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"Hey, wait! I know you, delinquent! I'll-"

Tora, of course, doesn't even let him finish that sentence before uppercutting him into next week.

(Tora teaches the lesson of the apex predator!)
(Tora's Rising Fury is active!)

Tora initiates!
Hit Rate: 81 to hit
Hit: 58, hit!
Imperial Yari Ashigaru E takes 16 damage!
Tora gains 5 Temp. HP!

Tora strikes again!
Hit Rate: 81 to hit
Hit: 9, hit!
Imperial Yari Ashigaru E takes 16 damage!
Tora gains 5 Temp. HP!

Imperial Yari Ashigaru E is defeated!

Daisuke and Todoroki do an excellent job of giving Madoka and Kaori an opening....

(Todoroki's Daunt activates!)
(Daisuke does not have the answer...)

Daisuke activates Wrath Strike!
Daisuke initiates!
Hit Rate: 92 to hit
Hit: 9, hit!
Critical: 20, crit!
Imperial Army Mage D takes 51 damage!

Imperial Army Mage D is defeated!

(Todoroki's Daunt activates!)

Todoroki activates Wrath Strike!
Todoroki initiates!
Hit Rate: 88 to hit
Hit: 60, hit!
Imperial Bow Ashigaru B takes 19 damage!

Imperial Bow Ashigaru B is defeated!

.....which Kaori gladly capitalises on by sending a man to sleep, sending the guard into a nearby bundle of sacks of rice.

(Kaori has Fluffy Guard!)
(Todoroki's Daunt activates!)
(Kaori's Bewitch is active!)

Kaori initiates!
Hit Rate: 77 to hit
Hit: 22, hit!
Imperial Scout B takes 13 damage!
Imperial Scout B is rendered asleep!

Haru takes a potshot and narrowly evades retaliation.

(Haru fires mere antagonising shots...)

Haru initiates!
Hit Rate: 83 to hit
Hit: 25 to hit
Imperial Army Mage B takes 10 damage!

Imperial Army Mage B retaliates!
Hit Rate: 74 to hit
Hit: 84, miss!

~~Enemy Phase~~

Imperial Army Mage B, Kiryu Young Blade A and Kiryu Young Blade B are poisoned!
Imperial Army Mage B takes 6 damage!
Kiryu Young Blade A takes 5 damage!
Kiryu Young Blade B takes 5 damage!

"We have them surrounded! Take the man in the dark coat!"

(Todoroki's Daunt activates!)
(Daisuke does not have the answer...)

Imperial Yari Ashigaru I initiates!
Hit Rate: 74 to hit
Hit: 90, miss!

Daisuke initiates!
Hit Rate: 75 to hit
Hit: 54, hit!
Critical: 3, crit!
Imperial Yari Ashigaru I takes 27 damage!

Imperial Yari Ashigaru I is defeated!

"....take the man in the eyepatch!"

(Todoroki's Daunt activates!)

Imperial Yari Ashigaru H initiates!
Hit Rate: 73 to hit
Hit: 71, hit!
Todoroki takes 12 damage!

Todoroki retaliates!
Hit Rate: 67 to hit
Hit: 12, hit!
Imperial Yari Ashigaru H takes 14 damage!

Todoroki strikes twice!
Hit Rate: 62 to hit
Hit: 60, hit!
Imperial Yari Ashigaru H takes 14 damage!

Imperial Yari Ashigaru H is defeated!

Todoroki doesn't quite get away unscathed, but he does manage to throw the soldier bodily backwards into the tavern they just exited.

"He's distracted! Quickly, get him down!"
"Oh...for the love of-"

(Todoroki's Daunt activates!)

Imperial Scout A initiates!
Hit Rate: 65 to hit
Hit: 64, hit!
Todoroki takes 11 damage!
(Todoroki fights for his belief!)

Todoroki retaliates!
Hit Rate: 72 to hit
Hit: 14, hit!
Critical: 7, crit!
Imperial Scout A takes 51 damage!

Imperial Scout A is defeated!

Todoroki smashes the next man to come at him on a horse....well, off of it, sending him flying.

"Right. Now I'm actually pissed off. Come on, who's next? Have a go, if you think yer hard enough!"
"That swordsmanship....what the hell? That's not Kiryu or Kamisato...."

Todoroki, indeed, proves equal to the task of fighting the rest.

(Todoroki's Daunt activates!)
(Todoroki fights for his belief!)

Imperial Yari Ashigaru G initiates!
Hit Rate: 73 to hit
Hit: 95, miss!

Todoroki retaliates!
Hit Rate: 67 to hit
Hit: 38, hit!
Critical: 10, crit!
Imperial Yari Ashigaru G takes 42 damage!

Imperial Yari Ashigaru G is defeated!

(Todoroki's Daunt activates!)

Imperial Bow Ashigaru A initiates!
Hit Rate: 70 to hit
Hit: 93, miss!

Todoroki cannot retaliate!

(Todoroki's Daunt activates!)

Imperial Army Mage C initiates!
Hit Rate: 66 to hit
Hit: 80, miss!

Todoroki cannot retaliate!

(Todoroki's Daunt activates!)

Imperial Army Mage A initiates!
Hit Rate: 66 to hit
Hit: 97, miss!

Todoroki cannot retaliate!

"....don't worry. Kiryu swordsmanship is the best in the Five Kingdoms! Satou, stay here! I'll take that Misaki down!"
A Kiryu swordsman charges Todoroki while he's distracted evading the army mages, and....

(Todoroki's Daunt activates!)
(Todoroki fights for his belief!)

Kiryu Young Blade A initiates!
Hit Rate: 83 to hit
Hit: 89, miss!

Todoroki retaliates!
Hit Rate: 68 to hit
Hit: 59, hit!
Critical: 2, crit!
Kiryu Young Blade A takes 42 damage!

Kiryu Young Blade A is defeated!

....without even losing a beat, Todoroki smashes the Kiryu swordsman's blade out of the way, his titanic sword dwarfing his opponent's katana by an order of magnitude. Before his opponent can react, Todoroki slugs him in the face, knocking him unconscious. His sword skitters across the cobbles of the road, landing near Chidori and Chikara's feet.

Chidori and Chikara have acquired a Steel Katana.

He stabs his sword into the ground, finger gesturing towards himself to offer the remaining guards to come at him.
"Yeah, it's one of the best in the Kingdoms right now, yer right. But I was taught by the best. Better than some wannabes from the Kiryu, some pretenders from the Kamisato, better than ALL of you. And I learned everythin' I needed to make my own style. And one day, there ain't goin' to be a sword style better than my own personal Todoroki style, not even Master's! So come at me, again, if you think yer hard enough! Or are you done thinkin' you have a chance against us?"

The remaining guards look at each other and back slowly away from Todoroki, preferring instead to deal with others; in this case, Haru and Tora.

Kiryu Young Blade B initiates!
Hit Rate: 81 to hit
Hit: 95, miss!

Haru cannot retaliate!

Kiryu Young Blade B initiates!
Hit Rate: 81 to hit
Hit: 17, hit!
Haru takes 17 damage!

Hit Rate: 75 to hit
Hit: 20, hit!
Tora takes 13 damage!
10 damage was mitigated by Tora!

Tora cannot retaliate!

Meanwhile....
"Sir, the escaped prisoner! He's that way!"
"Divide and conquer! You at the front, reinforce our forces on the northern road. The rest, follow me! We will apprehend these criminals and their allies!"

The first scout reaches Traxesa and hopes to nail him from behind, only for the Tiger's reflexes to kick in and for Traxesa to retaliate with a blast of wind.

(Traxesa wields blade of magic!)
(Traxesa is the heart of the storm!)

Imperial Scout E initiates!
Hit Rate: 88 to hit
Hit: 83, miss!

Traxesa retaliates!
Hit Rate: 77 to hit
Hit: 11, hit!
Imperial Scout E takes 12 damage!

---

"I-I see. Please....call me Rin. I'm not sure how I can help, but....if I can, I will do my best. _{I can't believe I've run into the Cursed after all this time...}"
Then Kazuki speaks. Rin smiles brightly.
"I believe in your strength to get us out of this situation, Kazuki. Don't worry, I'll do my best to help. I won't be a burden....I hope."

Meanwhile, another Imperial soldier gets away without being humiliated by being punched in the face and knocked unconscious by an unarmed woman. Granted, it's because her very armed brother zapped him with a lightning bolt, but details.

Chikara initiates!
Hit Rate: 81 to hit
Hit: 55, hit!
Critical: 22, crit!

Imperial Yari Ashigaru F is defeated!
Chikara uses Press the Assault!
Haru may move again!

In a blink of an eye, Takeru's shadows leave the guards dazzled, staggering as he makes a not-entirely clean getaway. For as tough as Takeru is, the Kiryu Clan really do raise excellent swordsmen. In all of the Five Kingdoms, the Kiryu Clan swordsmen are only known to be exceeded in their skill by those of the Tokiwa school, the Kamisato Clan and the Gamou Clan, though the latter are more known for their archers and merchants.

Nonetheless, Nullstar proves equal to the task.

(Kiryu Young Blade A is shielded!)
(Takeru stands above!)
(Takeru's Galaxy Stinger is active!)

Takeru initiates!
Hit Rate: 90 to hit
Hit: 90, hit!
Kiryu Young Blade A takes 8 damage!
Kiryu Young Blade A's shielding is removed!
Kiryu Young Blade A is poisoned for 2 turns!

Kiryu Young Blade A retaliates!
Hit Rate: 76 to hit
Hit: 55, hit!
Takeru takes 15 damage!

Takeru's Shadow strikes!
Hit Rate: 90 to hit
Hit: 98, miss!

Kiryu Young Blade A retaliates!
Hit Rate: 76 to hit
Hit: 18, hit!
Takeru's Shadow vanishes!

Takeru uses Alpha Strike!
Imperial Yari Ashigaru E is poisoned for 2 turns!
Imperial Army Mage A is poisoned for 2 turns!
Kiryu Young Blade B is poisoned for 2 turns!

Takeru retreats using Swift Redeployment!

Marta approaches 42-1, standing on her tiptoes to try to un-mussle his hair.
"No, no, your hair's just a bit of a mess, that's all."

Rhea sighs.
"As it would seem. My sisters haven't changed, even after centuries. I'm sorry about them."

The guards turn towards the Kaneko twins.
"By order of the Imperial Captain of this town, you will be placed into custody as accesories to fugitives! We'll just sort you out in once we have you all!"

Right, then. Peace isn't exactly an option.

---

In the blink of an eye, one unfortunate Imperial soldier is sent packing as Madoka's blade, as fast as lightning, shatters his spear -and his armor- in one clean slash.

(Madoka's Tenkaji is active!)

Madoka initiates!
Hit Rate: 68 to hit
Hit: 60, hit!
Critical: 3, crit!
Imperial Yari Ashigaru J takes 60 damage!

Imperial Yari Ashigaru J is defeated!

Meanwhile, Traxesa shows just how determined he is never to return to the Empress by blowing a man into the harbor, ensnaring him in a pair of fishnets.

(Traxesa's Aeroboost is active!)
(Traxesa's Adept is active!)
(Traxesa is the heart of the storm!)

Traxesa initiates!
Hit Rate: 82 to hit
Hit: 56, hit!
Critical: 1, crit!
Imperial Yari Ashigaru D takes 45 damage!

Imperial Yari Ashigaru D is defeated!

Miyako and Setsurou follow up with their own shows of force, demonstrating just why Gnosis wielders are not, in fact, to be trifled with.

(Miyako's Sailor's Fire is active!)
(Miyako is first in, last out!)

Miyako initiates!
Hit Rate: 87 to hit
Hit: 73, hit!
Imperial Yari Ashigaru B takes 25 damage!

Imperial Yari Ashigaru B is defeated!

(Setsurou is the storm that is approaching!)
(Setsurou is the lightning that strikes true!)

Setsurou initiates!
Hit Rate: 84 to hit
Hit: 59, hit!
Imperial Yari Ashigaru A takes 14 damage!
Imperial Yari Ashigaru A is paralysed!

Imperial Yari Ashigaru A cannot move!

Setsurou strikes twice!
Hit Rate: 84 to hit
Hit: 18, hit!
Imperial Yari Ashigaru A takes 14 damage!

Imperial Yari Ashigaru A is defeated!

Having a moment to catch her breath, Rin inhales.
"....I have to be strong."
Her eyes drift towards her Gnosis, hanging off her obi, pulsing gently.
"Thank you, Kazuki. I'll be sure to have your back."

Meanwhile, Yusuke sprints towards the ashigaru, trying to get used to his new Gnosis. He nods at Kazuki.
"If she really wants to get involved, then....I can't stand around and do nothing.  Stay behind, Rengoku, let us handle this!"

With an ice-encrusted fist to the face, another soldier falls unconscious.

(Yusuke's Descending Fist is active!)
(Yusuke's regrets are changing!)

Yusuke initiates!
Hit Rate: 86 to hit
Hit: 59, hit!
(Rend Heaven: 10, pass!)
Imperial Yari Ashigaru C takes 24 damage!

Imperial Yari Ashigaru C is defeated!

Meanwhile, Haru takes a potshot.

(Haru's Transgressor's Fate is active!)
(Haru fires a mere antagonising shot....)

Haru initiates!
Hit Rate: 91 to hit
Hit: 71, hit!
Imperial Yari Ashigaru A takes 6 damage!
Imperial Yari Ashigaru A is condemned!

As if to answer her own question, Lastelle sends one of the Kairagi, the elite soldiers of the Asher Street Rogues and troops that could rival actual adventurers, packing with one strike.

The Rogues at the front noticeably tremble when she dispatches them in one hit almost efortlessly.

(Lastelle's feeling the heat!)
(Xerxe's Support activates!)
(Speed gets Lastelle out of trouble!)

Lastelle initiates!
Hit Rate: Irrelevant
Hit: Autohit!
Critical: 11, crit!
Rogue Kairagi B takes 72 damage!

Rogue Kairagi B is defeated!

The feeling of fear intensifies when Xerxe follows up by whipping the nearest man into next week.

(Xerxe's feeling the heat!)
(Lastelle's Support activates!)
(Evador breaks boundaries!)
(Shipp pairs unlikely pairings!)

Xerxe initiates!
Hit Rate: 91 to hit
Hit: 73, hit!
Critical: 13, crit!
Rogue Genin B takes 60 damage!

Rogue Genin B is defeated!

The Rogues look towards Lowell nervously.
"....a-are....are you sure we should-"
"Yes, you fools! Keep fighting-"

A sentiment brutally cut off by an angry cat-girl hopped up on energy drinks and the idol-inspired dancing of a thirsty elf.

(Lagata's feeling the heat!)
(Lagata's blood boils!)
(Largo's Support activates!)

Lagata launches a Heat Attack!
Lowell takes 22 damage!

(Lagata is sponsored by Blazing Tiger! Energy!)
Lagata uses Power of Alchemy!
Lagata quaffs a Stamina Boost!
Lagata regains 2 Heat and 5 HP!

Lucy Dances for Lagata and Lastelle
Lagata and Lastelle may move again!

(Lagata's feeling the heat!)
(Lagata's blood boils!)
(Largo's Support activates!)
(Lagata is sponsored by Blazing Tiger! Energy!)

Lagata launches a Heat Attack!
Lowell takes 22 damage!
Lowell loses his Life Point!

Lowell blinks, staggering back from the two blasts dropped on him.
"....I see, so that's how that is. Fine, I can shoot back with my own. You Warriors....you've really messed up now."
Lowell will now counter incoming Heat Attacks until defeated.
XP: 56/100

The air is heavy with tension as Miyako retreats back towards the group, the unconscious guard groaning as he is dragged away by his allies, and Yusuke puts his clothes on. Rin is also visibly averting her eyes, a nervous laugh barely suppressed.
"....h-he's naked, isn't he? He's really....naked. And we're....really about to get arrested...."

"Representative of the Mizuno Pharmacy, please step away from the fugitives! This is Imperial business! You should not get involved!"

In the blink of an eye, however, a knife surges out, its wielder running towards Rin, knife squarely aimed at her gut. The guards turn their spears towards them, but they're far too slow. The flicker of a Hiruma medallion can be seen.
"What-"

Before anyone (save the other Cursed) could react....
"Rengoku, watch out!"

[Now Playing: Yusuke's Theme ~For Freedom~]
One of the few boons to the Curse of the Juunishi was that they had far faster reflexes than an average human. Perhaps, these were the consequences of having the spirits of animals share spiritual space with oneself. Yusuke, was, of course, the Cat, which lent him reflexes even faster than most of his peers. It was a boon at times; runniung away from guards was a lot faster when he could practically disappear at the twitch of a finger.

For him, he saw the man move before everyone else (save Miyako and the other Cursed, that is), and so he was already moving, looking for some sort of weapon to fend off the newcomer. His eyes drifted over something shiny on the ground (possibly a knife?) and so he scooped it up in his gauntlets, diving across to protect Rin....

...and the Glacis Gnosis in Yusuke's hands glowed a brilliant blue, his gauntlets enshrouded in cold, frosty air as the knife intended for Rin instead struck his hand and shattered from the cold. The would-be assassin is stunned by the sudden arrival; now would be a good time for Kazuki to intervene.

Yusuke glares at Rin.
"Gods, be careful! That's the second one today! Your buddy and I won't....wait."
Yusuke's eyes drift down to his hands, one holding the activated Gnosis.
"Yu....Yuya?"
"....that's not possible. You....I didn't....I can't earn a Gnosis like that....can I?"

---

Alice seems to be watching the entire thing from nearby, her eyes dimly glowing for a moment, before she looks to Torajirou, Nullstar and the twins.

Miyako, Yusuke and Traxesa suddenly feel a presence peer over them a moment, as if something were gazing into their very souls, for just a split second, and then it disappears.
_"Crap."
"....no, let's get involved."

---

Todoroki follows Madoka and Daisuke, hands already shaking with anticipation.
"Alright, finally. Madoka, looks like you may not have to wait for your rematch for a real fight, huh? Just as well, I've been itchin' for a fight myself."

Rin follows the others to find Tanigawa, rounding the alleyway to see her holding off the Imperial guards. Indeed, this would be the most surprising thing, if not for a cloud of orange smoke drawing attention to Rin, Setsurou and the rest...

...and a very naked man standing right next to Setsurou and Traxesa, the smoke barely covering him, standing right next to where the cat once was. The Imperial guards, of course, have turned their weapons from Tanigawa to Yusuke instead.

"....shit."

B10, punch Archer B in the jaw