"Is Yujiro trying to break through Energy Dissipation?" Doppo Orochi's sharp eye narrowed, scanning between Yujiro and Sol Mirek.
When Yujiro announced his intent, Sol didn't flinch. If anything, his expression brightened with excitement. That subtle change convinced Doppo that even if Yujiro succeeded, Sol must have even deadlier techniques hidden.
"That man never bluffs. He will break through Energy Dissipation in an unexpected way," Baki muttered, eyes fixed on the arena. "Yujiro Hanma won't fall easily."
Sol's lips curved into a faint, teasing smile as he calmly stepped toward Yujiro. "You're getting more interesting, old man."
"He's going straight for him!" Baki shouted, astonished at Sol's lack of fear.
"Go ahead, try it," Sol said, hands in his pockets. "Let's see how you break through Energy Dissipation."
Yujiro moved in an instant, tugging a strand of Sol's hair. Before Sol could react, Yujiro's left fist thundered toward his head with a sharp sonic boom.
"Hair! What a genius!" Even Kaioh Kaku, usually calm, reacted in shock.
Retsu Kaioh clenched his fists. "You're using that move, Yujiro Hanma!"
Baki glanced at Doppo, confused. "He just pulled a single strand… what is that?"
Doppo's voice was low and tense. "Yujiro's move is subtle. By tugging at the hair, he forces a split-second stiffening in the body, then aims to strike a fatal blow."
Yujiro's fist tore through the air, the sonic boom deafening.
"Bang!"
The punch landed squarely on Sol's face, yet had no effect.
"What?" Yujiro's forehead glistened with sweat. The impact felt like hitting cotton—his full force neutralized instantly.
Sol's calm, teasing eyes made him appear ethereal, as untouchable as the moon reflected on water.
"Your trick might break Energy Dissipation… against opponents on your level," Sol said, leaning forward slightly. "Would you feel threatened by a three-year-old tugging at your hair?"
Yujiro's pupils constricted, fury radiating. "A three-year-old! You arrogant brat!" He roared, his Demon Back twisting violently. The ground cracked under his stomp as he lunged at Sol, transforming into a wild beast mid-motion.
The two clashed at lightning speed. Afterimages streaked across the arena as shockwaves shattered the floor.
"Incredible!" the commentator shouted. "Their speed surpasses human limits! A true monster clash!"
In the prep area, Baki's eyes widened. "Yujiro can go faster? Sol… he's walking into my father's trap."
Oliva's expression remained grave. "No. Sol is guiding the rhythm, testing Yujiro's limits, like a cat toying with a mouse."
Back in the arena, Sol anticipated every strike effortlessly. Fists and feet collided with explosive sounds, shockwaves rippling outward continuously.
Yujiro's breathing grew heavy, sweat dripping from his forehead. He stepped back, creating distance to regain composure.
"Four months ago, I heard about the strongest high school student in Neon. I dismissed it then," Yujiro said, spreading his arms. "Now I see… you are the monster they say you are. Your previous opponents couldn't have satisfied you."
Sol smirked, hands in his pockets. The white mist from his Demon Back had dissipated.
"I won't be using Demon Back anymore," he said casually.
Yujiro's pupils constricted, his muscles tensing. "What did you say?"
Sol raised his hand, spreading and clenching his fingers. "Nothing serious. Just teasing you after your little demonstration."
"Head-on clashes aren't really my style," Sol continued. "I just wanted to see what you're made of. Next, I'll beat you using techniques you've always looked down on."
The audience froze, stunned by his audacious words.
"He… he's giving up Demon Back!" the commentator gasped. "Against Yujiro Hanma, he's willingly abandoning his advantage!"
Even without the boost, Sol's skill remained terrifying.
In the prep area, Retsu Kaioh slammed his chair down. "Why would he give up Demon Back?!"
Kaioh Kaku, calm as ever, frowned. "He's still young, a bit reckless…"
Kaku Shunshei scratched his head. "Yujiro is strong. Why would Sol surrender his advantage?"
Ron Shobun stared intently. "He already had the upper hand… giving up now could cost him the match."
Kaioh Kaku's gaze sharpened. "Watch. Sol is proving that martial arts haven't lost their edge. At worst, he can reactivate Demon Back later."
Even he couldn't say if Sol could defeat the strongest creature without Demon Back. Since their first meeting, he had never seen Sol unleash his full potential.
Where were Sol Mirek's limits? Nobody knew.
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