Chapter 2: 1. An Imperfect Death

A/N: Important things explaination chapter coming up in 3 chapters. Continue reading normally, and you will reach it, so don't worry if you don't understand certain terms or Names.

"Pitiful Grandchild. This was your last Wish. To see Ashina returned from the Great Beyond... which means, Sekiro... I must destroy you!"

"Come... Sekiro!"

"How my blood boils! Face me, Sekiro!

...

"Do it!"

*Slash*

*Thud*

"Well...done...Sekiro."

"Farewell."

*In a vast emptiness, where only a man existed...*

That fight. It was the best. Atleast, it was supposed to be. But that Wolf brat! He never dared to cross swords with me! All he did was swing that damn Mortal Blade at me and run away. I feel ashamed to have lost to such a strategy... I have let down even my grandson. I even left the Great Beyond for this fight, and it was in vain! It seems he took Genichiro's words to heart after their first encounter... can't blame him...

"The Gloc-*ahem* Sword Saint Isshin. It is a pleasure to meet you."

"Hmm?!"

He flinched, as he jumped away from the voice, hand on his Katana, looking at the being, made of pure light, who wasn't there before.

'I could not sense him!'

"Relax. If I had any bad intentions towards you, you wouldn't be here. In fact, you would have been re-incarnated into a new life".

"Then why stop it? Who are you, and where is this place?" he remained on guard, ready to pull out his blade at any notice.

"Who I am is irrelevant, nor is this place. However, the reason why I stopped your re-birth is relevant to this situation. I am, to be honest, quite disappointed with the manner of your death."

"Oh? Why's that?"

"Isn't it obvious? The way he beat you... it wasn't honorable."

"But it brought him victory." Isshin replied, shaking his head, as he got out of his stance, sensing no malice.

"Yes, but it wasn't supposed to be that way. He chose the coward's way out. He got tired dying so many times against you, while fighting fair and square. In the end, he wasn't able to overcome you."

"Hmm? What do you mean 'many times'? We only fought once. And he did overcome me."

"No, that fight was not something that I nor you, acknowledged. I know of your desire... to fight a worthy fight before your death, but Wolf failed to deliver."

"..."

"So, I've decided to grant you your wish. I will transmigrate you to a new world, one where you can have all the amazing fights you possibly want."

"...Why? What is it that you gain from doing this?"

"...Hahahaha! Entertainment. I have watched, and will continue to watch your journey, the journey to the top. You once ruled Ashina, striking fear into the hearts of your enemies, who had to wait until your death to invade. I want to see what you would do, in this new unfamiliar world. It is entertainment, friend, that is all it is..."

"...Kuhahahaha! It seems there are fools, both in life, as well as in the Great Beyond! Very well, I shall conquer this world, and have the greatest duel, one that is fitting of me!"

"Excellent! I can't wait! Then I might as well send you on your way, when you're ready."

"I'm ready." he instantly replied

"Wait! Do you not need some knowledge about this world?!"

"No, that would take all the fun away. Besides, you wanted entertainment, right?"

"...Hahahaha!!! I was right in choosing you! Since you have given me this much joy, I shall grant you a small gift. I hope you'll enjoy it."

"Is it Dragonspring Sake?!"

"No, it is something even better."

"Something better than Dragonspring Sake? How interesting!" he boomed, curiosity twinkling in his one good eye.

"It is time. I wish you well, Isshin Ashina."

Just then, a beam of light struck down, opening a doorway, to the new world, prompting Isshin to walk towards it.

"It has been a long time since someone has called me by that name."

"Who would?! When you possess the title of Sword Saint!

Sayonara, friend." The mysterious being replied, as Isshin disappeared into the beam of light.

"This is going to be an interesting one, especially with all that he's taken with him. I look forward to !"

A/N : Hello there, I know, its a short chapter, but only had enough creative juice for about 700 words of speech heavy content in a place before the main story starts. Could've written more, but I think it's already a bit hard for those who haven't played the game yet and who don't know the lore of Sekiro to understand certain parts of this chapter.

But no need to worry, cause I won't be using things from Sekiro again (mostly), and when I do, I will keep an explanation for it, so you don't feel lost on what certain things mean and how they work.

Also, please leave some powerstones and reviews once a couple of chapters have been released. And add the novel to your collections. Thank you.