Ann: It's hard to go get over trauma, especially survivor guilt, but with a little help and positivity you can easily pick yourself up. These two know that best.

Junko: Kasumi Yoshizawa, the Gymnastic Phantom Theif.

Ann: And Hibiki Tachibana, the God Killing Symphogear.

Kokonoe: The stage is set and the combatants are ready.

Junko: It's time for a Death Battle!

In Mementos, Kasumi was sneaking around the city before being contacted by Futaba.

Futaba: (You okay Violet? Looks like you got separated from the rest of us. Don't worry, I'll guide you.)

Kasumi: Thank you, Oracle. 

Futaba: (Hold on. I'm picking up a signal heading your way.)

Kasumi stopped as Hibiki landed right in front of her.

Hibiki: Huh? Where am I?

Genjuro: "Hibiki? Can you hear me? I don't know where you are currently but that girl in front of you is bad news. You need to take her down as soon as possible."

Hibiki: A bad guy? I see... I got this.

Fubuki: (I don't know what's going on but it looks like she's itching for a fight. Be careful Violet.)

Kasumi: Right!

https://youtu.be/CGoakpDEEBc

Kasumi dashed at Hibiki and swung her sword, which Hibiki blocked. Hibiki went for a swing of her fist but Kasumi dodged it and swung her sword again. This time, Hibiki went for another punch and the two of them clashed, giving Hibiki an opening to hit Kasumi with a drill punch and send her flying. Kasumi quickly caught herself.

Futaba: (Woah! Violet, are you okay?!)

Kasumi: Yeah. Huh?

Kasumi could hear Hibiki start to sing. She looked up to see Hibiki dashing at her and going for a punch. Kasumi quickly blocked it as Hibiki went for a kick that she was forced to jump back and dodge. Hibiki then went for another punch and Kasumi flipped to the side as the punch released a gush of wind that destroyed a nearby building.

Futaba: (Wait, is she getting stronger through singing?)

Kasumi took out her gun and shot a bullet at her but Hibiki blocked it and dashed at her, jumping up for a kick. Kasumi ducked under it and thrust her sword forcing Hibiki to move to the left and dodge the strike. Kasumi then spun and shot her gun again and Hibiki quickly blocked it before gathering energy into her fist.

Futaba: (Something's coming!)

Hibiki: Hibiki Style... Spear Thrusting Strike!

Kasumi: Persona!

As Hibiki unleashed all the energy from her fist, Kasumi summoned Cendrillon who blocked the punch though she was still knocked back along with Kasumi.

Hibiki: A Noise?

Genjuro: "No, it's something else. I'll look into it. Do not stop your attack."

Hibiki: Right!

Kasumi: Show them, Cendrillon!

Cendrillon flew at Hibiki and went for a sharp kick that  Hibiki was quick to dodge. The Persona went for another one and Hibiki blocked it as Kasumi jumped over Cendrillon and swung her sword. Hibiki jumped back as Kasumi shot her last three bullets. Hibiki used her arms to block them then looked to her right to see Cendrillon coming at her. She was about to dodge but the Persona was too fast and kicked her away. Hibiki caught herself as Kasumi dashed at her and swung her sword. The two girls clashed twice as Hibiki realized her arm was frozen. 

Hibiki: Hibiki Style... Earth Penetrating Power!

She punched the ground, shattering the ice and causing the earth around her to rise. This caused Kasumi to quickly lose her balance as Hibiki spun fast enough to create a massive tornado, causing all the debris and Kasumi herself to get sucked into it. Kasumi jumped on large pieces of rubble trying to get closer to Hibiki, who jumped up and tried to punch her. Cendrillon quickly flew at Hibiki and went for a kick causing the two to clash. Kasumi then jumped off some rubble and went to thrust her sword. Hibiki blocked it and went for a powerful, rocket-fueled kick. As Kasumii tried to block it, Hibiki not only broke her sword but sent her crashing back into the ground hard enough to make a crater. Hibiki then launched herself from a falling chunk of rubble and was about to go for another powerful kick.

Hibiki: Hibiki Style-

Hibiki saw Cindrillon from the corner of her eyes and kicked the ground instead, kicking herself back as she dodged two blades of light that nearly hit her. Hibiki quickly punched the air firing air projectiles. Cendrillon countered by firing a bunch of light projectiles. Kasumi then got up with a new blade and dashed at her. She swung her sword and Hibiki blocked her strikes, slowly overwhelming her. Hibiki felt her vision get disoriented as Cendrillon kicked her and sent her crashing through buildings.

Genjuro: "Hibiki, are you alright?"

Hibiki: I feel... dizzy...

Genjuro: "It's her blade. Avoid it at all cost."

Hibiki: Right!

Cendrillon flew at Hibiki and went for a powerful kick. Hibiki countered with a punch that knocked the persona back. Hibiki then went for a powerful kick.

Hibiki: Hibiki Style... Sky Hammer Kick!

Hibiki kicked the Persona and sent it flying into the sky. Kasumi dashed at her and thrust her sword. Hibiki ducked under it and went for an uppercut that Kasumi dodged. She swung her sword again and Hibiki blocked it feeling dizzy again, but she held those thoughts in as her fist turned into a rocket.

Hibiki: Hibiki Style... Spears Violent Destruction!

Hibiki went for a rocket punch and Kasumi quickly tried to flip back and dodge it, but the impact sent Kasumi flying back anyway. Kasumi quickly landed on her feet as Hibiki dashed at her.

Kasumi: Vanadis!

Hibiki: Take this!

Hibiki went for a punch, but it was countered as soon as Vanadis was summoned.

Hibiki: Another one?!

Vanadis kicked Hibiki in the face and sent her flying back. Hibiki slid on her feet as a bunch of omnidirectional lasers were shot at her, but Hibiki quickly transformed into her Amalgam form and had a forcefield surrounding her that blocked the lasers.

Futaba: (She transformed?! Are you for real?!)

https://youtu.be/cXLl-nxV6Sg

The Persona healed Kasumi and flew at Hibiki who flew right back at Vanadis. Hibiki went for a punch as Vanadis went for a kick. They clashed and caused a shockwave around them. Vanadis got back and had two swords falling down on Hibiki, but the swords only bounced off Hibiki's energy shield. Kasumi then dashed at her and swung her sword but the shield blocked it. Hibiki went for a punch and knocked Kasumi back as Vanadis summoned two light blades and fired them down. The energy shield blocked those as well.

Futaba: (That shield is blocking anything you throw at her. That is so not fair.)

Vandadis unleashed a pillar of light that sent Hibiki flying into the air. The Persona then flew at her and the two of them clashed creating another Shockwave that knocked them back. They flew at each other and clashed again before Hibiki immediately went for a barrage of punches onto Vanadis.

Hibiki: ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA

Her energy shield then turned into two massive fists on her back.

Hibiki: ORA! TESTAMENT!!!

She used the giant, golden fist to punch Vanadis into the ground right next to Kasumi. Hibiki then landed right in front of her.

Futaba: (Those fists aren't just for show! Be careful!)

Kasumi: Right!

Kasumi dashed at Hibiki and swung her sword. Hibiki blocked with her golden fist as Kasumi struck them multiple times. Hibiki then knocked Kasumi back as Vanadis came up and went for a downward kick. Hibiki blocked it and shoved Vanadis away before clapping both of the fists together and unleashing a massive shockwave that sent both of them flying back. Vanadis caught Kasumi and launched her right back at Hibiki. She swung her sword and Hibiki blocked it as Kasumi landed behind her and swung her sword again.

Hibiki: Hibiki Style! Phantom Flower Strike!

Before Kasumi could land her strike, Hibiki hit her with an uppercut that sent her flying back. Kasumi quickly landed on her feet but dropped to one knee.

Kasumi: As good a time as any... Dazzle us... Vanadis!

Hibiki looked up behind her to see Vanadis going for a powerful kick. Hibiki quickly used her golden arm to block it as Vanadis went for another one. Hibiki went for a punch and they clashed, the shockwave knocking Hibiki back and leaving her open for Vanadis to hit her with another kick which sent her crashing into a large truck. Hibiki felt like her body had grown weaker somehow. She looked up to see Vanadis flying towards her. 

Hibiki: Hibiki Style! Offensive Spear Vajra!

Her golden fist turned into a spinning drill as she punched Vanadis and sent the Persona flying. She then saw Kasumi dashing at her. She used her golden fist to pick up the truck and throw it at Kasumi, who ducked under it and jumped up for another thrust of her sword. Hibiki managed to block it and knock her back again. 

Genjuro: "Hibiki, your speed, strength, and durability have all been crippled."

Hibiki: What?! How?!

Genjuro: "It seems to be one of that Persona's abilities"

Hibiki: Persona?

Genjuro: "Listen Hibiki, we found out that- Bzzzzt... zzzz...zzzz..."

Hibiki: Huh? Genjuro? Are you there?

Back at the S.O.N.G Headquarters, every screen was showing nothing but static.

Genjuro: What is this? What's going on here?!

Aoi: Someone is hacking into our systems.

Sakuya: Nothing seems to be working! We can't get through!

Just then, the screens all showed the symbol of the Phantom Thieves as Futaba began to speak through them.

Futaba: "Hello? Is this thing on?"

Genjuro: What? Who are you?

Futaba: "You can call me Alibaba. Man, you guys have some super high-tech stuff... but it wasn't enough. I could hear your entire conversation and I think it's about time I shut you down."

Genjuro: No don't!

Just then, all the power in S.O.N.G Headquarters shut off and Hibiki could only hear static on the other side.

Hibiki: Genjuro? Genjuro?! Genjuro!

Kasumi: Victory is ours!

Hibiki looked up as Kasumi swung her sword. Hibiki went for a punch and they clashed as Vanadis went for a downward kick. Hibiki quickly jumped back and dodged it. She went for another drill punch and Vanadis went for a kick. The two of them clashed once more and knocked each other back only for Vanadis to rain down blades of light onto Hibiki, who used the jets on her back to boost herself forward and dodge them before going for another strike. Vanadis blocked it as five swords stabbed right through the golden arm and shattered it. Hibiki turned and saw Kasumi coming at her and swinging her sword. Hibiki went to backhand her with the other Golden Fist but Kasumi slid under it. She then swung her sword as Hibiki swung the giant fist and they clashed, pushing the golden fist back. Kasumi then jumped up and cut the golden fist off of her as Vanadis stomped on it and shattered it. 

Kasumi: Now... Dazzle us! Vanadis!

Vanadis flew at Hibiki who went to punch it, but the Persona was too fast and kicked her through several buildings. Hibiki went to get up but Vanadis was already right behind her. The Persona went for another kick but Hibiki quickly dodged it. As she did, Kasumi was above her and swung her sword. Hibiki quickly blocked it and punched her into Vanadis before punching the air and causing a shockwave that sent the two of them back. Hibiki then took a deep breath and swung her Superb Song.

https://youtu.be/i-jG7o1n9og

Hibiki started to transform again. She mixed In her Superb Song with her Amalgam form and fused that with her X-Drive to tap into her Burning X-Drive.

Futaba: (I have a bad feeling about this...)

Vanadis dashed at her and went for a kick but Hibiki dodged it and went for a punch. Vanadis dodged the punch as Kasumi dashed at her and swung her sword. Hibiki ducked under it and hit her with a double punch that sent her flying. Kasumi landed on her feet as Vanadis dashed at Hibiki and went for another kick but Hibiki dodged.

Hibiki: Hibiki Style! Extra-Large Spear Rush!

Hibiki went for a powerful punch and Vanadis was quick to try and block it, but the punch was too powerful and the Persona was completely destroyed.

Kasumi: GYAAAAAAAH!!!!

Kasumi held her head feeling unimaginable pain.

Futaba: (Violet! Are you okay?! That's it! I'm sending the other thieves right now!)

Kasumi: No!

Kasumi was in deep pain, but she managed to get back on her feet.

Kasumi: If I don't finish what I started... how would I... how would we ever hope of obtaining our dream?!

She looked up at the sky as if it were a spotlight. She then closed her eyes and grabbed her mask.

Kasumi: I am thou. Thou art I. This is my soul... so... enchant us... Ella!

She rips off her mask and summons her third and final Persona, Ella.

https://youtu.be/qfPtxHdvlvI

Hibiki dashed at her as Ella unleashed pillars of light. Hibiki dodged them and jumped up, going for a powerful kick. Kasumi did a backflip to dodge it, jumping over her persona, digging in Ella's flowers, pulling out two guns, and firing them off at Hibiki who quickly blocked them all. Ella then unleashed several light projectiles but Hibiki punched the air and knocked them all back.

Futaba: (Be careful! Bless attacks won't work on her!)

Kasumi put the guns down and Hibiki flew at her going for a powerful punch. Kasumi swung her sword and the two clashed as Ella flew up and went for a kick of its own. Hibiki was quick to jump back until Ella fired swords at her and forced her to fly into the air. Ella flew at her quickly.

Hibiki: Hibiki Style...

Her fist took a spear-like form as she flew at Ella.

Hibiki: Super Rank Spear's Violent Destruction!

She thrust her fist at Ella and the Persona blocked as Hibiki brought it through multiple buildings. Kasumi ran and followed as they crashed to the ground causing a massive crater. Hibiki flew out to the debris and towards Kasumi, swinging her fist again. Kasumi quickly blocked and kicked her away but Hibiki caught herself. Ella then flew out of the debris and went for a kick but Hibiki saw it coming. She kicked Ella's leg into the ground before punching her in the chest and then hitting her with an uppercut. She ended the combo with a kick that sent the Persona flying. Kasumi dashed at her as soon as she turned around but Hibiki was ready. 

Hibiki: Hibiki Style! Star Stream Spear!

She dashed at her and went for a flaming punch but Kasumi managed to jump out of the way just in time. The punch was powerful enough to destroy a building behind her.

Kasumi: That was close!

Hibiki turned around and went for another punch as Kasumi swung her sword. They clashed again and again and again. Hibiki then went for an uppercut but Kasumi dodged and Ella came back, kicking Hibiki away. Hibiki slid on her feet and Kasumi swung her sword. Hibiki saw this and dodged to the side. She nearly got hit by a kick from Ella but she managed to jump back. Both Ella and Kasumi then dashed at her.

Hibiki: Gottcha!

Kasumi: Huh?

Futaba: (Watch out!)

Hibiki: Hibiki Style! Flameflower Comet Spear!

Kasumi quickly went to block as Hibiki went for another powerful flaming punch, this time strong enough to destroy half the city. As the dust settled, Hibiki fell to one knee. She was starting to feel dizzy. She looked up to see Kasumi coming out of the rubble, breathing heavily and exhausted. 

Hibiki: I won't lose... not when everyone else is counting on me! I will fight for my friends!

Kasumi: I am myself... I'll never forget that again!

The two girls ran at each other with Ella flying right past Kasumi. Hibiki flew towards Ella and channeled all her energy into her fist. While Kasumi put a physical-reflective shield around her.

Hibiki: Take this! METANOIA!!!

Kasumi: Masquerade!!!

Kasumi went for a powerful punch as Ella went for a powerful kick. The clash caused a massive explosion to form as the Persona completely disappeared and Hibiki was forced back into her base form.

Hibiki: Huh?

Futaba: (Now it's time for an all-out attack!)

Kasumi jumped up and started striking Hibiki from every angle before landing on her feet and spinning. As soon as she did a pose, Hibiki was cut into pieces.

Kasumi: A perfect ten!

Hibiki's body fell to the floor as Kasumi fell to her knees.

Futaba: (Are you okay Violet?)

Kasumi: Yeah... just... great...

Junko: Wow, they really went all out with this one! 

Kokonoe: Hibiki was definitely a formidable opponent. She had much more experience and better combat training than Kasumi, but that alone wasn't enough.

Junko: Yeah, as far as strength goes, Hibiki was certainly much stronger. But by scaling to the other Phantom Thieves, Kasumi was way faster and potentially more durable too. And even then, Kasumi could weaken Hibiki's strength, make her dizzy, or even create a shield that reflects Hibiki's damage right back onto her.

Ann: It is true that being a God Killer would be an issue for Kasumi and her second Persona, Vanadis, but Hibiki's powers only work on people who are viewed as gods or viewed as divine. While this means Hibiki could nullify Kasumi's Bless Attacks and one-shot her second Persona, she had plenty of other techniques to work around that.

Junko: Like switching to her first or third Persona that is based around Cinderella. In which case her powers won't work since they aren't viewed as divine. At least not in the Godly sense. 

Ann: Right. And neither really had the advantage when it comes to intelligence. But the aid we gave them certainly made up for it.

Kokonoe: Both Genjuro and Futaba were smart enough to help out. Both could analyze their allies and enemies and give strategies for their next move, but Futaba was much more useful. The technology in S.O.N.G is certainly advanced, but Futaba is a genius when it comes to technology. Nothing is stopping her from hacking into S.O.N.G's headquarters and disconnecting communication with Hibiki. Not only has Futaba been shown capable of doing such a thing twice, but S.O.N.G has also been hacked in the past.

Ann: Yeah, in the end, Kasumi had full control over the battlefield.

Junko: And Hibiki was stuck singing My Way with a royal symphony

Kokonoe: The winner is Kasumi Yoshizawa.

Winner: Kasumi Yoshizawa

+Faster

+Potentially More Durable

+More weapons

+More hax

+Larger appetite

-Less experience

-Physically weaker

-Less destructive power

-Less combat training

Loser: Hibiki Tachibana

+More experience

+Better combat training

+Stronger

+More transformations

-Slower

-Less Hax

-Less agile

-Pacifist

Junko: Next time on Death Battle!

Tsunade Senju vs Litchi Faye-Ling

(Naruto vs Blazblue)

Neptune's Trivia: Battle #169

-Connections: The connections between Hibiki Tachibana and Kasumi Yoshizawa are that they're both part of a team possessing similar powers (S.O.N.G./the Phantom Thieves of Hearts) and share a backstory of witnessing someone sacrifice themselves to save them from danger (Kanade protected Hibiki from the Noise/Kasumi's sister pushed her out of the way of a moving car). Both fight dangerous creatures on a daily basis (the Noise/Shadows) and have love interests who are members of their team (Miku Kohinata/Joker). Additionally, both lived alongside their fathers, mothers, and grandmothers when they were young. Both also have assisted in defeating a madman who wanted to rewrite reality in his favor (Adam Weishaupt/Takuto Maruki). Their own powers are incomplete compared to the others, and after said powers made them go berserk, they lost them; but soon enough regained them at their proper full power (Hibiki having trouble controlling Gungnir's power until she was able to control them due to her drive and passion to save others/Sumire not using her powers for a while until the Maruki incident where she lost control of them for a bit, but regained them due to coming to terms with her survivor's guilt). Both also have a flower theme to their names (Hibiki's last name, Tachibana, means "standing flower"/Kasumi's real name, Sumire, means "violet flowers")

-This battle is the second battle to take place only a few days after one of the combatants was put in a new game, with Persona Tactica coming out only a few days ago

-The top thumbnail for this matchup was created by SandraOsborne1

-Hibiki's bio was the hardest to make only second to Monika's

-This matchup was originally going to be the Season Finale but we decided against that because we thought it wasn't good enough

       *Hopefully the officially planned season finale can live up to expectations