I get it

The three watching were beside themselves with excitement, their eyes fixed intently on the scene before them. They could hardly wait to see whether Yuta Okkotsu could overcome that seemingly insurmountable Cursed Technique.

Time ticked by, every second feeling like an eternity. Finally, a minute passed.

"I never thought you'd actually break through my limit!"

Yuanfang gazed at the katana wrapped in a thin layer of purple cursed energy. Admiration showed on his face, and he couldn't help lavishing praise on Yuta Okkotsu.

"Now I'm even more convinced that your Cursed Technique can counter Gojo-sensei!"

Although Yuta Okkotsu had now broken through the restrictions imposed by Yuanfang's Cursed Technique,

the drain on him was immense. He had to pour out a constant stream of enormous amounts of cursed energy just to maintain the purple coating on his blade.

No matter how vast his reserves were, he couldn't keep that up for long.

It made sense, then, that Yuanfang's Cursed Technique could counter Satoru Gojo.

"Yuta's way too strong!"

Panda was awestruck.

After all, Yuanfang's Cursed Technique was so unusual that even Satoru Gojo couldn't project cursed energy outward, yet Okkotsu could.

"Bonito flakes!"

Though no one knew exactly what Toge Inumaki meant, his shocked expression made it clear that he shared Panda's thoughts.

"We have to let Gojo-sensei see this!"

Maki could already picture Satoru Gojo's stunned expression.

While everyone marveled at Yuta Okkotsu's immense cursed energy, Yuanfang was practically bursting with joy inside.

The truth was, he had completely made up the claim that Yuta Okkotsu had broken through his Cursed Technique!

He could now control how quickly his domain absorbed cursed energy.

At that moment, he had deliberately slowed the absorption, creating a delicate balance between Yuta Okkotsu's output and his own intake.

Otherwise, if Yuta Okkotsu discovered that he couldn't use cursed energy no matter how much he poured out and stopped trying, Yuanfang wouldn't have anything left to absorb.

"I'm going on the offensive. Watch out!"

Now that he had broken through Yuanfang's Cursed Technique, Yuta Okkotsu wanted to see whether he could defeat Yuanfang with cursed energy enhancing him. After all, he had lost almost every one of their previous sparring matches.

For one thing, Yuanfang had more combat experience. For another, back then, Yuta still couldn't control his cursed energy very well, and his strength had been somewhat lacking.

Now that those restrictions were gone, he wanted to see whether he could win!

"Bring it on!"

Yuanfang took his stance as well, a smile tugging at his lips!

Clang! Clang! Clang!

At the center of the battlefield, their blades collided several times in an instant. Gusts whipped through the air and swept over Maki and the other two spectators.

As they fought, Yuanfang couldn't help admiring Yuta Okkotsu. Since becoming brighter and more outgoing, his strength really had improved enormously, as if he had switched on a cheat!

Even with his physical abilities as formidable as they were now, Yuanfang felt a little strained! Of course, that wouldn't have happened if he had absorbed all of Yuta's cursed energy and prevented him from projecting it outward!

They fought fiercely for a long time, only stopping when the cursed energy on Yuta Okkotsu's blade vanished!

"Phew! Even without that special Cursed Technique, you're still terrifyingly strong, Yuanfang."

Yuta Okkotsu let out a deep breath. Looking at the panting Yuanfang, he couldn't help expressing his admiration!

Although he couldn't sense the cursed energy inside Yuanfang, Yuta Okkotsu felt that he was probably around grade one.

With Yuanfang's formidable combat prowess on top of that, he could graduate early just like Yuta, even without that special Cursed Technique.

"No need to flatter me like that. If you'd held on a little longer, I'd have been the one to lose!"

Yuanfang panted heavily, looking utterly drained.

In reality, he was only pretending, trying to create the impression that they were evenly matched.

That way, he could invite Yuta Okkotsu to spar again later and have him recharge his reserves.

Otherwise, neither winning nor losing would be ideal.

If he lost, he could still invite Yuta to fight him, but Yuta wouldn't push himself as hard next time! Winning would fire up Yuta's fighting spirit even more, but it would also expose Yuanfang's strength.

Making them appear evenly matched was the best option.

After all, many powerful fighters wanted opponents on their own level so they could keep improving.

"Looks like you don't have the energy to train with me today!"

Maki walked over and casually tossed Yuanfang a towel, a hint of displeasure on her face.

"Sorry, that took too much out of me!"

Sitting on the ground with a smile, Yuanfang caught the towel Maki tossed him and wiped away his sweat, a trace of apology showing on his face.

Watching from beside him, Yuta Okkotsu couldn't help feeling a pang of envy.

My face is covered in sweat too. Why isn't anyone handing me a towel?

"Too bad. If you were a little more handsome, you'd have a chance!"

Panda handed him a towel, then patted his shoulder and spoke with a fawning expression.

"Salmon!"

Toge Inumaki nodded beside them, his eyes showing his agreement.

Yuta Okkotsu knew perfectly well that even without the dark circles under his eyes, he still fell far short of Yuanfang.

After all, Yuanfang always wore that bright, boyish smile that warmed people's hearts like sunshine.

"I don't! Don't go making things up!"

Yuta Okkotsu immediately denied it in a fluster. He didn't want Panda spreading nonsense everywhere!

"Don't deny it. I get it!"

After giving Yuta Okkotsu an "I get it" look, Panda turned to Maki and said with some irritation,

"Honestly, Maki, it's fine if you've made your choice, but don't flaunt your affection in front of Yuta! Look how upset you've made him. He's practically crying!"

"Ah!"

Yuta Okkotsu froze on the spot when he heard that! He was utterly speechless inside. What exactly does this panda think he gets?

"You bastard! What are you talking about?"

Maki's face flushed bright red. Furious as a lion whose fur had been ruffled, she raised her long blade and mercilessly slashed at Panda!

Panda nimbly dodged her attacks despite his bulk! All the while, he kept running his mouth,

"Why be so shy? Be bold when you're in love!"

"Salmon!"

"Aah!"

Hearing what those two were saying, Maki was nearly driven mad with anger.

"Heh!" Watching the three fool around and Yuta Okkotsu stand frozen, Yuanfang smiled.

He wasn't particularly concerned about whether Maki liked him. His main priority now was expanding his domain.

Until he became completely invincible, he had little interest in romance.

After all, as the saying went, "Women only slow down my sword draw."

And once he possessed unrivaled strength, wouldn't getting any woman he wanted be as simple as beckoning with a finger?