A Piece Onigirishima Chapter 2 : The Oni Empire

• Addiden Zhao
• Short Story
• 2023

The Silver Knight-Samurai Alliance's ship docked at the shores of Onigirishima, where a thick, green fog surrounded the island. Marco, transformed into his phoenix form, flew up and around to scout the land. "I cannot see much through the mist, but I see a large temple with a huge skull at the front," reported Marco as he landed onto the ground where the other Alliance members had already gathered. "If it is the only civilisation here, we shall go there," commanded Arc and they strode off to the temple. "I do not know much about this land, but I do know it is an ancient realm shrouded with mystery. The people here seem to be convinced of the reality of demons," explained Akazaya. The Alliance had reached the temple when a masked man leapt out of the shadows, wielding a spiked club, and onto the Alliance, attempting to hit the members of the Alliance. But they dodged and Arc, leaping forward, knocked the man's spiked club away with a single slash. The man backed away but he was knocked down and held down by the Samurai. "Who are you?" questioned Cypher. The man tried to escape but he was held too tightly. Akazaya examined the man before exclaiming, "This person is wearing a mask - not any normal mask, but an oni mask." Arc looked up in confusion. "What is an oni?" he questioned. "A Japanese demon," replied Akazaya, "who are you?" The man shook off the samurai before standing tall. "I suppose you do not recognise me, do you? Of course not, I am wearing my mask..." the figure spoke as it lifted its club. "Demonic Destruction!" cried out the figure, swinging his club and a huge purple beam appeared and shot at the Alliance. Together, Gunem'all, Akazaya, Foliage, Viper and Karnarnia leapt out at the beam and slashed it, dissipating it. "I said, 'Who are you'?!" thundered Akazaya, landing on the ground with his flaming sword. The man laughed. "I am part of the Oni Empire - an organisation that helped the Striker Family and the Marvel Pirates take over Grand Country!" he responded. It was as if someone lit a fire. All the samurai stood to their full height, their eyes burning with rage. "Do you know who we are? We are the Samurai of Grand Country, setting out to gain revenge on Marvel after he killed out beloved lord, Odin. You - the Oni Empire - helped them take over? Naturally, we should defeat you and leave you wounded and sprawling in the dust," Gunem'all roared furiously. The man laughed once more. "You said that 'we did not recognise you'. What did you mean by that?" questioned Law. The man grabbed his mask and slowly began to remove it. Everyone held their breath as the man revealed his face. His face was filled with battle scars and he had a long ponytail of blue hair. The Alliance paused for the tiniest amount of time before they halted. "What?! I don't recognise you!" yelled Arc. "Neither do I!" roared Akazaya. "Gra ha ha ha! They call me... Napping Kuchiku!" the man remarked. "I do not recognise that name," replied Gunem'all. Napping Kuchiku smiled before he lifted his club and roared, "Demonic Destruction!" Another large purple beam struck out at the Alliance and as they fled to avoid it, Napping Kuchiku had disappeared. "That fraud! I do not recognise his face nor his name," Viper hissed. "We should immediately go and destroy the Oni Empire!" cried out Foliage. "Alright then, let's go!" Arc said and the Alliance marched onwards into the temple, ready to fight off the Oni Empire.
Inside the Oni Empire's Temple...
As soon as the Alliance stepped into the temple, the Oni Empire rushed out at them, wielding massive blades. Law and Cypher went off to battle the east wing of the temple, Oxford and Marco battled the northern wing, the Samurai fought off the south and west wings and Arc went to battle the Supreme Oni Director - Oni Giri - on the second floor of the temple.
"Mwa ha ha ha ha! You came to battle me to avenge those samurai? What a laugh! As if you could ever defeat me!" laughed Oni Giri as Arc approached him. Oni Giri drew his large scythe and cackled as Arc neared him. "Purgatory Shrouded Omen Slice!" cried out Oni Giri. A large slash of darkness struck at Arc but he deflected it and raised his own sword. "Do you know who I am, Oni Giri?" questioned Arc. Oni Giri cackled, "No one of importance, I suspect!" Arc smirked. "Then you obviously aren't kept up with the news. I am Arc... one of the Four Emperors of the Sea!" he roared. Oni Giri froze in horror but shook off his fear. "Mwa ha ha ha! But one of the Emperors can't defeat me! I am invincible! Mwa ha ha ha-" began Oni Giri, but he interrupted. Arc leapt at Oni Giri with his blade and roared, "Divine Departure!" The slash that emanated shot Oni Giri out of the temple and as he fell to the ground, unconscious and bleeding, a large announcement was made across the island. "Attention all people! Be warned that the Elder Fade has arrived! I repeat, the Elder Fade has arrived on this island!" Arc froze in horror. One of the Elders? On this island? What was to happen next?

TO BE CONTINUED In Chapter 3 : Fading Away