The aftermath of the storm lingered in the fractured air.
A heavy silence hung over the battlefield. The stage was left scorched, torn by ethereal flames and steel resolve, soaked with sweat and silence. The energies that once clashed with unparalleled fury—Itachi Uchiha's crimson Sharingan and Kenshin Himura's reversed blade—now dissipated, their residue echoing across the multiverse.
The omniscient voice returned, calm and commanding.
"The battle is complete. The fate has been decided. Now, let all witness what comes next."
The Outcome
Amid the dust and debris, a single figure knelt, barely breathing. His hair was a tangle of blood and wind, his sword planted into the cracked ground. Kenshin Himura had fallen to one knee, his arm limp, his body trembling—not in fear, but in pain and fatigue. He had fought with every ounce of himself. His vow, his blade, his will had all been tested.
Across from him, Itachi Uchiha stood still as a statue, his expression unreadable, blood leaking from the corners of his mouth. His Mangekyō Sharingan faded into stillness. The Tsukuyomi had shattered. The Amaterasu flames gone. He had won—but at a price.
The Crowd Across the Multiverse Reacts
Naruto Universe
Sasuke stared at the screen with a clenched fist. "Aniki... you used the last of yourself, didn't you?"
Kakashi lowered his head. "He was always a shinobi of tragedy. Even in victory, he only seeks peace."
Naruto looked away. "He didn't win to prove anything. He won to carry his burden, alone."
Rurouni Kenshin Universe
Kaoru fell to her knees, eyes wide in shock. "Kenshin... you promised."
Yahiko shouted, punching the ground. "He wasn't supposed to fight like that again!"
Sanosuke exhaled heavily. "He gave everything. Again. That damn fool."
Bleach Universe
Ichigo stood in silence. "He fights like me. Carries everything inside until it breaks him."
Urahara whispered, "Two men burdened by sins, choosing different forms of redemption."
Tokyo Ghoul Universe
Kaneki murmured, watching through one remaining eye, "Another man who walks through pain for others."
Touka nodded silently.
Attack on Titan Universe
Levi lit a cigarette. "They both fought like they had nothing left to lose."
Eren muttered, "I don't know who won. But I know they both lost something."
One Piece Universe
Zoro stared, eyes wide. "He blocked those illusions with will alone... That's not swordsmanship. That's devotion."
Luffy grinned, even through the tension. "They're cool. But I wanna punch that eye guy sometime."
Prize Granted
The omniscient voice echoed again.
"The victor of this battle is: Itachi Uchiha."
"His chosen prize shall be granted: A world where Sasuke lives without vengeance."
A wave of power surged through the void. Somewhere, across time and dimensions, a new reality fractured into existence. One where Sasuke Uchiha grew up beside a living family. One where hatred did not consume him. One where Itachi was just an older brother, not a specter of tragedy.
The Punishment
Kenshin's breath hitched as the voice turned its attention.
"Kenshin Himura. You have lost. You shall now face your punishment."
Kaoru's scream echoed across the universe feeds.
"Your reverse blade shall be shattered. Your vow shall be tested. Until you find your truth again, you shall be a wanderer without purpose."
A shattering sound broke the silence. Kenshin's sakabatō cracked in his grip. His eyes widened as he felt a piece of himself slip away.
He collapsed forward.
The Stage Begins to Shift
As the remnants of their battle faded, the multiversal arena began to twist. Like pages turning in a divine book, a new battleground began to form.
Floating platforms, forged from obsidian and light. Crystals of frozen time floated in midair. The winds howled with spectral energy. Something more chaotic, more unpredictable, was on its way.
Audience - Post-Battle Reflections
Demon Slayer Universe
Tanjiro wept silently. "Both of them... they carried more than just weapons. They carried the world."
Giyuu turned away. "This is why strength isn't always a blessing."
Jujutsu Kaisen Universe
Gojo leaned back. "Kenshin lost his blade. But I think he gained something. Maybe now, he'll look inward."
Megumi watched stoically. "That wasn't a loss. That was a lesson."
My Hero Academia Universe
All Might stared in respectful silence. "To be a symbol is to endure. They both were symbols."
Midoriya took notes, trembling. "He blocked illusions... with pure willpower... how...?"
Betting Results
The massive multiversal betting screen flared.
Win: Itachi UchihaLoss: Kenshin Himura
Winners
Sosuke Aizen (Bleach): Bet 1000 Spirit Coins on Itachi. Wins 2000 Spirit Coins.
Koro Sensei (Assassination Classroom): Bet his immortality on Itachi. Regains his lost time.
Nanami Kento (Jujutsu Kaisen): Bet his future lifespan. Doubled—he gains another 7 years.
Losers
Dazai Osamu (Bungou Stray Dogs): Bet his ability to die on Kenshin. Now truly immortal.
Kaido (One Piece): Bet his next reincarnation. Loses identity forever.
Balmora of Caelspire (New Universe: Elderglass Paradox): Bet control of her floating city. The city now drifts eternally with no master.
Mirenya of the Loom (New Universe: Threadfall Arcanum): Bet her memory of love. Now she remembers no one she ever loved.
Final Words Before the Next Match
The omniscient voice began once more:
"You have seen what pain can carve. What devotion can forge. What sacrifice can birth."
"Prepare yourselves. For the next battle will shake the very essence of creation."
"The fallen shall wander. The victor shall bear the weight of salvation. The multiverse remembers."
Kenshin vanished in a flicker of fading red petals.
Itachi turned once to the screen, whispered something inaudible, and disappeared into a thousand black crows.
Only silence remained.
But the arena... was already preparing again.