Crow shook his head. "Only a select few champions can stand against Jigoku's champion. This is how it always is."

"Warriors, mostly. Some strong in mind or spirit over body, and fated, all of them, to fight against the darkness when the war starts."

"There's not much more that can be done, aside from finding the Thunders to fight against this new threat. Jigoku will always find a way to have its war."

Crow cawed softly. "I was there last time, but I am no fighter."

"Shinsei does good work, and he'll have his part to play in what is coming, as will we all."

Crow mused for a few moments. "This is entirely different than previous iterations. Jigoku has gotten... creative. It has me worried."

"I'm far from an expert, I just recognize the old crow's handiwork when I see it."

The bird gave Kakita a pointed look. "You did well, but the fight is far from over."

The crow was silent for a moment, then took a few steps forward.

"I do find it amusing, yes."

He wasn't alone. Black beady eyes watched from within a small alcove, alert to Kakita's every movement, silently judging each step and movement. The crow watched carefully, noting the change in the man's demeanor through his motions. The bird let out a series of sounds that might have passed for a c...

A pair of beady black eyes observe the kata with a keen interest. The wily crow remains silent in his observation, at least until Kakita's form is even a hair off, at which point he caws loudly, making his presence known.