Episode 23

命がげの試練！

The test of taking lives

Recca had unknowingly activated the maudough,  Oni after hitting Kukai 3 times. The demon, Kukai was now prepared to smash Recca’s head to a pulp...

Kukai strike. Dust clouded the arena. In the room, Raiha could’t believe that this was end of Recca. Kurei remained emotionless. Yanagi almost fainted but Kagero grabbed hold of her arm and sternly told her that it was not the time to faint. Yanagi believed that Recca was killed. Kagero told her that the fight ws not over. Yanagi looked up and smiled in relief.

Recca had barely moved his head, avoiding the maudough from smashing his head. Soon, Kukai beat him up again. Recca got up, refusing to surrender and was determined to fight despite the heavy injuries he had. Kukai kicked him and asked if Recca understood the meaning of life and death and what fighting was all about. In a fight, somebody would have to die while the other live. Kukai recalled the incidents of police taking him away & the betrayal of his students at the dojo where the injured Saicho and his daughter were waiting for him.  He told Recca that he was so naïve and if he wished to defeat him, he had to become a demon. Only a demon could kill a demon. Kukai encouraged him to use Saiha so that  Recca could cut his head off while he sood still. The Hokages saw it as a trick.

Kukai told Recca that he had a daughter back home and if he were to die, she would become an orphan. Recca hesitated. Kukai hit him, scolding him for being so ignorant and having compassion. Mikagami agreed with Kukai and told Recca to become a demon. If Recca let Mori Kougan take Yanagi away, he would never forgive him. Kukai provokeed Recca by telling him not only would he kill him but Yanagi as well. Fuko yelled out that she was not a fighter. However, Kukai justified his actions as a solution for Yanagi if Recca were to die. The outraged Recca summoned Saiha, Kukai looked at Saicho, who shed tears as he understood Kukai's last wish. Kagero finally understood what was Kukai trying to teach Recca. To win a battle, one had to kill. Kukai hoped that Recca would win the Urabutousatsoujin and felt fortunate to fight with him. He closed his eyes as Recca strike.

Everybody held their breath. Did Recca do it? Kukai opened his eyes, felt his neck and wanted an explanation from Recca for not killing him. Saicho explained to team Ku what was Kukai trying to do. He was atoning for the downfall of the Ku whose legend had reigned for 200 years. They joined the Urabutousatsoujin in hopes to regain their honour. But they still lost – 3 wins and a tied. Saicho begged Recca to let Kukai die an honourable death. Recca refused and made a face. He disagreed with Kukai's theory. It was not a demon that could defeat a demon but a prince! The audience laughed at him for being so childish. The Hokages gave the what-the-heck-is-he-doing look except Yanagi, who agreed with him. Recca’s reason for fighting was that he could make people happy.

Kukai felt that he had given Recca too many chances and made up his mind to kill him. He used the ultimate technique of the Oni, which attacked on the vital parts of the human body. Recca was hit and fllung out of the arena.

In Recca’s subconscious state, he wondered the possibility of him dying. Would he be able to protect Yanagi as he had promised? A voice was heard, telling him that would be a pity being unable to keep a promise. However, if he was able to get up and not give up, he was willing to help him. Recca asked for his name. He replied that he was Homura, one of the Karyu. 

Recca climbed back to the arena, astonishing everyone. Recca mentally told Homura that he had not given up. Pleased with Recca's answer, Homura joined him, burning his symbol on Recca’s arm. Kukai used the ultimate technique of Oni again. Recca summoned the 3^rd dragon of Karyu – Homura. Out came a spinning fire from Recca’s arm, which Kagero analyzed that the flame was a defensive flame, which could defeat the opponent without killing him. Recca sent Homura out who burned the maudough, Oni and sent Kukai crashing to a wall.

Kukai walked out of the dust cloud, unharmed. He still believed that Recca was still naïve and a fool. However, he admited defeat. The referee announced the winner – team Hokage. The audience cheered as Genjurou helped himself to prize of the bet.

Kukai told the members of Ku that he wondered there was a possibility if they could fight to make people happy.. If there was such a thing, he would like to know how.  Then, he looked at the Hokages who were celebrating over their first victory.

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Kukai