In the center of the field.
Sunlight dappled across Sanemi Shinazugawa's taut body as he remained in his half-squatting position.
His eyes were slightly unfocused, revealing a sense of disbelief and self-doubt.
I... I actually lost so decisively?
Is it because the opponent is too strong?
No!!
I'm just too weak!!!
Sanemi Shinazugawa roared inwardly.
Just then, a sudden shadow interrupted his thoughts, and a warm yet firm hand gently came into his view.
He slightly raised his gaze and saw Teiichi Yi bend over slightly, one hand reaching out towards himself, his face still bearing that peaceful smile.
Sanemi Shinazugawa snorted coldly, waved his hand to push Teiichi's hand, and stood up by supporting himself with his wooden sword.
"You won this time, but just you wait, I'll surpass you sooner or later!"
Having said that, without Teiichi reply, he turned and walked towards the crowd watching the battle from a distance.
At the same time, Gyomei Himejima stepped out from the crowd of spectators.
Upon seeing this, Sanemi Shinazugawa was slightly taken aback.
Didn't the Himejima not participate in the Hashira Battles?
The two quickly approached each other, Sanemi asked:
"Why did you decide to participate in the Hashira Battles?"
Gyomei Himejima said, "If it were Kato, there shouldn't be any situation where he was accidentally injured by me."
Upon hearing this, Sanemi Shinazugawa was slightly taken aback.
So you didn't participate in the Hashira Battles before because you thought we were too weak?
Seemingly realizing that Sanemi Shinazugawa might not like what he said, Gyomei Himejima added:
"And..."
"I also want to experience for myself just how awe-inspiring the true strength of Upper Rank One expert can reach."
After saying that, Gyomei Himejima continued walking forward, their figures passing each other.
Sanemi Shinazugawa watched Gyomei Himejima's retreating figure, a mix of emotions welled up within him.
He wanted to speak up or vent his dissatisfaction, but ultimately chose to remain silent.
He turned and walked towards the spectator area.
Upon seeing Sanemi Shinazugawa return, Tengen Uzui exclaimed, " Shinazugawa, that was truly a magnificent battle!"
Upon hearing this, Sanemi Shinazugawa's face twitched violently.
Can that battle really be called spectacular?
You were completely dominated the entire game, right?
Are you mocking me?
"Hahaha... How could that be? You're even stronger than me! If I were to go up against you, the result would probably be about the same!" Tengen Uzui said.
Hearing Tengen Uzui say this, Sanemi Shinazugawa's expression softened slightly.
"How was it? How was the fight against Kato?" Obanai Iguro asked from the side.
Sanemi Shinazugawa rubbed his still slightly sore shoulders and said:
"That guy... he's really as strong as a monster!"
Noticing Sanemi Shinazugawa rubbing his shoulders, Kagaya Ubuyashiki asked with concern:
" Sanemi, are you hurt?"
"No, my Master, I'm fine." Sanemi Shinazugawa quickly shook his head. "It's just that his attacks were too heavy; it was a bit difficult to fight back. I'll be fine after a rest!"
Upon hearing this, Kagaya Ubuyashiki nodded in relief.
Kyojuro Rengoku turned to look at him. "You didn't exchange more than a few blows, did you? And even so, this is how it is?"
Sanemi Shinazugawa said, "Ah, don't let that guy's appearance fool you; he might not seem very tall or strong. But when that sword comes down, you'll know how heavy it is!"
Hearing their conversation, Mitsuri Kanroji looked at Shinobu Kocho with concern.
" Shinobu, maybe I shouldn't fight Kato- kun!"
Shinobu Kocho chuckled and said, "Don't worry! It's alright! Mitsuri is the strongest!"
In the center of the field.
Gyomei Himejima slowly raised his hands, palms facing each other, and bowed slightly to Teiichi.
Upon Teiichi, Ding Yi returned the greeting.
Gyomei Himejima said, " Kato, why don't you change your wooden sword for sparring to a Nichirin Blade? After all, my weapon is different; I don't have any wooden ones, so I can only continue using the weapon I've always used."
Teiichi lowered his head slightly, flexibly rotated his wrist a few times, and carefully examined the wooden knife in his hand.
"It's alright, we'll use this one."
"No impact?" Gyomei Himejima asked again.
Teiichi, "It will still have some impact, more or less."
Don't worry.
I have no intention of going head-to-head with your broadsword and meteor hammer.
At most, strike their sides and the chains connecting them!
Gyomei Himejima nodded. "That's good!"
Then, Teiichi's tone changed, becoming more composed. "Then, please make the first move."
"That would be offensive!"
Gyomei Himejima voice, then gripped the broad axe and chain tightly in his hands.
The next moment.
The overwhelming force of the attack caused Gyomei Himejima to pause slightly as he was about to launch his attack.
Is this what Shinazugawa just faced...?
This effect can be achieved simply through sheer force of will.
That's really terrifying...
Gyomei Himejima gripped his broad axe and chains tightly once more, and began to move his feet.
" Stone Breathing - First Form!"
" Dance of the Butterfly: Caprice!"
Soft words came from Shinobu Kocho's mouth.
With rapid footsteps, Shinobu Kocho's figure darted up and down across the field.
The haori worn by Kanae fluttered in the wind, like a butterfly dancing in a garden.
Opposite her, Kyojuro Rengoku wore a solemn expression.
Compared to the other pillars, the Insect Hashira was the most troublesome for him to fight.
Perhaps the Insect Hashira isn't very strong.
But for someone like me who isn't particularly good at speed, that's what makes the fights so troublesome.
I've been trying to reach them for ages, but I can't find them.
but...
That's the significance of the Hashira Battles!
Help yourself identify your shortcomings, and then work on making up for them!
Kyojuro's eyes grew increasingly determined, his pupils rapidly darting left and right, searching for that agile figure.
Out of the corner of my eye, a cold glint flashed past.
Gotcha!
Kyojuro was overjoyed, quickly turned around, and whispered:
" Flame Breathing, Fifth Form: Flame Tiger!"
In an instant, the blade sliced through the air, emitting a sharp whistling sound.
Sparks danced on the blade, then quickly coalesced into a fiery tiger, roaring as it pounced on Shinobu Kocho.
bite!
The wooden swords clashed, producing a low groan.
The Fiery Tiger encountered almost no resistance and continued its advance in the original direction with overwhelming force.
However, Kyojuro Rengoku was not happy at all.
Within his sight.
Shinobu Kocho stepped forward, slightly exerting downward force with her wrist, and gracefully flipped into the air.
Kyojuro abruptly interrupted Fifth Form's subsequent movements, attempting to sheathe his sword to defend himself.
However, it was all too late...
Shinobu Kocho lowered her eyes slightly, gazing at Kyojuro Rengoku below, and parted her lips slightly.
"Dance of Bee Teeth - True Trail!"
Whoosh--!