Skill or Transformation: High Tension

Reasoning: Phillip started off without much of a purpose. He simply didn't trust those of the Slums. He learned of how they acted, how they operated, growing to hate the slum-dwellers with each passing day. However, Hojima was able to stop him from falling into this 'hole' of hatred, to allow Phillip to devote himself to something more productive. Hojima guided his hands in the ways of the sword.

He took Phillip, someone who was born too frail to truly handle himself in a battle, and turned him into one of the strongest warriors of Scepter. The second in command. Phillip grew as a person, and a s a warrior, because of his sword. Because of the fact that he was able to train, to hone his skills, to improve. With each passing moment with his blade, he was growing closer to the person he wanted to become.

Hojima.

Today, he watched Hojima accomplish a great feat. Defeating Roku in battle.
He suffered a great loss.
He witnessed Hojima kill himself to save the city. He sat and watched as Hojima committed Seppuku before the entirety of the city. Then? He watched as Kurai and his band of unhonorable boxers went to attack Hojima.

Phillip exploded with wrath.

He beat them down, he showed them not to trifle with the dead. He forced them to respect the rule of Scepter. Yet.. When he chose to show mercy, when he was faced with a choice, he allowed himself to be swayed. For a brief moment, he allowed Jack to decide the fate of another.

It ended with Kurai drawing upon the power of his heart, of darkness, and defeating him in a brutal display of power.

Kurai has bested Phillip in battle. He has aimed to remove Phillip's arms from his body, thus rendering him unable to ever lift his sword again. However, Jack has thrown himself atop Phillip's body. Jack has decided to endure the pain meant for Phillip. Jack, someone Phillip started off as rivals with, and slowly grew to befriend. Someone that means something to him, taking the pain that was meant for him.

He has to protect Jack.
He has to protect Scepter.
He has to stand up for Hojima.
.. And he has to win, for himself.