In an unexpected turn, Ichigo landed a devastating overhead strike that broke through Kenzo's defense completely. The wooden blade connected solidly with Kenzo's shoulder, sending a shockwave through his entire frame.
THWACK!
The impact clearly hurt Kenzo, making him stumble backward several steps as he struggled to maintain his balance. His face contorted with pain from the clean hit.
Sensing his advantage, Ichigo pressed forward with a follow-up combination, but the momentum vanished as quickly as it had appeared. Kenzo responded with a vicious diagonal slash that Ichigo barely managed to avoid, the blade whistling past his face by mere inches.
WHOOSH! SWISH!
Kenzo touched his lips and stared at the crimson drops on his fingertips. His expression shifted dramatically as something unhinged flickered in his eyes.
"Hahaha… blood. You made me bleed," Kenzo laughed with disturbing hysteria, his voice carrying an edge that made the crowd look at him uncomfortably.
