About an hour after Black Hat had done the deed, Aku returned to find a wonderful gift pinned to his wall. It was bittersweet. It was almost too good to be true! But a review of the security footage in his lair allowed him to watch the events that had transpired. Black had actually done it. He’d thrown himself before the blade quite pitifully but he had done it and Aku was elated.

The Samurai was dead!

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“At long last the fool is DEAD! Bwahahahahaha!!”

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Ashi collapsed inwardly on herself as her father scolded her. She hated that – rarely did she displease him, and it always hurt to have him upset with her. But this just couldn’t stand. Her head snapped around as she heard a quiet voice, and she spotted a wounded man with his daughter. Her expression suddenly becoming determined, Ashi moved to protectively stand in front of them.

“That might work for you Dad, but it isn’t how I want to rule. People already fear and respect you – why can’t I be your more compassionate side? You’ve ruled this way for thousands of years, but why can’t you let me try something different?”

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“Because my way WORKS!” he snarled. After so many years of ruling through terror and intimidation, Aku knew his way was the only way. Right or wrong. 

“Compassion will get you nowhere, Ashi. You must be strong, fierce, and ruthless! You must show them you are a Ruler of Earth!” 

Turning his head, Aku’s eyes glowed bright red as he shot another energy beam across the city, torching the rooftops of several buildings in a show of power.