[Sparrow Stance]
The instant he entered the enemy's Reality Marble, Sakumura went all out.
—Even if he held an advantage against oni, he absolutely could not let his guard down in this battle.
His opponent—was not someone he could defeat easily with mere anti-demonic traits. If he grew careless, he would die a miserable death.
Clang—
Miyamoto Musashi's two blades alternated as they slashed toward Minamoto no Raikou, sword energy and flashing steel sweeping through the air. Yet all Minamoto no Raikou did—
Was gently raise a hand.
"Too light. It truly is far too light."
Her eyes retained their usual calmness. With a forceful sweep, Musashi's sword energy was effortlessly severed.
But Musashi herself was already right behind it—
Charging forward.
Within her mind, the blazing fire of focus could faintly be seen.
"Oh my, oh my—so this is a powerful oni slayer! What kind of oni have you exterminated, exactly—?"
Shuten Douji giggled as she erupted with unimaginable speed, racing freely through this thunderstorm-wracked Reality Marble. The claws in her hands gleamed with cold light, weapons more cruel than any famed blade in the world.
After receiving two of Shuten Douji's attacks, Sakumura leaped upward, descending with Pheasant Stance and temporarily forcing Shuten Douji back—then instantly unleashed Crane Stance.
Slash—
Under Crane Stance, every technique Sakumura used was heavy and powerful. And now, added to them was the strength of Sparrow Stance—the power of the life he had lived, enough to sever Karma—
Clang—
Clink!
"Guh—"
Shuten Douji's little finger was not severed, but after directly taking Sakumura's strike—
Her finger had nearly been broken.
"Get lost!!!"
With a roar, terrifying demonic power howled forth, forcibly driving Sakumura away. Shuten Douji brought both claws together, knocking aside Crane Feather as she stabbed toward Sakumura's side.
An opening.
Sakumura