[center][h3]Terauchi Temple[/h3][/center] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/88dciJb.png?1[/img][/center] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/0zvnz6I.png[/img][/center] [center][url=https://youtu.be/26MUv9nh-9A]šŸ‰[/url][/center] [@PaulHaynek] [@Rezod92] The swordsman wasn't surprised that his ice barrage was nullified, it was mainly supposed to be a distraction anyway. He appeared above her head and prepared to attack with Kogarashi. However, as Shizuka's strike was about to hit its mark, he felt a strange sensation hit him. The magic he had built up had completely vanished, but he felt no pain and the physical aspect of the technique remained uninhibited. The miko was certainly no pushover, though, as she dodged his slash with a graceful step and countered with one of her own. Shizuka quickly recovered and brought his blade to his side to defend against the strike, the clash caused his bang to sway a bit. She wasn't done yet, however, as she quickly shifted her attack into a kick delivered straight to his face. Ouchā€¦ Worse over, the swordsman was able to witness the perfume-wearing prisoner making his escape. Godsdamn perfect, as if he needed any of this right nowā€¦ But, right now he needed to focus on the shrine maiden and magic nullification abilities. His expression was sharp, but composed as he rubbed the bruise her kick had left. [color=0072bc]"As expected, you are quite skilled. Being able to react to my speed is no easy task."[/color] He said as he held his blade out so that the tip was pointed horizontally from his side. [color=0072bc]"I can't afford to hold back too much, so I don't have much of a choice."[/color] It seemed that Shizuka was prepping another technique, but didn't seem to be channeling his chi. Given what he now knows, why would he? He would use Butōsen to deliver countless slashes to where her ofuda would be obliterated, then immediately follow-up with TōhōfÅ« Kari to strike her from three different angles. He felt that would also be a good way to deal with another counter she had up her sleeve. This plan was briefly interrupted when the buzz of a fellow task force member could be heard closing in. It seemed that Kerry was the first one done with her mission, unfortunately she arrived in time to see the small skirmish that had brewed while she was away. Her response was a natural one. [color=0072bc]"Forgive me, Kerry-san, but I don't have time to explain. Please do what you can to help quell this conflict quickly."[/color] He said without even turning to her. He then instantly charged at the miko to execute his plan. Like before, his aim is to incapacitate and not to kill. Hopefully this would put a stop to this madnessā€¦ [hr] [center][h3]Tokinomiya Estate[/h3][/center] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/cDfjYN0.png[/img][img]https://i.imgur.com/0u0wcUo.png[/img][/center] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/NporBQG.png[/img][/center] [center][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbfOVMI-pKw]šŸŒ€[/url][/center] [@Restalaan] [@FrogRFlowR] The Hangai sisters listened intently as Sorae explained her situation further; Atsuha clammed up a bit when the Shizuyaman warrior rejected her empathy. She guessed she shouldnā€™t be surprised that she can still hold on to her prejudices even in a circumstance like this. Hearing her remark that being the last remaining member of her clan is nothing to be thankful for clammed her up even more. She felt she was being insensitive without even realizing it at first; Atsuha thought that she may be able to relate to Sorae, but their situations arenā€™t quite the same. Afterall, the Hangai clan was still around. At least, as far as she knew. Her eyes flared up a bit when Skarsneek mentioned they could act as meat shields. [color=9e0b0f][i]Iā€™m no oneā€™s meat shield except my sisterā€™s thank you! And, maybe yoursā€¦I supposeā€¦[/i][/color] she silently said to herself, blushing a bit. Skarsneek tried his best to convince her, but she simply wouldnā€™t accept their aid, going on about some kind of code among the natives. Hearing that she would find the assailants and avenge her clan herself was enough for Atsuha to finally break her silence. [color=9e0b0f]ā€œAs Skars-kun stated, our directive here is to defend the island from the Varjans and assist its people in any way we can. We will continue our mission independent of your word or otherwise. Also, as Takeshi-san requires your aid and we are currently working with him, what has affected you also affects us as well. This isnā€™t just your problem anymore, and I donā€™t know what you hope to accomplish on your own.ā€[/color] Hinami thought it best to remain silent, but supported her comrades' pleas for Sorae to accept their aid, gazing at her with a solemn expression.