Chapter 183: Jurou Versus Ryota, Between a Bulwark and a Hound

The air around the training grounds buzzed with excitement as Jurou and Ryota stepped into the arena. Their match was the final bout of the day, and everyone was eager to see how these two formidable fighters would fare against each other. Jurou, a Bulwark Hybrid known for his impenetrable defenses, stood tall and steady. In contrast, Ryota, a Hound Hybrid with unmatched speed and agility, bounced on the balls of his feet, ready to spring into action.

"Who do you think’s going to win?" Ayaka asked Arisu, leaning towards her as she tried to move farther away.

Compared to Ryota who seemed to have an energy of restlessness, Jurou had a calm demeanor, standing still like an iron fortress. He knew that Ryota never trained as a Hybrid while he currently resided in the Kazuichi Stronghold, and yet, he didn’t want to let his guard down.

Cautiously, he raced his fists up, fully aware that a Hound could accelerate in an instant. As a Bulwark, he couldn’t move fast, so he had to anticipate everything.

With great expectations, the residents of the stronghold, including Kazuichi and the others, watched intently. To Arisu’s knowledge, neither of them possessed any Blood Arts, but that doesn’t mean their skills weren’t formidable in their own right.

"Ready, Ryota?" Jurou firmly called out. Despite his poker face, he was actually nervous to fight against a Hound. He might be at a clear advantage, but he didn’t want to push his luck.

Ryota grinned, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Of course, what else would I be?" He responded.

The signal to start was given, and Ryota immediately took the initiative. He darted forward with incredible speed, aiming a series of rapid punches at Jurou. The Bulwark Hybrid raised his arms, absorbing the blows with ease. Each strike from Ryota was precise and quick, but Jurou’s defense held firm, barely budging under the onslaught.

Next, Ryota tried to look for an opening, circling around Jurou while keenly observing him. He lunged in low, aiming a kick at Jurou’s legs, but the Bulwark Hybrid anticipated the move. Jurou’s leg shot out, blocking the kick and pushing Ryota back.

"Nice try," Jurou said with a slight smile. "But you’ll need more than that to break through."

Grinning, Ryota decided to push through even harder. He was always up for a challenge. And since he was faster than Jurou, he knew that he could just dart in and out without taking any damage from him.

’Even if Jurou were to lash out, I’ll just dodge.’ Ryota said to himself.

Once again, Ryota dashed forward, this time, aiming his punches higher. His fists flew in a blur of motion, each strike precisely aimed at different points of Jurou’s body. Methodically, Jurou’s arms moved, easily and effortlessly blocking and deflecting each precise attack.

Although Ryota’s speed was impressive enough as it is, Jurou’s defense was like an immovable fortress, undisturbed by the strong gusts of winds that is Ryota. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

Ryota could tell that if he continued with his strategy, the two of them will be stuck in an impasse. He had to do something different without disregarding his speed advantage against Jurou.

Shifting his strategy, Ryota decided to go low this time, feinting and weaving as he continued to punch Jurou. He was trying to encourage him to draw his guard. And as soon as he did so, he would drop low to deliver a sweeping kick.

But Jurou was one step ahead of him. He saw the sweeping kick coming and he jumped, entirely avoiding the kick. As he landed, he swung his arm in a wide arc, aiming to catch Ryota off balance. The Hound Hybrid ducked under the swing, rolling away to safety.

The two fighters paused for a moment, sizing each other up. Ryota’s chest heaved with exertion, but his eyes were still bright with excitement. His energy was reaching its lowest point, but that didn’t deter him from the fight.

As for Jurou, though he was less tired than Ryota but he remained vigilant. He was at an advantage. As long as he plays his cards right, he will win.

"You’re fast," Jurou acknowledged. "But I’m sure you’re aware that you can’t rely on your speed all the time, Ryota."

Smirking, Ryota prepared himself once again. "I have more than speed." He responded.

With a burst of energy, Ryota charged again, but this time he didn’t go for a direct attack. He used his agility to dart around Jurou, constantly changing his position and keeping the Bulwark Hybrid guessing.

Then again, his movements were just child’s play for Jurou. He continued to stand his ground, deflecting all of Ryota’s attacks without a bat of an eye. Although he could barely see Ryota, he could always anticipate his attacks.

After all, Ryota had the tendency to slow down when he was going in for the strike.

Suddenly, Ryota lunged from Jurou’s blind spot, aiming a powerful punch at his side. Jurou twisted at the last moment, catching Ryota’s fist with his open hand. He tightened his grip, and for a moment, the two were locked in a test of strength.

Ryota’s eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly adapted. He used his free hand to deliver a quick jab to Jurou’s shoulder, forcing him to release the grip. Ryota backed off, shaking out his hand.

Unbeknownst to Ryota, Jurou just gave him a chance, letting go of him since it wouldn’t look nice if he were to beat him up one-sidedly without him putting up that much of a fight.

"You’re stronger than you look," Ryota commented, flexing his fingers.

Jurou shrugged. "Bulwark Hybrids are built for defense. But I can hit hard when I need to."

"I knew this wouldn’t be easy." Ryota continued.

Moving in again, Ryota opted for a mix of high and low attacks, aiming to overwhelm Jurou with unpredictability. Jurou’s defense was unyielding, but Ryota’s persistence was wearing him down bit by bit.

Each block and parry took a toll, and Jurou could feel the strain in his muscles. He exhaled, resolving himself to defeat Ryota as soon as possible. While he wanted to drag out the fight, he had already seen through Ryota completely.

There was no need to prolong the match.

Sensing an opportunity, Ryota launched a feint, drawing Jurou’s guard high, then dropped low and swept Jurou’s legs out from under him. Jurou hit the ground hard, but he rolled with the impact, coming up on one knee.

Standing up, Jurou dusted himself off as if nothing happened. He braced himself once again.

Ryota didn’t give him a moment to recover. He was on Jurou in an instant, raining down blows from all angles. Jurou’s arms moved in a blur, blocking and deflecting as best he could. He could feel the pressure mounting, but he refused to yield.

With a surge of effort, Jurou pushed off the ground, using his momentum to drive Ryota back. He rose to his feet, breathing heavily but still steady.

Ryota circled him, looking for another opening, like a lion waiting for the opportune moment to catch its prey off-guard.

"I guess it’s time" Jurou muttered to himself. He had finally decided to take on the offensice since there was no need to drag this figh any longer.

He moved forward, his fists swinging in powerful arcs. Ryota dodged and weaved, but Jurou’s reach and strength forced him to stay on the defensive. Each punch from Jurou carried the weight of his determination, and Ryota could feel the impact even when he managed to block.

Jurou’s relentless assault drove Ryota back, step by step. The Hound Hybrid’s agility kept him from taking a direct hit, but the pressure was mounting. Jurou saw his chance and feinted a punch, drawing Ryota’s guard high. In a swift move, he pivoted and delivered a powerful kick to Ryota’s midsection.

The impact sent Ryota sprawling, gasping for breath. Jurou didn’t let up. He closed the distance, aiming to finish the fight. Ryota struggled to his feet, but Jurou was already upon him. He delivered a series of rapid punches, each one finding its mark.

Ryota’s defense faltered under the onslaught. Jurou’s fists were like sledgehammers, each strike driving him back. Desperate, Ryota launched a wild counterattack, but Jurou’s defense held firm.

With a final, decisive punch, Jurou knocked Ryota to the ground. The Hound Hybrid lay there, panting and bruised, unable to rise. He had used up all his energy, and his body wouldn’t move anymore.

Jurou stood over him, breathing heavily. "You fought well, Ryota. But this match is mine."

Ryota looked up at Jurou, a grin spreading across his face despite the pain. "Yeah, you got me. Good fight."

Jurou extended a hand, helping Ryota to his feet. The crowd erupted into applause, cheering for both fighters. Despite the intense battle, there was a sense of mutual respect between them.

Kazuichi, Arisu, Lea, and Ayaka joined them in the arena, congratulating both fighters on their performance.