sound so high-tech. I'm just trying to cream you,"
"This requires a new approach," Shorin said quietly. He began muttering a string of strange words Sakura didn't understand, but the energy shift in the atmosphere was starting to frighten her.
"Yes, I thought I recognised where that fireball attack came from," Genkai said from behind. "Ages ago, two renowned masters spent the last half of their lives perfecting the Circles of Inferno and this chant,"
"And what does this do?" Yusuke asked nervously, feeling Sakura tense up.
"That isn't the point!" Genkai said sternly. "What matters is that the only ones who could have taught this boy have been dead for centuries!"
"Oh God..." Sakura breathed.
Yusuke tightened his arm around Sakura. "Old lady, you just proved something for me once and for all. That chanter is definitely no boy!"
Shorin was still reciting his incantation and his eyes had turned a deadly shade of red...the same as the Jagan eye…
All three eyes stared mockingly at her. "You can't save them, Sakura. What could a pathetic human girl do?"
"No, don't hurt them!" she pleaded. "I'll do anything!"
Keiko was held in front of her, lifeless as the Shadow sword plunged into her chest.
"No, Keiko!"
"Look at you. Helpless, vulnerable, weak. Powerless to prevent the inevitable…"
"No, you're wrong!"
"Kura?!"
Sakura realised she was on the ground, dripping with sweat and her fists clenched with the force of iron. Yusuke was cradling her in his arms. Botan was kneeling at her head.
Kuwabara was screaming in pain. Sakura looked over to see Shorin tossing a miniature Kuwabara into the air like a doll, before grasping him in one hand.
"I'm curious about the strength of bones when they've shrunk. I'll start with the right arm!" Shorin laughed. The hideous sound of cracking bones filled their ears.
"Kuwabara! NO!" Sakura cried.
Kuwabara's shrieks of agony were overpowered by Yusuke's furious roar. "I can't stand this, lady! I'm going in there!"
"No, I'll call the fight," Genkai said calmly. "That's enough, Shorin!"
"All right!" the boy called, but instead of letting Kuwabara go, he only squeezed him tighter. Shorin's sadistic laugh was the last straw for Sakura. She threw Yusuke's arms off her and got to her feet.
"Kura, what the hell are you-"
"PUT HIM DOWN!" Sakura shrieked. Unconcerned, Shorin carelessly tossed Kuwabara right at her, but Yusuke moved swiftly, dragging her out of harm's way.
"You wanted me to let him go, right?" Shorin smirked. He began chanting again, and Kuwabara returned to his normal size.
"Oh my God, Kuwabara!" Yusuke and Botan ran over, followed by Sakura. "His body's all twisted," Yusuke said shakily.
"Both arms are in pieces. His ribs too. I don't know if these wounds will heal," Botan said sadly.
With tears running down her face, Sakura knelt beside Kuwabara and seized his hand. "P-please, Kuwabara. You have to hold on!"
Kuwabara somehow managed to smile. "I w-won't die. Even if all the bones in my body are broken. Remember, Urameshi?" he said to Yusuke. "We've still got to fight each other," his eyes rolled back and he fell silent.
Yusuke laid a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Yeah buddy, that's right" he said thickly, balling up his fists as he started to shake with anger.
Shorin had the air of an excited child. "I cannot tell you how long I've wanted to use that technique on someone, but it takes so much time to complete the chant. It's very bothersome,"
He surveyed Kuwabara's broken body with interest. Both Yusuke and Sakura glared at him furiously.
"The move is so complex," Shorin went on as though describing his weekly shopping trip. "Imagine concentrating on that while fighting fifteen people, what with the word order, the intonation…"
He looked at Genkai, eyes glittering. "But with your Spirit Wave technique, you could destroy a hundred people with one simple motion of energy. That's right, isn't it Master?"
"Yes, if it's misused," Genkai replied with a harsh edge to her voice.
"Of course, I wouldn't ever use it that way, but it's great to know the potential," Shorin said eagerly.
"You monster. You'll pay for that!" Sakura growled.
Shorin looked Sakura up and down, then his voice was in her mind. It would appear I underestimated you, girl. Your spirit energy is quite impressive. I thought you only possessed telepathy. His smile became a sneer. Rather intelligent as well, I see. Very clever of you to deduce my true identity. Not that it will save you in the end.
Yusuke moved swiftly, stepping forward and pushing Sakura behind him. "Not so fast, you freak!" he spat. "You have to beat me first. And in case you didn't know, I happen to be a Spirit Detective,"
"Let the final match begin. Shorin versus Yusuke," Genkai called.
Yusuke stood defiantly, prepared for battle. Shorin smirked.
"Well, I see your spirit energy is recovering nicely on this hill. Ready?"
Sakura watched, transfixed. With a snarl, Yusuke's body glowed with a strong green aura, unlike any power level he'd experienced thus far.
Yusuke. Sakura spoke her brother's name. I'll do whatever I can to help you from here.
Kura. Yusuke didn't dare look behind him in case Rando figured out what he was doing. Listen to me carefully. I don't know what happened before to make you collapse like that, but you need to stay out of this, got it? As long as I know you're safe, I promise you I'll make it through this fight.
Sakura didn't trust herself to reply. She had no intention of promising to stay out of anything. She was not going to sit idly by and watch this happen.
"I'll give you fair warning, girl. This isn't going to be a pleasant experience for you," Genkai muttered to Sakura.
Sakura looked at her fiercely. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"You managed to break through my shield, Missy. But every action comes with a price, and I'm afraid you're about to learn that the hard way!"
What does Genkai mean? What will happen to Sakura as Yusuke finally confronts Rando? And what does this mean for her future training?
A.N I'm currently in my final week of college for 2020, so the next installment will almost certainly take a bit longer to write than this one did. Please review if you're enjoying the story, and stay safe in this crazy world until we meet in Chapter 16.
Rosentic