Futsunushi quickly sheathed his sword and vanished. Johannes turned around, sticking his book out before him and twisting it to the left. "Futsu-ryū First Kata: Gentle Breeze!" Futsunushi reappeared and launched a downward slash. Johannes' book struck the sword on the side, diverting its trajectory straight to the ground. The blade hit the dirt path, launching a blast of air and dirt several yards past Johannes. He raised the book straight to Futsunushi's chin, but he hit air as Futsunushi leaped back.
"Not bad," Johannes said, tapping his book on his side. "Here I thought you'd be another disappointment, but you've got some skill after all!" Johannes let out a light chuckle.
Futsunushi paused and stared at him, squinting. The two moves this human used earlier; the parry, then the parry into a counter. Simple sword moves, and he performed them...with a book. Who the heck is he? "Old man….wait…what was your name again?" Futsunushi asked as he sheathed the sword. The entire arena stared at Futsunushi, dumbfounded by the question. The loudest amongst them let out a bellowing laugh, which Futsunushi recognized as his teacher's.
"Got caught up in the moment, didn't you?" Johannes asked, smiling.
"Can't help it. Met a lot of would-be swordsmen and women who thought they were amongst the best…but none of them lasted past the first swing. Two? Haven't had that happen in at least a hundred years."
"Well then, guess it was time for a nice change. The name's Johannes Lichtenauer of Lichtenau. And you're Futsunushi?"
"Exactly." Futsunushi appeared right behind Johannes and made a horizontal swipe at Johannes' left shoulder. He couldn't parry it in time, and grabbed the book in both hands and put it between his body and the sword, but the force behind the strike was more than he could handle. The blow lifted him off his feet and sent him sailing into a wooden beam of the haberdashery's porch. The wood snapped upon contact, and Johannes slammed into the wall, the wind knocked out of his lungs. Futsunushi quickly sheathed his sword and dashed towards his opponent, ready to draw. Aiming for a down opponent with a drawing slash was too dangerous, but it was not something foreign to Futsunushi. Once he was in range, Futsunushi quickly drew his sword, but rather than slashing, he pulled it straight back, the point aimed right at Johannes. Johannes' eyes widened as Futsunushi fired a lightning-fast stab right at his midsection. Just before his flesh could be pierced, Johannes managed to get his book in front of the sword's point. Rolling, he forced the stake into the wall of the store, barely avoiding getting skewered. His back to Futsunushi, Johannes made his play. Pulling on the bookmark, the book began to unfold from the book's spine and rolled out. The pages and spine forming into a meter-long scabbard, the bookmark spreading out into a cross-guard. He had no time to waste. Johannes unsheathed his sword as fast as he could. He lurched onto his back to give himself room under Futsunushi's retreating sword and swung. Futsunushi could see it. He did not expect a sword to appear out of the scuffle, but he saw it. The act of drawin
g, Johannes lurching to draw and shift his weight to add force to the cut. He saw it, but just did not expect it. The blade was centimeters away from his body when he finally reacted and stepped out of the way. Johannes continued his roll, using the momentum to raise himself onto his knees and swiped at Futsunushi's legs from the left. Again, he could see it. It did not look like a strong attack. The human doing it did not seem to have the strength to put much behind it. Once it bounced off his armored boots, he would just decapitate the human.
So why did it knock Futsunushi's feet out from under him? Futsunushi's feet rose into the air as his eyes widened in shock. Johannes hopped to get his feet back under him, his right foot back. "Zettel Nine and Ten," Johannes said calmly. Stepping his right foot forward, Johannes swung straight down as he stepped. Futsunushi blocked the blow just in time, but the force slammed him into the porch floor, caving the wood below and embedding him in the floor. Johannes quickly reversed his grip and stabbed down. Futsunushi rolled away from Johannes and the stab, fell on the short steps, and rolled out onto the street, quickly spinning to his feet and sheathing his sword."Made me start from my weaker side. Not a bad way to start this." Johannes said as he dusted off the trim of his tabard. He attached his scabbard to his left side and sheathed his sword as he slowly walked out onto the street. "The sound a sword makes as it cuts or is swung. That and 'Master.'"
"What?"
"Your name. That's what your name roughly means. Have to say it's a good one, but you hardly live up to it. It's a shame, too, since from the looks of you, there's a massive amount of potential despite the bluster."
"Live up to it? I am the fastest sword in the Heavens. One of the two greatest students of the Sword God, Susano'o-No-Mikoto."
"And yet you fail to see the important part there." Futsunushi tilted his head."You're a student. Not a master. Probably why you're here too, from what you said earlier."
"I'm not following."
"Of course you're not." Johannes drew his sword.
"What do you think, Take?" Susano'o asked. The two of them sat in the box next to Set and Yama. Set continued to watch the fight below, but listened in on the two while Yama ignored them.
"That human is sharp, but Futsu's kept the lead since the start. I doubt the fight will go on for long." Takemikazuchi said, smiling.
Susano'o sighed. "You don't get it either," Susano'o said, sulking into his seat.
"Get what?"
"That 'human' is one of the most terrifying swordsmen to ever walk the earth. He's not the strongest, but he's without a doubt in the top ten I've seen."
"Top ten humans? As if that's something to be impressed with."
"No, Take," Susano'o said. "Top ten in existence." Takemikazuchi looked over to his master, confused. "No one in human history took to the sword like Johannes. He didn't create any super-secret techniques or make any kind of powerful weapons. He just took the sword and broke it down into core principles, then distilled it further until he refined the techniques and lessons meant to bring out the simplest and purest form of swordplay. Many great swordsmen took his lessons to heart and continued to teach them down the years. It's a shame the West took to firearms so quickly. Otherwise, his teachings might have spread further."
"And you think that's why he's the best opponent for Futsu?"
"That…and because right now, he's a better swordsman than either of you."
Johannes raised his sword above his right shoulder, aiming the point towards Futsunushi. He looked puzzled by the odd stance at first, but chose to ignore it. Taking his stance, Futsunushi drew his sword ever so slightly. He dashed straight towards Johannes, drawing his sword mid-dash to decapitate. He panicked, slamming his foot into the ground and jerking his body back, his slash cutting the air well before Johannes' neck. Sweat poured down his brow; how could he fail to see such a simple tactic? The point of Johannes' sword stuck in the air, right where Futsunushi's eye would have been. His cut was blocked, and Johannes stabbed straight at him. Had he not stopped, he would have run right into the point and had it rammed through his skull. "Ochs. Good eyes there. Try again." Johannes took his stance once more. Futsunushi walked slowly to Johannes' right, the elder swordsman stepping lightly to keep the point of his sword and body aimed at his youthful opponent. Futsunushi dashed again, paying close attention to Johannes' sword and waiting for the stab. As long as he could see it, he could weave his head out of the way and disembowel Johannes. He drew his sword, focusing his sight on the point, and slashed. Johannes dropped his sword to his side and stepped his right foot back, blocking the attack, and stabbed once more as he brought his right foot forward. The blow found Futsunushi's chest, right at his heart. A hard clanging sound erupted from the strike, sending a slight reverb through Johannes' hands and arms. Futsunushi was pushed back, trying to keep his feet under him. Johannes moved quickly, stepping forward now with his left foot and performing a powerful downward slash from above his right shoulder. Futsunushi got his footing back just as the blade came down. The collision released a heavy clang, and Futsunushi barely kept himself up.
How is he so damn strong? Futsunushi thought. He's a scrawny old man! He shouldn't be generating this much power, yet he took my legs out from under me, and now he's pressuring me!? The sight above him shocked him. Above his face was the blade of the sword, but not its point. Just before he swung, Johannes flipped the sword in his hands to grab the magically dulled blade. The guard and pommel were now just above Futsunushi's brow. Had he not blocked it at that moment, the cross-guard would have slammed right into his skull. Would it have killed me right there? Futsunushi thought. Johannes saw his chance. He stepped his right foot back, pulling his reversed sword with him. The cross-guard caught Futsunushi's blade and pulled it towards him, and he thrusted the pommel immediately back into his opponent's face as he stepped his right foot forward once more. The circular pommel found its mark, smashing into Futsunushi's philtrum. Futsunushi could feel it crack, and his teeth rattled. Futsunushi was dazed, otherwise, he would have seen the pommel brought down once more, straight onto his skull and driving him into the dirt with a heavy thud. The air around him was displaced by the blow as his limbs shot up from the impact of his body hitting the dirt.
"From Ochs into Phlug, then Harnischfechten to Mordstreich." Johannes said as he flipped the sword to grab the handle. He then sheathed it, letting the meter fill back up. The second passed. He drew out his sword and reversed the grip once more, preparing to stab. "Another waste." He stabbed straight down, but something slammed into his stomach and sent him flying. He landed hard on his back, his head banging against the ground. His torso erupted in pain. What the hell was that!? Johannes thought. He looked over to Futsunushi; his right arm was over his unconscious body, his hand gripping his sword. Did he hit me while unconscious!?
Futsunushi convulsed and began clasping his head. "What the hell!?" Futsunushi yelled. He got back to his feet, tapping at the points Johannes hit. Each one stung under his touch, blood dripping from his brow. "What kind of swordsmanship is that!? You're supposed to cut people with the blade, not grab it and swing it like a hammer!"
Johannes stared at him for a second. Then he laughed. Louder than he planned to. "It's my swordsmanship! I can use this sword however I want to!"
"That's absurd, you old fart!" Johannes laughed even harder. "Stop laughing!"
"Sorry…" Johannes regained his composure. "It's just you're not the first person to say that, though I'll tell you like the others." Johannes took his sword in both hands and lowered the blade down, the tip just above the ground. "I don't need a sword to be sharp to kill you with it."
Futsunushi could not believe what was in front of him. This old Human outmuscled me, hit me with a book, and then an upside-down sword? What kind of sword fight is this?
"What exchanges, folks! We're seeing East meets West! Iai versus Fecten! It's like watching a textbook fight a textbook!" Heimdall shouted with intensity.
"Johannes almost had him there." Said a young man in the crowd. He had short, brown hair with a matching well-trimmed beard, and wore a simple red shirt, black pants, and knee-high brown boots.
Joachim Meyer
German Fencing Master
Author of Thorough Descriptions of the Art of Fencing
"How did that God attack him like that?" asked a handsome older man, his long, dark curly locks framing his chiseled mustached face. He wore a long brown coat over his white shirt, brown pants, and dark-brown boots. "The only time I ever saw something like that was when I fought against a few war veterans."
Achille Marozzo
Italian Fencing Master
Author of The New Text on the Art of Arms
"That's what I thought," Joachim responded. You only see something like that in warriors with immense combat experience…or cowards."
"Which one do you think that God is?"
"Judging by his reaction, I think the latter."
"What a weird way to fight with a sword," Göll said.
"True, but it's the way that Lichtenauer and many other users of the Langes Schwert learned how to fight armored opponents."
"By holding the sword upside down?"
"Exactly. Most swords are designed to be evenly weighted throughout the whole weapon, from pommel to point. That means it doesn't matter at which end you hold it, it's usable." Brunhilde brought her hands together as if holding an invisible blade. "Slashing attacks don't work well against armored fighters, but concussive blows from hammers and maces or low-surface-area blows like a stab can work wonders. This method is called Harnischfechten, which he transitioned to from his guards and counters; Ochs for protecting the head and Phlug for protecting the body."
"So odd, but amazing…"
"Plus, with Quickdraw's rules negating the blade's sharpness, Johannes can do whatever he wants with his sword without fear of cutting his hands. Trust me, Göll. You don't want to miss this."
"What's the matter, Futsunushi!?" Johannes yelled, excited to the brim. "Don't tell me this 'old man' has you rattled!"
Futsunushi stood there, his mind racing as reality set in. His opponent is not only strong but also has a better grasp of the situation. Worse, that's three blows now that could have killed him; one even made contact and knocked him out. This old man, Johannes, despite his frame and age, made Futsunushi face something he had not come to terms with for over a millennium. This man could kill him. Not theoretically, but do it. And he could not run from him. The rules were in place; one of them had to die. What if he begged? What if he admitted defeat? Could he get out of this? Wait. Futsunushi thought. Am I scared of this man? The opponent, Sensei said, was the best match for me! I'm supposed to have the advantage here! None of this makes sense!
"Futsunushi." Futsunushi came back to the arena and looked over to Johannes. "There's no point in worrying about it. Right now…we are fighting to the death. Whatever fears you may have, they're nothing compared to the regret that comes from your dreams being crushed." Futsunushi looked puzzled. "Just fight me with all you have. That'll sort things out."
Those words struck a chord in Futsunushi's mind.
Izumo
2,500 Years Ago
In ages long passed, the land of Japan, formerly Izumo, was home to rampaging gods and monsters. Its untamed wilderness forced humanity to its beck and call. The only thing ensuring mankind's survival was a powerful god from the Heavens named Susano'o-no-Mikoto. This incredible god slew countless monsters and demons, brought peace and stability to Izumo, and even inspired swordsmanship amongst the people.
However, this is not his story. This is the story of two young gods who greatly admired Susano'o and sought to emulate him: Futsunushi and Takemikazuchi. The two, seeking to prove their worth and one day seek out Susano'o to learn from him, travelled down to earth to fight against evil spirits and gods who threatened humanity and sought to invade Takamagahara, the celestial home of Amaterasu Ohkami, the Sun Goddess, and her Brother Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto, the Moon God. The two brave warriors performed their deeds with great zeal, proving their worth. One day, they were allowed to meet with her and took it as a chance to meet her younger brother and their idol.
In the central hall of Takamagahara, the two young gods sat in the center, hoping to make their dream a reality. In front of them on a raised platform sat Amaterasu, slumped over and looking slightly annoyed. Her long black hair flowed wildly while held back by a sun-shaped crown. Her pure white robes hung loosely on her body, exposing her torso and legs. Her large, dark eyes stared down at the two in barely contained irritation.
"You want what?" She asked, her tone exasperated.
Amaterasu Ohkami
Goddess of the Sun
One of the Three Noble Children
(Shinto Pantheon)
"We wish to meet and train under your brother, Lord Susano'o-no-Mikoto!" Takemikazuchi said, smiling. "He is a grand warrior who showed us the marvel of the sword. My brother Futsunushi and I want nothing more than to learn from him!"
"That idiot isn't here anymore. He'd rather pal around with humans and learn about swords from them rather than maintain the dignity of the gods. Why would I send you two to learn from him? I don't even know where he is!"
Sis...you're lying! You know exactly where he is! Tsukuyomi thought, recalling the cave Susano'o lived in. You even thought about visiting him and denying it later.
Tsukuyomi no Mikoto
God of the Moon
One of the Three Noble Children
(Shinto Pantheon)
She ground her teeth as the idea of her brother popped into her head.
"If you two want to meet him, go find him." She said as a migraine began to form. She pointed to a random spot down in Izumo. "Why don't you start there or something..."
Sis...that's exactly where Sano'o lives! What're you doing!? Tsukuyomi tried withholding his shock.
"Understood." The two said in unison. The two left Takamagahara and returned to the shores of Izumo. Both stared out into the vast seas that could potentially be the first step in their journey.
"Man, this stinks," Futsunushi said, slumped over and sitting in the sand. "We ran ourselves ragged trying to get a chance to meet Lady Amaterasu, and all we got was an ear-full and zero help on finding Lord Susano'o."
"I know…" Takemikazuchi said while skipping stones across the tides. "I heard word he started travelling all over the world to study humans and their 'swordsmanship.' Absurd if you ask me since there are easier ways to observe Humans, but it means he could be anywhere, and it could take us centuries to even find a trace of him."
"What could humans teach him about swords he doesn't already know? The Gods all over creation use them. He's even the Sword God! It's like a Sea God being taught how to fish!"
"Or a fire God, how to start a campfire!" Both chuckled at the comparisons.
"Or a sun God, how to make the sun shine!" Said a voice behind them.
"Exactly!" Futsunushi said. "Wait." Both stopped laughing. Neither recognized the voice behind them, and they turned around. The source of the voice was a tall, rugged god, his blue and white hair barely held in place as a ponytail while his beard and moustache grew wild. He wore only a pair a torn dark blue pants and sandals. In his right hand was a double-edged sword, and in his left a fishing net.
"Fortunately, being a sea and storm God with a moon God for a brother makes fishing easier than you think!" the god smiled.
The two looked slightly disgusted at the being, until they saw the sword in his hand.
"No way…"
"Is that… Ame-no-Murakumo?" Takemikazuchi asked.
The god raised the sword to his face and scanned it.
"I sure hope so! Would be pretty bad if I lost it after all these years!" Susano'o said, laughing.
Futsunushi and Takemikazuchi dashed towards Susano'o and bowed so hard their foreheads slammed into the sand, creating two small craters. "Lord Susano'o!" Futsunushi screamed at the top of his lungs. "I am Futsunushi and this is Takemikazuchi! We are Sword Gods in training who seek your wisdom and guidance on the path of the sword!"
"We would be honored if you would allow us to learn under you!" Takemikazuchi chimed in.
Susano'o looked down at the two in pure confusion. The realization hit him quickly, and he beamed with joy. "Stand up, you two!" Susano'o said. "If you want to learn swordsmanship from me, then you better get ready to leave everything else behind."
"We will!"
"And…be ready to put your life on the line." Susano'o went cold and stern. "The path you two wish to walk is the path of death and combat. There is no guarantee you will survive the journey."
"What could do us in? We've proven ourselves strong enough to even gain attendance with Lady Amaterasu." Futsunushi asked.
"Many things. Many gods and humans walk the path, and whether they know it or not, death is always a possibility. You wish to master the sword, right?"
The two gods looked at each other and back at Susano'o. "Of course, Sensei!" They yelled in unison.
"Good! Now let's get started!" Centuries would go by as the two studied under Susano'o. When he would leave Izumo, the two stayed behind and continued to train. Their skills would eventually catch the eyes of humans, and inspire two powerful forms of combat; Futsunushi would inspire Iizasa Chiosai through his speed, footwork, and grace to create the sword-style of Tenshin Shōden Katori Shintō-ryū, and Takemikazuchi through his raw strength, dexterity, and size, the creation of Sumo. One day, the two were sitting down by Susano'o after he returned from one of his journeys West. The two carried auras of experience and skill in stark contrast to when they started. Susano'o beamed with pride. "Boys, you two have come a long way. Before long, you both will reach the peak, and I will get to call you my peers rather than disciples!" Both gods did their best to maintain their bearing, but both felt joy swell in their hearts. "However, the final test is before you. Should you two fail to overcome it, neither of you will ever become a master, and worse, never become true Sword Gods." Both sat in silence, unafraid of the challenge ahead. "I'll take your silence as acceptance. Perfect!" Susano'o snapped his fingers. Suddenly, metallic armor appeared on Futsunushi's wrists, shins, feet, and torso. He fell to the ground, unable to hold himself up. Small cloth wraps ensnared Takemikazuchi's wrists, shins, and waist. He jerked a little, and his arms flailed about.
"Sensei!" Takemikazuchi yelled. "What're you doing!?"
"This is your final challenge. Both of you made great strides in your strengths, but you have both stagnated. For you to grow, you must shed your strengths and learn, train, and fight without them. For Futsunushi, your speed. Takemikazuchi, your power."
"For how long?" Futsunushi said, straining against the weight.
"Until you face an opponent who can kill you." Chills ran down their spines from Susano's words. The idea seemed foreign…but terrifying. "The other day…I watched two amazing Swordsmen battle on Ganryu Island. Each recognized the other as a marvelous opponent, so much so that they pushed past their hesitation to fight to the death. When one fell, the other mourned. I never thought I'd see such a thing! I then realized what needed to be done for you two. You must find your Ganryu Island and your destined opponent. The chance to find such a great opponent, the trial of pushing past your fears and potential regrets to surpass your limits. It's a harsh romance…but only then can you reach your dream!"
"…Sensei, you're not making much sense…how would we even know when we find that opponent?" Futsunushi asked.
"Don't worry about it," Susano'o said. "When you meet them, just fight them with all you have. Things will sort themselves out then."
Man, I hate saying it. Futsunushi thought. The sense I get from this guy…he's almost like Sensei. Futsunushi took in a deep breath and exhaled. "The path of the sword is the path of death," Futsunushi said. "But man…the idea of dying sucks!" Johannes looked confused. "Damn it, old man. You went and did it."
"Did what, Futsunushi?"
"You reminded me of a hard lesson my Sensei taught my brother and me." He said, pointing to the box where Susano'o sat. "He said I needed to find an opponent capable of killing me. Lo and behold, it seems you fit the bill!"
"Thank you, I guess?" Johannes said, scratching his beard with his free hand.
"But I don't want to die. Don't you get it?"
"I'm fighting to ensure mankind survives Ragnarök. I think I do." Johannes said, smiling.
"Not what I'm getting at." Johannes lifted his left eyebrow. "Dreams, old man. I have a dream to reach mastery and become a peer in my Sensei's eyes. My brother and I swore an oath to achieve this dream. My Sensei said the one last great challenge that must be overcome is this: a duel to the death with an opponent skilled enough to kill me. And you…are that opponent."
"Dreams, eh? Haven't heard such romantic talk in a while. Then I suppose I should take it as a compliment."
"Please do." A familiar chill ran down Futsunushi's spine, yet his breathing eased. I found him, Sensei. Futsunushi thought. I found him! Please watch me show you how far I've come! That I am worthy! Clicking sounds started coming from Futsunushi's body. Pieces of metal detached from his wrist and shin armor and slammed into the ground, as well as a large piece fell off his torso from under his kimono. Two layers of black metal remained on his wrists, shins, and torso, but his feet were now free of their confinement. Futsunushi took his scabbard and sword in hand and sat down in seiza. He continued to breathe slowly. "Let's go."
"Sensei, calm down!" Takemikazuchi yelled.
Susano'o was bouncing around the box seat, punching the air while trying to hold in screams of joy. "He found it! He found him!" He yelled.
"Sensei, if you don't calm down, you'll miss it!"
Susano'o stopped, regained his composure, and cleared his throat into his hand. "Right." He walked back over to his seat and sat down between an embarrassed Takemikazuchi, an amused Set, and an irritated Yama.
"Something's not sitting right," Göll said.
"What do you mean?" Asked Brunhilde.
"That armor just fell off Futsunushi, and it looks extremely heavy, but he was moving that fast this whole time, right?"
"He was. Futsunushi's armor is not for protection, but a restraint. Both he and Takemikazuchi were limited by their master Susano'o to acquire the strength of the other; the combined weight of the full set equals about Takemikazuchi's weight times five; 750 kilograms."
"That's…that's insane! He's been running around this whole time with all that weight? How!?"
"With zero excess movement, and proper muscle use. Now…some of that weight is off his body. Johannes needs to stay sharp, or else this fight will go badly for us."
Johannes observed his opponent. The weights that fell before sank into the ground. Weighted clothing was not foreign to him, but judging from the impact and the indentation in the street, it was a massive amount of weight. Futsunushi is now far faster than he was before, without a doubt. So why was he sitting? Johannes, by this point, was focusing primarily on defense and countering. Futsunushi was not someone he could keep up with on a good day normally. His Völund fixed that, but he needed to verify what Futsunushi was planning. "Futsu-ryū Second Kata; Cleaving Gust Shuriken." Futsunushi drew his sword and sheathed it immediately. He moved so quickly; Johannes could barely see his arms. The hair on his arms stood up, and Johannes quickly stepped to the side. A powerful gust of wind blew past him and slammed into the Haberdashery, breaking the swinging doors off the threshold. He made the same high-speed movement. Johannes dodged again as another blast of air flew past him. Futsunushi inhaled a deep breath and started drawing his sword multiple times. Several blasts of air flew towards Johannes. It was all he could do to dodge them. His instincts told him that trying to block the blasts would do more harm than good, so he put as much effort into keeping his feet under him and his sword in front.
The blasts were not cutting through the wood. Johannes thought. This isn't an attack meant to kill. No…He dodged another blast, and Futsunushi vanished again. Johannes brought his sword down into Phlug just in time for Futsunushi's sword to smash against it. It's a distraction! Johannes stabbed straight at Futsunushi from the guard. Upon contact, Futsunushi immediately swiped his sword to the right, knocking Johannes's sword away. He quickly pulled it above his right shoulder and brought it down in a powerful chop. It took Johannes all he could at the moment to pull his sword back and catch the katana on the outside of his sword. He managed to push it past him. Futsunushi did not relent. He was in the position he started at and performed another horizontal slash. Johannes met the blade with his own and pushed forward, the katana's blade caught in his cross-guard. Both swordsmen pushed against the other, the blade-lock between them at the strong of the blades forced them to put more strength behind the exchange. Whenever one tried to shift their sword, the other would shift and keep it. They both knew retreating from this would give the other the advantage; they had to pull the momentum away. Johannes made his gamble. He reached his left hand up and grabbed the blade of his sword. Wrenching it as hard as he could, he twisted his left arm down and right arm up, shifting the weight of the lock and sliding Futsunushi's blade down past his left. Within the same momentum, Johannes guided his cross-guard straight towards Futsunushi's left temple, barely within his peripheral vision.
It was all he needed to see. Futsunushi leaned his head back, dodging the blow, and responded with a simple horizontal cut from his right side. Johannes could not react in time to properly brace against it. He got his langes schwert in front of the attack, but Futsunushi's strike overpowered him and slammed his sword into his body. Johannes went flying, and Futsunushi did not dare to wait for him to land. He quickly sheathed his sword and dashed towards his falling opponent. Johannes managed to keep from rolling in mid-air and letting Futsunushi catch him from behind. Futsunushi drew his sword and slashed. Johannes braced for the blow and was sent hurling into the bank's wall. The wood splintered and broke from the impact as Johannes flew into the building. Damn. Even with my increased speed, he's still keeping up with me. How many times has he been in situations like this? Futsunushi thought. He sheathed his sword and started walking toward the main entrance of the bank. He could not see or hear any movement from within the building; the dual-swinging doors were slowly swaying back and forth due to the displaced air from earlier. The feel of the coarse dirt on his bare feet was oddly unfamiliar, but a welcome sensation. How long had it been since he last walked without his restraints on? 300, 400 years? As much as he was beginning to relish the battle, he was also quietly grateful for Johannes' prowess. "Johannes, come out! I know those old bones are feeble, but I doubt that did you in." Futsunushi yelled into the building. No one responded. Futsunushi pondered the idea of a trap waiting for him, but he decided to trust in his newly regained speed. Slowly, he walked up the steps of the Bank's porch, carefully scanning the interior of the building before stepping inside. He pushed past the swinging doors and looked around. The large room was divided by a wooden barricade with three glass panels; the station tellers would take on a normal workday. Heimdall floated down to observe through the windows what was going on. Futsunushi looked around, trying to locate Johannes, and recognized a familiar face behind the wooden barricade. Johannes was standing there, sweating and clutching his right side with his right hand, his sword sheathed in its bizarre scabbard. Futsunushi grew a small smile. "Guess those last two got you good. Gotta admit you're a lot tougher to deal with than most. How are you doing this?"
"I don't need to see an attack to exploit it. When you've been doing this as long as I have, you pick up a thing or two." Johannes said.
"I've been training with swords for over 2,000 years. I think you should realize I have been at this much longer than you."
"'Playing' with swords? No doubt about that, but…" Johannes drew his sword, placing it straight in front of him, point down just above the wooden floor, his right foot back and left forward. "I've been a master far longer than you have, so you need to realize what that means for you."
"That you're delaying the inevitable?"
"That I will never lose the advantage."
"Guess you're going senile. Don't worry, 'master,' you did well up to this point, but the match is mine." Futsunushi jumped over the barricade and met Johannes' eyes with his own. He drew his sword and held it edge down by his right side, while flexing his leg muscles as hard as he could. Kicking off the ground, he dashed towards Johannes. Johannes waited, going completely motionless.
Zettel 24 and 25, Alber. Johannes recited in his head. Futsunushi reached his ideal distance and began to slash. Johannes did nothing. Futsunushi quickly raised his sword mid-slash to above his shoulder for another monstrous chop. A feint. Something fast and hard smashed into Futsunushi's chin as he swung down. As Futsunushi's attack went down, Johannes stepped ever so slightly to his right, his right foot switching positions with his left. His sword, however, went straight up as he stepped, his left shoulder clipped by the slash as his own slammed into Futsunushi. The rising cut's momentum did not stop there. Johannes' cut went straight above Futsunushi's head and was brought straight down. Futsunushi was prepared for it and braced for it, raising his katana above his head. Just as Johannes trained him to do.
Zettel 9 to 11. Johannes recited in his quickly snapped his sword to his side and swung straight for Futsunushi's ribcage. Futsunushi tried to intercept, but the dull blade found its target, slamming into the armor covering Futsunushi's torso. Johannes felt it. Futsunushi felt it. The weighted armor protecting Futsunushi, the symbol of his great journey, caved in under the force of the blow. His ribs creaked under the force of the blow, and he flew across the room and through the wall, dropping his sword as he sailed into the outdoors, surrounded by splintered wood and crashing into the jailhouse.
"I….I…what the heck is going on!? The armor took several blows earlier! Why did it cave now!?" Heimdall screamed. "Johannes just went from the Alber guard into a rising slash, then feinted from a downward strike into a horizontal cut! He's keeping the fastest sword in the Heavens on his toes!"
"As much as I admire your talent, effort, and skill, you're still too wet behind the ears. Plus…I really hate being called 'old.'" Johannes said, his eyes full of fire. Johannes sheathed his sword and walked through the entrance of the barricade and out the Bank's main entrance. Walking over to the jailhouse, he kicked the door open and found Futsunushi kneeling, gasping for air; the weighted vest pushing into his ribs. Heimdall followed him over and continued watching from the outside.
Johannes walked over to Futsunushi, drawing his sword. Without hesitating, he performed a quick one-handed stab at Futsunushi's skull. Futsunushi barely avoided it, rolling away from the blade as it scraped against his temple. He managed to get back to his feet, but his breathing was strained. He couldn't keep up with the pain and the pressure. "I…am not dying…" Futsunushi said.
"Come at me then! Do you know how many dumb fools like you I put in the ground!? How many I trained only to see them waste their talent and effort!? You embarrass your master, your brother, and yourself. At least do them the courtesy of dying before you shame them any further!"
Futsunushi dashed out of the building and onto the street. Johannes followed after, but stopped at the doorway. Futsunushi had already recovered his sword and sheathed it."I…am not an embarrassment. I am a proud student of Lord Susano'o, and I refuse to take your words lying down!" A fire erupted in Futsunushi's eyes. More clicking sounds came from Futsunushi's armor. Another layer dropped off, leaving a thin, gelatinous layer. "I am Futsunushi, and I will win!"