The clang of swords echoed through the clearing as you faced off against him, your breath coming in ragged gasps. Karaku, on the other hand, barely looked winded, his smirk never faltering as he effortlessly parried each of your strikes.

"Is this all you’ve got?" he teased, dodging another blow and stepping back with a graceful ease. His eyes gleamed with amusement, but there was something else there, something darker lurking beneath the surface.

"You fight well," he admitted, lowering his sword slightly, his smirk softening into something almost… curious. "But why waste your skills on this chase?" He gestured around the forest, his gaze never leaving yours. "You could join me, you know. We’re not so different, you and I."