[I] The Duel Between Tendo Kyoichi and the Blade of the Black God The sky above the Academy darkened once again with a heavy atmosphere. The tension in the Ryuga Arena was more intense than ever. Tendo Kyoichi stood at the center of the field, his gaze sharp, a shining spirit sword trembling slightly in his hand. Opposing him was the Black God Blade, a warrior from another realm whose dark blade exuded a suffocating aura of despair. The clash of their sword auras echoed like an eternal battle between heaven and earth.
"So this is what you call swordsmanship?"
The Black God Blade's voice was deep and raspy. As he swung his otherworldly blade, the jet-black edge shimmered with a chilling brilliance.
"Your so-called spiritual swordsmanship is no match for the power of another realm."
Tendo Kyoichi did not answer. He took a deep breath and focused his spiritual energy. The vision of his sword became clearer, a sword aura wrapped around him, distorting even the air itself. His style, based on the Heart Sword, could cut through illusions, break mental bonds, and pierce the soul.
"Heart Sword: Shatter Illusion."
He whispered with quiet determination. In a flash, his sword aura tore through the air, a thunderous wave of energy surging toward the Black God Blade.
But the answer came quickly. The dark blade sliced through the air as tremendous dark energy gathered around it, colliding violently with the incoming sword aura. A deafening explosion shook the ground, sending rocks and dust flying as the arena cracked beneath them. The otherworldly blade felt like the hand of a god, effortlessly deflecting Tendo's attack.
"Your swordsmanship is strong... but shallow."
The Black God Blade sneered, then swung his blade hard. A dark flash of energy pierced Tendo's defenses, heading straight for his chest.
Tendo tried to dodge, but his movements slowed. His mental energy, strained by the intense clash, began to waver. Confusion flickered in his eyes. Though he remained calm, a feeling of fear crept into his heart.
The dark blade finally struck, cutting deep into Tendo's side. He staggered back, his face pale but his gaze unwavering.
"You have lost," the Black God Blade said coldly, its blade grazing Tendo's neck - a silent, final warning.
Tendo's hand shook. He fought to stay upright, a bitter smile tugging at his lips.
"You are powerful... but I will not surrender."
And yet, the truth was undeniable - Tendo's spiritual sword had failed to penetrate his opponent's defenses. He collapsed to the ground, his eyes dimming, his breath shallow. But even as he fell, an unbroken will remained deep within him.
[II] Yoruomi Sou's Awakening and the Challenge of the Black God Blade Just as the Black God Blade moved to claim victory, the sky above the arena grew even darker. The air thickened, heavy with an overwhelming power. He narrowed his eyes, sensing a powerful awakening nearby.
Suddenly, a brilliant beam of light descended from the heavens, illuminating the battlefield. At the far end stood Yoruomi Sou, his body radiating a commanding aura, his eyes burning with unyielding fire. Something about him had changed - the very air around him seemed to bend, and for a moment, time itself seemed to stand still.
"Yoruomi Sou..."
The Black God Blade spoke with cool disdain. He recognized this young warrior - the one who had defeated Kazekiri Rin. He raised his blade again and prepared for the next clash.
Sou's breath was steady, his gaze determined. Even though his body hadn't fully healed, he knew that this was the only moment to stop the rampage.
"Let's end this."
Sou murmured. Cards appeared in his hand without him noticing - darkness and light coiling in harmony through his body.
"Black Jack-Activate."
With that, a faint light shimmered over Sou's body. The cards fanned out, their suits forming glowing patterns on his limbs. The room itself began to distort around him. For the first time, his true ability awakened - every cell in his body ignited like wildfire, overflowing with untapped power.
But deep within, confusion stirred. His gaze faltered, momentarily distant. Something inside him was changing - an unknown force, a second self full of rage and destruction, was awakening from the shadows.
Sou knew that this battle was not just for the Academy - it was a turning point in his destiny. The Black God Blade was strong - terrifyingly so - but Sou understood that he had to go beyond his limits.
"I don't care who you are. I won't let you go any further."
His voice rang out, firm and unwavering. He stepped forward. The lights of the cards flickered in the air, distorting the battlefield around him.
The Black God Blade smiled faintly. He swung his blade, slicing a black arc through the air.
"Then show me your limit."
And with that, the battle began.
[As they faced each other, the energy surging within Yoruomi Sou became unstable. A new form - the embryonic second phase - awakened. The queen card began to glow, its power wild and chaotic, gradually taking over Sou's consciousness. A strange gleam flickered in his eyes - a cold, unfamiliar light.
The second personality... had begun to form.
This battle would not only be one of strength, but of mind and soul.