The Musashi Shrine's closing hours were fast approaching and yet the number of visitors did not seem to lower whatsoever. Aiko and Minako busied themselves tending to their customers, although whenever they had a short break they gave each other worried looks. Sayo had disappeared for the entire day. She did not leave any note or inform the priests beforehand that she would take a day off. To make matters worse, a policeman had showed up and was having a private discussion with the high priest Yoichi. Whether the policeman was called or he showed up uninvited, they did not know.
"Do you think Lady Sayo is okay?" Minako whispered as she set up new charms for display.
"I hope she is, but I can't shake this gut feeling that something bad has happened..." Aiko whispered back, then she quickly put on a pleasant smile as an elderly man approached them.
Little did any of them know that Sayo was actually closer than they thought. From the nearby park, she watched them all while hiding between a cherry tree's branches. As much as she wished to contact them and assure them that she was safe, she feared it would lead to them being interrogated further by the police. In order to ensure the entire shrine's safety, their worry had to be genuine. Ever since Count Kage stopped answering her calls both on phone and through portals, she knew that something was up. Glancing down at her cell phone, she frowned upon seeing that Ben also did not answer her calls. It was the same for Hajime. Seeing no other option, she dialed Lori's number next. Even if she was not in the know, at least she could share her worries with someone. Much to her surprise, she answered straight away.
"Sayo, thank goodness you called! Listen, Jack has left for his job early this morning and hasn't come back since. He also hasn't answered any of my calls or texts, which if you know him, is totally uncommon. I'm getting worried here!"
"I'm afraid the same can be said for Hajime and Ben. Lori, I think something's going on."
"Should we call the police and report this? I don't know what else to do," Lori confessed with a saddened voice - a sign of weakness she had never displayed before. "Sayo... I'm scared."
"Hang in there, I'm coming to Sagakin as quickly as possible. Don't worry, you're not alone," Sayo reassured her. "By the way, be sure to do some exercises for your legs before I get there. I believe I have something that may help with your physical impediment."
"Like what?"
"You'll see."
Sayo hung up. Her suspicions had been confirmed. The shady people who were targeting Hajime had made their move. And, worst of all, they somehow managed to get to Count Kage as well. That meant she and Lori were the only ones left.
There was no way Sayo would get a ticket and travel to Sagakin by train. Opening portals was also risky, since she was not as skilled in that magic field as her beloved, so there was the risk of her landing in one of Sagakin's full streets, where she would be spotted immediately before blending in with the crowd. Her best option was sneaking out of Tokyo and then using her youkai powers to run at high speeds while taking detours through the countryside. A tiresome process, yes, but in her position it was the safest option.
Hajime struggled in vain against the metal cuffs around his wrists and ankles which kept him strapped down to a chair. Great was his sorrow and anger after he had witnessed the deaths of both Audra and Ben. He already knew from the start that Mister Gumo's promises of their safety were lies designed to intimidate him into submission. But he never expected him to take action so hastily. Did his constant refusal of joining WEB lead to their untimely demise? Or was it all just to teach him another lesson in how powerless he was compared to their organization? He was certain of one thing: he was at fault for what had transpired on that day. He should have known better than to keep people close to him. Perhaps he was indeed cursed, a blight on the world, one that never deserved happiness.
The door from behind opened. He heard the sound of footsteps approach him and then Mister Gumo was soon seated at his desk. A contract paper was placed in front of him.
"After all you've done, you don't expect me to still work for you," Hajime spoke through his teeth, angered by Mister Gumo's gall.
"Time is running out. By the end of the week I need to be in another part of the world to oversee an economic crisis. I had to make examples out of Audra and Ben to prove we are indeed serious about you."
"Let's entertain the idea that what you've done has convinced me to join WEB. Why do you think I would have any motivation to spy and spread disinformation for an organization who just took the lives of people I cared for?"
"Now you're being melodramatic, Mister Shirayama! You can move on, there are plenty of people in the world who can replace them. After all, eventually you moved on from the deaths of your best friend Ken and your grandmother Tsugumi. These two new casualties won't be any different," Mister Gumo stated, all while enjoying seeing Hajime struggle in vain against his bindings. "After all, you are a fellow elite. It is in our best interest that we work diligently to maintain our control over the world. Surely you, as a responsible man, can appreciate this point of view."
"Do you know why I moved to Sagakin, even if my family has three living places in Tokyo?" asked Hajime. Mister Gumo remained silent as he lit a cigar, he continued, "I spent my childhood summers there with my grandmother, in that small coastal city, away from the crowds and traffic of Tokyo, away from workers filled with worries and stresses, away from office buildings and wealthy people with fake smiles! The fresh saltwater air reaches even my grandmother's mansion on warm summer mornings. The rich trees block the sunlight and offer a chilling comfort whenever the heat gets too much. There the majority of people are simple and carefree, their smiles are not fake, they don't spend half of their lives locked in office buildings, working their youth away or scheming and backstabbing in order to climb the social ladder! I moved to Sagakin for my own peace of mind, because I didn't want to become someone who is defined solely by greed and lust for power, someone like you!"
With a mocking smile, Mister Gumo blew cigar smoke in Hajime's face. Then he replied, "Spare me the 'simpler life' speeches, I'm not a tree-hugging hippie. We are talking serious matters concerning the real world, Mister Shirayama! Maybe your parents would think differently about this offer I am giving you."
"My parents?" Hajime repeated.
"Oh yes. You would be bringing a great honor to your family if you joined the World Elite Bureaucracy. If you do, we will help Shirayama Industries prosper on the fashion market more than ever before. We can manipulate the stocks and bring down any serious competitor to your business."
"My grandmother's vision for the family's future did not include us joining the world's most corrupt organization in the name of profit!"
"Need I remind you that with just a few clicks we have easily threatened Shirayama Industries over the past few months? Need I remind you of your girlfriend and your hacker friend's ultimate fates? Maybe you wish for your parents to become the next examples, then the Shirayama clan will disappear once and for all."
"I was wondering when you would start to go mask off with your threats. Even if you did, I'd sooner give up my own life than sell my soul to this corrupt system our species has created! This is not the future I want for my planet!"
Another knowing smile grew on Mister Gumo's face. In that light, he looked like a spider contemplating the fly which helplessly struggled in its web. He reached and pressed a button, then a computer screen lowered from the ceiling. Hajime saw the image of Jack cradling a baby and feeding it milk from a bottle.
"Speak of the future, you are now looking at it, Mister Shirayama. If you downright refuse to work for us, then I'm afraid you will be disposed of and your daughter will be raised by us as the only surviving Shirayama. That way, your family will properly take its rightful place among the elites. In the end the choice is yours: either you join us and you get to raise your daughter, or she joins us, never knowing who her true parents were."
"You leave my daughter out of this!" Hajime shouted, struggling harder than ever before to break free. "She has no part in this, she was literally born today!"
"Being born a Shirayama was enough to drag her into this!" Mister Gumo replied as he got up from his armchair. He pressed the same button again and the screen disappeared back into the ceiling. "Now you see the bigger picture. I am certain that you, as a responsible man, care enough about her well-being to make this sacrifice and-" He was then interrupted by a call on his cell phone which he promptly answered. "Hello? You've analyzed all the data our robots collected from Shishima? Is the report ready? Excellent! I will come to the laboratory in five minutes." Mister Gumo hung up and returned his attention to Hajime. "Heh, saved by the bell. You are on borrowed time, Mister Shirayama. While I am gone, I would like for you to take a look at the contract I have laid before you. When I come back, I want you to have your mind made up as to whether or not you will be part of the World Elite Bureaucracy." He then walked to the office door and opened it. "And don't forget, if you won't join us, she will."
The door was slammed shut. Left alone, Hajime stared at the contract in silence, making no effort to read its contents. Not even when facing Shishima had her ever felt this hopeless.
Night had fully settled by the time Lori heard a knock at her door.
"I'm coming!" she announced while making the effort of getting out of bed and picking up her walking frame. After a grueling minute, she managed to reach the door and open it.
"I'm sorry I took so long!" Sayo greeted her and was immediately pulled into an embrace.
"You're here now, that's all that matters. Come in!"
"Thank you." Sayo stepped into the room and Lori closed the door behind. She placed her travel bag on the dining table and started searching through it. "Listen, above all else, I have something I believe will properly cure your spine and allow you to walk normally again." She pulled out a small bottle which was filled with a cyan cream.
Lori blinked, taking in what she had just heard, then she asked back, "Something that will cure me?"
"Yes, may I please massage your wounded area with this? I promise it won't hurt, I'll be careful."
"Not like I've got much to lose. To be honest, I've been feeling quite stiff for a while now, so even if it won't work, a massage won't hurt!"
Lori immediately took off her yellow shirt and tossed it on the nightstand. Then, using her frame, she walked back to the bed and sat on her belly, fully exposing her back. Sayo noticed the large X-shaped scar on the lumbar region of her spine where Shishima's claws had once caused the damage which almost paralyzed her. She could not fathom the amount of surgeries Lori must have undergone to even be able to use a walking frame rather than be stuck in a wheelchair.
After applying the cream on her palms, Sayo rubbed them and then began massaging the damaged area as gently as she could. During the procedure, her hands glowed purple as she used her own powers to help with the healing process. Within five minutes, she was done.
"How do you feel?"
"Much better!" Lori confessed as she used her arms to get up. "I never felt so relaxed in years!" As she got out of bed, great was her surprise when she no longer found difficulty moving around. Once on her feet, she found the balance she had lost five years ago. In disbelief, she took a few steps and noticed she no longer had problems with raising her feet or bending her knees. "It's a miracle!" she exclaimed, sheer joy in her voice.
Relieved, Sayo sighed. "I'm so glad it worked."
Lori was quick to hug her tight. "Thank you, for everything!"
"Don't mention it. After your return, I spent months researching the herbs with the correct healing properties. The cream I've concocted should also repair Jack's face."
"That's great news! If only we knew where he is..."
All of a sudden, Sayo gasped as she received a telepathic message from Shishima.
"Hajime and I have been captured by WEB. They bound me with sacred salt and my powers are weakened. Jack is working for them, don't trust him if he contacts you. We are on a remote island in the East China Sea. You won't be able to find it easily."
Before Sayo could mentally ask him for more details, she received the island's coordinates, then the connection went dead.
"Sayo, what's wrong?" asked the worried Lori.
"Oh, I've... just had a premonition. I think I know where Hajime and Jack have gone to."
"I'm all ears."
"They've been kidnapped by an evil organization and are being held captive on a nearby island."
"An evil organization? Is that those WEB people Hajime had been tracking down?" Lori pressed.
Sayo nodded. "The exact same. I'm not sure if we can locate the island on Google Maps. They are most likely doing their best to keep it hidden. We will have to rely on my powers to locate it."
"I don't know about this, Sayo. I know you're a demon and all, but this is all too freaky."
"My premonitions are nothing to scoff at, Lori!"
"Okay, you've got a point. But shouldn't we at least call the police or anyone else for backup?"
"The authorities are most likely in WEB's pockets. Don't forget the types of people Ben was researching for Hajime. The police would sooner arrest us and hand us over to them."
"Then what can we do?"
"Don't worry. At the end of the day, I am Nekohana, flower youkai. I can always use my powers against these evil people," Sayo reassured her.
"Alright then, girl, it looks like we've got a plan!" Lori said while dressing up. "Let's head out to the docks and rent ourselves a motorboat!"
Hajime was snapped out of his thoughts as he heard the door open from behind. The time for making a decision had come. Would he die for his morals and leave his child at the mercy of WEB? Or would he renounce any semblance of morals and spare his child the burden of growing among devils under the guise of men? Great was his surprise when he saw Jack walk by and rest his elbows on the expensive wooden desk.
"Not the one you expected, huh?" he mockingly asked.
"What the fuck do you want?!" Hajime snapped at him. "You want to gloat in my face about how you've won?"
"Actually, I wanted to inform you that your little girl is asleep and well. But now that Mister Gumo's busy, I'll take the opportunity to hash things out with you."
"Look who's talking! You came to my house pretending to be my friend only to bury a knife deep in my back! Have you no shame, Jack?"
"Right back at you, partner! You saw first hand the kind of hell Shishima put us all through five years ago. What in tarnation were you thinking when you decided to join forces with him?!"
"I had no choice in the matter!"
"Bullshit! There's always a choice, Hajime! You just happened to make the wrong one!"
"Are you serious right now, Jack? I put all of my efforts into destroying the Spawns of Shishima cult. After Shinobu's death, I ended up facing Shishima at the Kage mansion. I defeated him in a duel, that part was true. But when I tried to exorcise him, I found out it was pointless. I lack the spiritual powers that Sayo has. For all intents and purposes, neither I nor you can kill him!"
"That part I understand, but you knew he was Count Kage. Why did you still appear at public gatherings with him? Why did you befriend the monster who fucking killed our grandmothers? I just can't wrap my head around it!"
"I didn't befriend him!" Hajime shouted, sweat racing down his face. "After he made me realize I couldn't exorcise him, he struck a deal with me: he swore to leave our world alone as long as he got to be my guardian demon. I know, it sounds stupid just when I say it, but it's the truth, I swear!"
"And you actually took Shishima at his word? Come on, partner, I thought you were smarter than this!" Jack argued back at him, similarly frustrated.
"I keep telling you, I had no other choice in the matter! I can't kill Shishima no matter how hard I try. What other option do I have besides taking up his offer as long as I know he leaves our world alone?"
"Until he grows bored you mean. What will happen when you eventually die, Hajime? Do we have a guarantee Shishima won't return to his old ways then?"
"I don't know, Jack! I honestly don't know! All I know is that Shishima's actually turned his back on his own followers and has helped me take down his cult. He's also not caused any more harm unless provoked."
"Oh no, don't go around telling me you've somehow managed to tame him, 'cause I'll laugh in your face!"
"I'm not! I don't have any delusions that Shishima can be kept under control, nor do I fully trust him to keep his word forever. All I'm saying is that I've chosen the route that leads to less casualties. Would you rather I refused Shishima's offer and he then started a new massacre just because?"
"No, I'd rather you kept trying to kill him," Jack said, anger building into his voice once more. "Look at what he did to me, Hajime!" He pointed to the half of his face which was filled with skin grafts. "He left me deformed, I could hardly fit in anywhere, let alone get a normal job. You don't know how lucky I was when WEB approached me. I knew full well that they were a dangerous bunch, but I didn't care, as long as I could get my revenge on the monster who ruined my life! Mister Gumo helped both me and Lori with our surgeries because he knew we were close to you and there was a possibility Shishima would target you upon his return. Lo and behold, my boss was right once again."
"Lori, does she know you're working for WEB?"
"No, I fed her the same lie about a multinational telecommunications company. After all she's been through because of Shishima, the last thing I want is for her to worry about me. This is a cross I'll bear on my own."
"Jack, can't you see Mister Gumo's just as evil as Shishima if not more?"
"Oh, I already know that, partner. I also knew Audra didn't deserve what happened here tonight, but it was out of my power. If I disobey his orders, he'll make me pay through Lori, and that's the last thing I want. I hope you can understand my position."
"Understand your position? Jack, if I were in your shoes, I would never shoot Lori in the head without any hesitation, no matter how big a grudge I hold against Shishima! You said it yourself, there's always a choice, and in this case you chose to become a monster."
"Perhaps you're right," Jack replied as he pressed a button on the desk. "Then again, you're not too far off yourself." All of a sudden, the cuffs around Hajime's wrists and ankles were opened. "So then, fellow monster, how about we settle our score once and for all?"
Hajime got up, looked his former friend in the eye and took out his deck. Jack responded in a similar manner and they both walked to the dueling tables in a nearby corner, setting up their cards and causing five rectangular blue shields to appear above them, thus beginning their duel.
"I cast Mendelssohn," Jack said and he revealed the top two cards of his deck which were Bolshack Dogiragon and Bolshack Glory Lupia. "Both are Dragons, both go into my mana zone tapped."
"I expand DG Parthenon ~Where Dragons are Created~ and draw a card," Hajime said and a temple resting on marble pillars, the faceless head of a dragon made of purple crystals floating in the middle appeared behind him. "Now we can only play three creatures and three spells per turn."
"I summon Momoking Rex, Orai Hero!" A burgundy-skinned dragon dressed in green samurai gear and wielding two large katanas appeared by Jack's side. "With his effect, I discard Mendelssohn, draw two cards and then evolve him into Bolshack Momoking NEX!" The dragon got engulfed in a red aura and grew in size. When the aura dispersed, his hands were engulfed in blue flames, a dragon's head was attached to his chest and his head sported a burning mane. "With his effect, I'll reveal the top card of my deck, and if it's a RexStars or Fire creature, I put it in the battle zone for no cost!" Jack revealed Mega Manalock Dragon, which he promptly put in the battle zone and a muscular dragon wearing samurai pants and wielding a flaming scimitar appeared by his side as well. "With his effect, I shall freeze both Mage of Cursebreaker and Absolute Shield Knight in your mana zone. Now, I'll attack with Bolshack Momoking NEX and reveal the top card of my deck again. Great, I'll put another Momoking Rex-"
"No you won't!" Hajime interrupted him. "Don't forget that my DG Parthenon only allows us to play three creatures per turn."
"In that case, triple break his shields!" Jack ordered and the dragon flew through his opponent's shields, shattering three of them.
"Shield trigger, I summon Gelacho's Memory and draw a card. Then you must tap Mega Manalock Dragon!" The hologram of a gentleman with two large lips instead of a head appeared by Hajime's side, holding a sketchbook with a drawing of three similar creatures. "And another shield trigger, I summon Mage of Cursebreaker and set Lightning Sword Paladin as a face up shield." A small robotic humanoid in golden and white armor with a circle of hand surrounding his waist also appeared. "And now it's my turn, I summon Lightning Sword Paladin as if his cost was paid and send Mega Manalock Dragon to your shields face down!" A knight dressed in golden armor joined the small army and dashed ahead, slashing the muscular dragon with his blue sword of light and transforming him into a new shield.
"I summon another Momoking Rex, discard Bolshack Glory Lupia, draw two cards and evolve him into Uberdragon Bajula!" A second samurai dragon appeared by Jack's side and this one quickly transformed into a horned dragon with flaming wings who was wielding a long chain. "I attack with Bajula and burn your Mage of Cursebreaker and Goten! Ginga MAX mana. Now go, break his final shields!"
Hajime took cover as the chain was swung and tore through his two remaining shields. He took the cards in his hand and quickly revealed one, saying:
"Shield trigger, I summon Slotton's Memory and bring out MAX the Johnny!" The hologram of a golden slot machine robot holding a sketchbook with a drawing of itself also appeared, alongside a robotic cowboy made of blue crystal, wielding a golden and a sapphire sword. "Slotton's Memory grants him blocker and he has 14000 power from both of my tamaseeds."
"Heh, use my own partner against me, will you?" Jack remarked with a bittersweet tone. "I can't deny, he suits your deck more. Besides, I've got other tricks up my sleeve. Bolshack Momoking NEX, attack! The top card of my deck is Alcadeias Momoking, so I'll evolve Bajula into him." The chain-wielding dragon got engulfed in a golden light and transformed into another burgundy-skinned dragon with white angelic wings and a golden sword and shield. "Bolshack Momoking NEX's power is 15000 due to the number of Fire cards in my graveyard. It's time to finish this, todomeda!"
"Mage of Cursebreaker, block the attack!" At Hajime's behest, the robotic humanoid jumped in front of the mighty dragon's attack and was crushed by his flaming fists. "My turn, I summon another Gelacho's Memory and draw a card. MAX the Johnny, triple break his shields! But, before your shields get broken, I gain as many shields as you lose!" The robotic cowboy first swung his golden sword which granted his owner three more shields, then he swung the sapphire one at the opponent, hacking three shields. "Lightning Sword Paladin, double break his shields!" The golden knight dashed ahead bravely and hacked two more shields with his sword.
"I summon Momoking JO, Future King Dragon!" A horned burgundy-skinned dragon wearing sharp silver armor and wielding a long katana appeared by Jack's side. "Alcadeias Momoking, destroy Lightning Sword Paladin!" The two creatures clashed their swords, the angelic dragon getting the upper hand and hacking the knight into pieces. "Bolshack Momoking NEX, attack MAX the Johnny! The top card of my deck is Mendelssohn, which goes into my graveyard. Now Bolshack Momoking NEX has 19000 power both from the cards in my graveyard and from the +2000 Alcadeias Momoking gives him, so MAX the Johnny is destroyed!" The robotic cowboy tried to fight the dragon, but his weapons were molten by those flaming fists and he soon met his demise. "Momoking JO, attack and I evolve him into another Alcadeias Momoking. But I'll then activate his Shinkapower and send Alcadeias Momoking's card to the graveyard to untap Momoking JO. Double break his shields!" The dragon's katana quickly hacked away two shields.
"Shield trigger, I cast Goten! Ginga MAX and send Alcadeias Momoking back to your hand!"
"Star Evolution, Bajula remains! I attack with Momoking JO again and evolve him into another Alcadeias Momoking. Shinkapower, I send Alcadeias Momoking's card into the graveyard again to untap him, break his final shields!"
"Shield trigger, I summon Mage of Cursebreaker and set Absolute Shield Knight as a face up shield. With his effect, I check the top two cards of my deck, add one to my hand and set Lightning Sword Paladin as a face up shield as well."
"Tsh, then I'll break your final shields with Momoking JO again!"
"No you won't! I tap Slotton's Memory and both Gelacho's Memory to bring out Savark MAX who will block this attack!" A dragon made of purple crystal, with wings of light, dressed in a military uniform and wielding a sapphire sword appeared in the battle zone and shoved his blade into the samurai dragon's chest, making him vanish in an explosion.
"It can't be, your own Star MAX Evolution creature," Jack uttered.
"At the start of my turn, I summon Lightning Sword Paladin and Absolute Shield Knight as if their costs were paid! The former sends Uberdragon Bajula to your shield zone. The latter allows me to check the top two cards of my deck, add one to my hand and set Cromwell, Iron Cannon as a face up shield! And while Cromwell is in my shield zone, all of my creatures have speed attacker!" Hajime announced, much to his opponent's chagrin. "I attack with Absolute Shield Knight and use his effect again! I check the top two cards of my deck, draw one and set Paranormal, Task Produce as a face up shield. Now your creatures constantly get -3000 power from Paranormal's effect. Double break his shields!" At his order, the rotund knight fired a prism of light into two opposing shields, shattering them. "Mage of Cursebreaker, break his final shield!" The robot fired a laser from the circle around its waist, which took down the remaining shield. "Lightning Sword Paladin, todomeda!"
"Revolution 0 Trigger - Bolshack Dogiragon!" Jack was quick to reveal the card from his hand and also the top card of his deck. "I put Mega Magma Dragon into the battle zone and evolve him into Bolshack Dogiragon! Mega Magma Dragon destroys all creatures with power 5000 or less!" A red wave of energy hit Hajime's field, destroying only Mage of Cursebreaker. "Then Bolshack Dogiragon force battles Lightning Sword Paladin!" A red dragon mech wielding two golden gauntlets descended and attacked the golden-armored knight, crushing him with his fists.
"Savark MAX, todomeda!" Hajime shouted at the top of his lungs.
Before they both knew it, Jack found himself pinned against a cavernous wall, the crystal dragon's sapphire sword rammed through his stomach. Hajime froze in place upon witnessing the image of his former friend being mortally wounded. Since when did his direct attacks become that fatal?
"It's the power of Star MAX Evolution," Savark was quick to explain. "We don't require an evolution bait since the duelist wielding us is our evolution bait. We sync with our partner and, depending on how determined they are, we perform our attacks accordingly."
"So you really wanted to see me dead, huh?" Jack weakly asked, smiling as blood fell out of his mouth.
"I, no..." Hajime could barely find any words.
"It's okay, I'd have done the same. You know, partner... perhaps it's for the best. I let fear and hatred consume me. And now you've freed me of it all. Can't say I didn't deserve it."
"Jack, I'm sorry, I didn't want to!" Hajime desperately apologized and then he turned his attention to his own creature partner. "Savark, let him go!"
"I'm afraid it's already too late," the dragon gravely replied, but still did as told and vanished alongside the shields and other creatures.
Jack slid down the wall, leaving a trail of blood, and collapsed on the floor. Hajime rushed to his aid and was quick to cover the hole on his stomach with his hands, hopelessly trying to stop the bleeding.
"Hang in there! I'll find something to bandage the wounds, I promise!"
"Lori... please take care of her," Jack begged with his dying breath. "Don't let her fall into WEB's hands. Don't..." And then he knew no more.
All of a sudden, Shishima jolted awake. An immense amount of negative emotions was feeding him, like a powerful adrenaline injection. But it was more, he could also experience the pain Hajime was feeling - the sorrow of losing his loved ones and the hatred directed at the one who was the cause of it all. Then, perhaps more than ever, he wanted to do Hajime's will and kill Mister Gumo, at all costs. The circle of salt was only slightly disturbed, hence why Shishima was still weakened. Against all odds, he began struggling to escape.