Episode 7: The Burden of Strength
Toka and Kashinosuke were engaged in battle with a mantis-type Malice Spirit inside a classroom.
They believed Kashinosuke’s attack had finished it—but the spirit was still standing.
“…Guess there’s no choice. I’m going all out.”
Kashinosuke and Toka increased their focus, and the fight intensified.
---
Meanwhile, Kei was training alone in the gymnasium.
He continued relentlessly, ignoring the damage to his hands.
Some civilians mocked him for his obsession.
Eventually, Kei reached his limit.
He lashed out.
Souma rushed in to stop him—but Kei didn’t hesitate.
Souma was struck and sent sliding across the floor, a sharp pain blooming in his mouth.
Even so, Souma didn’t retreat.
> “If you were born stronger than others…
then protect the weak!
That’s what you’re supposed to do!
I can’t accept the way you think!
If that’s how you act—then quit the Exorcist Corps!”
Those words pierced Kei deeply.
A memory resurfaced—his former lover’s final plea.
> “Kei… you’re kind and serious.
Please quit the Exorcist Corps…
Live a normal life. Be happy…”
“Shut up…!!!” Kei shouted.
But Souma stood his ground.
Their convictions collided head-on.
---
Kei raised his wooden sword.
(I could end this with it—no.)
He discarded it.
(He threw it away!? Why!?)
Kei clenched his fists and assumed a fighting stance.
Souma prepared himself.
But in the next moment, a powerful impact struck Souma’s abdomen.
“—!”
“A professional doesn’t make their opening easy to read.”
Pain surged through Souma’s body, stealing his breath.
(It hurts… but I can endure this.)
“This is nothing compared to before!”
Souma countered—but his attack was caught.
“Too slow.”
He couldn’t break free.
(His grip is unreal…!)
Suddenly, Souma’s balance vanished.
The world flipped.
—Aiki.
The same technique Kei had learned through countless sessions with Kurose.
Memories flashed.
> “Kei! You need to handle this better! Again!”
Kurose’s booming laughter echoed in his mind.
---
Kei gained control of the situation and pressed his advantage.
“Once you’re pinned, it’s over.”
Souma struggled under the pressure.
(If I panic, I lose. Think. How do I turn this around?)
Then—
Images flashed in Souma’s mind.
> “It’s over. Next.”
A glimpse of the immediate future—brief, vivid.
(So that’s it… If I pretend to be unconscious, he’ll disengage.)
Souma relaxed his body and went still.
“It’s over. Next.”
Kei turned away.
Then—
Souma stood.
“Someone stop him! Protect the children!”
A woman screamed.
She froze when she noticed Souma on his feet.
(He wasn’t out!? He pretended!?)
Souma positioned himself behind Kei.
(Now—he hasn’t noticed yet! Stop him!)
But Souma shouted instead—
“Kei Himuro! I’m ending this now!”
“What!?”
Kei turned in surprise.
Souma attacked.
Kei reacted instantly.
Another vision flashed.
(The next move—here!)
Souma caught Kei’s arm.
“What—!?”
Using everything he had, Souma drove his knee forward.
Kei staggered.
Souma pressed the advantage.
“Take this!”
His blows landed with conviction.
“Don’t get carried away!”
Kei retaliated.
Their fists collided with a heavy impact.
In that moment, a childhood memory surfaced.
> “Kei. This is how you connect fists.”
—Kurose.
“…Kurose-san.”
A brief hesitation.
(There’s an opening!)
Souma moved.
Kei reacted—but too late.
Souma’s strike connected cleanly.
Kei countered instinctively.
(Then I’ll use my technique—!)
Wind surged around Kei’s fist.
As their attacks met—
The world slowed.
(What… is this sensation?)
Their fists connected.
A sharp shockwave rippled outward.
Souma’s strike broke through.
“—!”
Kei grimaced.
“Why…?
Why does someone like you—
reach this level…!?”
---
Souma felt something awaken within him.
(My body… it’s flowing. Power… clarity…)
“Fuu…”
He exhaled.
His gaze had changed.
Kei trembled with fury.
“I can’t accept you… not from the core of my being!
I’ll defeat you!”
Wind gathered around him.
(That move—even without a weapon—!)
Kei prepared—
“Gale—”
“STOP!”
Voices echoed through the gym.
Toka and Kashinosuke rushed in.
“Enough, Souma!”
Kashinosuke restrained him.
“T-The Malice Spirit!?”
“Already handled!
What are you doing fighting each other!?
You’re in no condition for this!”
Souma looked around—only then realizing how battered he was.
“Hey—you too!”
Toka stopped Kei.
“Let go!”
“Enough!”
Kei’s strength finally gave out.
“…Let… go…”
Exhaustion overwhelmed him.
He collapsed into sleep.
“Haa… finally calmed down. What a handful.”
Toka sank down beside him.
“I’m sorry…”
“It’s fine. Just remember this.”
They began cleaning up.
But this was only the beginning.
The conflict between Souma and Kei
had not yet reached its end.
