So far, the Hokages had 2 losses and 1 win. Meanwhile, Recca was under going a torturous training in combining 2 or more fire dragons in order to defeat Kuko...

The fight began with Koganei and Joker, who praised Koganei who was able to hold up this far since he left the Uruha. Then, he put down his weapon and told the referee that he wished to withdraw. He intended to let Kurei fight Recca provided if he turned up. Koganei yelled back that Recca had gone for training and he would come back. Joker left the arena which meant that there was a tied between Uruha Kurenai and Hokages. Kurei did not punish Joker for his actions mainly because Joker gave a very good reason - If he wins, that meant the Hokages had lost and Kurei would not be able to fight with Recca. (Somehow, I have this feeling that Joker did not want to end up dead like the rest of the Uruha Kurenai members.)

Kurei jumped down to the arena and asked Koganei if he still trust Recca who had run away. Koganei believed strongly that Recca would come back and even challenged Kurei to a fight. Mikagami jumped down to the arena with same intention. So did Domon and Fuko. The referee objected as it was against the rules of the tournament. Mori Kougan appeared on the screen and said that it was fine with him. If Kurei was able to defeat them before Recca return, they lose. Kurei replied that it was fine with him also. But he had warned Mori Kougan that if he chose to interfere, he would not forgive him. He would do this task for the last time but afterwards, he was no longer his son. Mori Kougan threatened Kurei to kill someone that he held dear should he betray him. However, Mori Kougan had already kill Kurei's beloved. Thus, Kurei had literally nothing to lose. But Kurei assured him that he would bring Yanagi to him.

Koganei asked Kurei what had happened to him. What happened to the kind and gentle Kurei that he had first met? Why did he want to keep on fighting? Kurei replied that his heart had died and he fights to become stronger. He unleashed his cold flame which was reflecting his cold heart. He asked the Hokages's ability to trust someone who had run away? The fight began with Domon, Fuko and Mikagami being defeated one by one. Kurei released his flame on Koganei. Yanagi gasped. However, Koganei was changed into a flame. From somewhere, Recca appeared with Koganei. He explained that he had switched the real Koganei with a fire illusion that Rui had created. Recca told Koganei that he would not lose because he would protect Yanagi with all his heart, soul and strength. Yanagi saw his burns and started to worry. Recca simply told her that these were the results of his training and she shouldn't worry about it.

Recca told Kurei that how long he had been waiting for this day. The fight started. Recca combined Homura, Saiha and Nadare into fire chain attached to a sickle. He threw it towards Kurei who leaped away. As soon as the sickle touched the ground and it set off fireballs at the unaware Kurei. The fire chain wrapped itself around Kurei as the sickle stabbed into his back. Kurei's clothes started to burn. Kurei broke off the chain with his flame and made illusions of himself which surrounded Recca. Recca summoned Setsuna. Joker sensed danger since the Setsuna would be able to detect Kurei due to his warm body temperature. Setsuna opened his eye and Kurei was burned.

Kurei collapsed to the ground but was up quickly after extinguishing Recca's flame. He mocked Recca's so-called training, Kurenai appeared (howling as usual) and aimed towards Recca who called out Madoka to defend himself. To everybody's horror, Kurenai broke Madoka's shield, hitting Recca. He rolled onto the ground, panting. Kurei wanted Recca to have a taste of what was it like to be unable to protect the ones that he loved.

Recca heard Koku telling him to summon all the fire dragons if he wished to obtain Resshin's powers, thus, he would be able to defeat Kurei. Resshin appeared but unexpectedly told Recca but he did not appear to help Recca but to witness the fight between the 2 flame casters. This fight would decide who was the true flame caster. Kurei mocked at Recca for depending on Resshin for help. He sent Kurenai towards Recca, who sent out his 7 dragons against the howling angel.

Screen caps

Joker	Recca with the 7 dragons of Karyu

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