Karu follows his father at sonic speed, reappearing inside the dojo. The students gasp, stepping back as the chief walks to the sword stand grabbing two silver blades. He turns, eyes glowing red like a torch.
"It's time you guys move" the chief growls, glaring until the students scramble to the exit.
Karu gasps as the last one leaves. "Just you and me now. Right chie—"
The chief swings his blade for Karu's neck. Karu slips aside.
"I dodged" Karu thinks, sliding between the strikes, moving with new grace. He vanishes to the sword stand and seizes a blade.
"Now that you've improved we can finally spill some blood" the chief says, smirking at Karu.
Karu grins, mana radiating from his body. The dojo shakes as their auras collide, fire spreading across the walls.
"Try keep up" the chief whispers, disappearing.
Karu narrows his eyes. "I can see him this time" he thinks, barely dodging the next slash. His shoulder splits open, blood dripping.
The chief chuckles, blade flashing for Karu's head. "But how long can I keep up, is the question" Karu thinks, ducking as the wall behind him explodes into splinters.
Karu blinks—too late. The chief grips his skull and charges outside, slamming his head into a stone wall. The wall crumbles.
"You better start trying now" the chief growls, squeezing until blood leaks from Karu's scalp.
Karu grunts, eyes shut. Mana bursts outward, making the chief flinch. "Darn" he hisses, glaring at his scorched hand.
"Mana like that… it even surpasses mine" the chief thinks, teeth grinding. "Maybe even with his mother in her prime."
"But is he ready for him".
Smoke coils from the chief's body, snow melting to water beneath his feet. The chief chuckles. "If you can deflect this, kid, then maybe you're ready to fight a real demon."
Karu blinks. "Demon? Ready? What does he mean" he whispers, picking up his sword, breathing heavily. His aura flows into the blade like it's devouring it whole.
Karu exhales, focusing. "I'll copy it" he thinks, crouching low, sword to his neck. His grin spreads. "Whatever you try, I'll do it better."
The chief's eyes widen as Karu mirrors him, red mana orbiting his blade.
"Such control… at this age" the chief thinks, fists tightening. But his lips soften into a smile. "Even though it pisses me off, how a kid surpasses me… it still makes me happy." He looks up at the sky. "Cuz he made you proud. Hana."
Karu's eyes open, flaring, burning as bright as his father's. "I think it's time we end th—" he gasps, eyes scanning the bright mist around him. "Is this our mana?"
The chief chuckles. "Not a surprise. Two of the same mana clashing at this level? Of course it makes a scene." His sword glows a scorching crimson.
The breeze thickens.
"But this isn't the climax. Not even close. After this slash, we'll know who's truly stronger" Karu says.
"Truly stronger" he murmurs, glare turning cold. "Then I'm ready. One slash, right"
"Yes" the chief growls.
Karu glares, his eyes flare red hair whipping to the side from the cold breeze.
"It's time"..
Their voices unite as they swing.
Boom..