[HI3] Protocol Stigmata

Chapter 71 - Last Dance

The clash between us reverberated through the forest, the sound of steel meeting steel blending with the whispers of the wind.

With each exchange, our movements flowed seamlessly, synchronized with the rhythm of the breeze. As Hokushin darted behind me, I instinctively leaped backward, narrowly avoiding her strike.

Turning swiftly, our eyes met in a silent understanding. Without a word spoken, we resumed our duel, each movement calculated and precise.

Hokushin's stamina seemed endless, her movements fluid and precise despite the relentless exchange of blows.

Truly, she was living up to my expectations.

With determination burning in my veins, I assumed a battle-ready stance, ready to give it my all.

In a swift motion, I lunged forward, aiming to catch Hokushin off guard.

But she was quick to react, her instincts sharp as ever. Sensing my feint, she attempted to block her line of sight, anticipating my next move.

Yet, I wasn't about to fall for her trickery. Using the distraction to my advantage, I changed tactics mid-move, adjusting my katana's trajectory to parry her attack.

As the clash ensued, I seized the opportunity to utilize the dirt beneath us, flinging it into her face to momentarily blind her.

But Hokushin was not one to be easily deterred. With a knowing smile, she revealed that her block had been a feint, luring me into her trap.

Caught off guard, I barely had time to adjust, scrambling to defend against her sudden sideward slash.

Reacting on instinct, I shifted my stance and managed to parry her strike just in time, narrowly avoiding a devastating blow.

Yet, even as I countered her attack, Hokushin wasted no time, closing the distance between us once more as the fierce clash continued.

Adrenaline surged through my veins as Hokushin matched my intensity, her every move calculated and precise.

Amidst the chaos of battle, I forced myself to remain focused, blocking out any distractions or doubts that threatened to cloud my mind.

With each clash of our blades, I honed in on precision, striking with calculated accuracy rather than giving in to reckless impulses.

"Ho? Not bad... It seems you're taking this seriously now," Hokushin remarked, her eyes gleaming with approval. She kicked out, but I blocked it with my katana, using the knockback to put some distance between us.

"Surely, you're not telling me that you're going easy, no?" I said as my breath steady despite the intensity of the fight.

"Pfft... As if..." Hokushin's voice was light, but her stance was anything but relaxed.

We both took a deep breath, resetting our positions. Every muscle in my body screamed for rest, but I ignored it, focusing on the next move. Hokushin mirrored my stance, her eyes locked onto mine with a fierce determination.

With a mutual, silent agreement, we lunged at each other, our blades clashing in a flurry of precise strikes and parries.

As our fight continued, Hokushin suddenly stepped back, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. "Hm? Strange... For some reason, you're copying my exact moves," she observed.

I smirked, "Oh? That's strange... I was wondering how Hokushin Ittō-ryū works, but it seems to be effective."

"Don't tell me... you've perfectly copied my stance and moves."