After their blades flashed past each other, Ryuma slowly took three steps forward and spoke those utterly emotionless words. Behind him, Brook collapsed to the floor, as though the slash had only just struck him!
At that moment, Barn's face finally changed. He had watched expressionlessly from the sidelines until now, but at last, an emotion surfaced: anger.
Ryuma slowly turned his head, drew the black blade he had just sheathed, and walked over to the fallen Brook. Bending down, he grabbed Brook's afro and laid the keen edge of his black blade against it.
"First, I'll cut off that eyesore of an afro."
Held in Ryuma's grip, Brook looked utterly despairing. Although his face had no muscles, Barn felt certain that tears would have been streaming down it now. Then Brook spoke one last sentence, his voice laden with disappointment.
"I'm so lonely... My life is so lonely!"
At last, Barn moved. Scarlet blade light flashed, and the First-Generation Onikiri at his waist was suddenly in his hand.
Still holding Brook with one hand, Ryuma slowly raised his head and looked at Barn, who had finally made his move. He chuckled.
"Yohohoho... Finally ready to fight? Just wait until I finish off this eyesore first..."
As he spoke, he swung his black blade toward the afro of the Brook in his grip.
Just then, a streak of red flashed through the air!
Clang!
Barn struck, slashing straight at the sword in Ryuma's hand!
Ryuma sensed the immense threat almost instantly and raised his sword to block, but the tremendous force transmitted through his blade drove him back a full step!
In that opening, Barn pulled Brook free and tossed him into the corner.
He actually drove that Ryuma back?
Brook thought in astonishment, but what he said was:
"Barn...