At the ring of the second round, Hachiman leaped forward for a single decisive attack. The duel. A sacred act of combat. A true showcase of skill. And yet Hachiman finds himself in a position he rarely does. Unguarded as his swing outwards has exposed his left, while his opponent, China's Golden Mind, Sun Tzu, is striking straight for him! However, in a moment, the great god Hachiman calms himself. In the next, he ducks, Sun Tzu's Jian swinging dangerously close over his head. With the remaining speed from his initial swing, Hachiman spins, swapping to a backward grip, stabbing under his arm to stab his opponent. However, the lack of resistance, shows him that his opponent is not here. Hachiman takes a quick step forward, away from his opponent, and spins on his stepping foot, to once more face Sun Tzu, expecting stiff assaults from the ever-eager human race! However, he finds Sun Tzu having taken not one, not two, but three steps away. "You back away after such a brazen attack, child? Do you not wish to prove your superior skill to me?"

Sun Tzu lowers his guard letting out a sigh and scratching the back of his head. "Weeeeell. Not really. And even if I did…" He steps back, holding his blade next to his head pointed at Hachiman, getting into a rather low stance, with an arm out in front. "I wouldn't get to show anything off if you killed me," He finishes, Hachiman boldly stepping forward now back in his steady stance. Sun Tzu does not flinch at any step until suddenly Hachiman takes a short perfectly horizontal jump forward taking a powerful swing at the Chinese general. Sun Tzu quickly stabs his sword up to redirect, but Hachiman instantly raises his sword again, taking another swing this time diagonally, forcing Sun Tzu to take a knee from the sheer power as their blades collide. 'H-he's so strong! As expected of a god!' Hachiman does not let up, however, moving his front foot back and swiftly stabbing for Sun Tzu's heart. As he initiates his attack, Sun Tzu leaps back into a roll, sheathing his sword mid-roll, and unwrapping his bow from his back, getting into archery position on one knee again, firing a couple of quick shots at Hachiman. The god dodges the first and deflects the second with his blade, swinging it upwards, with a battlecry.

Hachiman smirks. 'Such skill. To fire arrows so perfectly from a roll without needing to correct his position… That landing was nearly flawless.'. "I must commend you, boy. You are not a complete disappointme-" He pauses as he notices that Sun Tzu is missing. Hachiman looks down at the waist-high flowers. "You… you HIDE!? Do you mean to insult me, child!?" He starts wandering around flowers, with gritted teeth, listening for any signs of disruption in the dirt or flowers.

Up in the stands meanwhile, Ra watches with great interest before something catches his attention. The sounds of jingling bells and shaking of paper fans. Down the great hall comes two rather short Kappa, running along with a large roll of silk, rolling it out as they run, forming a carpet. This is followed by two much larger oni running and constructing large red torii gates along the path. Followed by a god. A rather strong-looking man with white hair and bottles of sake at his waist, and a plow on his back, carrying a large bag of rice tossing it onto the carpet rather gently. This god is Inari of the Japanese Pantheon. "Make way! Make way! The greats are coming! Behold their splendor for it is a true sight to behold!" He declares as he steps aside swiftly before footsteps echo through the hall. Every god in earshot turns their head as the jingling bells are a noise very much familiar to them. Out of the hallway stride two gods. A male and a female. The male appears rather old, yet he carries himself incredibly well. A handsome face with a short but well-kept beard, wearing a large noble robe, showing quite a strong chest. He is barefoot but the soles of his feet are immaculate, as is his long flowing green hair, which almost seems to flow like it's underwater. By his side runs another small oni carrying what is presumably his weapon, a large halberd nearly twice his size. The bells and fans, which are causing the noises, are coming from the woman, a beautiful voluptuous figure who nonetheless also appears to be quite old, yet carries herself even better than the man. Her bust is only barely contained by her kimono of the purest silk in all of Heaven decorated with pink flower designs. Her lighter green hair is beautifully set in the classic style of a beautiful maiden from ancient Japan, with three large buns and metal rods stabbing it in place. Her dress is adorned with several golden bells, hanging from a thin red rope loosely hanging around her kimono. She holds a fan in one hand, and a smoking pipe in the other.

The two do not appear very entertained or even fazed by what is happening. Both step up to Ra's throne and begin to sit, even though there is no seat. In a mere instant as if by divine intervention an incredible amount of oni and kappa shoot forth seemingly from nowhere and construct a rather extravagant seating for them both in mere moments, the two getting raised to Ra's level upon his pyramid. "Hello. Ra," The woman says as the entire area around them practically freezes at the mere fact that these three are so close to each other.

Ra barely seems to pay attention. "Mother-in-law. Father-in-law," He greets casually.

The man slams his fist into his armrest. "DO NOT INVOKE SUCH A STATEMENT YOU! I will KILL you!" He says grabbing his massive halberd from the oni next to him before the woman puts a hand on his arm.

"Now now, Izanagi darling. Let us not cause a commotion. I do not wish you to get hurt. Sit down. And let us watch our little son have his fight with the human. It is what we're here for after all."

"Yes Izanami dearest," the man says glaring over at Ra who simply smirks back. "You ought to show some respect for your elders, boy. I have lived hundreds of your lifetimes!"

Osiris, who is already steadily by Ra's side, feels the intensity coming off of this situation. These two are Izanagi and Izanami after all! The head gods of the Japanese pantheon! Not only that, but they are the oldest gods of all! The very creators of Earth itself! He gently leans closer to the two Japanese gods. "My name is Osiris, my lords. Is there anything I can do for you?" He asks, Ra giving him a curious glance.

Izanami takes a puff of her pipe before blowing the smoke into Osiris' face, the god not reacting in the slightest, out of courtesy. "Yes, there is in fact. First, you may explain to me why exactly our dearest boy Hachiman is standing in the field all by his lonesome? Has his opponent run with his tail between his legs? Oh goodness, poor baby." She says putting a hand on her cheek.

"Of cou-" "And afterward you may get us something to drink. I wish to see what 'your' pantheon has come up with, Ra." Osiris gets interrupted by Izanagi but once again does not react offended.

Ra leans his head against his fist. "I would like you to settle down, old man," He says and Izanagi reluctantly grits his teeth and sits back on his throne. "Osiris. You may honor their requests."

Osiris nods, with a smile, though inside he's feeling quite stressed, being caught between three absolute TITANS among the gods. "Yes yes. I shall do just that. Now as for Hachiman, my lords. It appears his opponent, Sun Tzu, is currently using the terrain of the tall flowers to hide. Quite the human strategy if I must say. Do not worry. Hachiman's opponent is still there. Now then. Let me go get you two some of our finest Egyptian wine." He says leaping away, disappearing in an instant.

Izanami puts a hand on her husband's, the two merging hands. "Oh, Izanagi. I do so hope our little gem will get the fight he so wants. He never replies to my letters anymore."

Izanagi leans closer and gently nudges his head against hers. "Not to worry, Izanami. I am sure that after this you can talk with him." He says as all the gods, save for Ra, feel one feeling. 'THESE TWO ARE SCARY! BUT SUCH LOVING PARENTS!'

Down in the arena, Hachiman approaches one of the two rock formations, this one having a little clearing from the flowers, putting his back against the larger stone. Just a simple large rock with one medium-sized one next to it. "COME OUT, HUMAN! I am prepared for you!" He says raising his sword over his head. "... … …" Hachiman grits his teeth, when suddenly he hears the sound of a footstep on the rock above him. His gaze shoots upwards as Sun Tzu comes leaping above him, halfway through a flip, with his bow strung with three arrows, strung between his fingers, firing them at nearly point-blank range, giving Hachiman as little time to react as possible. However, to Hachiman, two feet of movement gives plenty of time for him to swing his blade in a large arch over his head, perfectly hitting all three arrows in a single straight line. He continues his swing to follow up in front with a one-handed upwards swing, however, finds Sun Tzu's Jian already dangerously close to his face, causing him to throw his head back as the sword clips Hachiman's helmet and mask, sending both flying off into the large boulder behind him, revealing his well-kept greying hair and that the mustache on his mask is truly his bushy pointy oni-stache. In a quick move, Hachiman stabs his sword forward with one hand. In response Sun Tzu dodges into Hachiman's open side, guiding Hachiman's blade with his own, striking at the god with an open palm to the side of the head. But alas, Hachiman's reaction speed is too great as the old god leaps away in the nick of time. "A strike with your hand? Foolish child. That would have done nothing!"

Sun Tzu smirks, as he bends down to pick up Hachiman's helmet inspecting it, before tossing it aside. "Then why'd you dodge?" He simply states, the god before him chuckling in response.

"You are still young in the ways of war. Glorious combat is not something one can master in a mere human lifetime. Allow me to demonstrate why your petty tricks are futile against the Sword of Eight Banners."

Izanami up in the stands holds her hand in front of her mouth as tears slowly begin to fill her eyes. "Oh goodness. Oh, dear."

Izanagi grabs her free hand with a worried face. "W-what is the matter, my dear?!"

"I am sorry, dear." She says wiping tears from her eyes fanning herself with her paper fan.

Osiris pours the two another drink from the wine he got them. "What appears to be the matter, lord Izanami? Shall I get you something to dry your tears from your beautiful face?" He says with a cute smile, Izanagi glaring at him, making him flinch. "I-I mean no harm, sir."

Izanami sighs with delight. "It has just been too long since I have seen our dearest Hachiman feel the need to utilize his Sword of Eight Banners. I am quite happy to see it once more. It is his pride."

Ra sighs. "The Sword of Eight Banners is Hachiman's per-" "QUIET, RA! You shall not speak on behalf of OUR son!" Izanagi yells out, sitting back on his throne.

Ra glances over with an annoyed look. "I would like you to NEVER raise your voice with me again, old man."

Izanagi once more feels a cold sweat. "Grr... naturally. But this is for us to explain. He is OUR son."

Ra rolls his eyes a little. "Then you may explain to our dear Osiris."

Osiris gulps. "I-I do not need an explanation if you do not wish to waste your breath, lord Izanagi,"

Izanagi crosses his arms, huffing proudly. "Well Hachiman, our dearest Hachiman, has spent his life perfecting his style! The Sword of Eight Banners! Until now he has merely been using The First Banner: Mountain. But, he has nothing short of EIGHT Banners to pull from! That's my boy!" He calls out pumping his fist, Osiris nodding along. 'He's very happy to explain this. I'm glad he's not mad anymore at least.'

Hachiman switches his stance to be a little wider, holding his blade down next to his sheath with his other hand merely hovering over the bottom of the handle. Third Banner: Ocean.

Sun Tzu nods as he takes a deep breath. He suddenly leaps backward, onto one of the smaller rocks, pulling out his bow again, and firing a few shots in rapid succession. 'I've analyzed his style. This should be faster than his swings!' He thinks as suddenly Hachiman swings his blade up and down in one fluid motion, deflecting both arrows in an instant. The god rushes forward with impressive speed and swiftly slices at Sun Tzu's ankles, the human reacting by lifting his front leg, the slice not going far enough to reach his back leg. He lunges a kick forward for the old god's face, however, Hachiman simply performs a second slice once more in the opposite direction.

Pandora's eyes widen. "Sun Tzu!" She calls out as suddenly the sound of metal clanking against metal rings through the arena. Sun Tzu had drawn his blade and stuck it into the rock, supporting it with the metal sole of his foot, blocking the incoming strike. Hachiman simply spins backward to strike from the opposite side, Sun Tzu using the sword in the stone as leverage to leap off the larger rock next to him, pulling his blade out with the help of Hachiman striking it from the other direction, flipping in the air as he comes down with a hard slice aimed for Hachiman's head. However much to his dismay, Hachiman comes prepared. First Banner: Mountain! He blocks the strike and pushes Sun Tzu off him, switching stance once again. Third Banner: Ocean! Before Sun Tzu has even properly landed Hachiman rushes forward striking at his sword with deadly efficiency. Sun Tzu manages to block the strikes, but with each strike, Hachiman follows it with one from a completely new direction, each strike flowing into the next. Third Banner: Ocean: Waves of War! He eventually gets overwhelmed, Hachiman's divine physique completely overpowering him as he feels his sword getting pushed closer and closer until it begins to dig into his shoulder.

"Hngh! Give me a break!" He pleads as Hachiman raises his blade, switching to a two-handed grip. First Banner: Mountain: Strength of Fuji! He strikes down on the sword digging it through Sun Tzu's armor, before spin-kicking Sun Tzu backward. Sun Tzu pants, as he gets up feeling his own sword digging into his shoulder. "Not… exactly according to plan,"

"It appears I draw first blood, child. You were certainly close. But it is impossible for you to defeat me. The Sword of Eight Banners can easily handle your mere human blade."

Pandora grabs Icarus' sleeve and pulls herself closer. "Icarus! T-this is bad! I KNEW picking another general would be a bad idea!"

"..." Icarus pauses feeling her breasts against his arm. He clears his throat. "Well… if you ask me. I don't think Sun Tzu is out just yet. The wound is not very deep thanks to his armor. I can't explain why I feel this. but he knows what he's doing. You trust your choice don't you?"

Pandora sighs in relief. "I… I do. The greatest tactical mind in all of China! Y-yeah! What am I saying!? Sun Tzu! He's awesome! I guess I'm just a little worried… he was a lot different from what I've read about. And after what happened with Ivar… and Adolf. I just…" She sighs before looking down. "I'm just worried."

Sun Tzu sighs as he grabs the handle to his sword and yanks it out, feeling the blood dripping from his wound. He taps it a few times. "Not too deep to matter. I can go… a good while before blood loss," He mutters with a smirk, before glancing up at Hachiman. "The Sword of Eight Banners. Certainly terrifying to imagine you have 8 stances up your sleeve."

"Yes. On a versatility scale, you do not compare to me! I am faster. I am stronger. I am wiser. So give it up, child!" Hachiman says with a grunt.

Sun Tzu pauses as he straightens his back, lowering his gaze. "Give it up? What the hell kind of general do you think I am!? Do YOU want this to end with me begging on my knees for my life! You must be joking! I will show you! I'll show you that I'm not just anyone! Of the two of us, I AM THE WISER!" He suddenly takes out the scroll from his back and unwraps it revealing strange Japanese symbols on it with a circle of kanji in the middle. "I'll be borrowing a little technique from your country if you don't mind!" He says pointing forward as the scroll flattens out on the ground, a single drop of blood dripping from his arm onto the middle of the parchment. He claps his hand. "Art of Summoning: Great Fallen Army of China!" He declares as the scroll lights up with red and creates a massive explosion as something shoots from the middle of it, Hachiman preparing himself with his steady First Banner: Mountain!