Normal talk
Flashback
Demon
Chapter 14
When Akeno saw Asumoto collapse after Riser's defeat, she begun to panic and fear the worst. A part of her was practically wishing, she could jump through the screen and heal his wound herself.
Her fears were only lifted when receiving news from Sona that he would be ok.
The desire to see him came to mind every once in a while. But she couldn't go to the Underworld. Or rather wouldn't risk it - due to the possibility of someone linking her back to Baraquiel, since they had the same holy power.
The brief though of her father filled her with unyielding hatred for him. She didn't wanna be anything like that man! He promised to protect his family, but could not. He couldn't prevent the death of her mother, nor take her away from that despicable great-uncle of hers!
If Iwamatsu hadn't shown up when he did, then she would have been dead... or become the servant of a Devil. She remembered her uncle saying, he was lucky to reach her before the Devils did.
What would have happened if that did happen? Would her uncle have fought to prevent her humanity from being taken?
Of course he would! He vowed by Amaterasu's light he would protect her, even if it meant giving his life.
She was grateful to have someone like Iwamatsu always there for her. He saved her from death, raised her with his clan, and delivered justice to Suou - no, not justice - revenge.
Her great-uncle had been the bane of her existence and she wanted nothing more than to see the bastard get what he deserved. She vaguely recalled her mother saying Suou believed Baraquiel hypnotized her into loving him. What an old fool!
Clearly age had warped his mind into thinking it was fake love and killing Shuri was the best idea. An idea that was against the law of the Shinto clans. Any clansman who kills one of their own is branded a traitor and sent to execution, which she remembered her uncle trying to prevent.
As much as her uncle cared about Suou. She did not. And when she witnessed his execution, all the pain and hatred toward him built up through the years was released in a breath of air. Her mother had been avenged and Akeno could rest easily now, with her aunt as the new clan head.
How long had it been since she last spoke with Suzaku, weeks, moths? It hadn't been years since they kept in touch with one another.
Hmm maybe she'd contact her and convince her to pay a visit to Kuoh.
After moving into her new home - or rather shrine - she had used the weekends to explore the town and know where the best shops and food joints to visit.
Perhaps she could go shopping with Rias, now that the fiasco with the Phenex clan was over now.
Speaking of Riser. She was told by Tsubaki the third son of the Phenex clan was facing much criticism for his first official loss of a Rating Game and not taking it seriously like his previous matches. His arrogance made him believe this would be an easy victory, which was proven wrong by Asumoto's performance - who by the way, was the center of attention in the Underworld.
Hopefully the hype would die down now that he was back in the human world.
That was why Akeno walked down the sidewalk, ponytail bobbing up and down with each step. She was on her way to pay a visit to Asumoto, with a bento filled with her homemade cooking.
It wasn't long till she turned the corner on the block he lived... and upon seeing his house she quickened her pace to the door and rang the bell.
A second later it opened and there he stood, looking very casual in those sweat pants.
Smiling a little, Akeno bowed to him.
"Welcome back, Asumoto," she said. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything."
"Not at all." The samurai replied with a smile of his own, as he stepped aside to let her in.
Once she was he shut the door and led her to the couch where to his curiosity was given the bento box.
"Lunch?" he asked.
Akeno nodded. "It's something I made special for you. A welcome home present, as well as a thank you gift for finding it in your heart to help Rias."
Asumoto graciously accepted the gift and opened it. Inside was white rice with vegetables and chicken pieces.
Truly, he had never seen something as so delicious as this before. Taking the chopsticks he grabbed a handful of it and placed it in his mouth.
Akeno waited to see what his reaction was. His slow chewing and neutral expression giving her the impression he wasn't enjoying it. That was until his expression changed to a thoughtful one, while taking another bite that was soon followed by a hum of pleasure.
"Did you make this?" asked Asumoto, to which Akeno nodded. "This has to be the most delicious bento I have ever tasted. Truly, Akeno-chan, you're cooking is phenomenal."
The miko's face lit up with happiness at his words. He did enjoy it, she knew he would! Everyone who tried her cooking always praised her for it. Her uncle saying it tasted just like her mother's cooking.
"How are you feeling?" she asked while Asumoto continued eating, savoring the taste.
"Better than when I first woke up after the Rating Game, that´s for sure. I assume you saw what happened?"
"I did and I was so worried after you fell. I...I thought you had died."
Wiping the crumbs off his face he chuckled, "Nonsense! A simple cut like that can't keep me down. Riser, on the other hand, couldn't regenerate for two day's straight. It had taken Asia's Sacred Gear to heal his wound. Which reminds me, what sorta of magic did you embed onto my weapons?"
"Shinto magic," Akeno said quickly, "a technique my uncle taught me."
Asumoto nodded but wasn't buying it. Her reply was rather quick, too quick.
However, whatever magic she used was a great help in the Rating Game. No matter what it was.
A long silence fell between them, so Asumoto decided to simply continue eating Akeno's cooking.
He had eaten many people's cooking. From his family´s, to the Gremory chief - but nothing could compare to that of Akeno's.
He just couldn't stop eating it, the smell and taste were spot on. Perhaps he could visit her home and enjoy more cooking from her.
As he finished the last piece of rice and chicken, Akeno broke the silence.
"How's your wound?"
The samurai paused in his chewing, looking at her curiously. That was a good question. How was the wound received against Riser holding up? He remembered hearing about it not healing all the way.
Deciding to answer her questions, he played the bento box on the table, and removed his shirt to see the damage. From shoulder to hip was a large scar with some burnt mark. The work of Riser's attack and Asia's healing no doubt.
Akeno got closer to him, her eyes wandering over his body for a brief second before settling on the scar, a glint of lust filling them briefly.
"Ara ara. Asumoto has himself another battle scar. I like a strong man with battle scars. Ufufuf." She traced a finger across it gently, which caused a grunt of pain from the samurai.
Apparently it hadn't healed all the way.
She leaned in closer whispering in his ear: "Ara. You're grunt of pain is getting me… excited." `And it makes me feel so hot,´ she thought silently to herself.
Her words sent a shiver through Asumoto's body... and was emanating a giggle from the priestess.
"I am sorry," she said. "I hope I have not hurt you too badly. It is just..."
"Don´t worry about it," he replied casually. "But please keep yourself from doing it again... at least for the next few days," he added with a smirk.
Akeno´s actions - and especially her comments - were all but subtle. Even if he didn´t know exactly how he should feel about her - how should he call it? - Well, sadistic tendencies.
In any case, he still considered her a friend.
Last time he saw her sadisms first hand was during the extermination of the Stray Devil with her cousin. And it had been on full display.
First Rias with her Japanophile, then her battle loving cousin, now Akeno with her sadism.
`Guess that means one more person to add to the 'strange hobby' list,´ he thought to himself.
"You know, Asumoto," said Akeno with a curious expression, "I'm surprised you had trouble with Riser, his Queen, and Rook. Everyone else you defeat with ease."
"You watched the Rating Game, Akeno. You saw the trouble those three gave me. Yubelluna is his strongest servant, and Riser himself is powerful but arrogant, which I played at to defeat him."
"And the Rook?"
"I underestimate her," was his answer, which surprised Akeno. "Her power wasn´t on pair with mine, but Xuelan proved stronger than I thought? I've never see such skill or determination to in someone like her. To be able to shatter arrows with such speed was truly impressive. I'm even more surprised she was able to survive Yubelluna's attack."
"Because you saved her."
"Which I'm glad for. If I hadn't, that blast could have killed her. I have no doubt she'll be in debt to me for such an act."
"I'm sure she will. By the way, I know you told which clan you belong to. But are you gonna tell anyone else?"
Her question was meet with silence, a long silence. The samurai's eyes concealed by his bangs. Was this subject too touchy? Had she asked too soon?
"I don't know?"
Asumoto's tone and body language caused a sad look to cross over Akeno's face.
"I didn't plan on telling anyone who I really am. My only reason for answering you is because I told you my past."
"But Rias and Tsubaki know too, so why not tell them your last name?"
"I'm sure Tsubaki already knows. She's a smart woman and was part of the Shinra clan. She won't spill secrets, she'd never do so. As for Rias… I still don't trust her fully. Which reminds me, she made a deal with me. If I can't gain her trust till the end of summer, then she will release me form her service and try to find a way to make me a human again."
Akeno's brow rose in surprise. Rias made a deal to free Asumoto if he didn't trust her by two months? She wasn't sure how she felt about this, but to her it was obvious Rias would win.
Why? Because Asumoto was her servant. Which meant she had every day to speak with him, to gain his trust. But would he succumb to that trust... or defy her like always?
And what about the Evil Piece? She didn't know much about Devil society. But she knew what Evil Piece did. So was it possibly to remove it from Asumoto without killing him? Ajuka was the creator of it so perhaps he could find a way to make it happen.
However, Asumoto was dying when he reincarnated so if he did become a human again, would he die from the injuries?
"I know what you're thinking and I've had that same thought," said Asumoto. "Luckily I know how to counteract that problem. Twilight Healing."
Of course! Asia´s Sacred Gear, which meant that while the Evil Piece is being removed she could keep him from dying. It was perfect!
"But do you really wish to become a human again?"
"I do," was the samurai's reply. "If I am to ever pray to the Shinto God's once more, than I must win this deal. I must become human to pray again."
Akeno wasn't sure how to feel about the brunette's words; on one hand, she was proud of his determination to follow the Shinto ways. On the other, the fear of his lifespan shortening meant their time together would be shorter, since her Fallen Angel powers lengthened her own.
Hopefully he'd stay a Devil.
However that wasn't her decision to make, it was Asumoto's.
Kuoh Academy was buzzing with talk of the Kendo tournament. It was getting closer to spring and everyone from the Academy was putting their hopes on Asumoto, who was back to nonstop practicing for the inevitable duel against Rika Moritsugu.
Rika Moritsugu - captain of Kyoto Gakuen Kendo Club, and champion of the Kendo tournament for five years, was called many things -beautiful, arrogant, and Murayama's words… a stuck up egotistical bitch.
The captain of the Kendo club saw Rika as the second most hated person in her life, the first of course being the perverted trio, or rather duo.
Ever since that new girl - Yumma Amano - became Issei´s girlfriend, his focus was solely on her. Either he only had eyes on her or she kept his pervision in check. Whatever the reason, it meant one less pervert to worry about peeping on them in the locker room.
Speaking of Yumma - aka Raynare - the Fallen Angel had done her job in making Issei get stronger.
The intense training she put him through was starting to show. With muscles appearing on his body, as well as having better control over the Boosted Gear.
Before he could only boost five times, at best. Now however, it were ten times... before releasing the power into explosion, dragon shot, or transfer.
Those achievements were rewarded by her moving into his home, an action that really surprised Issei but was quickly replaced with giddy excitement to see her in the nude every day and night.
How did his parents react to this? Well - with a bit of hypnotizing - they agreed to let her stay at their house.
Dohnaseek, Millet, and Kalawarner didn't much care about this idea, not that Raynare cared what they thought anyway.
She did however care that Issei was getting stronger with each day of training. However, he still had a long way to go before reaching the same level as the White Dragon Emperor.
If Issei didn't achieve Balance Breaker before the inevitable battle then he - as well as Ddraig - would be crushed.
Raynare didn't wanna push her boyfriend to his limits like that. But she may have no choice after hearing from Azazel that the coming of the White Dragon Emperor was approaching fast.
"Yumma-chan, are you alright?" she heard him asking.
Raynare turned to Issei, his face showing concern about that she had been silent since arriving at the school.
"I'm fine, Ise-kun," she reassured with a smile. There was no need to worry him - yet, she thought.
Just then their came a collection screams.
"Asumoto-kun is back!"
"And he's with Akeno-sama again!"
Raynare's eyes flickered to the gate. Their indeed was Asumoto with the miko priestess, Akeno Hayashi.
The Fallen Angel's eyes narrowed. That girl had been nothing but trouble. Ever since she enrolled to Kuoh, Iwamatsu's niece was seen glaring at her from afar, why the hell was that?
What reason could she have for hating her?
Was it because she was dating Issei? Hardly, she had rarely spoken with her boyfriend.
Perhaps it was because she was a Fallen Angel. Those Shinto people hated Fallen Angels and would often kill them on sight.
Maybe that was what she wanted to do. But couldn't because this was Gremory's territory. Or at least wanted to, because there was no way she would lose against that girl, Raynare thought
Yet that hadn't stopped other Shinto priests and miko's from exterminating Fallen Angel's in Devil territories before, she recalled grimly.
Those incidents ended with Devils brushing off the conflicts, since it wasn't their problem.
Rias Gremory however, would want to keep the peace between all parties in her space. So she must have spoken with the older dark haired girl about not causing trouble with the Fallen.
That however wouldn't stop the constant glares from being sent her way, which was getting very annoying.
Deciding to ignore her like usual, she took Issei's hand and let him away toward the school - away from Akeno.
"Yumma-chan, dose Akeno-sama hate you?"
Raynare snorted at Issei's question. "Of course she does. Why? I don't know, but it's fucking annoying."
"Well - if you're like liking it, I could talk with sempai about that."
Raynare smiled. "You're offer is gracious Ise-kun. But I doubt talking to her would fix this problem. Come on, let's get to class."
Days passed and soon the day of the Kendo Tournament had arrived.
All across Japan people came, flocking to the tournament to see what would happen. This year it'd be held in the town neighboring Kuoh to south, Itakubo.
In the days leading up to it school was the same for the students of the Academy - especially for Akeno; going to class, listening to the teachers lecture, take notes, having lunch with Asumoto, listen to more lectures, doing homework, and then go home
Oh and keeping a close eye on the Fallen Angel dating Issei.
Even though Asumoto said the Fallen wouldn't cause any troubles, Akeno nevertheless had to watch Raynare for anything suspicious. She couldn't be trusted, she and her goons where a threat to everyone here!
Did Rias or Asumoto not know those Fallen Angels where fooling them by being nice until Issei became strong enough to eliminate them all? Once so, Grigori would have control of the town.
Their base was obviously the old church building... and she could attack it.
But she wouldn't act until the Fallen did it first. And once so, she would eliminate all of them.
Four single paired Fallen Angels and a bunch of rouge exorcists where no match for the Priestess of Thunder. Issei - even though he was the Red Dragon Emperor - was still a pervert. Which meant all she had to do was seduce him and he'd collapse like an old house.
Her uncle had tried telling her to come to terms with the past. But she couldn't. Ever after Suou's death, she still hated Fallen Angels. She would always hate them.
But now wasn't the time to think such thoughts. Now she had to support Asumoto. Even if it meant being in the presence of the Fallen Angel and her boyfriend.
These three weren't the only ones coming to support Asumoto; the entire Kendo Club, Rias, Sona - and their peerages came as well to give their support.
And this tiny group was outside, waiting for the best swordsman in Kuoh.
Akeno was waiting patiently for the Devil, while listening to the others.
"Is this your first time seeing a Kendo tournament?" Rias asked Asia, who nodded. She was showing a twinge of nervousness at being around so many people.
"Where's Asumoto?" Murayama asked impatiently. "He said he'd meet us here!"
"He'll be here," Kiba reassured with a polite smile.
"Why is the pervert here?" muttered Katase with a glare to Issei.
"Because we were invited," replied Raynare with a scowl to the pinkette.
"N-n-ow, now - no hating on Issei, Katase-chan - he's being a good boy," Yui defended.
"Asumoto-sempai is coming."
Koneko's words were true. He was just making his way through the crowd, his hair tied in a low ponytail to not hit bystanders in the face. His attire was the standard Kendo club uniform, white haori and light blue hakama.
"Ara. Ara. I like the new hairstyle. It suits you. Ufuf," Akeno couldn't help saying with a smile.
"Hello Asumoto-senpai," Murayama greeted. "Are you nervous?"
"No, but I am as ready as I'll ever be. Thank you all for coming. I promise I'll do my best."
"I'm sure you will," reassured Rias with a smile. "I have faith you'll win. Good luck."
"Yeah, Asumoto, good luck! You're gonna need it!"
Akeno, like everyone else, turned on the spot at the voice she heard.
She looked at the girl standing before them. Her appearance was nearly identical to her mothers. Except her black hair, that was tied in a bun held by chopsticks, and a darker shade of brown in the eyes that looked over them. Her white haori with yellow accents and yellow hakama couldn't hide her curves, particularly in her bust area, which were a bit larger than the common girls in Japan would have.
So, this was the one who defeated Asumoto last year - the Capitan of Kyoto Gakuen's kendo club, the reigning champion for five years straight, the master swordswoman Murayama was seething with rage at.
"Moritsugu Rika…" Murayama muttered, Katase and Yui readying to hold her back should she try and attack her.
Rika's lips turned upward in smug amusement. "Long time no see, Murayama Ayame," she announced.
"You're first name is Ayame!?" Issei exclaimed in surprise to finally discover the kendo captain's fully name.
"Of course it is. Did you except to make everyone think you only had one name. And you as well Haruka Katase."
Now Katase was glaring at the black haired champion, but her anger wasn't quite at the point of Murayama's.
"Katase Haruka and Ayame Murayama. Those are their names you silly boy," Rika said to Issei with board eyes. "Aren't you that pervert that's hated by the girls at Kuoh? Why not transfer over to Gakuen? I know a lot of girls who love naughty boys like you…" she told him with a smile.
It didn´t take much to imagine by her tone, that these girls she was talking about, were including herself. Or - what Akeno and the others found more likely - she just wanted to mess with Issei.
One girl however certainly got both meanings... and she liked neither of them much.
"Hey, you better back off bitch or you'll be ending this conversation minus a few teeth! Got it!?" Raynare growled.
Rika ignored the Fallen Angel's threat and turned her gaze to Asumoto. "Nice you see you again Asumoto. I see you've brought yourself a group of colorful haired friends, some westerners, and Kuoh's mascot."
Colorful haired!?
Westerns!?
Mascot!?
Asia hid behind her master who, along with Koneko and Kiba, frowned in distain at being called such names. Now they knew why the kendo club hated this girl. It was as if she went out of her way to piss them all off.
"Are you foreign as well?" Rika asked the handsome blonde.
"No," was Kiba's stern reply.
"I doubt that. You look more like a European than a Japanese."
"That's enough!" Sone cut in.
But like Raynare, Rika ignored her words. In fact she fully ignored her, her peerage, and the Kendo Club. Before she readdressed Asumoto, she spotted Akeno.
'Oh no!' Rias though, what crude words would she say to Akeno!?
There was silence at the Yamato Nadeshiko's stared each other down. Dark brown eyes staring into violet. Everyone waited with baited breath what she would say.
"That's enough Rika. I suggest you go sign yourself in and prepare yourself for the tournament," Asumoto interrupted her now, a deep frown on his face.
Rika's eyes flickered to the Devil, her smirk never faltering. "I suppose your right. I've wasted enough time talking to you. When we get to the finals, I'll make sure your second defeat to be even more humiliating to your school and your friends."
"Ara."
Rika's eyes flickered to Akeno, her eyes where closed and a wide smile was plastered on her face.
"Ara. Ara. Uhuhu. You're funny to say that. I can't wait to watch Asumoto-kun punish you in the finals. Uhuhu."
Rika's nostrils flared, before turning her back on the Kuoh students and march into the building.
So it was true about Rika, she was pretty and very arrogant.
"That smug fucking bitch!" Murayama yelled. "How dare she call Rias-sama a colorful haired foreigner!" After being released by Katase she bowed to the red head.
"I'm so sorry, Rias-sama. I should have smacked her for calling you such a foul thing. As you can see Rika can be a bitch."
"Its fine," the red haired Devil reassured with a kind smile.
"No it isn't…" Muttered Koneko, wishing to smash that arrogant slut´s face in for calling her mascot.
"K-Koneko-chan is right Buchou. She's very rude and scary," Asia agreed.
"That's why," Katase said turning to the silver eyed samurai. "Asumoto-sama, I want you kick her ass in the finals! That's an order!"
Asumoto still frowned, his eyes locked on the building. His first clenched at Rika's words. Those strong words from her, he would hold her to it.
He was lucky he cut her off before whatever rude name she was going to say to Akeno. If he didn't, she'd have had a large red slap mark on her face.
"Don't worry, Katase, I intend to."
"Welcome to the Twenty Seventeen Spring Kendo Tournament!"
The crowd of more than a thousand spectators whooped and clapped as the announcer's greeting!
"This year's got some old and new competitors competing for the championship! Let's bring out our duelist! From Osaka we have Tensho Tsukimaru! From our glorious capital, Tokyo, Dubios Mizuhime! From Kyoto, Akihito Getsu!"
The listen went on and on as it did so, Akeno began to wonder what was Asumoto going to do about a last name? He never told anyone what it was so when called out would it be just his first name?"
"From Kuoh, the second place winner, going by his nickname Asumoto."
Nickname…? A little cheesy but it worked.
Akeno's clapping was drowned out by the cheers of the spectators who chanted his name.
"And now let us greet the champion for five years straight, from Kyoto! Moritsugu Rika!"
Even more screams and chants filled the room.
The duelists bowed to the crowed.
"The International Kendo Federation has chosen to spice things up this year! Unlike the usual three hit victory, it shall be one! The winner shall move on to face the next opponent. Speaking of winner, the first and second placed shall fight the final two duelist. If both loose then the final match will be between Asumoto and Rika!"
Excited mummers filled the crowed at hearing of this new fighting system.
"So their basing it on anime tournaments like Dragon Ball Z and Boku no Hero Academia?" Issei asked.
"Apparently," Murayama answered with a shrug, "Tournament duels usual end with someone landing three or two hits. I guess it's like what announcer said, the IKF wanna spice things up their year and it's got sure has got the crowd going that's for sure."
"That also means will have to wait till the final duels to see Asumoto-sama!" Katase complained with a pout.
"Don't be like that," Murayama reassured as she looked at the first two combatants getting ready to duel. "These other people should entertain us."
"Now let's get this tournament going with our first match of the day! Tensho Tsukimaru verses Yamamoto Jinei!"
It really wasn't a match per say - Tsukimaru won with a swift jab to the chest. After that quick victory came the second duel, and the third, and fourth and so on.
With each new duel was a victory Akeno didn't care for. The match she was waiting for was Asumoto against Rika. But that would only happen in the finals.
Nevertheless, many of the combatants had great speed and technique. Especially Tsukimaru and Mizuhime. Both proved to be capital fighters in the art of kendo. But it was highly like either of them could defeat Asumoto, especially since he was a Devil.
Smaller and smaller the group became with each victor, till on the tenth duel, only Tsukimaru, Mizuhime, Shunko, Oba, Kitsugo, Zaku, Fukata, Asumoto, and Rika remained.
"Do you think Asumoto can win this time?" asked Akeno as the eleventh duel, in which Oba faced Shunko began.
"I don't know," Tsubaki answered, her eyes focused on the duel in front of her. "But I have hope Asumoto shall be victories this time. He's been training nonstop with me to ensure he is the winner."
Six duels later, the only remaining four where Mizuhime, Tsukimaru, Rika and Asumoto.
Now it would be who would fight who?
"Fifteenth Duel, Mizuhime verses Tsukimaru!"
So, it was whoever won this duel would fight Asumoto.
The match between them was quite spectacular to watch, Mizuhime and Tsukimaru both where excellent n the art of kendo. Couple times they came close to landing a hit on each other, but each time was either blocked or missed.
Then to the surprise of everyone, they strike each other at the same time!
A draw!
"Well this is incredible! We have our first draw of the tournament! Our judges will now decide what shall happen!"
After a long minute of waiting the announcer returned from the chattering circle of judges to announce what would happen.
"The judges have made their call! Tsukimaru, shall face Rika! Mizuhime, shall face Asumoto!"
So, it would be Asumoto against Mizuhime…
Akeno was quite sure Asumoto would defeat Mizuhime easily.
The green eyed girl, with short auburn hair smiled at the samurai.
By her appearance and the sound of her name she was part Japanese, part French - interesting. Very interesting.
"Bonjour monsieur Azumoto. Eez an honour to meez you. I've 'eard zo much about you."
Asumoto bowed to the Japanese French woman.
"You'll have to forgive me, but I do not know you, Mizuhime-san."
Mizuhime still smiled, "Eez no problem. I am but a simple tranzfer student from France. I've just moved to where my anceztorz come rom."
Ah-that explained the thick French accent.
"Now, let uz begin!"
"Asumoto verses Mizuhime. Begin!"
Cheering erupted from the supports of his opponent, who lunged at the Devil.
With surprising difficulty Asumoto blocked the shinai that nearly hit him. Mizuhime pulled away and attacked again, going for his left shoulder that was almost hit.
The Frenchwoman's assault was unyielding, attack after attack was launched at the samurai, and each one would have been a hit if they weren't blocked at the last minute.
"This has gotta be for entertainment. Asumoto could easily wipe the floor with her," Tsubaki said while adjusting her glasses. "Mizuhime's technique is good. However, Asumoto is allowing her to gain ground. I'm sure he's gonna retaliate soon and win."
As soon as she finished, he did retaliated. He weaved his shinai around Mizuhime and landed a hit square in the chest.
"Winner Asumoto!"
Mizuhime removed her masked and bowed, a few tears where in her eyes.
"Well, eez was fun while eetz lasted. Bonne chance, Azumoto, I ope you ween the zhampionzhip!"
He bowed a thank you in responded to her kind words then moved to the sidelines.
After that came the next fight. Actually, it wasn't even a fight - in Rika's cases – she won the duel with ease.
Now it was time for the match everyone had been waiting for; Asumoto verses Rika!
With that announced, another loud cheer came from the crowd.
This was what everyone had been waiting for. This was the duel that would decide if Rika would stay the champion... or end in Asumoto's victory!
As they stepped out, Akeno clasped her hands together and began to whisper a prayer.
"In the name of Shintoism, I beg the gods and goddesses of heaven to lend your strength to Asumoto-kun. I beg you to guide him to victory in this bout he will face. Though now a Devil, he still devotes himself to your beliefs. So I ask once more - no I beg you once more, lend your strength to Asumoto-kun. Guide him the victory!"
The reincarnated Devil in question stood tall as he stared down Rika, her smug expression never leaving her.
He saw her mouth the words, "You're going to lose again and all your friends will see it this time!' Typical of her, announcing her victory before the match had even begun.
Asumoto remembered his last fight during the Rating Game. How his match with Riser had ended.
This girl was like him... arrogant. And that exactly had been Riser´s weakness. It caused him to overestimate himself, get careless and make mistakes.
Perhaps that arrogance of hers would at one point give him an opening to win the match.
Unfazed by her unspoken words, Asumoto put his mask on and readied himself for the fight.
He grasped the handle firmly, and spread is feet slightly apart, preparing for the announcement to begin.
When it happened.
A strange feeling passed through his body, like a ghost, or a gentle breeze, and within that feeling was a power that felt oddly familiar.
"Final duel! Asumoto versus Rika Moritsugu!"
The familiar feeling filled his thoughts with the desire to win. He could do this - no - he would do this!
He would defeat her and show everyone that her reign as the champion will end today!
"Ready…"
His eyes flickered to Rika's feet, and sure enough he saw it! They were moving just before the announcer called the match to begin!
He would not allow a repeat of last time!
"BEGIN!"
Asumoto moved, not forward, but backwards! His eyes quickly glancing back to his opponent´s feet.
Then the blade! The tip of the bamboo sword drew closer and closer with each second. He just had to time it…
'Now!'
Eye's widening at the command whispering in his ear, he moved his hands!
His weapon slammed against Rika's - knocking it off course slightly, before lunging forward aiming for her head.
However, Rika, reacted faster than he expected, she leaned her upper body backward slightly to get out of range of his weapon while at the same time, trying to land a hit to his side.
Twisting his body, he parried her blade at the last minute before bringing his shinai about to strike her head.
Only to have her dodge by backing away quickly and lunging again, her weapon already swinging at him.
'Take two steps back. Then strike!
Obeying the words, he took two steps back getting out of range of Rika's attack, then thrusted his blade forward with all his strength.
Rika tried to retaliate, but was too late!
The tip of the shinai landed directly at the center of her helmet!
Silence filled the building, pure shock was the expression on everyone's face at what just happened.
Realizing who the victor was, the announcer called it out even though all could see.
"We have our winner and new champion for the Two Thousands and Seventeen Spring Kendo Tournament! ASUMOTO!"
At that declaration there came a roar of claps and cheers! So loud was it that many had to cover their ears...
...but they still cheered for the new champion!
Stepped away from the surprised human, he bowed to her then to the crowd. He could see his friends among the spectators cheering for his victory, Murayama and Katase where hugging each other, the former was crying, as was Asia.
Akeno was beaming with joy. She looked as if she wanted to rush out onto the field and hug him.
He waved inn their direction, which caused more tears to burst from Murayama.
As he was led toward the judge to be award the medal for first place, Asumoto spared a glance at Rika, her face frozen in shock that she lost not only the duel but her title as champion.
Perhaps this will teach her not to believe herself to be always the best. Sure she was skillful but there was always someone better.
More importantly, what was that power he felt during the match? He felt as if his body when on auto pilot once hearing the commands the voice spoke.
And why did it feel familiar? He couldn't put his finger on it but he knew he felt it somewhere before…
He put the thought aside as he stepped forward and bowed to the judge, who placed the medal around his neck.
Raising himself to full height, he smiled and bowed again. As he did he glanced at the gold medal, in silver letters it said, '2017 Kendo tournament champion!'
This was Kuoh Academy's first official victory here and would be a major moral boost for the other club teams to strive for first place in their tournaments.
"Ladies and gentleman thank you coming to witness such a spectacular tournament! We hope to see you again next year but first, let us give one final round of applause to our competitors and our new champion!"