Koganei grinned back, one eyebrow cocked. He took the green-haired man’s hand, feeling its strength and returning it equally without conveying any attempt at intimidation or hostility. He identified Zorlo from his appearance alone, and needed no announcer to tell him his name. A chief teacher of the Dome, as well as a living legend in his own right, the fencer was known to many, even if he didn’t know them. And although the ronin had never seen the fencer or his abilities with his own eyes before, Koganei thought himself the probable equal of the man’s rumored strength and accomplishments.

“Test me?” Koganei asked, releasing his fellow instructor’s hand and giving a low bow. “I’m honored. Then I feel it only fair to warn you that I intend to test you as well. Please don’t hold back,” he added, looking up from his bow with a grin.

“I don’t intend to,” Zorlo replied, appearing genuinely humored.

”Fighters take their places.” The PA interrupted, drawing both warriors’ attention. The two separated, striding a good distance apart to face each other across the suspended platform.

“A word before we begin, if you will,” Koganei called, seeing the fencer reaching for his rapier.

“Go ahead,” Zorlo answered, putting his weight on one leg and preparing to hear the swordsman out.

“If you wouldn’t mind, I suggest starting out with just fist against fist,” the blue-haired warrior requested. “It would be a shame to rush things and miss out on a great fight because we drew our blades too soon.”

The green-haired man appeared to think the ronin’s words over for a minute before nodding and smiling, releasing the hilt of his rapier and accepting the proposal. Koganei smiled and took a stance, his right foot sliding back and his open palms held out before him, one at chest level and the other above his head.


”Fighters, BEGIN!”

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