The brute Tobamako loomed in front of Knoxx and Geo, massive frame unmoving as he chuckled through labored breaths. Knoxx's daggers had carved shallow lines across his body—but none deep enough. Nothing vital.
"You damn marshmallow!" Knoxx yelled, spinning a blade around his finger. "Hold still so I can gut you!"
"We need a plan, Knoxx," Geo snapped. "Your knives don't cut deep enough—"
"They will!" Knoxx barked back. "I'll take this asshat down no matter the cost!"
Geo shot him an irritated look.
"If you'd let me finish," he said evenly, "we could maybe make that happen."
Knoxx glanced back just as Tobamako began stomping forward—not fast, not rushed. Intentional.
"…I'm listening."
Geo nodded. "Good. Every time he uses his ability, there's a pause. A second or two where he doesn't react right. When that happens, we hit him together. I draw his attention. You find the right spot."
Knoxx hesitated—then smirked.
"Alright. Sounds like my kind of plan."
"Hey, tubby!" Geo shouted, slamming his fist into the ground. Stone erupted upward. He kicked the rock forward, sending it hurtling toward Tobamako.
The brute caught it midair and smashed it into the dirt before charging.
Geo plunged his hands into the ground again. Hardened soil crawled up his arms, forming crude gauntlets just as Tobamako swung.
Their fists collided with a thunderous crack.
They traded blows—raw, brutal. Geo took a grazing hit to the ribs but slipped a gut punch and drove an uppercut into Tobamako's jaw. The brute was lifted off his feet.
Tobamako flipped in the air and landed in a crouch. Blood ran from his nose. He wiped it away with his forearm and grinned.
"Huh. You made me bleed. Impressive, stick."
Geo clenched his teeth. "Got more for you."
They clashed again—stone against flesh—while, unseen in the chaos, Knoxx crouched low and waited.
Then it happened.
Geo leapt back and tore a massive slab of rock from deep underground, raising it overhead. Tobamako rushed him.
"Oh no you don't!" Tobamako shouted.
Geo met Knoxx's eyes.
In a blink, Tobamako vanished—reappearing directly in front of Geo and slamming a kick into his chest. Geo flew backward with a grunt.
But Tobamako didn't see the rascal with his knives drawn behind.
"Gotcha!" Knoxx yelled.
Blades flashed. He carved across Tobamako's back again and again, following with a spinning kick that sent the brute crashing into the dirt.
Geo staggered up, wincing, and hurled the rock down onto Tobamako's fallen form.
"For good measure," he muttered, rubbing his neck. "He got me good."
Knoxx laughed, wiping sweat from his brow. "Yeah. You look like hell. But hey—think that's our cue to get the hell outta here?"
Geo nodded, breathing heavy. "Yeah. We regroup. Find Danzo and the others."
In a moment, the sky above Igumi was blue and cloudless, trifled by only the smoke of war and rays of sun. Next, the sky turned dim.
A large dark blue image—of a phoenix engulfed the sky. Its wings were wide in the flames of freedom. From the wings, strikes of gold and orange glowed valiantly.
Only one soldier knew what it had meant.
Memento… where life meets an end, another begins. Face others with strength—protect those without it. Fight… fight until our beliefs and actions aren't in vain. They, and I… are counting on it.
The words from the insignia echoed in a mythical voice. Danzo looked to the sky, and his eyes went wide. They were filled with shock, and utter disbelief.
Long live Memento.
The line was final, and Danzo could only gaze helplessly, as the crest stood a few moments longer.
"No…"
He dropped to a knee, still gazing upon the magnificent sight.
"Maro… no."