Even before attacking Chinatsu, Akaza had felt an ominous premonition. That was why he had used Annihilation Style and Final Style in quick succession, hoping to kill her or leave her unable to move.
Who could have imagined that those two attacks would not only fail to immobilize her, but actually trigger her awakening?
Did that make any sense at all?
Unfortunately, it did.
Under his Final Style, a series of violent explosions erupted before him, whipping dust and rubble into the air. Even the shock waves spreading outward were enough to make anyone shudder.
Did it work?
That flag flashed through Akaza's mind, and the instant it did, Chinatsu came racing out of the dust with her Bright Red Nichirin Sword in hand.
Akaza looked as though he had seen a ghost. Gritting his teeth, he roared at Chinatsu, clenched his fists, and charged toward her.
I can't lose! I can't lose! I can't lose!
I absolutely cannot lose!!!
I have to grow stronger, strong enough to...
Why do I want to become stronger?
Suddenly, the light dimmed in Akaza's golden eyes. He was already close to Chinatsu, his fist raised high, yet at that very moment, his mind wandered.
In a battle between powerful fighters, even a slow reaction was a fatal mistake, let alone a lapse in concentration. Yet Akaza had lost focus right before Chinatsu.
Chinatsu understood. Koyuki was "unplugging his network cable."
She had not quite had her fill of the fight, but with such an opening handed to her, she could hardly say, "Snap out of it. Let's keep fighting," could she?
Chinatsu gathered her strength with her Bright Red Nichirin Sword in hand and unleashed Hinokami Kagura: Dance, slashing at Akaza's neck. The instant the blade touched his neck, Akaza finally came to