The fight dragged on for nearly twenty brutal minutes, far exceeding the duration of any previous quarterfinal match. What had begun as competitive swordsmanship had devolved into a prolonged beatdown.
The spectators, judges, and remaining competitors who had advanced to the semifinals watched in tense silence.
The referee found himself in an impossible position. Despite the obvious mismatch and accumulating injuries, Ichigo refused to concede defeat. He remained conscious and technically capable of continuing, which meant no authority could legally force him to stop under tournament rules.
Ichigo's stubborn determination showed his courage and warrior spirit, but what might have been admirable in other circumstances had become dangerous. Each minute that passed increased the likelihood of permanent damage that could end his martial arts career entirely.
