He was also worried that Akaza might suddenly attack the others, leaving him unable to act freely.
If Akaza were still the man he had been before breaking through his limits, there would have been little reason to worry.
Back then, Akaza had been obsessed with martial arts.
Only the strong interested him.
But Akaza's temperament had changed after breaking through his limits. Their last two encounters had left a deep impression on Tetsu no Sosuke, and there was no telling what Akaza might do.
In all likelihood, breaking through his limits had restored Akaza's memories of his human life as Dengjing.
Yet he had not given up his life. Instead, he had broken free of the shackles binding demons and become a monster that could survive decapitation. A change in his state of mind was only to be expected.
As these thoughts raced through Tetsu no Sosuke's mind, he charged.
In that instant, he thought of nothing. There was only his target!
"You're alone!"
Akaza laughed, delighted. He did not say it outright, but he clearly intended to settle his score with Tetsu no Sosuke today.
His fist came hurtling in. Tetsu no Sosuke blocked it and kicked, his body wheeling through the air.
"An opening!!!"
With the Compass Needle, Akaza could calculate his opponent's movements with terrifying precision. In an instant, he spotted an opening and struck. Tetsu no Sosuke barely managed to turn and guard before the blow sent him flying.
Yet his eyes remained utterly calm, still as an ancient well. Akaza felt a faint unease at that look. Something was wrong.
Then he saw the direction Tetsu no Sosuke was falling and knew the danger.
But he gave no warning. It was already pointless.
Still airborne, Tetsu no Sosuke used the force of the blow