When the dust completely blocked Kanzaki Kumo's vision, Akaza's attacks stopped as well.
But before Kanzaki Kumo could catch his breath, Akaza had already passed through the dust, coming almost face-to-face with him.
"Tell me your name."
Akaza stared straight into Kanzaki Kumo's eyes, a somewhat crazed smile on his face, and threw a punch at him as he asked.
At this distance, with Kanzaki Kumo having only just weathered his assault and his arms still somewhat numb, he had no way to dodge. He could only block it head-on.
"Thunder Breathing, Second Form: Rice Spirit."
In the blink of an eye, Akaza threw several punches at Kanzaki Kumo. Although Kanzaki Kumo blocked every one with his Nichirin Blade, the force transmitted through the blade nearly split the skin between his thumbs and forefingers.
To break free of Akaza's close-range assault, Kanzaki Kumo could only force himself to draw a breath and change techniques.
"Sixth Form: Rumble and Flash."
"Leg Type: Crown Splitter."
Facing Kanzaki Kumo's powerful, heavy slash, Akaza abruptly raised his leg to meet it, the ferocious force launching Kanzaki Kumo into the air.
But that was exactly what Kanzaki Kumo wanted. He used the momentum to perform a backflip, putting some distance between himself and Akaza again.
Even though he had deliberately dispersed the force, the power of Akaza's kick traveled through Kanzaki Kumo's arms, leaving his chest feeling tight.
"Kanzaki Kumo."
Kanzaki Kumo's sudden words halted the assault Akaza had been about to continue, and a flicker of confusion crossed his eyes as he looked at Kanzaki Kumo.
"Kanzaki Kumo. My name."
Seeing that his opponent was willing to give his name, Akaza became interested in talking again.
He knew Kanzaki Kumo was taking the opportunity to catch his breath, but as a martial arts fanatic,