Ch 32 training

As they lock on each other, Ichiro then prepared himself, and as Yaga started the fight, both Ichiro and Panda disappeared from sight. For a normal person, all they could perceive were sounds and a blur of their appearances, but nothing could escape Gojo and Yaga's keen observation.

"Hmm, those two are equally strong," Yaga commented, his eyes fixed on the intense battle unfolding before them.

"I agree, but I get the feeling Ichiro would win," Gojo remarked, his gaze piercing through the chaotic scene with unwavering focus.

Yaga's curiosity was piqued by Gojo's comment. "What do you mean, Satoru? Are you suggesting that Ichiro's been holding back?"

"Well, we can't be sure. Only time will tell," Gojo replied nonchalantly, his attention fully absorbed by the intricate dance of combat before him.

Yaga furrowed his brow, pondering Gojo's cryptic words as he continued to analyze the unfolding duel. Despite his confusion, he trusted in Gojo's insight and remained vigilant, knowing that the true outcome of the battle would reveal itself in due time. Meanwhile, the clash between Ichiro and Panda raged on, each move calculated and executed with precision, as they fought with all their might in pursuit of victory.

As Ichiro kept attacking with his solid strikes, Panda retaliated with a series of right and left hooks, their movements a blur of speed and precision. Despite Ichiro's attempts to cleave Panda vertically, the agile fighter sidestepped and delivered a powerful right hook to Ichiro's side, which he deftly blocked using his solid strike cleaver. After a minute of intense clashing, both combatants backed off, taking a moment to regain their bearings.

"Just as I thought, Ichiro-san, you're really strong," Panda acknowledged, his respect evident in his words.

"Really? You too, Panda," Ichiro responded, reciprocating the compliment.

"Thanks, Ichiro, but I'll get serious now," Panda declared, his demeanor suddenly shifting as an ominous aura surrounded him, and cursed energy surged from his fists. In an instant, Panda vanished, reappearing in front of Ichiro with a downward punch aimed at him. However, Ichiro, honed by years of training and battles with shikigami, effortlessly dodged the attack and created distance between them, his senses sharp and instincts finely tuned. The tension in the air crackled as the two warriors prepared for the next phase of their intense confrontation.

'Looks like Panda is now getting serious,' Ichiro commented, his excitement palpable as he couldn't contain the thrill of the moment. As the smoke dissipated, revealing Panda in his more menacing gorilla mode with elongated arms and imposing teeth, Ichiro's expression shifted to one of anticipation.

'Oh, so Panda's using his gorilla mode, huh? Looks like he's really getting serious now,' Ichiro chuckled, unable to suppress a smile at the unfolding spectacle.

His reaction didn't escape Gojo's notice, who observed with amusement. "He's smiling even in a situation like this?"

'He really is that guy's son, and that smug smile reminds me of him,' Gojo remarked, a smile forming on his own face as he found amusement in the scene unfolding before them. Despite the intensity of the battle, Ichiro's unwavering confidence and lighthearted demeanor brought a sense of levity to the situation, much to Gojo's amusement.

As Panda's blow landed, Ichiro attempted to block it, only to be disappointed as Panda's strike completely bypassed his defenses, the force of the impact reverberating through his solid strike cleaver.

"What?" Ichiro's disbelief was evident as he was sent flying across the ground, but amidst the chaos, he couldn't suppress a laugh at the sheer absurdity of Panda's gorilla mode.

"Hahahahahahhaha, that was a good punch," Ichiro managed to chuckle, despite the pain coursing through his right arm.

"Thanks, and to think you could still stand after I punched you with my full strength," Panda replied, a mix of surprise and respect coloring his voice.

On the sidelines, Yaga couldn't help but marvel at Ichiro's resilience. "That kid is strong. To think he could still stand up after receiving such a powerful hit from Panda."

"Yeah, I thought Ichiro was just fast. I didn't think he'd be this tough," Gojo remarked, his eyes fixed on Ichiro's form as he analyzed the situation. "And it looks like he didn't use any cursed energy while fighting Panda, or even imbue himself to strengthen his body. He just took the blow as it is."

Gojo couldn't help but be impressed by Ichiro's ability to endure such a formidable attack without relying on his cursed energy, a testament to his strength and determination. As the battle raged on, Gojo watched with keen interest, eager to see how Ichiro would continue to face the challenges ahead.

As Ichiro stood up, he felt a slight numbness in his right arm, which quickly dissipated.

'Man, that attack was no joke. If I were a normal human, I would've been blown to bits. But even so...' Ichiro trailed off, his gaze shifting to Panda with a mix of admiration and excitement. 'That gorilla mode of his looks menacingly in real life, but I can't let that scare me now, can it?'

"That was a good blow, Panda. Let me repay you," Ichiro said in a playful manner, his eyes glinting with determination. In a swift movement, Ichiro appeared in front of Panda, ready to deliver a downward slice. However, Panda reacted quickly, blocking Ichiro's attack. Instead of pressing the assault, Ichiro surprised Panda with a swift kick to the stomach, sending him crashing into a nearby wall.

"A faint?" Panda spoke, his voice laced with surprise as he staggered to regain his balance. "And that blow... I didn't expect such a powerful strike could come from him. I thought he was only fast. To think he's this strong."

As Panda processed the unexpected turn of events, Ichiro remained poised and focused, ready to continue the battle with unwavering determination. The air crackled with anticipation as the two warriors prepared for the next phase of their intense confrontation.

As Panda tried to regain his bearings, Ichiro dashed at him once again, aiming another kick at his stomach. However, Panda was ready this time. Instead of being sent flying, Panda grabbed Ichiro's leg and threw him up into the sky. Swiftly following up, Panda berated Ichiro with a flurry of punches—a jab, right hook, and uppercut—before delivering an overhand strike. Ichiro used the momentum of Panda's attack to rotate his body 360 degrees and attempted to strike Panda with his solid strike cleaver. However, Panda anticipated the move and deflected Ichiro's attack, causing them to fall back down to the ground, where they resumed their intense exchange of slashes and punches.

'Damn, as expected of Yaga, he really trained Panda well,' Ichiro thought to himself as he continued to clash with his formidable opponent. 'Every attack I deliver is met with Panda's swift deflection or evasion. If this goes on, Panda will be able to adapt to my fighting style.'

As Ichiro pondered his next move, Panda seized the opportunity, noticing Ichiro's momentary distraction. With lightning speed, Panda punched Ichiro in the stomach, sending him crashing to the ground.

"This is payback for earlier, Ichiro-san," Panda declared, his voice tinged with determination as he capitalized on the opening.

As the dust dissipate ichiro's appearance can be seen laying in the ground and yaga about to declare the Victor only to notice ichiro staggering while standing up

"Can you still fight, Ichiro?" Yaga inquired, his gaze fixed on the determined young warrior.

"Yeah," Ichiro responded with unwavering resolve, ready to continue the spar despite the challenges he faced.

"I see. Then let's continue. Are both fighters ready?" Yaga addressed both Ichiro and Panda.

"Yeah," they responded in unison, their determination evident in their voices.

With a nod from Yaga, the spar resumed. Panda readied itself, entering its gorilla mode and dashed towards Ichiro with formidable speed. However, to Panda's surprise, Ichiro didn't dodge. Instead, panda continued to advance towards ichiro and delivered a punch straight to its face. But before Panda's fist reach ichiro, Ichiro suddenly disappeared, leaving Panda bewildered as panda was sent flying across the ground.

"Where is he?" Panda questioned, scanning its surroundings for any sign of Ichiro.

"Behind you," Ichiro's voice echoed from behind, and Panda turned around swiftly, ready to counterattack. But to its dismay, Ichiro was nowhere to be found.

Confusion clouded Panda's mind as it struggled to comprehend what had just happened. Suddenly, panda falls, and upon looking down, it realized that its right leg had been severed.

"Huh? Since when?" Panda questioned itself, finding it hard to believe the sudden turn of events.

"Now then, Panda, can you still stand?" Ichiro's voice rang out, taunting Panda as it attempted to jump back to gain some distance. However, as soon as its left leg landed on the ground, it gave way, and Panda fell to the ground, unable to stand.

The unexpected scene left even Yaga surprised, as he watched the battle unfold before him, witnessing the sheer determination and skill displayed by both Ichiro and Panda.

"H-hey, Gojo, just what the hell happened?" Yaga asked, turning to Gojo, knowing he was the only one capable of perceiving such incredible speed.

"Well, as soon as Panda was within Ichiro's range, Ichiro swiftly cut off Panda's right leg before it could even land. Then, he followed it up by punching Panda in the stomach, sending him to the ground. But before Panda could even reach the ground, Ichiro was already there, waiting for him. And as soon as Panda attempted to jump back, Ichiro seized the opportunity to cut off his other leg. And that's how we ended up in this situation," Gojo explained in a playful manner, his words painting a vivid picture of the lightning-fast exchange.

After hearing Gojo's explanation, Yaga couldn't help but be astonished at Ichiro's strength. "And we have this kind of sorcerer under our nose. If the Zenin clan were to hear about Ichiro—"

"That won't happen," Gojo interjected confidently, cutting Yaga off before he could finish his sentence.

"What makes you so sure?" Yaga pressed, curious about Gojo's cryptic words.

"Because I'm Gojo Satoru," Gojo replied simply, his confidence unwavering.

"I see," Yaga murmured, acknowledging Gojo's assurance. The conversation left Yaga with a newfound respect for Ichiro's abilities and a sense of reassurance knowing that Gojo was there to handle any potential threats that may arise."

As Panda attempted to stand up using his hand, Ichiro swiftly cut it, causing Panda to falter. Before Panda could react, Ichiro severed his other hand, leaving Panda unable to support himself and causing him to fall to the ground.

"Now then, can you still stand, Panda?" Ichiro taunted, his gaze fixed on his fallen opponent.

"Now, now, Ichiro-san, don't look at me like that. I could report you to the police for sexual harassment," Panda responded with a hint of humor, trying to lighten the tense atmosphere.

Ichiro couldn't help but burst into laughter at Panda's unexpected joke. "Hahahahaha, sorry about that, Panda. I didn't mean to look at you like that."

"Nah, it's good. Can you carry me?" Panda replied, his tone light despite the situation.

"Sure," Ichiro agreed readily, lifting Panda effortlessly into his arms. Together, they made their way over to where Yaga was observing the spar.

"I feel like a princess being carried by my knight in shining armor," Panda joked, eliciting a chuckle from Ichiro.

'Hahahaha, Panda's humor is really something,' Ichiro thought to himself, amused by Panda's lightheartedness even in the midst of battle. As they approached Yaga, Ichiro couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with his opponent, despite their fierce clash just moments ago.

"Well done, you two. It looked like a good spar. Did this spar help you, Ichiro?" Yaga inquired, his gaze shifting between Ichiro and Panda.

"Yes, thank you very much, Yaga-sensei," Ichiro replied gratefully, bowing to Yaga to show his appreciation.

"And also, sorry for destroying Panda," Ichiro added, feeling a pang of guilt for the damage he inflicted on his opponent.

"No worries. I can fix him in no time," Yaga reassured Ichiro with a smile.

"I see," Ichiro nodded, feeling reassured by Yaga's response.

"Well then, since we know who won, Ichiro, why don't you take a rest? We'll start our training tomorrow. You must be exhausted," Gojo chimed in, offering Ichiro a chance to recuperate.

"Alright," Ichiro agreed, though inwardly, he felt far from tired. Nevertheless, he followed Gojo's suggestion, knowing it was best to rest up for the challenges ahead.

As Gojo escorted Ichiro to one of the dorms, Ichiro couldn't help but marvel at the surroundings. 'Wow, this place is just like I saw in the anime. It's the best,' he exclaimed, impressed by the prestigious school.

Upon reaching his bed, Ichiro settled in, feeling a surge of excitement for the training that awaited him. "Tomorrow marks the start of my training. I can't wait," he thought to himself, eager to push himself to new heights and become even stronger. With that anticipation fueling his determination, Ichiro drifted off to sleep, ready to face whatever challenges the future held.