—
The room trembled with the pressure of clashing auras. Hoshiro stood in the center, his body outlined in a brilliant fusion of blue lightning and shimmering flame. Across from him, Reiji slowly straightened, dust falling from his coat, his red aura flaring like a dying sun.
"So this is the true you," Reiji said, voice rough. "No more hiding behind masks and rules."
"I didn't choose this path," Hoshiro replied. "But I'll walk it if it means stopping you."
With a single step, the air cracked. Hoshiro vanished in a blur, reappearing behind Reiji with a sweeping kick. Reiji barely deflected it, their clash igniting the soaked floor with sparks and steam.
They moved like gods in a confined cage—every strike shaking the foundation.
"You hesitate," Reiji barked, parrying a blow. "Even now, you pull your punches."
Hoshiro's eyes flared. "You're still my brother."
Reiji froze. Just a fraction of a second.
It was enough.
Hoshiro struck, landing a clean blow to Reiji's chest that sent him flying through a concrete wall.
Silence.
Then coughing. Reiji emerged, blood trickling from his mouth—but still smiling.
"Maybe I was wrong. Maybe you are stronger."
"Then stop," Hoshiro said, lowering his fists. "We can end this. Together."But Reiji's smile faded. His eyes dimmed. "Too late. I made my choice the day I killed our master."
A pulse of dark energy exploded from his body. Reiji's aura turned pitch-black, and the markings of the Crimson Syndicate began to glow along his arms.
"This… is my final form."
The battle was far from over.
—