"Inshun—snap out of it!"
Clang!
The advantage of a weapon was fully apparent at this moment. Perhaps once they closed in, the gap in skill would narrow, but under these circumstances—
Hozoin Inshun, the Lancer Purgatorio before them, was nearly flawless in defense.
"My existence is destined solely for [unending slaughter]!"
Hozoin Inshun had clearly sunk deep into sin, with no possibility of breaking free. He swung his cross-shaped spear, knocking aside Musashi's and Sakumura's blades, and shouted.
"Even if my opponents are Miyamoto Musashi's Niten Ichi-ryu and Sakumura Anno's Hundred Birds Style, it makes no difference!"
"Get out of my way! I must slaughter all humanity!!!"
In an instant, his defense transformed into an ultimate offense. Sweeping his spear to force Musashi and Sakumura aside, Hozoin Inshun moved to kill the two children.
"Lady Musashi, Inshun is no longer here."
"Kill him!"
Whoosh—
Sakumura pushed off with both legs and leaped into the air like a flying bird.
Using the momentum of his descent, he brought down a crushing slash that Hozoin Inshun simply could not block, forcing him back several steps.
Sakumura flipped over, hooking Hozoin Inshun's cross-shaped spear at the same time and fiercely pressing it against his own throat.
Miyamoto Musashi did not waste the opportunity and slashed upward.
"Gah—"
Hozoin Inshun let out a scream filled with anguish and fury.
"You—will not stop me!!!"
Boom—!!!
Mana roared. Hozoin Inshun unleashed an ability akin to Mana Burst, forcing Sakumura and Miyamoto Musashi back from his sides. Then he thrust his spear straight ahead, aiming directly for Miyamoto Musashi's heart.
Miyamoto Musashi snorted.
How could her swordsmanship lose to Inshun here!?
Clang—
Her body moved swiftly, evading Hozoin Inshun's attack. At the same time—her twin blades slammed down, driving Hozoin Inshun back. Sakumura behind him instantly seized