Reincarnated as a Sakurako sister from COTE

Vol 0.92

Kiyotaka's POV

Shiro closed the distance between us with a sudden burst of speed. His fist flew towards my face, a quick jab that I barely managed to deflect with a block. The force of his punch reverberated through my arm, a sharp reminder of the raw power behind his strikes.

I retaliated with a swift roundhouse kick aimed at his midsection, but he anticipated the move, twisting away and countering with a low sweep that nearly took me off my feet.

Our exchange was a blur of motion-punches, kicks, and grapples intertwined with practised precision. I could feel the strain on my muscles, the burn in my lungs as we pushed each other to the limit.

Shiro was relentless, his movements a seamless blend of offence and defence. Every strike he threw was calculated, every dodge executed with perfect timing.

I adjusted my tactics, aiming for his vulnerabilities. I feigned a right hook, then swung a low punch towards his abdomen. Shiro grunted as he blocked the blow, but his reaction time was just a fraction slower than before.

I seized the opportunity, stepping in close and driving an elbow into his ribs. He winced, but his eyes never lost their fierce determination.

As the fight continued, I could see signs of fatigue beginning to set in. Shiro's attacks, though still powerful, lacked the same speed and precision as at the start. I knew this was my chance.

With every ounce of energy I had left, I pressed my advantage, launching a series of quick, powerful strikes aimed at wearing him down.

Shiro managed to block most of my attacks, but his defences were starting to falter. His breath came in ragged gasps, his movements slightly more sluggish. I could sense that the end was near, that if I pressed harder, I could force him into a position where he would have no choice but to surrender.

In a final, decisive move, I fainted a high punch and followed with a low kick aimed at his supporting leg. Shiro stumbled, his balance compromised.

I saw the opening and acted quickly, grabbing his arm and twisting it behind his back while driving my shoulder into his chest. He struggled, but the combination of exhaustion and the precise hold I had on him made it impossible for him to break free.

Breathing heavily, I forced him to the ground, pinning him with my weight. His face was contorted with effort and frustration, but there was a recognition of the skill and determination it took to bring him to this point.

I held my position, waiting for the unmistakable sign of surrender. Shiro's resistance dwindled, his movements slowing as he realised he could no longer fight back effectively.

I released my hold slightly, giving him the chance to yield. The struggle in his eyes was palpable, but ultimately, he nodded, a silent admission of defeat.

"That's it!"

Even though there was no judge nearby, we were always being watched from another room on the second floor, behind the glass.

I stood up, my body aching from the intensity of the fight. The room felt oppressive, the silence heavy with the weight of what had just transpired. Shiro lay on the ground, breathing heavily, his gaze locked on the ceiling.

"Can I have a word?" The past months' silence was broken when Shiro whispered in my ear.

" "It's been many, many years since I've last beaten you in Judo, hasn't it?"

"That's right."  I had been winning since the second round after I lost my first fight.

"Boxing, Karate, Jeet Kune Do, US military training-it's the same for everything. I'll win the first one or two fights, but once you turn the tables on me, I can't do anything about it. You're really great."