Hanyu Suzu tried to raise his hands to form a seal, tried to stir his cursed energy and use Kyoka Suigetsu again, but his cursed technique showed no response at all.
He knew it was over. Kyoka Suigetsu had been shattered from within, and Hanyu Suzu was already suffering cursed technique burnout.
Clenching his fists, he drove all his remaining cursed energy into his hands, coating them.
He kicked off the ground and shot forward like an arrow loosed from a bow, his right fist whistling through the air straight at Choso's face.
Choso stood where he was without moving.
Only when the wind from the punch reached him did he tilt his head slightly.
The fist brushed past his cheek, its wind stirring the stray hair over his forehead.
Before he could change his move and pull his fist back, Choso raised a hand and planted his palm squarely against his chest.
There was nothing fancy about the movement, just the overwhelming pressure of pure strength and cursed energy.
"Guh-"
Hanyu Suzu felt as though a sledgehammer had struck his chest. His body doubled over like a shrimp as he flew backward, spat out a mouthful of blood in midair, and slammed into the muddy ground, sliding a long way.
He braced himself on his arms and tried to get up, but they buckled, and he dropped to his knees again.
His chest churned, and it felt as though several ribs had broken.
How could... the gap be this huge?
Crimson flashed, and a thin blood blade swept diagonally past.
"Sshk-"
The sound of tearing fabric mingled with the soft sound of flesh being sliced open.
A wound deep enough to expose bone opened on Hanyu Suzu's left arm, and dark red blood gushed out.
The blood's innate poison