But if he did not reveal some of his strength, he would not be able to intimidate them either.
Especially when he was surrounded by enemies on all sides, each one eyeing him greedily. Intimidation, threats, and bluffs were the most advantageous—and most effective—ways to buy time.
And right now, what Uchiha Hiko needed most was time!
As long as he had enough time, everything before him could be resolved with ease!
"Stop putting up pointless resistance. You cannot defeat me."
"Put down your weapon, and I'll give you a quick death!" Kuchiki Byakuya said coldly.
Uchiha Hiko spat disdainfully.
The killing intent and sword radiance around them grew even fiercer. Waves of turbulence filled the air, disturbed into unrest by the two men before them.
The biting gale around them relentlessly battered Uchiha Hiko and Kuchiki Byakuya.
The wind they created themselves, the wind stirred by their blades, was like wave after wave of killing intent. Whatever it touched, it could carve open a gash.
The old-fashioned roads between classical Japanese residences had long since become riddled with holes. Fragments of stone and splintered wood exploded outward from time to time, drifting lightly through the surroundings.
Uchiha Hiko looked strained, but his heart remained calm. Even so, as he gradually began to parry with greater composure, Kuchiki Byakuya's expression turned even colder.
Meanwhile, atop the eighth platform in the Seireitei, a middle-aged man frowned deeply. His face was sharply angular, with a high, refined nose and two thick mustaches shaped like the character for eight.
Yet his cheeks were thin and narrow, and together with his inverted triangular eyes, he gave off a chilling impression, as though he had been born drenched in blood.
He turned toward where Uchiha Hiko was and revealed a doubtful expression.
"This Uchiha Hiko..."