Chapter 11

The Strength of a Rengoku

"Well, aren't you going to fight me again?" Aza asked again.

Rengia stood there, still in the same position.

"Come on, make your move." Aza said.

Rengia wanted to. She wanted to but she was also hesitant on going to attack. How can she fight against a demon she never fought before?

"Rengia."

Rengia heard the voice of Kyojuro. She turned to her right to see his spirit walk up beside her.

"If it's true that Aza is the descendant of Akaza, then he should have the same power that Akaza once had." Kyojuro told her.

"I want you to read his movement but do not attack." Kyojuro added.

"Got it." Rengia said.

With no warning, Aza went straight at her. He was about to bring his fist down on her but with fiery wings, Rengia flew into the air. She was about to put herself in a safe distance but then Aza grabbed hold on her right leg. Before Rengia could react, Aza slammed her down onto the ground. She winced at the pain the impact made on her back.

Then her eyes widen as she saw Aza in the air coming down towards her again. He must've jumped into the air to make another attack on me! Rengia managed to roll out of the way before Aza can make another land on her.

"He's fast." Rengia said, partially to herself and partially to her uncle. "There's no way I can dodge his movements."

"Then let me read them for you." Once again, Kyojuro's spirit appeared beside her. She was never going to get used to this. "His attacks seem a little different yet the same as Akaza's. All you have to do is listen and I'll guide you through."

"For being a future Hashira, you're not that good. You haven't even attacked me yet." Aza said.

"Don't listen to him." Kyojuro told Rengia. "He's just trying to put you down. You know how strong you are Rengia."

Rengia put her attention back to Aza. She smiled. "Don't underestimate me Aza. I'm much more stronger than you think."

"Then come and show me."

With a smile on her face, Rengia rushed towards Aza, her sword already in her hands. Aza had his fist attack ready. He was planning to hit Rengia right in the face. But that didn't happen. Rengia ducked down when Aza moved his fist to punch her and then she moved her blade upwards, slicing Aza on the chest.

Aza leaped back to get him a good distance from Rengia and he looked at her with shock and irritation.

"How? How did you dodge that! You shouldn't have seen that coming!" Aza said, slightly shaken.

Rengia smirked at him. "I told you Aza. Don't underestimate me."

Clearly irritated, Aza glared at Rengia. Her demeanor. It changed. A few minutes ago, she was seen as weak and pathetic. Now, she's strong and determined.

Aza went to try to attack her again. This time he will use a sidekick instead of a punch. He swung his leg to the right, but his eyes widen when he saw Rengia twirl in the same direction but when she did, a swirl of fire surrounded her. The fire protected her, but it also sliced Aza's leg.

Aza tumbled to the ground, but he quickly regained his ground. It's a good thing he can regenerate which he did. He stood up and glared at Rengia with anger this time.

"How! How are you so strong! You were weak and pathetic at one point! How did you see and dodge all my incoming attacks!?" Aza asked her.

Rengia smiled again, softly this time. "You see, true strength does not refer t the physical body. True strength comes from within, it comes from the heart. That may seem like a weakness to you, but it's a strength to me!"

Rengia rushed towards Aza and Aza had barely enough time to put his arms up to block the incoming attack. She was so fast he didn't see her coming. Rengia's blade was pressed against Aza's wrists. She smiled at him once again.

"To answer your question on how I was able to see your attacks," Rengia then smiled sweetly at him. "My uncle told me."

"What?!" Aza said, clearly confused. But with no warning, Rengia headbutted Aza, getting Aza off guard.

Aza stumbled backwards, slightly dazed. But when he recovered, he looked up to see Rengia in the air, coming straight towards him, a cry coming from her mouth, blade ready to strike down, and a fierce familiar look in her eyes.

Then his eyes widen as he saw Rengia getting closer. He was starting to see something else. He was starting to see something within Rengia. Those eyes. That feirce fighting look.

"No... It can't be...!" Aza said, shaking his head. He couldn't move. He was clearly shocked to the core.

What he saw was something he didn't think was possible. He saw another spirit inside Rengia. He saw the spirit of Kyojuro Rengoku inside Rengia.

They share the same soul! I know what she is. She's a reincarnate!

Before Rengia could make a killing blow on Aza, he moved out of the way. Rengia's blade hit nothing but thin air. Her blade hit the ground and she stood up to see Aza a couple of distances away from her.

"You interest me Rengia." he said. "We'll be fighting again soon." Then Aza disappeared.

Rengia stood there in silence. After a moment, she sheathed her sword back in its case.