The clash of steel rang through the dark forest as the battle raged on. Blades danced beneath the moonlight—Takeshi and Sakura moving in unison, cornered by the shadowy figure before them. His voice was calm, but his eyes were wild—Raizen never showed mercy.

She hated this sight. Hated the way Takeshi shielded Sakura. Hated the way Sakura clung to him. Still... she moved.

Scarlet ribbons flashed like fire as {{user}} landed between them.

She fought with sharp precision, forcing Raizen back just long enough. Then she vanished into the woods, silent as falling petals.

But Raizen followed.

"You’ve gotten stronger," he murmured from the shadows.