But this time, the anticipated clang of metal never came.
Akutagawa Shang had not rushed to her aid and swung his blade to block the fatal attack for Maki, nor had she been sent flying by the impact.
Maki still stood firmly in place, having caught Suguru Geto's all-out attack with her bare hand.
The other end of Playful Cloud was clenched tightly in Maki's hand as well.
Geto kept exerting force, veins bulging all over his body as he desperately tried to reclaim his weapon, but it was futile.
The other end of Playful Cloud remained locked firmly in Maki's hand, not budging an inch.
Her expression indifferent, Maki abruptly flexed her wrist and swung, flinging both Playful Cloud and Geto away.
Maki swung her newly acquired Special Grade Cursed Tool on the spot. The crimson staff cut through the air, each swing whipping up a heavy, piercing whistle. She simply could not put it down.
Geto slammed heavily into the ground, able only to watch helplessly as someone else seized his weapon and swung it around at will.
He was a wretched sight now, covered in wounds large and small from their clash. His Monk's Robe had become a rag that barely covered his body and was almost soaked through with blood, and his opponent had taken his weapon too.
"Damn it... I'll definitely lose at this rate."
The looming threat of defeat left Geto panting. A crazed resolve flashed in his eyes, and his gaze suddenly locked onto Yuta Okkotsu, who had likewise lost his weapon, not far away.
"It'll be you... As long as I can get Rika, everything will turn around completely."
Gritting his teeth, Geto forced himself up and ran toward Yuta Okkotsu.
"As long as I can get there... As long as I