The arena slowly calmed after Yura's victory, though the energy didn't disappear it simply shifted again, settling into anticipation for what was next. Students moved around, some still talking about the previous fight, others grabbing food or sitting down to recover before the next match. The break didn't feel long, but it was enough for everyone to breathe again.
Inside the canteen, the usual chaos returned.
Tyouro sat at the same spot, surrounded by empty plates, already deep into another pile of onigiri like nothing had changed. His focus was absolute, his hand moving from plate to mouth in a rhythm that somehow matched the intensity of the fights outside.
"…How are you still eating?" Kairo muttered, leaning back slightly as he watched him.
"Recovery," Tyouro replied instantly, not even looking at him. "Energy equals power."
Kairo stared at him for a second.
"…That's not how it works."
Tyouro shrugged mid-bite. "Works for me."
Without warning, Kairo reached over and grabbed one of the onigiri from Tyouro's plate.
"Hey-!" Tyouro froze for a second, then turned slowly. "You just took my food."
Kairo took a bite casually. "Yeah."
"That's illegal."
"You'll survive."
Tyouro narrowed his eyes. "…You lost your match and now you're stealing food. That's crazy."
Kairo smirked slightly. "Still better than eating like a monster."
"I'm training."
"You're not."
Before the argument could go any further
Kimimaru, sitting beside them, calmly lifted his foot and kicked both of their legs under the table again.
"Enough," he said simply.
"OW-!"
"BRO WHAT-"
Kairo and Tyouro both turned at the same time, ready to complain, but Kimimaru had already leaned back slightly, eyes half-closed like he wasn't even part of the conversation anymore.
"…He does that too much," Kairo muttered.
Tyouro crossed his arms. "We should jump him one day."
Kimimaru didn't respond.
But his foot lifted slightly again.
"…Never mind," Tyouro said quickly, going back to his food.
A voice echoed from outside.
"Next match Kimimaru versus Tatsuo. Prepare for combat."
Kairo stopped mid-bite.
"…Your turn."
Kimimaru opened his eyes slowly, his expression unchanged as always. He stood up without a word, adjusting his grip on his sword as he began walking toward the arena.
Tyouro swallowed quickly. "Don't lose."
Kimimaru didn't look back.
"…I won't."
The arena filled again as the next match began, the earlier noise settling into focused attention once more. Students leaned forward, curious, especially after seeing the intensity of the previous fights.
Kimimaru stepped into the arena, his posture calm, his presence quiet but steady. Across from him stood Tatsuo.
The difference was immediate.
Tatsuo's appearance alone carried weight his wide facial scar cutting across his face gave him a rough, hardened look, his expression serious and focused. He didn't smile, didn't speak immediately. But the energy around him made it clear he wasn't someone to underestimate.
"…Kimimaru," Tatsuo said, his voice low but steady.
Kimimaru nodded once.
"Tatsuo."
There was no mockery.
No unnecessary talk.
Just acknowledgment.
Then-
The signal was given.
The fight began.
Tatsuo moved first.
His speed was immediate, faster than expected, his body closing the distance quickly as he raised his hand. In that instant, a weapon formed solidifying from energy into a sharp blade that he swung without hesitation.
Kimimaru reacted, lifting his zweihander to block.
The impact rang out sharply.
But the force-
Was heavy.
Kimimaru's feet slid back slightly from the clash, his grip tightening as he absorbed the weight of the strike.
Tatsuo's ability is weapon creation. By utilizing Reikou energy, he can form weapons of varying types instantly, adapting his offense to match the situation.
Tatsuo's blade dissolved-
Then reformed into something different.
A heavier weapon.
He swung again.
Kimimaru blocked but the impact forced him back further this time.
"…Strong," Kimimaru muttered.
Tatsuo didn't respond.
He moved again.
This time faster.
His weapon shifted mid-motion, changing from a heavy blade into a lighter, sharper one as he attacked from a different angle. The unpredictability made it difficult to read his movements, forcing Kimimaru to react instead of anticipate.
Each clash came faster.
Each attack more varied.
He has mastered Reikou energy, Allowing him to maintain high output while constantly adapting his weapons. However, his ability has limits creating stronger weapons requires more energy and focus, making prolonged usage risky.
Tatsuo stepped in again, his blade shifting once more as he aimed directly for Kimimaru's side.
Kimimaru blocked but this time, the angle was off.
The impact slipped slightly past his guard, grazing his shoulder before he adjusted and pushed back.
Tatsuo didn't pause.
He followed immediately, his speed increasing as he chained attacks together, forcing Kimimaru into a defensive position.
For the first time-
Kimimaru was struggling.
From the stands, Kairo leaned forward slightly. "…He's getting pushed back."
Tyouro nodded, serious now. "That guy's not normal."
Back in the arena, Kimimaru stepped back again, adjusting his stance as he analyzed the situation. Tatsuo's attacks weren't just strong they were unpredictable. Every weapon change forced a new response, making it harder to maintain control.
"…You're adapting," Tatsuo said quietly, his eyes locked onto Kimimaru.
Kimimaru didn't answer.
He stepped forward.
For the first time-
He attacked.
His zweihander swung in a heavy arc, forcing Tatsuo to block instead of strike. The impact pushed Tatsuo back slightly, his footing shifting as he absorbed the force.
Kimimaru followed with another strike.
Then another.
His movements were slower than Tatsuo's but heavier, more deliberate, each attack carrying intent.
Tatsuo adjusted quickly, creating a new weapon mid-motion to counter, but the shift in momentum forced him to react more carefully now.
The fight balanced.
For a moment.
Then-
Tatsuo smiled faintly.
"…Good."
His energy surged again.
The weapon in his hand changed once more
And the fight intensified.
Kimimaru tightened his grip on his sword, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Because now-
He knew.
This wouldn't be easy.