Rivalry

The Blade and the Gun
Lunging forward, blade directed with the tip aimed to stab right through Kusagi. "Technique #16: Nuibari" Hyōsube called as he came within striking distance.

"Tate no Hakke" Kusagi calmly said. An x-shaped barrier sparked in front of Kusagi, catching Hyōsube's sword mid-attack. "You forget Hyōsube-san, I am well-versed in Anti-Shinigami Warfare." he said before disappearing. Appearing once more in the air, Kusagi aimed down Kumabachi and fired towards Hyōsube.

Hyōsube reacted on key, quickly pulling Mudabana from it's snag. "Hadō #32:" Hyōsube called, sending his Kidō barreling into Kusagi's shot.

"Kidō, Hyōsube? That's unlike you." Kusagi said, landing on the ground away from Hyōsube. He quickly pulled Kumabachi up and fired two more shots, sending them spiraling towards Hyōsube.

"Hmph." Hyōsube huffed as he skid across the ground. Ready to fire another Kidō blast, Hyōsube quickly noticed Kusagi had leaped above and fired another shot. "He's quick" Hyōsube thought, quickly thrusting a palm forward. A rectangular shaped barrier quickly erected around him, crimson in color.

The blasts quickly struck against the barrier, creating a cloud of smoke around Hyōsube. Charging through the plume, Hyōsube quickly swung his blade, sending an arc of spiritual energy forward towards Kusagi. "Technique #22: Nami" he called as the attack collided with Kusagi.

Searing his cloak, Kusagi tossed it aside, blocking Hyōsube's view of him. Firing three shots, they promptly ripped through the cloak and directly towards Hyōsube.

Colliding with Hyōsube, his natural durability left him unscathed, save the burns to his haori. "Tch. If there is one thing I learned from Captain-Commander Yamamoto, it's that a haori is more than just a piece of cloth. I can't let this go unpunished." Hyōsube said, tossing his haori to the side.

Kusagi smirked as spiritual energy sparked around him. "Well that was my favorite cloak, so we're even." he said with a chuckle. "You know, I think it's time I take this up a notch." Kusagi said, holstering Kumabachi at his side.

Hyōsube quickly spun his sword and grabbed the handle with both hands, he was ready for whatever Kusagi had for him.

"You haven't seen this weapon yet Hyōsube... actually, I made it specifically for you." Kusagi said, tossing a Gintō tube in the air. From the light, Kusagi gripped what appeared to be a shotgun. "This here... is Jorōgumo." he said, giving a pump to the barrel.

Hyōsube smirked at the sight. "A new weapon? You're going pretty hard on me now." Hyōsube said, loosening his grip on Mudabana. "Kidō #4: !" Hyōsube called, firing a large blast of white spiritual energy from the tip of his blade.

With a flick of his wrist, Kusagi quickly squeezed down on the trigger sending a powerful blast of spiritual energy forward.

The two forces collided, causing the entire arena to shake.

In the stands, the on-lookers broke out in conversation.

"You, in the red armor... tell me how you are able to standby and watch your freinds fight to the death." Atsui Kamaitachi said.

Harusame was quiet at first before letting out a sigh. "Kusagi-sama and Hyōsube-sama aren't new to the concept of fighting. Since I knew them, they were aware that their destiny was to fight again... and one would die in that fight. Kusagi hired me for the purpose of discovering new ways to take on a ... it turned out that my assistance would become more of an alliance." Harusame said, speaking more then normal.

"What does your relationship with him have to do anything?" Namazu said, arms folded and listening in on the conversation.

"I meant it as a reminder to myself... that I don't think I can bare to witness Kusagi's life being lost in this battle. I just hope he will win..." Harusame said.

Namazu remained quiet. "You're a very loyal lapdog." she muttered.

Gogorō chuckled. "You're quiet the sassy one, aye Barbie?" he bellowed.

Harusame, looking at the argument erupt, slowly shifted his eyes onto the battlefield where his eyes widened in disbelief. "Kusagi-sama!" he called at the top of his lung.

On the battlefield, Kusagi turned to see Hyōsube lung with his sword aimed forward. "Game." Hyōsube said, piercing through Kusagi.