Location: Experimental Base - Deep Underground Laboratory [Shirakawa's Mission and the V-A Injection] In the great hall of Higashigumo Academy, Shirakawa had just received an order from the lab: to carry out an off-campus mission. He was informed that the objective was to investigate new information about dimensional drifters connected to the Foundation. To do so, he would need additional power. The Foundation's Experimental Division injected him with V-A (Vitamin A), a drug capable of rapidly increasing the physical capabilities of Espers.
After the V-A injection, Shirakawa immediately felt a surge of energy. His senses sharpened and his eyes could detect even the slightest movement. His physical strength reached the limits of a normal human. He knew that this power wouldn't last long - but for now, he was extraordinary.
"This is the power of the Foundation," Shirakawa whispered as he stood at the window. The mission echoed in his head:
"Reach the goal within the time limit."
He passed through the gates of the academy and headed for the experimental base. His goal was clear, but he knew that the mission was fraught with danger.
[Shirakawa Encounters the Dimensional Drifter: Shadowblade Oni] Upon reaching the outer perimeter of the base, Shirakawa saw that it was heavily fortified. To avoid detection, he activated his stealth skills and slipped past the barriers, infiltrating the facility.
Unbeknownst to him, a mysterious drifter had already locked onto him.
Suddenly, he felt a crushing pressure from behind. Shirakawa spun around to see a black shadow speeding toward him like lightning.
"You're... a dimensional drifter?" His voice tensed as his hand gripped his sword.
A tall, black-robed man emerged from the shadows, an eerie chill surrounding him. In his hand was a massive black blade, moon-shaped and glowing with a cold sheen.
"Shadowblade Oni," Shirakawa murmured. "You are the third drifter."
The eyes of the figure, visible under a mask, stared like death itself. His voice was harsh and cold.
"I have come to stop you... Esper."
Shirakawa felt the immense power and killing intent of his opponent. This drifter didn't just want to defeat him - he wanted to sever everything.
With the V-A still coursing through his veins, Shirakawa was at his peak.
"Then come," he said coldly and drew his sword.
[Clash of Sword and Shadow - Shockwave Duel] Shadowblade Oni swung his massive weapon, sending waves of pressure through the air as if slicing through space itself. Shirakawa met him head on, his blade vibrating violently.
Their collision created a massive shockwave. Blades of sword energy and shadow collided in a storm of power.
"Sword shockwave -!"
Shirakawa slashed in a wide arc, sending a tidal wave of sword energy forward.
Shadowblade Oni reacted immediately. His blade summoned Shadow Slashes, dozens of blades of dark energy flying toward Shirakawa.
Shirakawa dodged the killing blow, but one of the blades grazed his shoulder. Blood flowed instantly.
"Damn..." he hissed, the pain burning through him. His eyes burned with rage now.
Regaining his focus, he unleashed another sword shockwave, a powerful wave that drove his opponent back.
Shadowblade Oni flickered through the air like a phantom, his deadly presence relentless.
"You still can't reach me," he said, calm but brimming with dominance.
[Shadowblade Oni's Final Strike] The battle had reached its climax. Shirakawa's stamina was dwindling, and the effect of the V-A was nearing its end.
At that moment, Shadowblade Oni moved. His massive blade sliced through the air, an overwhelming blow aimed directly at Shirakawa.
It was a blow that could shatter everything.
Knowing he couldn't dodge, Shirakawa poured his last strength into one last block.
Blade met blade, but the force threw Shirakawa backward like a rag doll, slamming him to the ground.
Shadowblade Oni did not respond. He just stared at his fallen enemy.
"You are unfit to be a dimensional drifter," he said and turned away.
Shirakawa gasped, blood dripping from his lips.
"This... isn't over..." he whispered.
[Meanwhile, Nightmist Cang was training alone, struggling to control his newly awakened powers. Suddenly, he felt it - a deep, urgent pull.
"Shirakawa...!"
His heart pounded. The danger Shirakawa was facing echoed through his senses.
"I must awaken more power."
He closed his eyes and summoned his magic cards. Black light surged through him as he focused every ounce of his will.
With a low incantation, an unprecedented power erupted from his body. The cards blazed like stars. The world around him seemed to distort as he entered a dreamlike realm.
"So this is my awakening..."
Determined, he swore: "I will never let anyone get hurt again!"
[Far away, Shadowblade Oni's eyes narrowed. He had sensed it - Nightmist Cang's awakening.
"So this... is the power of a true Esper."
He turned to the source - and disappeared into the shadows.
[Trial of Onimaru Setsura] Elsewhere, Onimaru Setsura was undergoing intense training in a vast trial field. His massive mechanical spear, the Gokuretsu, howled with each strike, leaving deep scars in the ground.
Preparing for the coming war, he roared:
"Even against the strongest... I will never retreat!"
[Shirakawa's Last Moments] Shirakawa knelt in a pool of his own blood. His sword shattered, his vision blurred. His life was quickly draining away.
"How... did it come to this..."
He raised a trembling hand, barely able to move.
Suddenly, a black figure emerged from the shadows - wrapped in a dark cloak, face hidden behind a twisted mask, wielding a long black blade.
Shirakawa's eyes widened.
"Kurojin blade..."
A wave of fear washed over him.
The figure, Kurojin Blade, moved with elegant deadliness. Shirakawa tried to rise - but his body failed.
Without a word, the blade plunged into Shirakawa's heart.
Blood sprayed out. Shirakawa's eyes froze in disbelief. His body convulsed, a trail of crimson spilled from his lips.
"...Tendou..."
A last name whispered in his mind, pulling him into his past - [Flashback: Days with Tendou Kyouichi] (...to be continued)