When fighting an enemy stronger than yourself, you have to strike first. Otherwise, once they make their move, your chances of counterattacking will be slim.
"One-sword style, Drawing Slash, Swallowtail Flash."
Shirakawa was incredibly fast, but Orl was faster still. Shirakawa's Swallowtail Flash was only halfway through when Orl blocked it with his sword.
"Not bad, kid. Your strength and speed are already at the level of a strong fighter, but that alone isn't enough." The way Orl spoke made Shirakawa feel like punching him. He sounded just like Kizaru.
"Hmph." While locked in a stalemate with Orl, Shirakawa suddenly increased his strength and switched techniques right from the start. "One-sword style, Mountain Splitter."
The name was simple, and the move looked simple too, but it required an exceptionally weighty sword intent. It also relied on catching the opponent off guard. When struck by it, they would feel as if they were facing a towering mountain.
This was a sword technique Shirakawa had learned from Rayleigh, and it was one of Rayleigh's signature moves. He had used it to defeat countless people who claimed to be masters of the sword.
A heavy Sword Qi appeared as Shirakawa's blade fell. Orl raised his sword to block it and was forced back several meters. The Sword Qi also carved a clean, smooth-edged fissure into the ground.
"Kid, this place isn't suitable for the two of us to fight. Let's go up the mountain."
"Sure."
Orl admitted he had underestimated Shirakawa a little. He hadn't expected Shirakawa to be so much stronger than he'd anticipated.
The two of them raced toward the mountaintop, with Jola following behind. Watching a battle like this would surely benefit him greatly.
But Jola couldn't keep up with their speed. By the time he reached the mountaintop, the