Ikki Kurogane/History

History
Ikki is a member of the Kurogane Family, a family that has produced superior Blazers for generations, the most well known being Ryoma Kurogane. When his family found out that Ikki is an F-rank, they immediately discriminate against him, forcing Ikki not to do anything while treating him like he doesn't exist.

During a new year celebration Ikki, unable to withstand the environment, ran out of his house and got lost in the snow. Down to his final breaths, the almost dying Ikki cries out his frustration as Ryoma Kurogane appears in front of Ikki, telling Ikki to never give up and to become strong.

Ikki eventually left his house to live on his own. During his time in middle school, Ikki would go to many different dojos and challenge their masters. They either refused his challenge or the students would gang up on him, which occurs on multiple occasions. He eventually started attending the Hagun Academy a year before the story, thanks to the evaluation by his examiner, Yuuri Oreki. While there, Ikki faced opposition from his family, who forced the school to make Ikki fail and made him retake a year. He was also harassed by many students during that time, mainly Shizuya Kirihara who even challenged Ikki to a fight and attacked Ikki who avoided retaliation due to not wanting to be expelled.

Failure vs. Prodigy
Upon returning to his room from his usual daily training, Ikki stumbles upon a half-naked girl who was changing which was made worse by Ikki's desperate and bad attempt to solve the situation. He was then summoned to the Director's office where Ikki and Stella Vermillion, the girl who was in Ikki's room, bicker over the issue as Kurono Shinguuji, the director of Hagun Academy, reveals that they are roommates. Kurono further suggests the two to have a mock battle which escalated into a duel after Ikki's casual comment with Stella further adding a rule where the loser becomes the winner's slave for life.The two then head to one of the schools practice ground for the duel. As the duel starts, Stella was seemingly the one with the advantage until Ikki's sudden counterattack. As Ikki was prepared to deliver the final blow, his attack stopped due to the difference of magic power between them. The duel then returned to Stella's favor who prepares to use her Noble Art to defeat Ikki. Ikki is remembering his dreams of becoming a Mage Knight activates his Noble Art, Ittou Shura, which temporarily removes his physical limitation. Upon using Ittou Shura, Ikki starts to move at super speed and dodged all of Stella's attack before entering Stella's blind spot and successfully deals a decisive blow, becoming the victor in their duel.

After the duel concluded, Ikki was seen sleeping in his bed due to the burden of using Ittou Shura as a now curious Stella climbs on top of the sleeping Ikki only to be surprised when Ikki wakes up. Stella, who learnt of Ikki's situation from Kurono, decides to ask Ikki on his reasons to become a Mage Knight as Ikki remembers the frustration he faced from his family's refusal to believe in him as well as his encounter with Ryoma Kurogane which gave Ikki hope and the dream to do the same for others in his situation. Ikki then reminds Stella of the ruling of their duel, much to Stella's chagrin, who initially refused before conceding as Ikki orders Stella to be his friend and roommate.

New Term, Reunion and Rebellion
Few days after his duel with Stella, Ikki was once again seen continuing his daily training alongside Stella who started to join him as Ikki looks forward to the upcoming school term where he seeks to attain his dreams and to meet his younger sister for the first time in four years.

As the new term starts with Ikki once again attending the class under Yuuri Oreki, the same teacher who taught him last year and explained the new school rules set up by Kurono. The orientation ended abruptly when Oreki vomits blood due to her weak constitution as Ikki calms the class down and takes Oreki to the infirmary. After returning to the class having sent Oreki to the infirmary, Ikki was greeted by a group of female students who gained interest in Ikki after having his match with Stella post on the internet which ended up gaining displeasure from a group of male students who challenged Ikki to a fight. Refusing to fight, Ikki easily disables those students without his device much to everyone's shock except Stella. Having gained new respect from those in his class, the male students begged Ikki to train them, which he agreed. Ikki's younger sister, Shizuku comes to Ikki's classroom, complimenting Ikki's strength before suddenly kissing him in front of everyone much to their surprise. While Shizuku prepares for a second kiss and enrages, causing Stella to get jealous and intervene, claiming that she is Ikki's slave which earns the displeasure of Shizuku as both Stella and Shizuku ends up fighting each other, destroying the classroom in the process.

Several days after the incident, Ikki receives an invitation from Shizuku to go out for a movie with Stella forcefully injecting herself into the date. The next morning, while Ikki and Stella wait for Shizuku, they were surprised to see her in goth clothing and were further surprised to see Shizuku's roommate Nagi Arisuin. At the mall while waiting for their movie to start, the mall was suddenly attacked by the Liberation Army, Rebellion, with Ikki and Arisu successfully avoiding enemy's notice due to Arisu's ability. Getting the permission of using their Device, Ikki and Arisu prepares for the counterattack, heading to the place where the hostages were being held. Waiting for a chance to counterattack, Ikki and Nagi were forced to watch as Stella was being humiliated by Bishou until Shizuku finishes her preparation as an enraged Ikki jumps out and cuts off both of Bishou's hands while his friends handle the other members of Rebellion. The situation ended with Kirihara shooting down Bishou who was holding an old lady hostage. Kirihara proceeds to reveals that he is Ikki's first opponent for the selection battle before leaving.

Debut Battle and Vow
Two days after the Rebellion incident, Ikki first selection battle finally starts as he faces Kirihara. The battle initially goes badly for Ikki who was at the mercy of his opponents invisible arrows. He was beaten up to the point where he nearly gave up due to the surrounding crowds further pressuring Ikki until Stella shuts the crowd up and outwardly shows her support to Ikki. This allows Ikki to regain his confidence successfully overcoming Kirihara's Noble Art and defeats him. Ikki then collapses due to his injuries and burden of using Ittou Shura as he was sent to emergency aid.

Ikki later wakes up in a hospital room with Stella by his side and after some minor bickering between the two, Ikki confesses his feelings to Stella and the two vow to reach the finals of the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival and have another match.

Disciple, Encounter and Betrayal
Ikki, a month after beating Kirihara, is next seen fighting against Renren Tomaru, who, just like him, has won all of her matches without a single scratch. Ikki is able to defeat her, with relative ease, keeping his streak intact. Ikki is then seen with his friends, where he points out the stalker, and accidentally causes her to injure herself.

Ikki is then seen with Ayase Ayatsuji, the stalker, helping her train her swordsmanship, as she had lost her original mentor due to injury in a match. Their days of training come to a hold as Ikki learns, from a message sent by the school, that he will face Ayase as his tenth opponent. The day before the match, Ikki was invited by Ayase, to the rooftops, to which he came alone. He is then tricked by Ayase, who revealed that she only invited to make him use Ittou Shura.

Impossible Victory, Decisive Battle, and New Beginnings
Ikki is next seen, fighting Ayase. He initially looks as if he is unable to get to Ayase, thanks to Ayase's noble art being around the entire arena, which she had done before the match started. Ikki is able to see through the traps set by her, however, and is able to cut Ayase with the illusionary form of his Intetsu. Ayase then realizes that what she had done, and was doing was not right, and is unable to get back up, after Ikki's attack, allowing Ikki to take the win.

Ikki is then told by Ayase, her tragic back story, and goes to the formerly named Ayatsuji dojo, controlled by Kuraudo. Ikki goes in, after beating the guards outside, and challenges Kuruado to a duel. Kuraudo accepts, with the stipulation that they fight using their devices, and the first one to die loses. Ikki then fights Kuraudo and is initially outmatched in both strength and speed. Ikki, however, keeps fighting and can tire out Kuraudo by blocking most of his attacks costing Kuraudo most of his stamina. He then uses the latter technique of the last samurai and can beat Kuraudo, regaining the dojo.

Ikki, two days after his match with Kuraudo, is next seen training with Stella, and after realizing they were alone, they try to share an intimate moment with each other, only to have it interrupted by Nagi, who had come with some fairly shocking, and worrying news. He had revealed to the couple, that Shizuku's next opponent had been decided, Hagun Academy's own number one student, student council member Tohka Todo.

Lorelei vs Raikiri
Ikki is next seen along with Stella watching the match between Shizuku and Tohka. During the match, Kurono and Nene come, and after seeing Tohka use the same move Nene had used to sneak up on Ikki during his preparation of the first preliminary match, Ikki is able to explain that Tohka was using the ability trackless step. Ikki then watches as his little sister is overpowered and beaten by Tohka.

Ikki is next seen with Stella in their room when they notice a figure walk past them. Ikki looks and accidentally trips the person, who turns out to be Tohka carrying a large stack of documents. He and Stella decide to help her take the documents over to the student council room where they are invited in for some tea.

Tohka, while in the student council room, is then reminded by Ikazuchi Saijou, about the request Kurono had made to her, which is revealed to be that she needed to find other students to help them on their job. Kanata, now coming into the student council room, then reveals that the student council members were asked to take care of a giant causing problems in the Okumata mountains. Ikki and Stella agree to go.

Incident of Okutama
Ikki, Stella, and the student council reach Okutama mountain and are eventually split off into pairs of two, to walk around the area. Ikki is split off with Stella, and the pairs walk comes to and end, as Stella becomes ill with a fever. Ikki takes her to a cabin near by, to treat her. Stella asks Ikki to help her undress her clothes that are only making her sicker. Ikki nervously does so and is shocked when she asks him if he wanted to have sex with her. She was happy when he replied that he shouldn't make a decision like that so soon.

They are soon attacked by a giant rock doll, who attacks the cabin, although Ikki was able to get Stella out in time. Ikki and Stella then try to fight the monster but are unsuccessful as the monster continued multiplying as well as its onslaught. They are however saved by the arrival of Utakata and Tohka, who are able to quickly take out the monsters.

The group then go to the bottom of the mountains, to a lodge, where the rest of the student council members were at. Ikki is then met with Akaza, a person from the Kurogane family, who tells him that his relationship with Stella has been publicized and that he should come with him, to which Ikki agrees to.

Siege, Reunion and Trap
Ikki after following Akaza back to the Japan Mage Knight Branch was then forced to undergo harsh questionings for weeks, given an insufficient amount of food and was poisoned. Ikki, during his captivity, was faced with his father, which ended with Ikki realizing that his father did not hate him, but just gave up on him. He later eventually succumbed, to the brutal treatment, and gave in to Akaza's original plan, on having him fight against Tohka for his final selection battle.

Ikki was then seen barely able to get to the ring in time and, while being encouraged by all the students, was able to defeat Tohka with one swing. Before passing out, Ikki then proposed to Stella and was relieved when she accepted. After a week of recovery, Ikki was then pronounced as the captain of the Hagun Academy team after he and five other participants were named to be going to the sword art festival.

Training Camp and Scheme
With Okutama out of commission, Ikki and his teammates were sent to Kyomon Academy for their training camp before the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival. Ikki, having defeated all the coaches sent to him in three days, is seen training both the Hagure Sisters by the fourth day, easily defeating them and points out on their weaknesses prior to the arrival of his next coach, Torajirou Nangou.

At the end of the fourth day of their training camp, Ikki and Stella are seen running together due to Stella's frustration over losing to Tohka prior before heading to the shopping district for dinner. Over there, Ikki noticed a deranged electrician and became wary of him as he starts to follow him out of concern that the man might randomly assault someone. When Ikki's prediction proved to be true, he immediately tried to hold him down but stopped due to someone else, stopping the man first. Realizing that the person who stopped the deranged man was a Blazer from Kyomon Academy, Ikki decides to leave the situation to him before being flabbergasted over the young Blazer's lack of plan, jumping in to rescue him.

The rescued Blazer, Amane Shinomiya then thanked Ikki and turns out to be a huge fan of Ikki, treating both Ikki and Stella to dinner before leaving after asking for an autograph from Ikki. Ikki, however, gets a bad premonition from Amane's gesture when he was leaving and decides to ask Kagami for any information regarding the boy.

Akatsuki Strikes
Ikki while on the bus finds out that Nagi was an assassin for Akatsuki. Although initially mistrusting of Nagi's intentions the group decides to trust in Nagi and follow with his plan.

Upon arriving the Hagun representatives are able to defeat the Akatsuki members. Nagi is then struck down by Amane, and the Akatsuki members reveal themselves as well as revealing that the people that were taken down were nothing more than wooden dolls. Hiraga takes away the unconscious body of Nagi as Ikki takes chase following Shizuku, who was chasing Hiraga. Ikki eventually decides to help Shizuku in bringing her friend back.

They arrive at Akatsuki academy and Ikki tells Shizuku to leave him, as he noticed a woman on top of the building giving off a tremendous aura. Shizuku does so and Ikki begins to fight the worlds strongest blazer herself, Edelweiss. Ikki is outmatched by Edelweiss through the fight but Ikki had refused to give in, causing Edelweiss to see Ikki as a true opponent. She then decides to fight seriously and comes at Ikki with her full force, deciding to kill him. Ikki, however, is able to survive being able to somehow evade certain death, although he does fall unconscious.

After the incident with Akatsuki Kurono informs Ikki that the Hagure sisters, Kanata, and Nagi had dropped out of the festival for various reasons. Ikki still wants to participate and learns that Shizuku will be participating as well. Ikki eventually learns that his next opponent will be none other than Yudai Moroboshi, last year's Seven Stars Sword King.

Party Crashers
Ikki, along with Shizuku, went to the seven sword art festival representatives party, a party in which all representatives of the festival are welcomed to participate in. While there Ikki had a confrontation with various Akatsuki members.

The Akatsuki member Sara Bloodlily had gotten very close and personal to Ikki, to the point where she started stripping him, however Ikki was saved by Shizuku. Ikki then met with Rinna who had offered him a job. The two Akatsuki members had then taken their leave. Ikki is then confronted by Yui Tatara who showed how dangerous Akatsuki can be by nearly feeding Shizuku some very detrimental meat, although Ikki is able to slap it out of her hand before she takes a bite. A fight between Ikki and Yui nearly broke out, but was stopped by other representatives, who were appalled by Yui actions. These representatives included Renji Kaga, Kuraudo Kurashiki, Kiriko Yakushi and the Seven Stars Sword King Yudai Moroboshi. Yui eventually left and Ikki soon leaves, in embarrassment, after realizing his shirt was still ripped.

Dinner and Confrontation
Ikki, Shizuku and Nagi go out for lunch being invited by Yudai Moroboshi, no less, to his place, although while walking Ikki has sensed an ominous presence. After finishing their lunch Ikki and company had left the restaurant, Ikki decided to go off alone while Shizuku and Nagi went back to the hotel. Ikki was then confronted by his older brother, Ouma, at a park.

Ouma demands that Ikki quits the festival but Ikki refuses, causing Ouma to try and force him out of the tournament with brute strength. Ikki in turn welcomed the challenge and a fight between brothers broke out. Ikki was able to keep up with Ouma for a while being able to dodge all of his attacks. Ouma, however, decided to end the match quickly by using his blazer abilities to only give Ikki ten minutes worth of oxygen to use, one if kept on fighting.

Ikki was nearly able to get the upper hand on Ouma, but for some reason stopped short before he could hit him, causing he himself to be hit by Ouma's mighty attack. Ouma had then tried to use Kusanagi on Ikki but failed to do so by Yuudai's own tiger bite, stopping Ouma's attack completely.

After Ouma leaves, Ikki is led to the conclusion that he developed a case of 'Punch Eye,' a condition that Boxers normally get after going through a near death experience while fighting in the ring where they may become afraid of their opponent's attacks, as a result of his battle with Edelweiss.

Battle of Kings
The next day Ikki was set to face Yuudai in the fight. During the fight, Ikki had, at first, been at a disadvantage as every time he had come close to Yuudai he was stopped by Yuudai's Houkiboshi, which allowed Yuudai to keep a safe distance from Ikki. Ikki was, however, able by pass this and go in for a second strike, however Yudai was able to use his tiger bite to destroy part of Ikki device, causing Ikki to be forced to back off once again. On Ikki's third try however Ikki was able to bypass even Yudai's noble art, but when he was about to strike he had stopped, just like the night before with Ouma.

It is revealed to Ikki that his fight with Edelweisse left him with more then he had ever expected, as he had gain the strongest swordsman's technique. With it he was able to overwhelm Yuudai and eventually defeat him.

After the match Ikki goes back to his gate where he gleefully meets Stella who had just arrived to the tournament.

One vs Four and Conclusion of the First Match
Ikki later watches Stella's match, and victory, over the rest of the Block B participants. Ikki then once again meets Amane Shinomiya, and figures out he's ability to manipulate future events according to his wishes. Amane confirms Ikki's suspicions and claims that he wants to see Ikki break when he fights with fate.

Later Ikki meets up with Stella in his room, where they get quite close. They are interrupted though by Sara Bloodily, who wants Ikki to be her nude model. Stella is at the start against this, but later when Sara is revealed to be the world famous painter "Mario Rosso" and when she promises to draw a painting of Stella and Ikki together, as the bride and the groom, Stella allows her to draw Ikki nude, and even tries forcing Ikki to pose. Ikki though manages to escape from Sara and Stella, to Ouma's room. Ouma allows Ikki to stay the night with him. Ikki also uses this chance to talk with his brother, and Ouma tells him that he is in Akatsuki, because Ouma's and Ikki's father Itsuki Kurogane asked him to, and because Ouma wants to fight Stella Vermillion. Next day Ikki gets a message from the Festival administration committee that there will be two matches that day instead of just one, because of Stella's victory over Block B. This puts Ikki at a disadvantage, because his Ittou Shura and Ittou Rasetsu can only be used once for day.

Seven Stars Sword Art Festival Round 2, Begins
Ikki briefly talks with Kuraudo Kurashiki, before the latter's match against Sara Bloodily. Ikki watches the match, and sees Kuraudo losing. Ikki then fights his opponent Byakuya Jougasaki, and defeats him in 0.8 seconds, with Ittou Rasetsu. Ikki did this, despite still having a match against the A-Rank Blazer, Sara Bloodily, because he knew that Byakuya would defeat him, if he didn't use Ittou Shura or Ittou Rasetsu. This leads Ikki to advancing into the quarter-finals of the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival.

Noisy Infirmary
Ikki is resting in the infirmary, after using Ittou Rasetsu. While Ikki is sleeping, Sara approaches him to undress Ikki and finally draw him nude, but she is stopped by Stella. Stella has changed her mind about Sara painting Ikki, and know tries stopping her. Ikki then wakes up and is confused by the scene.

After Sara leaves, Ikki and Stella are approached by Ikki's father Itsuki. Itsuki tells Ikki that he is ready to cut the Kurogane Family's ties with Ikki. Ikki tells him that he will think about it and Itsuki leaves. Sara then returns and they all decide to go shopping.

A Warrior's Slightly Noisy Relaxation
Ikki, Stella, Sara, Shizuku and Nagi go shopping in the department store. Later Sara tells them that she is working with the Akatsuki, to pay back a favor, to Rebellion, as one of their apostles, Grand Professor, cured her disease. She also later tells Ikki more about her past. Ikki then promises that if Sara can defeat him in the quarter-finals of the Festival, he will be her nude model. They then split up and prepare for their match.

Seven Stars Sword Art Festival Third Round - Beginning
Just before his match, Ikki again meets Itsuki, and refuses to cut his ties with the Kurogane Family, because despite heir differences he is still a Kurogane. Itsuki then tells Ikki that he has grown and leaves. Ikki's match with Sara Bloodlily then begins.Sara uses her Trick Art to create a copy of the world's strongest Blazer Edelweiss. Ikki at first struggles with

this copy, because he can't use Ittou Shura, but eventually overcomes the copy, as he realizes that the copy doesn't think the same way as the original, leading to Ikki tricking the copy and defeating it. Sara then creates copies of Ikki, but the original Ikki easily defeats them, because he knows his own weaknesses. Sara then as her last ditch effort creates a three meter gladiator called Mario Rosso. Despite this creation being powerful, Ikki still defeats it and then defeats Sara. Ikki thus advances into the semi-finals.

After his victory, Ikki is about to watch Shizuku's match against Amane Shinomiya, but suddenly a large monitor depicts a footage from the waiting room, where Shizuku's being pierced by multiple swords by Amane.

A Fresh Bloody Truth
It's revealed to have attacked Amane, while the latter was in the waiting room. Shizuku's attack failed, and Amane pierced her with multiple swords. Then, as everyone in the stadium is watching through a large monitor, Amane tells everyone about Shizuku's love for Ikki. Shizuku is then saved by Stella. Shizuku is also disqualified from the Festival, because of her attack against Amane. This leads to Amane being Ikki's opponent in the semi-finals.

Ikki later meet with Bakuga Tsukikage, the board chairman of the Akatsuki. Bakuga tells Ikki about Amane's past, in order for Ikki to then provoke Amane with the information, so that Amane doesn't withdraw from the match.

Dark Clouded Semi-Final
Ikki faces Amane in the semi-finals of the Festival. At the start of the match Ikki provokes Amane with the information from Bakuga. This enrages Amane, who attacks Ikki.

Amane's slashes, despite being very amateur, come from angels that are hardest for Ikki to block, through luck. Amane then tries throwing his swords at Ikki, who manages to block them. This surprises Amane, wich leaves him open for Ikki's attack. Amane then tries stopping Ikki's heart, which Ikki counters, by using Edelweiss' technique to restart his heart, and then slashes Amane, rendering him unable to continue. Ikki is then declared the winner of their match.

Amane, enraged by his loss, releases a dark aura, which kills everything it touches. Nene Saikyo decides to stop Amane, but Ikki stops her wishing to do it himself. Ikki then uses Ittou Shura, and attacks Amane. Ikki finally defeats Amane with his second secret sword technique, Rekkou. Despite this Ikki is wounded by Amane's aura, but he is saved by Kiriko Yakushi. This leads to Ikki advancing to the finals of the Festival, where he will face Stella,

Ikki later wakes up at night, after being healed by Kiriko. He realizes the finals were supposed to be that day, and he rushes to the arena. There he meets Stella and the other contestants. The finals are then delayed to the night of the next day.

The Finals of the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival
At the finals of the Festival, Ikki finally faces Stella. As their battle starts, Ikki immediately charges for Stella, using his fourth secret sword technique, Shinkirou. Stella easily counters this with her Dragon Stomp. They then exchange powerful blows, with Ikki even managing to counter Stella's Bahamut Howl, by charging through the flames. Ikki then attacks furiously, at close range to prevent Stella from using her strongest technique, Dragon Spirit, which Stella needs a pause to activate. Stella tough purposely gives Ikki chances to attack her, in order to defeat him with Dragon Spirit. Ikki doesn't fall for this, and so Stella just activates Dragon Spirit, showing she doesn't need to stop in order to use it.

Dragon Spirit enhances Stella's physical strength exponentially. Ikki has to retreat, as he is unable to match Stella's power. Stella also uses Dragon Nest, which starts to melt the arena. Stella almost defeats Ikki with a punch, but Ikki uses his third secret sword, Madoka, at the last moment. This even wounds Stella. Ikki then uses Ittou Shura, which gives him the advantage against the wounded Stella.

Ikki and Stella clash swords, with neither one gaining the upper hand. Ikki finally begins to lose ground, as his Ittou Shura approaches it's limit. Edelweiss also comments that it's not just Ittou Shura running out of time, but also Ikki has reaching the maximum he can achieve, as he's fate is far more limited than Stella's. Stella then uses Katharterio Salamandra, which launches Ikki away, as his Ittou Shura also ends.

The referee then starts counting down time for Ikki to get back up. If he doesn't the match will end, with Stella winning. Ikki, despite his Ittou Shura running out of time, still gets up. He then reaches his "awakening" which increases his power so that he can even use Ittou Rasetsu. Stella and Ikki then charge at each other, with Ikki using Ittou Raetsu along with his final secret sword technique, Oikage. This finally defeats Stella. Ikki is then declared the winner of the match, and by extension the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival.

After the Finals
After Ikki's match against Stella, he wakes up in the hospital along with Stella, Shizuku and Nagi. After Shizuku and Nagi leave, Ikki and Stella decide to have sex, despite Ikki previously refusing this.

In the morning Stella and Ikki wake up next to each other. They are surprised by Shizuku and Nagi entering the room. Despite being calm at first, Shizuku furiously attacks Stella, after realizing what they have been doing.

Ikki and Stella later discuss how they will be going to Vermillion to meet Stella's parents, which troubles Ikki. Later Ikki is crowned the winner of the 62nd Seven Stars Sword Art Festival, Seven Stars Sword King.

The Festival is Over
After the finals, Ikki and Stella are asked to participate in a meeting between Kurono, Nene and Bakuga. When they arrive, a mysterious Blazer, in black armor, appears and attacks Ikki and Stella. Despite the two attacking together, they are unable to damage the mysterious individual. Their fight is stopped Kurono who reveals that the armor-clad Blazer is Iris Ascarid, the fourth ranking in the KOK A-League, who wanted to test Ikki's and Stella's strength.

After Ascarid leaves, Bakuga explains to the two about Desperados and their immense power, and importance in the world. He tells that during the finals, Ikki reached an "Awakening" becoming a Desperado. Stella questions how she has never heard of these Desperados, and Bakuga tells that the existence of Desperados is a highly regarded secret. Bakuga then uses his Device, Getten Houjuu, to show Ikki and Stella a vision of the future. They see a hellish Tokyo, which has been destroyed by the war between the Union and League of Mage-Knight Nations. Bakuga tells them that the three powers of the world League, Union and Rebellion maintain a balance in the world, and as Rebellion's leader Tyrant, is close to death, the League and Union will engage in a war after his death, which the League will most likely lose. Bakuga hoped that by creating Akatsuki and having them win the Festival would have lessened the people's interest in the League, so Japan could have split from the League, but his plan failed as Akatsuki's members were defeated. Bakuga then tells that he hopes that Ikki and Stella, can prevent the disastrous future.

Later Ikki participates in the party held after the Festival. He discusses with Stella, about the end of the Festival, and the meeting with Bakuga. They later leave and head to Vermillion on a plane.

The Vermillion Empire
Ikki and Stella are on a plane heading to Vermillion. Ikki is very nervous about the meeting with Stella's parents, but Stella says that both her mother and sister support their relationship, while only Stella's father disproves of it.

When Ikki and Stella arrive they are greeted by hundreds of people. They also meet Stella's mother, Astrea Vermillion, who is very friendly to Ikki. She tells him that Stella's father, Sirius Vermillion wants to have a private meeting with his family, before meeting Ikki, so she will take Stella to him. Ikki agrees to stay behind, and Astrea and Stella then head away. Once Astrea and Stella leave, the people suddenly attack Ikki furiously. It's revealed that the people are still under the belief that Ikki is forcing Stella to be in a relationship with him, and they tell him that he is not going to leave Vermillion alive. Ikki them confronts Signard, the Vermillion Army General, who tells him that Vermillion challenges him to a duel. Ikki accepts this challenge on the condition that instead of fighting them, he will win, if he makes it to the Vermillion Imperial Palace, before the people can catch him. Ikki then escapes from the people by jumping through the rooftops, heading to the Palace.

Ikki is intercepted by Tilmitt Gracie and Miriallia Régie, two students of the Vermillion Magic Institute,. They tell Ikki that there's a bounty worth 100 million yen, on Ikki. The two students then attack Ikki, masterfully using their teamwork, to pressure him. Ikki compliments their teamwork, but he still beats them, by forcing them to fight him one at a time. He then continues his journey to the Palace. He also fights against the imperial guard, who greatly adore Stella, to the point they are each carrying pictures of her, in her underwear. Ikki though defeats them and takes the pictures of Stella away from them.

Ikki manages to get to the Palace, but he is trapped on the roof of the Palace, by the Nobel Art of Daniel Dandalion, the Vermillion's Sword Mentor, who taught Stella in swordsmanship. Daniel and Ikki then exchange thrusts, each being extremely fast. Daniel though is getting pushed back by the younger Ikki, but he surprises the young Mage-Knight by using the unnatural flexibility of his Device, to hit Ikki. This flexibility also makes Ikki unable to use Blade Steal on Daniel. Ikki's then tries attacking with his first secret sword, Saigeki, which Daniel blocks in a manner similar to Edelweiss. Daniel also taunts Ikki, by saying that his slashes are nothing compared to Stella's sword swings. Ikki though uses Saigeki again, which Daniel again counters, but this time Ikki, having grabbed the tsuka-ito (the thread of a katana's handle) repels Intetsu back to him. This leaves Daniel open, and Ikki cuts him down. Daniel mutters that he is disappointed, as Ikki didn't even use Ittou Shura.

Ikki then crashes through one of the windows of the Palace, straight into the room of Lunaeyes Vermillion, the 1st Princess of Vermillion and Stella's sister. Lunaeyes is in her underwear when Ikki arrives, leaving him embarrassed by the familiar situation. Lunaeyes though is not embarrassed, as she notices Ikki's wounds, and orders him to take of his clothes so she can examine his injuries. Just when Ikki is undressing Stella enters Lunayes' room, and sees her sister and fiance half-naked, greatly shocking her.

It's later revealed that Sirius Vermillion was the one who encouraged the people of Vermillion to attack Ikki, and the one that placed a bounty on Ikki. This greatly infuriates Stella, even falling on the fall crying. Ikki though reassures her, by saying that seeing how much the people of Vermillion love Stella, has made him love her country even more. Lunaeyes then suggests that Ikki should participate in the upcoming tournament between Vermillion Empire and the Kingdom of Cradleland, in order to prove his worth of Stella. Everyone accepts this, even Sirius, although begrudgingly.

"Worst One" vs "Crimson Wild Lion"!?
Sirius, who is still skeptical about Ikki joining the tournament, challenges him to a series of trials, to prove his worthy of fighting in the tournament. Both Astrea and Stella tell Ikki he doesn't have to participate in Sirius' trials, but he chooses to participate anyway.

The first trial is a match between Ikki and Sirius. Ikki easily wins, using Sirius' blindness in his left eye against him. The second trial is an arm wrestling competition, which Ikki again wins, despite Sirius' great strength. The third trial is a test of speed, where the one who first reaches the sweets company Bonny House, and return, will win. Sirius tries beating Ikki, by using shortcuts, but gets lost, leading to Ikki winning once again. Ikki also understands that the reason that Sirius is having these trials, is to protect Stella, who he greatly loves. Sirius then declares it a draw for today.

Ikki later meets Lunaeyes, along with Tilmitt and Miriallia. Lunayes tells Ikki that she wants him to train Tilmitt and Miriallia, who will also be participating in the upcoming tournament. Ikki agrees to this, but before he can start the training, Lunaeyes gets a call from Johann, the 1st Prince of Cradleland, who invites Lunayes, Ikki and Stella to Cradleland. They accept his invite and head for Cradleland.

Visit to Cradleland
On their way to Cradleland, Ikki questions Lunaeyes who Cradleland and Vermillion have such good relationships, despite holding a tournament against each other every 5 years. Lunaeyes tells Ikki that their relationships used to be far colder, until 30 years ago Sirius marched alone into Cradleland, and confronted the King of Cradleland. Sirius told him that if he really hated him, then their countries should just fight each other. The King couldn't possibly hate a man so stupid, and their relationships began improving. The current friendly relationships are also thanks to Astrea, and her great diplomatic skills. They then arrive to Lucier, the capital of Cradleland.

When they arrive to Lucier, they are confronted by Johann. Johann and Lunaeyes are shown to have a very close relationship. Johann then takes them the park, where the Lucier National Stadium is located. The upcoming tournament will be held there. Ikki, Lunaeyes and Stella also meet Luke, Mira, Enalis and Lid who are along with Johann Cradleland's participants in the upcoming tournament. Johann also tells them of All-Goal, one of the 12 Apostles of Rebellion and a Desperado, who had been spotted in Cradleland. Stella declares she won't let this mysterious person cause any harm to Cradleland or Vermillion. Just then they hear a voice saying, "Sorry, that's impossible". This voice is revealed to be All-Goal's who had in fact taken control of the whole Cradleland.

The Nation Named Vermillion
All-Goal attacks Lunaeyes, Ikki and Stella with his Noble Art, Grand Guignol. Ikki manages to block this attack with Ittou Rasetsu, but also completely exhausting himself. Johann, who himself has surrendered to All-Goal, attacks Stella. The other participants of Cradleland drop dead, as they have been nothing more then bodies controlled by All-Goal. The infuriated Lunaeyes tries attacking All-Goal with a knife she has for self-defense. All-Goal though easily subdues her. Stella then activates Dragon Spirit, pushing Johann away and attacking All-Goal. All-Goal though stops her attack by taking control of Ikki's body and putting him in front of Stella. Stella, Ikki and Lunaeyes are luckily saved by Ascarid, who had arrived in Cradleland, to apprehend All-Goal. She cuts of All-Goal's arm and uses a knife she got from Norman Creed, the Vice-Leader of the League, to teleport Ikki, Stella and Lunaeyes back to Vermillion.

Back in Vermillion Ascarid explains that All-Goal is her younger brother who has recently rebelled against Rebellion, and taken control of Cradleland. He is also currently sending the army troops of Cradleland, who he controls, to attack Vermillion. Stella goes to inform her parents of All-Goal's actions while Ikki stays behind with Ascarid. All the sudden Ascarid is overcome with fear, and she falls to her knees, from facing All-Goal. Ikki though comforts her, by telling her that saving them from All-Goal, was very brave. This encourages Ascarid who rises up.

Later during a meeting to discuss how to save the soldiers that All-Goal controls, Ikki tells about an idea he has. He explains that All-Goal is able to control the whole army, by taking control of certain individuals, with his threads, and through them then controls others. Thus by taking out those certain individuals the ones All-Goal controls through them should also be released. This idea is accepted by everybody, even Sirius, and Ikki, Stella, Tilmitt, Miriallia, Ascarid and Daniel are sent along with the troops of Vermillion to confront the army of Cradleland.

Kardia Urban Warfare
The Vermillion and Cradleland forces confront each other in the town called Kardia. They use Ikki's strategy, which works very well. Ikki, Tilmitt and Miriallia are then attacked by Big Baby, an ally of All-Goal, who can increase his size to giant levels. Ikki tries fighting him, despite having no magic power left. Though he manages to hold off Big Baby, for some time, he eventually starts losing, when Big Baby increases his size even more. Ikki though is once again saved by Ascarid, who scares Big Baby away. Ascarid also tells that Big Baby is in fact just a 5 year old kid, who was abducted by Rebellion, and is now following All-Goal.

The battle is then interrupted by Lunaeyes, who is riding on Johann's golden chariot Device along with All-Goal, who demands that everyone stop fighting. She tells that she and All-Goal have reached an agreement that the fates of Vermillion and Cradleland, will be decided by a tournament.