Todo moved first.
As the clap rang out, his Cursed Technique, Boogie Woogie, activated, and Itadori and Todo abruptly switched places.
Using the momentum of the switch, Itadori, who had originally been standing in front, shattered the ground beneath his feet and drove his Cursed Energy-wrapped fist straight at Choso's face.
Todo circled behind Mahito's flank and struck hard at his back.
"Bring it on!" Mahito sneered, twisting aside to dodge Todo's fist, his own punch grazing the hem of Todo's clothes.
Meanwhile, Choso formed Blood Armor and took Itadori's punch head-on. Fine cracks spread across it, but he remained rock-solid, steadying himself after retreating just half a step.
Choso frowned. He hadn't expected someone to interfere midway through the fight. His killing intent intensified, and the density of his blood techniques rose another notch.
Having landed a hit, the two kept moving without pause.
Todo shifted his footing, constantly changing positions. The cursed light of Boogie Woogie flashed again and again, and Itadori's figure darted left and right across the battlefield like an elusive bolt of lightning.
Several times, Mahito's close-range punches locked onto their target, only for a precisely timed switch to throw them off.
Choso's Blood Manipulation fired dense volleys of blood bullets, but they either struck empty air or were dodged by Itadori using their momentum. They couldn't even touch his clothes.
"Beautiful!" Todo shouted with a laugh. "Best friend, to the left!"
Itadori understood immediately. Using the switch, he instantly closed in beside Choso and drove a vicious punch beneath his ribs.
Choso neither dodged nor evaded. He formed blood armor over his left arm to withstand the blow while swinging his Blood Blade back with his right hand, forcing Itadori to retract his fist and defend.
In just a few exchanges, the two used