Similar Men, Similar Fighting Styles!

At Kashu's request for a spar, Ikki Kurogane first showed undisguised surprise.

Then he quickly remembered that the other was a foreigner and naturally might not understand the situation, so he explained.

"Animusphere, you probably haven't heard of the Kurogane surname before, have you?"

"Just call me Kashu. Kurogane? Is that surname famous?"

As Kashu spoke, he tapped his fingertip lightly, and relevant information quickly appeared on his mobile terminal's screen.

The Kurogane Family was one of the most influential powers in all of Japan.

The family was filled with talented individuals and possessed a considerable number of high-ranking Blazers, holding significant positions in every industry.

Even the head of the International League's Japan branch was the current head of the Kurogane Family, Kurogane Ryoma.

Born into such an illustrious family, Ikki Kurogane was merely an F-rank Blazer. It was easy to imagine his circumstances.

Having put the pieces together, Kashu's lips curled into an amused smile as he teased him.

"I see. So this is the main reason you've been held back all this time?"

Ikki Kurogane nodded calmly, with no intention of defending himself.

He had long grown accustomed to all kinds of looks and ridicule. Even if Kashu suddenly changed his attitude toward him the next second, it would be nothing unusual.

"You're pretty amazing."

Caught off guard by Kashu's praise, Ikki Kurogane was instead somewhat stunned and hurriedly stressed the matter.

"If you get involved with me, the Kurogane Family might target you. You won't be able to make a living in any field in Japan."

Kashu shook his head indifferently. There was even a hint of nostalgia in the way he looked at Ikki Kurogane.

"Then, Kurogane, do you know what the Animusphere Family is like?"

Ikki Kurogane paused slightly. "Animusphere? Isn't that your family?"

"My family? Animusphere is a family without feelings."

Kashu raised a finger to point at himself, the mocking smile on his lips growing more pronounced.

"And my situation was even more unusual. I was an invisible person bearing the Animusphere surname, with no one acknowledging my existence."

Ikki Kurogane's pupils constricted upon hearing that. He had not expected his new roommate's experiences to be so similar to his own.

Just as he was immersed in memories of the past, Kashu gave a derisive laugh.

"But everything changed afterward."

"Hm?"

Ikki Kurogane abruptly raised his head, his eyes full of scrutiny, as though he intended to find a similar turning point in Kashu.

Naturally, Kashu did not disappoint him. Scarlet magic power gradually spilled from his body, and the tyrannical pressure was enough to send chills down one's spine.

"Because I was strong—stronger than all those people who could only gossip behind my back."

"Whether it was strength or etiquette, I did everything I could to be the best. After that, those people learned to lower their heads whenever they saw me."

"Kurogane, I believe you can do it too, because I can tell that you're also strong."

Feeling Kashu's terrifying reserves of magic power, Ikki Kurogane's expression turned grave, yet he was also thrilled to have received someone else's recognition.

He unleashed the magic power within his body as well. Though it was worlds apart from Kashu's, the resolve and tenacity contained within it were exactly the same.

"Thank you very much for the praise. I can't wait to have a match with you."

In an open area not far from the dormitory building.

Kashu habitually rolled his wrists and called out to Ikki Kurogane, who was warming up.

"Let me make this clear first. My Blazer rank is A, and I never use my Device when fighting others. No problem?"

"Of course. I can start at any time. Come forth, Dark Iron."

As he spoke, Ikki Kurogane pressed his fist against his palm. Magic power burst forth from his body, and a pitch-black katana materialized out of thin air.

Kashu had none of the flashy summoning chants used by Blazers. With a raise of his hand, he summoned his platinum longsword and charged forward!

Flame Form: Burning Wing!

The instantaneous cross-shaped slashes were like dragon wings spreading across the sky, yet the sword did not carry its usual blazing flames.

Since Ikki Kurogane's magic power was only F-rank, Kashu naturally would not rely on magic power to crush him. Instead, he chose to compete in swordsmanship.

As the fierce slashes came at him, Ikki Kurogane's expression did not change in the slightest.

In an instant, he raised his sword and blocked both slashes, then used their force to retreat, clicking his tongue inwardly.

What heavy blows!

Neither of us has even activated our magic power yet. It seems he's superior even in physical ability!

Ikki Kurogane, who trained his body day and night, had a flicker in his eyes. He had not expected that he could not even hold on to his only strength.

Thunder Form: Light Fang!

A flash of golden light streaked forth as Kashu shot through the air with incredible speed, his blade aimed directly at the vital points of Ikki Kurogane's chest and abdomen.

Fourth Secret Sword: Mirage Wolf!

Ikki Kurogane's speed suddenly surged. Leaving behind an afterimage where he stood, his true body abruptly appeared behind Kashu and brought his katana down in a heavy slash.

At that instant, the aura Ikki Kurogane exuded changed sharply, bearing some resemblance to Kashu's oppressive presence, like that of a savage dragon beast.

Flame Form: Burning Wing!

He reproduced the left-and-right cross slashes with perfect accuracy, but Kashu blocked them with a backhanded grip as though he had eyes in the back of his head. Retreating as he laughed, he said,

"You copied my move after seeing it only once?"

Ikki Kurogane hurriedly stopped his pursuit, explaining awkwardly.

"I'm truly sorry, but this is how I fight."

Yes, this was Ikki Kurogane's swordsmanship: imitation.

Because no one had ever been willing to guide his training, he could only observe, ponder, and study on his own.

Over time, he gradually came to understand the essence of the sword.

As long as he traced its patterns and reached its truth, he could analyze an opponent's swordsmanship in a short time, then integrate and improve upon it.

Kashu assumed his stance again, examining Ikki Kurogane with a faintly amused expression.

"There's nothing to apologize for. After all, I won't apologize to you either."

"Huh!?"

At those words, Ikki Kurogane immediately stared at Kashu in uncertainty.

Then, an unprecedented sight appeared before his eyes.

As Kashu rushed toward him, his footwork shifted, and his figure instantly split into two. With movements nearly identical to Ikki Kurogane's from moments ago, both figures raised their swords and slashed downward!

Third Secret Sword: Circle!

Unable to distinguish the illusion from the real one, Ikki Kurogane was forced to use a defensive sword technique. With a rotating, force-dispersing slash, he intercepted both attacks at once.

But the Secret Sword, which should have perfectly deflected an enemy's strength, was distorted by his hasty execution. Unable to withstand his opponent's monstrous power, he staggered back repeatedly, a sweet taste rising in his throat.

Without time to care about such a minor wound, Ikki Kurogane tremblingly raised a hand and pointed at the relaxed-looking Kashu.

"Y-you... that move you used just now was my Mirage Wolf!?"

Kashu nodded in praise. "So that move is called Mirage Wolf? Mm, it's a fitting name."

An F-rank student had actually begun to grasp the ultimate realm of martial arts. Hagun Academy... interesting!

Kashu's thoughts stirred, and his interest in the boy before him and this academy deepened further.