Blood Universe

Konohagakure, Hospital

Maggott left the hospital in ruins as he dragged the crushed bodies of Maki and Sen, placing them in pillars. He laughed maniacally as he placed their bodies unto the pillar.

As Aoi Rokusho, Baki, Kurenai, and Toroi made their way to Shikamaru's office, they were met with an unimaginable sight. The hospital that had once been a symbol of care and life in Konoha now lay in ruins, the air thick with the scent of blood and destruction. The twisted remains of Maki and Sen were placed grotesquely upon large stone pillars, their bodies crushed and contorted. The chilling laughter of Maggott echoed through the wreckage as he savored the horrific scene he had created.

Aoi's eyes narrowed in anger, a red haze of fury clouding his vision as he stared at the monstrous figure in front of him. His hand reached instinctively for his sword, the Thunder God Sword, still humming with raw power, and his umbrella clattered at his side, ready for action. Without a moment's hesitation, Aoi surged forward, his speed making the air crackle with his intent.

Aoi: "Go on without me! I'll handle this demon."

Kurenai shot him a quick glance, her expression filled with concern, but Aoi was already too far ahead. His reckless determination had set his course.

Maggott: "Another toy?"

Maggott's voice was low, dripping with disdain, as he looked at Aoi, the man charging toward him with an unmistakable aura of death surrounding him. He chuckled, his twisted form shifting, his grotesque body already preparing for the incoming battle.

Aoi's feet hit the ground with a heavy thud as he closed the distance, the Thunder God Sword glowing ominously in his hands. Without warning, he slashed horizontally, a burst of lightning trailing behind the blade as it cut through the air with a sharp, ear-splitting noise. The strike was aimed directly at Maggott, but the creature was fast, twisting its grotesque form just in time to avoid the deadly blade. However, the lightning surged around the area, causing the ground to tremble beneath their feet.

Aoi: "I won't let you desecrate their bodies. Prepare yourself!"

He spun his sword again, generating arcs of electricity that crackled through the air, forcing Maggott to dodge backward. But Aoi wasn't done. He twisted his umbrella, activating the hidden mechanisms within it. Suddenly, a barrage of senbon, tipped with lethal poison, shot out in a deadly rain aimed at Maggott's form. The senbon whistled through the air, striking the ground and sending poisoned projectiles hurtling toward the twisted figure.

Maggott roared, his jagged limbs flailing to deflect the incoming projectiles, but Aoi's poison-laced senbon hit their mark in some places, embedding themselves into Maggott's hideous skin. The poison began to take effect immediately, slowing his movements and causing spasms of pain.

Aoi used the momentary advantage to close the distance once more, his sword crackling with more energy than before. He slashed downward with the Thunder God Sword, a brilliant flash of light lighting up the battlefield as the sword's edge cleaved the air with a speed that defied comprehension. However, Maggott was ready this time.

With a grunt of effort, Maggott swung one of his massive arms, knocking Aoi's sword aside and sending a burst of energy directly into the ground, sending a shockwave outward. Aoi staggered back, struggling to keep his footing as Maggott's twisted body slithered forward with unnatural speed, grabbing Aoi by the throat.

Maggott: "You think you can stop me? You're no different than the rest of them."

With crushing force, Maggott lifted Aoi into the air, the pressure on his neck nearly suffocating him. The Thunder God Sword slipped from Aoi's grasp as he struggled to breathe, his vision blurring.

Kurenai, Toroi, and Baki watched helplessly, their eyes wide with disbelief. Aoi had always been reckless, but this was beyond their expectations. They knew they couldn't wait any longer.

Kurenai: "We can't let this go on!"

But before they could act, Aoi managed to find one last burst of strength. With a flick of his wrist, he triggered a hidden mechanism in his umbrella, releasing a powerful wave of water that splashed against Maggott's body. The wave caused the ground beneath them to slick, creating a slippery surface that forced Maggott to lose his grip on Aoi.

Aoi dropped to the ground, gasping for air, his vision swimming as the pain from his wounds began to cloud his senses. He struggled to stand, but his body betrayed him. The poison from the senbon was spreading through his veins, and his strength was fading fast.

Aoi: "Dammit… not like this…"

As the battle raged on and Aoi's strength waned, the poison from his own senbon and the injuries he had sustained began to overwhelm him. Maggott, cruel and merciless, was about to deliver the final blow. Aoi's breath was shallow, his vision blurring as his body trembled from blood loss and exhaustion.

But in those final moments, Aoi's mind was clear. His team needed to survive, and they couldn't afford to let Maggott continue his reign of terror. With every last ounce of strength, Aoi pushed his body forward, dragging himself across the slick, blood-soaked earth toward the others.

Aoi: "You… you have to get out of here. Now."

Kurenai, Baki, and Toroi stood frozen for a moment, shock and disbelief in their eyes as Aoi struggled to rise. He was barely able to stand, and his wounds were too severe. His words, strained and labored, made them snap back to their senses.

Aoi: "Get... to Shikamaru. He... needs to know. Go!"

With a final look, Aoi pushed himself upright, forcing his legs to carry him forward, putting himself between his comrades and Maggott. His umbrella, now nearly useless in his trembling hand, fell to the side as Aoi summoned one last bit of power from the depths of his body. His sword, the Thunder God Sword, still crackled faintly with lightning, though his grip was weak.

Aoi: "I will make sure... none of you follow."

With a final, guttural scream, Aoi launched himself forward, sword in hand. He made a desperate slash at Maggott, the blade humming with a surge of electricity that arced through the air. Maggott snarled, but his twisted form was too slow to avoid the full force of the attack. The sword cut through the air like a streak of lightning, splitting Maggott's chest open with a shocking force.

Maggott staggered back, howling in pain as sparks flew from his grotesque body. His body began to twitch, the poison from the senbon and the force of Aoi's strike crippling him. But before Aoi could press the attack, the exhaustion, the blood loss, and the poison finally took their toll.

Aoi's vision began to fade as his strength failed him. His grip on the Thunder God Sword loosened, the blade slipping from his hand as he staggered, knees buckling beneath him. He collapsed forward, his body crashing onto the ground as his life force drained from him. His final breath was a ragged gasp, his vision blurring into darkness.

But in those fleeting moments before he died, he knew he had done what he could. He had bought his comrades enough time to escape, to find safety, and to warn Konoha.

Maggott, weakened but still alive, let out an enraged roar as he watched Aoi's body fall. His twisted face contorted in fury, but his movements slowed, his body wracked with the effects of Aoi's final attack.

Maggott: "No... no one makes a fool of me...!"

His hand reached for the jagged weapon at his side, intent on ending Aoi's life for good. But Aoi, despite his failing body, still had one final act left in him. His mind remained sharp, his focus unwavering. The Thunder God Sword, though discarded beside him, still pulsed faintly with a hum of lightning.

With his final breath, Aoi forced himself to move, using every last ounce of chakra and willpower. His fingers curled around the hilt of the sword, his hand trembling as he grasped it.

Aoi: "You're... not the only one who can strike... fear..."

With a desperate roar, Aoi pushed himself up onto his knees, ignoring the searing pain that flooded his body. With the strength of sheer determination, he swung the Thunder God Sword with precision, the blade crackling with lightning as it surged toward Maggott. The lightning bolt split the air with an explosive crack, slicing through the oppressive silence of the battlefield.

Maggott's eyes widened in shock as the sword hit its mark. The electrified blade cleaved through his chest with a thunderous roar, the power of the lightning overwhelming him. Maggott let out a guttural scream as he staggered back, his body trembling, the very life force draining from him as the lightning continued to surge through him. His grotesque form cracked and contorted under the sheer force of the attack.

Maggott: "N-No… it can't... end like this..."

With a final, convulsive shudder, Maggott fell to the ground, his body smoking from the effects of the lightning. Aoi's sword was still embedded in his chest, the electrical energy continuing to crackle for a brief moment before it faded.

Aoi, his body now completely drained, collapsed back onto the ground. The Thunder God Sword slipped from his fingers as he let out a strained breath.

Aoi: "Tch… heh... no more... fools..."

With that, Aoi's body went still, his final strike ensuring Maggott's defeat. The battlefield was silent once more, save for the distant sounds of retreating footsteps from his comrades. Kurenai, Baki, and Toroi had fled, knowing their mission wasn't over yet, but Aoi's sacrifice would never be forgotten.

Aoi had not only bought them time, but he had ensured that Maggott would never harm anyone again.

The battle had truly ended, but the war would continue.