underground fights.

ei was loaded to the teeth, at least in a general sense, but for a fighter, carrying a gun was not advisable as it limited his style completely. Even so, he carried six knives and two 9mm pistols. He felt ridiculous to have a weapon when he had always sought power through his fists. For a man who could predict bullets even before they were fired, carrying a weapon felt like an excuse. But as the tiger Niko carried his firearm, a wolfish smile began to spread across his face when, two minutes later, numerous missiles exploded, igniting true pandemonium. This chaos drove Kei into a state of madness, and he took it as a sign.

Bullets flew in every direction; these were not ordinary rounds, but torrents of bullets, almost like winter rain, mixed with bombs, grenades, and tear gas. He put on his mask, rendering all visibility null, and after 15 minutes, everything came to a halt.

He felt the impact of a palm, urging him to move. They took the first route, both traveling in the blink of an eye with ferocity, reaching the large base in ten seconds and slamming their backs against a concrete wall. It was surprising how quickly they moved. Niko signaled that they needed to cross the fortress, take out a few enemies, and head for the exit. It seemed easy—so fast that they would only need a second.

The structure had multiple walls, with a concrete front wall. However, they had special bullets that could break through. The shots fired back and forth with a muted appearance.

They made three quick blinks, surrounding the base without hesitation; everything was catastrophic and monumental. In an instant, they were beside the people they intended to confront. Both fought hurriedly, landing two or three punches each. Niko threw a grenade into the ventilation shaft and carefully leaped, nearly reaching the second floor. He held on to the doorknob with the strength of his arms, slowly pulling himself up to the window in almost a blink of an eye.

Kei waited as three guys came out through the door and opened fire, but he was already in position. Three shots missed, drawing their attention and turning him into a target. He made a swift movement, ducking behind the wall and crawling quickly to the corner, but a grenade exploded right in front of him. He cursed under his breath, "Shit," and initiated a blinking movement, but shrapnel hit him in the abdomen and legs. He covered his face... executing the Kata Adamantina, but it didn't quite work.

-I can't run! -he thought. Taking a quick step, one that would take him to the right place, he used his elimination technique and leaped, striking the guy coming through the entrance in the jugular. Blood spurted, and the others aimed their weapons at him, feeling the bullets whiz past, each one challenging his sense of reason. They were true trained fighters, and he moved quickly.

He dodged the stream of bullets and sighed as he moved from side to side, not allowing time for an attack and not giving himself time to fail. He almost got close, but they attacked him again, playing a game of cat and mouse, scattered across the grass like a little worm being chased by birds.

Using his gun, he fired as if they were lanterns, all he needed to breathe. Two moans echoed, each of them intercepted by Niko, who, in a way, swept through the entire base with his cunning. He was a clever old fox who tended to handle people before they even realized it.

-Those bastards were dangerous - Kei murmured, feeling blood drip from his abdomen. It was a complex situation; he cleaned the wound. Luckily, he was wearing a bulletproof vest, so it was just a minor hit. His thigh was worse, but he was free from any sensitive organs.

-Let's get out of here, - Niko commented.

-Sometimes this place can get quite hectic - Kei replied with a sigh. They both ran, dodging the explosive bombs that fell from every direction. Without taking any time, the emptiness of each shot faded away. After half an hour of running, they reached their chosen location: a small base. Their military gear was a topic of discussion; they likely recognized they were part of the war, and in that autonomous section, they understood they needed to hurry. The glances, the attitudes, everything pointed to the fact that the exit would be impossible by conventional means.

Illegal channels came into play; this time it wasn't a tunnel or anything. They bribed a few people and left the base after presenting their identities. Being a symbol of Yami carried weight. Status mattered.

***

Looks tough; seems that ant is trying its hardest to carry that, commented Kannoh Shou, his light blue hair a shade lighter than cerulean, vibrant and electric, capturing attention with its magnificence. One dark blue eye and one carmine red, along with a tattoo of a wing and shield on his cheek.

-What are you doing, Shou? Hurry up, - Akira Hongo, the Hand of God, replied. He bore a scar that stretched from his forehead down to his chin, signifying power and nothing less.

For an insect without wings like you, it's better to get crushed, Kannoh said, jumping onto his master's shoulders.

-Yahoo! I see it, sensei. Is that the ship?- Shou asked.

-Yes, although it's disguised as a passenger vessel, its hull is too thick, and the way it floats gives it away as not being a true ship,- Akira replied.

-Good observation; your perception is high, that's commendable - Akira commented.

-Anyway, Shou! You're bothering me, get down -Akira added.

-Yes, sensei, - Shou replied.

The ship was indeed a fitting place; a man with a scarred head greeted them, looking military, strong, tough, and violent. With a demeanor of unwelcomeness, he accepted no complaints.

Kensei-sama is waiting downstairs. Please, come in, the rough man stated, oblivious to anything else. Many men stood by, not daring to even breathe. They did not dare oppose the imposing aura of Akira Hongo.

-It's been a long time,- Kensei said, looking at Akira Hongo. Both men were powerful in their own right.

-Ufff, top-of-the-line technology,- Shou remarked.

-Let's finish this quickly,- Akira Hongo urged.

-Hand of God, Hongo, along with his disciple Kano Shou, thank you for gathering here. It seems the other nine fists are already here, and I fear the seven are ready- Kensei said.

Everyone appeared on a screen, and even Kenichi was displayed. The surprise of it all was the way it unfolded; each master had many things to say and do, but the challenge of facing Kenichi was now taking shape.

-I think we can all agree that Ryozampaku must be eliminated. The fight is on our side- Kensei declared.

We will all meet in Japan, but first, before we fight, we must secure our position, a shadow added.

-It seems the new shadow isn't joining us, the shadow of the cloud - Kushinada remarked.

-A new experiment, exploring the interior, searching for a position for our future interests, another - shadow commented.

-Why have I never been taken inside? - Shou asked.

...