On the platform.
Ryōken showed a hint of surprise as well. He had not expected this to happen, but after a moment's thought, he understood.
Ryōken's sword intent had not yet reached the level where it could be projected to injure enemies. This had all stemmed from the provocation—or rather, stimulation—of Mifune's conviction.
It was an instinctive counterattack.
Thinking this, Ryōken could not help revealing a trace of apology in his gaze toward Mifune. Mifune, who in the original story had spared no cost for peace and had even abandoned the traditions of the Land of Iron, was someone Ryōken rather admired.
If one's conviction or will was shattered, the consequences could range from minor to severe.
In mild cases, a few days of rest might be enough for recovery. In severe cases, one might lose their conviction forever. And without conviction, how were they any different from walking corpses?
Of course, there was another possibility, though it was exceedingly rare.
Only then did the crowd come back to their senses. The ordinary people naturally felt nothing. Instead, they looked curiously at the samurai clutching their heads in pain, secretly wondering what was going on.
Even most of the injured samurai looked at one another in confusion, having no idea what had happened.
Sword intent was simply beyond the level they could come into contact with.
Seeing the strange scene on the platform only left them even more baffled.
"Can someone tell me what happened?"
"Why did Lord Mifune suddenly collapse? Wasn't he still able to exchange a few moves earlier?"
The bizarre situation filled everyone with doubt, but no one thought Mifune had held back. They possessed at least that much sense. The waves of pain just now had not been an illusion.
If it had only been one