The tension spikes as Renji — The Blaze — steps forward. His aura surges like wildfire, the heat shimmering off his body as if the street itself were burning. Without warning, he launches a vicious straight cross.
But— CRACK!
The blow doesn't land.
Xoza, RDX's No. 2, has blocked it. His forearm shakes from the impact, but he holds firm.
His eyes widen in disbelief.
Xoza (thinking): So fast… I couldn't even see it. My body just… reacted.
Renji raises a brow, amused.
Renji: "You've got potential, amateur."
Xoza snarls, clenching his fists, blood dripping from his split knuckles.
Xoza: "Amateur? Don't say something you'll regret."
With a burst of speed, he explodes forward, throwing a crushing uppercut.
But Renji barely shifts—sliding back with minimal movement. His grin widens.
Renji (grinning): "Idiot."
He slips past the strike, seizes the opening, and sweeps Xoza's footing. In one ruthless motion, he slams him to the ground.
Xoza (gasping): "Didn't expect—!"
Renji mounts instantly, pinning him with terrifying control. His fists rain down like hammers.
BAM! BAM! BAM!
The crowd winces with every strike. Blood splatters across the pavement. Xoza's head whips back under the blows, his guard cracking. His vision blurs, teeth rattling.
Xoza (thinking, dazed): No… not yet. I can't fold here…
But Renji doesn't stop. His aura burns hotter, fists striking with the rhythm of fire.
Then—THUD!
A sharp side kick slams into Renji, blasting him backward a few steps.
The ground quakes. Silence falls.
Renji steadies himself, wiping blood from his lip, eyes narrowing with sudden focus.
Renji: "…What do you think you're doing?"
The mysterious figure steps forward, calm but radiating killing intent like a storm waiting to break.
???: "I'm your opponent."
The battlefield freezes. Even in the chaos, fighters stop mid-clash, turning toward the two.
Narration:
RDX is losing ground. The Apex Predators are pressing harder. If this continues… we'll be forced to retreat. mutters one of the RDX members, fear in his voice.
The stage is set.
Renji vs. The Mysterious Figure.
Chapter 8 — End.