He intended to withdraw from the battlefield immediately.
Although that might disappoint Takechi Hanpeita, Okada Izō knew that Teacher Takechi would be even more disappointed if he failed to bring back crucial intelligence.
"Even if I cut loose and kill these Ronin, it'll take time. Enough time for me to escape... it is."
Blood splattered across Okada Izō's cheeks, collar, and cloak.
Nearly thirty Ronin were killed at the same time.
Some had their bodies cleaved apart by powerful slashes, while others had their throats pierced by lightning-fast thrusts.
As a genius swordsman of the Bakumatsu, Okada Izō recognized both kinds of sword wounds.
"Hokushin Ittō-ryū, and Tennen Rishin-ryū?!"
Amid the blood spraying through the air, Okada Izō seemed to see two translucent figures standing to either side of the girl.
One was tall and slender, seemingly floating with her toes never touching the ground, her long hair nearly trailing across the floor.
The other wore a haori and gripped her sword in both hands, its point aimed at Okada Izō's throat.
"You can see them."
Through the dancing spray of blood, Okada Izō heard the fox demon's voice.
"Looks like you're a swordmaster who has mastered a secret sword... Let me introduce them."
Hebe spread her hands. "Hokushin Ittō-ryū, Miss A-Long. Tennen Rishin-ryū, Okita Sōji."
Okada Izō had never heard the first name before, but he had heard the latter so often his ears were practically callused.
Okita Sōji, the "Heavenly Blade of the Bakumatsu"... She really was a troublesome enemy.
"So those aren't illusions..."
Cold sweat seeped from Okada Izō's forehead. He forced a relaxed smile. "Hey, can we make peace?"
Hebe raised an eyebrow in surprise. "At a time like this? You're not joking, are you?"
Good, just keep stalling like this! Okada Izō felt a flicker