Turn 6:
Chaos Domination
IN THE MORNING - DAIROKUTEN MAOU'S H.Q.
"Rekka Yukimura lost; it went all according to your predictions, Master."
Were Ranmaru's words to Dairokuten Maou, who was standing outside on a terrace, watching the sunrise in the horizon amidst the numerous skyscrapers of the city. Standing by the door and bowing on one knee were Ranmaru, Toukichirou, Kurai Kage, and an unknown person, who were all staring at their leader.
"Houryokuin Kanetsugu's victory will bring by my plan's next step." Maou stated, not taking his eyes away from the sun. "The Green Colour will dominate over the others from this day forth. The weak search power by imitating the strong. That's how a system works."
He finally turned around, and the four lowered their heads in respect.
"My warriors, I'll now entrust you with a new task." Maou said. "You'll help Houryokuin spread his Colour in the other Provinces. Naturally, you'll have to enter in conflict with the fellow Province rulers if they reject the Green Colour. Monkey, sink Gunjou Souun in her own blue abyss."
"Yes, Master." Toukichirou chuckled.
"My shikigami, I'll leave the arrogant Purple user to you."
"Understood." Ranmaru smirked, ready to battle Yurin.
"Kurai Kage, go and pluck the angel's wings for a second time if you have to."
"Understood." Kage said.
"Lastly, my beast, bring that white fortress down once and for all."
"As you wish." the person said with a raspy male voice...
TIME SKIP: TWO HOURS LATER - IN THE ECHIZEN PROVINCE
"Attack Step! The ArcAngelia Raraphael, attack!"
Following Yoshiko's shout, she turned the card sideways and her Key Spirit flew forward, beginning the assault. Her opponent, one of her gang members, had one Tin-Soldier on his field.
Tin-Soldier: 1 Soul Core + 1 Core / LV 2 / 5000 BP / 1 Yellow Symbol
Yoshiko, on the other hand, controlled her Raraphael and two Cupids.
Cupid: 1 Cores / LV 1 / 2000 BP / 1 Yellow Symbol - (x2)
The ArcAngelia Raraphael: 4 Cores / LV 3 / 11000 BP / 1 Yellow Symbol
"At this moment, Raraphael's effect activates!" Yoshiko exclaimed, her gang member taking a step back on his battle machine. "When my Spirit in the family "Divine Spirit" attacks, one opposing Spirit's BP is reduced by 3000! Thanks to Cupids' and Raraphael's Level 3 Charge, that amount is increased by 1000, for a total of 6000!"
Raraphael gathered energy in her hands and the Cupids fired arrows into it, increasing its size. After that, the angel threw the energy ball at Tin-Soldier, knocking the toy soldier to the ground.
(Tin-Soldier: BP 5000→0)
"Raraphael's Level 2 and 3 effect when attacking! All opposing Spirits that have their BP lowered to 0 return to the top of their owner's deck!"
The toy soldier's body slowly faded into light at those words.
"L-Life!" the gang member cried out as a Life Core materialized in front of the battle machine, which was kicked by Raraphael and shattered.
Opponent - Life: 1→0
Winner: Yoshiko!
"Another victory for the princess!" her gang shouted from the side, them being the only ones currently in the Stadium. Having won meant nothing to Yoshiko. In fact, she glanced at her Key Spirit with a frown and clenched hands.
My soul can't rest at ease... she thought. After being utterly defeated and having my Province saved by Yukimura is just disgusting! This is my home! I can't accept such a loss with the title I have to bare... I have to become stronger... to defeat that strong shadow.
"Stop right there! Starting today, we control this Stadium!"
Eyes widening at the sudden voice and declaration, Yoshiko and her gang watched three people of Kanetsugu's faction entering their Stadium with authoritative vibes.
"Eh!? Who do you think you are!?" Yoshiko's subordinates weren't happy about this.
"Get out of here, this is our territory!" another member added.
"The Tenshi gang needs to vacate!" one Kanetsugu's member shouted back.
"Have you forgotten?" a sudden voice interjected. The three stepped aside as a familiar face- or in this case, mask- emerged from the shadows behind them.
"You are-!" Yoshiko gritted her teeth.
"Kanetsugu won the competition to decide who's the best," Kage explained. "And Japan will be unified under his love. Tenshi Yoshiko, someone like you, who didn't bother showing her face at the competition, have to take responsibility and leave this sector to the Houryokuin gang."
"That's nonsense!" one of her members cried out.
"Our princess didn't go to the competition but it doesn't mean she can't fight!" another added.
"Hoh?" Kage gave a smirk, which made Yoshiko flinch. "Did you forget she lost to me? She can't defeat me, and I'm not a Province ruler! Should I jog your memories, then?"
The attention shifted to Yoshiko, who was having trouble keeping her composure. The memory of Kage's Key Spirit, Life-robbing Distant Sea Drachen's shattering between its vicious claws and roaring at her, not to mention, Kage's grin in the back further strained her.
"A-As someone who didn't participate in the fight... I have no choice..." she spoke up.
"Princess!" her gang gasped.
"That's more like it." Kage chuckled, taking his leave. Moments later, numerous kids with Green Cases entered the Stadium, guided by the Houryokuin gang.
Yoshiko slammed her fist onto her battle machine's board, her teeth clenched.
"Damn it!" she hissed in a low tone. "How can I be... scared of him!?" she raised her hand, seeing it was shaking a little. This further angered her, but the thought of fighting Kage replaced it with fear. "I need to be stronger...!"
AT THE SAME TIME - AT THE AWA PROVINCE
At the village's north and on a tall hill, the Hogo gang members were currently training by battling themselves, some on standard battle machines while others with regular playmats. Sitting on top of a tree with his back against the trunk was Nagayoshi, staring at his Deck Case in his hand.
"Instead of trying to walk a path you wish, you let others choose for you and therefore weaken you. That's why you will never be able to win against me, or Rekka Yukimura for that matter. Your strength is limited by your own hands."
Nagayoshi's grip on his Case tightened at the reminder of Yurin's words. He won't deny the fact it's true, but that alone can't be the cause he's this weak. Even if he wasn't the one to decide he'll become a Province ruler, he takes this job seriously and gives it all to it- there must be an error somewhere, but he can't find it!
"Oi, who are you!?"
"Get out of here, this is our place!"
Catching his attention, Nagayoshi turned towards his members which were shouted at a person that walked into their training grounds.
"That's..." he mumbled, recognizing the person. "Enough shouting." he addressed his gang, which was silenced upon those words. He jumped down the tree and walked up to the newcomer, standing some meters away from him.
It was an olive-skinned eighteen-year-old male with a muscular body, azure eyes that have the irises lined in light green, and brown eyebrows. His hair is long and wild, flaring out at his shoulders, and is blonde with the top section brown and has spiky blue bangs pulled up by a crimson bandana tied around his forehead. He wore a white sleeveless shirt, brown pants, black boots, and a black hooded sleeveless cloak, leaving his arms bare and free for a blue Deck Case to be strapped to his right arm.
"Leader, do you know this guy?" a member questioned.
"It's the first time I meet him in person," Nagayoshi explained. "Kurosawa Ohama... an S-Class battler who uses Blue."
"I'm delighted to discover a Province ruler knows about me." Ohama gave a small bow. He straightened himself before continuing. "But I'm sorry I'll have to be rude in our first encounter: I came to pass a message from Houryokuin Kanetsugu-dono... this sector doesn't belong to you anymore."
"What...?" Nagayoshi's eyes narrowed. "From Houryokuin?"
"That's right. That's the will of the chosen best." Ohama declared, ignoring the Hogo gang's outburst. "You've lost in the fight to determine the strongest, therefore, this Awa Province and the Settsu Province both belong to Kanetsugu-dono. I don't have any ill intents towards you. You simply have to take responsibility."
"I see..." Nagayoshi glared. "But who are you for Houryokuin? A friend? Comrade?"
"Neither. I follow my Master, Kurai Kage-dono, who's helping Kanetsugu-dono in unifying Japan under his triumphant name." Ohama told. "To me, Kanetsugu-dono is only a strong Green battler."
"Kurai Kage, you say...? The S-Class battler who defeated Tenshi Yoshiko days ago." Nagayoshi remembered. "Why would someone follow such a ghastly person?"
Ohama closed his eyes but shortly reopened them. "Perfection."
"Nani...?"
"I see perfection in Kurai Kage-dono." Ohama stated. "Perfection which, as much as it amazes me, scares me. If someone like yourself can't see it, that can only mean two things. One: you're on the same level as my Master. Two: you're oblivious."
"What did you say!?"
"How dare you call our leader a-!"
"Enough!" Nagayoshi silenced his gang. "Perfection or not, I won't let people take over my Provinces because I lost in a competition. You'll have to defeat me personally."
"If that's the path you choose to take, it can't be helped!" Ohama shouted as he extracted his Deck Case from its strap and raised it towards the sky, revealing a golden dragon-shaped head attached to its front. The dragon's eyes flashed yellow. "Rise, Ryūjin shinkō!"
Nagayoshi extracted his own Deck Case, which was attached to the right back pocket of his pants with a clip, and pointed it to the sky. "Come, Ancient warden of metal!"
Emerging from behind a hill of the Tosanaka Highway was the missile-shaped battle machine with four propellers attached to its sides. As it neared its user, the missile's top and bottom split into two and took the shape of Reuleaux triangle-shaped shields, positioning themselves on the machine's front and back. The four propellers were moved under the machine's platform, and from this platform's front, a stanchion emerged on which the same medieval helmet, like the one on the Deck Case, was.
In the meantime, flying out from an ocean's bottom was a Japanese dragon-shaped battle machine coloured blue with red and white trims and two propellers attached to its sides. Nearing its user, the machine's middle extended to the sides and reveal a platform, its tail was lifted up and divided into four segments, and its head was also lifted and a stanchion emerged from the back of its head, and lastly, it jaw opened to reveal an orb inside.
When the battle machines arrived at the location, the two battlers jumped backwards and onto their respective platforms.
"Gate Open! Release!" they shouted in unison, summoning a battlefield around them.
Ohama: 5 Life Cores
VS
Nagayoshi: 5 Life Cores
The orb inside the dragon's jaws lit up, revealing who's going first.
"Ore no turn, draw!" Ohama declared, doing just that. He analyzed his hand before making his move. "That's all. I end my turn with this."
"Turn End without doing anything...?" Nagayoshi adjusted his scarf. "Boku no turn. Core Step. Draw Step."
Nagayoshi - Reserve: 3→4 Cores + 1 Soul Core
"Main Step." he placed a card onto the board and used all Cores from his Reserve. "I summon The Ice Shield Guardian Ohshin at Level 2 to the field."
Materializing from a miniature tornado of white energy was a humanoid machine clad in silver armour with some yellow parts. The machine gave a loud cry as it raised its energy shield, ready to defend its user and fight.
The Ice Shield Guardian Ohshin: 1 Core + 1 Soul Core / LV 2 / 4000 BP / 1 White Symbol
He must be planning something if he left himself wide open... I won't take the risk to spring a possible trap. Nagayoshi thought. "I end my turn, your go."
"As expected by the white fortress, you're cautious." Ohama remarked. "Ore no turn! Core Step. Draw Step."
Ohama - Reserve: 3→4 Cores + 1 Soul Core
"Main Step!" Ohama exclaimed. "I summon Roc-Aladdin to the field!"
Flying down from the sky and landing on his field was an anthropomorphic eagle with azure feathers and skin wearing street rat clothes. It brandished its swords in a menacing manner at the enemy. Like Nagayoshi, he used all the Cores in his Reserve for this one Spirit.
Roc-Aladdin: 1 Soul Core / LV 1 / 3000 BP / 1 Blue Symbol
"Roc-Aladdin's effect when summoned!" Ohama placed another card onto his hand. "I deploy the Nexus card, The Gogyo Temple from my hand at no cost!"
Appearing under his battle machine was a standard Japanese temple.
The Gogyo Temple: 0 Core / LV 1 / 1 Blue Symbol
"I end my turn." Ohama said.
"Boku no turn." Nagayoshi stated. "Core Step. Draw Step. Refresh Step."
Nagayoshi - Reserve: 0→1→4 Cores / Trash: 3→0 Cores
"Main Step." he continued. "I summon two The Soldier Hrungnirs to my field at Level 2!"
Two small humanoid machines appeared on the field, riding their hoverboards and holding their futuristic gun, ready to strike. Once again, the White battler used all Cores from his Reserve.
The Soldier Hrungnir: 2 Cores / LV 2 / 2000 BP / 1 White Symbol - (x2)
"If we continue like this, the fight will never meet its end. I'll break the ice by making the first attack! Attack Step!" Nagayoshi exclaimed. "Go, Hrungnir number one attacks!"
"Nexus: The Gogyo Temple's Level 1 and 2 effect!" Ohama abruptly shouted. "When my enemy attacks with a Cost 3 or less Spirit, I add one Core from the void to a Spirit I control in the Beast Head family. I add a Core to Roc-Aladdin and take the attack myself!"
The first Hrungnir took aim and fired a pink beam with its gun, hitting a Life Core in front of Ohama and causing it to break, the Blue battler showing no discomfort from this.
Ohama - Life: 5→4 / Reserve: 0→1 Cores
"That's the Leader for you!" the Hogo gang cheered.
If I attack again, his Nexus will grant him another free Core, not taking into consideration him taking the attack from the Life, getting another Core to use next turn. Nagayoshi thought with a narrow of his eyes. "I end my turn."
"Ore no turn!" Ohama let out a smirk. "Allow me to show you a portion of my deck's power. Core Step. Draw Step. Refresh Step."
Ohama - Reserve: 1→2→6 Cores / Trash: 4→0 Cores
"Main Step!" Ohama threw a card from his hand onto the board. "The Surge Musha Seijuurou, we meet at Level 1! Then, I Level up my Nexus, using all remaining Cores from my Reserve!"
Materializing beside Roc-Aladdin was an anthropomorphic walrus wearing samurai armour and holding a long grapple hook in its hand with chains attached to its end. The Spirit twirled it between its hand and let out a growl.
The Surge Musha Seijuurou: 1 Core / LV 1 / 4000 BP / 1 Blue Symbol
The Gogyo Temple: 0→3 Core / LV 1→2
"Attack Step! Due to The Gogyo Temple's Level 2 effect, during the Attack Step, all Spirits I control in the Beast Head family are raised to their highest Level!" Nagayoshi gritted his teeth as Roc-Aladdin's and Seijuurou's BP became 5000 and 7000 respectively. "Seijuurou attacks! With its Level 2 and 3 when attacking, an opposing Spirit with Cost 4 or less is destroyed! Leave, The Soldier Hrungnir!"
Throwing its hook at the targeted enemy, the Hrungnir in refreshed state was hit by it and exploded.
"Thanks to Seijuurou's effect, during my Attack Step, when an opposing Spirit is destroyed by the effect of my Beast Head, I can draw two cards then discard one," Ohama explained.
"I activate Ohshin's effect!" Nagayoshi declared. "When my Spirit with Cost 3 or less is destroyed by an opposing effect, I can keep that Spirit on my field but exhausted. Return, Hrungnir!"
The explosion suddenly froze in time and played backwards, returning into the form of Hrungnir. The Spirit then crouched on its hoverboard, exhausted.
"Take it from the life!" Nagayoshi announced as the Blue Spirit destroyed a Life Core.
Nagayoshi - Life: 5→4 / Reserve: 0→1 Cores
"That's all. Turn End." Ohama told as Roc-Aladdin's and Seijuurou's BP returned to 3000 and 4000 respectively.
"Boku no turn." Nagayoshi declared. "Core Step. Draw Step. Refresh Step."
His two Hrungnirs stood back to attention.
Nagayoshi - Reserve: 1→2 Cores
"Main Step!" he shouted, using a card from his hand and all his Cores from the Reserve. "Magic, Reload Cores activated. For each Spirit in the Armed Machine family that I control, I add one Core from the void to my Reserve. With three such Spirits, I get three Cores. Next, I summon Sky-Site at Level 2!"
Appearing on his field was a humanoid robot with traits of a futuristic observation tower.
Sky-Site: 2 Cores / LV 2 / 3000 BP / 1 White Symbol
Nagayoshi - Reserve: 3→0 Cores / Trash: 0→1 Cores
"Attack Step!" Nagayoshi cried out as Roc-Aladdin's and Seijuurou's BP became 5000 and 7000 respectively. "The Ice Shield Guardian Ohshin, one Hrungnir, attack!"
"The Gogyo Temple's effect will grant Roc-Aladdin another Core from the void." Ohama reminded him. "For the attack, take it from the life!"
Ramming its shield into a Life Core, Ohshin left Ohama with one less Life.
Ohama - Life: 4→3 / Reserve: 0→1 Cores
"That's the way, Leader!"
"You got this!"
Were the shouts from his gang. "I end my turn with this!" Nayagoshi concluded as his opponent's Spirits' BP returned to normal. With two Hrungnirs, Sky-Site and its effect, I can protect a total of four Lives on his next turn. the White battler thought. Out loud, he said. "The situation doesn't look good for you, Kurosawa. Thanks to Ohshin's effect, your deck's main strategy is useless. On my next turn, I'll make sure to end this."
Ohama said nothing- until he let out a chuckle which confused his opponent. He closed his eyes.
"Your way of fighting and thinking... they remind me of my past." he admitted. "Of my life before I met Kurai Kage-dono."
FLASHBACK: 1 YEAR AGO - AT THE SHIMA RESIDENCE
Ohama was born and lived in the Shima Province- for specifically at the Ago Bay- for as long as he could remember. His mother was a housewife, and when he was home with her, she would always tell him stories about their family's past, how they lived at the Ago Bay since the dawn of time. His father, on the other hand, was a fisherman and he helped him from time to time.
He had no goal in mind, so he aimed to be like his father, a fisherman. His favorite past time was Battle Spirits, and he climbed up the ranks and became an S-Class battler. His life was simple and he liked it that way.
One day, while he was training all by himself in the woods...
"What's your business here?" Ohama questioned a young teen which appeared between the trees, addressing him. He couldn't see the newcomer's features well because of the tree's shadows, but he could make out the S-Class Deck Case he held up.
"You're the only S-Class battler in this area," the other explained. "I'd like to have a match, Kurosawa Ohama."
...(After the battle)...
"GYAAAAAH!" Ohama cried out as he was thrown off his battle machine by the final attack's force, falling to the ground below on his back with a grunt. The battlefield between him and his opponent vanished seconds later.
"Your strategy and deck are powerful." the person confessed and turned to walk away. "But your spirit hasn't bloomed yet."
"W-Wait...!" Ohama wheezed out, slowly standing up. Something about his battling sparked a deep interest in the Blue user's heart, which he himself couldn't explain. At least before he leaves, he has to know, "What's... your name?"
The other turned to stare at him, and after some seconds, he let out a sigh. "In an hour, I'll be leaving this Province." he said. "If you really want to know that, meet me at the bus station."
Ohama did so, following the mysterious around for the entire day, watching him fight other battlers and helping some kids along the way, explaining to them some combos to use with their cards. At the end of the day, Ohama realized what interested him in this person.
Since then, he's beside the person's side, wanting to know more and more about him and blooming his own fighting spirit...
Ohama reopened his eyes after a minute. "Kurai Kage-dono doesn't care about winning or losing," he explained. "What he really wants is a battle that burns out your entire mind and spirit, leaving nothing behind on both parties. Unless he satisfies this need, there's no interest for him to battle."
"I, on the other hand..." he raised a hand before clenching it. "I was satisfied with getting a win. If I lost, I trained and gave it another try. This process kept repeating itself until I win. Kurai Kage-dono's battles made me realize that's not enough! If you want to become a true battler, you have to go above and beyond and not stop at a simple victory. That's what makes my Master perfect."
"What's important is to win!" a gang member yelled.
"There's no chance you or that shadow guy can defeat our Leader!" someone added.
"That's the weak's talk." Ohama remarked.
"I believe I understand what this 'perfection' is, but that's none of my business." Nagayoshi adjusted his scarf. "As facts stand, I'm in the lead and my formation can't be defeated by you. If that perfection you speak of exists, then try defeating me."
"Hoh? Very well." Ohama smirked. "Ore no turn! Core Step. Draw Step. Refresh Step."
The Surge Musha Seijuurou was refreshed.
Ohama - Reserve: 1→2→4 Cores / Trash: 2→0 Cores
"Main Step! I move all Cores but one from Roc-Aladdin to the Reserve and lower The Gogyo Temple to Level 1. Then, I raise Seijuurou to Level 2. Lastly..."
Ohama closed his eyes as he raised a card from his hand towards the sky, conjuring a miniature calm ocean around him.
"Rise, blue ruler." he chanted, the ocean starting to become wild with whirlpools and tornados of water. "Raging power hidden in the deep abyss, bring peace to the chaos spreading across the lands!"
He opened his eyes and slammed the card onto his board. "The Sengoku Six General Tidal-Blue, we meet!"
Lunching out from the raging ocean was a large, humanoid Spirit clad in blue armour and holding a katana. Its two additional heads each gave a roar as the katana was swung to the side, blowing the ocean away to reveal the Ultimate in its full glory.
The Sengoku Six General Tidal-Blue: 1 Core + 1 Soul Core / LV 3 / 16000 BP / 1 Ultimate Symbol
Ohama - Reserve: 4→0 Cores / Trash: 0→5 Cores
"An Ultimate...!?" Nagayoshi breathed out in awe and shock, a sentiment shared by his gang. "Ultimates can only be summoned by fulfilling a certain condition... don't tell me..."
"But that's what I'll have to do: Tidal-Blue's condition is for me to have three or less Lives. That's why I continued to take your attacks myself," Ohama explained, making his opponent grit his teeth. "The rivalry of Province rulers... the chaos that broke in Japan equals that of the Warring States Era. But a power can control the chaos! Of course, I mean the Sengoku Six Generals!"
Its Levels start from 3 and it has 1600 BP... Nagayoshi could feel his determined spirit fading before this Ultimate. "E-Even then, I can still survive this turn!"
"Yes, you will survive." Ohama smirked. "But with a great price! Attack Step! Do it, Tidal-Blue, attack! I activate its effect when attacking, destroying an opposing Cost 7 or lower Spirit! Leave, Sky-Site!"
Pointing its katana at the target, Tidal-Blue unleashed a blue coloured lightning bolt that struck Sky-Site, destroying it.
"Seijuurou's effect lets me draw two cards then discard one." Ohama stated.
"I activate Ohshin's effect!" Nagayoshi cried out. "Sky-Site remains on my field exhausted! Moreover, Sky-Sit's own effect activates since it was destroyed, enabling me to return your The Surge Musha Seijuurou to the hand!"
The explosion suddenly froze in time and played backwards, returning into the form of Sky-Site. The Spirit then crouched, exhausted. At the same time, Seijuurou vanished in white light.
"But the attack continues!" Ohama took the Soul Core from his Spirit, holding it between his index and middle finger. "Witness the power of a Sengoku Six General! Defeat all my enemies on the first strike, then crush their rebellious hearts on the return stroke!"
Throwing the Soul Core into the air, Ohama clapped his fingers in front of his chest right when the Soul Core arrived there, and everyone heard a loud 'CRACK'. When Ohama opened his palms, the powder of what originally was a Soul Core flew away with the wind.
"Soul Drive, activated!" he continued. "I banish the Soul Core on Tidal-Blue from the game!"
"B-Banish!?"
"But without a Soul Core, h-how do you even play!?"
"If you want to become a true battler, you have to go above and beyond and not stop at a simple victory. This Soul Drive is the perfect way to demonstrate what I've learned from my Master." Ohama answered the shocked Hogo gang. "Flash Timing: Magic, Blue Strike Blaze. This destroys two opposing Cost 4 or less Spirits and forces my opponent to discard cards from their deck equal to the sum of those Spirits' Costs. Leave, Hrungnirs!"
Ohama - Reserve: 3→1 Cores / Trash: 5→7 Cores
The mentioned Spirits could do nothing as they were crushed under blue flames that erupted from the Magic Card, returning to the field in exhausted state by Ohshin's effect.
Nagayoshi gritted his teeth harder as he discarded two cards from his deck. "Take it from the life!"
Swinging its katana to the side, Tidal-Blue unleashed a crescent-shaped water wave at the Life Core, destroying and sending Nagayoshi's battle machine backwards.
Nagayoshi - Life: 4→3 / Reserve: 0→1 Cores
"That's all. I end my turn with this." Ohama concluded.
"B-Boku no turn!" Nagayoshi grunted, recovering from the last attack. He added a second Core to his Reserve. "Core Step. Draw Step." seeing his new card, he let out a smile. It was The Iron Knight Yggdrasill! With this, he can-
"The effect of Tidal-Blue's Soul Drive activates!" Ohama suddenly stated. "During this turn, my opponent has to skip their Refresh and Main Steps!"
"Eh...?" Nagayoshi wheezed out, Yggdrasill falling out his hand onto the battle machine's platform.
"I told you you'll survive my last turn, but with a great price." Ohama pointed out. "Now... please, end your turn. You can't Refresh any of your Spirits nor do anything in the Main Step. Your arms and legs are tied down, so I'll have to end this for you on my next turn."
That's why Ohama destroyed his Spirits with effects- in order to exhaust them with Ohshin's effect!
"Tch... Turn... End!" Nagayoshi was frustrated he can't do anything, but watch his end arrive.
"This was a splendid battle. I'll make sure to remember it, Nagayoshi-dono. Ore no turn!" Ohama announced. "Core Step. Draw Step. Refresh Step."
His Ultimate was refreshed.
Ohama - Reserve: 1→2→9 Cores / Trash: 7→0 Cores
"Main Step. I summon The Surge Musha Seijuurou and two The Beastman Ocelots to the field, and Level up my Nexus."
Seijuurou reappeared on his field, accompanied by two anthropomorphic ocelots holding oversized axes in their hands. At the same time, The Gogyo Temple gained a faint blue glow as it leveled up.
The Beastman Ocelot: 1 Core / LV 1 / 1000 BP / 1 Blue Symbol - (x2)
The Gogyo Temple: 0→3 Core / LV 1→2
"Attack Step." Ohama turned three of his cards sideways. "My two Ocelots and Tidal-Blue, end this!"
Using their weapons, Ohama's Spirits and Ultimate bisected three Life Cores, throwing Nagayoshi off his battle machine in defeat.
Nagayoshi - Life: 3→2→1→0
Winner: Ohama!
"Leader!" the Hogo gang rushed to their leader's side, helping him stand back to his feet. Nagayoshi clutched his right arm on which he fell, lowering his head in anger and shame. Right when he had to win...!
"Per your conditions, this sector no belongs to Kanetsugu-dono since I won." Ohama reminded them. He gave a bow. "I'll be taking my leave." and he did just that, heading towards the Province's Stadium.
Nagayoshi gritted his teeth and stormed off, leaving his concerned gang behind...
AT THE SAME TIME - AT THE IZUMO PROVINCE
"Hoh? Surrender this Stadium, you say?"
Were Yurin's confused and amused words at Ranmaru's, who smirked in return. After he left Toukichirou with Souun, he made sure to aim at his own target as well- Susuida Yurin, a fellow Purpler battler... what a coincidence.
"It's not just from you, but all Purple battlers," Ranmaru explained. "I came here to release this sector. That is the will of the chosen best, Houryokuin Kanetsugu. You were defeated by that Kanetsugu, and now you have to take responsibility."
"I believe you're making fun of me." Yurin scoffed.
"Is that so?"
"You think I'll let the Province I control slip through my own fingers?" Yurin extracted his Deck Case from his coat. "I won't let anyone do as they please unless they can win. You know the saying, right? All bark and no bite?"
"I see. You think I'm a spineless server of Kanetsugu." Ranmaru chuckled, revealing his own Deck Case. "My will is Kanetsugu's will."
"An S-Class battler?" Yurin's eyes widen a bit. "Well, at least Kanetsugu had the decency in sending someone strong to entertain me. And you expect I'll believe your words? I can sense it... you're working for a different puppeteer, one which hides in the shadows."
"Yare yare..." Ranmaru sighed with a smile, (Translation: Good grief...) "Your words are quite the interesting ones. How about this? If you win, I'll tell you everything you want, but if I win, this sector will belong to Kanetsugu."
"That's fine by me. With the negotiations out of the way, we can start." the skull's eyes on Yurin's Deck Case flashed red after those words. "Come, Wandering dead ruler!"
"Come, Floating ship of the sky." Ranmaru declared as his own Deck Case flashed.
In a forest, a battle machine flew out from the shadows and into the sky, changing its trajectory and heading to the Stadium where the two battlers were. The machine's wings curled around the propellers they were attached to, its front with a raven-shaped head lifted upwards, its beak opened to reveal an orb inside of it, and a stanchion emerged from the back of the head.
When the battle machines arrived at the location, the two battlers jumped backwards- with Ranmaru making a backflip- and onto their respective platforms.
"Gate Open! Release!" they shouted in unison, summoning a battlefield around them.
Ranmaru: 5 Life Cores
VS
Yurin: 5 Life Cores
The dragon's eyes on Ranmaru's battle machine lit up, and he chuckled.
"Here I go." he said, drawing a card. "I summon Straw-Puppet at Level 2 and Camelot-Pawn."
Materializing on his field from dark purple mist were two, ghostly Spirits. While one was an animated voodoo doll with thorns creeping across its body and holding a mallet, the other was a small knight holding a spear with the same size and a body made of pink mist. He used up all Cores from the Reserve for them.
Camelot-Pawn: 1 Core / LV 1 / 1000 BP / 1 Purple Symbol
Straw-Puppet: 2 Cores + 1 Soul Core / LV 2 / 2000 BP / 1 Purple Symbol
"Lastly, I set a Burst." Ranmaru stated, placing a card face-down. "Turn End."
"You're mistaken if you think you can defeat me with Purple." Yurin smirked. "Ore no turn. Core Step. Draw Step."
Yurin - Reserve: 3→4 Cores + 1 Soul Core
"Main Step!" he continued. "I summon Cursegargoyle to my field!"
His own Spirit emerged from a dark purple mist, this one being a Hellish Spirit with red glowing eyes and mouth and having blades attached to its wrists instead of hands. He also used up all Cores from his Reserve.
Cursegargoyle: 1 Soul Core / LV 1 / 3000 BP / 1 Purple Symbol
"I set a Burst myself and head to the Attack Step!" Yurin turned his card sideways. "Attack, Cursegargoyle!"
"As I expected, a Spirit with the Curse ability." Ranmaru noted. "Block it, Straw-Puppet."
Throwing its mallet at the opposing Spirit, Straw-Puppet sweatdropped as its attack didn't even scratch Cursegargoyle. It tried to run away, but the opposing Spirit's blade pierced its chest, causing it to explode.
"When my Spirit is destroyed by the opponent, I can activate my Burst." Ranmaru revealed. "Double Blaster! This lets me draw two cards from my deck."
"I end my turn." Yurin waved his hand.
"Then it's my turn." Ranmaru declared. "Core Step. Draw Step."
Yurin - Reserve: 2→3 Cores + 1 Soul Core
"Main Step." he played two cards from his hand. "I set another Burst. Next, I summon another Camelot-Pawn and Camelot Knight at Level 2."
A new pawn appeared with its 1000 BP beside the original one, accompanied by a knight-version of Camelot Pawn, swinging its lance to the side and chuckling in an eerie way. He used up all Cores from the Reserve for them.
Camelot Knight: 1 Core + 1 Soul Core / LV 2 / 2000 BP / 1 Purple Symbol
"Your set Burst is probably a 'Wall' card." Ranmaru pointed out. "I'll have to spring the trap now if I want to win later on. Camelot-Pawn attacks."
"The life!"
Following those words, Camelot-Pawn pierced a Life Core with its spear, shattering it.
Yurin - Life: 5→4 / Reserve: 0→1 Cores
"Because my Life decreased, my Burst activates!" Yurin exclaimed, flipping his face-down card up. "Ultimate Wall! Its Burst effect: your Attack Step is forced to end!"
A wall of ice erupted from the ground in front of Ranmaru's field.
"As I thought, I was correct." he said. "I end my turn."
"Ore no turn." Yurin came on cue. "Core Step. Draw Step. Refresh Step."
Cursegargoyle was refreshed.
Yurin - Reserve: 1→2→6 Core / Trash: 4→0 Cores
"Main Step!" he continued. "I raise Cursegargoyle to Level 2 summon Jaw-Scythe at Level 2!"
The skeleton of a dead shark appeared on his field, surrounded by a purple glow and having a purple gem engraved in its fin. He used up all Cores from his Reserve.
Jaw-Scythe: 2 Cores / LV 2 / 4000 BP / 1 Purple Symbol
Cursegargoyle: 0→1 Core + 1 Soul Core / LV 1→2 / 3000→5000 BP
"Attack Step!" Yurin declared. "Jaw-Scythe, attack! With its Level 2 effect when attacking, I draw one card!"
"Block it, Camelot-Pawn."
Following its user's command, the pawn flew forward just to be crushed by the shark's fangs.
"When my Spirit is destroyed by the opponent, I can activate this Burst!" Ranmaru exclaimed. "The Dark Knight Lancelot's Burst effect enables me to return two Purple Spirit cards from the Trash to my hand to summon it. I return Straw-Puppet and Camelot-Pawn for this effect!"
Materializing on his field was a tall, humanoid knight with a similar design to the Camelot family, but this one holding a rapier in its hand.
The Dark Knight Lancelot: 1 Cores / LV 1 / 4000 BP / 1 Purple Symbol
"That was your aim..." Yurin realized with a frown.
"Lancelot has an effect when summoned." Ranmaru informed him. "One opposing Cost 5 or less exhausted Spirit is destroyed. It will be Jaw-Scythe."
A dark purple mist suddenly enveloped the mentioned Spirit, causing it to explode.
"Now you can't draw outside your Draw Step." Ranmaru chuckled. "You have one more Spirit to attack with. Or will you end your turn?"
"I end my turn." Yurin scoffed.
"So I was right. Boku no turn." the enemy announced. "Core Step. Draw Step. Refresh Step."
Camelot-Pawn was refreshed.
Ranmaru - Reserve: 0→1→2 Core / Trash: 1→0 Cores
"Main Step!" Ranmaru played two cards from his hand. "I summon Straw-Puppet and another Camelot-Pawn!"
The previously defeated Spirits reappeared on the field with their 1000 BP.
"Now, I have six Spirits and you one blocker. It seems the match ended quicker than I expected. Straw-Puppet, attack!"
"Block it, Cursegargoyle!" Yurin exclaimed.
Straw-Puppet was defeated by the same Spirit as before.
"Next, Lancelot attacks!" Ranmaru shouted, turning his card sideways.
"Take it from the life!" Yurin yelled and his Life Core was cut into pieces by The Dark Knight's rapier.
Yurin - Life: 4→3 / Reserve: 2→3 Cores
"Camelot-Pawn attacks!"
"Flash Timing: Magic, Burst Wall!" Yurin slammed the card onto his board. "After this battle, your Attack Step is forced to end. To ensure the cost, I'll use one of Cursegargoyle's Cores, bringing it to Level 1. Take it from the life!"
After his other Life Core was destroyed, a new ice wall stopped his opponent's assault.
Yurin - Life: 3→2 / Reserve: 0→1 Core
"You didn't set that Burst, which means you drew it with Jaw-Scythe's effect." Ranmaru said. "I end my turn with this. While your Life is at two, mine is still at five. At this rate, you're going to lose."
"Then let me step up my game. Ore no turn!" Yurin grinned. "Core Step. Draw Step. Refresh Step."
Cursegargoyle was refreshed.
Yurin - Reserve: 1→2→9 Core / Trash: 7→0 Cores
"Main Step!" he continued. "I summon Jangohebi to the field. Then... the gates to the underworld are now opened! Descend, bringer of death and havoc! Jungle Crow Demon, at Level 3, is summoned!"
Appearing from the dark purple smoke was the long serpent with white, black, and red scales, jade coloured eyes and very sharp fangs. Moments later, the anthropomorphic raven-like creature with a scythe in its hand entered the field with an ear-piercing screech.
Jangohebi: 1 Cores / LV 1 / 1000 BP / 1 Purple Symbol
Jungle Crow Demon: 4 Cores / LV 3 / 6000 BP / 1 Purple Symbol
Yurin - Reserve: 9→0 Cores / Trash: 0→4 Cores
"Turn End!"
"Your Key Spirit, huh?" Ranmaru chuckled. "You weren't able to use it against Kentsugu, so it was about time it showed itself. Boku no turn. Core Step. Draw Step. Refresh Step."
Camelot-Pawn and Lancelot were refreshed.
Ranmaru - Reserve: 1→2 Cores
"Main Step. I summon another Camelot Knight. With that, I end my turn."
Yurin raised an eyebrow as another knight with 1000 BP appeared.
"What? Turn End without a single attack?" Yurin questioned. His opponent has six attackers, this would be a perfect chance to strike. "Why that?"
"I wonder." his opponent evaded the question.
"Hmph, well, if that's your choice then be it. Don't be mad at me if you lose!" Yurin smirked. "Ore no turn! Core Step. Draw Step. Refresh Step."
Yurin - Reserve: 0→1→5 Cores / Trash: 4→0 Cores
"Main Step! I raise Jangohebi and Cursegargoyle to Level 2 by adding a Core to each!" he stated. "Attack Step! Go, Jangohebi, attack! Flash Timing: Magic, Mark-of-Zorro! All Cost 5 or less Spirits my opponent controls have one Core moved from them to the Reserve!"
Yurin - Reserve: 3→0 Cores / Trash: 0→3 Cores
A black void erupted from the ground and enveloped Ranmaru's field, dragging all but the Camelot Knight at Level 2 into it, which was left on the field with one Soul Core and its BP lowered to 1000.
"Take it from the life!" Ranmaru shouted.
The snake shot forward, headbutting the Life Core and causing it to shatter.
Ranmaru - Life: 5→4 / Reserve: 5→6 Cores
"What about that? From six Spirits you only have one, and you lost a Life." Yurin chuckled. "I think you're getting too elated, and that'll be your downfall. There's no need to attack, so I end my turn."
"Hoh? Elated, you say?" Ranmaru let out a chuckle. "Well, it's my turn now. Core Step. Draw Step. Refresh Step."
Ranmaru - Reserve: 6→7→8 Cores / Trash: 1→0 Cores
"Main Step. I exchange Camelot Knight's Soul Core with a normal one from the Reserve. Then, I summon Straw-Puppet to my field." another voodoo doll appeared with its 1000 BP. "Now, pay close attention to my power, Susuida Yurin. Rin! Hyo! Toh! Sha! Kai! Jin! Retsu! Zai! Zen!"
After shouting each word with a different position of his fingers, Ranmaru threw a card onto his board, summoning a twister of purple smoke from which a skull flew out with its horrific cry. As the smoke hit the ceiling, it conjured a cobweb-shaped, glowing portal with a five-sided star in its center.
"Nightmare clad in purple!" he chanted as a Spirit emerged from the portal. "Messenger of night who crawls out of the darkness! The Necromancer Yakumo, summoned!"
A humanoid Spirit with spider traits and wearing priest robes landed on the ground, filling the entire Stadium with a dark aura.
The Necromancer Yakumo: 1 Core / LV 1 / 4000 BP / 1 Purple Symbol
"I never heard of that Purple card..." Yurin admitted in a low tone.
"Now you've seen it for the first time; this is my Key Spirit." Ranmaru revealed. "I activate Yakumo's effect when summoned. Since I used the Soul Core to summon it, I can re-summon any Spirits from my Trash with a total Cost of 6 without paying the cost."
Two of Yakumo's spider legs attached to its back fired cobwebs at the ground, pulling out Straw-Puppet and Camelot Knight.
"I gathered five Spirits quite simply, don't you think?" Ranmaru gloated, making Yurin grit his teeth. "Now, let's put an end to this. Camelot Knight attacks."
"Block it, Cursegargoyle!" Yurin exclaimed.
The two Spirits clashed their blades together, but Cursegargoyle cheated by using its second one, piercing Camelot Knight in its head and destroying it.
"My second Camelot Knight attacks."
"Jungle Crow Demon, defend me!"
Obeying the command, Yurin's Key Spirit bisected the other knight with a swing of its scythe.
"But now, you have no blockers left." Ranmaru smirk widened. "Straw-Puppet, take one of his lives."
"Don't underestimate me! Flash Timing: Magic, Totentanz!" Yurin cried out. "I use two of Jungle Crow Demon's Cores to pay the cost, bringing it to Level 2! I discard Demo-Bone from my hand and move one Core from each of your Straw-Puppets to the Reserve!"
Purple flames suddenly enveloped the mentioned Spirits, prompting them to run in circles out of shock before fading away, being depleted by the Magic.
"My Life's at two, and you only have one Spirit to attack with." Yurin pointed at Yakumo before laughing. "You thought my only counter was Mark-of-Zorro? As I said, you're too elated! I was able to realize your battle style at first glance: you play numerous Cost 0 Spirits which trigger Camelot Knight's Immortality. I knew you can easily swarm the field, but you don't keep many Cores on your Spirits, therefore Mark-of-Zorro and Totentanz."
He pointed at himself with a thumb. "Purple is the Colour I use. I won't lose to anyone who uses that Colour, got that!?"
"Yes, I understand. But honestly, which one of us is elated?" Ranmaru asked after a short silence. "You think I didn't take into regard you'd realize my strategy as a fellow Purple battler?"
"Nani?" Yurin's eyes widen a little at that.
"Purple is special for its ability to remove Cores from opposing Spirits," Ranmaru explained. "Therefore, if you don't have 'Wall' cards to protect your Life, then you'll probably have Magic cards that remove Cores. As a fellow Purple battler, it's easy to figure that much out, yes? And when I leave a group of Spirits with few Cores, they're easy prey."
"You mean I fell into your trap? And twice at that?" Yurin snorted. "Don't make me laugh."
"No, this isn't a bluff. Don't you know there are more ways to revive Spirits other than Immortality?" Ranmaru pointed out, making Yurin gasp. "It's time for the finishing touches! Flash Timing: Magic, Necro Blight! Through its effect, I re-summon the Cost 0 Camelot-Pawn from my Trash!"
An eerie portal opened on the ground, from which the pawn emerged with a battle cry.
"Damn it...!" Yurin gritted his teeth.
"You were taking me lightly, thinking you'd know every move I make since I use Purple..." Ranmaru chuckled. "You're no ordinary fool, Susuida Yurin. You're unimaginably foolish! But to think such a fool tried to escape Kanetsugu's great love... What a laughingstock you are."
As he talked, Ranmaru turned his card sideways, sending Camelot-Pawn out to attack. Yurin had no choice but to take it from the life.
Yurin - Life: 2→1 / Reserve: 0→1 Core
"No shadow can escape from a shikigami. Now, take care of that fool!" Ranmaru shouted. "Go, Yakumo, deal the finishing blow!"
Crawling up to the enemy, Yakumo thrust its eight spider legs into the remaining Life Core, shattering it and sending Yurin flying off his battle machine.
Yurin - Life: 1→0
Winner: Ranmaru!
The Province ruler managed to land on his feet, but he soon fell to one knee in pain. The battlefield vanished as the battle ended.
"The match is over." Ranmaru walked up to his opponent, who glared at him. "You have to keep your promise."
With that said, he left the Stadium, leaving Yurin alone, who punched the ground in frustration...
This chapter was an amazing one to write. Apart from getting the chance to highlight the power of Dairokuten Maou's team (which I believe the anime didn't really do), I got to introduce the (hopefully) last OC of this story, and write a fight with Ranmaru whose deck is my favorite due to its playstyle.
Ohama is based on Ohama Kagetaka (1540 - 1597), a Japanese pirate during the latter part of the Sengoku period and the Azuchi-Momoyama period of Japan. Another thing the anime didn't really explore were Ultimates, which is the reason why I gave Ohama Tidal-Blue.
The Province rulers are losing so much it's starting to get to my nerves, too. Luckily, from the next chapter and forth, they'll get some amazing wins.
AND DID YOU GUYS SEE BARONE IN THAT TRAILER!? AAAWYEAH MY BOY IS BACK! I can't wait for the return of the Brave series with Grandwalkers to boot! After this Burning Soul, I might do a fanfic of that series, too- it's my favorite.
With that said, since I revealed my own, which is your favorite deck due to its playstyle that was used in the Burning Soul series?
See ya all in the next chapter!