Bofuri (The Strongest Shield Of Tensura)

Chapter Seven

Shogo wasted no time with banter. He launched himself forward again, a blur of crimson fury, his fists striking with the force of a battering ram. Kaede met his assault head-on, her shield keeping up with his assault.

His punches were faster now, harder to predict. Kaede's arms burned, her breath came in short bursts, but she refused to yield. Her body moved instinctively, each deflection smoother than the last. She could feel the rhythm of the fight shifting, her movements growing more deliberate.

Shogo’s fist came from above this time, an overhead strike meant to crush her. Kaede raised her shield, angling it slightly. The impact drove her back a step, her boots carving shallow grooves into the dirt. But instead of absorbing the blow, she twisted her shield, redirecting his force to the side.

Shogo stumbled, his balance faltering. Kaede pressed the advantage, driving the edge of her shield into his exposed ribs. The metallic clang echoing across the training field was no where to be found as Shogo blurred, he had feinted his stumbling.

“You’re getting cocky,” he spat, his legs sweeping her footing from under her. He leaped up, his feet slamming down on her shield as his crimson haze flickered erratically around him. A crater was quick to form from the impact. “I’ll break through that shield eventually. No one can hold out against me forever!”

Kaede didn’t respond with words. She steadied her breathing, her shield raised in silent defiance as she stood up. Shogo’s confidence was unwavering, but she could see it now—the cracks in his armor. His strikes were powerful, yes, but they lacked control. He was wild, relentless, but predictable, a weaker, dumber version of the twins.

He came at her again, his movements more erratic this time. His fists blurred in rapid succession, aiming for her shield, her legs, her sides—anywhere he thought he could break her defense. Kaede’s arms screamed in protest, her muscles burning as she parried and deflected. She felt every impact in her bones, but she stood her ground.

And then, she saw it. A pattern.

Shogo’s punches, while fast and devastating, followed a rhythm. His berserker skill amplified his strength but dulled his precision. He always followed up a low jab with a wide hook, and his charging strikes left him vulnerable for a split second.

Kaede’s lips twitched into a faint smile as she adjusted her stance.

But, just as Shogo had mentioned, she had gotten cocky. After all, she wasn't the only one studying her opponent, and for all his faults and brash personality, Shogo was actually quite adept at martial arts.

Shogo stepped in with another vicious wide hook and Kaede stepped in to his guard once again, prepping a counter.

"Coun-" Her shield swiped through the air, Shogo twisting his body unnaturally mid swing. His wide hook became a deceptive feint, using his momentum to send a back kick driving upward toward her ribs. Kaede barely had time to react, jerking her shield down just enough to deflect the blow. The force rattled her arm, sending a sharp jolt through her body, but she managed to stay standing, but the energy gathered for her counter was spent.

Shogo had also used the kick to distance himself from her, and away from her striking range.

Kaede felt a slight surge of frustration at her missed counter. Shogo was faster than she was and didn't need to worry about distance since he could close the gap in an instant. She, however had to remain in close proximity for her counter to work. The fact that the skill was so telegraphed didn't help matters either.

“Not bad,” he muttered, wiping a streak of dirt from his face. “I didn’t think you had that in you.”

Kaede lowered her shield slightly, a cheeky expression on her face as rubbed her neck with her free hand. “Hehehe.”

Shogo chuckled, the sound rough but genuine. He got to his feet, brushing himself off. “But don’t think this means you've won.”

Kaede didn’t respond. She didn’t need to. Her actions had spoken louder than words ever could.

Razen’s voice cut through the stillness, authoritative and sharp. “That’s enough for today.”

Both fighters turned to face him. He stood at the edge of the training field, his arms crossed as he regarded them with a mixture of approval and sternness.

“You’ve proven your selves,” Razen continued. “Save your strength. Tomorrow’s another day.”

Kaede nodded, lowering her shield fully as she stepped back. The tension in her muscles began to ease, though the weight of the fight lingered in her bones. She fell on her butt, laying on the cold floor, taking deep breaths.

Shogo rolled his shoulders, his grin still intact. “Fine, fine. But don’t think I’m done with you yet, shield maiden.”

Kaede’s lips curved into a faint smile. “I won't lie, that was kind of fun.”

As Shogo and Kirara both walked off the field, Kaede couldn’t help but feel a little satisfied with this bout. She wasn't as helpless as she thought she was. Shogo had been Falmuth's strongest and she could contend with him using only one unique skill. A satisfied smile rested on her lips.

Kirara's voice sang in the distance. "Hey Shogo, like, why're you holding your jaw like that?"

"Shut up Kirara."

"Are you in pain, Sho~go kun?"

"Damnit, Shut up!!"