Blaze Of Shadows [A World In Embers]

Shadows Of Resolve

Kenshi stood by the door leading to KoKuryūkai gym center to get an unobtrusive view of the trainer, although his eyes were struggling to keep up with Ryu's movement, he noted his precise thrusts with a deep feeling of satisfaction.

After Ryu's sudden awakening, he had gone straight to training. Hanzo was still working on getting Hikari, but if anything happens to Kasumi, He will never be able to forgive himself.

Suddenly as soon as Ryu training had concluded, and he was reviewing his techniques when Hanzo burst into the room.

"Hanzo, what's wrong?" Kenshi asked, sensing urgency."I've pinpointed Hikari's location," Hanzo said, his voice tight. "He's at the abandoned skyscraper on 5th and Main."

Kenshi's expression turned grave. "Ryu, be cautious. Hikari's powers are growing stronger."Ryu's resolve hardened. "I'll stop him."

Kenshi placed a hand on Ryu's shoulder. "Remember, Ryu, your safety is paramount. Don't underestimate Hikari." Ryu nodded, his determination clear.

At the skyscraper, Ryu confronted Hikari, who sneered from atop the building."You're no match for me, Ryu," Hikari said, flames dancing around him.The air erupted with the sound of clashing powers. Ryu's shadows wrestled Hikari's flames in a spectacular display.

The battle raged on, with neither warrior yielding. Ryu landed a swift kick, but Hikari countered with a wave of fire.

Just as Ryu gained the upper hand, Hikari vanished, reappearing beside Kasumi, who hung upside down from a burning rope over the skyscraper's edge."Choose, Ryu," Hikari taunted. "Save Kasumi or the civilians trapped in the burning building across the street."

Ryu's gaze tore between Kasumi's desperate face and the screaming civilians, Then a statement his subconscious had told him earlier sank in: "You are an army". With in a swift motion, Ryu dropped his sword and closed his eyes in deep meditation.

" Shadow-clone" he yelled and summoned shadows to grab Kasumi and swing her to safety. He then sprinted toward the burning building.

Hikari's laughter echoed through the night. "You'll always choose the ones you care about. That's your weakness." As Ryu disappeared into the inferno, Hikari vanished into the night, leaving behind a trail of flames and destruction.

Ryu's heart pounded in his chest as he rushed into the burning building. The heat was intense, and the smoke choked his lungs. Civilians cried out for help, and Ryu responded, his powers shielding them from the inferno. He led them outside, where paramedics and firefighters waited.

As the flames were extinguished, Ryu's gaze returned to the skyscraper, his thoughts burning with determination. Hikari would pay for his cruelty. Kenshi and Hanzo approached, concern etched on their faces.

"Ryu, are you alright?" Kenshi asked. Ryu nodded, his expression resolute. "I won't let Hikari harm anyone else."

Hanzo's eyes narrowed. "We need to uncover Hikari's true intentions. This attack was just a diversion."

Ryu's eyes locked onto the skyscraper, his mind racing with strategies.The battle was far from over.

Kenshi's gaze followed Ryu's to the skyscraper. "We'll regroup and strategize. Hikari's next move won't catch us off guard." Ryu nodded, his thoughts burning with determination.

As they departed the scene, Kasumi approached Ryu, her eyes red-rimmed."Ryu, thank you," she said, her voice trembling.

Ryu's reserved resolve softened for an instant. "I'll always protect you," he said.

Kasumi's hand brushed against his, a fleeting touch.The group returned to their hideout, a secure location hidden from Hikari's prying eyes.

Hanzo began analyzing data from the battle, seeking clues to Hikari's plans. Kenshi turned to Ryu. "Your shadow clones were effective, but we need to refine your technique."

Ryu nodded, his mind replaying the battle."I'll work on it," he said.

As night fell, Ryu trained tirelessly, honing his skills.Hanzo approached, a concerned expression on his face.

"Ryu, we've received intel on Hikari's plans," Hanzo said, his voice low.Ryu's gaze snapped to Hanzo."What is it?" Ryu asked.

"Hikari's seeking an ancient artifact," Hanzo said. "One that amplifies supernatural abilities. Ryu's eyes narrowed.

"We can't let him have it," Ryu said.Kenshi appeared beside them. "We'll assemble a team to retrieve the artifact," Kenshi said. "Ryu, you'll lead the mission." Ryu's determination hardened. "I won't fail."