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SHEATH YOUR BLADE.
Akira stood in the training room, her gaze fixed on the blade in her palm. She had practiced for hours, her muscles aching but stubborn.
She found the rhythm of the room to be both alleviating and challenging, as it was filled with the faint echo of her motions and the subtle hum of the lights overhead.
Her Vice-captain and superior, Soshiro Hoshina, had grown to admire the passion that burned within her despite her humble exterior.
Hoshina entered the room with his usual confident stride, his blades resting easily at his side. He watched Akira for a moment, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his lips. There was no doubting that she was good.
Her motions were accurate and her concentration steadfast. However, he had decided to challenge her today.
"Officer Zora," he called out, his voice cutting through the silence. She turned to face him, her expression respectful but wary. "How about a sparring match?"
Akira nodded, her eyes brightening at the prospect. Sparring with Hoshina was always an opportunity to learn, to push her limits. "Sure, Vice-captain" she replied, her voice steady.
Hoshina's smile widened. "Let's make it interesting. The winner gets to make the loser do whatever they want."
Akira hesitated for a moment, considering the stakes. But then she nodded again, her determination solidifying. "Agreed."
They took their positions, blades at the ready. For a moment, there was only silence, the tension building between them. Then, with a swift movement, Hoshina attacked.
Akira met his blade with her own, the clash of metal ringing through the room. She moved with grace and precision, her blade a blur as she blocked and countered each of Hoshina's strikes.
Hoshina was impressed. Akira's skills had improved significantly since they had started training together. She was faster and more agile, her movements almost a dance. But he was not going to make it easy for her. He pushed harder, his strikes coming faster, more unpredictable.
Akira's breath came in quick, controlled bursts. She could feel the strain in her muscles, the burn of exertion. But she didn't back down.
She met each of Hoshina's strikes with determination, her blade moving almost instinctively. She could feel herself getting tired, her movements slowing slightly. But she pushed through.
Then, with a sudden, swift movement, Hoshina disarmed her. Her blade clattered to the floor, and she found herself staring up at him, his blade pointed at her throat. She was breathing hard, her heart pounding in her chest. But there was a look of satisfaction in her eyes, a small smile playing on her lips.
