Takeshi's decision-making skills had improved—this was evident in how quickly he read my movements. He no longer relied solely on brute force or instinct but began to grasp the patterns of my thoughts. In the theater of war, such ability was an invaluable asset. However, it also meant I had to elevate my game. Fine then, let's show him a bit of skill.
I moved away from the window on the second floor of the decrepit building where I had been hiding, heading toward the back staircase with light steps. I knew Takeshi would decipher my movements swiftly, so I needed to create a distraction to confuse him.
Finding a loose wooden plank on the floor, I kicked it hard. The noise echoed, suggesting I had jumped out from the opposite side of the building. As I expected, I heard hurried footsteps moving toward that direction, their urgency evident.