Episode 22

仏の貉変！ もう一つの顔！

The change of Buddha; Another face

Even though the Hokage had won the 1^st match of the Urabutousatsoujin,, Recca still insisted in challenging Kukai, the leader of team Ku...

The referee objected to the idea as the winning team had been already decided even though both teams had agreed to have the 5th round. However, the excited audience wanted Recca to fight Kukai. Seeing an opportunity, Mori Kougan appeared on the screen said that he's  willing to make some changes to make the fight more interesting. He proposeed that the next fight would decide the winner of this match. The Hokages protested, knowing very well that Mori Kougan would do anything to get Yanagi. Mikagami told Recca to withdraw the proposal. The audience jeered at Recca, naming him a cocky coward. Recca was provoked by their insults and accepted Mori Kougan’s proposal. Mikagami was displeased with Recca's reckless decision and reminded him of the consequences if they were to lose – their maudoughs would be taken away and Yanagi would fall into Mori Kougan's hands. Recca only replied that he would bear the responsibility. Back at the castle, Mori Kougan’s guests thanked him for entertainment that they were enjoying so far. He said nothing as his eyes were set on Yanagi.

Daikoku asked Kukai if he was really serious about accepting the challenge. Kukai replied that since they were given a chance, it would be best to take it. Daikoku asked Minimano if he knew anything about the weapon that Kukai had – a necklace of big beads. He believed that Recca was facing a suicide match. Mikagami had the same thought as well.

When the round began, Recca used his smoke bombs which covered Kukai with smoke. He charged through, hoping that the smoke screen would hide him but Kukai hit him without such trouble. Kukai told him that he had only 3 hits. Recca could do anything as he like but after 3 hits, he would die. Daikuko (in hopes to end the match) yelled at Recca that Kukai was telling the truth. Recca ignored and summoned fireballs from Nadare. However, Kukai defended himself like a professional but one fireball managed to hit him. Recca had 2 hits left. 

Daikuko begged Kukai to stop but Kukai replied that if he had to take a life, so be it. The audience cried out for blood. Mikagami noticed Daikuko’s frightened face and wondered what did he meant by 3 hits. Kagero had her suspicion as well. Recca used Saiha but his movements were too slow for Kukai who jumped up and almost flatten Recca to the ground. Yet, Recca magaed to hit him. But Kukai laughed at Recca's efforts. Fuko (upset) screamed at Recca if he lose, he would be wasting their effects and she would never forgive him. Mikagami was still pondering over the meaning of 3 hits. Kukai told Recca that he had 1 hit left, therefore, he would do nothing but stand still. If Recca could defeat him with his final blow, he wins. If not, he die. Recca replied that he would take his chances as he would put everything that he has into the final blow. He gave an extremely heavy punch on Kukai’s face. Kukai crashed onto the concrete ground. He laid still for barely a minute before he got up.

Kukai's bead necklace glowed as his body transformed. Kagero recognized the Hokage maudough as Oni (Demon). After 3 hits, the maudough would be activated and the user changes into a killing machine. Soon, Kukai was treating Recca like a rag doll, tossing him to the other end of the arena. The Hokages watched, their eyes widen, unable to say a single word. In the room, Kurei commented that Kukai had revealed his true self – he had now become a demon. Daikoku said  that he couldn’t believe that he was witnessing something that he thought that he would never see again. Some time ago, a gangster group wanted to use the Ku for their own purposes by kidnapping Kukai’s daughter. Kukai begged them to let her go but ended up being beaten up by the leader. After 3 hits, the Oni was activated and Kukai became a murderous monster, killing the entire gangsters group. He said once the Oni was activated, somebody had to die

Genjurou explained that the maudough enhanced his physical body, partially the muscles. Neon made a bet with him as she believed that Recca would lose. Genjurou accepted it on the condition that he get to touch her chest if she lose. Neon cursed him. Meanwhile, Yanagi was unable to bear the sight and wanted it to end. Mikagami reminded her if he loses, she would fall into Mori Kougan;s hands. Yanagi turned to the Kagero, asking her what she could do. Kagero answered her that she had to have faith in Recca.

Saicho awaked and was surprised to see Kukai fighting Recca. Daikoku filled him in. Saicho sees the Oni maudough and questioned Kukai's reason for using it. Minimano told him that people were born to kill, even a kind gentleman like Kukai was capable of murder. After all, people were meant to die in fights like the Urabutousatsoujin.

Recca was lying on the ground unconscious. Kukai swung his bead necklace, leaped up and ready to smash Recca’s skull with it.

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Mori Kougan