Kiban vs. Kobayakawa Takakage

Sporting Event / Competition

Before the final match could take place, the battle between Kiban and Kobayakawa Takakage had to be fought. Many thought they already knew what the outcome to this match had to be, yet the mores of the tournament were still to be observed.   As the two took to the field, Kiban began by thanking Takakage for fighting her "even though ugly." Motonari's eldest paused, unsure whether that was self-deprecation or an insult. Regardless, the spousal announcers called the match to a start, and neither of the two hesitated.

Takakage began, like her sisters, by focusing her ki. Kiban began, like a good Namahage, by charging wildly into battle, swinging her cleaver. The unmasked's attack was powerful enough to rupture the ground as she swung, but Takakage's nimble dodge allowed it only a harmless, glancing impact.   Before Kiban could muster another swing, Takakage struck. She swung with her katana several times, each one parried or softened by impact with the namahage's cleaver. These were only a prelude, however, to Takakage's true attack. With her opponent off-guard, she spun around and delivered a thunderous kick, crackling with lightning, to the unfortunate namahage's heart. Lifted off the ground, Kiban was sent flying into the opposite wall, her chest all but caved in, and obviously dead.   There was a cry of dismay from the crowd, and an angry ululation from Kiban's namahage fellows. Bakin and Kinba stood with purpose, ready to jump into the arena and avenge their fellow. From behind them, Maxim laid a heavy hand on their shoulder and spoke in a low, measured, but dangeorus voice. Cowed, Bakin sat back down as quickly as he had stood, and with a grunt his friend joined him. Throughout all of this, the fourth namahage, the one Aotsuki Tsukamoto had named Kabin, sat unmoving beneath his mask and prolific straw garments.