Shinno didn't manage to carve a deep gash into Aoto's upper body. The sword tip grazed Aoto's chest, slicing the flesh but was stopped by the sternum, leaving only a three-inch long cut on his chest.
Taking advantage of his forward momentum, Shinno continued to charge at Aoto. Just as they were about to brush past each other, Shinno swiftly repositioned himself and delivered another strike, but it was blocked with a "clang" by Aoto.
The two, after passing by each other, swiftly opened up a distance of more than ten steps and turned around simultaneously.
Drip, drip, drip, drip...
Fresh blood dripped from the new wound on Aoto's chest and landed at his feet.
Aoto touched the spot where he was just cut with his left hand... After glancing at his blood-stained fingertips, his brows furrowed slightly.
—How did he manage to strike from so far away with his sword...?
Aoto didn't feel agitated despite being struck.
