Chapter 4: Shishio's true successor.
I do not own anything from Rurouni Kenshin or SAO.
Jin was back inside Shishio's cave. He learned a decent skill from his training, The Hono no Kanji. It allows him to effectively create kanji symbols in fire. Depending on how complex it is, more slash attacks can occur. Jin was able to perform simple calligraphy and created the kanji of fire (火). Shishio was impressed of how fluid he was moving in forming the kanji. Seeing the name, it made him proud to see he chose that one in particular.
"You have exceeded my expectations in such rapid speed, Jin. I have one task for you. This will allow you to learn my final technique, the Kagutsuchi. However, you must face a true threat for you to obtain the secrets of the skill. During the battle, you will learn a new skill in conjunction. You must fight the monster known as the Fire Dragon in Floor 63, the Dragon's Domain." Shishio said.
"This is without a doubt a life-or-death situation. However, you have taught me much in my quest, Shishio-sama." Jin said.
"I know. The quest will test your skill in a sword fight. You must be prepared for it." Shishio said.
"I'm well prepared to fight this boss. My resolve is already made." Jin said.
"Very well then… I wish you luck, Jin. If you are successful, come back here in this place. I'll provide the final test for you." Shishio said.
Jin nodded and was handed a red-orange teleport crystal. He used a blue teleport crystal to teleport to Floor 63.
######
Floor 63 was a hostile area. Several wyverns were flying nearby from the outskirts of the dragon's nest. Jin could feel the heat created from the dragon.
"There's no turning back from this… I have to face the dragon here to succeed." Jin told himself.
He endured the searing heat from the area. It was difficult for him due to his hyperthermia getting the better of him. This nearly got him fatigued from the heat, but he kept pressing forward. He took a knee to regain his lost stamina. Reluctant, he opened his menu to find a jug of water. He drank half of it to fight the heat off.
'They say that crossing in hell is like walking into an inferno. I guess Dante Alighieri would be right in his stories.' Jin mused himself in thought.
He then took notice of the area, noting where the heat was coming from. The entire floor was a volcanically active area. Lava was flowing throughout the floor, heating the air up.
'Even though this is not real, it's like an oven in this place… I have a limit to how long I can last in this area… I don't know how long, but I have to hurry.' Jin thought.
Several slugs of lava suddenly blocked his way, forcing him to fight them off.
"Hiken: Hono no Kanji!"
Jin performed a series of slashes that created the kanji for banishment (郙). The monsters stood still as the kanji slashes killed them. The writing dissipated in fire before the fire slugs disappeared in polygons. Jin could feel his body's condition overworking him.
'Fighting these guys is only going to make my hyperthermia worse… I can't waste any time with them.' Jin thought.
The struggle to fight the heat was getting worse. Jin briefly collapsed before drinking from his jug of water. He drank half of the contents, forcing him to rush through the heated passage.
######
Exhausted from the heat, Jin made his way to a crystal cave, where the air was cooler than usual. The heated air was blowing to him, forcing him to move deeper in the cave, He heard what sounded like a giant creature snoring.
'This must be the fire dragon's lair… I would expect the dragon to resist the heat, but it seems even creatures of legend need a break from it.' Jin mused in thought.
Jin tread his way to the cave till he found the dragon's nest. He found the sleeping dragon in front of him. It was six times the height of a 6 foot human.
'Guess this is how Jack felt when he saw the giant…' Jin comically thought.
The dragon felt his presence and woke up. It roared loudly, almost blowing Jin off his feet.
"So you want to fight… I did come here to face you, but you seem eager to fight me. Let the battle begin." Jin said, his eyes glowing red.
The dragon roared in response. A total of seven health bars appeared. It began breathing streams of fire to overwhelm Jin. This caused him to rethink of ways to fight the dragon without getting burned.
'I have to extinguish those flames… I don't stand a chance as they continue burning… Maybe if I use one of my skills, the force of the wind should blow them off.' Jin thought.
He then raised his sword up in a horizontal stance. With it, he then readied himself for the skill he was about to use.
"Hiken: Shukuchi Kyuu!"
Each step caused a wind current to blow to the flames, sweeping them off the ground. They extinguished from the speed as Jin continued slicing them with the skill.
'Well that worked nicely than expected, except it just riled the dragon up. I have to focus on finding a vital spot before it shoots more of its flames.' Jin thought.
He then decided to focus on the eyes. Jin leaped up into the air, dodging an incoming fireball. The sudden rush of hot air, caused him to double jump. This gave him the necessary altitude to reach the dragon's back.
"Take this!" Jin yelled.
He thrust his sword into the nape of the dragon's neck, causing it to drop down on the ground. Jin took advantaged of its dazed state and went for its left eye. He dashed at rapid speed and stabbed it quickly. Its HP decreased, taking at least one bar, but Jin knew it was barely an effort to injure the monster.
'I have to fight this thing to the death… Learning the Kagutsuchi may take some time…' Jin thought.
Jin couldn't explain it, but he was instinctively learning the skill. The moment the dragon began to breathe in, he knew it was about to shoot a condensed fireball. He accidentally scraped his sword on the scabbard. Flames erupted, creating a miniature cyclone around the blade.
'This sword technique is my will and spirit to surpass my limits… With one swing, I'll be able to cut through anything that blocks my path… I won't let you get in my way!' Jin thought.
He held his sword with two hands and concentrated his point of attack, finding a specific part of the dragon to attack at. It then shout out a powerful fireball, causing him to double jump from it. Using the extra leap, he quickly descended from the air. His sword was ready to perform an overhead strike.
"Hiken: Kagutsuchi!"
With one powerful swing, the fire twister surrounded the dragon, slicing and burning it, taking a chunk of its HP. It was left with only 2 bars remaining, causing the dragon to roar loudly. Jin was completely shocked of what he did.
'Did I just performed the final attack without knowing it…? I remember scrapping my sword on the scabbard… Could it be that what causes the Kagutsuchi to be activated? If so, then one final strike ought to finish this boss off.' Jin thought.
However, the dragon knew what Jin was about to do. It made a powerful fiery claw swipe, injuring Jin in the process.
"Gah! That attack is by no means anything to remain calm… Ugh… My HP is at the red already…" Jin said to himself.
The dragon was attempting to pounce Jin to finish him. However, Jin's mind was numb and suddenly experienced a sudden rush of strength coming to him. He felt his body becoming lighter. His sword began to dance with flames like a raging inferno. He was nearing at death's door, but he was squeezing out all of his strength for one powerful attack.
"Hiken no Ougi: Tengoku no hi no senko!"
A powerful aura of fire enshrouded Jin's body. He then moved so quickly, it caused the air to create a brief sonic boom. He rammed right on to the dragon's head and sliced it. The dragon was hit at a vital spot from the head, resulting one of its HP bars to drain away. The dragon roared loudly, holding on to its last HP bar.
"Damn it… This one's tough… Even that technique didn't work to kill it… Is this how I'll die…?" Jin questioned to himself.
His mind snapped, causing him to use one final skill.
"Hiken: Hono no Kanji!"
Jin's attack created a sequence. It caused him to perform several slashes in quick speed that created several kanji with fire. The whole writing in result was translated to 'dragon slayer' (滅竜魔導士). The dragon let out a small puff of smoke from its mouth before shattering into polygons.
-Congratulations! You earn Coat of the Fire Dragon!- A visual post read.
Jin was out of breath, both from stamina tax and the heat around him. He briefly collapsed after using a blue warp crystal to rest at Floor 1. He didn't had time to check his inventory to equip his new sword. Before falling, the warp circle enshrouded him just before he collapsed on the floor.
######
Jin was lying unconscious at Floor 1 in the City of Beginnings. There were few players at the area, all whom noticed the unconscious Blaze Swordsman. A familiar group of five people noticed him and ran up to the unconscious boy. They were the Moonlit Black Cats.
"Is he alright?" Sachi asked.
"He looks completely spent… Jin must have pushed himself harshly in a battle…" Tetsuo said.
"Look at him… Parts of his body is burnt… What on earth was Jin facing to leave him like this?" Ducker asked.
"We should provide him some water… He doesn't look like he'll wake up any time soon." Keita suggested.
"Not to mention treat his wounds… His HP is on the red, almost at death's door…" Sasamaru said.
The group took Jin's unconscious body to treat him.
######
It was night time in Aincrad. The Moonlit Black Cats went to a small home they afforded some time ago. Jin was still unconscious. Sachi continued to watch him as he remained in the bed, unmoving.
'Jin… What on earth happened to you that made you like this…?' She thought.
The rest of the members couldn't help but feel pitiful for Jin. They managed to treat his wounds, restoring his HP back to max. His current status effect showed he was unconscious from hyperthermia.
"Come on, man… You can pull through this…" Keita said, trying to reinvigorate Jin's spirit.
Sachi noticed his left hand twitch. Jin made a soft grunt before waking from his unconscious state. Everyone went up to him upon seeing his eyes open.
"Where…am I?" Jin asked.
"Jin, thank goodness you're back!" Sachi said happily.
"Sachi? The Moonlit Black Cats… I owe you guys for helping me…" Jin said gratefully.
"We owe you for helping us, Jin. What happened to you though? It looked like you were in a tough battle." Keita asked.
Jin recalled his battle with the fiery dragon in Floor 63. He then realized he was successful in defeating the boss.
"It was a near suicide mission to complete my training… I went to Floor 63 to face the boss alone. Although I was successful in defeating the boss, it nearly left me in a coma since I was at death door by a small fringe." Jin said.
The guild was shocked on what Jin said. They couldn't believe he was able to not only face a potentially dangerous boss, but defeated it on solo.
"That was a crazy thing to do, Jin. You nearly lost your life for God's sake." Sasamaru said.
"I know… I know that I had a high risk of dying, but the purpose of me going there was to unlock the final skills of the sword style I use." Jin remarked.
"The last sword skills of your style… I recall you use a form of battojutsu. Is that why most of the players in Aincrad gave you the title 'Fiery battosai'?" Tetsuo asked.
"Yes… I was given that title for a reason… I hunt down PK guilds or orange players for the atrocities they have caused. However, it doesn't make much of a difference. A murderer is a murderer, no matter what side one is in." Jin said.
Sachi slapped Jin's face, shocking everyone. This got Jin to look at her with mild surprise.
"Why are you risking so much of yourself!? You risked your dignity, bonds with friends, and your own life just to make sure they all remain alive… That's more than enough for you, Jin. Please don't go too far for what you are doing." Sachi said with tears.
Jin felt his chest turn into stone. He suppressed the heavy feeling, not letting his emotions overcome his thoughts.
"I'm not done yet though… Until this game is cleared, I won't die that easily. I appreciate you all for treating me, but I have to fulfill a certain mission. Once I'm done, I'll explain everything to you." Jin said.
Before the guild could have a chance to ask, Jin used the red-orange warp crystal to teleport back to Shishio's lair.
######
Back in Shishio's lair, Jin made his way to meet with his master.
"I see that you survived the battle and was given the coat. I have one final test for you, Jin. You must face me in combat!" Shishio ordered.
Jin noticed three HP bars near Shishio as his cursor turned from green to red. This got him prepped for an intense battle.
"Shishio-sama… Are you intending to fight me to prove that I'm your successor?" Jin questioned.
"Yes… Plus, you're my salvation from my hell… Defeating me will reward you my ultimate blade that was blessed by a Shinto goddess. It's not like my Mugenjin, which will forever be with me, even in death." Shishio said.
"I'm your only student in your battojutsu techniques, Shishio-sama. Even so, are you willing to go this far to ensure the techniques are passed down only to me?" Jin questioned.
"Yes, the Secret Swords are all yours. The techniques are your own so no one can copy them. You must now carve your way to the heavens and burn those who hinder your progress. Become my successor, Fukuhara Jin!" Shishio said, charging forward.
Jin readied his sword and began to fight to the death to his master. Both combatants were using their sword skills to counter each other's moves.
"Hiken: Homura Dama!"
Shishio caused his sword to ignite and began swinging wildly to Jin. This forced him to use a high speed skill in response.
"Hiken: Shukuchi Ni!"
Jin used his fast speed to avoid the attacks from the flames caused by the Mugenjin. This caused his sword, Asahi, to ignite in response. He then caused the flames to dance around the blade.
"Hiken: Shingu Renge Henka: Kasai no Senkai!"
The flaming somersault caused Shishio to be on guard. He attempted to block the attack, but was met with fierce resistance. The attack managed to nick his left shoulder, causing the bandages to ignite.
"You have learned well, my apprentice. Keep fighting!" Shishio said with mad glee.
Jin then noticed he was charging at him in close range. This got the young battojutsu practitioner to be in shock. He then picked up a familiar scent.
'Gunpowder!? His gauntlets are filled with gunpowder…!' He thought in shock.
Shishio had a hidden smirk as he then unleashed his next attack.
"Hiken: Guren Kaina!"
Using the flames from the Mugenjin, Shishio caused the gauntlets to ignite and create an explosion. The force of the blast was strong enough to send Jin flying to a wall, injuring him in the process.
"Ugh… I didn't expect such an attack like that… It took off half of my HP…" Jin said.
"I haven't begun to use my final technique… You shouldn't be surprised, Jin." Shishio said, charging to him.
Jin quickly back flipped, scraping his sword on the ground. Flames coursed around the blade before he unleashed his next attack.
"Hiken: Houken!"
The flames were surrounding Jin's sword, creating a solid form. Shishio was defending himself from the skill but the pressure was powerful.
"Although I may have developed the principals of the skill, I'm not able to perform it due to my body's current condition." Shishio said.
By then, Shishio took a knee as nausea suddenly came to him. He felt the intense burning sensation in his body grow, causing agonizing pain in him. Jin noticed the HP bar was starting to decrease.
'That's right… Shishio-sama can't fight for no more than fifteen minutes… Otherwise, he would risk dying from his own condition…' Jin thought.
By then, Shishio dashed forward to Jin to continue fighting. His body temperature was continuing to rise in response.
"Do not disappoint me, apprentice! Fight me to the death to prove your worth!" Shishio said, becoming delirious.
Jin readied himself and blocked Shishio's attacks. He pushed forward, briefly dazing Shishio before preparing another skill. He scraped his sword on the scabbard, channeling fire on it.
"Hiken: Kagutsuchi!"
Shishio noticed the skill and prepared his own technique. Both sword fighters had a miniature fire twister dancing on their blades.
"Let's END THIS!" Jin shouted.
Shishio and Jin ran to strike each other down. They raised their swords up and swung with all their might. A powerful fire twister was created from both of the combatants' power. Jin and Shishio were caught in the tornado and burned in result.
"Ugh… That was a powerful skill for us to combine and clash…" Jin said in pained grunts.
He then noticed Shishio producing red steam. He then realized that Shishio's blood was evaporating from the extreme heat.
"No human would survive in that kind of condition… His blood is starting to evaporate… He's turning himself into a living torch… " Jin said to himself.
"You have become strong like me, Jin… But for any warrior that must remain strong, they must fight harder to achieve such strength. The weak end up being killed and the strong live to tell the tale!" Shishio said.
Jin realized his only hope was the ultimate technique he learned when facing the Fire Dragon back in Floor 63. Having no choice, he prepared himself as Shishio was about to attack him. A fiery aura enshrouded Jin as he prepared his final attack.
"Hiken no Ougi: Tengoku no hi no senko!"
The impact of the technique stopped Shishio from where he stood. His body was still hot to evaporate his blood. However, Shishio could no longer move. The attack not only shattered his lower spine but punctured some of his vital organs, extending its lethality. The force was strong enough to shatter his sword.
"Shishio-sama… Why?" Jin said with a hint of sorrow.
Shishio grunted painfully as the heat coursing around him was starting to dissipate.
"Y-you did well…apprentice… You deserve my…ultimate sword… Amaterasu…" Shishio said with weak words.
Mustering what's left of his strength, Shishio provided Jin with a katana that had a unique scabbard. The scabbard had several intricate drawings of flames in the body, leaving the chape and locket untouched.
"Shishio-sama…" Jin said, his tears showing.
"Tears don't suit you well, my successor…. You have unchained my soul and now I can die in peace. Also, don't let my beliefs in Darwinism…take hold of your beliefs. Find the person or people…you want to protect and continue doing so…" Shishio said in his dying breaths.
Shishio gave a small smile before disappearing in polygons. Jin stood where Makoto Shishio was. His fists were shaking as he could no longer hold his sadness at bay.
"DAMN IT ALL!" He bellowed in the cave.
Since Shishio no longer lives in the cave, the heat dissipated in result. Jin was forced to teleport out via warp crystal. Before doing so, he took hold of Shishio's sword, the broken Mugenjin, along with him.
######
Back in the City of Beginnings, Jin was wearing his cloak. He didn't want anyone to see him in his present state. Unfortunately, the Moonlit Black Cats saw through his disguise and found him wandering around town.
"Jin-san!" Sachi called out.
Jin stopped as he held his grief at bay. He then ran to the outskirts, causing the guild to chase after him.
"What's wrong with him? He looks like he's in emotional pain." Keita asked.
"We'll find out if we end up catching him. Let's hurry though." Sasamaru said.
The group eventually caught up to him. They noticed he looked disheveled and emotionally exhausted.
"You guys…" He said, showing his tear-stained face.
Sachi was shocked, seeing him in such a state.
"What happened to you…?" Sachi askes softly.
"My training…is complete, but with a heavy price to pay from my master…" Jin said, showing the guild the broken Mugenjin.
"Who was the person that taught you the current skills you have?" Tetsuo asked.
"Shishio Makoto… The man who can cut and burn anything that stands in his way." Jin said with respect.
The Moonlit Black Cats felt very sorry for Jin. They watched and followed him as he went to a graveyard. He placed what remained of Shishio's sword near a tree. Jin then used one of his sword skills.
"Hiken: Hono no Kanji!"
The kanji was burned on the tree. It was Makoto Shishio's name, in respect. Jin took a knee and offered a silent prayer to his master.
'Shishio-sama… I understand why I was trained for this purpose… It made me the ultimate key to clearing this hellish nightmare. It may have seem that my quest is over on my training, but my personal quests are not. I will continue to fight in your honor and spirit till everyone here can leave Aincrad in one piece.' Jin thought as a lone stream of tears came from his right eye.
Sachi and her guild friends all felt terrible for Jin. They the notice him stand up.
"I'll be fine. It was a student-to-master prayer that I was making in honor to my former master." Jin said.
Sachi, in tears, went to Jin and hugged him in response from behind. The warmth from Jin's body was radiating off from him, something Sachi felt.
######
In Floor 45, Kirito was resting in a town when he suddenly began hearing the local gossip.
"Did you hear!? The boss in Floor 63 was defeated!" A male axe wielder said.
"Are you serious!? No one has dared to challenge the Fire Dragon!" A male sword user said.
"I think I saw the Blaze Swordsman entering the domain of the boss. He just went inside the area and killed it." A female spear user said.
"No way… That player is insane! He must be a demon if he survived such a powerful boss!" A male blunt user said.
Kirito was surprised that Jin was able to solo a boss in Floor 63 and a potentially dangerous one.
'To think you managed to progress this far… Jin, you're an amazing player to achieve what you have done… I hope your training is done…' Kirito thought.
By then he received a message from Jin.
-My training is complete. I'll be in the front line starting tomorrow. Wait for me till then.- The message said.
Kirito smirked, knowing his friend from the beginning is coming back.
######
Jin was sleeping within the main house of the Moonlit Black Cats. Sachi noticed his somnolent state and gently gave him a kiss to his right cheek.
"I am sure we will make it, Jin-kun… Please, clear the game for everyone to survive." Sachi said in a whisper.
Jin woke up when he heard the whisper. No one was around him. This caused a soft smile to come to his face as a lone tear was shed. He briefly watched the starry sky from a nearby window and went back to sleep.