spearmanship 3

Ikki frowned as Moroboshi advanced towards him for the first time since their match had begun. Moroboshi undoubtedly knew that he was wavering.

*Swish!*

The spear shot out once again, aiming for his legs. He was trying to limit Ikki's mobility.

Let's not think about attacking for now and just focus on evasion! I'll get back in the swing of things as I dodge!

Dodging the thrusts by taking half a step backward, he attempted to calm himself down. Each thrust seemed to split the air—he could not stop. He had to wait for the decisive opening when the spear, having missed, would stab into the stone floor—

The opening he imagined occurred in that instant. And yet, the spear that should have aimed for his legs suddenly shot upward, making for his face!

Uwaaa!

Jerking his head back, he narrowly avoided it, but still received a shallow graze to the cheek.

There's no mistaking it! While I don't understand the principle behind it, Moroboshi-san's thrust bends!

A spear, ramrod straight as it should have been, was as fluid as clay. It was an impossible sight, but seeing it twice had cleared all his doubts. And it was not just twice; all of Moroboshi's thrusts thereafter curved. Up and down, left and right, ever changing according to his will—chasing Ikki wherever he fled.

This is nuts. If I just sidestep, I'll be skewered!

This technique was not one to use knife-thin dodges on. He had no other option apart from seeking to completely escape the spear's attack range, and this he did with all his might.