Fine… guess the only way out is a draw.That way, Gekkō wouldn't look down on him, but he also wouldn't keep pestering Yō for endless rematches. With his personality, Gekkō would probably convince himself that his talent would surpass a "mere civilian like Natsume Yō" sooner or later.
"Alright, looks like I don't really have a choice. I'll take you on," Yō spread his hands, meeting Gekkō's gaze.
"Good. Then let's begin!"Hearing Yō finally agree, Gekkō's tone dripped arrogance—like Yō should be honored just to spar with him.
"Natsume Yō, you won't regret this. Come—show me what you've got!"He didn't even move, standing tall, waiting for Yō to strike first.
"Heh. If that's how you want it… don't blame me for being rude."Yō's grin flashed—and then his figure blurred, vanishing. A silver arc of steel lit up in front of Gekkō, his short blade cutting down without mercy.
Clang!Steel crashed against steel. Gekkō blocked cleanly, then unleashed a surge of sword aura, blasting Yō back in a burst of raw force.
"With that speed? You think you can touch me? Don't underestimate me!"Unlike most shinobi, Moonlight Gekkō fought more like a samurai from the Warring States. His fame came from swordsmanship alone—his signature was the Konoha-ryū kenjutsu, a technique said to be devised by the Second Hokage himself.
"Konoha-ryū Sword Style—Crescent Moon Dance!"With a sharp shout, two shadow clones burst into existence, their arcs of movement overlapping like curved moons. Three Gekkōs lunged in unison, their blades a storm of steel. Handling even one would be impressive—handling three? Impossible.
Boom!But Yō's answer shattered that assumption. Without hesitation, he whipped out two kunai, firing them into the oncoming storm. One clone twisted aside, but the other dispersed into smoke.
"Tch!"In that instant of split focus, the real Gekkō's blade slashed into Yō's shoulder—only for his face to freeze.
Poof!The struck figure burst into a wooden log. The real Yō had already slipped behind him, short blade gleaming as it drove toward Gekkō's back.
Clang!Gekkō stumbled forward, barely spinning in time to deflect. Sparks exploded, the clash ringing like temple bells across the forest.
Again and again, steel rang out—clang, clang, clang—the two locked in furious close-quarters combat. Blades blurred, strikes weaved like shadows, sword-qi crackled sharp enough to sting the skin.
In a world where ninjutsu ruled, pure kenjutsu duels were rare. For a boy like Natsume Yō to wield the blade with such intensity—it was almost unheard of.
"Haaah!"Both fighters skidded apart, chests heaving, eyes blazing with battle-lust.
Yō gritted his teeth. As much as he hated to admit it… Moonlight Gekkō's swordsmanship really was damn strong. Even without jutsu, breaking him would be no easy feat.