Kai's smile grew a little wider, just enough to make her uneasy. "I don't need one," he said, his voice calm but with a quiet edge. "I've got... other ways."
The crowd shifted, whispers getting louder. Someone in the back muttered, "No chakra? Then why is he here?" Another hissed, "He's lying. Has to be."
Shizuka didn't show fear, but she held her blade tighter. "If you're hiding something, now's the time to show it. I won't go easy just because you're a fool."
Kai shrugged, rolling his shoulders like he was ready for a street fight.
"Let's start," he said, spreading his arms, inviting her to attack first.
Tokiwa raised her hand and said firmly, "Duel by Nadeshiko's rules. No killing unless both agree. Win by submission, knockout, or clear control. Begin."
Shizuka didn't wait. She rushed forward, her blade flashing in a quick arc aimed at Kai's shoulder—a test strike, not meant to kill but to see how he reacts. She was fast and perfect, showing years of training.
Kai didn't move to dodge.
His instincts took over. His cursed energy flared quietly, invisible to the crowd but forming a tight shield around him. The blade hit the invisible barrier and stopped as if it hit steel.
A tiny spark of dark red energy flashed where they met, then vanished.
Shizuka's eyes widened, and she stumbled back, losing her balance. "What the—?"
The crowd gasped and moved closer. Tokiwa's eyes sharpened as she reached for her weapon.
"Good try. Now it's my turn."
Kai's smile grew wider. He moved quickly now, stepping in close.
Without a weapon, he used his hands and speed to strike.
His fists hit Shizuka's armor with quick, strong blows. Each hit was controlled but powerful, wearing her down bit by bit.
Shizuka tried to block and dodge, but Kai was too fast, too unpredictable. At one point, he landed a sharp strike to her side. She gasped, feeling pain, but didn't fall. Instead, she clenched her teeth, refusing to show weakness.
The crowd watched in silence, surprised by Kai's skill. Shizuka's breathing grew heavy. Sweat mixed with the blood from a small cut on her arm. Still, she stood tall, eyes burning with stubborn fire.
"No," she said quietly to herself. "I can't lose."
If she lost this fight, people would say she was weak.
Kai noticed her determination. He slowed, circling her carefully. "You don't have to do this," he said softly. "You can admit it."
Shizuka shook her head. "Never," she said, voice strong but strained. "I don't lose."
Kai nodded, respecting her will. But with one quick move, he locked her arm, pinning her to the ground. "Submit," he said gently.
She struggled but knew she couldn't fight anymore. Her body was tired, her energy gone. Yet, even lying there, she wouldn't say the word.
"I'm not done," she whispered, closing her eyes, refusing to give up.
The crowd stayed quiet, amazed by her spirit and Kai's power. Tokiwa stepped forward and raised her hand. "That's enough," she said. "The duel is over."
Kai released Shizuka and stood. "You fought well," he said, nodding respectfully.
Shizuka sat up slowly, pain clear on her face. But her eyes still held fire. "This isn't over," she said quietly, mostly to herself.
Kai smiled again. "Anytime."
Kai looked at Tokiwa, then back at Shizuka, a confident smile on his face.
"So," he said loud enough for everyone to hear, "since I won the duel, when's the wedding? By your tradition, that means I get to marry her, right?"
The crowd went quiet, eyes locked on Shizuka. Some whispered, some gasped. The weight of all those watching pressed down on her like a heavy stone.
Shizuka's heart raced. She felt the sting of pain from her injuries, but more than that, the sting of shame. If she backed down now, everyone would laugh. The village's honor—and her own—would be ruined.
Her eyes flashed with anger, but she forced her voice steady. "I... I will not deny tradition."
Her words surprised even herself. She looked out at the crowd, their eyes full of expectation, judgment, and curiosity. She couldn't let them see her break. Not now.
Tokiwa nodded firmly. "Good. Tradition must be respected. This is how it's always been done."
Kai smiled wider. "Then it's settled. The wedding will be soon."
Shizuka clenched her fists but said nothing more. Deep inside, she swore she wouldn't give up. She'd find a way to keep her pride—and fight again if she had to.
The crowd began to murmur louder, excited and buzzing about what had just happened.
Kai glanced at Shizuka and said quietly, "We'll figure this out. No need for more fights."
Shizuka only gave a hard look but said nothing.