The impact of Haruka's strike on Ryouichi was profound, sending him hurtling through the air for several hundred meters. The sheer velocity and precision of the attack left Ryouichi disoriented and unable to mount a defense. Even Sakura, known for her exceptional abilities, found herself unable to track Haruka's movements, a testament to the newfound speed and strength he displayed.
As Ryouichi continued to be propelled away, Haruka marveled at the sensation, expressing, "I feel renewed. How long has passed since the last time I did something like that?" His words echoed with a sense of nostalgia and rediscovery, hinting at a period in his past when such displays of power were not unfamiliar.
Sakura, witnessing Haruka's unprecedented prowess, couldn't help but reflect on their shared history. "You weren't this powerful back when we used to be together, in the same group," she remarked, unveiling a stark contrast between the Haruka of old and the formidable adversary he had become. The revelation left a lingering sense of unease, prompting Sakura to grapple with the implications of this newfound strength.
Yuki, too, sensed that something was amiss with Haruka, but the extent of his transformation surpassed her expectations. "I knew something was wrong with him, but... To think it was to this extent," she mused, capturing the collective astonishment of the group. The mystery surrounding Haruka's evolution added layers of complexity to their understanding of the unfolding events.
Amidst the chaos, Ryouichi struggled to regain his composure, grappling with the repercussions of Haruka's overwhelming power. The battle had shifted into a realm where speed and strength transcended their previous limits, leaving the group to confront an adversary whose capabilities seemed to defy the boundaries of their shared past.
As Haruka stood amidst the aftermath of his stunning display, the echoes of his words lingered, casting a shadow over the unfolding conflict. The group faced the daunting challenge of contending with a figure whose evolution held the key to unlocking a history fraught with untold complexities.
As the dust settled and the echoes of Haruka's astonishing display of power lingered, a sense of unease enveloped the battlefield. Sakura, the keen strategist, couldn't help but voice her perplexity, "Wait- There should be a few practitioners near this area... Why have they not arrived yet? There definitely is a powerful one amongst them, right?" The absence of any intervention from other practitioners added an element of mystery to the unfolding situation, leaving them to grapple with the uncertainty of the present circumstances.
Aria, reflecting the collective sentiment of the group, expressed her concerns, "Will this end well for us?" The doubt in her voice mirrored the prevailing atmosphere of uncertainty, as they faced adversaries whose strength surpassed anything they had encountered before.
Ryouichi, though visibly battered and barely standing on his feet, had managed to return to the location. The remnants of his shredded shirt exposed his well-defined eight-pack, adorned with bruises inflicted by the sheer force of Haruka's blow. The physical toll on Ryouichi's body served as a tangible reminder of the formidable power wielded by their former companion.
Yuki, her gaze fixed on Ryouichi, couldn't help but blush at the sight of his exposed physique. Concerned for his well-being, she inquired, "Why didn't you heal yourself?" The question lingered in the air, reflecting the complex dynamics and underlying emotions that defined their relationships.
Haruka, ever enigmatic, responded with a nonchalant "Hm..." His mysterious demeanor added an additional layer of intrigue to the unfolding events, leaving the group to grapple with the lingering questions surrounding Haruka's newfound strength, the absence of other practitioners, and the uncertain path that lay ahead.
The battlefield, scarred by the clash of powerful abilities and personal revelations, became a stage for the convergence of past and present, with the practitioners navigating the complexities of friendship, conflict, and the untold history that bound them together.
In the aftermath of the intense confrontation, Ryouichi's concern for Hikari took precedence, prompting him to inquire about her whereabouts. "Where's Hikari?" he asked Yuki, seeking answers in the midst of the unfolding chaos. Yuki, however, responded with uncertainty, "I don't know..." The absence of information about Hikari's location added another layer of tension to an already complex situation.
Meanwhile, Kaito grappled with a sense of inadequacy, questioning his own worth and contribution to the unfolding events. "Why am I so... useless?" he mused, his self-doubt echoing through the air. The weight of his perceived shortcomings hung heavy on his shoulders, a sentiment that resonated with the ongoing struggles faced by the group.
As if in response to Kaito's internal turmoil, Haruka, displaying a blend of swiftness and power, dashed towards him at an incredible speed. Coming to an abrupt stop right in front of Kaito, Haruka became a formidable presence, his aura commanding attention. Kaito, meeting Haruka's gaze, found himself in a silent confrontation that stirred a mix of emotions within him.
In a spontaneous attempt to assert himself, Kaito, fueled by a surge of determination, sought to land a blow on Haruka's face. However, Haruka effortlessly blocked the attempt and gently threw Kaito to the ground. The contrast between their strengths was evident, and Kaito's silent contemplation mirrored the internal struggle he faced.
Haruka, seemingly unperturbed by the preceding events, issued an invitation that carried both promise and ambiguity. "Come with me and Enishi; you've got potential," he stated, extending an offer that hinted at a different path, a divergence from the current conflict. Kaito, still processing the encounter, continued to sweat nervously, grappling with the weight of Haruka's proposition.
Sakura, observing the interaction, couldn't stand idly by. Moving at an incredible speed (Mach 995), she dashed towards Kaito, aiming to intervene. Yet, Haruka's stoic demeanor remained unaltered, and in the midst of the tension, he directed a pointed question at Kaito. "Will you follow me and Enishi?" The weight of the decision hung in the air, leaving Kaito to confront a pivotal moment that could shape the trajectory of his journey.