Chapter 151 - 54

54- Talent and Effort

…..

Okita Souji was one of those figures who went down on History for having a great deal of talent and the tragedy of not living long enough to develop it completely. Those kinds of figures weren't rare as many warriors, athletes and artists suffered the same fate; dying too young to see their work recognized or failing to sharpen with their talent.

Such tragedies would always be subject of speculation as their lives would always be followed by what ifs like; if they lived a little longer, or started sooner, or were not sick, or lived in a different time.

In the History books Okita Souji died from a mysterious disease historians speculate was tuberculosis and so the question would be 'what if Okita Souji was healed from her disease?'

Well Shirou found himself on the other side of the question as the former captain of the Shinsengumi was already making a great impression of the talent she held by deflecting and dodging his blows before hitting his arm again with her sharp sword.

And it was a clean cut too as his shroud, a gift from Lucifer and extremely resistant, failed to even be an obstacle.

Sure the cuts on his arm were small so far but as the redhead raised his Muramasa in another defensive posture, his sword a little lower this time, he realized his Structural Analysis barely scratched the surface of Okita's potential.

Her swords were new, his creation barely an year old while the other had a decade of age. Okita 'died' in the 19th century and had been a devil for more or less 150 years. She wasn't using magic, just swordplay and speed, speed that she cultivated over a century.

Refining talent was easier than developing a new skill and Shirou could smell mana from Okita so she was capable of magic as he estimated her reserves to be at least the size of Luvia's, less than Rias or Akeno and not even close to Sirzechs or Grayfia.

Except she wasn't using it, no mana escaped her as she smiled again and positioned for her third attack.

When she charged Shirou was ready and so his blade managed to stop the blade but his feet were moving as the follow up came soon after, her weapon turning just enough to aim for his neck.

While he evaded that sequence, she kept going and when the magus tried to lock the sword in place the Knight disengaged her sword to turn on her center of gravity, aiming for his arm again.

Another small cut happened as he felt his Ki and Reinforcement failing to protect his skin and shroud. Shirou was impressed by the precision of the strike, the technique behind it and just the right amount of strength to hit and run. Okita had already escaped when his counter would have connected to her leg, the devil several meters away with a playful grin.

'She is fast.' Shirou smiled in return, knowing that while he was wounded they were small and his defenses would stop the worst of it. 'But her power comes from her sudden bursts of speed and also-' Already another attack was coming and this time he filled the air with his mana. "Steel is my body, fire is my blood." '-she isn't a power type.'

Swords fell from the sky to stop Okita's advance, she immediately halted her charge and jumped back as quickly as she could while the sharp weapons kept falling in her direction.

'She also isn't the fastest person I know.' That title still belonged to a certain nekomata but he knew for a fact it was a close competition. But it also meant some tricks for Yoruichi would also work on Souji as he Altered Muramasa into a javelin while drawing two other swords. 'Got to keep her at a distance to then Trace my bow.'

Because if she was too close Okita would get to him before he was ready and she proved it by dodging his first two swords before charging again, practically dancing between his weapons.

Her agility was off the charts and Shirou immediately called forth Muramasa again as Bellerophon protested, wishing to join the fight. He ignored the pegasus, knowing that while he would be able to compete with Okita in speed he would lose versatility and against an opponent of her level he would need it.

Because if her agility wasn't enough an indicator, when Okita began to delicately but precisely push his javelins away from her, was when the pegasus also understood that brute force wouldn't be useful against such a technical opponent.

More so when Shirou abandoned the swords on the ground and began to Trace another weapon as Muramasa met the Knight's sword mid charge. Already Okita was moving again, using his sword as a support to redirect her weapon around it. Faster than the Mage could react, Souji's sword was about to reach his hand.

Only for it to stop just short by a black weapon that looked nothing like a sword. 'A bow?' Okita asked herself with a smile, realizing that if Shirou had Traced another sword then he would be risking losing the hand. 'But can he use it?' She tried to maneuver her sword away only for Muramasa to move and cut her stomach.

She managed to skip away once again even if she was grazed by the sword, it never reached her skin. Once more she had evaded a hit but this time her clothes were slightly damaged, her favorite outfit too but that didn't bother her. Nothing took the smile away from her face which actually grew when Muramasa transformed into an arrow quickly nudged and released.

"Oooooh~ aren't you a proper samurai?" Souji asked while dodging to the side only to have to move again soon after as three more arrows flew in her direction. "Certainly only a samurai would know how to use this many weapons." She commented while forced to use her sword to defend.

"Hah, not at all. These are just things I picked up on the way." Shirou began to move towards his swords, Altering and shooting the already existing ones to conserve energy. "Samurais were phasing out in your time as well, weren't they?"

Okita tried to run in Shirou's direction but his precision with a bow was greater than with javelins and she had to roll or be hit in the arm. "Sure but I would be happy if our home country relit the tradition, even if just for formalities and titles." Getting to her feet she ran again, this time to the right, planning to take the long way around towards her opponent. "Do you know how to ride a horse?"

"Kinda?" Shirou shot five times in quick succession.

"And write poetry?" Okita dodged four shots and blocked the last before charging at full speed. She jumped over the other shot and threw herself and her blade in her opponent's only to be stopped by the bow and another sword. "Because if so then I could deem you a samurai."

"I never wrote poetry in my life. Unless my Aria count?" Okita tried to disengage but Shirou took a step forward and locked her in place. Her eyes grew wide as the redhead smiled back. "Not fast enough" He teased as the sword in his hand began to glow.

Despite being in the air for a few seconds, Souji was still a devil so her wings quickly restored her balance and planted her feet back in the arena. She began to shift her posture again with a similar strategy as before only for her weapon to get stuck as the random sword on Shirou's hands turned into another weapon.

A sai which locked her katana in place. "Oops…" She realized things were going to get harder as Shirou pulled the sword in his direction, just above his chest. Okita didn't think twice before kicking his side but the redhead barely flinched. "Did you notice?"

"That you are physically weak?" Easily, or at least with barely a struggle, the Mage moved the sword in her grip while pushing the bow, making her hold more and more uncomfortable. "Lots of speed and technique but my wounds are too shallow, even if you are holding back."

"Hehehe. Yeah, my constitution always kinda sucked." Then Okita's eyes turned sharp and she jumped once again in his direction while turning her whole body, much to his surprise.

Pulling her sword from the sai, Okita was still vulnerable in her position but neither of Shirou's weapons were good enough to capitalize on her exposing her back.

Still he tried by turning his sai around and using the bow as a club only for the Knight to kick his chest and jump away. Shirou wasn't bothered by the hit but didn't give chase, instead his sai began to glow and return to being a sword before transforming into another arrow that was quickly shot.

Calmly Okita skipped to the side before stopping completely, her sword held high once again. "Looks like this fight will take a while."

Shirou could understand her thought process; she planned to chip him down to win. "Heh, less than you think." Another sword appeared, a black one familiar to all present for a reason or another.

"Uh oh." Including Okita who quickly realized what Shirou was planning.

Unfortunately she was too far to do anything about it. "Hrunting!" The weapon pulsed with mana, turning red before flying towards its target.

Beowulf's sword, both the legendary Hero and his descendant as one of Sirzechs' Pieces, Okita's ally. All that meant she knew what was coming even if the form of an arrow completely changed the interaction with the sword.

It still told her enough that the former captain turned tail and ran as far as she could just as the name was called and the arrow began to fly. At that point even Grayfia took to the air as a sonic boom shook the arena, the red streak chasing after Okita who only turned her head back for a glance before opening her wings to accelerate.

Then Shirou raised the level of difficulty further by shooting arrows as fast as he could in her direction. None of them came from the same angle as Hrunting since Emiya started running in Okita's opposite direction to open fire more effectively while staying at a safe distance.

She may be faster than him but he wasn't the one being chased by a Noble Phantasm while arrows tried to get her. Both warriors' movements were fluid and perfect with Hrunting always chasing the Knight, enough so that Okita knew she was going to lose unless she shook things up a bit.

And that was what she did, first by landing on the ground to then turning to Hrunting and charging at it, much to Shirou's and most of the audience's surprise.

Not Sirzechs and Grayfia though, they already expected Souji to lose her patience sooner or later. In a game of 'cat and mouse' the woman was never the mouse even if she was always running around. Souji was always on the offensive, always trying to weaken her opponent even if just a little.

It was only a matter of time for her to try and invert the script, starting by getting rid of Hrunting. While not the same sword that she knew from her teammate, Okita knew a lot about the weapon and turning it into an arrow didn't change the basics.

Just highlighted them as she closed her wings and crouched when the red streak was about to hit her. What followed next was a fast movement of foot and blade as she jumped over the weapon and bashed it to the ground with all her might. Almost no one could see what Souji did, she was just that fast.

Then came the telltale explosion resulting from a Broken Noble Phantasm, Shirou quickly shooting more arrows in the cloud of dust's direction as he knew that something went wrong.

From what he gathered both in the spar and from the memories of her sword, Okita wouldn't tank the impact, either dodge or destroy it before the hit. When she stopped the redhead knew the blonde was going to do something even if it was a bit too fast for him to catch what it was.

He expected the explosion to have harmed her only for Okita to jump off the cloud and deflect his arrows with great ease. She took a single step and followed it with a quick small leap. Her sword was close to her face, firm in her two hands and there was no sound when she touched the floor.

When she did a second step, Shirou knew he only had a few milliseconds before the fight ended and it was his defeat, Okita's sword told him as much.

Good thing then he already knew what she was going to do and his preparations didn't need much as Souji was already in the second step of her attack.

An attack that violated the laws of physics and reality with just pure skill alone, there was no magic involved and it was the kind of attack that couldn't be defended once properly executed.

The thrust was going to the center of Shirou's armor, a place where even with her speed Okita wouldn't be able to break the armor and kill him. It would still hurt, however, enough so to steal his breath and knock him to the ground for her to claim victory.

Except Shirou knew exactly what was coming, his weapons already discarded as his hands moved to the only weak point of that technique, where casualty was challenged and the sword would strike.

It was there that the Mage locked the blade in the palms of his hands, just a few centimeters before it reached its target and its thrusts touched him.

Just before the attack could have any real effect.

Okita couldn't believe it, her eyes growing wide as she looked at the tall man with a smile on his lips. "How?"

"'Lightless, Three-Stage Thrust'. That is how you call it right? A technique that gives you victory many times against all sorts of creatures. Especially when you aim for their vitals like between their eyes." Shirou could feel her struggle but kept the sword firmly in his hands, closing a fist around it. Ki kept his fingers intact and Souji knew there was no escaping. "By using the fundamentals of Hira Seigan, you managed to elevate your skill to the limit and use it to attack three times simultaneously, three thrusts in a point to escape the laws of casualty and execute them all without recoil nor time for anyone to react against them."

"But how?" She tried to pull the sword again, knowing it was in vain. "How did you defend it?"

Shirou's smile grew roughish. "I didn't. I stopped the attack before the first thrust was even executed. Even if the other two are disconnected from the sword and the first thrust itself, you still need to complete the motion, to finish the original move with your weapon." He didn't defend the attack but stopped the sword before it became a reality. "You never finished attacking, never concluded the original thrust, so there were no other two."

Impressed as much as she was surprised, Okita chuckled a little. "And how did you know it? Is that because you are the 'Mage of Swords'?" A groan escaped Shirou and her smile became playful. "Don't like it?"

"You have no idea." With his hands firmly in the blade, he pulled the weapon since Okita wasn't using magic to try and break it free. "I will tell you if you surrender. What do you think?"

A gentle smile came from Okita, "Then you can tell me after I win," followed by her abandoning her blade much to Shirou's surprise as he almost stumbled. Instead he recovered his balance and turned her weapon around to hold it properly as she drew her second sword. "For I shall never surrender."

"Suit yourself!" Shirou charged this time, allowing the memories of the weapon in his hand to take over as their swords clashed. Okita tried to chip his shoulder again but found herself blocked as the redhead controlled the flow of her moment and almost hit her shoulder. "Like it or not, I am the Mage of Swords." He admitted with a grin. "So using one against me leaves you at a disadvantage."

Noticing a new cut on her kimono, Okita's eyes grew sharper. 'He is stronger and now more skilled. Is it because he has my sword?' Her expression was serious as she quickly stepped to the side to try and stab his arm again. When her blade was blocked she was impressed but no longer surprised. "Still faster~"

"Not for long." But the swords clashed as Okita retreated and Shirou pursued.

Because of how Structural Analysis worked all the redhead had was an imitation of Okita's skill, not the proper build or habits to help him capitalize on the memories of the weapon. But he also had all the information about how the Knight fought down to the smallest details; from her stronger side and favorite leg to her issues with her lack of strength.

Previously he was already using the information to keep up with the fighting but now that the devil was unbalanced from her secret technique being countered, he had a psychological advantage too as she was shaken and easier to read.

Only that state of mind wouldn't last for long and every time they clashed Okita would disengage faster and faster, already moving masterfully to counter and get some damage on him, however small.

So it wasn't long that Shirou did something unexpected again and flung her sword in her direction, an act that no normal swordsman would do in a normal fight over the risk of being unarmed.

Normal never was an option for Shirou as Muramasa returned to his hand the moment that Okita bashed her weapon away, leaving herself open for an attack. It was an opening that the sudden action forced the Knight to make but her reflexes were still of the highest caliber.

However even she couldn't escape easily in that sort of situation and Shirou's Muramasa managed to connect with her shoulder.

For the first time since the fight began Okita Souji's blood had been spilled, much to her surprise, but the Mage wasn't done and Traced several swords behind her cutting her escape route.

Now without much of a choice Okita had to contest Shirou in strength, a fight both knew she was going to lose. She tried her trick of repositioning their weapons again but Shirou had already fully assimilated her fighting style. Even if he couldn't do most of her elaborate maneuvers because of his build, he could counter her.

For the moment the Knight was stuck trying to push back as the redhead hammered his sword on hers, fully willing to break her blade.

…

"Looks like Souji is in trouble." Zeoticus pointed out with his hands on his chin, eyes stuck on the fight. "You must be proud of your son, Lord Emiya, not many can even compete with Lucifer's Knight."

"I am no Lord and the fight isn't over." Kiritsugu had his arms crossed and even looked bored. Many turned to look at him at the cold response, most of the ORC trying to piece together how he could be the father of someone like Shirou and husband to someone like Iri.

"Kiri… shouldn't you be showing a little more support for your son? Maybe cheer him up a bit?" Sirzechs was the only one who dared to call the black haired man on his attitude even as the rest were stunned in silence.

Kiritsugu gave Sirzechs a look before turning back to the fight. "She has 100 years as a devil and so far has only been fighting with skill rather than power, not a single drop of mana to be found." His eyes were cold and impassive. "Rather maybe I should be asking what sort of tricks your Knight has on her sleeve, shouldn't I?"

At the lack of response from Sirzechs, Azazel let escape a whistle of admiration. "Wow, never thought I would see the New Lucifer cowed like that. Kudos, man." He chuckled at the frustration on the devil's face before turning to the magus. "Ever thought about getting into politics? If you can get under Sirzechs' skin like that, you would do nicely."

"I can only do it because I know him well enough and he is easy to read." The fallen angel was sure that the man was joking.

But going by what Shirou said and his knowledge of the Magus Killer, Azazel found that doubtful. "Maybe to you." The Cadre caught himself whispering.

"Besides, I would be awful in politics. Never compromising on anything and taking advantage of everything." Kiritsugu was sure he would make a lot of enemies, more than he already had. Regardless of anything Azazel was about to say, his focus returned to Sirzechs. "With her skill with a sword, she must have something else. It is only a matter of how long she can fight without it." His devil partner stayed quiet but puffed up his cheeks a little.

Something that Kiritsugu said snapped Rias to attention. "Truly Souji-neechan has been a master of the sword since I have met her. Does she know Ki?" She asked her brother who actually pouted. Koneko was also looking at him with interest on the answer. "Does she?"

"Kiri, see what you did? You should be supporting your son and then I would reveal that 'Souji isn't done' and then explain her skills."

"Now, now, Sirzechs, we didn't raise you to whine."

"But he is no fun, mother."

"Still he is your friend and you brought him home. Play nice."

"Yes, mother…"

'Is this the King of the Underworld? The Strongest Devil?' Because Issei was finding it hard to believe.

Ignoring his business partner's shenanigans, Kiritsugu decided to reply to Rias' question. "Had she known Ki then Okita would have already been using it to escape and not let Shirou box her like that." He commented as the Mage called more blades to stop the blonde. "Perhaps her constitution makes it harder for her to develop it but from the way she is avoiding using mana I would say that in reality her method of fighting involves magic of some sort. At least more than she is revealing at this point." He turned his head to Sirzechs, clearly expecting an answer.

"You're really no fun." That wasn't the one he was waiting for. "Shouldn't you show Shirou a little more support? This isn't a fight to the death, you know?"

"My son knows he has my support, always. Voicing out loud makes no difference."

"I always make sure to cheer Millicas and Rias as loudly as I can."

"And how do they feel about it?"

Coughing on her hand, Rias really wanted to change the subject. "Souji-neechan does know magic. She used to do tricks for me when I was a kid." Indeed she knew exactly how the Knight fought but avoided saying it. Her brother was already being spoiled enough by Kiritsugu. 'If Shiro could use my mana perhaps he would have a chance.' Of that she wasn't certain.

"She never used mana on me either." Kiba commented to the side to redirect the attention from his King. "Not on training or even to teach me."

Chuckling a little, Sirzechs knew he couldn't avoid explaining for much longer. "Souji has known magic even before she became a devil."

"So she is a magus like Master?"

Another chuckle escaped at Xenovia's question. "Not at all, she was just a spellcaster. Perhaps if she was a magus then she wouldn't have summoned me."

"Something to do with her disease?" Kiritsugu deduced, making the tallest redhead pout again.

"Let me tell the story at least, please. It loses its appeal if you just guess everything " Then he let out a handsome smile as his Magus Killer stayed silent. "Thank you. Now, because of her disease, tuberculosis, Souji discovered early that she had little time to live. Of course humans tend to be really stubborn and seek any resources when it comes to their survival." Everybody turned back to the fighting as little by little Okita was starting to get some distance. "Before even attempting to summon a devil she collected and learned many spells from diverse Japanese schools. From prayers to rituals to the cleansing of one's spirit, she tried everything. Until there were only bad alternatives left."

Back at the arena the two fighters kept struggling until Okita managed to slip by Shirou's left side, escaping his onslaught and getting as far away as she could. With her speed, even without her wings, there was no way that the Mage could keep up, the swordswoman was faster than most Knights.

Once she was a safe distance away, Okita began to unleash her mana, stopping Shirou on his tracks. It wasn't fear as her reserves and presence weren't that scary but it was caution.

Meanwhile the fight kept going, Sirzechs continued his Knight's backstory. "It is fair to say that she was adept with magic, not as good as with her sword, not even close, but skilled. When there were only bad options left she started to resort for the more… exoteric side of the moonlit world. All out of loyalty."

Sirzechs knew he was being a little generous as while Okita didn't want to abandon her comrades, mostly she didn't want to day in a bed from a disease, at least not in her young age.

"Firstly she planned to make a deal with a powerful yokai but despite her sickness she realized it wasn't a good idea. So she tried to summon the most powerful 'yokai' from distant lands she could manage."

Nobody would disagree that Sirzechs was the strongest being that one could summon from magic circles; Gods tend to not answer such calls and certain advanced existences stop themselves from being summoned or are tied to certain places to summon.

"Lucky for her the Evil Piece System was already going on for a while so Reincarnating her wasn't hard… for me." Sirzechs had a small look of sadness. "To join my peerage, to become a devil, Souji had to give up a lot; her family, her friends, her previous loyalties. It was either that or death."

"So sensei was always good at magic?" Kiba asked with interest and a frown. "Why didn't she teach it to me then? Even if it isn't devil magic-"

"Don't blame her, Yuuto. A lot of her spells are about more… spiritual variety. Since medicine failed to save her life and the gods had abandoned her, that was the place she focused the most to survive." The former Gremory chuckled in amusement. "Oh, looks like she is about to give us a demonstration." A teal magic circle appeared behind Okita, tall enough to be a house, as she raised her hand high to the sky. "Pay close attention and you will see what else she brought with her from Japan."

…

The moment of her escape from Shirou's lock was the moment Okita knew she couldn't win the fight unless she started to go for the kill or changed tactics. Sure the magus knew her abilities but she was still faster and more agile even if Reinforcement and Ki were doing an excellent job of keeping up.

Indeed Okita could easily finish the match if it was a battle to the death but it wasn't, it was a spar and Shirou was competent enough that despite her Knight's speed and years of training it would still take a while for her to deliver a final blow, if she could do so at all.

Then again she knew he was also holding back somewhat and all that made her come to one single conclusion. 'Forget about going for the soft spots, I need to stop trying to fight directly.' Quickly she fully abandoned the fight and ran away before turning back to the magus. Before he ever thought of drawing his bow again she unleashed much of the mana she could safely. "You are strong for someone so young. I better start to take this seriously."

When the teal magic circle with the kanji 'sincerity' on its center the redhead ceased all actions and raised his sword to prepare himself. "Finally going to use magic?"

"Sort of. This is a power that I cultivated during my life as a devil. After I abandoned my comrades to live." Okita held her in front of her, her palm pushing the blade. "But it is also the cumulation of my studies in our land with many monks and exorcists. Even in the Shinsengumi Era the job of an onmyouji was still respected even if in secret."

Her mana began to fill the arena and Shirou prepared to summon Rho Aias, fearing an attack.

Only that it wasn't so as he felt her presence carrying neither hostility or aggressivity or any sort, instead it was calm like a breeze. The wind seemed to pick up and Shirou kept Muramasa close as the mana around the place seemed to grow in intensity.

'Approaching is too risky and so far she showed no ability to fight at a distance.' That may have changed but Shirou could only use facts.

And he was still being cautious, not underestimating the mana around him, no matter how much its smell conjured the image of the land after rain during spring.

"Flag of Sincerity!" The call came in a firm voice, Okita sounding all the commander she once was.

There was an answer, a reply that Shirou couldn't believe as hundreds of battle cries seemed to echo around the arena and it didn't take long for the shouters to reveal themselves, all dressed in the Shinsengumi uniformed and heavily armed.

It was a sight to behold and a clear demonstration of the size of the arena when hundreds of warriors with drawn swords, old fashioned rifles, pistols, spears, chains and staves revealed themselves.

Shirou tried to count but found it useless. "How?"

At his question the warriors parted to the sides revealing Okita, the magic circle spinning behind her, the kanji for sincerity more vibrant. "Who knows? Maybe I will tell you if you surrender?"

"Are those souls?" Shirou managed to ask as he was still paying attention to the army now surrounding him.

There were a couple of signs they weren't really amongst the living, the main one was the lack of feet as every single one of them was floating, but that made no sense. While Shirou could identify them as ghosts or some kind of pothergest, it was unlike any he had ever seen or heard about before.

At least now he could understand why Rias found the idea of inviting some to the school festival viable.

None of the people around him were wraiths, that much he was sure, there was no miasma or resentment floating in the air. At least none indirect and chaotic that would indicate a vengeful spirit even if all the men who suddenly were surrounding him glared in his direction.

Only those were not glares of blind hatred but eyes of warriors studying their enemy.

By the uniform, the classical colors of the Shinsengumi in the old fashioned clothes, Shirou was sure they could only come from Okita's time. "Are they souls or not?" Because if so then the Knight just unleashed a True Magic.

Instead of replying immediately Okita laughed a little but only briefly with a touch of smugness and sadness. "Unfortunately these aren't complete souls and while looking like ghosts, they are also different from it. They are just spirits."

"Spirits? That is the first time I hear it as a distinction."

"Yeah? Too bad." Okita rested her sword on her shoulder, completely opening her guard. Except Shirou knew he would never reach her, all around were still ready to fight and would get in his way. "Spirit and soul may be the same most of the time but you could say that 'spirit' is more about the 'emotion' of the individual and that can leave an impact. In cases like this at least." She did a small spin, waving her free hand around with glee. "And these are the spirits of my companions, my comrades! Those that I left behind because of my sickness but that I never forgot!"

A round of shouts and applause spread in the arena as the men of Shinsengumi declared their loyalty to their captain. Emotion, the emotion and the desire to fight for and with Okita Souji was all these individuals were, remains of warriors long past but that still offered their swords for their leader.

Such kind of magic reminded Shirou too much of True Magic. "Then how did you call them here? Spirits, souls, either way they should have moved on or be bound to somewhere." And the idea that so many Shinsengumi died in another dimension far away from Japan was ludicrous at best.

Okita chuckled and placed her hand on her chest. "They have always been here. 999 Spirits: Shinsengumi Last Unit!" Then she took a swing with her sword, finishing the conversation. "Shinsengumi Attack!"

"""""WOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHH!""""""

The conversation was over as the army did as ordered and Shirou immediately had to use his sword to deflect bullets. Those were faster than bullets from some more modern guns and stronger too but they were just the first part of the assault as the men moved around for an encirclement.

Their coordination was something else entirely as those with swords advanced fearlessly as the shooters kept opening fire in his direction. Funnily enough the redhead noticed how the rhythm of fire was slow and the spirits stopped to reload despite their weapons and bullets being made of mana.

For they could only be made of mana, Shirou realized, as Okita was using the magic circle to sustain the army with her power. He didn't know how such a summoning was possible without True Magic but the fact was that the men were ghosts and not spirits, at least not the Heroic Spirits he read about.

Still they were too many to count and Muramasa moved on his hands to cut down the first few who approached him. In fact the sword never stopped going from defense to offense as some of the attackers came with old fashioned pistols and Shirou had to quickly block before cutting them down.

There was no blood or sweat, not a single drop from the spirits at least as Shirou easily cut five down before starting retreating. "TRACE ON!" Came a rain of swords from the heavens that cut many men up. It wasn't enough. "Are there really 999 spirits?!" He asked during a block and followed by a cut to the ghost's stomach.

Like many of his comrades before the spirit broke apart in moots of light and vanished just for another to take his place, this time carrying a spear. Shirou was barely dealing with the dozens of weapons around him when he heard the sound of guns being fired. As far as he was concerned that made no sense as he was surrounded.

He forgot his enemies had no bodies and no fear of death until the bullets hit his chest and legs, the Mage being thrown on his back before rolling and standing up as the army of the dead kept charging.

They were relentless and didn't stop when Shirou Traced another rain of swords, those that fell used their weapons to protect those that were right behind or to cover them from inside as the Mage saw how their limbs easily went in and out of their comrades.

It was believed and made no sense until the redhead snapped himself back to reality. 'Of course they are intangible even to themselves! Okita mana may be given them weapons and existences but mostly they are just ghosts!' Overcharging Muramasa with mana, Shirou prepared himself to fight by retreating more until his back hit the boundary field. "Goddamned."

More bullets and swords flew in his direction as the army fell onto its prey.

…

"Is that Heaven's Feel?!" Luvia's shock told even those who didn't know the term that it was something important.

"No, it isn't, not even close." Kiritsugu immediately protests with a look towards Sirzechs who was quite smug. "Care to explain why you have a necromancer in your ranks?"

"What do you mean my dear Kiri? A necromancer? I would never. By the way, how is Sisigou doing? Still ransacking graves to get his materials?"

"We both know he doesn't mess with souls. Don't try to change the subject."

"I am actually quite curious as well." Azazel confessed while rubbing his chin. "Since you never sent her outside of the Underworld I will admit that the Grigori intelligence on Okita Souji is scarce but unlike our human friend here I can tell that isn't necromancy, neither the most accepted nor the corrupt one." The Cadre leaned forward on his chair, watching Shirou struggle with interest. "The souls aren't corrupt and the bodies are entirely made from Okita's mana. That explains why she wasn't using it, she was saving for her trump card."

Kiritsugu could agree with those observations but they lacked some points. "The problem isn't what they are but where they came from."

"Excuse me, Emiya-sama, if I may ask something?" Luvia raised a hand and the man spared her a small glance. "Isn't that the territory of the-"

"No, my wife's family's former magic has nothing to do with that."

"But how? Okita is clearly manipulating souls!"

"Please don't say it like that." It was Zeoticus who spoke with some annoyance. "Thank Goetia only the ancient devils, the first creations of the Original Lucifer, used to mess with souls. That is why the practice is abominable."

"That is something you should have educated your Pieces on, Rias." Venelana looked at her daughter with disappointment.

Which prompted Rias to bow her head with some shame. "My apology but Luvia is just shocked by Souji-neechan's spell which looks too much like true magic, which it isn't." She turned to her Rook with a sad look. "Neither it is the subjugation of a soul like the foul necromancy that is used by criminals. No, her magic is more spiritual, to cure the ailments of the soul."

"And with the Shinsengumi destruction, there were plenty of those needing some healing." Sirzechs commented half jokingly. "Civil wars are an awful thing, friend against friend, brother against brother. While a police force, the Shinsengumi was technically an army in a war."

Humming loudly, Azazel was starting to piece everything together "I thought Japan took care of its wraiths." That was the standard procedure after wars of any kind and level.

"But some are always harder to put to rest than others, even for wraiths. If there is a place where there were plenty of violent deaths, it would be a war." Sirzechs then clapped a little. His smile was kind and optimistic. "And Souji knew that, knew that after what happened many of her comrades would be unable to move on."

Exorcisms could solve many of the departed's grievances but not all and if the soul was strong they would fight back. That was something basic that everyone was taught once they started to learn about ghosts. Some souls needed something else to be pacified or there could be a struggle with terrible consequences.

And it could be anything really from having a conversation to air their grievances to something more complicated like finding their family to know if they are doing well or not.

Those that suffered the most gruesome fates or had a great deal of hatred in their hearts became wraiths and the only way they could move on was by a proper funeral with some sort of spiritual assistance, it could be by a priest or a monk, exorcism, or destruction through various means.

Even ghosts could be damaged and destroyed as Shirou was demonstrating by filling his sword with mana and using it to cut down the spirits or just using Muramasa, a Noble Phantasm of lower rank but still a Noble Phantasm and an existence capable of affecting such beings.

Normal weapons, unless empowered with mana or made with the proper materials, were useless against any sort of ghost. Magic on the other hand, of almost any kind and element, could always affect them by the inherent mana used.

But all that only counted to normal spirits and ghosts, souls of humans for the most part who were generally considered weak.

"As I stated before, in her pursuit for survival Souji studied as much as she could and her family hired many instructors. Even in bed she kept working diligently." Sirzechs admired such resolve and that was one of the main reasons he ended up enlisting her services. "But necromancy never crossed her mind. If anything she aborred it. All she wanted was to heal her body, not come back from the dead. And the belief that a strong spirit brought out a stronger body was always on her mind."

"Which didn't help her on many levels, unfortunately."

"Oh but it did, sweet sister. Once she Reincarnated, all the maladies and weakness from her sickness were gone." It was something entirely possible with Evil Pieces.

But also that confused Rias and their parents. "Oni-sama, Souji-neechan always, always, had problems even opening a pickle jar." She was exaggerating a little but with how her parents were nodding anyone that didn't know Okita would believe it.

Which included every new devil, the goddess and former Exorcist. "Then how can she fight like that?" Medusa wondered. "Even before summoning spirits she was pushing my protector back constantly."

"Because speed is her most valuable skill." Kiba replied with pride for his teacher, making Sirzechs chuckle a little again and Rias smile.

Azazel saw the army of ghosts and couldn't help but be curious. "Get back on track, please. Really wanna know how she is doing that." Perhaps it was a new avenue of research.

"After becoming a devil and once she grew used to her new body, Souji requested to return to her land and tend to… some personal matters." There were plenty of things Sirzechs felt he should not divulge. A lot happened during Okita's return to Japan. "While she was there, Souji traveled through every battlefield the Shinsengumi fought and did her best to tend the souls of her comrades. Instead of just wishing to rest, some of them, the most loyal, wanted to keep following her, devil or not."

"999 of them." Luvia whispered in admiration.

But the tallest redhead shook his head. "No, these were just as many as she could take in her body." Kiritsugu looked at his business partner in horror.

"'Her body'? She is carrying 999 souls in her body?"

"Well more like spirits but-"

Kiritsugu cut Sirzechs off with a harsh glare. "Semantics and you know it." He looked back to the fight and his son dealing with an army. "A spirit is everything that encapsulates a person; memories, emotions, skills, dreams, nightmares," his glare returned to the devil, "their fighting ability. The more a being lives, the greater their soul becomes. And that woman is carrying 999 extra souls."

"Spirits."

"Why the distinction?" Nightmares woke Kiritsugu at night with his wife having to be a vessel for 7 spirits. He didn't dare to phantom 999. Sure they weren't Heroic Spirits from the Throne of Heroes but even them would have a considerable weight. "Tell me, Sirzechs, why would she submit herself to such a burden?"

"Because she hated she couldn't die with them as much as they lamented their commander wasn't there because of her disease." Sirzechs spoke clearly, raising his voice so all could listen. "All that you saw here today, Souji's ability, keep for yourselves. Not only is it an excellent magic to keep secrecy of but it is also deeply personal. To carry all those spirits is a burden she took gladly. The men of Shinsengumi moved on to the afterlife and left behind only their warrior spirit."

"Are you saying those down guys are just their will to fight?" Issei asked in a realization no one else had.

The former Gremory nodded with a smile. "Quite correct, Ise. Those are Shinsengumi that died and wanted to keep going but Kiri is also right, Souji couldn't hold that many souls in herself, no matter how skillful she is." Yet they managed a compromise. "However, their wills were strong, both Souji's and those who wished to fight with her, to follow their commander even beyond death. Those bonds were so strong that while their souls moved on their spirits stayed and then she took them all in their body, becoming an anchor to their unit. While Souji lives and has mana, she can call any of the 999 hundred men still willing to follow in any occasion, like guarding my sister while she sat in the open."

"They were there?" Xenovia asked in shock.

Rias gladly answered. "Of course they were. They were ghosts and within Goetia Road the little mana they would let out with their existence was masked. Souji-neechan also doesn't need to use the Flag of Sincerity to manifest a few of them, only to call them all."

"There is a lot more that Souji's Spiritual Arts can do but as a Knight, know that she was worth the two Pieces she consumed many times over." Sirzechs elaborated with tranquility before turning back to Kiritsugu. Any of his playful demeanor had vanished. "Does that answer all your questions?"

"Hmph… Was the other reason why you recruited her was because you needed a police officer?" The Magus Killer asked and this time Sirzechs just nodded.

"Makes sense. Considering that the Underworld is more chaotic and unstable where everyone is always ready for a fight…" Azazel concluded with a smile. "Having a police officer from the last days of the Shogunate is actually getting someone experienced in dealing with a tumultuous and divided society. Kudos to you, Sirzechs."

"Thank you but while I gave her the job as an officer in Lilith because of her experience, I recruited Souji because of her spirit." The Maou admitted, dismissing the credit. "After all, how couldn't I admire someone who fought to the bitter end? My admiration just grew when she started using the Spiritual Arts to collect the spirits of her companions."

"Because her body grew weaker…" Kiritsugu knew of the signs, his wife would have suffered a much worse fate if the Holy Grail War had gone ahead. "That is why she is barely stronger than a human woman, she is directing every ounce of energy to preserve her unit's existence in her soul while stopping her body from falling apart."

A crude version of Heaven's Feel and Kiritsugu doubted Okita Souji was even close to it but was still enough for her purposes.

"But how much moved on, per say?" Azazel asked, just to be sure. "Everything but their fighting experience?"

"You would have to ask Souji for specifics but as you can see they can coordinate, fight together and are aware. To an extent."

Rias wanted to point out that she saw Okita talk with them on occasion and they responded but that could also be the Knight herself projecting her departed friends' reactions from her memories alone.

Still nobody could deny something. "They still fight together, even after death." Kiba's tone said it all; that was a notion he admired. That he desired to partake with his own lost family. 'But their souls must already have moved on… Maybe I should visit that place, once I have the chance.'

He wasn't the only one with such thoughts as Medusa closed her eyes and felt her Divine Core. 'Even if I split myself apart, I would never be with you again.' Instead of drowning in such thoughts, she focused on the fight. "Even with an army, my protector won't lose easily."

A pillar of white mana and the Divine Mount's shadow spreading on the arena seemed to confirm her words.

Sirzechs smiled gently. "There is much more to Spiritual Arts than just calling ghosts. Perhaps if Shirou goes all out…"

Something he wouldn't do since using Ascension would involve Rias' mana and he would never cheat on a spar by getting outside help. His Reality Marble was also incomplete so his resources were only the weapons the redhead could call to his hands.

Mage of Swords or not, Noble Phantasms or not, he was by himself against an army that had no fear of death.

…

Shirou was completely unaware of the conversation happening on the stands as Muramasa was used to block three swords at the same time. He had to Trace a second blade just to keep up with the firearms from the Shinsengumi or at least as many as he could since the guns fire power was greater than their models suggested.

Those factors helped him reach certain conclusions about the ghosts like that even if their weapons were empowered by Okita's mana, their movements were all within the human limit.

Indeed the Mage was sure that not a single one of the Shinsengumi following Okita had broken through the human limit since his speed was far superior. Except that they still had other advantages like being ghosts which allowed them to ignore each other and attack him from anywhere.

Being surrounded didn't mean that the redhead could use their numbers to his advantage so he placed his back against the way to try and limit their area of attack.

That went badly once they reminded him once again they were ghosts and those with firearms just found another avenue to make things harder and began to shoot from above, targeting his shoulders.

Reinforcement and Ki kept him in the fight but Shirou felt every sting and was sure bruises weren't far away. 'Who the hell summons an army of spirits to fight?' He pushed a lot of mana in his swords to cut down another ten spirits who were quickly replaced as more shots stopped him from advancing. 'Calm down, calm down and think. You haven't lost yet. If the name of the technique is anything to go by then their numbers aren't unlimited and even if they are, Okita's mana isn't.'

That just made him frown as he used Muramasa to cut the leg of a ghost as a distraction before cutting the head off. As spirits with no muscles or bones, most of his attacks were worthless and the only way of really destroying their bodies was by destroying head or heart.

Anything else was fixable in a matter of moments or went completely ignored even if they still felt pain.

It was the one of the few things keeping him in the fight, the pain the ghosts felt even if they were mostly incorporeal. Mostly because Shirou was sure there were other tricks and circumstances involved in what Okita was doing but he still couldn't figure out all the finer details.

Still the redhead felt swords hit his back and arms, cuts and bruises spreading as his reserves dwindled with every Reinforcement and blade called to try and reduce the number of enemies.

Caladbolg was an option but there was no way his adversary was going to give him anymore space even if the Knight herself remained on the back if the magic circle, the Flag of Sincerity, position was any indication.

If anything Okita seemed willing to let Shirou fight until he was either exhausted or knocked out if not both, giving the redhead the initiative if he wanted to change things.

Finally the Mage of Swords lost whatever was left of his patience and overloaded Muramasa with mana, throwing his unnamed sword first to get rid of a ghost floating above before launching the unstable Noble Phantasm in the middle of his attackers.

The blast that came got rid of some of the army but not even close to all of it, the arena was still full and there was little space. What it did was shock and surprise the ghosts who were still men without the notion a sword like that could explode. Even further they were warriors who became wary because of that explosion.

It gave Shirou enough time to call Bakuya, "Bellerophon!"and unleash his mount's power.

Divinity began to course through the Mage's veins and already he was feeling much better. In his ear he heard Bellerophon pointing how he could have felt like that sooner but he was sure Okita had more tricks on her sleeve.

Still that usual rush of having the pegasus' power helped him snap back into the fight. When the Last Unit of the Shinsengumi attacked again Shirou easily bashed their weapons away before delivering a kick that banished three ghosts from existence.

He smiled as some of the ghosts hesitated as they barely were able to react to his speed before but now he was on a whole new level. With Bellerophon assistance he advanced inside the enemy lines as they opened fire. They were made by the same mana they were using in their weapons so they didn't fear to hit each other, that was how they attacked him no matter their own positions.

However Shirou was not only faster than their swords could keep up but neither could their improved firearms. He didn't need to know all the details about Okita's spells to just be faster than it, much like she was against him in the beginning of the fight.

There was no longer a need to defend as Shirou could just dance between shots and cut his enemies apart. The spirits shouted with courage as they all charged while covering the shooters from the magus' sight. Bullets of mana, bigger than real bullets and more potent, flew in the redhead's direction as he moved around the Shinsengumi.

Moving constantly made him a harder target and another quirk the magus noticed from the guns was that every single one of them sounded real. 'Is spirit magic similar to Tracing?' Bellerophon's reply showed his confusion. 'Yep, no idea either but it is similar. It is like Oklita is using the spirits to retrieve their… memories! That is it!'

Figuring out how each warrior had his own weapon and movement, Shirou could tell the spirits were really there but Okita was empowering them with a combination of devil magic and something similar to Gradation Air.

Details escaped him but while he dodged and fought against the ghosts he could finally understand how they were such capable fighters; their images were perfect because the spirits were reproducing what they knew from life and nothing else, all under their captain's power.

Essentially Spiritual Arts were the use of the spirit's memories and the user's mana to give them influence over the real world. Magicians and shamans in many countries developed different versions of it but none of them had as many spirits following them as Okita did.

None of that was to Shirou's knowledge and while he realized how the Knight was fighting it didn't solve the problem of facing hundreds of opponents who didn't fear death.

Every single one of their attacks was suicidal as in they didn't care that Shirou destroyed their bodies, just that they weakned him. The Shinsengumi at that point had already suppressed any instinctual fear they had left and just kept throwing themselves with abandon.

Making matters worse was that their numbers were not diminishing, something that baffled Shirou as he cut down another spirit in half before throwing Bakuya to his left like a boomerang.

The weapon wasn't going to come back but he threw it in the direction of the Flag of Sincerity to try and find Okita. Basic rules still applied that if he took down the caster of the spell it would disappear.

Many of the spirits were cut down while the others kept attacking and while Bakuya was away Shirou could only use his fists and feet. The connection with Bellerophon grew weaker without his weapon but the Mage's punches still destroyed two ghosts' heads before he did a handstand and kicked one behind him.

Bodies didn't fly no matter how Shirou attacked or how many sacrificed themselves to Bakuya, they were simply erased until the familiar sound of steel clashing rang in the arena.

Standing there with a look of concentration was Okita.

To the redhead's surprise the woman's expression was devoid of any joy or happiness, just a cold but fierce glare. Raising her sword she threw a swing to the side and more mana left the magic circle, dozens of Shinsengumi, some who were recognizable as just destroyed, showed up again.

'Oh, she can keep calling them while she has mana…' Shirou would have hit himself if he wasn't busy dodging bullets and swords. Bakuya disappeared from the air and back on his hands before he decimated ten men in an instant. 'And then…' He jumped high, avoiding the spirits and noticing how ten more gained form. 'This becomes a mana competition.'

Part of Shirou, the Bellerophon part to be more exact, told him they could win this, that their stamina and mana was more than enough to resist and defeat a small army of ghosts. The redhead himself disagreed, if Okita wasn't pressuring then the ghosts didn't cost that much to maintain which explained why destroying them was easy.

The pegasus found himself agreeing with the point and then offered a suggestion that gave the redhead the impression of 'charging against a wall head first'.

'Not a bad idea.' Shirou acknowledged as he fell back down, blocked a couple of swords before dispatching their users easily.

Far away from the main fight and surrounded by various subordinates, Okita kept her breathing stead and her concentration constant. 'How much longer can he keep this going?' The blonde wondered as she felt many of her subordinates fall again. 'Tch…'

Already they had risen from the Flag of Sincerity and charged back into the fray as another approached to her side. "Okita-taichou, may I suggest we combine our strength?"

"This is a spar, Wakusuke. We aren't trying to kill him."

"Forgive me, Taichou, but aren't you growing tired from the constant fight? Your health-"

Quicker than she should, Souji turned to him with a smile. "It is all right! It is all right! My body is practically doing nothing and I can keep going! See?!" She began to flex her arm rapidly and repeatedly. "Mana is different from stamina, after all."

"Apologies, Taichou." Then the man drew his sword and returned to the fight without prompting, leaving a smiling Okita behind.

Then the smile vanished as while she remembered her friend being attentive he also was a drinker outside of the job. And that part was missing. 'At least they still play games.' Souji tried to be positive.

Even if only some of them could do more than just fight, the majority only saw themselves as warriors in their entirety and that was what she was left to work with.

Then her instincts went on high alert as she felt a shift in the battle and one hundred of her subordinates fell in short order as Shirou advanced in her direction like a bright arrow ready to take her down.

Swords got in his way and bullets were fired but he easily cut all, Bakuya moving so fast that none of the Last Unit could see.

With her status as a devil and a Knight, Okita could, together with how Shirou was bashing her army away faster than the Flag of Sincerity could replace them. Her spirits didn't tire but she certainly did and if she accelerated their return it would cost more mana.

Fighting like that was stopping being efficient so she changed tactics again, both hands in her sword handle. "Spiritual Arts: Advent of the Great Soldier!"

At her call many of the spirits became balls of flames in Shirou's path that forced the Mage of Swords to stop. He still did a spin on his heel and threw a swing to the fireball which was blocked with a loud ring of steel meeting steel. What followed next was the creation of a giant sword being lifted by an equally giant hand.

Shirou couldn't believe how tall the being born from the union of spirits was, at least several stories tall and easily capable of competing with an apartment with five floors. It was also made of metal or a substance that appeared to be metal but moved like muscles as the arm held the sword.

He heard once from Xenovia about a sacred gear capable of creating a giant warrior but already the redhead could tell this power was superior by one single factor; eyes, teal colored eyes stared at him with purpose and enmity.

The giant spirit knew Shirou was his opponent and he wasn't even fully formed.

It was also using a giant version of the Shinsengumi uniform, a perfect fit to the giant, together with a bandana on his forehead. His face looked like the masks used by samurai during the Warring States, an open mouth without teeth and horns greeted the redhead with a teal glow inside it.

Not that Shirou was concerned about any of that as he was pushed by the enemy sword while the rest of the Shinsengumi cheered. The Mage was sent flying by the giant's blow and found himself flying towards the boundary field at speeds too high to be considered safe.

Fortunately for him Bellerophon was there to help by sending a lot of mana to his back to produce a pale imitation of their 'wings' from his ascended state. It was enough to get the redhead to start flipping mid air until he landed on walls, a lot of mana spent but still mostly unharmed.

Gravity began to drag him back to the arena but the Mage still had plenty of time to look around and evaluate the situation. The Great Soldier changed things in more than one way, not only was he a towering presence on the battlefield but also it was clear to see the number of spirits had diminished.

Once again Shirou didn't bother to count how many ghosts were still around, there were still plenty filling the place but it was less cluttered and once again he found himself stumped because he didn't know anything about Okita's magic.

At least the Giant Soldier was an excellent target but letting go of Bellerophon wasn't an option. 'As I said; needed versatility.' The pegasus gave the impression he was shrugging his shoulders and Shirou rolled his eyes. 'Fine, we can still work with this.'

Time to think had ended sooner than the redhead would have liked. His feet weren't even on solid ground before the Last Unit began to open fire again. Shirou was forced to run the rest of the way down before charging straight towards the giant for a second round. The humongous spirit lifted his sword in answer to the challenge while his allies kept trying to get in the way.

But Shirou didn't care about the small fry anymore and began to use Ki and mana in tandem with Bellerophon as the Divine aura covered his body once more. He began to accelerate even more and just when the Giant Soldier threw his attack the Mage had already jumped with Bakuya pulled back.

The Noble Phantasm came for a stab as Shirou pierced through the giant with his own body right on the ghost's heart. The lights went down and the mana that made the soldier fell apart, Shirou immediately saw Okita holding a hand to her chest, an obvious bad sign.

Not for him who landed and kept going as fast as he could before leaping but not towards the Knight who quickly raised her sword in preparation. No, his target was the Flag of Sincerity.

Something Okita caught on quickly. "Spiritual Arts: Shield of Souls!" Panic wasn't present, just a calm confidence as the spell took hold.

This time every single ghost remaining became a ball of fire that moved towards the magic circle at full speed, arriving just in time for the collision as Shirou had thrown a strong slash towards it.

There wasn't a fire anymore as the spirits formed some sort of crystal with a bluish hue and when the Noble Phantasm connected with it Okita and her magic circle were both pushed a couple steps back.

Faster than Shirou could react, the Knight had already recovered her footing and took advantage of his position in the air to cut his leg.

The wound wasn't deep and the redhead was already redirecting his own sword towards Okita who was pushed again, unharmed thanks to the crystal, the Flag of Sincerity seemingly stuck on her back went with the captain.

Not bothering to check his leg, Shirou still stopped himself as Okita was already ready for another bout. "Looks like your spirits are a little stuck."

"Hey, don't underestimate my Spiritual Arts." The blonde smiled again even as she was breathing harder than before. Finally the fighting was taking its toll. "But still, you are strong." She recognized, looking at the crystal and noticing the scratch just above her. "To think you could damage my Shield of Souls. Are you sure you are human?"

"Most of the credit belongs to my partner here." A pegasus made of light appeared for a moment before returning to Shirou.

A smile, sincere and full of praise, appeared on Okita's lips. "It looks like none of us is fighting alone." Looking at the shield again she took a deep breath. "Defeating a Great Soldier with 100 souls and damaging a shield made by the other 899 is an impressive feat. I think you legitimately harmed 400 of my spirits with all that."

"Harm?" That was of concern to the magus.

For an instant only as Okita didn't want to make him feel bad. "Don't worry, they have limits when I transform them into something else. After I rest a little I can restore them easily." She positioned herself with her sword held high once again, preparing her strongest Art. "Besides, I don't want you to be distracted when I show you what the other 600 souls can do together."

"Six… You are talking about your own?" The Giant Soldier was easy to beat even if Shirou failed to break the shield. If anything he wasn't concerned for himself. "Look, this is a spar and-"

"I won't get hurt, don't worry. The first soul I learned to control was my own, could even have stopped myself from becoming a devil if I wanted." She bragged a little before her eyes turned sharp again. "And you aren't strong enough to beat me."

A strong wind surrounded the Knight as the Flag of Sincerity and the crystal became motes of light that returned to their owner and Shirou took a step back as his senses began to act madly with the output of power Okita Souji was suddenly showing.

It was so much that the wind began to push him away. "What the hell?" Then it was done and his eyes grew wide at the changes on Okita's clothes.

The kimono and hakama were the same if only they had changed color to white and black respectively but the rest wasn't there before.

Now Okita wore a long black scarf that would have catched more of his attention if it wasn't for the classical light blue haori of the Shinsengumi, complete with the kanji for sincerity on her back.

And every single bit of her outfit was now glowing in an ominous light that even for the moonlit world's standards was supernaturally bright. It was such an odd event that Shirou felt every single one of the hairs of his body standing by its presence.

"Prepare yourself!" Ordered Okita with a determined look. "This is where the fight ends."

Both of them knew what she was going to do, at least she knew and he suspected. 'Is this a feint? A trick or some other sort of attack?' The memories in that sword were the same of his creation, the impossible technique that broke the laws of casualty.

A technique Shirou had stopped before so he was skeptical she would use it again but his mind was moving miles per second as he tried to read the Knight, the sword and her posture to come to some sort of conclusion.

Everything told him that it was the same technique again, the same attack, but for the life of him Shirou knew something was wrong as he had stopped that attack before. There was also the Knight's new clothes to consider and with his knowledge of Balance Breaks he wouldn't underestimate any sort of change.

'It doesn't matter.' In the blink of an eye he reached the conclusion. 'If I stop the sword then whatever the attack is, I win and I am faster with Bellerophon by my side.' The because voiced his approval with more Divinity exploding from his body. "Come, Okita-san!"

Bakuya being held by the Mage's finger as the palm of his hand needed to be open enough for his technique, his hands already moving to stop the sword from completing any kind of swing.

"Behold the speed of my hidden sword." The woman declared calmly but no less confidently as she began to advance. "First step, shifter than sound… Second step, infinity suffering… Third step, the absolute sword!" The uniform seemed to glow more before Okita vanished from Shirou's sight.

The redhead was shocked by the development as he was used to someone with Yoruichi's speed who was considered the fastest of all yokais. Indeed she was so fast that moving half of the town of Fuyuki to Kuoh in less than a second was easy for her. But while Shirou was stunned the resident of his soul was high alert and still able to see.

Bellerophon threw more power in Shirou's direction, almost forcing an Ascension unprompted, which helped him to see the leap Okita was making, her sword still going in the same direction of her most lethal attack.

There was no time to think why she used an Aria, there was no time to do anything for even with Bellerophon raising his senses to the max Shirou could tell Okita was much faster than him and he had to react.

Only instinct had him moving but by that point it was too late as he wasn't fast enough, the third leap had concluded with Okita appearing behind the redhead the instant their last confrontation took place.

A moment that lasted an eternity seemed to pass to the woman as her feet touched the arena again; her position had been perfect, her thrust precise and with the support of her deceased allies her technique had reached a level that went far beyond what a human was capable of.

Something that most devils would find impossible to replicate or even survive, something that peeked in the realm of the gods with the skill to match.

In an instant the spar was over.

"Mumyou Sandanzuki." For some reason Shirou was sure that was the first time Okita had spoken true Japanese. A fleeting thought that came from nowhere as his senses caught up with what happened.

They were too busy as the world seemed to slow down and his feet left the ground.

When his brain finally caught up with him Shirou felt three distinct pains around the chest area, three places he knew the Three-Stage Thrust. It wasn't even a thought, he just knew Okita had hit him and that the strikes had been enough to damage his armor.

Even if her sword hadn't received any of the spirits' power, the Knight's speed still generated enough force to not only throw him from his feet but also break his armor, leaving sword shaped holes on every point of impact.

He was also sent flying past Okita who had just landed from her sword thrust and the final leap, a fenomena that showed how fast she was moving since she actually landed calmly before the impact had any effect over the Mage.

Indeed it was an attack that broke the laws of causality in multiple levels, something that Shirou knew as fact but even his Reality Marble failed to illustrate how ridiculously powerful the effects were.

Funny enough he saw the image of a purple haired man doing something similar mid flight but it only lasted a moment as his back collided with the boundary field.

Comparing it with a solid wall would be fair and if it wasn't for Reinforcement and Ki Shirou would be dead because of how fast he was going. The sudden stop also didn't help matters as even if only his back had collided with the wall of mana the redhead still felt sick and in extreme pain.

Sure enough a couple of bones had broken but it could have been way worse if Okita had aimed for his head or empowered her sword somehow. 'See… that is why we needed variety… Ow…' A headache was forming and the pegasus was irritated.

Bellerophon called the fight unfair because he knew if they could use Ascension then it would have ended in their favor.

Shirou disagreed but he had a more pressing matter. 'Can you keep it down? My head is ringing like mad.' His free hand went to support it as the redhead tried to shake it off. "Welp, I lost."

"Really?" Okita's voice caught Shirou's attention as she was just a few steps from him, a look of confusion. "Because I was about to place my sword in your neck and… you know…"

"Demand the win? You can have it. If you wanted then that last attack could have killed me." Shirou chuckled a little before wincing and holding his chest. "Goddamned, it is always the ribs." Letting go of Bakuya, Shirou prepared to Trace an EM.

Only that the pain grew more intense without the Divinity and it must have shown on his face because Okita winced as well. "Sorry about that. Maybe I should have held back a little."

"It is fine, Okita-san. You were giving your best. Besides, your technique was amazing and that speed was just... I knew you were coming but could do nothing." He wondered if Vali felt something similar.

"Souji." The blonde suddenly said.

"Hm?"

"We just fought and now we know more of each other than most people do." The former captain of the Shinsengumi declared with a smile. "You can call me Souji now."

A small smile later, Shirou nodded his head. "Sure thing, Souji-san."

Waving her arm quickly, Souji was also shaking her head. "No need for a 'san' either."

Before they could continue, Grayfia landed besides both fighters, studying Shirou's condition. "I believe the fight has a clear winner." She waited for a protest but there was none and so turned to the audience. "Winner of the bolt, Okita Souji of the Lucifer Peerage."

"Victory for Okita-san!" She declared while giving peace signs with both hands, sword back in its sheath. "If anyone else wants to fight I can still- Urgh."

Many were shocked by Souji who was suddenly spitting blood before her clothes returned to normal and she began to lose her balance. Shirou tried to get up to catch her but his wounds were many and he needed some time to heal. And he wasn't the only one there either.

Grayfia was close enough and was practically waiting for Okita to fall, holding her by the arms with a look of disapproval. "You shouldn't have used that many spirits in a spar. You know that."

"But-"

"No buts. You may have won but your reserves are too low and your body is starting to reject the spirits." The Strongest Queen reminded the Knight, bringing up one of the conditions for her to keep the spirits in her soul. "That kind of power should only be used in case of emergency."

"But I didn't want to lose-" A glare silenced the Knight. "Meep."

After that a small sigh escaped Grayfia's lips as some of the audience were approaching the arena. "Regardless you showed the power of Lucifer's Peerage and defeated a Mage so I shall let that slide."

"Should I mention I don't consider myself too much of a Mage? No? Everybody is going to ignore it?" Shirou found some difficulty in keeping EM stabbed on his body and that made the healing process difficult. "Figures."

"Shero, are you alright?" Surprising, Luvia managed to reach them first with a look of concern and a hand quickly sizing EM. "Don't worry, I will heal you."

"Actually it would be better if Asia did it. Her power is more precise and less exhausting. Especially since she needs to examine his head." Rias teased a little, stopping the Rook in her tracks. Then she looked at Shirou with a smile. "It was a great fight, both of you."

"I think I have a concussion." The Mage commented and Asia quickly approached and placed her glowing hands on his head. "Thanks."

"Hmhm. Don't worry, I will get you on your feet in no time." Asia turned to the Knight, still supported by Grayfia. "Does she also need me to take a look?"

"I assure you, miss Argento, that Souji is going to be fine." Grayfia was already helping the blonde to her feet yet again only for the Knight to lose her balance. "After some rest."

Rias chuckled and moved to help the maid. "Can't blame her since Shiro didn't make things easier. Just shows how good of a fight it was."

"Indeed a great spectacle." Sirzechs approached in a calmer pace, his eyes full of approval and mirth. "Not many can push Souji to combine with her souls even if she kept her sword out of it. But then again you didn't show the power capable of standing against a Dragon Emperor so we can say it was fair."

Issei pointedly ignored Ddraig's grunt on his head. "Fair and broken. The guy was fighting against an army. And then they all became clothes and she was just flying-" Then the Pawn stopped and turned to Okita. "Excuse me, Okita-san but why didn't you fly instead of leaping with your sword? Wouldn't that make the attack better?"

Sirzechs couldn't stop himself from snorting, much to the surprise of some. It was even more surprising that Grayfia was giggling and Rias really wanted to know the answer to that question.

Scratching her cheek, Souji blushed a little. "Weeeell… when I use Mumyou Sandanzuki it is… better to have my feet on the ground."

"Is there a problem with your wings?" Venelana asked with clear concern. "Do you need a physician? Or perhaps our daughter's Bishop should take a look."

"Asia sure wouldn't mind." Rias followed her mother's lead, equally worried which made Okita embarrassed.

"No-no-no. My wings are fine, I swear." At that point Sirzechs was holding back his laughter and Grayfia stepped aside as Okita could stand on her feet. Good for the maid since she had a reputation to maintain and laughing at her teammate would be poor form.

"Perhaps she is used to her feet since she was originally human?" Azazel arrived with Kiritsugu in tow. Both Emiya men traded nods while the Cadre continued. "Posture and habits are extremely important in any martial art. Even with 100 years she just isn't used to flying enough to compensate."

Which gave Sirzechs an opportunity he couldn't resist. "Oh~ are you suggesting Grayfia failed in training Souji properly?" Everyone saw the Knight flinch and turn to the Queen of Lucifer who had her best poker face on.

"Of course no, I am an excellent flier." Okita declared proudly.

"How come you didn't fly much during the fight then?" Azazel already knew something was up and was smiling from ear to ear.

"I just… hit some walls when I fight with my sword."

"Try every wall in a 5 meter radius." Sirzechs pointed out.

Embarrassed and a little ashamed, Okita blushed and began to scratch the back of her head. "Tee hee…"

"Doesn't matter! Sensei's fighting style is still amazing!" Kiba declared with a smile as he carried Okita's original sword in his hands. He offered it to the Knight who quickly sheathed it away. "I am happy to be training under you again and can't wait to learn your Spiritual Arts, sensei."

A sincere smile escaped Okita before she shook her head. "Sorry but with your low mana reserves that wouldn't be… advisable. There are still other things that you can learn, though."

Something Azazel agreed to but also saw another opportunity. "I suggest improving his sacred gear a little more. Last time I checked he was close to Balance Break." The fallen angel pulled out a sheet of paper and passed it to Souji. "Here are my recommendations, all approved by your King, of course."

He said it more for Akeno's benefit, noticing like always that the Queen of Gremory was several steps back from his person.

Medusa saw Shirou finally stand up thanks to Asia's healing and decided to say her piece. "While that was a good showing, my protector, you really need to stop getting yourself into fair fights. Underhanded or not, you are more of a trickster."

There was something in the goddess' words that Shirou found odd, like she was accusing him of holding back in some way. In his mind he gave his best and lost fairly and nobody seemed to disagree with that notion. Except Medusa who gave him a sharp look that held an unspoken message.

Truly there were some weapons he hadn't used, Holy Swords like Ascalon, which may have given him some sort of advantage if he used them well. But there was also a risk of permanently harming Souji and much like she had avoided his vital points, he stopped himself from bringing anything extremely dangerous to a devil.

Acknowledging that after some thought, the Mage of Swords had only one reply to his goddess. "Unfortunately I kinda like fighting fair."

"It is fine if it is in this kind of situation." Kiritsugu's voice carried a warning of his own, one that Medusa seemed to agree with as she was nodding. "Despite that, we need to get moving. We already wasted enough time."

"Calling your son's fight a waste of time is kinda cold." Azazel observed but was ignored.

The Magus Killer's eyes were on the Heiress who suddenly gulped. "You had enough time for a new strategy?"

Nodding confidently, Rias pointed to two of her Pieces. "Akeno and Kiba will join me for this spar." Neither devil showed surprise.

While Medusa's participation was unexpected, it was always a pick between Kiba or Issei to who would replace Luvia. Dealing with a god, even a weak one, wouldn't be easy anyway and in the end Kiba was picked because he offered more options and could also face Xenovia.

"Then let's go back to our seats. Unless any of you want to watch from here." Kiritsugu turned to walk away but a voice stopped him.

"Magus Killer, I mean no offense but shouldn't we get a break before the next fight?" Zeoticus asked carefully but the man didn't stop walking.

"Fresh fighters and little time. They don't need breaks." He looked back calmly. "Unless you don't want me to teach her anything this month. Depending on what Sirzechs saw that I can help with, it may take too much time."

Not that he really cared either way, in Kiritsugu's mind he was a lousy teacher and doubted there was much he could help a devil learn.

Unfortunately his business partner was of a different mind. "He is right, father. Rias is already behind everyone else in preparations." He smiled sincerely at his sister. "Or did you forget everyone already has a day of advantage on you?"

"Then we can finally get this show on the road? Great!" Xenovia opened her cape and lowered Durandal, still on its sheath, to make it easier to draw during the fight. "Let's do this then! Don't worry Master, I shall avenge your defeat."

"'We.'" Liz pointed out while the back of her halberd in the ground. "Our Master shall be avenged!"

"Yes!" Xenovia got more pumped up while Shirou suspected Liz was just playing the part. Or perhaps not, in either case, Grayfia approved the dedication of her fellow maid.

"What are the rules?" Medusa asked, calmly walking to stand besides her new teammates.

"Same as the previous with one addition; King loses, the team loses." Kiritsugu replied, not giving time for anyone to say anything. He then turned to the improvised team. "Who is going to be your King?"

""Medusa/ Medusa can do it."" Liz and Xenoiva said in sync and the goddess nodded to accept the position.

Looking around Venelana asked, "Shouldn't we at least fix the damage?"

While the previous spar wasn't explosive the arena had sustained some damage with swords still lying around, holes of diverse sizes, the biggest ones coming front he feet of the Giant Soldier, and a few stones broken here and there.

This time Kiritsugu paused and completely turned around. "This is not only to test Rias Gremory magic but in strategy as well." Said the Magus Killer, his tone cold. "She shall be judged not only for what she can do in combat but also how to use the terrain. If I was to apply a more personalized test, we would be using a forest or rock formation instead of an open space."

In fact Kiritsugu disliked the idea of using arenas to simulate combat. Most real battles weren't in open spaces; there was cover, obstacles, challenges from the very terrain itself that could make or break an army.

Competitions were one thing but Rating Games were not only a sport but a simulation of war, something that the Magus Killer actually approved as it kept the devils troops ready and trained while also giving them a revenue, so using open spaces and arenas for entertainment went against his methodology.

There was no place to hide, no perch to snipe the enemy before the threat became relevant, no position to pin the attacker or form a haste defense. He knew things would be different in an actual Rating Game, unless there was entertainment to be had since it was still a sport, but there was little he could observe in an open area, ironically.

Still he would do his job, observe and try to figure out what his business partner wanted him to help Rias with. 'This would be easier if he just told me what he wants.' Kiritsugu often wondered why he met so many whimsical people in his line of work.

Soon enough everyone save for those getting ready to fight had returned or found a seat. There were plenty to choose from but Shirou made an effort to catch up with his father quickly so he could sit beside the man and ask, "What is this about?"

"Sirzechs asked me to train his sister but didn't give enough details."

"But why are you doing it? You kinda hate teaching."

"I don't hate teaching, just never was good at it." Something neither of them could deny. "But I owe Sirzechs that much at least."

After finishing his statement Kiritsugu ducked as Sirzechs tried to hug him from behind. "Ah~ you do care."

"Go to your seat." The Magus Killer's tone was more dry than a desert.

Chuckling a little at the circumstances, Azazel put his feet on the chair at the front. "So, does anyone want to take any bets? Give you good chances that Rias is gonna win."

"Are you insinuating our daughter is going to lose?" Zeoticus and Venelana glared at the fallen angel with little heat, it was all in good fun.

"I mean, her opponent is a goddess."

"A weakened goddess." Venelana pointed out.

"But a goddess nonetheless."

Sirzechs pulled something from a magic circle that Souji quickly catched, both expanding the piece of cloth to reveal a banner with a cute chibi Rias. "You can do it, Ria-tan!"

"Go Rias! Kiba! Show these outsiders our power!" Souji joined her King in shouting as small flags with chibi Rias found themselves in her peerage's hands.

"They are cute." Complimented Asia as Koneko looked at hers for a second before just wavering it around..

The former heiress of Edelfelt was wondering if such things were befit of nobility- "Go Rias!"

"You can do it darling!"

-until she noticed that Zeoticus and Venelana had joined their son in cheering and they were leaders of their Clan for far longer than any of her ancestors lived.

"Hmm…" Gasper was studying his flag before waving it around a little. 'If I root for buchou too loud then Xenovia will try and pick on me again. Anything but garlic!' His mind couldn't forget a certain prank.

"Go Buchou! Akeno-san! You can do it!" Issei had a huge flag with a chibi Rias, courtesy of Sirzechs. The Pawn didn't even hesitate to pick and wave it around. "You too, Kiba. Don't you dare to lose!"

"They certainly are… enthusiastic." Shirou pointed out with a sincere smile.

His father watched him and frowned. "Did you… wanted me to-"

"No, by all heavens and hell, no." Both Emiya men traded looks and nodded, appreciating each other's sense of reason as the devils seemed to go nuts. "Are those servants of the castle-"

"Coming here with more flags and to watch? Absolutely, yes they are. Not all but enough to fill plenty of seats." Azazel relaxed on his seat. "You sure none of you wants to make a bet? Zeoticus needs some opposition."

"I think it would be wrong for me to get involved." Not only Shirou didn't like betting money, he also had people he cared about on both sides.

Something Azazel caught on quickly. "Must be rough having to watch two of your lovers square like that."

"Yea- Wait, what?" Shirou suddenly stopped thinking as his father massaged the bridge of his nose.

Leaving Azazel free to laugh. "I mean, that girl who swore herself to you. You two are banging as well, right?"

"Xenovia? No, she is…" And then Shirou realized how anything he could have said would sound out of context.

Azazel still pushed a little more, for his amusement. "Come on, you can tell me, we are bros. Aren't we."

"Xenovia and I don't have this kind of relationship."

"Why not?"

"Perhaps you two should focus on the fight." It hadn't started yet but Kiritsugu felt his son needed an assist.