The academy's Training Arena buzzed with excitement.
The newcomers were already causing a storm, and it hadn't even been a full day.
Then Renka dropped her bomb:
> "I want to test the best fighter here."
All eyes turned to Jin.
He was slurping soup in the corner.
> "Huh? Me?"
She pointed at him with her twin blade drawn.
> "Yes, noodle boy."
The Duel Announcement
Professor Ma smirked.
> "Voluntary duel. No injuries below the belt. Winner gets one request from the loser."
Jin stood on the stage, stretching lazily.
Yooha sat high in the stands, arms crossed.
> "Idiot. He's going to lose."
Bo Lang leaned in.
> "Wanna bet? He's got that weird shine today."
Battle: Jin Hoshin vs Renka of the Blazing Swords
The gong rang.
Renka moved first—blades flashing like red lightning.
Jin vanished.
The air behind her shimmered—he reappeared mid-laugh.
> "Missed me~"
She snarled and spun, blades slicing.
He bent backward, twisted through air like a ribbon, then
CLANG!
One blade grazed his cheek.
> "Ow. That was flirty."
Renka:
> "I'll flirt with your bones."
Jin's True Style – Trickster Flow
The crowd watched in awe as Jin began spinning like a whirlwind, blades and body dancing like wind and illusions.
> "This guy… he's not even fighting seriously…" someone whispered.
Yooha's eyes narrowed.
> "No… he's watching her style. Learning it."
Final Move
Renka used her Phoenix Slash—a full-powered dash.
But Jin ducked, grinned, and whispered,
> "Now."
A small flick—her shoe's lace caught.
THUMP! She fell face-first onto the mat.
Silence.
Then—laughter erupted.
Jin offered a hand.
> "Lesson one: always tie your shoes, warrior princess."
She slapped his hand away—but smirked.
> "I'll win next time."
Aftermath
Yooha walked past Jin outside the arena.
She didn't look at him, but softly said:
> "...Not bad."
Jin froze, then burst into sparkles inside.
Bo shouted,
> "He's gonna faint!"
End of episode 7( continue)