Beyond the trackless path,
I see a story of the future.
Time won't wait for me.
Circling without an exit in sight
like a bird in a cage,
the wind beneath is lost on some nights.
Even then, I'd quietly believe in the basking glow of the sun.
You'd always shine upon me when I'm weak.
And now, I've finally regained my wings.
I no longer have doubts.
Ah, if I could soar into these open skies,
I'd definitely see a new world.
If this dream goes on forever
I wouldn't want to know how my desires end.
Ashuriana.
Since ancient times, the awesome power of nature
and those who wielded it have existed in this holy nation.
As its greatest and oldest city with 4,000 years of history,
the Holy City of Julianess lies at the center,
protected by four imperial kingdoms.
Kishurana to the east,
Fulcia to the west
Litokia to the north,
and Kuruda to the south.
For 2,000 years, the warrior kingdom of the four, Kuruda,
passed down the Kuruda-style Annihilation techniques.
Kuruda-style Annihilation's distinguishing feature
is the chanting of Martial Arts Language before a move.
I am invincible.
My shadow skills are unmatched.
The power of my blow has no equal!
By chanting the Martial Arts Language
one invokes Ashuhana's dormant supernatural powers.
This form of self-hypnotism unlocks the wielder's full power.
In other words, even greater power can be unleashed.
One fights like a thousand.
Such power could destroy someone in an instant.
To be strong means everything.
To be the strongest is an absolute mentality.
The strength and sorrow of these mighty mortals
and their pride in furthering the history of their style
shall be recounted in this short tale.
That's all.
The rest is up to you guys.
Man, I'm dead tired...
You weren't even moving around for that long.
Using moves when there's no opponent just ain't my style.
Besides, worrying about form really cramps my shoulders.
If you're gonna use moves, you gotta give it all you've got.
Well, that's more like you.
but it's strange for you to accept this kind of request.
Well, the king was really fussy about it.
I was gonna turn him down at first but...
Buy...?
If I do it, I can pay off all my bar debts.
So that's why...
But for the king to request it...
Isn't that weird?
Oh?
Well Kuruda-style Annihilation doesn't need more students.
Kuruda-style Annihilation is a double-edged sword.
Others believe that its awesome power is dangerous
and shouldn't be held by only one country.
So yeah, that's how it is...
But aren't you contradicting yourself by giving exhibitions?
Aren't you thinking too hard about it?
It doesn't hurt to strengthen our own troops.
Kuruda's not plotting against the other countries or anything.
That's true...
We don't open these gates at this hour.
You can either come back later or wait here till dawn.
Hey, didn't you hear me?
Hold it!
Over there!
All right...
Let's go kick some ass!
I've still got some steam from that exhibition to blow off.
Elle-nee, wait up!
You're in my way!
Hey, that's quite a show there...
So that's what's going on...
Good thing we got up here.
The gate was a diversion; their real target...
...must be under the arena.
The main part of Kuruda's castle!
This way, Elle-nee!
Elle-nee, their moves...
Yeah.
That thing you're holding looks awfully important.
Well... I really can't let you losers walk off with it.
I am invincible.
My shadow skills are unmatched.
The power of my blow... has no equal!
Kuruda-style Annihilation Technique:
Hyougi...
...Scimitar!
You're not getting away.
Pitted against Kuruda's mainstay, the strongest of warriors...
I figured they wouldn't escape unharmed
but I never thought they'd all be killed.
Well, it's okay as long as I have this.
Who the hell are you?
Is there a need for my name?
No...
...there isn't!
What?
A mechanical leg?
Yes.
Both of them, actually.
He's fighting you equally on a pair of mechanical legs?!
ihat's impossible!
They may be artificial but they're already like a part of me.
A marvelous weapon.
To have defeated my men...
I was wondering how strong you might be.
You disappoint me.
What did you say?
Who the hell did you think I was?!
The 59th Sevaar, "Shadow Skill" Elle Ragu-dono, correct?
So you knew, you punk...
You'll regret those insolent words!
Kuruda-style Annihilation Technique:
Ying-style...
Cougar!
Elle-nee!
Calm down.
This is still the only thing I'm after.
Scarface!
I got held up.
Elle, Gau, are you two okay?
Of course I am.
I didn't ask for your help.
Shadow Skill and Scarface.
Two Sevaars puts me at a disadvantage.
You'll have to excuse me.
Death wind!
Stop!
Shit...
"SHADOW SKILL" Secret of the Kurudan Style
Who the heck was that?
His name is Deathwind.
Back then, he wanted to fight as a Kurudan warrior like us.
We even studied Kuruda-style Annihilation together.
Then..?
But his goal wasn't to become a Sevaar.
Whe?
With that much skill...
His ambition to become greater than a Sevaar blinded him.
And then he was driven out of Kuruda.
What did he...?
He tried to take over the country.
The country?
Yes.
He built up an overwhelming army and awaited his chance.
But the Kurudan king, Hawkeye, discovered his plans.
He ordered me to execute Deathwind.
I took both of his legs in that fight.
I thought that was the end of his treachery.
And then, against the king's orders, I let him go.
However...
You made a poor assumption.
Yes.
His treachery wasn't over.
It's been ten years.
During that time,
he must've trained an army in Kuruda-style Annihilation.
They were definitely using a half-assed version of it.
And now, he's begun to act upon his treacherous plans.
Is he really trying to take over the country?
Yes, undoubtedly.
Going after that key was probably the first step.
"Key"?
That thing he stole is a key?
That key hides a power capable of destroying Kuruda.
No way...
Kuruda getting destroyed by a single key...?
What in the world is that the key to?
The sealed Kuruda-style Annihilation Genesis techniques.
Sealed Genesis techniques?
I see.
Elle-nee, you know about this?
Yeah, a little.
Most of the Genesis techniques were said to be sealed.
Rumor has it that they're recorded and stored somewhere.
But the key is the best proof that those aren't just rumors.
Yes, exactly.
Even Kuruda's citizens aren't aware of this.
Our greatest secret.
But he discovered it.
Now he wants to unseal them and make them his.
And if that were to happen...?
The two Genesis techniques being taught now
are Cannon and Kamui.
But they're child's play compared to the sealed moves.
If Death wind... and his army were to use them...
What do you think?
Kuruda would be defenseless.
Exactly.
Deathwind's treachery must be stopped.
For this battle, Kuruda's very existence is on the line.
That doesn't matter.
won't be satisfied till I smack him once.
Elle-nee!
Scarface. I'll stop that punk.
Kuruda's destiny or whatnot doesn't matter.
This fight is between him and me.
Very well.
I made an oath to defend my king.
I cannot leave Kuruda under the circumstances.
leave everything to you.
But on one condition:
Gau, go with her.
Keep an eye on her.
Leaving Kuruda's future in her hands alone is a bit risky.
What was that?
Okay,I'll go.
But not because you asked me to.
follow Elle-nee wherever she goes.
Since she's my only sister.
Gau...
Quit dragging your feet!
Where are we going?
Since the key's been stolen,
we'd obviously go to the place where it'd be used!
A big brother who can only watch over things... is weak.
Forgive me, Gau.
But now is the time to break open the future on your own.
There's something in this world that only you can do.
The Genesis techniques are here?
Of course not.
But Scarface said it was right by the cliff.
It's down there.
I wonder if there's a way down...
Elle-nee, over here!
It's here, all right.
This is a fresh footprint.
Let's go!
Say, Elle-nee...
What are the Genesis techniques like?
Beats me...
They were sealed a long time ago.
No living person knows what they're like.
How would I know?
That's true...
But don't you think it's strange?
If they shouldn't be taught, just don't leave them behind.
That way, no one would ever get their hands on them.
Stuff like this wouldn't happen, either.
That's true.
I wonder if there's a reason why they had to be left behind.
What a violent way of opening it...
You're pretty violent yourself.
When have I been violent?
You're always violent.
That's... probably true once in a while.
Don't have much choice sometimes.
What is it, Gau?
Nothing.
I've got... a really... bad feeling about this...
Deathwind!
What's wrong?
Why did you have to wait for us here?
You have the key.
Shouldn't you just go?
I've got some issues too.
What happened to those underlings that you're so proud of?
Don't tell me you only had what I defeated at Kuruda.
This place is sacred to Kuruda.
Not many people have the right to be here.
So you're saying that you have the right.
Of course.
Is that so?
Well then, where are my manners as a Kurudan warrior?
Gau, don't interfere.
I'll kill anyone who interferes. Even you.
How barbaric.
We should dis-
I'd rather get on with it!
It seems that Scarface has told you all about me.
Yeah, you want this country, right?
You greedy bastard.
"Greedy bastard",huh?
That's probably true.
Well then, let me be greedy and have that boy join me.
What?
You're wide open!
Elle-nee!
No need to worry.
They wouldn't be called Sevaars if they died that easily.
Gau, you should join me.
What kind of crap are you...?
I'm sure you haven't forgotten...
the time when your parents were killed.
Yes, the events of three years ago.
That has nothing to do with this.
No, it does.
Can you forgive the one who murdered your parents?
What are you trying to say?
I wouldn't be able to.
Not just murder.
Theft, rape, and fraud.
They're all crimes that I detested wholeheartedly.
In order to fight criminals in the name of justice,
I started studying Kuruda-style Annihilation.
But mastering it proved that power alone won't do.
I could prevent or punish crimes that happened before me.
But sin runs rampant in the world.
In places where your eyes and hands can't reach.
People living honest lives are Wounded and kidnapped
while alleged criminals get to enjoy life.
People say that's how the world is.
But is it really a lost cause?
Something we can't do anything about?
I pondered it but I couldn't find the answer.
What should be done?
I didn't know.
I've also lost someone dear to me.
I still don't know who murdered my wife.
Bandits who were passing by?
Enemy soldiers?
Or friendly soldiers?
No, the other Villagers couldn't even be proven innocent.
The culprit could've been anyone!
I realized that anyone on this earth could be a criminal.
When it dawned upon me, I killed everyone in the village.
What?!
Isn't that a crime too?
To kill on a mere possibility...
No!
What did I was not sin.
It was punishment.
I punished those villagers for not protecting my wife!
What? That's bullshit!
Is it really?
She would've been fine if someone was at the crime scene.
If my wife's murderer wasn't at the village...
If society executes their criminals...
If society wouldn't give birth to such people...
...she wouldn't have died!
But you can't call that a sin, can you?
It's true for you too.
When your parents were killed,
if someone stronger had been there...
That's right.
If Shadow Skill had visited your village a tad earlier
your parents wouldn't be dead.
Are you saying that's Elle-nee's sin?
Then whose sin is it?
But...
That's...
If you put it that way...
the world would be...
That's right.
It'd be brimming with criminals and would-be criminals.
That's why all of humanity must be controlled.
If would-be criminals aren't controlled,
those who neglected to control them are at fault!
All criminals must be punished!
cannot forgive sin.
I will create a world that has no sin.
Sins must be punished for that reason.
A world that won't tolerate sin, punishes sin,
and won't give birth to sin needs to be made.
That's why I need a nation.
will wipe sin off the face of the Earth!
You're full of it.
Gau Ban, you will join me!
Recall the time when your parents were killed.
I think highly of your abilities.
With your help, the world can be purged of sin sooner.
People could live without the kind of suffering you've seen!
If I don't release my hand, you'd just be another victim.
Gau Ban, you know it, right?
The thing I desire...
The grandeur of the Utopia that I will build!
Punish sin!
Messing with my brother's head...
Now you've pissed me off...
get you for that!
I am invincible.
My shadow skills are unmatched.
The power of my blow has no equal!
Cannon!
Are you okay, Gau?
This is what I've been waiting for.
Kuruda-style Annihilation Genesis Technique: Cannon.
What?!
Why do you have unsealed Genesis techniques
that have been passed down for generations?
Haven't you ever wondered about that?
The Genesis techniques are sealed but not destroyed
because the sealers wanted them to resurface someday.
But those who revive them must be worthy.
So they thought to restrict it to those
who had obtained the essence of Kuruda-style Annihilation.
That's why, to those without any Genesis techniques
the path won't present itself.
Then...!
The techniques that were passed down are the key itself.
Performing the move in this room is the condition.
You bastard, you wanted me to use Cannon!
That's right.
Unfortunately, I didn't learn any Genesis techniques.
But with this, I can now move on.
hold the final key.
And the path has shown itself.
But Gau Ban.
calling you my companion was not a lie.
I will hear your answer after.
Wait up. punk!
Shit!
Leave it to them to make the floor so sturdy...
Elle-nee, were Deathwind's words wrong?
Punishing criminals is the right thing to do
and punishment definitely inhibits sin.
If the path that people are taught is devoid of sin, that-
Why are you spouting such nonsense?
Sin and punishment don't matter.
I don't like that punk.
That's why he'll pay.
That's all there is to it!
What am I... confused about?
Hey, kid.
Wanna come with me?
Isn't the answer obvious?
I...
I believe in "Shadow Skill" Elle Ragu!
My shadow skills are unmatched.
The power of my blow... has no equal!
Cannon!
So that's the final key?
Such bad taste...
Oh?
This is the creator of Kuruda-style Annihilation.
The original founder to the people of the present.
That's the founder's skull.
Your taste is getting worse and worse.
I had no idea that the key to this seal would fit so well.
Shall I help you realize how beautiful it is?
Well then, Gau.
I was gonna wait till after I got the Genesis techniques
but who cares.
May I have your answer?
Let me ask you a question first.
What do you plan on doing with the Genesis techniques?
What will I do, you ask?
Very well.
As you know,
Kuruda-style Annihilation is the strongest weapon.
Within that style, the power of the Genesis techniques
is way beyond that of the other moves.
I will use it to create the mightiest army.
And then I will start a rebellion.
The country that I start with doesn't matter.
create a country that can realize my ideals
and begin eradicating sin from that country.
The rest is simple.
I'll build up my military and conquer the others one by one.
Soon, the entire world will follow my ideals.
Kuruda is no exception.
Since Kuruda is sure to stand in my way someday,
I should probably take it down first.
With the Genesis techniques, even that would be easy.
After hearing your answer: I understand clearly now.
You are wrong.
Oh?
You cannot forgive sin.
I can understand that.
But I can't understand your way of resolving things.
So I'm wrong because you can't understand it?
No, I...
I can't phrase it well but...
The things you plan on doing should not be done!
So be it.
If you want to oppose me, atone for that sin through death!
Hold on a sec.
You're fighting me.
I thought our difference in power was already made clear.
Still not giving up?
I hate the words "give up".
What's this?
Her speed is even faster than before!
Is it because of her feelings for that boy?
Is such a thing increasing her combat abilities?
Is this really the time to be looking away?
Gau, go!
Don't let this punk get the Genesis techniques!
Okay!
Wait!
It's rude to neglect a lady.
This is...
Gau!
This thing... all the Kurudan techniques...
Could it be...?
There's no doubt about it.
The Genesis techniques weren't written down:
They were left behind in the form of this doll.
Using the founder's bones,
they created a doll of the same strength.
The techniques can be mastered by fighting this thing.
So those without the power to inherit them will die?
What a strange setup...
Well, that's fine too.
You seem quite calm.
Gau might get the Genesis techniques, you,know.
Do you really think so?
That boy surviving a battle with the founder?
Shit...
Is it hopeless?
Am I unable to win?
Gau!
Elle-nee!
Weak...
Is that all you are as a man, Gau Ban?
Will I... die?
Will I die?
I... no...
I don't want to die!
Guess he didn't forget after all.
Hatred and fear.
With those emotions, he's one step closer to joining me.
Impossible... his right hand should be useless by now...
That... doesn't matter to Gau right now.
No... at this rate, that doll will lose the Genesis techniques!
Stop, Gau Ban!
That dummy...
What is... this?
What am I...?
At last...
You've just killed a Kishurana noble.
In other words, the ones who've been enslaving you.
The ones behind it all.
I... killed?
You have the right to kill them.
The right to kill...
Slaves?
These are the slaves.
Forced to work like carriage horses till the day they die.
The sick and elderly are judged unfit for work,
begrudged of their food, and killed.
To escape those conditions and to protect themselves...
It was born for those reasons!
The Kuruda-style Annihilation techniques!
To protect their own lives,
they took the lives of others.
That's right.
We wouldn't have been allowed to survive otherwise.
Our friends were hurt, our relatives were killed,
and our lives were in the hands of others...
We were forced to lead a humiliating life.
We have the right to escape those conditions
and to prevent them from happening again.
No...
You may have the right to survive
but no one... has the right to kill!
Then... what would you have done?
We had to kill to survive.
The vicious cycle of hatred that came as a result...
How could we be free of that if we didn't kill them all?
That's...
If you could just get them to forget the hate.
You have it too, don't you?
The anger that yearns to avenge your murdered parents.
Are you saying that you've forgotten...?
That piercing anger.
The destructive urge that surpasses reason and restraint!
You've killed far too' many.
You no longer Walk the same path that we do.
You are no longer fighting to release us.
Not even to avenge us.
It's just massacre.
Unfortunately, the very skills that you've created
have possessed you with their demonic power.
Unable to discipline yourself you are no longer just.
For our justice and the founding of Kuruda,
we shall take your life.
But the loss of those techniques is a waste.
But, in the end, they were cowards.
If my techniques were to be lost,
they feared that they might become slaves once more.
No, not just for themselves.
For Kuruda.
So that their descendants wouldn't meet the same fate
they sealed my techniques for posterity.
That's... your memory?
You are... the creator of Kuruda-style Annihilation?
They condemned my actions as massacre.
But I'm driven by anger, fear,
and the love for friends and family.
Love?
If our former leaders were to survive,
they might be our downfall.
So we destroyed them.
No one would just watch their kids fall to poisonous insects.
That's...
That feeling.
The ones who killed me felt the same way, didn't they?
Even though they rejected my techniques as evil,
they still sealed them away for Kuruda's postenty.
The desire to protect our loved ones
and the power we need to do so.
Are these not righteous?
Would you close your eyes to the cruelty before you?
Even when you have the power to put an end to it!
No...
My strength is...
I'm...
Then why do you study Kuruda-style Annihilation?!
What is just?
Those who labeled my techniques as evil and killed me
feared the loss of those very techniques.
Why?
Because they couldn't trust others.
They were in constant fear of death by betrayal!
Justice has no absolute.
Where there's light, there's al Ways shadow
People aren't inherently virtuous!
No...
No!
Gau Ban.
What are you rejecting?
You're already a beast!
I will grant you strength.
You've earned this reward.
You have the right to this power.
Now, take my hand!
Are the Genesis techniques being passed on?
Passed on?
No, he's just getting possessed!
What the heck am I doing?
When Gau became my little brother,
didn't it become my duty to raise and protect him?
But now...!
What the hell am I doing?!
Gau!
Elle-nee.
I hear you, Elle-nee!
Gau...
Well then. I guess we should finish this.
This ain't the time to belooking around.
You better be ready!
You're just like Deathwind.
You speak of justice but you only want revenge.
Humans are indeed full of hatred, envy, suspicion,
and the desire to kill.
That is the true figure of humanity.
To protect themselves and satisfy their own greed
people fight, wound, and kill each other!
As long as Kuruda-style Annihilation exists
such usage is inevitable.
Even if Kuruda-style Annihilation was born from hatred
I will never use it with hatred.
If that's the only way Kuruda-style Annihilation can be used.
I will put an end to it!
I am invincible.
My shadow skills are unmatched.
The power of my blow has no equal!
This is something that should not exist.
Kill me.
Nah.
What did you say?
I just came to stop you from getting the Genesis techniques.
My job doesn't call for more than that.
Was it really okay for us to cause those moves to be lost?
You thought that was the right thing to do, right?
At the time.
Then it's okay.
Okay.
Kuruda-style Annihilation
did indeed come from the founder's Genesis techniques.
But in time, it'll be refined and lead to new styles.
It'II evolve.
That's why we won't become slaves.
You carve your own future on this planet, right?
You're right.
Oh, it's you.
This is the second time I've collapsed in defeat before you.
I thought the first time would be the last.
We haven't spoken like this since that time.
It's over.
Our right flank seems to be having a tough battle.
Should we back them up?
What about the village?
As expected, there's not much of a battle.
If we help the right flank force the enemy back
the village won't become a battlefield.
But...
Save it.
I'm a Kurudan warrior now.
I'm expected to fight for the Kurudan king.
I cannot leave the battle for any reason.
But that village is your.
What would you do if you were me?
Thanks for the warning.
But if you're worried about my village,
fight alongside me to end this conflict sooner.
Very well.
Everything started on that day.
Yes.
But that decision wasn't, wrong.
I can still say that with confidence.
But this is the result.
Where did I go wrong?
I wonder...
I don't know either.
I wanted to do what was right.
That was all.
Yes.
You've always, wanted the power to do what's right.
But you lost your footing somewhere along the way.
You didn't realize it yourself?
Yeah, I'm such a fool.
Then were you guys "right"?
The Shadow Skill who defeated me
and the young man named Gau Ban.
We're not the ones to judge that.
There is no absolute right in this world.
When those who'll be born and raised in the future
look back for the first time
Won't they be the ones to judge good and evil?
Then what should we believe in?
Ourselves.
You didn't believe in yourself.
Wrapped in the illusion of justice, you were destined to lose.
Then those two were meant to win?
That's right.
Passing down the Genesis techniques for use in combat
was the intention of those who sealed them.
But their one miscalculation
was the existence of the creator's ghost.
Because the power of the Genesis techniques is so great
those who fight for a living are fascinated by their use.
They soon lose sight of their reasons for using them.
As the creator said, they end up as murderers.
Under those circumstances, even I am not sure
that I could resist the creator's temptation.
But Gau decided that they should not exist in this world.
Is that the result of believing in yourself?
Everyone has dark emotions in their heart.
That's an undeniable fact.
But there are some who can overcome that.
Don't those people have the right to speak of justice?
At least I think they do.
So tha is how it is!
That night, when I attacked Kuruda and met Shadow Skill...
That was part of our calculations.
All those rumors, news of this sacred place,
and... Shadow Skill's exhibitions...
They were all to lead Gau Ban here?
I was also a pawn for that purpose.
Had I been guided by the Kurudan king's hand all this time?
Tell me.
Was letting me go ten years ago part of this plan?
No, that was my...!
I'm sorry.
What are you doing?
You don't seem to be under orders to be here.
You should do what needs to be done.
As a fighter with the justice that you believe in.
Waving those moves around caused too much bloodshed.
For you as well as me.
Damn, sake tastes great!
Hey, why won't you tell me?
Tell you what?
About what happened this time.
Oh that.
You too, Gau-kun.
I'm sure I could've helped at least a little.
Or are you saying I'd get in your way?
No, that's not it...
Then!
Please stop.
What happened concerned the two of them.
Right?
You could say that.
Concerned?
This case concerned users of Kuruda-style Annihilation.
That's why it concerns me and Gau
and we couldn't get you and Faury involved.
That's so-
Don't say it isn't fair.
If you had something that concerned the Septia,
you wouldn't ask Elle or me for help either.
As a Suirame, it goes for me too.
That's why we had to sit out this tame.
Understand?
Yes...
But the Genesis techniques...
I guess it was fate.
Yeah.
You're gonna have a rough time now.
You'll have to bear responsibility for destroying them.
I know. I'm prepared for that.
Quit trying to act cool, Gau.
I-I'm not...
Oh, you're talking back to your sister now?
That's not it.
You've matured a bit, haven't you, Gau?
Oh, has he?
What's this?
It's kinda hard to put into words...
What the heck is this?!
When did you drink so much?
Well, I got a bit carried away...
Take care of it, please.
I don't have this much.
I didn't get a paying job this time.
And you drank up the entre reward from last month.
Then that debt we paid off recently...
...is back.
Well... guess we're screwed!
Don't just say we're screwed!
Guess I gotta do some more exhibitions...
Could I believe in your smile?
Would you accept me fully?
Even if I've been tricked...
Why did I fall in love again?
Tell me.
I was really scared and didn't know what to do.
That's how deeply in love I am with you.
I just can't hide it...
I want to share this feeling.
Because there are stars in the evening sky,
I can keep walking even in darkness.
Because you' re here,
a stranded heart can hold itself together this long.
Could I believe in your smile?
Would you accept me fully?
I was really scared and didn't know what to do.
That's how deeply in love I am with you.
Fallen in love..