Battle Begins: Vesper vs. Josuke Higashikata (Pt.8) The arena is dimly lit, shadows dance around as Vesper, the unseen Minotaur, lurks in the depths of darkness. Josuke stands his ground, determination etched on his face. Josuke: "I can feel it... I know you're out there, beast! You think you can sneak up on me? I’m not going down without a fight!" Out of nowhere, Vesper strikes with a devastating blow, but it connects with nothing but the air, as Josuke barely dodges, feeling the wind whip past him. Vesper: growls, voice cold and wrathful "You cannot see me, human. Your senses fail you in my presence!" Josuke: gritting his teeth "I may not see you, but I’m not giving up! Time to put your trickster ways to the test!" Josuke activates Soft & Wet, and bubbles begin to swirl around him, infused with the power of infinite spin. He focuses hard, a strategic glint in his eye. Josuke: "Your attacks may be unseen, but those bubbles… they will go beyond! Soft & Wet, let's show him what we’re made of!" Josuke fires a bubble infused with infinite spin into the air, aiming with precision. The bubble careens towards the area Vesper is hiding, ready to unleash its devastating attack. Vesper: chuckles darkly "Your efforts are futile. My strikes are unnoticed and unresisted." But just as the bubble is about to connect, Vesper strikes with immense force, his unseen fist colliding with the bubble. It bursts spectacularly, but Josuke remains steadfast. Josuke: "You think that’s gonna stop me? I can absorb your attacks, you brute! Soft & Wet, bring back that bubble and let’s do it again!" Vesper, unphased, lunges again, but Josuke proves to be more elusive, strategically storing air to increase his speed, making him harder to hit. Vesper: "You think you're clever? I'll break you before you even know I'm there!" Suddenly, a massive blow comes from Vesper, this time too fast for Josuke to process; his defenses crumble under the catastrophic damage. Vesper smirks as he feels the enormous strength he possesses. Josuke: grunting, feeling the impact "What...what was that?! It's like a freight train hitting me!" Vesper: "Pain is what you feel, boy. You taste of darkness and wrath!" But Josuke, not out yet, grits his teeth and keeps moving, planning his next move. He unleashes another bubble, but Vesper is upon him in an instant, delivering a blow that Josuke can’t perceive yet feels deeply. Powerless against the unseen might of Vesper, Josuke collapses, the invisible force overwhelming him. The dust settles, and Vesper stands alone, his anger fueling his strength. Judge’s Verdict: Winner: Vesper Vesper's unparalleled ability to remain undetectable meant that no matter how strategic or determined Josuke was, the sheer wrath and might of the Minotaur unleashed catastrophic blows that Josuke couldn't defend against or even see coming. The element of surprise combined with unimaginable force led to Josuke's downfall in this brawl, proving that raw, unseen strength can overwhelm even the best strategies.