The pressure from Ichika's Innate Skill was so intense, it could drop most people to the ground in seconds.
His gravity control was solid, and he could spread it across the whole fighting area. But if he wasn't careful, it would drain his Nano fast.
That's why he kept the gravity pressure extended just enough to stay effective within a seven-meter radius.
Reisou had backed up ten meters from Ichika, yet the boy quickly closed the gap, and the same pressure hit him again.
Seeing him struggle, Ichika sped up, aiming his katana straight at Reisou's chest.
Just as the attack was about to land, Reisou grinned and slid low across the ground.
In one swift move, his lance jabbed hard into Ichika's left leg, throwing off his balance.
Then, without wasting a second, Reisou pushed off the ground with both hands and slammed a double kick right into Ichika's stomach, launching him backward.
✢| Fury |✢
Reisou immediately activated his skill and dashed toward Ichika, already putting his Taijutsu talent to use.
He delivered a swift low kick to Ichika's knee, catching him off guard and knocking him off balance again.
As Ichika staggered, Reisou nailed him with a solid punch to the ribs, then spun and smashed an elbow into his shoulder.
Before Ichika could recover, Reisou swept his legs out from under him, slamming him hard onto the ground.
The crowd was stunned—despite the crushing gravity, Reisou was still landing clean hits and holding his ground against Ichika.
"Looks like Aragaki's Innate Skills and combat skills aren't so bad," Chifuyu muttered to herself, recalling the information from the boy's profile.
She already knew he was skilled with a lance and smart about using his abilities.
But seeing him pull off such good hand-to-hand combat?
That was a surprise.
'I hope you've got a plan, little brother,' Chifuyu thought, folding her arms with a twinge of worry.
On her left, Houki was just as shocked that Reisou could kept landing hits on Ichika despite the crushing gravity.
The last time she faced Ichika, she had to fall back and rely on elemental slashes to win—because every time she stepped into his Skill zone, her body felt twice as heavy.
"I believe in you, Ichika. You won't lose!" she whispered, clenching her fists.
Meanwhile, in the fighting area, Ichika pushed himself up despite the pain.
Just like Reisou said earlier, he really wasn't holding back.
"How are you resisting my Innate Skill?" Ichika asked, genuinely curious.
Until now, the only people he'd fought who could manage something like that were his big sister Chifuyu and his younger sister Madoka.
"I don't know... willpower, maybe?" Reisou replied, feigning ignorance with a shrug.
Ichika sighed, clearly not buying his words.
He adjusted his stance and moved in to attack again, this time increasing the gravity.
✢| Innate Skill - Gravity ⥤ Level Three |✢
In an instant, the pressure on the fighting area tripled, weighing down everything around him.
If the ground had been made of regular material, cracks would've already formed beneath his feet.
This time, Reisou could tell charging in head-on wasn't a smart move.
Even though he could somehow handle the doubled gravity, this new level was something else entirely.
While Reisou was trying to figure out his next move, Ichika's Nano was draining fast.
At this rate, he wouldn't last five minutes.
Making a quick decision, Ichika ignited his katana with flames.
He also boosted his speed with an enhancement technique and closed in fast on Reisou.
Caught in the gravity's hold, Reisou gave a bitter smile and prepared for Ichika's attack.
His left hand stayed tucked behind him, while his right hand held a guarded stance, coated in Armament Haki.
The blade cut through the air, trailing a ghostly afterimage. The moment it struck Reisou's arm, a harsh metallic clang rang out, followed by a surge of flames that wrapped around his arm, burning with fierce intensity.
Ichika blinked, momentarily caught off guard by Reisou's tough defense and unexpected resistance to the flames.
Instead of staying surprised, he pressed forward with a sharper, more relentless second strike.
Then, suddenly, his body stopped moving.
✢| Intimidation |✢
An overwhelming wave of fear swept over him, and his eyes widened in pure terror.
"W-What did you do?" Ichika stuttered, shaking and totally confused about what was going on.
Reisou gave a sly smile and said, "Guess you don't know much about my abilities, huh?"
Suddenly, his hand appeared from behind his back, holding a glowing blue sphere the size of a basketball. The swirling air around it whipped his hair and clothes wildly.
Everyone watching gasped, feeling the intense energy packed into that small sphere.
Just by looking, they knew how strong Reisou's power was.
Despite the crushing pressure from Ichika's Innate Skill, Reisou pushed through and slammed the Rasengan into Ichika's chest.
The blow made Ichika's face twist in pain, and he was hurled out of the fighting area, crashing against the wall with a heavy thud.
Reisou stood with his arms relaxed at his sides, breathing heavily.
A proud grin spread across his face as he confirmed just how powerful his technique was when unleashed on a fellow Hunter.
Rasengan could easily qualify as a B to A tier technique. Reisou was sure that if he ever tried to sell it, wind users and elite families would line up to pay a fortune for it.
After all, elemental techniques with that level of concentrated power and efficiency were incredibly hard to develop.
"Aragaki Reisou is the winner of this challenge," Chifuyu announced calmly as she stepped into the fighting area, snapping the crowd out of their silence.
"Ichika!" Houki shouted as she hurried to her childhood friend's side to check if he was okay.
Chifuyu watched silently, a hint of concern in her eyes, but she remained calm.
The blow hadn't been fatal, nor would it leave any serious injury.
"Wait, Ichika actually lost? I didn't think that could happen," someone said, clearly stunned.
"Ugh! I blew half my credits on him. Guess it's water and instant noodles for the rest of the month," another student groaned.
"I knew it! This is the guy with Three Innate Skills. No way he was going to lose!" a girl laughed, holding up her smartphone to show off her growing balance.
While some cheered for their winning bets and others sank into despair, 2B approached Reisou, carrying a towel and a bottle of water.
She gave a gentle smile as she handed him the water and wiped the sweat from his brow, like a tender girlfriend. The losers nearby couldn't help but feel even more crushed watching that.
As 2B finished cleaning him up, Reisou stretched his slightly sore arms and said, "Let's head home. I really need a shower and something to eat."
2B gave a small nod, and they were about to walk off when a voice called out to Reisou from behind.
"Aragaki Reisou! Next time, I won't lose!" Ichika called out with effort, leaning on Houki for support as his body still ached from the Rasengan's hit.
Reisou glanced over his shoulder briefly and gave a casual two-finger wave before turning away.
On the way back, Reisou and 2B made a quick stop at the supermarket to grab some groceries.
When they got home, 2B went tothe kitchen, and Reisou headed upstairs to relax in his fancy marble bathtub.
Compared to his old cramped bathroom, this place felt like heaven.
However, just as he was starting to feel a bit drowsy, the foggy glass door slid open with a soft hiss.
He looked over—and froze.
For a moment, his brain refused to catch up with what he was seeing.
Then he blinked, sat up slightly, and asked, "2B… what are you doing here?"