Hinata's gaze changed in an instant. If she had been a delicate flower sheltered in a greenhouse a moment ago, now she had become a hardy plum blossom in the snow. The pride and competitive spirit of the Hyuga Main Family shone through from deep within her.
"Please, show me what you've got!"
Before the words had faded, Hinata became a streak of white lightning, her blade flashing fiercely as she thrust straight for Toru Kujyo's throat!
Clang!
A crisp metallic ring sounded. Toru Kujyo merely raised his hand to parry, effortlessly deflecting the swift strike.
"Good speed, but your force is too scattered." He shifted his footing and slipped behind Hinata like a phantom, lightly tapping the back of her neck with the spine of his blade. "In a real fight, you'd already be dead."
Hinata's heart tightened. She swept her sword backward, trying to force him away. But Toru Kujyo moved faster. His blade clung to hers like a persistent affliction, sliding along it without ever breaking contact. Every attack felt as though it had struck cotton, leaving her strength nowhere to go.
Their figures darted past one another in the spacious living room, blades flashing, yet they barely made a sound. This was no longer a simple contest of swordsmanship, but an exercise in absolute control over timing, strength, and speed.
The longer Hinata fought, the more alarmed she became. She could tell Toru Kujyo wasn't taking this seriously at all. He was using only the most basic sword techniques to guide and pressure her. Every time she thought she had found an opening, he answered with an even more exquisite counter.
It felt like a toddler just learning to walk facing a martial arts grandmaster.
"Focus!"
Toru Kujyo's voice burst beside her ear.
Hinata's attention wavered,