Sozen’s heart raced with a mix of frustration and resignation. He despised the thought, but there was no room for protest.

“Very well,” Sozen said through gritted teeth, gripping his blades with renewed determination. “I'll entrust you with my safety!” His eyes were fierce, but the annoyance was evident on his face. The challenge ahead was formidable, but he had no choice but to press forward.

Satoshi’s expression twisted into a snarl of disdain. He had always prided himself on his superiority, and he was not about to let two perceived "spoiled brats" undermine his confidence.

“There’s no way I’ll lose to these pampered fools!” His fury burned hot, fueling his resolve. With a sudden, explosive movement, he launched all of his floating blades toward Sozen and Hitomi in a relentless barrage. Following up with a powerful lunge, Satoshi aimed to crush Sozen’s defenses with sheer force.

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In the chaos, Sozen and Hitomi worked in tandem, doing their best to deflect the storm of blades that Satoshi had unleashed. Sozen’s focus was razor-sharp as he maneuvered his body, sidestepping the deadly projectiles while simultaneously protecting Hitomi. The clash of steel and the whirring of Satoshi’s blades filled the air.

Halt.

Just as they were about to close the distance, a sudden, violent vibration rocked the room. Both Sozen and Hitomi were momentarily paralyzed in their motions, their bodies frozen mid-action.

A dark figure emerged from the shadows of the hallway.

With chilling precision, the figure raised a gun and fired. A bullet tore through Sozen’s torso with brutal efficiency. The pain was immediate and excruciating. Sozen’s scream of agony cut through the air as he collapsed to the ground, his once fierce expression now contorted in torment.

Elvis stepped into the room, his presence a stark contrast to the turmoil that had just unfolded. He met Hitomi’s bewildered gaze with a solemn look. Hitomi, still grappling with the sudden turn of events, stood rooted in confusion. The implications of what had just happened were clear, but their full weight had yet to sink in.