As Chikku closed in on Heizo Hattori, he kept his eyes fixed on him, watching his every movement. Then he drew his Ninja Blade and slashed at him.
Heizo Hattori did not strike back directly. He simply retreated, evading Chikku's attacks again and again. At times, he seemed poised to counterattack, only to abandon it at the crucial moment, leaving Chikku bitterly frustrated after trying to lure him in and press his advantage.
Even though Lan demonstrated that fight so many times, only facing him myself made me realize just how formidable his tricks were.
Chikku was secretly alarmed. He realized he had fallen into Heizo Hattori's rhythm. Every reaction his opponent displayed was meant to deceive him, forcing him to expend more effort without achieving anything.
For Chikku, it was an intensely uncomfortable experience. His opponent was a true master of this style; Teacher Sora and Lan could only offer clumsy imitations. Just as Chikku began to grow frustrated, his opponent took the initiative for the first time.
Heizo Hattori rapidly closed the distance, his fist appearing from a tricky angle. Chikku hurriedly raised his blade to block, only to feel a heavy kick strike his leg, dropping him to his knees.
This is bad! Chikku cursed inwardly, filled with regret. He had known all along that his opponent could deceive his eyes, yet he had still fallen for the trick.
Seeing this from the stands, Lan cried out, shouting inwardly, You idiot, Chikku! How many times did I warn you not to focus too much on his movements? How did you still fall for it?
However anxious she was, Lan could not step in to help as a spectator. She could only hope Chikku would counterattack quickly. She knew Sora had secretly told him about the most direct