Renji Abarai hesitated, feeling that something was vaguely wrong,
because although the two of them usually fought until they were battered and bloody, they had no personal grudges.
This was also a practical swordsmanship class, with their teacher watching.
If they used the blades, they would inevitably be unable to pull their strikes in time, and the injuries would be severe.
So by tacit agreement, when both sides used sharpened Zanpakutō, they generally attacked with the backs of their blades rather than the edges.
But Kira Izuru was acting out of character, pointing his blade at him,
and although Renji didn't think Kira would really fight without regard for the consequences, he couldn't help feeling uneasy.
"Ha!"
Renji let out a low shout and charged, holding his sword with its back facing forward.
"If you've got any tricks, go ahead and use them!"
Their swords clashed; the only difference was that Renji used the back of his blade, while Kira used its edge.
Metal rang out without pause across the training ground,
as Renji swung his sword at a furious pace, like a frenzied serpent, nearly drowning Kira in a blur of sword shadows.
"That rate of attack..."
"Are you trying to exhaust yourself to death?"
Kira was just as alert, but seemed better able to stay calm and composed than Renji,
and he could even speak,
while Renji wasn't unaware of the strategy of conserving his strength and taking his time.
But the unease in his heart told him he couldn't let Kira take the initiative, or give him a chance to counterattack,
or he might suffer a crushing defeat,
but even the most relentless assault was bound to leave an opening. As his stamina rapidly drained, Renji slipped up.
"Clang!"
Kira seized the opportunity to knock Renji's attack