The arena floor vibrated as Raizen stepped in, his pupils narrowing like a beast ready to pounce. His every step radiated arrogance and bloodlust. The crowd erupted, some chanting his name, others whispering nervously.
Raizen licked his lips, eyes locked on Renji like prey.
"I've heard about you… the so-called Alpha Killer. The one who slaughtered the Mantis King." His tone dripped with disdain. "I think all of that is just rumor. Today, you'll be nothing more than my stepping stone."
Renji didn't flinch. His usual calm, unreadable stare made the atmosphere even heavier.
The referee signaled.
The instant the match began, Raizen launched forward, his movement a blur of raw killing intent. His claws tore at the ground, sparks flying as he blitzed straight for Renji.
BOOM!
A searing blue flame erupted from his hand, swinging downward like he intended to split Renji in half. The air itself shrieked from the heat.
Renji tilted his head slightly — the strike missed by a hair, the ground exploding beneath them. Dust and fire surged into the air.
The crowd gasped.
"He's not even using a beast skill yet…"
"Is he insane? Or… confident?"
"Renji's just dodging with his body alone—"
Raizen snarled, teeth bared. His aura spiked, a suffocating wave of killing intent pressing against everyone present.
"Stand still and die, bastard!"
He launched into a frenzy, claws glowing blue, each swipe tearing through the air like a predator dismembering prey. Every move was savage, no wasted motion, only raw intent to kill.
Renji slid back, eyes sharp, body calm.
Then—
[Dash]
Renji's form blurred. He appeared right at Raizen's side, fist cocked.
CRACK!
A brutal punch landed against Raizen's ribs, sending him skidding across the arena floor. Blood sprayed from his mouth.
The audience roared.
"He finally moved!"
"What speed—!"
Raizen coughed, but his smile returned, twisted and bloody. He dragged himself up, blue flames dancing across his hands again.
"Yes… YES! This is it! The stage I've been waiting for!"
He charged again, more feral than before, flames scorching a trail in his wake. His claws slammed against Renji in a wild barrage— Bang! Bang! Bang! —but Renji blocked, slipped, and countered with surgical precision.
The difference became clear.
Each time Raizen attacked with fury, Renji struck back with calm brutality.
Finally, Renji's gaze sharpened.
[Dash]
His figure vanished and reappeared in front of Raizen. His fist, wrapped in raw aura, smashed into Raizen's jaw.
BANG!
Raizen's body spun through the air and crashed into the arena floor, blood splattering.
His eyes fluttered, consciousness fading.
"…So this… is what father meant…" he muttered weakly, remembering the words he had mocked. There's always someone stronger than you.
His body went limp. He was unconscious before he could finish the thought.
The arena fell silent for a moment — then erupted into chaos.
Renji stood tall, unfazed, his expression as calm as when the fight began.
The referee rushed forward, checking Raizen's limp body before raising his hand. "Raizen Kurogami is unable to continue! Winner: Renji Kurozawa!"
The crowd erupted, some cheering Renji's patience and timing, others stunned that the Kurogami prodigy had been dismantled so swiftly.
High above, in the Libra Academy viewing box, a young woman with Raizen's sharp eyes watched silently. His sister. She didn't frown or smile — she simply shook her head, as though this outcome had been inevitable.
Renji turned from the arena without fanfare, his expression unreadable. Inside, his pulse still raced from the burst of [Dash], but he remained calm.