The battle was on the verge of breaking out.
"Match begin!"
Claire announced at just the right moment.
From the very start, neither side held back. Their swords fell like a torrential rain, swift as thunderbolts.
The instant after their twin blades collided, Diana understood Gatomon's level of strength. She immediately lowered her gaze and pressed the surging "qi" back into her chakras, maintaining only her most natural state.
But even so, her strength still surpassed Gatomon's.
Both possessed "innate divine strength," but Diana was clearly purer than Aurora in that regard.
Once she had restrained her qi, she completely let loose. Every strike was like the swipe of a bear's paw—solid and heavy.
The resulting vibrations traveled through the blade and into the web between Gatomon's thumb and forefinger.
After only a dozen or so exchanges, Gatomon felt a slight numbness and soreness in its sword hand.
Realizing the gap in their raw strength, it immediately changed tactics, adding unpredictable variations to its swordsmanship.
Gatomon's agility had always surpassed its strength. Compared to Diana, who always fought head-on, it undoubtedly held the advantage in that regard.
Using one's strengths to attack the enemy's weaknesses was the proper strategy.
Without question, its adjustment worked. It gradually recovered from its disadvantage and even gained a slight edge.
The battle became unpredictable once more.
Dark clasped his hands together, still watching the match intently.
Gatomon's performance had already far exceeded his expectations.
Its battle against Aurora had not only given it confidence, but had also greatly improved its swordsmanship.
"Battle truly is the best way to improve."
"Gatomon's current swordsmanship has probably surpassed Meowth's."
"I always knew it would surpass Meowth eventually, but I didn't expect it to happen so soon."
Meowth's "Technician" allowed it to master minor techniques far faster than