Zephyr and Kizaru clashed again. The terrifying shockwaves made everyone reel, as though the two might blow the island apart. The Dyna Stone device shook along with the ground.
"Cough, cough!"
Zephyr was driven back once more. Blood spilled from the corner of his mouth, and pain surged through the many wounds he had already suffered.
But Zephyr did not so much as frown. He charged Kizaru again, the roar of the enormous Crusher echoing in every direction.
Zephyr struggled against Kizaru's attacks. For all its astonishing power, the cumbersome Crusher often failed to land a clean hit, while Kizaru's strikes found their mark every time.
Zephyr's breathing grew heavier as his strength drained away. Sweat covered his brow, and his wounds kept worsening. Only sheer willpower kept him fighting, but his condition was deteriorating. Even his medicine was beginning to fail him.
Still, Zephyr showed no sign of giving up. He attacked even more fiercely, though the force behind his blows had begun to fade.
"Teacher Zephyr, your attacks are getting weaker and weaker. You can barely keep going, can you?" Kizaru dodged the massive Crusher, which still carried tremendous force, and appeared on Zephyr's other side.
Zephyr's heart sank. This is bad. He tried to turn and strike—or at least block—but he was a step too slow. Kizaru's attack was already upon him. Kizaru leaped up, his figure flashing past Zephyr.
His gleaming right leg unleashed terrifying force in a vicious kick to Zephyr's stomach.
Pfft!
Zephyr's pupils widened. Time seemed to stand still as his body caved slightly under the blow. Blood burst from his mouth, and he flew backward, carving a long trail across the ground.
Bang!
Zephyr slammed into the ground, leaving a deep, human-shaped crater. Cracks spread through the earth, and dust billowed upward.