Then, like a bolt of lightning, Kentaro launched another assault. But mid-charge, he stumbled and fell face-first into the dirt. Dazed yet aware of the danger, he scrambled to his feet only to trip again.
Rising once more, he turned, disoriented and terrified. Out of nowhere, an invisible flurry of blows struck him: one to his neck, another to his nose, and a third to his chest. He collapsed, groaning.
"Ah… The grass is… soft," Kentaro muttered deliriously.
Summoning his strength, he managed to kneel, only to find his foot pinned to the ground—Hogen's blade had pierced through it, anchoring him in place. His voice trembled as he stammered:
"But how? How did he move so quickly… and with such precision?"
Looking up at Hogen's sneering face, Kentaro's despair deepened. "What a disgrace. I couldn't even get my revenge."
Hogen, standing tall and triumphant, leveled a mocking gaze at his defeated foe. His smile twisted with cruel satisfaction.
