As soon as Kazuichi nodded his head, Ayaka clapped her hands together, her eyes smiling.

"I’ll tell you what," Ayaka said, a spark of challenge in her eyes. "We’ll discuss everything tomorrow. But first, let’s hold some practice sparring sessions over the next few days. Lea, you look strong. I’d like to test your mettle."

"I’d be honored," Lea straightened, surprised but not intimidated.

Kazuichi and Arisu exchanged glances. They had never seen Ayaka in combat, and this would be an opportunity to witness her skills firsthand. Also, if they were going to hold practice sparring sessions, then that means they get to fight each other as well.

"You know what, that’s a great idea, Ayaka, I’ve never seen you in combat before." Kazuichi said, standing up. "Tomorrow, we’ll start with a sparring session between Arisu and me. We’ll all get a chance to show what we can do."

With the sparring session set in stone, the four of them retired for the day. Kazuichi and Arisu decided to give Lea a spare room in his place, just until she settled in with the other residents.

—

The next morning,

The morning sun cast a warm glow over the training grounds as the members of Kazuichi Stronghold gathered. There was a noticeable sense of anticipation in the air and the other residents caught wind of it.

It didn’t take long before a crowd formed in the middle of a field, all of them surrounding a makeshift court that Jurou had drawn that morning. He also brought up his interest to join, along with Arukawa Ryota, who was also briefly introduced as a Hybrid who was under the Yamanashi Strongholds in the past.

Yesterday, Ayaka suggested a series of sparring matches in preparation for their upcoming business with the Hybrid Mountain Stronghold. It was a way to assess everyone’s combat skills, as well as learn omre about each other

In particular, Ayaka was also curious as to how Kazuichi and the others fought. She had always wanted to go head to head with Kazuichi and now that they all received the invitation for a training camp, Ayaka found the opportune moment to bring it up.

As the crowd began to form, and residents started cheering for all the Hybrid participants, Kazuichi and Arisu stepped forward, admiring the view.

Up until just a few months ago, the view towards Hybrids were negative, if not violently disagreed upon. Sure, they were vastly different compared to the mindless zombies but they were more than a threat compared to them.

Seeing everyone, Hybrids and humans alike, gathering around in keen anticipation for a match— it gave Kazuichi a sense of fulfillment. The Kazuichi Stronghold had gotten this far, and it was all thanks to everyone around him.

"Are the two of you ready?" This time, it was Ayaka who stepped forward, glancing towards Kazuichi and Arisu before nodding her head.

Kazuichi stood at one end of the sparring area, his expression calm yet focused. Arisu, at the opposite end, was poised and ready, her eyes gleaming with determination. The crowd, including Lea, Tris, and Amaya, watched eagerly.

Ayaka stepped forward, raising her hand. "Begin!"

Arisu moved first, her body a blur as she dashed toward Kazuichi. Her speed, characteristic of a Hound Type Hybrid, was almost too fast to follow. She leaped into the air, her legs slicing down toward Kazuichi with deadly precision.

Kazuichi reacted instantly, his body moving with the grace and power of a seasoned fighter. He blocked her attack with a swift motion, his arm absorbing the impact. The ground beneath him cracked from the force, but he stood firm.

Arisu didn’t relent. She twisted in mid-air, her hands now aiming for his torso.

Fwip~!

In a flash, Kazuichi felt something that he had never felt before. It was like being hunted down by a predator much stronger than him. His instincts told him to get away from the situation as quickly as possible, but he had no idea why

Nevertheless, he followed his instincts. Instead of blocking the attack, which was completely feasible, he decided to step back, wondering what’s going on.

Suddenly, Arisu activated her Blood Art, her legs transforming into a weird contortion of blood and muscles. And then, out of nowhere, Blood Bullets shot out with each slice, creating a barrage of projectiles. This was the first time she had used this technique, and the suddenness of it surprised everyone, including Kazuichi.

"What was that?" Kazuichi barely managed to dodge the initial onslaught, his eyes widening in shock. "Blood Bullets?"

"Pretty neat right? I wanted to show it off as soon as possible." She continued

Even the others couldn’t believe that something was possible. Her Blood Art, the Project Blood Art, was finally taking form, and she had already learned how to fire off Blood Bullets from her legs.

But Kazuichi was not one to be easily outdone. With a determined expression, he activated his Synthesis Blood Art. His entire body was soon covered in muscle fibers, forming a full-body armor that gleamed under the sunlight.

The crowd gasped, the intensity of the fight escalating. Arisu’s blood bullets were relentless, each one a deadly projectile. However, Kazuichi’s muscle armor absorbed the impacts, protecting him as he moved with blinding speed.

He countered with a powerful punch, aiming for Arisu’s midsection. She barely managed to dodge, the shockwave from his strike sending her skidding backward. She regained her footing, her eyes locked on him.

Pressing for the attack, Kazuichi’s fists and feet moved in a relentless assault. Each strike was precise and devastating, his Blood Art enhancing his strength to unimaginable levels. Arisu weaved through his attacks, her agility allowing her to stay just out of reach.

She saw an opening and lunged, her hands slicing toward his side. Blood bullets followed, forcing Kazuichi to block with both arms. The impact sent him sliding back, his feet digging into the ground.

Arisu didn’t let up. She charged again, her body covered in muscle fibers, her attacks coming from every direction. Kazuichi matched her, his speed and strength keeping him in the fight. The two hybrids moved with a fluidity and power that left the audience in awe.

Their battle was a dance of death, each movement calculated and lethal. Arisu’s speed and precision were matched by Kazuichi’s strength and resilience. They pushed each other to their limits, neither willing to back down.

One whiff and Arisu’s keen sense of smell alerted her to a shift in Kazuichi’s stance. She reacted instantly, ducking under a powerful punch and countering with a swift kick to his knee. The blow landed, but Kazuichi’s reinforced muscles absorbed the impact. He grabbed her leg, lifting her off the ground and slamming her into the dirt.

She rolled with the fall, springing back to her feet. Her eyes narrowed, a grin spreading across her face. This was the challenge she had been waiting for.

Kazuichi mirrored her grin, his eyes blazing with determination. He raised his fists, ready for the next round.

Her body a blur of motion, Arisu launched herself offensively forward. She aimed a series of rapid strikes at his torso, each one accompanied by a burst of blood bullets. Kazuichi deflected and dodged, his movements a perfect blend of offense and defense.

An opening.

Without reprieve, Kazuichi saw an opening and took it, his fist connecting with her shoulder. The impact sent her spinning, but she used the momentum to her advantage. She twisted in mid-air, her leg coming around in a powerful kick that caught Kazuichi off guard.

A grunt came out of Kazuichi’s mouth as he stumbled back, but quickly recovered, launching himself at her with renewed fury. Their fight intensified, each clash sending shockwaves through the ground.

Arisu’s speed was her greatest asset, but Kazuichi’s strength and resilience kept him in the fight. He anticipated her moves, countering with devastating precision. She adapted, using her agility to stay one step ahead.

The fight reached a fever pitch, both hybrids pushing their abilities to the limit. Arisu’s blood bullets filled the air, each one a deadly projectile. Kazuichi’s fists and feet moved with blinding speed, his strikes powerful enough to shatter stone.

They clashed in the center of the arena, their movements a blur of speed and power. Arisu aimed a final, desperate strike at Kazuichi’s chest, her hands slicing through the air. He met her attack head-on, his fist connecting with her torso.

The impact sent them both flying back, skidding across the ground. They struggled to their feet, breathing heavily, their bodies battered and bruised.

The crowd erupted in applause, the intensity of the battle leaving them in awe. Ayaka stepped forward, a smile on her face. "Impressive," she said. "Both of you showed incredible skill and determination."

Kazuichi and Arisu exchanged a weary smile, their respect for each other evident. They had pushed each other to their limits, and in doing so, had grown stronger.

"That was... I thought I was going to lose." Kazuichi let out, stepping forward as he shook Arisu’s hand. A grin appeared on his face, marking the end of the match.

The crowd erupted into cheers, but Arisu’s face wore a serious expression. "What are you talking about, you were holding back." She commented. "I’ll be more serious next time. I hope you won’t hold back by then."