We cut back to the battlefield with scattered fmes licking at the ground, remnants of Yumi’s st attack.

  Shadow dogs smolder in the flickering light—yet, instead of fading, they begin merging together.

  Their bodies twist and meld, darkness colpsing inward until a single massive hound emerges,standing tall over the battlefield.

  Yumi, panting, watches the transformation. Sweat drips down her face. Her chest rises and falls sharply, her exhaustion undeniable. “Oh, come on… Can we not?” she groans, gripping her sais tightly.

  “I didn’t even get to eat breakfast this morning, and now this?” Her grip tightens on her sais.

  She crosses the twin bdes, bending her knees, readying herself. Then— She leaps.

  Her bdes fsh through the air, aimed straight for the beast’s neck. But— A cwed paw moves faster.

  With a single swipe, she is sent flying-CRASH. The impact sends her flying, smming into the wall. The sheer force cracks the surface behind her, forming a crater.

  She barely has time to groan before—THOOM. The beast sms its cw into the crater, crushing her deeper into the wall. Yumi lets out a choked gasp, blood spilling from her lips.

  The pain floods her senses, her vision blurring. Then, the shadow beast raises its paw again. This time, it would crush her completely.

  The beast’s cws begin their descent—Then—

  “Takeminakata.”

  The only words spoken.

  Lightning tears through the battlefield.

  A sudden, violent streak of pure white-blue energy crashes into the darkness.

  The monstrous paw sms downward—but instead of striking Yumi, it stops inches from the crater.The force rattles the entire underground space.

  As the paw lifts, the crater is empty. Yumi is gone. The beast snarls, confused,

  then—BOOM.

  A massive gust of wind rips through the battlefield, followed by the crackling scent of ozone.

  Watari stands several feet away, holding Yumi in his arms. His grip is firm—but his face is soft, solemn. He looks down at her, his jaw tight.

  She coughs weakly, still stunned. Watari swallows hard. “Damn it,” he mutters under his breath. Regret weighs on him. “Sorry I’m te,” he finally says, his voice low. His eyes don’t leave her battered form.

  Then, gently, he sets her down. Slowly, he straightens his posture. He turns his attention to the massive shadow hound looming before him.

  The air shifts. The battlefield crackles with static energy. Lightning flickers at Watari’s fingertips. Then— A shape begins to form in his hand.

  A weapon.

  Takeminakata.

  A greatsword.

  A single arc of electricity surges up the bde as he grips the hilt tightly. Watari takes a single step forward.

  The storm is coming.

  Cut to bck.