Chapter 585: The Former Number One Hero
A chilling wind carrying the scent of death tore through the tranquility of Keyuan. Kazumi tightly gripped the trembling bone spurs of the rotten giant wolf. Her knuckles turned white from the force. Rotten flesh continuously peeled off the giant wolf as it galloped, revealing its stark white bones, yet it still roared and charged forward. With every step, it kicked up large clouds of dust.
Kazumi, now in a disheveled state, her pure black leather gloves covered in pockmarked scars, found her internal Death Energy nearly depleted due to overuse. Without the “Black Coffin” to replenish it, her surroundings could no longer support its rapid recovery. Her small chest heaved due to the excessive energy output.
“Brother Fujiwara, can you find a connection point?”
“No, the energy around is too active, it’s interfering with my abilities. If we can’t connect to the outside to escape forcefully, I’m afraid we won’t reach there.”
Fujiwara Liang, behind Kazumi, shook his head. His face was also pale. Although he watched Little Einstein absorb and divert energy, the repeated use of the legendary [Kimokado] for teleportation in a short period was a great burden for Fujiwara Liang, who had not fully recovered.
“Kazumi, they’re catching up!”
Fujiwara Liang’s voice was carried by the wind.
Earlier, Kazumi had sensed a approaching Death Energy behind them. It was Fujiwara Hara’s rotten giant wolf.
Kazumi suggested that if they could let the giant wolf devour them in advance, they might not be captured by the power of the “Black Coffin.”
“Damn it, can’t we just give up like this?”
Fujiwara Liang looked unresignedly at Fujiwara Hara getting closer.
“Brother Fujiwara, you hide first, I’ll hold him off!”
As soon as she finished speaking, Kazumi leaped up, drawing a red streak in the air as she charged towards Fujiwara Hara.
“Kazumi! You!”
Fujiwara Liang clearly hadn’t expected Kazumi to suddenly make such a move.
Fujiwara Hara looked at Kazumi rushing towards him, the red light in his eyes intensifying.
“What a cute little sister. If you’re willing to surrender obediently, I might consider making you my favorite…”
Fujiwara Hara extended his rotten hand, a black energy surging from his palm, forming a massive scythe, which he fiercely swung down at Kazumi.
Kazumi didn’t dodge. She knew that in her current state, there was no way she could evade Fujiwara Hara’s attack. Rather than wasting her energy, she might as well buy herself some time.
Kazumi tightly gripped the red dagger in her hand, concentrating all her Death Energy onto it. The dagger emitted a dazzling red light.
“CRACK—”
With a loud noise, Kazumi’s dagger collided with Fujiwara Hara’s scythe. Red and black energy exploded in the air.
Kazumi was also thrown back dozens of meters by the powerful impact, falling heavily to the ground. She struggled to stand, but Fujiwara Hara’s scythe swung at her again.
“Kazumi! Be careful!”
Fujiwara Liang suddenly charged forward, blocking in front of Kazumi with his body.
“PUCH—”
Fujiwara Hara’s scythe mercilessly pierced Fujiwara Liang’s body, splattering blood.
Fujiwara Liang let out a pained groan, his body slumping softly into Kazumi’s embrace.
Kazumi looked at the bleeding wound on Fujiwara Liang’s chest, her eyes filled with tears.
“Brother Fujiwara…”
Fujiwara Hara coldly retracted his scythe, a disgusting smile contorting his rotten lips.
“What a touching sibling bond! I told you, no one can stop me from taking her away!”
Fujiwara Hara raised his foot, preparing to walk towards Kazumi.
At that moment, a green beam of light descended from the sky, enveloping Fujiwara Hara. Fujiwara Hara’s body froze, sensing a powerful force restraining him. He wanted to break free, but the green light was like a giant net, trapping him firmly within it.
Kazumi raised her head and saw a familiar face.
“Sakurai?”
Sakurai, wearing a red ninja outfit, floated silently in the sky. The green light was emanating from her hands.
“Kazumi, are you alright?”
Sakurai’s voice was a little hoarse, but her tone was firm.
“Sakurai, why are you here?”
“I already know everything.”
Sakurai looked at Fujiwara Hara, trapped in the green light, her eyes filled with indifference.
“Fujiwara Hara, do you think you can do whatever you want?”
Sakurai extended a hand and clenched it towards Fujiwara Hara. The green light tightened, and Fujiwara Hara let out a pained roar.
“Ah—”
Sakurai showed no mercy, tightening the green light again. Fujiwara Hara’s body contorted, and the bones within his body made cracking sounds.
“You’re crazy! Sakurai! Do you want to kill me?” Fujiwara Hara roared.
“I won’t let you hurt Kazumi again!” Sakurai replied coldly.
Sakurai suddenly loosened her grip, and the green light disappeared. Fujiwara Hara fell heavily to the ground, his body covered in green marks. He struggled to get up, but Sakurai appeared in front of him first. Sakurai raised her foot and stomped forcefully on Fujiwara Hara’s chest.
“Cough—”
Fujiwara Hara spat out a mouthful of blood, his eyes filled with anger and unwillingness.
“Sakurai, you traitor!”
“Traitor?” Sakurai sneered, increasing the pressure with her foot. “Do you think no one knows what you’ve done?”
“What nonsense are you talking about?” Fujiwara Hara’s face showed panic.
“Fujiwara Hara, do you think I don’t know that you’ve been coveting Kazumi’s power, even wanting to turn her into your puppet?”
Fujiwara Hara’s face instantly turned pale. He hadn’t expected Sakurai to know all of this.
“You, how could you know?”
“Don’t forget, we’ve known each other for many years.” A flicker of sadness crossed Sakurai’s eyes.
Fujiwara Hara knew he had nothing more to say.
“Sakurai, are you really going to betray us for Kazumi?”
“I have never betrayed anyone,” Sakurai said in a low voice. “I have simply chosen to stand on the right side.”
“The right side? Hahaha—” Fujiwara Hara laughed wildly. “Sakurai, you’re too naive! In this world, there is no absolute right or wrong!”
“Perhaps,” Sakurai’s voice became a little somber. “But I’d rather believe that everything we do is to protect the people we love.”
“Protection? Do you think what you’re doing now is truly protecting?” Fujiwara Hara’s voice was full of mockery. “Do you think by killing me, Kazumi will be safe?”
A flicker of hesitation crossed Sakurai’s eyes. Fujiwara Hara seized the opportunity to struggle violently. He pushed away Sakurai’s foot, broke free from her restraint, and charged towards Kazumi.
“Kazumi, you can’t escape!”
Fujiwara Hara was very fast, reaching Kazumi in an instant without any warning. Sakurai wanted to stop him, but it was too late. Fujiwara Hara extended his rotten hand and grabbed Kazumi by the neck, lifting her high.
“Fujiwara Hara, let her go!” Sakurai roared, charging towards Fujiwara Hara.
Fujiwara Hara looked at Sakurai, a strange smile appearing on his face.
“Sakurai, since you care about her so much, then let her go to hell with me!”
Fujiwara Hara abruptly threw Kazumi towards the ground.
“BANG—” Kazumi fell heavily to the ground with a dull thud. Sakurai rushed to Kazumi’s side, finding her unconscious.
“Kazumi! Kazumi!” Sakurai frantically shook Kazumi’s body. Fujiwara Hara stood aside, indifferently watching it all.
“Sakurai, don’t waste your energy. I’ve injected her with a large amount of Death Energy. It won’t be long before she becomes my puppet.”
Sakurai suddenly looked up, her eyes filled with rage.
“Fujiwara Hara, I will definitely not let you off!”
“Is that so?” Fujiwara Hara sneered. “That depends on whether you have the ability!”
Fujiwara Hara suddenly rushed towards Sakurai, a dense aura of death surrounding him. Sakurai met the charge, knowing this battle was inevitable. Sakurai and Fujiwara Hara engaged in a fierce battle in the sky, green light and black energy constantly clashing, emitting bursts of roars.
Meanwhile. On a cliff not far from the battlefield, a figure quietly observed everything. He wore black clothes and a black mask, his face obscured. He was the mysterious leader of the “[Dark Shadow]” organization. Beside him stood a man in a white suit.
“Leader, should we intervene?” the man in white asked respectfully.
“No,” the man in black said faintly. “Let Sakurai and Fujiwara Hara fight first. We’ll reap the benefits.”
“Yes!” The man in white responded respectfully. The man in black looked up at Sakurai and Fujiwara Hara battling in the sky, a mysterious smile appearing on his lips.
“Ah, Kazumi. You truly are a fascinating woman!”
“Cough, cough, cough—” Fujiwara Liang coughed violently, struggling to get up from the ground. Although Kazumi was unconscious, the Death Energy within her was surging, causing a cold aura to emanate from her body. Fujiwara Liang knew Kazumi’s situation was dangerous and she needed immediate treatment. He shakily reached out, trying to touch Kazumi’s body.
At this moment, a figure appeared beside Fujiwara Liang.
“Brother Fujiwara, are you alright?” It was Little Einstein. He looked at Fujiwara Liang anxiously, his eyes filled with worry.
“Little Einstein, quickly, take Kazumi away from here!” Fujiwara Liang said with difficulty.
“But, you…”
“Don’t worry about me, Kazumi is more important!” Fujiwara Liang pushed away Little Einstein’s hand. Little Einstein looked at the wound on Fujiwara Liang’s chest, knowing he couldn’t persuade him. He turned, picked up the unconscious Kazumi, and ran towards the distance.
“Brother Fujiwara, you must hold on!” Little Einstein silently said to himself.
Fujiwara Hara watched Little Einstein escape with Kazumi and wanted to pursue them, but Sakurai held him back tightly.
“Fujiwara Hara, your opponent is me!” Sakurai said coldly. Fujiwara Hara roared, the black energy around him swelling. He forcefully broke free from Sakurai’s restraint and chased in the direction of Little Einstein.
“Trying to run? No way!” Sakurai pursued closely, knowing that if Fujiwara Hara caught up to Little Einstein, Kazumi would be in danger. The three engaged in a fierce chase in the air. Fujiwara Hara’s speed was affected by his injuries from the previous blow. Sakurai’s stamina was also beginning to decline due to overuse of her power. Only Little Einstein, holding Kazumi, shuttled through the air, his speed unbroken. He knew he was Kazumi’s only hope now and couldn’t stop. Behind him, Sakurai and Fujiwara Hara’s chase grew further and further away until they disappeared into the night sky.
Little Einstein, holding Kazumi, ran until he reached a hidden mountain cave before stopping. He carefully placed Kazumi on the ground, then squatted beside her, looking at her anxiously. Kazumi’s face was pale, her breathing shallow, and the cold aura emanating from her body grew stronger. Little Einstein reached out to touch Kazumi’s forehead but recoiled, scared by the cold aura. He knew Kazumi’s body was being eroded by Death Energy.
“Kazumi, wake up! You can’t be in trouble!” Little Einstein called out anxiously. Just then, Kazumi’s eyes suddenly opened. Her eyes were bloodshot, and her gaze was filled with a hint of confusion.
“Li, Little Einstein?” Kazumi asked weakly.
“Kazumi, you’re awake! How do you feel?” Little Einstein asked in surprise.
“I… I’m so cold…” Kazumi’s body trembled slightly. Little Einstein quickly took off his jacket and draped it over Kazumi.
“Kazumi, don’t be afraid, I will save you!” Little Einstein held Kazumi’s hand tightly, wanting to give her warmth. Kazumi’s gaze gradually cleared. She looked at Little Einstein’s anxious expression and gave a comforting smile.
“Little Einstein, you don’t need to worry about me…”
“What nonsense are you talking about? You’re in great danger now!”
“I’m fine…” Kazumi weakly reached out and touched Little Einstein’s cheek. “Little Einstein, you’re so kind…” Little Einstein’s eyes reddened. He suppressed his tears and squeezed Kazumi’s hand.
“Kazumi, believe me, I will find a way to save you!”
“Little Einstein, listen to me…” Kazumi’s voice grew fainter, and her eyes closed again.
“Kazumi! Kazumi!” Little Einstein called out anxiously, but he could no longer hear Kazumi’s response. He held Kazumi tightly, tears flowing uncontrollably.
“Kazumi, you can’t be in trouble! I can’t live without you!” Little Einstein prayed silently in his heart, wishing time could turn back to when nothing had happened.
At this time. With Sakurai’s help, Fujiwara Liang successfully escaped Fujiwara Hara’s pursuit. They were hiding in a secret cave. Sakurai looked at the wound on Fujiwara Liang’s chest and sighed with guilt.
“Brother Fujiwara, I’m sorry, I dragged you down…”
“Sakurai, you don’t need to blame yourself, it’s not your fault,” Fujiwara Liang said weakly.
“Brother Fujiwara, your injuries are severe, I need to treat you quickly.” Sakurai took out a vial she carried and began to treat Fujiwara Liang’s wound. Fujiwara Liang looked at Sakurai’s focused profile, feeling a sense of warmth.
“Sakurai, why did you help us just now?” Fujiwara Liang asked. Sakurai’s hand paused. She looked up at Fujiwara Liang, her eyes filled with determination.
“Brother Fujiwara, I saw through Fujiwara Hara’s scheme long ago. I can’t let him succeed, nor can I let Kazumi be harmed.”
“But, by doing this, aren’t you betraying Dark Shadow?” Fujiwara Liang’s face showed worry.
“Dark Shadow?” Sakurai sneered. “Brother Fujiwara, do you think Dark Shadow is really worth our loyalty?” Fujiwara Liang fell silent. He knew Sakurai was right. The actions of the Dark Shadow organization had long chilled them.
“Brother Fujiwara, rest well, I will go find Little Einstein and Kazumi.” Sakurai said, then got up to leave.
“Sakurai, be careful!” Fujiwara Liang urged.
“Don’t worry, Brother Fujiwara, I’ll be fine.” Sakurai gave Fujiwara Liang a reassuring smile, then turned and left.
At this time, Little Einstein was still in the cave holding Kazumi. He looked at Kazumi’s pale face, filled with helplessness.
“Kazumi, where are you? Wake up quickly!” Little Einstein called out anxiously. Just then, a white light suddenly emitted from Kazumi’s body, illuminating the entire cave. Little Einstein quickly shielded his eyes with his hand. When the light disappeared, Little Einstein looked at Kazumi again. A layer of white halo floated around Kazumi’s body, looking sacred and beautiful.
“What… What is this?” Little Einstein looked at the scene in front of him in surprise. Kazumi’s body slowly floated into the air, her eyes opening again, filled with wisdom and power.
“Little Einstein, I’m alright now.” Kazumi’s voice became somewhat ethereal.
“Kazumi, you…”
“Little Einstein, I have received a higher level of recognition from the power of death.” Kazumi explained with a smile.
“Higher recognition?” Little Einstein asked confusedly.
“Yes, the Death Energy within me has perfectly merged with my soul. I have received the favor of the Goddess of the Undead.” Kazumi extended her hand, and a ball of green light pulsed in her palm.
“This… This is… Life Energy?” Little Einstein said in surprise.
“Not only that, Little Einstein, I can now perfectly control the Death Energy within me, and even convert it into other forms of energy.” Kazumi’s tone became full of confidence.
“Kazumi, you are truly a miracle!” Little Einstein said excitedly.
“Little Einstein, we can’t waste time now. Fujiwara Hara could chase after us at any moment.” Kazumi retracted the green light from her hand and descended from the air.
“Kazumi, where are we going now?”
“We’re going to find Sakurai and Brother Fujiwara. We need to unite and deal with Fujiwara Hara together.” Kazumi’s eyes gleamed with determination.
“Okay! I’ll listen to you!” Little Einstein nodded heavily. The two walked out of the cave and flew towards the night sky. Their figures soon disappeared into the darkness.
At this time. Sakurai was searching for Little Einstein and Kazumi in the forest. She knew she had to find them quickly, or it would be too late. Suddenly, a black shadow descended from the sky, blocking Sakurai’s path. It was Fujiwara Hara. A sinister smile played on his lips, his eyes filled with killing intent.
“Sakurai, you finally came out.” Fujiwara Hara said sinisterly.
“Fujiwara Hara, you won’t succeed!” Sakurai roared and charged towards Fujiwara Hara. The two engaged in a fierce battle in the forest. Green light and black energy clashed in the darkness, emitting roars. Fujiwara Hara’s strength was superior to Sakurai’s, and she gradually began to lose ground. She knew she was no match for Fujiwara Hara. At the last moment, a red beam of light descended from the sky, striking Fujiwara Hara’s back. Fujiwara Hara let out a pained howl. It was Kazumi who had arrived. She looked at Fujiwara Hara, her eyes filled with indifference.
“Fujiwara Hara, what you have done has crossed my line.” Kazumi’s voice was cold and firm. Fujiwara Hara turned his head to look at Kazumi, his face filled with shock.
“Kazumi, how… how could you be alright?”
Kazumi didn’t answer. She extended her hand, and balls of green light pulsed in her palm. She channeled the green light into Sakurai’s body. Sakurai felt a warm power flowing within her, her stamina quickly recovering, and her wounds healing.
“Kazumi, what… what happened to you?” Sakurai asked in surprise.
“Sakurai, now is not the time to talk about this. We must join forces and deal with Fujiwara Hara together.” Kazumi’s tone was full of fighting spirit.
“Okay!” Sakurai nodded heavily. The two smiled at each other, then simultaneously charged towards Fujiwara Hara. Fujiwara Hara looked at Kazumi and Sakurai fighting together, a look of despair and unwillingness on his face. He knew escape was no longer possible. In a fierce battle, Kazumi and Sakurai coordinated perfectly, forcing Fujiwara Hara into a corner. Kazumi used the green light to seal Fujiwara Hara’s movements, while Sakurai took the opportunity to pierce Fujiwara Hara’s heart with her weapon, a sharp kunai. Fujiwara Hara let out a roar of unwillingness, his body collapsing to the ground, turning into a pile of black blood and disappearing into the night. Kazumi and Sakurai smiled at each other, then flew towards Fujiwara Liang’s location.
At this time, Fujiwara Liang was anxiously waiting in the cave. When he saw Kazumi and Sakurai return safely, the weight on his heart finally lifted.
“Kazumi, Sakurai, are you alright? Where is Fujiwara Hara?” Fujiwara Liang asked with concern.
“Brother Fujiwara, we’re fine. Fujiwara Hara has been dealt with by us.” Kazumi said with a smile.
“That’s great!” Fujiwara Liang breathed a sigh of relief. Sakurai walked to Fujiwara Liang’s side and checked his injuries again.
“Brother Fujiwara, your injuries are recovering quite well.”
“It’s the medicine Kazumi gave me, it’s very effective.” Fujiwara Liang looked at Kazumi, his eyes filled with gratitude.
“Brother Fujiwara, your injuries are no longer a problem. We need to hurry back and report what happened here to the organization.” Kazumi said.
“Kazumi, have you really decided to return to Dark Shadow?” Fujiwara Liang asked hesitantly. Kazumi nodded. “Brother Fujiwara, we can’t let what happened with Fujiwara Hara be in vain. I want to go back and expose the true face of Dark Shadow.”
“Kazumi, be careful!” Sakurai said worriedly.
“Don’t worry, Sakurai. I’m not alone anymore.” Kazumi extended her hand and clasped Sakurai’s. Sakurai felt the warmth from Kazumi’s hand, her heart filled with strength. The three smiled at each other, then walked out of the cave and flew into the distance. In the night sky, the three figures gradually disappeared into the starlight. A battle of life and death finally concluded. However, for Kazumi, everything had just begun. Her destiny would be completely changed by this experience. Her future would be filled with more challenges and unknowns. But she was ready to face it all because she was no longer fighting alone. By her side were friends who loved and supported her. Kazumi would welcome her new life in a completely new form. She would be a true “Daughter of the Undead.” In the distant future, her name would resound throughout the world. Kazumi would become a legend.
