In a surge of determination, Sakura closed in on Haruka, attempting to deliver a decisive blow to his back. However, Haruka, ever perceptive, swiftly turned around and intercepted her attack. The confrontation escalated as Kaito, driven by an unexpected burst of courage, seized Haruka's legs and passionately urged Sakura on, shouting, "DO IT!!"
Sensing an opportunity, Ryouichi and Yuki entered the fray, channeling their Arcane Savant Nature Enes abilities. Focusing on the element of Earth, they conjured multiple cubes of earth that floated ominously in the sky, each making its deliberate advance toward Haruka. The collaborative effort of the trio aimed to overwhelm their enigmatic adversary.
Unveiling a newfound skill, Sakura tapped into her Ethereal Artificer Nature Enes tier abilities, this time focusing on the element of fire. A peculiar twist occurred as only diminutive fireballs, barely a meter in length and width, descended from the sky. However, Sakura, with a sense of revelation, declared, "I've also learned something while you parted ways from us... AND THAT SOMETHING IS...!!"
In a breathtaking display of mastery, Sakura's small fireballs underwent a transformation, gaining intensity and force. She christened this formidable technique, "Pinnacle Art: Celestial Pyrofusion." As the enhanced fireballs now rained down with augmented vigor, they seamlessly combined with the earth cubes, forging a celestial spectacle of fiery meteors encased in earthen shells.
Upon making contact with the ground, the fusion of fire and earth triggered a colossal explosion, shaking the very foundation of the battleground. The shockwave echoed through the air, and the luminous display of celestial pyrofusion illuminated the surroundings. Sakura's mastery over this pinnacle art showcased the evolution of her abilities during the time apart from Haruka.
The battlefield now bore the scars of their intense clash, the remnants of the explosive spectacle settling amidst the lingering echoes. Yet, amidst the aftermath.
As the smoke slowly began to clear, revealing the aftermath of Sakura's formidable technique, an unexpected sound filled the air—the hearty laughter of Haruka. His amusement echoed through the battleground, shattering the momentary silence that had settled after Sakura's impressive display. With a tone of amusement, Haruka commended their effort, "Impressive... However, did you really think that would take me down?" A sly smirk played on his lips as he surveyed the damage, revealing that only his clothes had suffered from the brunt of Sakura's powerful attack.
Sakura, despite her best efforts, had not emerged unscathed from the clash. Multiple bruises adorned her form, a testament to the toll the intense battle had taken on her. A frustrated "Tsk..." escaped her lips as she acknowledged the limitations of her attack. Meanwhile, Kaito, who had borne the brunt of the injuries, expressed gratitude for Sakura's earlier Life Enes ability that had alleviated some of his suffering. Despite his thanks, Kaito found himself succumbing to exhaustion, resting his head wearily against the ground.
Enishi, the enigmatic observer, detected an unusual presence approaching from the forest. His perceptive nature honed in on the newcomer, and he remarked with a hint of curiosity, "Hm. I'm sensing a new person coming..." The distant sound of yelling emanated from within the forest, a voice calling out for Sakura and Yuki. Enishi, ever pragmatic, speculated on the newcomer's strength, "Is he going to be another weakling?"
Meanwhile, Kaito, still recovering on the ground, stirred as he overheard the commotion. Perplexed, he mumbled to himself, "Huh... What's going on?" Ryouichi, ever the astute observer, recognized the voice calling out from the forest. A smile crept onto his face as he uttered a single word, "Hikari."
Haruka, ever curious about Enishi's impressions, directs a question to his silent companion, "Enishi, what do you think of them so far?" Enishi, whose responses are measured and precise, doesn't mince words as he assesses the group, "The only remarkable thing about them is their potential, the only exclusion is Sakura. She got both power, and potential." His words hang in the air, emphasizing Sakura's unique standing among the group.
Amidst the recovery period, Kaito's thoughts betray his wearied state. Mumbling to himself, he questions the tactical approach of their adversaries, "Why do they not attack us relentlessly..? Why do they even give us time to recover? Do they really like torturing us?" His ponderings reveal a mix of frustration and confusion as the relentless nature of the battles takes its toll on both body and mind.
Seemingly acknowledging Kaito's internal musings, Enishi decides it's time to showcase his own prowess. Muttering something indistinct to himself, he initiates a demonstration of his abilities. Suddenly, the serene forest setting transforms into a chaotic scene. Several trees surrounding them fall victim to Enishi's mysterious technique—some cleanly cut in half, others in various fractions. The precision and control displayed in the execution of this slashing technique leave a profound impact.
Sakura, perceptive as always, witnesses the arboreal carnage unleashed by Enishi. Intrigued, she questions herself, "Was that just now a... Slashing technique...?" The realization dawns upon her that Enishi's skills extend beyond mere physical strength.
As the battlefield bears the scars of Enishi's prowess, the group grapples with a newfound understanding of the challenges ahead. The air is charged with a mixture of tension and anticipation, the echo of slashed trees lingering like a silent warning of the formidable force they face.
As the tension on the battlefield thickens, a new figure emerges from the forest, heralding her arrival with an air of sophistication. Hikari, with her soft golden locks framing her face, possesses piercing brown eyes that radiate not just beauty but a sense of affluence and elegance. Her opulent jacket, matching pants, and lavish shoes complete an ensemble that seems more suited for a high-end social gathering than a battleground.
Ryouichi, ever the pragmatic warrior, can't help but express his incredulity at Hikari's fashion choices amidst the imminent conflict. "Are you really wearing these clothes... On a fight?" he sighs. Unfazed by the battlefield norms, Hikari confidently responds, "Yes, why?" Ryouichi's silence speaks volumes, unable to fathom the impracticality of her choice.
Enishi, always observant, breaks his silence, acknowledging a glimmer of power emanating from Hikari. "At the very least, I sense some power from her..." he notes, recognizing that appearances can often deceive in this realm of heightened abilities.
Hikari, seemingly unfazed by the impending battle, surveys her opponents with a touch of amusement. "Are these our opponents? Why are they so majestic?" she queries, genuinely perplexed by the regal demeanor of the group. Her comment, unexpected in the midst of a confrontation, leaves both Enishi and Haruka momentarily silent, unaccustomed to such observations during a fight.
Ryouichi's silent disapproval prompts Sakura to intervene, offering an explanation for Hikari's behavior, "She acts like that sometimes..." Sakura's dismissal of the fashion concern, however, draws a retort from Hikari, "Was that meant to be an insult?" Yuki, keenly aware of the pressing issues at hand, cuts through the banter, urging everyone to focus on the imminent threat. "Forget it. We got a bigger issue to deal with."
Enishi, turning to Haruka, seeks clarification on their strategy, "You said we only need one person, right?" Haruka, intrigued by the unfolding dynamics, responds, "Give me some time to think... I'm quite interested now." The field, now graced by Hikari's unexpected presence, brims with uncertainty and anticipation as alliances and strategies hang in the balance.