“Tea” (
Summary[]
The confrontation between Chihiro and Sojo unfolds as a symbolic exchange through their blades, taking place in a unique, metaphorical dimension resembling a horigotatsu table set for two. Dango and tea accompany the scene, with Sojo portrayed as the one who prepared the meal, inviting Chihiro to join. Engaging in casual conversation, Sojo discusses the texture and aftertaste of the dango, attempting to initiate a heart-to-heart dialogue.
Despite Chihiro's refusal of the sweets, Sojo senses an underlying hostility and suggests avoiding a deadly confrontation, deeming it wasteful. As he eats a piece of dango, Sojo, then recalling Chihiro's mention of being Kunishige's son in their recent battle, questions if Chihiro has forgotten this detail. In response, Chihiro emphasizes that Sojo should not be linked with one of Kunishige's blades. Disagreeing, Sojo asserts his own perspective, viewing the sword as a tool for mass destruction, wielded in accordance with his beliefs.
Chihiro shares his observation of his father approaching the sword daily, to which Sojo reflects on how Kunishige's words for him is telling him to go on a killing spree every day, realizing the gravity of Chihiro's words. Sojo expresses curiosity about Kunishige's true identity but admits he doesn't want to know. While holding the dango (with two pieces still left on it), he asserts that he has already reached his conclusion and believes he is not wrong. He draws parallels between Chihiro rescuing Char from him and how it aligned with his convictions, the two continued clashing in an ongoing physical confrontation, mirroring the clash of their opposing beliefs.
The clash persists, and despite Sojo severing Chihiro's right arm, the battle rages on. Sojo becomes aware of Chihiro's tactical sacrifice, realizing that Chihiro willingly sacrificed his arm to alter the trajectory of the fight. Although Sojo maintains superiority in terms of physical strength, he notes Chihiro's speed has markedly increased. Despite this, Chihiro finds the high-speed cloaked lightning Sojo executes still surpasses Chihiro's own speed.
The setting transitions back to the hall, symbolizing a shift from their blade-focused confrontation to a more serene tea time communication. Seated and sipping tea, Sojo raises a question, challenging Chihiro's belief that he is the only one capable of understanding his father, Kunishige. Sojo rejects this assumption, stating that anyone has the potential to take on that role, thereby infusing significance into their ongoing battle.
As the clash continues, Sojo keenly observes Chihiro. He identifies three cards in Chihiro's hand, aside from Nishiki. First, a long-distance slashing attack; second, self-defense tactics that could neutralize his effectiveness; and third, the charging move Chihiro employs as a lightning rod. Sojo deems both Kou and Yui ineffective at this speed. He contemplates using lightning to cloak himself and deliver a surprise attack, but the window of opportunity is only 12 seconds. During this brief period, he can freely move and utilize his remaining spirit energy for cloaking. Any other technique under these conditions would restrict his movements, which he finds inconvenient.
For Sojo, it's a moment devoid of pride and tricks. Evading Chihiro's attack is his sole focus; if successful, their battle would conclude. Sojo channels his spirit power, enveloping himself in twice the allowed amount of spirit energy, disregarding the aftermath to secure Chihiro's defeat at any cost.
Chihiro devours all three pieces of the dango on his stick, contemplating his father's past message urging him to seek the true purpose of the sacred swords. As he eats, he recalls Kazane's belief that these blades should not exist. These realizations furrow Chihiro's brow, and he accepts Sojo's claim that they both speak for his father. However, this acknowledgment doesn't translate into respect; Chihiro is determined to vanquish Sojo with an even more potent display of bloodlust.
In the ongoing battle, Chihiro severs Sojo's left arm. Using his speed and agility, Chihiro eludes Sojo's pursuit, cloaking himself in three times the normal amount of spirit energy. Approaching Sojo, Chihiro releases Nishiki just as Sojo attempts an attack, which slows his movement speed and causes Sojo to miss. Chihiro then activates Kuro and closes the distance to zero. With a powerful strike, Chihiro lands on Sojo, causing blood to shower out visibly as a result of the severe impact. Cloud Gouger is severed by the strike.
Quick References[]
Chapter Notes[]
- The confrontation between Chihiro and Sojo unfolds through a symbolic exchange with blades in a metaphorical dimension. Dango and tea accompany the scene, with Sojo portrayed as the one who prepared the meal.
- Despite Sojo's invitation to eat, Chihiro refuses, not liking sweets.
- Sojo views the sword as a tool for mass destruction, wielded in accordance with his beliefs.
- Sojo reflects on Kunishige's words, realizing the gravity of Chihiro's observations.
- Sojo challenges Chihiro's belief that he is the only one capable of understanding Kunishige.
- Sojo channels twice the allowed amount of spirit energy, disregarding the aftermath to secure Chihiro's defeat.
- Chihiro devours dango, recalling his father's message about the sacred swords' true purpose.
- Chihiro accepts Sojo's claim that they both speak for his father but is determined to vanquish him.
- In the ongoing battle, Chihiro severs Sojo's left arm, eludes Sojo's pursuit, and lands a powerful strike, causing visible bloodshed and breaking Cloud Gouger.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
Author's Comment[]
| Author's Comments | |
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Takeru Hokazono |
I got some chu-toro tuna and slices of takuan pickles and made a simple torotaku. But it was better than the real thing.
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