Steel [Stefan Soan vs Tsubasa Unabara]

He could see it and calculate odds quicker than most. Stefan was considering perhaps right now what sort of skill Tsubasa would employ. Would he go to the kido he'd made such an infamous opener for many things? Would he utilize his power over metal and lightning or perhaps something different. His eyes of crimson held Stefan watching him so intently. Able to count the man's heartbeat from this distance as he observed. Watching the refined curve of his body move slowly and tense those muscles. Making movements that would indicate something impressive. A quick draw from Stefan wasn't like a regular one. This form and technique as he twisted the blade and speed. Would add an impact and force capable of ripping apart mountains. Stefan had truly earned his reputation as the strongest Swordsman. Tsubasa wasn't a slouch in some ways either as he moved out of the way to the right in the blink of an eye. Allowing the technique to appear to of just missed him. Using the time lapse between it as the sandblasted into the air. Such a powerful sword swing was impressive and did indeed require one to take note on everything. Watch how the foot was moved and everything involving it as he took it all in. Stefan Soan the legendary Swordsman and likely the greatest this world knew. It was like learning a lesson just from observing but he had something to show Stefan. Tsubasa had learned something in his later time period as he got going. The movement while using his hoho's impressive speed to avoid. As he was going into what appeared to be Iaido as he lowered his stance of gravity? Closing the distance was dangerous but in truth, it's where both of them thrived. The land where steel would clash as he drew the blade it didn't turn into a slash as his other hand remained at his side. His posture switched sideways and seemed to switch into a fast fencer like position with his katana. By blending the quick draw and the quick thrust motion of fencing he was able to perform something quick and it allowed him to quickly thrust towards Stefan's chest in several areas.

The speed of each thrust was quick enough that the surrounding desert could hear the howl of his blade. Tsubasa's arm barely seemed visible to any onlooker's eyes. These thrusts were rapid and precise all striking with the force of a cannon blast. Sending out explosive speed and force that most would struggle with. But would Stefan struggle with such a strange style from that world? No, he didn't think so and his strategy would reflect that. He didn't underestimate Stefan as he used his infamous speed and zanjutsu skills. This was a battle to find answers and closure for both of them. Tsubasa's free hand could have done a number of things since he was ambidextrous and did have a wakizashi as the second part of his zanpakuto. He was one of few known duel wielder specialists in the world. Likely one of the better ones, though he suspected if Stefan did it he would be better. Stefan was the purity of the blade and body being combined.

Each muscle and the refined thing seemed capable of delivering chaos and destruction as he calculated each move. Using that immense focus and then his very heightened senses to fight him. This battle had only begun and the desert of Hueco Mundo begun to change. From Stefan's mighty slash the area behind Tsubasa had been slashed deep and nearby dunes eradicated. From the multiple thrusts of Tsubasa's zanpakuto, the area behind Stefan was being blown to bits by the sheer force of each thrust's speed. This was a clash between two had long since left behind the regular world and its restraints. This was their normal and a place both men could thrive. Stefan Soan and Tsubasa Unabara were born and made for this single moment in life. They were brought here to clash and fight in a way no other could accomplish. Each one brought something to the table it was only now a certain chagrin came to his mind. Had these two worked together that organization the Monsuta would have thrived without equal.

This was to be his last battle and he sensed it on the surface, this shaped up to be an excellent send off for the Pale Rider. One last enjoyable fight as a warrior with no strings. No organization obligations or things such as that. This was going to be a pure unrestricted brawl within the forgotten sands of Hueco Mundo.

Figuring his opponent would dodge, Stefan was not surprised by Tsubasa's movements. Taking that attack head on would've proven disastrous even for this man. While the ex-Captain Commander's speed was legendary, his own physical strength was as dangerous in it's own right. Preparing for whatever Tsubasa would respond with, Stefan sheathed his blade and kept his left hand positioned so it's thumb was held against the sword's tsuba, while his right hand remained gripping it's tsuka. Staying positioned like this, with his knees bent slightly and his feet shoulder-width apart, would allow the green-haired warrior the ability to react to whatever he needed to without taking anything away from his offense. This generally neutral stance would ensure Stefan's reaction speed could match Tsubasa's attacks, as well as allow for a powerful iaijutsu opening if need be.

Upon Tsubasa's first lunge, a move particularly odd due to his weapon being a katana, Stefan reacted near instantly. Knowing matching his strikes would be a waste of energy, the swordsman pivoted on his right foot, his entire left side shifting so his foe's blade would pass by him harmlessly. As Tsubasa would pull his sword back to begin the next stabbing motion, Stefan drew his Zanpakuto again, though faster than before due to close proximity with his target, and followed through with an immediate diagonal slash from Tsubasa's right hip to left shoulder after flicking his wrist. If struck directly, Tsubasa would potentially be bifurcated by this attack. Like his prior attack, regardless of whether it met it's mark this slash would create a subsonic wave of air capable of bringing down entire buildings. Said air wave would cut open a giant gash across the desert to Tsubasa's right, leaving yet another mark in the sands of Hueco Mundo. Immediately after, Stefan replaced his Zanpakuto in it's scabbard and kept his hands positioned as he'd done prior in order to facilitate future quick draws.

Being able to deduce what Tsubasa seemed to be trying to do, Stefan thought it odd the renowned swordsman would try fusing such dramatically different martial arts. A katana wasn't weighted to match the lunging speed of a smallsword or traditional foil. While weight was hardly an issue for supernatural warriors such as these two combatants, it would still prove sub-optimal. Still, Stefan couldn't fault the man for experimentation. What he could fault him for was experimentation in such a high level, important battle. Perhaps the man had already put a lot of time into creating and advancing this conglomerate martial art, in which case Stefan would prove simplicity king. In fact, Stefan's signature and peak style, Fěnsuì Fēnggé, was simplicity in the form of a martial art. It had a few core tenants and ensured practitioners would be prepared for real world combat like that of martial arts of old.

Once his previous movements finished, Stefan took a few quick back steps in order to increase the distance between himself and Tsubasa. Knowing he didn't have to risk fighting up close, especially against an opponent who could at any point unleash incredibly powerful elemental and energy attacks, Stefan figured ranged combat utilizing his physical strength would be optimal at this point. Regardless of how his foe would react to the most recent attack, Stefan drew his Zanpakuto again and in the same motion cut diagonally again. Immediately after he gripped his blade's hilt with both hands and slashed downward vertically. Both of these swings would result in massive air waves of similar explosive power as the previous ones. Once both his attacks were finished, causing mass terrain damage and potentially severe damage to Tsubasa as well if he took either head on, Stefan shifted himself so he stood in an in-no-kamae stance with his Zanpakuto held, with both hands, vertically to the right of his head. Not wanting to make this just a battle of swordsmanship, Stefan hoped his opponent was ready to show something new.

Predictable outcomes as always when it came to Stefan. Such meager tricks of swordplay wouldn't be enough. This would require something a bit more elaborate and strong from previous incarnations and attempts. Tsubasa realized this as he used the style of fencing and adjusting weight of his katana. Stefan's agile and controlled movements to avoid it. Perfect use of everything he'd seen up till now of a swordsman. It was a bit disheartening in its own ways. Failed prophets and beliefs along with ideas. It was about time things were put to bed as Tsubasa didn't claim to be the swordsman. As he moved back himself using that impressive speed and getting distance again. Tsubasa's eyes stared at Stefan once more. Focusing on that intent to use a move of amazing power. He'd managed to avoid a strike from that this time. This was a clash of men who'd long since given God the middle finger. Tsubasa made it a goal to kill them if anything. He wondered what the belief system of Stefan was in this regard. Tsubasa took off the cloak he wore as he gently gripped his wakizashi within his free hand. He was going to showcase some true speed now as he tapped his foot on the ground. Tsubasa figured both of them had warmed up enough at this point. So how would he do this technique and sequence was the question. It was time for them both to stop goofing around. Though he wondered how often Stefan truly did that sort of thing. So how would he go about it this time as he inhaled before executing it? Tsubasa was presently calculating all possible choices and patterns. Before he finally did it and used a flash step. His speed with the step was remarkable and perhaps fierce indeed. What was more frightening was the crackling electricity around the area. Tsubasa's katana came down at the shoulder of Stefan's body and his wakizashi slashed across the other way creating an X across the male's body. But while doing this his other tactic had begun its activation. Tsubasa's lightning surged through the area burning the desert sands.

The attack would require some deep movement as this gave it a far-reaching range. But Tsubasa had begun using kido based techniques now as well beginning his assault truly. Tigers emerged from the sand as he brought his swords down. Biting into the legs and arms of Stefan Soan. Or at the very least attempting too as they came from the ground and the air. But he wasn't done in a single moment the next spell of his chain began. Black Coffin Burial, black chains emerged with spikes on them as they attempted to lacerate and form around Stefan's body. The chains come to wrap around his body in several areas. The chains held a gravitational field based effect from them as he used it. Tsubasa's modified version of Hadō 90 was a treat to behold for some. Allowing the chains to form as they got a grasp the box would appear. The box if the chains hit would emerge thrusting on all sides and striking all along the body. But at that moment the electrical currents around the area were beginning to move around him.

Tsubasa had begun preparing more as this was more of an opener for a larger combo. Preparing to fight Stefan this way as the sands under their feet shifted a bit. Tsubasa had begun making strategic plans in advance and even hid a couple things around the ground. Small metal spikes could be seen somewhat in the sand emerging around Tsubasa's form. These spikes of unknown length remained buried beneath those sands of Hueco Mundo. Leaving little detail of what the Former Captain Commander had in mind. As he prepared other things around him creating something. Tsubasa had begun by using a kido for hiding the object he was working on. Speed was something he had even when it came to using this. Tsubasa had jumped back after completing his devastating combination. Realizing that Stefan would counter-attack, Beginning to prepare something special to handle that next course. He needed time to prepare it as he was going to show Stefan something.

Something he knew well enough but it would require time to truly prepare. Time to get it all ready to use as he kept his words under his breath. Moving as he prepared to unleash a combo of devastating proportions. Tsubasa didn't give way to his secrets as he used that. He'd set layers around himself to prepare for the outcomes. He would have to be careful about what effect he utilized things in. At this moment he'd not yet released his zanpakuto. So the time wasn't ripe yet for him to begin fully. By creating the hidden wire and metals beneath the sand. He'd set up layers of trap for the Soan to engage him on. Tsubasa's body hadn't seemed to touch them. As he waited beyond them having set them before him. Using the kido Kyokko to create a bending of light. Being able to hide them from sight with that effect. Tsubasa's hands held both of his weapons at the ready. It was almost time for him to begin a true onslaught. Time was the only thing required for him as he focused on his target.

Making sure he used the radar like technique he held to keep his mind aware. Able to detect even the slightest shift in these sands if that man emerged. The question was, would Stefan continue at the distance? Would he stay away and fight this ranged battle against him? Giving him space to battle in this way so he could face him. Tsubasa's eyes remained ever aware and focused on this. Feeling the lightness of this fight as he breathed. This was a chance to truly showcase his full mettle against someone. Stefan was giving him a chance to finally showcase to perhaps only this desert. What he was capable of in a one on one conflict. Tsubasa's mind accelerated and continued calculating. Almost coming up with strategic methods of where and what manner of the counter. He'd managed to do things quickly and cleanly with his speed often. Now it was up to the next phase of what the powerful Stefan brought. Tsubasa would concede the round of swordplay to him. But would Stefan do similar here? Only time would reveal that answer to the Pale Rider.

Spoiler:

Tsubasa's plans would not pan out the way he meant them to. As his electricity sparked across the landscape, black lightning bolts shot out from Stefan's body to counteract it. This 'electricity' was his Void given shape to emulate the characteristics of electricity while retaining the intense counteracting of elemental attacks. Any large bolts of Tsubasa's lightning were quickly countered and snuffed out by Stefan's Void, displaying the unique attributes of the swordsman's powers. This reduced the terrain damage and prevented Stefan himself from getting struck by his opponent's elemental ability. In addition, attempts to burn through or overwhelm the Void lightning would be incredibly difficult even by the standards of who Stefan and Tsubasa are due to it's unique anti-energy properties.

Due to the fact it was his opponent rushing him and moving across the distance between them, Stefan could react to and defend against Tsubasa's monumental speed in close quarters. Figuring it was time to switch to a more optimal combat style, the green-haired swordsman tore his left hand down from his katana's hilt. This action caused his Zanpakuto to split in half only to immediately reform in the shape of now two pieces of equipment: a short double-edged gladius in his right hand, and a small round shield slightly larger than a buckler in his left. While his sword struck against Tsubasa's katana, his shield blocked the man's smaller wakizashi. Unlike Japanese weaponry which weren't built to block, these two could certainly defend against the Shinigami's assault. Due to Stefan's physical power, Stefan was able to deftly push against and parry Tsubasa's attacks as well, knocking away his swords in the process.

The following attempt to latch energy-based tigers onto Stefan's body would appear effective as their fangs seemed to bore into his limbs with next to no difficulty. Remaining in place, the Vizard barely reacted to their attacks or the following chains which also appeared to successfully wrap around his body. As the box began to form around his body too, Stefan scoffed and spoke out loud to his enemy "I refuse to play party to your little parlor tricks." The confidence with which these words left the man''s mouth seemed to indicate all these abilities and Kido spells were of little consequence to him. Perhaps Tsubasa would pick up on this. But then, perhaps not. He was still in the middle of putting together his combination of attacks against his target.

Once the spear-like creations stabbed into the Black Box, it appeared as if Stefan Soan had at long last been subdued and defeated. However it did not take long for the reality of the situation to be made clear. Cracks began appearing in the Kido spell's cube shape, through which an even darker and more sinister fusion of gas and liquid seeped out all across it. This material had been eating away at all of Tsubasa's creations from the moment they entered Stefans sphere of influence, tearing them apart on a molecular and metaphysical level. Through one of these cracks, for just a fraction of a second, Tsubasa would likely be able to make out the now-entirely black eyes of the man he tried containing. As this occurred a massive eruption of this Void Smoke material burst out from the Black Box and blast upward in the shape of a gigantic pillar many hundreds of yards tall and over twenty wide. This was a declaration of his power to the Shinigami. Any and all energy and physical creations, including those in the sand and the sand itself, would be obliterated by this Void. Parlor tricks indeed, against an ability specifically effective against Kido and energy attacks.

While his opponent was focused on using intelligence and skill in an attempt to subdue him, Stefan would meet such tactics with what he knew best: Brute force. Once the massive pillar of Void Smoke died down, revealing the form of it's master, the next stage of this duel would begin. Stefan, now gripping his Zanpakuto in the form of a katana once again, appeared to radiate a more ominous and foreboding energy than previously. His eyes had changed again, this time retaining the usual green while the rest were pitch black. On his arms and legs were spots of torn clothing revealing marks of burnt skin. It appeared he had not been able to entirely negate the chains which otherwise would have eviscerated his body. Even his voice seemed a bit deeper than usual as he spoke aloud again to his foe.

"You've tried a similar spell on me before. How'd that work out for you? This shit ain't goin the way you want. Show me somethin better."

The Void 'electricity' which had been used to counteract Tsubasa's own lightning retracted and condensed across his blade, coating the weapon in black energy which bolted out and glassed the surrounding terrain. On top of this a surge of lighter electric energy arced out across his Zanpakuto, but of significantly higher destructive capability than the Void of his Raitongiri. This energy was far more powerful than anything used thus far in this clash of steel and whipped up strong winds as the emanating pressure lay waste to the battlefield. This newest energy was Roaku, Stefan's Zanjutsu equivalent to Shunko. The combination of this Roaku technique and the black energy of his Raitongiri was known as the destructive Kami no Suraisu, or God Slayer. The last time Stefan had used this devastating attack he nearly bifurcated a maximum power Moonie Iramasha, though that was long before the Vizard reached his current peak. Now it's very existence could be felt from miles and miles away, it's potent energy tearing at the air between the two fighters.

With a smile Stefan shifted his stance so his left foot was placed forward. Immediately after, the swordsman gripped his Zanpakuto tightly and thrust it in Tsubasa's direction as he had done prior with his Kamikyan Boseki technique. This attack had a similar result to Kamikyan Boseki as well: A cylindrical wind tunnel tore through the landscape with the piercing power of his Zanpakuto itself. However, unlike the previous thrust, this use of Kami no Suraisu was more powerful in every sense of the word. The strength of the wind was greater, it's piercing capability was far higher, and the overall scale was also significantly larger. Instead of extending for a mile or two, this newest air blast would cross nearly a hundred miles of white desert regardless if it hit Tsubasa or not. On top of the wind, a fusion of extremely potent white and black electrical energy and Void would blast apart the terrain on the scale of an atomic blast. If Tsubasa was caught in it, a scenario far likelier due to the higher speed of this attack compared to what had previously come from Stefan, he would suffer fatal wounds across and throughout his entire body. If he was merely caught in the vicinity of the blast, whether directly or indirectly, the injuries he'd likely sustain without any form of damage reduction would far outweigh what Stefan had just received.

It would now be clear Stefan Soan was unwilling to stay small scale in this battle. Kami no Suraisu continued to engulf his blade as the Vizard remained standing, though panting from the excessive power of his attack, ready for whatever else Tsubasa Unabara would pull out against him.

Truly Stefan defied logic and his style of fighting entirely making him out to be less useful. Most people lost heart when their power was taken out by the void. Tsubasa's eyes scanned and observed everything as he took it all into account. Stefan Soan truly a masterful warrior who defied the logic of most. Those chains and tigers damaged him but only to make a point. Tsubasa knew his first line of defense would be compromised here in this instance. The attempt to toss his wakizashi and katana to the side with that motion was impressive. Magnetizing the weapons to his hands would prevent them from leaving his grip. Normal technique and reiatsu discharge just didn't work against Stefan. This next one had a lot of power far more then Susanno could absorb. The nano skin that acted like a clay around his body wouldn't withstand this. So his only choice was to dodge it as he stared at the odds. Slowly Tsubasa had to acknowledge something he didn't want too. He couldn't see himself defeating Stefan with normal tactics. Nothing of the normal scale would work in this sense and go far as he did only help slightly. Tsubasa had put about twenty meters distance between he and Stefan planting those Steel Spikes about twenty meters in the sand. Perhaps it was time for him to stop trying to fight Stefan this way? He felt the clay like the substance of the nano-skin fall to the ground. He'd only just managed to avoid Stefan's blows for the most part. The raw power made this thing entirely useless as his eyes scanned that form. Such potent and raw power it was an immense thing. He could only smile and decide he would do one thing. Stefan had never liked Tsubasa perhaps due to his nature. "Believe it or not, I did make that with you in mind. But you are peerless in the way you deflect all kido. So I will try something a bit..more new and complicated." Tsubasa said smiling a bit as he exhaled. Around them, for twenty meters metal spikes had formed a square like a shape.

Tsubasa had begun laying them in preparation for his next move hoping his previous thing would last. Had he not been so fast he'd of lost far more then Susanno the nano-skin. This wasn't nearly over but he suspected by doing this it truly would begin. His eyes glanced over at Stefan's creation of this massive destroyed portion of Hueco Mundo. Had he not dodged that and moved to his right quickly avoiding the move. He'd of been destroyed most definitely by that attack without a doubt. The question was could Stefan cancel out his lightning to the extent he was preparing it for. Black Coffin had failed entirely to do as he set out for it to do. The latent static electricity in the air was good from his reishi. But also the movement of Stefan and he himself did well. Tsubasa's eyes of crimson looked at Stefan as he moved the spikes from the sand now causing them to begin movement. A couple had been destroyed that were far to close to the man in this regard. But he doubted very much throwing these at Stefan would prove useful.

It was about time to bring out Despair his weapon as an Unabara. Or perhaps one of her powers at the very least. Tsubasa closed the box in around ten meters carefully. Setting up the sand shark like things before they completely emerged. This entire area was about to change in terms of things. The sky began to darken in Hueco Mundo slowly. Tsubasa didn't know what Stefan would make of his move now. He would like to break his way out as he noted his injuries so far. He was alright at the moment much like Stefan. But it was time to move on and away from damage to himself. Those metal rods began sparking and crackling with electricity quickly. All of them moved as though being conducted and forming a box around Stefan. This one's purpose wasn't containment or anything of the like as the lightning began lashing out immensely. Even if one or two of the ten spikes were destroyed the box would form around ten meters around Stefan. But it didn't stay as a massive explosion happened within and around the box. Piercing the sky and the clouds above with a huge explosion.

The area around turned the sand into a glass substance as the minerals were altered completely. Tsubasa knew this would only likely annoy Stefan and it was about time they kicked it up. He exhaled softly holding his Wakazashi before pulling Despair out now. Forming metal swords that floated around his form. Tsubasa's eyes glowed as he prepared to release his Shikai finally. He knew from experience against Stefan. That this move would not be enough to fight the man. "I've not given it a name, but perhaps you've one in mind?" He said softly as he knew Stefan would respond. Tsubasa and Stefan had begun getting licks in. The area around where Stefan should have been was charged immensely with electricity and discharge. What had happened was those rods accelerated and created rapid discharge. Speeding it up to extremely intense levels in seconds. Causing the magnified electricity to simply explode with the raw power of the static in the area.

Tsubasa knew well enough that these sort of things wouldn't do. He held Despair in his shadow where he could manipulate her. Few things were more clear in this regard as he prepared. Tsubasa didn't know how much he could accomplish at this point. But he had intentions to do a single thing and that left his fighting spirit here with Stefan. Tsubasa didn't think many existed anymore who challenged him like Stefan. In many years they'd grown to dislike one another immensely. Tsubasa saw this as a chance to truly change himself. He'd tried so often to do so many things as he remained at the 20-meter distance he'd set from Stefan. This gave him plenty of time to judge and act. Focusing in on the details as he sensed the area intently. This was going to require a rather large amount of control and potentially careful planning. Tsubasa knew for a fact it wouldn't kill Stefan or put him down.

Chances were that Stefan used the void electricity to country act it. But if he did that it would hit the other lightning despite directed to do so. If the Void like the energy that mimicked lightning did so entirely. It would be drawn to those lightning rods merely enhancing the explosion with Stefan's own raw power and Tsubasa's. The question was did he try that once again as Tsubasa prepared himself. Preparation for the fight of his lifetime. For the last major battle, he would clash in before this journey began. Tsubasa's hands held both weapons as he made sure everything was truly ready. The illusion of hiding kido Kyokko had been dismantled and destroyed. This shunko like state that Stefan used. It was impressive as he pondered time lost. Tsubasa was known as a Swordsman but that paled before Stefan. Stefan was known as the swordsman. He was only ever on the totem pole when it came to that. Stefan was certainly the top dog in that aspect. These were truths that Tsubasa had acknowledged a long time ago.

The very second any semblance of energy and light appeared in the form of a square around him, Stefan immediately launched himself to his right. Not wanting to repeat the previous conflict between the two which ended up in burn marks on his limbs, the Vizard made sure to dodge out of the way before his foe had a chance to finish the attack he had been planning. Considering the following blackening of the sky and eruption of energy, this early movement would immediately pay dividends by preventing serious harm from coming his way. For his part, Stefan refused to be put on the defensive; immediately after moving out of the way, he rushed forward and brought his Roaku and Raitongiri-infused Zanpakuto down upon Tsubasa. From the power of this vertical slash, the darkened sky thousands of feet above was split apart as if the heavens themselves were cleaved in two. This attack possessed incredible force, enough to flatten the surroundings and blast apart the sand beneath Tsubasa.

Staying aggressive, Stefan continued to pursue Tsubasa with an ardent fervor by striking with his Zanpakuto repeatedly. Each slash possessed both the force of the legendary swordsman's physical power, as well as the full might of both Roaku and Raitongiri. The latter struck out and tore at the Shinigami, cancelling out and overpowering electricity thanks to its unique properties and destructive capabilities. Each consecutive slash was aimed to cause maximum damage to their target as Stefan wasted not a millisecond or inch in his assault. If Tsubasa blocked, he struck harder; if he ran or dodged, Stefan sprinted after him. The thunderous roar of the swirling energies surrounding his Zanpakuto echoed out, deafening both fighters with its shrieks. The green haired warrior would allow no respite for his opponent.

After a few dozen seconds of this, Stefan ran his hand along the mune, or back edge, of Mugenku. This quickly reigned in the overwhelming energy of the combined techniques currently active on the Zanpakuto. This condensed all of it into the form of a thin and opaque sheen of dense energy across the blade's entirety. With this new form of his Kami no Suraisu, or God Slayer, the cutting and piercing strength of his blows would be increased multiple times. Now attempting to block his attacks would be even more difficult with the risk of severe bodily harm being considerably higher. Having only spent a second or two doing this, Stefan easily launched himself back into the fray with a two-handed diagonal slash from Tsubasa's left shoulder to right hip, potentially knocking away the man's weapons, or splitting apart his non-Zanpakuto blade, from the sheer strength of the attack.

"I said show me something better. Either that, or just die!" With this challenge stated clearly for Tsubasa to hear, Stefan backed off a few feet before once again slashing his katana in Tsubasa's direction. However instead of just sending forth a large blast of concussive force again, which it did, a wave of black Void released from his Zanpakuto. This wave took neither a liquid nor gaseous form, yet somehow acted like both, and spread out for hundreds of feet in every direction before collapsing on Tsubasa's position like a massive tidal wave of pitch blackness and pure destruction, blotting out the sky from the Shinigami's view. Objects and energy in this Void's way would be absorbed and crushed, reduced to little more than rubble and scraps, before being launched back out in every direction. Through with playing games, Stefan hoped this latest attack would force his foe to release his Zanpakuto instead of just continuing with what they've already been doing.

So it was as anticipated Stefan took it and kept moving as his eyes looked. Even more so his calculations had added up correctly as he decided it was time. Time for this to go to a level far beyond that current place it stood. Shikai but this didn't just bring about something small. Tsubasa's mouth said the words that perhaps held meaning. To some people, they had never been given the chance to do so. But now it was time for him to take things to the next level. A stage beyond this current one they stood on so He didn't mind the dodging as he spoke those words finally. "Feast, Byakko." The shockwave that went out around the area os spiritual pressure flattened the desert. Lightning shot across the desert striking and killing those foolish enough to be close. The mountains nearby broke into rubble as his spiritual pressure seemed awakened now. No more games for either of them this feeling out process had come to a close. Tsubasa's form vanished with a massive increase in his speed. Striking with his zanpakuto's blade in a vertical slash that cut almost instantly. It was as though movement ceased from him as his expression remained empty. Crackling lightning danced around him as the sky began to darken further. This land would be forever changed this day as both men would soon drop their gauntlets. Tsubasa's immense speed became far faster as lightning surged through his cells. The cut he performed reached levels most eyes couldn't follow. It would be extremely hard for even one as powerful as Stefan without his Shikai. Then there was the slight side effect of this cut from Stefan's right hip to his left shoulder. This left a massive explosion of electricity that hit the body if not dodged properly. Tsubasa's speed began to show as the male's eyes locked on to Stefan's location. He'd avoided the male first attack by dodging with Hoho off to the side. But then by activating a dramatic speed increase, he struck. Also deciding to leave something in the sand at Stefan's feat.

Tsubasa brought his sword up pointing in the direction of Stefan as metal spikes began rising from the sand around him. These shards were hundreds as he decided to connect them with something special. Before it happened and in one instant a loud crack happened. If one blinked they would have missed these as they were shot at Stefan. Using a Railgun like a method he shot the metals at the male his own body could even be shot places. Tsubasa could also alter and control the direction of how he would railgun his body about. This was a rather practical move allowing him to go even faster. Tsubasa's speed was something else as he sheathed his zanpakuto taking an Iajutsu stance. He was about to exercise his full speed towards Stefan. With a single goal in mind to slice the man quickly. This wasn't so much a technique as a rather interesting skill. Tsubasa's power roared around him as he decided to fight him with all his strength. Shunko gentle cracked to life around his body.

Slowly engulfing himself with Shikai and Shunko Tsubasa's body glimmered with power. Before those things landed Tsubasa decided to become aggressive now himself as his power radiated around him. Soon as he touched his sword's handle he vanished leaving behind a glow of light and a blinking almost speed. Tsubasa had drawn and clicked his blade back in its sheath within the drastic amount of time slicing horizontal swing that cut upwards. His form merely appeared on the other side of Stefan as he attempted to cut his chest. But not even second before arriving it happened again. Tsubasa continued slicing Stefan from every side. Cutting the man and leaving small things in the sand for each move. Preparing a bigger move as he attacked Stefan with radical levels of speed. He gave up everything for this speed though. In some ways, he'd run all his life to find someone like Stefan. Someone who stood up to him and simply disliked him. Perhaps in some ways, these two were similar. If no at the very least he would do one thing he suspected none had.

He would earn Stefan's respect or at the very least his acknowledgment. Tsubasa's frame stopped after he drew a symbol in the place from the speed leaving those lines around. This wasn't a kido spell it was something Tsubasa came up with at this moment. Hail of Ten Thousand Blades was what he figured it would be called. As the area, Stefan stood erupted into an explosion of blades and cuts going everywhere similar to the petals of the certain male. These small things were infused with lightning and kido so the attempt of canceling them out would cause them to explore further. They would react negatively to the effects of turning them off simply exploding. By combining his high-speed movement, with Shunko, railgun, and hoho. Tsubasa could essentially move far quicker than most people. So it was time for Stefan to throw down his gauntlet as the desert around them shook the blast he'd just used along with the attack attempts. It must be noted that during these Tsubasa would angle it so he could keep moving. The speed would create high-end impacts giving them a far more solid blow along with the force of a railgun.

Making these blows hit with immense force and speed only someone like him could produce. "Well, is this any better?" He asked not meaning it as a negative remark. His eyes focused on Stefan extremely intently as he'd attacked with a four-stroke symbol this time. Though he imagined it would need to be done even more so. This form wouldn't do to fight Stefan as he began preparing to activate something he knew the male wanted. One For All, his power he obtained after a languishing period of time. Stefan Soan was and is the greatest Swordsman this world would ever know. This fact was plain and simple without room to be contested. No being came close to the experience with a sword Stefan held. Even Tsubasa being spoken of in a list would be a lie. "It's funny, people put us on lists and do these rankings you know in this world. But I think you are beyond a list of a swordsman. You stand at a place that they dream of reaching, least that's my take on it, Stefan." Tsubasa said as his eyes looked at Stefan with one thing admiration. While it could be said this was the furthest thing from understanding. Tsubasa did at the very least acknowledge Stefan's skills and prowess as a warrior. He could negate anything Tsubasa did without fail and the question did linger. Could he negate the speed Tsubasa held in this regard as well? Perhaps he could, in the long run, he suspected Stefan could negate anything. But that wasn't the point of it truthfully. He wanted a fight he suspected against someone strong. Or maybe he just disliked Tsubasa entirely and the acknowledgment meant nothing. Either way, Tsubasa had given his opinion on things to a man who didn't care most likely. But words had passed them by so many times. How often had these two had a chance to truly see one another.

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