Author: Nadz
Email: vegitto02 at yahoo dot com

Disclaimer:
The title "DragonTek" is owned by the author.
Any characters owned by the producers of Tekkaman, Dragonball Z, Dragonball GT, or Rurouni Kenshin are, of course, the property of those respective individuals or companies. Any original characters are strictly owned by the author of this fan fiction.
The story line of the entire DragonTek series is also owned strictly by me.
This story may not be distributed to anybody without the author's permission. However, the author does encourage you to welcome your friends to read DragonTek on FanFiction dot net. Much thanks...

DragonTek (Part IV: The Justice Saga)

Chapter 47 - Mastery

"You want me to try it now?" Kenshin asked, puzzled. "Why don't you just show it to me first?"

"Yes, fair enough," Eizan replied as he gripped the hilt of his sword. Nearby stood a stalk of a spore plant whose bulbs contained five living human beings. As Eizan turned to face the plant, Miyuki covered her mouth in horror, realizing what Eizan was going to do. The man crouched into a stance, holding out his sword horizontally from his body with his right hand. With a sudden spring from his legs, he rushed towards the spore plant and drew his weapon backwards, ready to spring.

'What?' Kenshin gasped as he saw small blue sparks appear across the length of the blade. A thin white aura outlined Eizan's body as he focused his chi onto his sword. The man was only ten steps away from the plant, and with each step, more and more sparks crackled on the blade. Eizan let out a battle cry upon reaching striking distance, and he roared before striking the plant with a violent swing.

"Yusaburu… Sokushi Zanzou!" he yelled his host technique's name first and then the name of the instant death technique. Miyuki watched with surprise as a thin blue line streaked across the area of contact. Kenshin watched more sparks light the sword, and the solitary line rapidly multiplied into thousands of horizontal thin blue lines, each about three feet in length. These blue lines spread about all over the plant, and several seconds later, they all sliced through the entire structure.

Eizan jumped backwards as the entire spore plant exploded completely. Ooze and human blood sprayed high into the air and began to land everywhere; Kenshin grabbed Miyuki and moved her before any of the organic debris could touch her. Pieces of human organs could be seen lying among the debris, for everything in the plant had been destroyed. Miyuki tried to keep herself from vomiting.

"That doesn't look so tough, does it?" Eizan said as he approached them several seconds later. Kenshin and Miyuki could hardly believe their eyes; the man didn't have a spot of blood or ooze on him. Eizan noticed their reaction and began to laugh nervously.

"How… how did you manage not to get touched at all?" Miyuki asked incredulously. "You were right there in the middle of the explosion!"

"Well, I was able to create a rapid fan around myself by revolving my sword extremely fast above my head," Eizan replied, looking a little bit nervous. Kenshin narrowed his eyes. "Now, boy, you try it. You've seen me do it, so it shouldn't be too hard, especially for a master of chi-manipulation like yourself."

'Kenshin, please don't make it too disgusting,' Miyuki thought to herself as she looked into his eyes. Kenshin noticed her grimaced look, and he gave her a soft nod.

"Eizan-san, is it necessary to shout out the name of the attack?" the boy quickly asked.

"Well," the man thought for a moment. "No… but it definitely adds a nice touch… spices it up."

"Oh," Kenshin said as he stepped away from the girl. Moments later, he stood before another spore plant standing nearby. This one had six bulbs in particular, and Kenshin strained to see their occupants. Two of them resembled adults, two resembled teenagers, and two resembled children.

'Another family torn apart by the Radam… I'm sorry, you six, but I must do this… for all of us,' he thought as he crouched into a stance and gripped the bloodstained Akoutari in his right hand. Eizan watched in extreme interest, for he was truly curious as to how this boy would perform on the first attempt. Miyuki watched with mixed feelings – she wanted Kenshin to learn the technique in order to bring the Radam to justice; yet, this training session was horrid. Several seconds passed by, during which Kenshin stared at the plants before him. Without warning, he shot towards the target while yelling a battle cry. Eizan and Miyuki both watched stunned as a thick blue glow completely shrouded the body of Akoutari.

'This is perfect!' Eizan celebrated in his mind. 'This boy is far better than I had thought.'

"Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu, Ryu Kan Sen – Sokushi Zanzou!" he yelled as he jabbed the body of the glowing blade horizontally upwards the stalk of the plant. Immediately, a thin blue line streaked across the body of the stalk. Not even two seconds passed by until thousands of small blue lines, each no more than three feet in width, completely covered the structure. Kenshin retreated from the plant as it violently exploded, sending blood, ooze, and plant debris several hundred feet into the air. The boy sheathed his sword, and he watched as the pink-red juice mixtures splattered in the surrounding vicinity. Kenshin flew back and noticed the gaping expressions on the two spectators' faces.

"K… Kenshin," Miyuki stuttered his name, for she couldn't believe he learned it so quickly.

"Your strike did far more damage than mine!" Eizan said, his mouth open. However, several seconds later, his mouth turned into a smile. Kenshin squinted at the man, for Eizan's smirk was very different this time. In fact, it seemed almost sly.

"Boy, now that you have inherited my ultimate technique, you will be able to fight fairly," Eizan said sweetly. "Before, you wouldn't have a chance, but now you will be able to fight fairly… against me."

"What?" Kenshin blurted as he stood back, protecting Miyuki.

"I taught you that technique because I felt bad for you," Eizan explained. "Tekkaman Blood had the advantage and destroyed you. I hate seeing unfair fights, so that is why I showed you this technique. Now that you own it for yourself, there is no reason why we should hold back on you."

"Kajitani-san… you can't mean…" Miyuki blurted, seeing him reveal his gray Tek-crystal.

"Tek-Setter!" he yelled as he launched himself into the air. Kenshin and Miyuki watched as a gray crystal shape covered his form. The red lines trickled down his body, and the gray armor materialized over his skin. He continued to grip his sword in his hand during the transformation process, and the two on the ground watched as the sword itself underwent a change. More material added itself to the hilt, making it larger. Also, the blade of the sword extended as material materialized onto its body. When the crystal cover shattered, the only thing remaining in its place was a Tekkaman, holding his sword.

"I am Kajitani Eizan…" the armored warrior chuckled, "… Tekkaman Masamune."

"General Dodge," President Gahair said on the view screen. "Are you absolutely positive that this will be the best course of action? Are you certain there are not any viable alternatives?"

"Not unless you want millions of new Tekkaman warriors terrorizing our world, sir," Dodge said as he stood at the bridge of the Area 51 base. The large room was buzzing with activity; personnel were trying to determine how much of the remaining population in their first target city had been evacuated. Upon hearing the report of Major Dumas, Dodge had ordered an immediate strike on the cities. That way, the plants inside and on the perimeter would be destroyed, along with the budding Tekkamen inside.

"Then, General, you have my permission to fire at the primary target," the President weakly responded. "I pray that this is the best solution. An untold number of innocents will die there."

"Proceed to start the countdown, Lieutenant," Dodge said. "I will give the signal for launch."

"Countdown started… ten… nine… eight…"

'I wish it hadn't come to this,' Dodge thought nervously. 'But it is the best solution that will cover up my failure to order an evacuation of the cities prior to the spore plants' attack. Thank God for nukes!'

"… Three… two… one…"

"And launch!" Dodge barked. The thundering noise could be heard as the nuclear missile rocketed from the ground. The personnel in the command room stared at the weapon that burned through the sky and headed for its destination. Dodge felt the sweat on his forehead. He had just ordered the mass production of the Sol Tekkaman units; it would be a matter of days before the first batch of units would be finished. Yet, Dodge could not afford to wait.

"General, the missile will reach San Francisco in seven minutes," the lieutenant reported.

"Balzac, I'm very glad that you survived the attack at the primary Command Center. This secondary facility should provide us all the protection we need."

"Thank your for your concern, Miss Kisaragi. What would you like me to do for you?"

"I have read through some of Freeman's files, and I know about you."

"Know about me? I don't understand what you're talking…"

"I know that you can perform… special… missions and assignments."

"Special missions? I'm sorry, but I don't…"

"Come on, Balzac, you know exactly what I mean. You are a spy and can serve as a hit man."

"What do you want from me?"

"You see, I've just been promoted to Co-Commander of the Space Knights. I've almost secured my goal, but the only person to stand in my way is… the other Co-Commander, obviously."

"So what do you want me to do?"

"Would it be possible for you to get rid of her? In a manner where she'll never be in my way?"

"In other words, you want me to commit murder."

"I wouldn't call it that. I would rather call it 'merciful termination.' Taking her life now would free her from the burden she has undertaken. It would be an act of mercy on her."

"And you seriously want me to do this?"

"How much would it cost?"

"Let me think… my price will be high."

"Name it."

"A night alone with you, where we will enjoy each other thoroughly."

"That is disgusting, Balzac."

"Hey, there aren't many others who will do this for you. Good luck finding them."

"No, wait. I agree… I'll pay that price, only if your promise to get rid of that girl."

"What about that Takaya of yours?"

"He won't ever have to know."

"Then do we have a deal?"

"Only if you do your job first, Balzac."

"Agreed."

"Then it's a deal."

The room looked stunned as Noal weakly shut off the recording. Aki's face was bright red as she exploded from the inside. Everybody had a look of shocked betrayal, especially Takaya, who was having an extremely difficult time digesting it. The room stayed silent for several seconds until Balzac spoke.

"There you have it," he sighed. "I didn't want it to have to come to this, but unfortunately it has. At least you know that you have a very dangerous person positioned high up in your organization."

"That whole thing is not true," Aki said, her voice quivering as she felt tears gathering in her eyes. She could not control herself, for Balzac had shamed her so severely in front of all of her friends. She turned to look at Takaya, who looked at the floor as his face flushed in anger.

"You can't believe him!" Aki pleaded as tears trickled down her cheeks.

"Are those tears of guilt, Aki?" Levin snapped as he looked angrily at the woman. "I'm shocked at you. I never thought you would go so low as to injure a girl and be a prostitute. It's a disgrace to us all."

"You have to believe me," Aki continued as she mustered her strength to stand. "It's all a lie!"

"Is the audio recording a lie as well?" Balzac barked angrily. "I thought we had a deal, but you went so low as to try to betray me as well."

"Shut up!" Aki yelled as she slowly collapsed to the floor, her hands covering her head.

"Come with me, Miss Kisaragi," the guard said as he put handcuffs on her. He helped her stand, and she continued to pour out her emotions. The rest of the crew refused to look at her, and they hung their heads in shame. The guard opened the door and started to lead her out of the room. Before they left, she turned towards Takaya.

"Takaya, you believe me, don't you?" Aki begged. "You know I would never do that."

"Aki…" Takaya trailed off as he turned his head towards her. His eyes were red from gathering tears, which began to roll down his cheeks as well. Aki could see the look of emotional pain and betrayal written across his face. He looked completely broken.

'Doesn't he trust me?' she screamed in her mind as the guard led the shaking young woman out of the room. As she was led down the hall, Aki repeatedly turned her head around to see if Takaya came for her. Before the guard and Aki turned the corner, she checked one last time – the hallway remained empty.

"Kajitani-san, you can't do this!" Kenshin yelled as he met the Tekkaman face to face in the air. Masamune gripped his weapon tightly and swung sharply at Kenshin, who blocked with Akoutari. The boy pushed off Eizan's sword and backed away several feet. Masamune chuckled before rushing to him and striking again. Kenshin dodged this one but refused to attack offensively.

"Why, why are you doing this?" Kenshin yelled. "I can't fight you after you've helped me!"

"Yes, you will have to fight me," Eizan replied. "I will make sure you have no alternative."

"But why?" Kenshin yelled back. "Why would you teach me and then fight me?"

"You have a lot to learn, boy," Eizan replied as he hovered in the air. "I learned swordsmanship for many years. I learned the techniques that had been passed down through my family, and I love fighting with those techniques. You are the only person who can test my sword skills in battle. I have fought Tekkaman Blade, but he is far inferior to me in terms of swordsmanship. Had I used my true abilities against him, it would not have been a fair fight by any standards. And as you know, I hate unfair fights."

"You can't do this!" Kenshin said. "You shouldn't have taught me that! You're a sensei now!"

"I wanted to pass it on to the next generation," Masamune replied. "I can see how you consider me a sensei to a certain extent, but that is a consideration you will have to dissolve!"

"No…" Kenshin said, clenching his jaw. "You helped me! I won't do this to you!"

"You will do it!" Eizan hollered back. "Because I helped you… so that you can use it on me!"

"WHAT!" the boy shouted in surprise.

"Boy, I am conscious enough to be knowing that I am being controlled by the enemy," Eizan answered. "My years as a swordsman, my mental discipline, and my ability to control chi allowed me to be conscious of it. It drives me nuts, knowing of my state of servitude to the enemy. I want to be free from this bondage, and you will be the only one who can do it properly!"

"I can't do it," Kenshin yelled. "I won't do it!"

"Now that I have passed on Sokushi Zanzou to you, you must use it on me!" Masamune bellowed back. "All students owe their sensei a gift. Since you are now my pupil, I order that you do this for me! If you want to be a good pupil, kill me with the technique I taught you!"

Upon seeing the boy hesitate, Masamune lunged towards Kenshin and led a barraging assault. He struck the boy wildly at great speeds, and Kenshin fought seriously in order to defend himself. However, he did not lead one offensive strike against his opponent. Eizan continued to strike the boy, but Kenshin managed to dodge and parry as he struggled to keep himself from breaking down. There was no way he could bring himself to kill Masamune. Eizan paused his assault as he floated backwards, breathing heavily.

"Kenshin, you don't understand," he puffed for air. "If I could kill myself, I would. But I want to die only by Sokushi Zanzou and no other way! I tried to attack myself with it, but it didn't work. That is why you have to do it, Kenshin! Please free me! Please free me now!"

"NO!" Kenshin yelled, and the boy began to sheath Akoutari. Eizan glared upon seeing this.

"Use it now, bastard!" he yelled as he directed his chi towards his blade. Kenshin watched with dread as the blue sparks flared around Eizan's sword, and the Tekkaman pointed it directly at the youth.

"Kenshin! The only way to defend against my Sokushi Zanzou is for you to use Sokushi Zanzou. If you don't, you'll be killed for sure. Now do it!" Masamune roared as he shot himself forwards, with blue sparks flaring around his sword. Kenshin grit his teeth in frustration as he unsheathed Akoutari and held it firmly. Masamune was only a hundred feet away from him now, and he approached at a dazzling speed.

"EIZAN-SAN!" Kenshin yelled as he focused his energy on his sword, causing the thick blue glow to engulf his blade once again. Masamune was only twenty feet away, and he closed in. Kenshin raced towards the man, hoping that he could cancel out Eizan's attack altogether.

"KENSHIN!" Masamune bellowed as he swung hard at the boy.

"Now!" Kenshin yelled as their blades clashed violently in mid air. Time stopped as the swords sizzled against one another. A knot tightened in Kenshin's throat as he saw the thin blue lines appear and multiply all over Masamune's body, for he had hit his opponent with too much force. Eizan smiled thinly.

"Victory is yours…" he uttered his last words before feeling the razor sharp lines rip through the entirety of his body. Kenshin stared in horror at what he had done.

"No…" the boy whispered, but it was too late. There was nothing he could do but watch as Tekkaman Masamune exploded in brilliance.