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Wolf was blasted back by the combined force, hacking a trail of blood as he went from the internal damage. Bushimarus version of the attack lacked the expertly trained timing and control that Wolfs did, but he had to admit, to pick up and use the basic technique to such effect for the first time was nothing short of amazing. Yet, Wolfs recurring grin sprang back to his face "....nice..." he said, digging a hand into the ground to stop him. He knew he had to get right back into the battle before his time ran out, just from the blow, he could estimate that he still had a bit of an edge over Bushimaru power-wise, and he would likely need it. "Kemono Yakushin Fuyashi! (Beast Dash Increase)" he said, using a powered up version of his Beast Dash. Instead of just pushing off the ground, he physically struck it with supersonic blows, using the rebounding waves and impact force to propel him at an even greater speed. And since he could use it without actually landing on the ground, He could use it far more often and faster.

He boosted over to Bushimaru then was gone in another blast. several different impacts seemed to happen simultaneously around Bushimaru until wolf appeared to his side "Wolf...." He began, then he faded out, showing the one to the side was only an after image "...Hyper Shotgun!" Wolf was behind Bushimaru, aiming double palm strikes at his back, one at each of his shoulders with a loud twin bang sound. This technique was like the Wolf Shot, but doubled and of course enhanced by Devil Gear. Since it focussed more on the waves created, Wolf was hoping to create enough of a blast to shatter Bushimarus shoulder bones, of course the physical blows themselves would still hurt, but not as much as a regular punch from Wolf.

In the background a summoning circle glowed, placed by Wolf during his dash around Bushimaru, though it's contents was a mystery right now.

Bushimarus tactic had one major flaw in it however. Wolf was probably the least predictable person in hell. He rarely thought out any complex strategys, preferring to improvise his fighting on the move. "Damn, he's fast..." Cursed wolf after missing, the force of the wave ripped the ground asunder Where Bushimaru used to occupy.

Wolf looked round in time to see Bushimaru preparing the attack. His eyes widened as he heard the name. "You've gotta be kiddin' me, a servant level move?!" He winced. Wolf then pulled something odd, He actually started dashing towards the giant mass of energy. as he ran, he jabbed a hand into the ground, using his strength to rib a large chunk of rock from the ground and fling it up, just above the beam. He flung himself upwards quickly, boosting off the rock just in time as the beam vaporized it. He flew over the attack towards Bushimaru Swinging around to aim a powerful kick at his head. He didn't use one of his sonic moves straight off this time, as it left him too open if Bushimaru dodged.

Wolf was caught unawares. He had hardly expected Bushimaru using Netheray, let alone having it's side ability too. He grabbed onto a nearby stalactite pushing off it with his feet, managing to dodge one of the beams, but not the other. "Ah man!" he exclaimed as he was caught by the beam and crashing into the ground. Due to the cloud of smoke and sand it was hard to tell what had become of Wolf.

A silhouette became visible through the smoke, it was Wolf, still managing to take a purposeful stride despite just being hit with a hugely destructive beam. The fire danced around him, reflecting off his eyes and skin. The Devil Gear state seemed to be holding back his blood, as his wounds, though severe looking, were hardly bleeding. He stared over at Bushimaru with a determined look. "Bushi-ku-...no...Bushimaru Kusunoki....You have been by far, the closest match to my own power...however I'll say this to you....like I have done to everyone who's ever tried to defeat me, to beat me down....I won't ever surrender, I won't ever roll over, I won't ever quit or give in. As long as this body is still mine..." He clenched his fist ".....I'll never stop shooting for my dreams....and If I don't defeat you here, my dream will be seem that much further away..." He pointed at Bushimaru, fire in his eyes in a more figurative sense this time. "I'm going to, end this!" he boldly claimed.

Out of the smoke and fire beside him, 2 more large wolfs appeared, one black and one white. Wolf knew his time was almost up, thought the time for talk was now over. He leaped back, dispersing some of the smoke, backflipping and landing on a Nero Wall he had summoned while hidden in the smoke. He boosted himself forward using his Beast Dash Increase for all it was worth. the 2 wolves also dashed at Bushimaru. The first black one leaped up, Wolf using it as a mid-air platform to boost again, increasing his speed then changing into a spirit wolf form and flying along side Wolf. the second white wolf did the same. "Summoning: Krytain Bogs!" he called. The summoning circle he had left on the ground earlier burst to life, covering a large area around it with a think mucky bog, probably infested with all sorts of unsavory things, though it's only purpose right now was to stop Bushimarus movement. Bushimarus spinning only made him sink into the bog faster, before inevitably slowing him down to a standstill.

Wolf rocketed right at Bushimaru, throwing up rock and swamp water alike in his wake. "Lets see how you deal with a punch from me when you can't dodge!" shouted Wolf as the 2 other wolf spirits siphoned into him at the last moment. Wolf could only maintain control of all those spirits in his body for a few seconds, but all he needed was a split second. He threw a punch with all his might at Bushimarus head as they collided, There was no shockwave technique for this blow, but with the raw power Wolf had put behind it, it was hardly needed. The blow itself created it's own large shockwave, shooting out from the impact zone. There was also a horrible cracking noise. Wolf had put so much force behind the blow he had broken his own hand in the process.

"Release....." Wolf just managed to croak out, returning his body from Devil Gear to normal state as fast as possible. the swamp, Nero Wall and the two extra spirit wolves he had called all poffed into swirling smoke. Wolf coughed up a sizable amount of blood onto Bushimarus sword before stumbling back as it vanished.

Wolf dropped his arms limply to his sides, closing his eyes. He suddenly threw his head back and let out a bloodcurdling cross between a scream and the roar of a wounded animal, letting the pain of all Bushimarus attacks out and letting it echo around the fiery caverns. As it died down he let out a short breath and started to drop over forwards, but steadied himself at the last moment, wrapping his arms tightly around his body, his breathing very labored "Damn it damn it damn it, I guess I deserved that for trying not to worry about defense..." he gasped to himself, coughing up more blood to join the pool that was forming under him. It was all he could to right now to keep steady on 2 legs.

He glanced at Bushimaru, the frozen look on his face creeped Wolf out, but none the less, he grinned weakly at him "'Course your not the only.... one with dreams silly....everyone has dreams, it just depends..... on how far....they are willing to fight form them..." He said in almost a whisper, though Bushimaru probably couldn't hear. He let out another agonized sound, clutching tighter at his upper body. He wobbled a bit before being assisted by a medic demon who had arrived on the scene.

Cryos whisked his way onto the scene, looking round at the carnage, and quickly checking for falling rocks.



"Ladies and demons! After the most intense final round match I think I've ever witnessed, through all the suspense, drama and just pain asskickary, we have our winner!" Cryos jerked a thumb towards Wolf who was being administered first aid and trying to keep from passing out himself. "Still the reigning Lieutenant tournament champion, Raphael Vindar Steppenwolf the....some number!!" he declared. Those of you who chose not to flee for your lives can come out of hiding and cheer now" Cryos observed the suddenly sparse stands, evacuated somewhat when the shocks of the fighters collision started causing it collateral damage.

Ararikku was sitting down cross legged on an ornate looking red Zafu cushion Decotated with golden flames, atop a raised platform at one end of his large oblong throne room. The room itself had an imperial Japanese air to it. Most of the walls and floor/ceiling were made out of polished red rock, with black rock as secondary and gold decorations. At the sides of the centre 'path' of the room large holes were situated, home to large but controlled fires, their light reflecting and flickering off the rest of the scenery. Ararikkus 2 large katanas were situated in an important looking shrine-like stand behind where he sat, eluminated on either side by smaller torches.

He sighed having just finished meeting with some of his subordinates about his routine investigations of Kokujin and his own subordinates.

Ararikku looked up from his thoughts. There was a small pause before he nodded. "Welcome back Bushimaru, it's good that you made such a prompt recovery" He said. Though he didn't smile, it was clear he meant what he said. He couldn't help wondering what Bushimaru was feeling about the tournament, though he didn't usually like to pry. "...I hope you have no ill feelings about the result of the recent tourney" he then said.