"Kyoko-chan!"
"Don't worry! I can handle this alone."
The pink-haired girl cried out in worry, prompting a response from Kyoko Sakura, who stood at the vanguard.
"There is a way."
"So, Sayaka! I will definitely save you!"
"But before that, I have to let you die once!"
Waving her long spear to deflect the incoming flying knives, Kyoko Sakura no longer felt the heavy burden she carried before.
Having experienced the Dragon Ball War and returned, Kyoko initially thought there was no other way to deal with the Witch-form Sayaka.
But just now, she felt it.
That power—one that didn't belong to her—was stirring.
Monster Reborn...
That was the card Jonouchi had left with her.
She hadn't expected it to still exist and function even after crossing worlds.
Although she didn't know the specific effects, she believed in Jonouchi.
"If you keep living, good things will always happen... right?"
"Jonouchi!"
Exaggerated magical energy erupted. Kyoko Sakura didn't hesitate for a second.
Perhaps due to becoming a Heroic Spirit, she had become much stronger than before.
Therefore, dealing with the Witch that Sayaka had transformed into wasn't particularly strenuous.
"I also know about what happens after Witch Transformation."
"So... I will end your pain and struggle!"
"Sayaka!"
Her voice echoed within the barrier. Kyoko Sakura subsequently destroyed the "Mermaid Witch" with her own hands.
"Will it really work?"
Seeing the Witch turn into ashes, Madoka Kaname whispered the question, her voice trembling.
"It'll be fine! I believe in that guy."
Taking out the card that had been emitting light in her pocket, Kyoko Sakura aimed it forward and waved.
"Monster Reborn..."
"Activate!!"
The drifting soul did not depart or disperse. Instead, it was forcibly dragged back from the "Graveyard" by unreasonable "Rules."
What remained here was that intact "body."
"Eh...?"
"Ah ha!"
"It really... succeeded?"
When she came back to her senses, the blue-haired girl realized she was slumped on the ground. In front of her were Kyoko and Madoka, their expressions a mix of joy and shock.
"Thank goodness..."
"Thank goodness..."
Tears of joy flowed. The body rushing over to hug her was so warm. Sayaka carefully lifted both hands to embrace the girl in front of her, feeling that real, tangible touch.
"I... am still alive?"
With a tone of disbelief, Sayaka's mind was still reeling.
"Hehe, idiot, you really did come back to life."
Putting away her long spear and canceling her transformation, Kyoko Sakura grinned, showing her teeth.
...
"Mn... what exactly is this situation?"
"It's incomprehensible!"
Standing not far away with the black-haired girl, the small, cute creature voiced its confusion.
Kyubey's tail swayed constantly. Obviously, the current turn of events had exceeded all expectations.
Even it couldn't understand anymore.
"..."
Homura Akemi's eyes widened, falling into a state of extreme shock.
She had reincarnated so many times, yet never had she witnessed such a scene.
Clearly, Sayaka dying and turning into a Witch was "destined" / "fate".
But looking at it now...
"Kyoko Sakura..."
"She created a miracle even more powerful than magic!"
Kyubey voiced the thought that was currently echoing in Homura Akemi's mind.
"In your human terms, this might be what you call..."
"Defying Heaven and Changing Fate?"
Every sentence struck heavily against Homura Akemi's heart. There were too many questions she wanted to ask and understand.
With anxiety and excitement hidden in her heart, Homura Akemi was more desperate than anyone to know what Kyoko Sakura had done.
Without hesitation, she jumped out, intending to ask for a clear explanation.
"Mn, an unknown event has occurred... investigation required."
Talking to itself, Kyubey followed.
...
"Hm?"
Witnessing the appearance of Homura Akemi and Kyubey, Kyoko Sakura could intuitively feel their gazes locked onto her.
That attitude—seemingly wanting to dig to the bottom of things—was too obvious.
But in the next moment, they were all distracted by Madoka's voice.
"Sayaka-chan..."
"Your..."
"Where is your Soul Gem?"
Turning to look, they saw Madoka's worried expression fixed on a stunned Sayaka.
"Gone..."
"It's gone."
Indeed, failing to find the blue Soul Gem on her person, Sayaka was stunned.
"Does this mean you've turned back into a human?"
Kyoko Sakura was also filled with astonishment. She hadn't expected such an effect.
"No, Kyoko, what you said isn't quite right."
Before Homura Akemi could speak, Sayaka seemed to realize something. She stood up and then smiled with a hint of mischief.
"Mn?"
Kyoko tilted her head, not understanding why Sayaka said that.
But then, a scene that dumbfounded everyone appeared.
The changing attire, the cape on her shoulder, the saber in her hand.
Clang Clang!!
"Magical Girl Sayaka..."
"Debut!"
Looking at Sayaka, who could still transform and strike a pose, the group was struck speechless.
"I seem to still retain the power of transformation after coming back to life, even without the Soul Gem."
"Strictly speaking..."
"The current me is the 'true' Magical Girl, right?"
Everyone's stunned expressions made Sayaka very satisfied. She explained happily.
"Such a thing is possible?"
No Soul Gem meant no need for Grief Seed purification.
On that basis, she could still use a Magical Girl's power with a human identity.
Comparing this...
Homura Akemi and the others seemed like "defective" semi-finished products.
"Ah! You're getting too arrogant now!"
Suddenly annoyed by Sayaka's proud expression, Kyoko Sakura loudly accused her.
"Hehe, the current me is just better than you."
"You really dare to say that! Don't forget who saved you!"
That noisy bickering instead made Madoka laugh with relief.
'Thank goodness, everyone is fine.'
So gratified, Madoka felt pure happiness.
But behind them, Kyubey's face was stiff. After confirming Sayaka's condition, it had just one thought.
This is unscientific!
No Soul Gem, yet still able to use Magical Girl powers? That drew a sharp line against their original intention.
No, no, no!
If every Magical Girl were like this, wouldn't their plan fail completely?
Magical Girls existed to become Witches...
The energy born from that process was beneficial to the universe!
How could it be cut off by this kind of inexplicable phenomenon!
It must be stopped!
No matter what, the method Kyoko Sakura used must be eliminated in the bud.
"Sakura-san..."
"What method exactly did you use..."
"Can you tell me?"
Hearing the voice from Homura Akemi, Kyoko Sakura, who was still goofing around with Sayaka, stopped.
She turned her head and saw Homura Akemi's suppressed excitement and slightly trembling hands.
That tone was filled with urgency...
"Mn... this story is a long one..."