When the smoke clears and the dust settles, for a moment, all that is visible is Palnatoke. The Persona is staunchly holding a protective stance over its owner, but soon enough, he shatters, disappears, and all that is left-

Kou's barely hanging on by a thread, leaning heavily on his sword as he forces himself not to fall to his knees. He's taken heavy, heavy damage, every single breath he takes hurting a little worse. He's definitely broken some ribs, if not more, and on the surface, burns litter his skin, patches of blood, his breathing heavy and labored.

Even so, his mask sits in place, unblemished, and his eyes blaze as he glares at Maruki. It is on pure willpower alone that he refuses to collapse, teeth grit into a sharp snarl.

"You piece of- shit," he sneers, tasting blood on his tongue, and spitting it out with a defiant scowl. "You think I'll let you just do what you want?"

He forces his blade up, wobbling slightly on his feet, but determination radiates off him the way power did off Maruki mere moments ago. He muscles his way through a breath, before shouting:

"Think again!"

He reaches up, violently ripping his mask off once more and forcing another concentrate out to power up his magic. His eyes are wild, but resolute as Palnatoke once again blazes into existence. Palnatoke snarls alongside Kou, the golden apple hovering behind him flying towards Maruki at top speed-

"Insurgence Bow!"

And right behind the apple, six identical arrows of almighty magic follow, ready to pulverize Maruki.