Embers Of Dead Ego [Operation Fun Rebels] [Shadow Fall/Royal Demon Mission] [5/6 slots left]

To say the roar of collective screams from first women, and then children, made the hair on Mifune's neck and arms stand up would be a bit of an understatement. While the scale of energy from those around him didn't even register on Mifune's radar, being simultaneously unable to sense it and immune to it's destructive capabilities, the creepiness of the screams certainly could. Yet the eldest Soan swordsman remained stalwart and unwavering in the face of the torrential chaos around him. For him it was just another day on the job. Both Neoveta and Blackheart were powerful in their own right, but they weren't the strongest individuals he'd ever come across. Perhaps that title belonged to Azure Iramasha, though such a thing was difficult for him to entirely surmise because of how his own combat prowess worked. Without being able to sense energy levels, his best judgment relied on how difficult fights were but even that wasn't good evidence because he could just end up in a good matchup against a stronger foe. Such as now.

Quite confident at this point his skill was particularly effective against Blackheart's power, Mifune estimated this fight would last maybe a couple more minutes. Unlike others who enjoyed extended fights, such as his younger brother, Mifune Soan preferred to end things immediately. This reasoning was what justified such potent killing intent being imbued in all his attacks, any of which could conclude this battle. Having already landed a multitude of both skin-deep and severe hits on his opponent, he was sure even a transformation from Blackheart wouldn't salvage this situation for the Demon. Yet it almost seemed as if the Vanguard commander had no interest in salvaging it, perhaps not even in surviving. Perhaps he was here merely to kamikaze. Well, if this were to be Blackheart's grave then Mifune would ensure there would be no funeral.

Upon the creation and summary dropping of the gigantic lance of pure destructive energy, Mifune braced for impact by gripping his katana tightly as he covered his face with the jacket previously resting on his shoulders. By the end of the explosion and the following dust gave way to visibility again, the tan jacket Mifune often wore was nothing but a charred mess. Still, the damage done to their surroundings was far more severe with entire city blocks wiped off the map. At least he remained virtually undamaged, as healthy as he'd been upon entering this godforsaken city. One thing that could be said of all this chaos and pain was the blue light washing over the battlefield, blocking out the crimson sky which usually painted Flow City in an eerie glow. Neoveta's attack also managed to clear away any remaining demons not named Blackheart, which certainly served to clean up the previously-crowded scene.

Blackheart's declaration of wanting to better match Mifune's strength meant nothing to the out-of-place human. Neither did the following eruption of energy that accompanied the former's transformation, despite it seeming to have been some sort of challenge or reassurance of dedication to the battle between the two. "Respect? I'll take your life instead." Mifune had not come here to meet a worthy foe, or be challenged. Perhaps Blackheart's presence would have meaning to the Vanguard or Shadow Fall, but to him the Danava demon was merely a job to finish. No emotion was apparent on the Soan's face, nothing shown in his features besides clearly being unimpressed by this entire scene. War? Who gives a shit, it'll end. Rebels? Who gives a shit, they'll just die. Blackheart? Who gives a shit, he'll die too. Nothing and nobody mattered to Mifune Soan, not anymore at least. The coldness in his heart and mind was matched solely by the steel in his hand, and he would continue to strike his target with this chilling attitude, no matter who finds themselves his victims.

Facing forward, the infamous swordsman's blood red irises set themselves upon Blackheart's visage. His senses quickly focused until time seemed to stand still around him, a capability he had honed over centuries thanks to a Buddha-like meditative state he could instantly place himself in regardless of the circumstances. This complete and total control over his own emotions, mind, and senses was extraordinary and matched by fewer individuals than could be counted on one hand. With hearing, eyesight, and touch all sharpened to an extreme level, even Blackheart's now-heightened movements would remain seemingly in slow motion to Mifune. This was merely the prelude to what the Soan planned on doing. Not wanting to allow Blackheart's full power to cause even more destruction to the landscape and Flow City, it was time for Mifune to end this circus in an instant.

Accompanying a deep breath in, the swordsman lifted his single katana up and pointed it's tip to his right as both hands gripped it's plain tsuka both softly and assuredly. As oxygen swelled in his chest, Mifune shifted his stance so his feet were planted shoulder-width apart with the left slightly ahead of the right, knees bent, and elbows pointed out. Reality froze. Utter silence fell upon the universe for just a moment as Mifune's eyes closed and his mind went blank. And then, it all changed as noise and motion rushed back, returning his senses to normal. Upon opening his eyes, he would observe his new position: about fifteen yards on the direct opposite side of Blackheart. To others it may appear as if the man had teleported somehow, yet the truth was far more mundane.

What actually occurred in this fraction of a second wasn't anything special. A man had moved and swung a sword. No special abilities or otherworldly power had been used, no universal laws broken. Using every single bit of muscle in his body, as well as releasing as much adrenaline as his body could handle, Mifune Soan had maxed out both his speed and strength for just an instant in order to put his very all into finishing off Blackheart in a single glorious moment. After sprinting forward at such a pace even Flash Step and Sonido would pale in comparison, Mifune reached his target and swung with such titanic might and determination if the blade struck true it would open a fatal wound from Blackheart's left hip to shoulder, cleaning slicing through both the demon's defenses and organs in the process. If it hit, this attack would remove the brawler's left arm from his body and send it spinning through the air above his head.

Having put his absolute maximum speed, power, skill, and focus into this single action, perhaps no other attack could be called worthy of bringing an end to such a formidable monster as Blackheart Gremory, First Unknown of the Vanguard. If Mifune was successful in his attempt to finally put the Danava of Barehand Combat down, Blackheart may not have gotten a chance to put an end to Shadow Fall as he wished but his ferocity and skill would still send waves through Flow City and all of Demon World. On a more individual level, Mifune's use of Infinite Sword Style from the very start proved even though respect wasn't on his mind, his enemy had impressed and could in fact be called worthy. A mighty warrior indeed.