That night, as the garden wind whispered through paper lanterns, Shisui sensed something was wrong.
A faint static in the air. The iron particles in his skin pulsed with warning.
Then it struck.
A shadow flickered across the moonlight—an assassin, dressed in black plated robes, launched from the trees with two curved daggers humming with corrupted Arch Energy.
> "The boy must not live... the prophecy must remain buried."
Shisui's instincts kicked in.
He dodged, barely, and countered with a Thunderclap Elbow, but the assassin twisted unnaturally and reappeared behind him. Poisoned blade scraped Shisui's shoulder—blood hissed against the toxin.
Shisui gritted his teeth and whispered:
> "Iron Tempest Style: Magnetic Sandstorm Armor."
Black iron particles burst from the earth, swirling to form a defensive storm. Blades were knocked off-course. Sparks danced like fireflies.
Shisui narrowed his eyes. "You picked the wrong flower to step on."
With a series of swift strikes, he unleashed a combo:
Thunderclap Dash
Palm of the Blooming Pulse
and finished with Rail Fang Cannon to the chest.
The assassin flew back, crashing into a tree. Before he could retreat into smoke, Shisui formed a sign and called:
> "Solar Flame Jutsu: Sunfang Bloom!"
A radiant burst engulfed the enemy in light and fire, searing the corruption from his body. The assassin screamed, dropped the blade, and collapsed.
Guards arrived too late.
Kurou inspected the weapon and scowled. "Corrupted Arch Steel... this came from the Crimson Shroud Sect."
Shisui stood silently, holding his burnt shoulder. His blood dripped—but his gaze didn't waver.
> "Let them come," he said coldly. "I'll bloom through every threat."