Chapter 99 - Sword vs. Iron - The Battle Begins

Hiyori recalled Ryuto's words from earlier. The enemy was likely to ambush in the underground warehouse of the hospital, and if they were to ambush, they would choose a place far from the entrance. Talking about ambushes, it would mainly involve hidden weapons. So, they would probably throw hidden weapons when Hiyori entered the door, which was a crucial point. However, there was also a favorable aspect to it.

Although it was a little dangerous, if Hiyori could successfully evade them, she could determine the location of the enemy's ambush based on the trajectory of the hidden weapons. Then, she could turn the situation around and go on the offensive. After evading the enemy's confident surprise attack, they would surely be stunned. This was a good opportunity because seizing the initiative was important, after all.

As expected, just like Master Ryuto said, Hiyori couldn't help but think so in her mind.

However, the opponent quickly recovered from the chaos. Could it be said that they were truly professional?

"Tsk..."

Her right hand, which was raised in defense, was left empty, and then she attempted to counterattack by swinging it forward. However, Hiyori easily dodged by leaning to her left.

But it wasn't over yet. Immediately after, Hiyori took the long sword in her left hand and directly lifted her right leg.

"Roaring Thunder."

A horizontal kick aimed for the left side of the tall man's head.

"Thunk—"

A dull collision could be heard as the tall man blocked the kick with both hands on the left side of his head...

She thought that was it, but in the next instant, the impact from the kick caused the tall man's body to fly sideways.

"Boom—"

The sound of stacked crates toppling over could be heard. Although it seemed effective, however...

"It's useless. Ordinary moves won't work on me. I am made of iron, even knives and guns are useless against me."

"It seems that way."

The tall man got up from the wreckage and straightened his clothes.

"Although I don't know why you ended up here, it seems that the target won't be coming, and that's perfect."

Saying so, he revealed an excited smile.

"Huh?"

"I thought there wouldn't be a chance, but this is fine too. I finally get to have a proper fight with the Sword Sorcerer of the Far East. Let me see just how powerful the Sword Sorcerer of the Far East is."

"..."

"But before that, out of politeness, let me introduce myself. I am a member of the government's special research organization, codename 'Bloodlust'."

"In that case, I'll do the same. I am the onmyoji of the Tsuchimikado family, Tsuchimikado Hiyori."

"Tsuchimikado Hiyori? I will remember that, regardless of the outcome of this battle, I will remember. Well then..."

Saying so, Bloodlust launched an attack, rushing towards Hiyori, and in response, Hiyori transformed her long sword back into a talisman paper and temporarily put it away.

"Oh... You know that weapons won't work against me, so you plan to fight barehanded? Interesting, come at me."

So, Bloodlust swung his fists again. Although it was a fierce attack, Hiyori easily evaded by stepping backward.

"It's not over yet."

Bloodlust followed up with another flying kick from his right leg, the motion was fierce and precise, but it was still evaded in the same manner.

But even so, Bloodlust did not stop his attack.

"I see. So, this is the legendary Far Eastern shrine maiden's unique clairvoyance, the ability to foresee the future, right? Although I didn't believe in it before, seeing it like this, I can't help but believe it. This is truly an overpowered ability for close combat."

(Translator's note: The translated text may contain some inaccuracies compared to the original text.)

While speaking, the tall man swept his right fist forward horizontally. Hiyori lowered her body to dodge and counterattacked. She forcefully stepped forward with her left foot and used the power of her waist to strike out with her right hand, landing a palm strike on Bloodlust's chest.

"Meirei."

But...

It had no effect.

"I told you, normal moves won't work on me."

Taking advantage of the situation, Bloodlust prepared to grab Hiyori with his left hand. However, Hiyori was one step ahead. She grabbed his right wrist with her left hand and his clothes with her right hand. Then, without any pause in her movements, she turned to the left, using her strength to directly toss Bloodlust's tall body away.

"Boom—"

The sound of falling goods came once again.

But it didn't take long.

"It's quite unexpected that you even know how to wrestle. You really are a very good opponent."

Bloodlust stood up as if nothing had happened and, while shouting, shortened the distance between the two of them once again.

The fierce battle in the dark night continued.