Shisui stood atop the Petal Pavilion, the arena where elite heirs tested their strength beneath the open sky. Today's opponent was Renji Tsukihana, heir to the Lotus Blade Dojo and a renowned prodigy in Heavenly Swordflow Taijutsu.
Kurou stood between them. "This is a spar—no killing intent, but don't hold back. Let your fists carry your conviction."
Renji bowed respectfully. "I've heard you're the Daimyō's son, but here, we are warriors. Prepare yourself, Shisui."
Shisui's feet planted firmly—Rooted Stance. His heart pulsed. His Arch Energy flowed. He whispered the name of his style:
> "Fist of the Blooming Pulse."
The match began with a blur.
Renji's style was like dancing water—fluid counters, swift redirects. But Shisui's form struck like timed detonations. Each palm thrust aligned with a heartbeat. Every knee strike shimmered with magnetic pressure.
The crowd—students, elders, retainers—watched breathlessly as iron met silk, flame met wind.
> BOOM—Shisui landed a body blow using his Iron Tempest's magnetic recoil.
> WHOOSH—Renji responded with a spiraling Lotus Kick, knocking Shisui back.
But then, Shisui slid low and activated Polar Pulse Field mid-spin. Renji's metallic greaves were dragged toward him, opening the gap.
> CRACK— A final elbow laced with Arch Energy connected cleanly with Renji's core.
The match ended.
Renji lay on his back, panting, then laughed. "You're... definitely not just a political prince."
Shisui offered him a hand. "I don't care about titles. Only growth."
Kurou smiled faintly from afar.