Disclaimer: All characters from the series Inuyasha that appear in this fanfic rightfully belong to Rumiko Takahashi. I do not own anything regarding their creation; I have Rumiko Takahashi to thank for that.

Author's Notes: My schedule has been pretty tight lately so my updates are being delayed. Life has been quite hectic and writing time is limited. Moreover, editing and proofreading this chapter has taken more time than I would've liked. It would've been easier with the aid of a beta reader but since I'm alone, this chapter has been quite time-consuming. I understand that this may seem like excuses to some, but I do hope and ask for everyone's patience and support. My only reassurance to all of you is that even if updates are slowed, this story will not be abandoned. Please bear with me.

And now that the bad news is out of the way, I would like to take a moment to appreciate the readers who have supplied a review. Thank you to 8579, fabelliot, bubu-chibi-chan, yami2903, Proxy57, Indie407, Rougish, Tsuyu no Inochi, and Abhieghail for your support.

8579: Here's a continuation of the last chapter. Hope that you'll enjoy it. Have a nice day to you too.

fabelliot: Yeah, Bankotsu didn't stand a chance against Sesshomaru. To begin with, he's only human and has his limitations. In the series, he was only able to gain ascendancy in his fight against Inuyasha because of the Shikon Jewel, and his weapon. And Sesshomaru is stronger than Inuyasha, so it's reasonable that Bankotsu will lose. Although Sesshomaru sure showed no mercy the moment he got the info he wanted. Honestly, Naraku… given Bankotsu's personality, the man isn't a good choice to pick to stall for time. But then again, he's the only one in the Band of Seven that can be considered a possible match against Sesshomaru and Inuyasha.

Inuyasha's words reminded you of Sesshomaru, huh? Well, it wasn't intentional. But I guess you can say that Inuyasha is picking up on some of Sesshomaru's speech patterns and habits after having spent centuries living under the same roof.

Shishinki can control So'unga somewhat because he's a powerful daiyoukai. Also, there's another reason that will be delved into later on. But no matter the reason, Sesshomaru is very aggravated that his sword is being used… and unfortunately, that is indeed what Naraku wants, as you've stated.

bubu-chibi-chan: I'm very happy that you've found this story and binge-read it. I also wish to post more frequently though my schedule is quite tight right now, as mentioned above. Since this is not a translation and is instead a story I created, it will take some more time for its development. After all, the plot and the characters are elements that require effort and time to structuralize effectively. I do hope that you will understand and thank you for your support.

yami2903: Bakusaiga's story is coming up soon; it will have an important role to play in the next arc, which will begin after this battle. Therefore, I won't say anything about it for now.

As for the woman… which one are you talking about?

Proxy57: Thanks for the review. It's fantastic to see another supporter of this story. I would like to clarify that there won't be much jealousy going on regarding romance considering that this story will not have any love triangle. It's going to be Sesshomaru/Kikyo and Inuyasha/Kotori all the way.

And here's the next chapter after that cliffhanger. Enjoy!

Indie407: Sadly, there aren't many SessKik supports out there so I'm very glad to meet you, just as you are happy to have found this story. Thank you for the support and I promise I'll try hard to not let you down. There's going to be a huge development between Sesshomaru and Kikyo coming up in the next arc, right after this battle. So you can probably look forward to that.

Rougish: It flatters me to know that you're enjoying this story. I'm just happy to have found another SessKik supporter or at least someone who is willing to give the pairing a go. Thanks for your support!

Tsuyu no Inochi: Hey, there! Thank you for leaving a supportive review. Having an experienced writer and another fellow lover of SessKik comment on this story is a blessed treat. I do hope that this story will continue to capture your interest. Also, I'm looking forward to seeing more of Forbidden II. The first chapter has been a very enjoyable read. ;)

Abhieghail: It's nice to meet you and thank you for supporting this story. Here's the newest update that you're looking for. Enjoy!

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(I currently do not have the helpful aid of a beta reader. Everything is proofread and edited by me alone. So please bear with me if I make any mistakes or errors).

Chapter 17-Three Swords of the Honorable Ruler I

Recap: Last time, the South launches an army of undead against the West. In an endeavor to protect the borderline and to reclaim So'unga, Sesshomaru, Kikyo, Inuyasha, and Kotori encounter Hakudoshi and Shishinki. Confrontation stirs and the group is split into two under the overwhelming power of So'unga…

The daiyoukai known as Shishinki frowned as he assessed the aftermath of So'unga's attack. The terrain was completely flattened, lacking the rocky edges that nature forged with time. Pillars of smoke trailed into the air from the charred grounds, seemingly distorted by the fearsome youki residing within the surroundings.

In theory, Shishinki should be pleased that the one attack not only effectively eradicated the nuisances that he was uninterested in but also managed to obtain Sesshomaru's wholehearted attention. The Lord of the West was no longer giving him a bored evaluation. There was a clear vigilance and the intent to fight within the shimmering golden orbs, which were fixed solely on Shishinki.

So he supposed he ought to feel pleased that the one he despised was forced to reconsider his threat level. Yet, he could obtain any satisfaction. He knew that the primary cause was not because of his own power. Sesshomaru's fixation was still on So'unga and the earlier display only ascertained the sword's importance in the lord's eyes. Not once did Sesshomaru consider Shishinki as the daiyoukai he was.

'These dogs are all the same.' It infuriated him to note the similarities in attitude between Sesshomaru and the one who bested him centuries ago.

But more importantly, the blade currently in his possession was trying to invade his mind. He could feel its invisible tendrils latching onto his brain, digging deeper in order to pry open his secrets. Shishinki believed that he was as strong mentally as he was physically. If the Lord of the West was capable of shunning the blade's temptations, then so could he.

The sound of Hakudoshi, his temporary partner, chuckling pulled his thoughts away from the things that fueled his vengeance. Shishinki panned his vision towards the child and was just in time to see the smirk on his pale features morph into something sinister.

"Hehehe, as expected of the one they called The Ogre of Death. That was an impressive control for the first time. Naraku is correct in his assessment. Shishinki, you are the embodiment of refinement and by right should've remained undefeatable with the technique you alone possess."

It sounded like a compliment, though the words left a strange bitterness in Shishinki's ears. As sincere as the praise seemed, there was a touch of provocation latched onto it. It was as if Hakudoshi desired more rage for him so that he would use Sesshomaru to vent it all. Were the black-clothed daiyoukai pettier, then he might've been personally offended.

Shishinki snorted in an ambiguous manner, and only he would've understood the significance of the sound. "Yes, I alone possessed the Meido Zangetsuha. That is… until that dog stole it from me."

His words had the effect of drawing away Sesshomaru's focus and for the first time since their encounter, Shishinki found a pair of frosty eyes pinned on him. Such gaze no longer held disinterested appraisal but was rather supplying great attention. The Ogre of Death ought to think that his provocation held enough implications for the Inu daiyoukai to connect some dots.

A smirk crept up on Shishinki's face even if it quickly absolved into a small frown.

It came without warning. In one second Sesshomaru had the human miko in his arm. In the next, she was tossed aside in favor of a flick of the wrist. A youki-generated whip lashed out, drawing a quick line across the sky as it hurled itself towards Shishinki.

A lesser youkai would've been annihilated, though the daiyoukai known as The Ogre of Death managed to evade the attack by shifting his body slightly to the left. His movement was deliberate, intending to be derisive as he utilized what was apparently his minimum effort.

"Your tactic amuses me. You fight without your given sword to obtain the one you want. You underestimate me. A deadly mistake!" Ending on a theatric note, Shishinki swung his stuff in a horizontal arc.

A pillar of purple energy shot forth with a rushing surge of demonic aura. Sensing the potential threat, Sesshomaru allowed his instincts to guide him. In one rapid motion, he seized Kikyo by the collar and took a bounding leap. In the second his feet found ground again, he swiveled his head around.

The pillar transformed into a full sphere the instant it collided with the ground that Sesshomaru had been standing on prior. At its emergence, parts of the earth were engulfed and the wind rushed in as though it was being sucked into its interior. From within the sphere was an abyss, painted with specks of fragments that resembled stars.

Gradually, the sphere shrank around its circumference until it completely disappeared, taking with it some parts of the ground.

"A Meido…" Kikyo spoke in a whisper, with disbelief creeping into her voice. The position she was currently in was by no means associated with the word 'dignified'. She was like a ragged dog being held by the scruff. At any other time, she would've felt her pride resist the act of humiliation. Nonetheless, her concentration was transfixed on the skill demonstrated.

"A technique that cuts through to the underworld," uttered Sesshomaru. Although he appeared unfazed, he was inwardly just as surprised as Kikyo was. It was the first time he had witnessed such a technique, along with the effects it had.

The ability to send its targets to the Netherworld was one of its kind. Even the Inu no Taisho had expressed interest, seemingly urged by a desperate need to possess it. Such knowledge drew a certain conclusion within Sesshomaru. His father must've attempted to learn the technique, only to be accused of being a thief. If so, then its original owner was probably siding with Naraku to exact his inconsequential vengeance.

His suspicion was confirmed when Shishinki said, "The Meido Zangetsuha. I'll have you know that it was originally my technique. That's right. It was mine. Until your father stole it from me, along with my face."

"Hmph," Sesshomaru snorted, letting the scorn drip as he assessed the mask that covered half of Shishinki's face. Based on that claim, his father had been successful in his endeavor, as one would expect from the great Inu no Taisho. While it was undeniable that his father was born lenient, he was still a prestigious daiyoukai whose instinct was to ascertain the fulfillment of his desires, regardless of the obstacles. It was in his nature to do so, just as Sesshomaru was spurred by the same blood that ran thick in his veins. "From what I've heard thus far, you stand against me not to aid Naraku, but to whine about your technique being stolen and your face being destroyed."

"Only one practitioner is needed for one technique, especially considering Tenseiga is a blade that cannot cut." Shishinki couldn't perceive any noticeable changes in Sesshomaru's stoic frontage but there was no denying that the Inu daiyoukai was affected by his words. The Lord of the West dropped the woman in his hand unceremoniously before flexing his claw.

Amused, Shishinki permitted So'unga to slip from his grasp. Aside from the potential threat the sword was, his pride prohibited him from using something other than his own technique in this one-on-one. Gravity seized the blade immediately and rammed the steel into the dirt.

"Come!" Shishinki challenged, hoisting his staff into the air with one hand.

In response, the Lord of the West pressed his feet onto the ground. He gathered enough impetus and pushed forward with a surge of youki. His eyes were fixed on So'unga as he flew towards it.

Shishinki predicted his action and launched several Meido Zangetsuha. A menace smirk danced across his features as he watched Sesshomaru dodge. Although the agility displayed was as graceful as it was impressive, The Ogre of Death knew it was only time before the Meido would engulf the son of the thief who had stolen what was rightfully his alone.

'How did I get myself into this mess?' Kotori gritted her teeth. The demoness resisted the urge to curse. Recklessness, something that surely Inuyasha contaminated her with, prompted her to dive down the edge of the cliff in a frantic endeavor to rescue the hanyou who was sent sprawling into the air.

Although she succeeded in saving him, she could not relax. No. Not yet. Not when she was stuck in her current situation.

'Would it not be amazing if weight can be lost immediately?' She grunted, feeling the muscles in her arms scream in protest.

It wasn't as though Inuyasha was particularly heavy, though physical strength was never something she exceeded. Inuyasha was definitely a much better candidate for the task enforced upon her. However, much to her exasperation, he wasn't in the position to do anything as the pair dangled on the side of the mountain.

The only thing that prevented them from becoming a bloody paste at the far bottom was her katana. With one hand clasped around the hanyou's, Kotori's other hand was forced to cope with both their weights while gripping onto the weapon she had managed to wedge in between a gap in the rocks. Once she escaped her predicament, she decided she would give some serious reconsideration in putting on some muscles.

Inuyasha groaned with a roll of his tongue, coming out of his daze. By some miraculous force, he managed to grip Tessaiga. Upon realizing his predicament, the hanyou widened his eyes and looked upward to see the straining Kotori. "What the hell were you thinking, you stupid woman!? You could've gotten yourself killed!"

"I can say the same thing to you, Inuyasha-sama. Now, stop reprimanding my choice and make yourself useful. Help me find a way out of this mess," Kotori grunted, not in the mood for an argument. "Argh! You're heavy! Do something!"

At any other time, he would've supplied a rejoinder. Swallowing his temper in favor of his safety, Inuyasha willed Tessaiga to undo its transformation. Heeding his command, the blade returned to its dull nature and he immediately felt the weight shift.

"Better?" he asked, wrapping his hand around hers in an endeavor to loosen some of her stress. Although it seemed insufficient, the fact that he was now grabbing onto her instead of the other way around meant that Kotori could redirect her entire concentration on the hand that was on her katana.

"Yeah," Kotori breathed out as she inclined her head up. The vertical surface stretched far above her, like an insurmountable obstacle. She hadn't realized that the energy from So'unga had hurled them so far down. Getting back up would be extremely difficult, and that was not considering Inuyasha's weight. Once again, she inwardly cursed her inability to fly.

However, she recovered from her self-berating fast. She couldn't afford to waste time otherwise. Her hand was slipping, its grip on the katana loosening by the minute. Willing herself to remain calm, her eyes darted around in search of a possible solution. A touch of excitement kindled from within when she rested her sight on a protruding rock some distance above. The way it jutted out from the side of the cliff could be exploited, seeing as how it could be used as a footing.

"I-Inuyasha-sama. I have an idea. See that ledge halfway up?" Kotori gestured towards the object of interest with her chin. Given Inuyasha's angle, she doubted he would be able to see it so she quickly elaborated, "Trust me on this, alright? The ledge isn't too far. There is a great chance I could get you up there if I use all my strength for the throw. Once you find your footing, you should be able to make it back up with a big leap."

"Then what about you?" asked Inuyasha, his ears twitching as his voice echoed.

"This altitude is nothing for a member of the Tori clan. We thrive best in mountain regions like this." It might've been an exaggeration, though the underlying truth still held its ground.

"Are—"

"Get ready!" Without permitting another rejoinder, Kotori took immediate action and swung. Their body swayed like a pendulum, quickly gathering momentum before she decided it was adequate and flung him upward. "Go, Inuyasha-sama!"

"Keh! Fine! Have it your way, you stubborn woman! Just make sure you get back up too. I'll be waiting!" Inuyasha didn't disappoint. As soon as the tip of his foot found the ledge, he bent his knee and propelled himself up into the air with a great burst of youki.

Sesshomaru was untouchable as he skimmed across the battlefield in a series of graceful maneuvers. Holes after holes trailed his path, yet none could ever hope to catch up to the fleeting steps he took. As effortless as he made such an endeavor appear, with his majestic elegance and unruffled appearance, it was a feat that no one else would dare to perform for a long time. A single misstep and it would be all over. Ending his opponent immediately had become a priority. However, Sesshomaru couldn't get close, nor could he retrieve So'unga without the risk of losing it to the Meido.

Against the Meido Zangetsuha, it didn't matter how powerful one was. Nevertheless, Sesshomaru wasn't just any youkai. He would not lose, simply because he had no desire for an outcome that wasn't a victory.

As it turned out, neither did Inuyasha. The silver-haired hanyou was quick to join the battle, hoisting his blade above his head. The wind howled in response to the summoning as faint yellow energy swirled around the steel-like miniature tornadoes.

"I'm surprised to see you here. You're lucky to be alive." Sesshomaru spared a glance in his direction and spoke in a voice that was devoid of any emotion as per usual.

"I ain't dying that easily!" Inuyasha shouted, prompting a dazzling glow from Tessaiga to illuminate his form.

At the exact moment as Tessaiga's radiance, Sesshomaru felt a vibration coming from his waist. On a whim, he pulled out Tenseiga and what greeted him carved surprise onto his features. His eyebrow arched upward in a conspicuous manner. Instead of seeing his reflection on the polished surface, Tenseiga was repainted with shades of black and purple. Tiny specks that seemed like stars adorned it, offering him glimpses of a miniature Meido.

Sesshomaru's distraction served as an opening for Shishinki, who enlarged the small sphere he had hovering above his staff. With a dramatic swing, the gateway to the Netherworld was opened and hurled at the daiyoukai.

Sesshomaru remained inattentive, his focus drawn by Tenseiga. However, Kikyo and Inuyasha were prepared.

Pure intent drove the miko's next action, compelling her to temporarily abandon analyzing the situation. With a swift motion honed by many years of practice, she whipped an arrow from her quiver and loaded it. The projectile left the string with a hiss, carrying spiritual powers that split the air.

'Sesshomaru's death here would bring disaster. The undead unleashed by So'unga would wreak havoc with none to stop them… especially since fate has premeditated that Inuyasha and Kotori shall fall to the same technique. I must not allow this to come to pass… even if the future will veer into an unknown course by this arrow!'

The Hama no Ya traveled fast, speeding its way to intercept the Meido.

"Kaze no Kizu!" Whether the act was coincidental or intentional was debatable, though Inuyasha synchronized with her by smashing his blade into the ground, causing it to erupt with an overpowering wave of youki.

The two opposing storms of energy flew in the same direction and met halfway. They spiraled in between each other, weaving in and out until they merged into a brilliant whirlwind with a violet glow. With a strengthened thrust, the combined attack collided with the Meido Zangetsuha from the side before it could reach Sesshomaru. It shoved the sphere into the next mountain, generating a thunderous clamor as the rocks exploded on impact. However, that wasn't enough to halt its advances. Not lacking in velocity, the attack continued to barrel its way across, shattering rocky peak after peak and droning out all other sounds that weren't its almighty cry.

"The hell was that?!" Inuyasha found his eyes glued to the destruction he had left behind. Such a devastating outcome went beyond his expectations. Even supposing that his attack had been amplified, he never imagined that it would possess the power to completely alter the region's landscape.

So transfixed with what was before his eyes, it took a while for him to notice the oddity with his Tessaiga. The blade pulsed with erratic vibrations that were never felt before, forcefully pulling his attention to it.

Even with all the commotion, Sesshomaru didn't budge. He kept his sight locked on Tenseiga and merely tightened its hold when he sensed Inuyasha's torrents of youki fusing with the miko's spiritual powers.

"This power… You, miko…?" Shishinki couldn't resist raising an eyebrow as his technique was smothered. His vision narrowed on Inuyasha before heading over to Kikyo, who stood at the side, at a distance untouched by his Meido. The mountain winds drilled into her fragile-looking body, though they failed to dispel the intense aura that outlined her form.

Kikyo's face was phlegmatic as she reloaded her bow, stretching it as far as the shackles on her wrists would allow. A small drop of sweat rolled down from her forehead. It was the only sign that hinted at the truth behind her feigned composure. As effortless as she made her action seem, there was no denying that the rosary was a nuisance. At this rate, she could fire one more arrow with the equivalent power before the pain would become unbearable.

Since the opponent's attention was on her, she decided to attack. But before she could infuse her projectile with her aura, Sesshomaru shot into the sky, suspending his body in the middle of Shishinki's vision. Looking over his shoulder, he shot her a glare.

The message he wanted to convey was apparent and Kikyo lowered her bow. She would not intervene as per his demand, at least for now. Besides, even if she wanted to assist, she doubted that the prideful daiyoukai would permit it. If the gleam in his eyes wasn't convincing enough, then the threat that came in the form of the glowing rosary on her neck was more than sufficient to halt her. Her mind spun with many theories. She hoped it wasn't their bet but merely his pride that prompted such a reaction.

Inwardly contented with her meek behavior, Sesshomaru refocused on his foe. "She will interfere no more. Leave her. Or is it not me you have business with?"

"Hmph, you have gained powerful allies, Sesshomaru." A delighted smirk curved Shishinki's lips as he studied the daiyoukai bemusedly before looking at Inuyasha. "You, half-demon. The sword in your hand… It was able to merge and absorb the miko's spiritual energy. So it is Tessaiga. I heard that he had fathered two sons and I now know the rumors to be true. You must be the youngest that many are unaware of."

"What youngest?" A puzzled frown settled on Inuyasha's features. There was some significance behind the phrase that he couldn't quite interpret. Whatever it was, there was an instinctive need to find out.

Judging by how indifferent Sesshomaru was, the information was something he knew beforehand. That irritated Inuyasha. The matter was noticeably important and of great relevance to him. Why wasn't he entitled to the details when Sesshomaru was? With a growl, he jabbed his sword in Shishinki's direction. "Answer me now!"

As if to spite him, Shishinki ignored the hanyou and instead regarded Sesshomaru with a scoff. "Sesshomaru, do you not find it strange? As a prestigious daiyoukai, ruler of the Western Province, shouldn't you possess Tessaiga's favor? Why hasn't the sword of destruction acknowledged you as the True Ruler? Have you never truly pondered the treachery and deception that lies behind its refusal?"

"Shishinki. You intervene because you want to fight me, did you not? Then what are you waiting for?" From the moment that his Tenseiga had pulsed, there was inner guidance that told Sesshomaru the manner in which his next stroke should be delivered. Out of mild curiosity, he heeded his sword's advice and flourished the oddly colored blade. "There is no need for all this idle chatter! Meido Zangetsuha!"

His swipe sliced through the space before his opponent, tearing open the gateway to the netherworld in the form of a disfigured circle.

"What is this!?" Shock rendered Shishinki motionless as the sphere tried to drag him in. However, he recovered just in time to counteract using his own Meido. The two spheres pulled each other in with a swirl of vortexes. They were both nullified, shrinking into nothingness.

"Hmph, so you managed to use it the first time. Just like your father. However, your Meido is needlessly large and malformed. You will never be able to create a complete Meido like I can. Not with Tenseiga at least," taunted Shishinki, noting with pleasure at how Sesshomaru's lips were pressed into a fine line. The reaction he elicited stimulated a sense of amusement to course through. It was about time for the daiyoukai's impassiveness to weather away as more pieces of information were delivered to him. In order to obtain the satisfaction he longed, Shishinki decided to push it one more step. "The blade your old man used to steal the Meido Zangetsuha from me, its rightful owner, was none other than Tessaiga. He was unable to control the Meido Zangetsuha so he transferred the basis of the technique to Tenseiga."

"To Tenseiga?" Sesshomaru uttered, his eyebrows narrowed dangerously.

"Yes, that is correct. And on top of that, it is the younger brother who receives Tessaiga, and thus the completed form of my technique."

"W-wait? Wait. Wait. Wait! Wait! The younger brother? Are you telling me that Sesshomaru and I are brothers?" Suppressing the need to pull at his ears, Inuyasha jabbed an accusing finger at the daiyoukai. Although he had always believed that Sesshomaru's scent held a touch of nostalgia — not to mention how their appearance shared some resemblances — he refused to believe that the coldhearted daiyoukai was a member of the family that he thought he had lost.

The response he received was not what was predicted, though it didn't fail to broaden the smirk on Shishinki's face into a grin. "Half-demon, do you not know?"

"Know about what?"

"Half-demon, you're clueless, eh? Fine then, I'll enlighten you. How did you come in possession of the Tessaiga?"

"I picked it up. It fell from the sky and landed right in front of me. So, what of it?" As shocked as he was, the truth slipped out of his tongue before he could halt it.

"Oh? You think it was simply a coincidence that the legendary blade landed directly in your hands, while many, including Sesshomaru, searched for it? Does it not seem too convenient? It was your old man who delivered the sword to your hands and gave you the opportunity to be its wielder," Shishinki paused and gave a burst of curt laughter, his hand wandering to his mask as he grabbed hold of its borders. "A shame, poor Sesshomaru… it seems your father ignored you in favor of your younger brother. And poor hanyou, it seems your older brother refuses to acknowledge your existence or your royal lineage."

"Sesshomaru…" Inuyasha called out, his voice shaking. Tessaiga fell to the ground with a clatter, with its owner no longer finding the strength or the necessity to hold onto it. In his eyes, only the truth mattered. "Is what he said the truth? Do we really share an old man?"

There was no indication that Sesshomaru had listened to his questions, let alone enlighten him. He was about to demand again, though a small movement from his shoulder redirected his focus.

Myoga.

Inuyasha was just about to open his mouth and comment on what kind of miracle had brought him into the middle of the battlefield when the flea whispered, "Yes! Yes, Inuyasha-sama! You're the second son of the great Inu no Taisho, the renowned and former Lord of the West. You have as much a right to inherit the Western Province as Sesshomaru-sama has the privilege to rule it!"

"You, who conspire for Inuyasha to usurp my position, know your limits. How dare you insinuate that this half-breed sits on the throne! Know your place, you cowardly servant." The flea's voice was kept as quiet as possible, though it didn't escape Sesshomaru's acute ears. The words had elicited a response from the daiyoukai, whose golden eyes glowered as he spoke in a tone that deterred all challengers.

"Ah! I'm so sorry, Sesshomaru-sama!" Myoga yelped and scurried away, to which the Inu daiyoukai responded with a derisive snort before charging at Shishinki.

"Meido Zangetsuha!" Immediately pursuing those words were two black spheres of swirling darkness. They collided with a surge of forbiddance that distorted space, each trying to consume the other.

Preview – Next time, the intense battle continues as reasons are discovered and pride is held at stake. At the end of the fight, who will emerge victorious?