Rusting ship hulls loomed around us, their skeletal frames casting long shadows under the dimming light. Ai stayed close to me, her hand brushing against my arm for reassurance.
Ryuzin turned to face me, his casual demeanor at odds with the tension crackling in the air. "I'll tell you my objective," he began, his voice calm yet challenging, "if you can land a punch on me."
I blinked, unsure if I heard him right. "What?"
Ryuzin smirked. "Just one punch. That's all it'll take."
I narrowed my eyes, his confidence grating on me. "You're serious?"
"Of course," he said with a small shrug. "But don't think it'll be easy."
A smirk tugged at the corner of my lips. "You're underestimating me. I am stronger than the last time we fought."
From beside me, Ai grabbed my arm, her worried eyes locking onto mine. "Asahi… please be careful," she said softly.
