The arena erupted into a storm of voices.
"Did you see that feint? Fluid as water, then the strike, straight through the guard!" one man exclaimed, leaning forward in his seat, eyes wide with excitement.
Another, older spectator shook his head slowly. "No one has moved like this in years. That boy reacted before the leaf even settled. I thought my eyes deceived me."
A woman in an embroidered kimono whispered to her companion, her tone filled with awe. "His awareness is frightening. It seemed like he was able to read the move before it happened."
Her companion adjusted the golden clasp of his cloak, his lips curling into a faint smile. "Anticipation is one thing. But speed like that? Even among masters, I have rarely seen such clarity of movement. It is as if his body answers before his mind commands it."
