After one exchange, Mitsuhide was clearly much calmer.
In this moment, he broke free from the constraints of the quick victory theory, and the idea of a protracted battle gained traction.
When dealing with a veteran like Goro Takemura, he needed to be steadier.
The two resumed their standoff.
Mitsuhide searched for an opportunity to win.
"Give up, Samurai. You cannot win."
Just as the situation turned into a standoff, Takemura opportunely began his verbal assault.
Due to the professionalism ingrained in him from his time serving the Corporation, he did not resort to the common practice of trash talk.
Instead, he began a sincere persuasion.
This was the truth.
Although he thought Mitsuhide was a rather promising young man, he clearly couldn't win against him.
This level of martial skill.
It wasn't nearly enough.
"Leave, Samurai. Do not needlessly throw away your life."
The earnest words, coupled with Takemura's firm and serious expression, sounded truly heartfelt and conclusive.
To be honest, Mitsuhide didn't really want his Chassis to be scrapped here either.
If he left now.
If he just backed down and left right now.
Goro Takemura truly would spare his life.
But.
"However, I refuse."
Just as Takemura thought Mitsuhide was seriously considering giving up, Mitsuhide's eyes suddenly became resolute. As the words left his mouth, his entire demeanor was reinvigorated.
"I, Akechi Hyuga no Kami Mitsuhide, throughout my life, have most enjoyed saying no to those who presume to know me!"
"Therefore, Goro Takemura, abandon all reservations, and fight me with all your might!"
"The fate of Anders Hellman shall be decided by our battle!"
Having loudly proclaimed what he wanted to say, Akechi Mitsuhide was reinvigorated.
His previous decline in morale was completely swept away.
"Hah, if that is the case, then let the sword in my hand convince you!"
After hearing Mitsuhide's spirited declaration, even Goro Takemura, his enemy, felt a rising respect for the Mitsuhide before him.
A person who never gives up on their goals deserves respect.
Goro Takemura was exactly such a man.
For a moment, he even felt a sense of mutual admiration for Mitsuhide.
He even wanted to invite the other party to join the Arasaka Corporation.
A Samurai of such noble character deserved this treatment from him.
But for now, let the blade in his hand express his will.
For a Samurai like this, pity was an insult; only a fight to the death could honor the other party's will.
Therefore, Goro Takemura also roused his fighting spirit.
"Samurai, rest assured, I will ensure you die like a true Samurai!"
Changing his stance to point the tip of his blade toward Mitsuhide, Goro Takemura let out a low growl and strode toward Mitsuhide.
But upon seeing this scene, Mitsuhide immediately cried out that he was finished.
Bro, I'm just a kid talking nonsense.
Why did your Cosmos suddenly erupt? How am I supposed to fight that?
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