Aoto's body leaned forward due to inertia after Kondo Shuuzo suddenly withdrew.
Whoosh—Shuuzo swung the bamboo sword over his head in a half-moon arc, bringing down a powerful gust of wind towards Aoto's back!
In that split-second moment, Aoto quickly steadied his body using the "Cat Form," and set up Xia Gou, launching a fierce upward attack at Shuuzo.
Clash!
The two bamboo swords collided heavily once more, and the force sent both their blades recoiling back.
Utilizing the power of the "Cat Form" again, Aoto firmly planted his right foot on the ground. His body compressed like a spring and then released suddenly, thrusting his blade from the right flank towards Shuuzo!
