[h3]Akuma, Supreme Master of the Fist
- 13th Hierarchical City of Kagutsuchi[/h3]

The swordsman's assistance proved to be a boon, as he divided the attention of their opponent. While this allowed the warrior's kick to find its mark, the potential for a follow-up was hindered by one minor complication: the opponent's shield had opened, releasing a flurry of knives. Now, a normal warrior would take evasive action, re-position, and seek out an alternate avenue of attack. Akuma, neither a normal warrior nor a normal man, took the shortest available path.

Akuma tightened his stance, entering a meditative state. After a moment of focus, the warrior's crimson aura flared into existence once more. 

"Messatsu!"

The martial artist cupped his hands and thrust them forward, loosing a fiery orb of force. Much unlike the one used against the puppeteer, however, this one possessed superior speed, size, and strength. Against this embodiment of raw might, what could a swarm of mere knives hope to do? Or at least, that was how Akuma viewed it.