Daichi nodded once."Let's have a good fight."The others immediately retreated, leaving a large circle between the two men.Micheal folded his arms quietly.He was genuinely interested.Alex had improved tremendously over the past few weeks.Especially after breaking through Gold Rank.He wanted to know how that improvement compared to Japan's finest.Ryuu quietly raised one hand."You may begin."The instant those words were spoken...Neither of them hesitated.Boom!Both shield users charged forward simultaneously.The collision echoed across the valley like two speeding trucks crashing into each other.The impact alone shook the ground beneath everyone's feet.Alex's eyes brightened."So much strength!"Daichi remained expressionless."You too."They immediately pushed against one another, each trying to force the other backwards.For several seconds neither side gave way.Then both suddenly stepped back.Alex moved first.His shield swept sideways in a wide arc aimed directly at

The silence stretched for several long seconds.Angela looked around slowly.Every pair of eyes was resting on her.She could feel Alex's complicated gaze and even Dinna, who rarely showed much emotion, seemed to be waiting for her answer.Angela lowered her eyes briefly before lifting them again."I'll fight."Her voice was calm.There wasn't the slightest hesitation in it.She simply stepped forward and walked into the training ground.The short crimson hair swayed gently behind her as she moved.She wore the same indifferent expression she had carried ever since the incident with the Vipers.Watching her walk away, Aina leaned closer to Kaida."...She's really different now."Kaida remained silent.She simply watched Angela's back.On the opposite side, Haruto exchanged a puzzled glance with Daichi.The atmosphere surrounding this young woman was completely different from the cheerful one that had existed only moments earlier.Finally, Haruto looked toward Micheal."Did something h

A strange excitement spread through the valley.Nobody had expected the battle everyone was waiting for to be delayed.Yet strangely enough...No one complained.If anything, their anticipation only grew stronger.Ryuu looked quietly at Dinna before shifting his gaze toward Micheal."I assume...""...you don't object?"Micheal smiled faintly before stepping back."I don't.""If Dinna wants this fight, then she has every right to have it."Ryuu nodded."Very well."He slowly walked toward the centre of the training ground.Dinna followed without another word.The distance between them gradually closed until only a few metres separated them.Neither of them released any overwhelming aura.There was no spirit qi on Earth.Only two martial artists standing face to face.Ryuu rested the wooden sword loosely in his right hand."You use a chain."Dinna nodded."I do.""Then why haven't you summoned it?""I haven't needed it."A faint smile crossed Ryuu's face."I like that answer."The spectat

The valley remained completely silent.Ryuu's gaze rested on Micheal."If someone capable of defeating me is willing to call you her Guild Leader..."He slowly lowered his sword before smiling."...then I have no choice but to see your strength for myself."Every member of Green Winners instinctively looked toward Micheal.Even Dinna turned her head slightly.The challenge had finally come.Micheal smiled helplessly before shaking his head."I had a feeling this was where everything was heading."He took a step forward."I accept."Just as he was about to enter the arena, an old voice drifted across the valley."I thought I would arrive before the fighting ended."Everyone turned simultaneously.An elderly man slowly walked down the stone pathway leading into the mountain valley.His long silver hair rested neatly behind his shoulders, and although he looked well past seventy years old, every step he took was steady and unhurried.He wore an ordinary grey kimono with a black scabbard

The atmosphere in the valley gradually relaxed after the duel.The tension that had gripped everyone only moments earlier disappeared, replaced by laughter and lively conversations as both groups gathered together.Ryuu sheathed his sword before walking over to Micheal once more."You were right."Micheal looked at him curiously."About what?"Ryuu smiled."I should have challenged you from the beginning."Micheal chuckled."I don't think Dinna would have appreciated hearing that."Ryuu glanced at Dinna, who merely folded her arms and looked away."I still lost to her.""So my words don't change that."The two exchanged a smile before Elder Takemura stepped forward."Enough standing around.""The kitchen has already prepared dinner.""You are our guests.""It would shame this dojo if we allowed you to leave hungry."Gina's eyes immediately lit up."I like this elder already.""I was wondering when someone would mention food." Alex laughed.Aina bumped Micheal with her shoulder."See?"