Volume 5 Chapter 26 Tenho and Ouka, Confirming Each Other's Strength
"Go, Tenhou! 'Suzaku Flame Dance'!"
Flames envelop Shouou's body.
A crimson blaze that seems to burn everything to ash. But this isn't real.
It's something Shouou's 'Ki' created... like a fiery aura, you could say.
Yet, it feels hot when you get close.
Even though I know it's not real fire, my body involuntarily senses the heat.
Touching it feels like being lightly seared.
This is a technique Shouou donned using the 'Heaven-Earth Guidance Technique' from the Legendary Secret Teaching.
"Why is it hot if it's an illusion?"
"Because Tenhou-kun's senses are perceiving it that way."
Shuu-sensei's voice was heard.
"Kaou-kun has become one with the 'Suzaku bird.' On top of that, she's creating something like real flames. Tenhou-kun's senses are interpreting it as actual burning fire."
"...Then, what about this heat?"
"It's something Tenhou-kun's body is involuntarily sensing."
"...What happens if I touch it?"
"Your body might involuntarily feel like it's been 'burned by the flames,' and you could end up with burns. I'll treat you properly afterward, but try to avoid it if you can."
"Yes. Shuu-sensei!!"
The crimson flames were created by Shouou's 'ki.'
Since it's not real fire, it won't burn clothes or wooden swords.
However, the enemy's senses will mistake it for fire and feel the 'heat.'
Depending on the person, they might even feel pain or sustain burns.
──A powerful technique, true to Shouou.
"Then... 'Genbu Glide'!!"
I used the 'Genbu Glide' from the 'Five Divine Steps,' slipping right under Shouou.
Just as I thought. It's not affected by the fire's influence.
The Genbu turtle's technique is 'water attribute,' so it can overcome Suzaku bird's 'fire.'
We can defend against what the fire's 'ki' produces with the water's 'ki.'
"This time, I'm coming at you with the 'Genbu Double Illusion Strike' (Turtle and Snake's confusing continuous attack)!"
"Alright, Tenhou! Then I'll use the 'Suzaki Dive Strike' (Suzaku Bird Dives to Hunt Its Prey)!!"
My wooden sword and Shouou's cross each other.
I slide across the floor, while Shouou kicks off the ground. The distance between us grows.
We gaze at each other and ready our wooden swords.
Shouou and I are currently training in martial arts at a mansion in Kiryou town.
It's a place prepared for us by Yuuri-sama.
Shuu-sensei is also here, guiding us as our mentor.
Shouou and I are set to compete in the martial arts tournament.
But, you never know what might happen at a tournament.
The 'Golden Feather Syndicate' might interfere, or martial artists might cause trouble.
That's why we've decided to thoroughly hone our skills, just in case.
"To be honest, I... don't really want to face Tenhou with my sword."
"Aren't training wooden swords an exception?"
I answer Shouou.
"This is about confirming each other's strength. So please, give it your all. Shouou!"
"Got it. Let's do this!"
Shouou's wooden sword emits a crimson flame.
A flame manifested by the 'Heaven-Earth Guidance Technique' of the Legendary Secret Teaching──named 'Phantom Flame.'
A technique that affects the enemy's body with the 'ki' of fire.
And it's not just 'Phantom Flame' that Shouou can use.
She's even learned to create real fire.
She's made fireballs with the Suzaku bird's technique before, but it seems to have powered up.
This one she named 'Phoenix Flame'──the fire of the Phoenix (Houou).
Shouou vowed to use it 'only where Tenhou is', her ace in the hole.
"Still... it's shocking to Tenhou!"
Waving her wooden sword, Shouou raises her voice.
"You act like it's nothing when I'm creating fire!"
"I'm amazed! That's why I'm dodging like this!!"
I use the Genbu turtle's technique to ward off Shouou's flames.
But I can't eliminate the fire.
It's because Shouou's fire attribute is too strong.
Even with the water attribute of the Genbu turtle, I can just barely slash through and blow away the Phantom Flame.
"Then let's use 'Suzaku bird──'"
"'Seiryuu Spinning Strike'!"
Before Shouou can unleash her next move, I activate the 'Seiryuu dragon' technique.
I swing the fire-laden wooden sword.
"Really... it seems like Tenhou thinks using fire is a given for me."
Shouou flashes a fearless smile.
"That's why your response is so quick. Tenhou is truly amazing!"
"Shouldn't it be a given that Shouou can do at least this much!?"
And... in the game 'History of Swordmaster', Sou Ouka could also produce fire from her sword.
She would trigger the Suzaku bird effect and defeat enemies with a sword imbued with fire.
Even the Sou Ouka in the game world could create fire.
I believe the Shouou in this world with me can do something even more incredible.
Shouou is my revered Shikei, after all.
"But, Shouou, aren't you getting too good at using fire too quickly?"
"You could make a serious mistake if you misuse it. I've been practicing hard."
"Shouou, you're such a hard worker! I admire you!"
"I admire Tenhou more than anyone else!!"
We locked eyes at close range.
Smiling at each other, we kicked off the floor.
We unleashed the leaping technique from the *Five Divine Steps*.
"Here I come, Shouou."
"Bring it, Tenhou."
"'Five Divine Steps'—'Storm of the Lurking Dragon King'!!"
I leaped into the air and—kicked at nothing.
"────!"
My trajectory shifted.
From an upward jump to horizontal movement.
I kicked again mid-air, changing direction.
I darted through the air in a zigzag path.
"You truly dance through the heavens like a dragon. As expected of my junior disciple!!"
"Coming at you... Shouou!!"
This was the technique I'd mastered through the 'Legendary Secret Teaching's 'Heaven-Earth Guidance Technique'.
Using 'Ki', I could create footholds in mid-air.
However, I couldn't stop or stand still—only create a momentary platform.
There was also a limit to how many times I could use it.
Still, thanks to this technique, I could now dash through the air using my footwork.
Jumping upward, I double-jumped sideways.
The third jump was diagonal, the next straight up.
Using the ceiling as a foothold, I dropped straight down.
With my wooden sword in hand, I leaped toward Shouou, waiting on the ground.
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