Volume 4 Chapter 29 The Great Villain Of The World, Attacking Kozan's Base Iii
The enemy's abilities are 'Super Iron Body Ki' and 'Super Recovery.'
The martial arts they use is 'Fallen Five Divine Swordsmanship.'
Touri's analysis is──
"About those 2's 'ki' movements... I noticed that I could tell the difference between male and female. The one Hou-sama cut earlier is male, and the other seems to be female."
──That was the conclusion.
By observing 'ki,' Touri can distinguish between genders.
It's similar to how Shuu-sensei figured out Shouou's gender when she was disguised as a man. It seems Touri can do something like that too.
"They are switching positions while attacking, but it looks like each has their own special techniques."
Touri continues to explain.
According to Touri's analysis, the male is skilled in the techniques of 'Seiryuu dragon' and 'Suzaku bird,' while the female is good at the techniques of 'Byakko tiger' and 'Genbu turtle.'
Other techniques are not very strong.
It seems they are only using them for distraction, according to Touri.
So that means──
"I thought it looked like they were using all the techniques of the 'Five Gods'... but is that just a facade?"
"Yes, that's right. By switching places, they make it seem like they are using all the techniques."
"...I see."
Ryo Kan and Ryo Kon are "2 as one."
If they always fight together, then one doesn't need to use all the techniques of the 'Five Gods.'
They can rely on each other to cover their weaknesses.
"Thank you, Touri."
I quickly said my thanks.
"Can you tell me something? Those twins use a technique called 'Iron Body Ki' to harden their bodies. Do you or Shuu-sensei know anything about it?"
"...Unfortunately not."
Touri shook her head. I continued with my questions.
"Then, is there a way to hit 'ki' into a tough opponent?"
"There is a technique that focuses 'ki' into your palms or fingertips."
Touri said.
"It's similar to the Pressure Point Technique. Just like the Pressure Point Technique shoots 'ki' from your fingertips, this one shoots 'ki' from your palms or toes. But, Touri doesn't have knowledge of that technique. So..."
"Anyway, it looks like I have to try it."
"Hou-sama!?"
"We can't let them run free."
"Then, please let me help too."
Touri looked at me seriously.
"I can't just watch while Hou-sama is in danger. Even a little, please let me assist you..."
"...Touri."
"Touri can also use the 'Flowing Water' technique to deflect attacks. My mother acknowledges that it can be used in real combat. So..."
"Understood."
If Touri is saying this much, I will trust her.
If she says she can do it... I'll borrow her strength, just a little.
"I will tell you what I'm going to do next."
I quickly conveyed the plan and moved away from Touri.
The enemy is strong.
So, I won't push myself. I'll only ask Touri for help when it's really necessary.
What I need to do is buy some time.
I'll keep them pinned here until Heki Nei-san and the others arrive.
If possible, I'll try to neutralize them.
Anyway, I'll use my knowledge to navigate this situation.
I'm not a master or a genius.
I'm just an ordinary person with a bit more knowledge than others.
"The 'Super Iron Body Ki' from the game reduced damage from swords and arrows, right? I think it was... an 80 percent reduction."
When I slashed with the White Kirin Sword, it did leave some marks.
It doesn't completely negate 100 percent of the damage.
Still... the sword's attack won't be a decisive blow.
"──We who stand on the stage of history..."
"──Will kill the Cloud that crushes its own kind!"
Ryo Kan and Ryo Kon are getting closer.
They're shifting positions quickly.
It's hard to tell which one is Ryo Kan and which one is Ryo Kon.
But there are hints.
The wounds I made and Touri's analysis that "men use the techniques of the Seiryuu dragon and Suzaku bird, while women use the techniques of the Byakko tiger and Genbu turtle."
The one who used the Seiryuu dragon technique is the one I wounded──
So, the one on the right is Ryo Kan.
That means──techniques from the Seiryuu dragon and Suzaku bird are coming from that direction!
"──'Fallen Dragon End the Country'!!"
"──'Byakko'──'!!"
"Just as I expected!"
I approached the man, Ryo Kan, using the 'Byakko tiger' footwork.
He opened his eyes wide.
It seemed he was surprised that I had sheathed the White Kirin Sword.
I took another step forward.
Closer than the sword's reach.
Then, at a distance where my fist could reach, I unleashed my technique.
"──'Genbu Double Illusion Strike'!!"
"────Guh!?"
My palm struck Ryo Kan's chest.
Ryo Kan trembled and leaned back.
Immediately, Ryo Kan and Ryo Kon stopped their attack and jumped back.
"────But... Guh?"
"────Ryo Kan?"
"...Don't worry about it. This won't work on me."
"...Yeah. It won't work."
"'Kyuuki's 'White Cage of Despair' makes us stronger."
"'Kyuuki's 'White Cage of Despair' makes us invincible."
Ryo Kan and Ryo Kon readied their swords.
But Ryo Kan was swaying a little.
It seemed my strike had some effect.
Thank you, Master Raikou.
The 'Five Divine Swordsmanship' really is amazing...
I clenched my fist, recalling a story I had heard from Shouou before.
"'Sixteen Divine Beast Swords' is a sword technique, but you can use it even without a weapon. In that case, it becomes 'Sixteen Palms' or 'Sixteen Kicks,' I heard."
──So.
This was what I heard when I first trained with Master Raikou.
'Five Divine Swordsmanship' can also be used as palm techniques and kicking techniques.
That's why it's so versatile, Shouou told me.
Of course, both Shouou and I are learning how to fight when we lose our weapons.
Shouou sometimes says, "I don't want to point my sword at Tenhou."
So during those times, we practice punching techniques and kicking techniques.
That has been helpful.
All I need to do now is add Touri's advice to my punches, palm strikes, and kicks.
"There are techniques that focus 'ki' in your palms and toes and strike with it."
──Touri said that.
When I heard her advice, I remembered the game 'History of Swordmaster.'
In that game, 'Super Iron Body Ki' is really strong.
Kai Yougetsu's 'Super Iron Body Ki' can reduce damage from swords, spears, and arrows by 80 percent.
It does this by hardening the surface of the body, making it harder for blades to get through.
But for punches and palm strikes──blunt damage──it only reduces damage by 60 percent.
The reason was explained in the game.
'Even if you harden the surface of your body, the impact will still reach you. Be careful.'
Inside the skin and muscles, there are organs.
If you take a strong hit, it will transmit to the inside of your body.
No matter how much you harden your body, you can't make the impact 0.
Still, the amazing thing about 'Super Iron Body Ki' is that it can reduce the damage to less than half.
The breakthrough is there.
If it can't be cut with a sword, then I fight with punches and kicks.
I give impact to deal even a little damage.
Even if the damage is reduced by 60 percent, if the remaining 40 percent has 'Divine Energy' in it, then I win.
"──This is nothing! It doesn't hurt at all!!"
"──Ryo Kan! You're getting too emotional! A hero fights calmly!!"
Ryo Kan still doesn't look like he's taken any damage.
Still, I have no choice but to try.
If it doesn't work the first time, then I'll try again.
If it doesn't work the second time, then I'll try 4 times.
If that still doesn't work, I'll repeat it as many times as needed.
That's about all I can do.
"'Fallen Dragon──'."
"'Genbu──'."
The battle continues.
Ryo Kan and Ryo Kon unleash the techniques of the 'Hidden Five Gods' one after another.
In that case, I'll use──
"'Four Fiends Technique: chaos'──'Mirror of Shadows Reflection'."
I activate 'Mirror of Shadows Reflection.'
It becomes a mirror that reflects everything about the Ryo siblings.
──Ryo Kan steps forward.
──Ryo Kon is trying to unleash the Genbu turtle technique from behind.
I dodge under the blade.
Then, I activate 'Suzaku Flame Dance.' I kick while spinning.
My toes hit Ryo Kan's shoulder.
I follow up by using the Pressure Point Technique to unleash 'Divine Energy.'
The 'Mirror of Shadows Reflection' shows everything about the Ryo siblings.
I can see their movements and the flow of 'ki' they emit.
The Ryo siblings are releasing a powerful 'ki.'
It's a huge amount of 'ki' stolen from the bandits. It wraps around their bodies like a barrier.
When I strike the thick part of the barrier... it's definitely hard.
Does that 'ki' represent the strength of 'Super Iron Body Ki'?
"────!!"
"────!!"
Ryo Kan and Ryo Kon are shouting. I can't afford to listen to their voices.
I'm barely managing to focus on the 'Mirror of Shadows Reflection.'
──The 'ki' from Ryo Kan and Ryo Kon flows into their blades and limbs.
──By concentrating the 'ki,' they are trying to increase their attack power.
──I can see that the 'ki' in their torso has thinned out.
"────!!"
"────!!"
They swing their swords.
Ryo Kan's sword cuts my hair, and Ryo Kon's sword tears my sleeve.
I slip through the gaps in their attacks and thrust both my palms toward the thin part of the 'ki' barrier!
"'Byakko's Assault'!!"
My palm struck Ryo Kan right in the solar plexus.
And then──
"────Gahhhh!?"
Ryo Kan screamed.
"──Ryo Kan!!"
Ryo Kon's sword came crashing down.
I slid away using 'Five Divine Steps' and 'Genbu Glide' to dodge Ryo Kon's sword.
"What are you?"
I heard Ryo Kon's voice.
"Why can't our techniques work on you!?"
"Maybe it's because I'm weak."
"Weak, you say!?"
"You guys have gained unbeatable martial arts. So, you don't care about me at all. You only see me as a 'Member of the Cloud who kills its kinds.' You have no interest in what I'm thinking or what tricks I'm trying. Am I wrong!?"
I jumped into the air with the 'Storm of the Lurking Dragon King' technique.
"I'm much weaker than you guys. So, I thought a lot. How can I find your openings? How can my techniques work? I desperately thought and tried different things. When something worked, I repeated it. That's all."
The 'Four Fiends' technique, 'Kyuuki,' is strong.
So, the user of that technique doesn't need to think.
They just need to keep using their powerful techniques to defeat the enemy.
Kai Shuujaku was the same.
He completely believed in the power of 'Poison Ki' and 'Army Shatter Palm.'
He never thought his techniques could be broken.
Ryo's siblings are the same.
The two of them don't doubt the power of 'Super Recovery' and 'Super Iron Body Ki.'
Because of that, their techniques are rough, and their movements are sloppy.
So, even I managed to dodge their attacks.
I was able to repeatedly land my strikes.
"'Five Divine Swordsmanship' is strong because it adapts to the opponent. The 5 gods constantly switch places to respond to the enemy. If sword techniques don't work, it turns into palm techniques or kicks. That's why you can fight against stronger opponents."
"'Killing Your Own Kind' people act so high and mighty!!"
"Bakkai shouldn't have messed with 'Four Fiends' techniques."
I glared at the Ryo siblings below me and said,
"If you had focused on mastering the technique called 'Hidden Five Gods,' your skills would have become more refined and powerful. But since you tried to mess with 'Kyuuki,' your attacks became brute force and full of openings. Because you got a strong technique, you actually became weaker!!"
"Just empty words!!"
Ryo Kon readied her sword.
She gathered enough power and kicked off the ground. It was a big move from 'Hidden Five Gods.'
"'Skeletal Tiger's Pursuit'!!"
What Ryo Kon used was the 'Hidden Five Gods' version of the Byakko tiger technique.
She jumped while raising her sword towards me.
And then──
"'Finger Control Art'──'Flowing Water'!!"
──Touri rushed over and deflected Ryo Kon's sword.
"──What!?"
"I knew it, you didn't notice Touri's presence."
Touri wanted to help me.
But she had no real combat experience.
So──I set some conditions for her to step in.
──When one of the twins can't move.
──When the other one tries to unleash a big, risky move.
I asked her to use the deflection technique 'Flowing Water' just for that moment to nullify the attack.
The reason I was talking to Ryo Kon was to distract the twins.
Because of that, Ryo Kan and Ryo Kon were focused on me.
They didn't notice that Touri was looking for an opening.
"How can we, shining with Heaven's Fate, be defeated by such a technique...?"
"You only look at the sky and not at people."
Touri deflected Ryo Kon's technique. She redirected the force, breaking his stance.
Then Touri immediately jumped back to create distance.
"Someone like you can't possibly win against Hou-sama, who truly sees people!! Those who drown in techniques and don't see others are bound to lose!!"
"You're just a weakling who can't even fight!!"
Ryo Kon staggered, desperately trying to regain her balance.
In that moment, I focused my mind on 'Mirror of Shadows Reflection.'
Just as I thought. There were gaps all over the 'ki' barrier covering Ryo Kon's body.
──Her stance was broken.
──Her breathing was erratic.
──The attack she tried to unleash with concentrated 'ki' was deflected.
Because of that, Ryo Kon's 'ki' got messed up──her 'Super Iron Body Ki' weakened.
Now's the time──!
"'Kirin's Piercing Horn'!!"
"──Gah!?"
I unleashed a thrust technique from 'Five Divine Swordsmanship' with my bare hands.
And then, my palm dug into Ryo Kon's torso.
I flowed 'Divine Energy' into her body.
"Ah, aaaaaah!?"
Ryo Kon screamed.
She rolled on the ground and reached out toward Ryo Kan.
"...Ryo Kan. Use 'Super Recovery'... and 'Starving Beast Guidance'... quickly."
"Got it!"
Ryo Kan and Ryo Kon intertwined their arms.
"──This pain will go away soon."
"──Recover, and I'll kill you both."
"'Starving Beast Guidance'."
The Ryo siblings connected.
'Ki' circulated through their bodies.
And then──
"GUAAAAAAAH!!"
They arched their bodies and let out a scream that tore through their throats.
"I knew it... it happened."
"Their technique circulates a lot of 'ki' to boost healing power..."
"'Divine Energy' must have spread all over their bodies."
"For a user of 'Kyuuki', 'Divine Energy' is poison..."
Touri and I exchanged glances and nodded.
Ryo Kan and Ryo Kon connected their bodies and circulated 'ki'.
But I had just shot a lot of 'Divine Energy' into Ryo Kon.
Since I circulated it──
"...Ahhhhhhh, ah."
"...It hurts, it hurts. What is this?"
The 'Divine Energy' that is toxic to the user of 'Kyuuki' was now flowing through their bodies.
Ryo Kon and Ryo Kan were shaking like fish taken out of water.
They were barely breathing. They couldn't even stand up anymore.
This means the battle is over.
"Well done, Hou-sama."
Touri said.
"You defeated a martial artist from the 'Hidden Five Gods' perfectly."
"Thanks to Touri's help."
I really think so.
I couldn't tell the difference between Ryo Kan and Ryo Kon.
Without Touri's words, I wouldn't have thought to shoot 'ki' energy with a striking technique.
"Thank you very much, Touri."
"...Hou-sama."
"Please continue to help me from now on. I ask you."
"Yes. I will risk my life!"
"You don't have to go that far..."
"I'm not being overly serious, you know?"
"Is that so?"
"Yes."
Saying that, Touri smiled with a shy face.
Soon after, Heki Nei-san and the others arrived.
I explained the situation to them and restrained the Ryo siblings.
I also tied up the fallen bandits so they couldn't escape.
With that, the capture of the mountain base was complete, but──
"This seems to be a place where the bandits' gang perfects their skills. Their base is probably in the forest."
Bakkai wasn't here.
The bandits' base is in the forest.
Master Raikou and Shuu-sensei should be there.
Since it's Master Raikou, I think they'll be fine.
But... Master Raikou isn't at her best right now.
...I'm really worried.
I'm also feeling pain all over my body from the unfamiliar hand-to-hand combat.
But... I'm also concerned about my master.
"I think I will go to the forest base."
"Understood. We'll take care of the rest!"
"I'm sorry for the trouble, Heki Nei-san."
"What are you saying? Wasn't it Tenhou who defeated the boss of the bandits?"
Heki Nei-san clasped his hands towards me.
"You avenged my sister and her husband. I won't forget this kindness."
"Thank you. But..."
"I understand. These people are important witnesses. I won't kill them."
While staring at me, Heki Nei-san said,
"I'm a soldier who protects the Toukaku. And I am also a soldier who serves you. I won't execute enemies based on my feelings alone."
"Heki Nei-san..."
"I intend to live in a way that won't bring shame to you. So please, don't worry."
"Yelling at you is the least I can do."
That was Shuu-san who said that.
He smiled wryly and said,
"Both Brother Heki and I, along with Brother Heki's niece, have gone through a lot of bitter experiences. So, please allow us to complain a little, unit leader!"
"Please keep it moderate."
"Understood!!"
With a grin, Shuu-san patted his chest.
"Now then, Heki Nei-sama, Shuu-san, please take care of the rest."
Touri and I quickly descended the mountain.
We rode the horse we had tied at the foot of the mountain and hurried to the forest base.
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