In the sparring arena, Tsukasa and Chen Yu faced each other, surrounded by Senku and the others who had hurried over after hearing the news. Even support personnel like Ruri and Kaseki had come, and every single fighter was present.
"Watch closely. This is both a sparring match and a lesson. These are all practical moves, and they'll be a big help in close combat in the future," Chen Yu told the crowd.
Among everyone present, apart from Tsukasa himself, Chen Yu was the only one who could take him on. Under Chen Yu's instruction, Kohaku's strength had approached Tsukasa's, but Tsukasa was improving too. Especially in this unknown, primitive world, they needed to become stronger themselves to face whatever came their way, so Tsukasa had kept honing his combat skills.
The spectators held their breath and focused, afraid of missing an impressive move or a crucial instant, while Reiko was utterly thrilled.
Whoosh-bam!
In an instant, Chen Yu and Tsukasa clashed. Most of the crowd seemed unable to react in time. Kohaku reacted quickly, but rather than watching the two men spar, she looked at Reiko, who was sitting on the ground beside her. Reiko seemed completely unaffected.
In fact, Reiko sometimes felt that certain people moved very slowly...
Back in the arena, Chen Yu's fist collided with Tsukasa's forearm. Slightly surprised, Chen Yu asked, "You seem to have learned that?"
Tsukasa took a deep breath and said, "Yes. So don't hold back. Come at me with everything you've got!"
Hearing that, Chen Yu asked doubtfully, "Are you... sure?"
Tsukasa looked at Chen Yu and said, "I'm sure."
Chen Yu began adjusting his breathing as well. Before the world had been petrified, he had told Tsukasa about the existence of "qi."
But back then, he had only said he