City of Irises [Elises]

Even if she was a foreigner in this world of martial arts, only findding herself involved in it because of her relationship with Tetsuko, there was something about stories that always fascinated Elise. Perhaps it was because of the intimidating presence of her lover's grandfather, but Elise had always been cautious about the existence of Shura. Elise knew well enough how powerful of a weapon emotions could be, especially when brought forth in their most extreme forms, so the concept of allowing one's rage to guide their blade was a troubling concept for Elise.

Perhaps it was meant to be, that just like the concept of Ying and Yang, that when this essence of Shura was stirred within Tetsuko that Elise's presence kindled something else. It was endearing in a way, to see how Tetsuko's rage subsided somewhat when she called out to her. It made the girl certain of one thing: as long as she was in Tetsuko's life, the essence of Shura would surely not consume her iron-blooded knight. Indeed, if Shura was the demon within Tetsuko, then she was the guardian angel that would help her lover find the balance she needed, as often as she required it. Still, there was no denying that Shizune was skilled, being able to rill up a trained warrior like Tetsuko and cleverly escape from her wrathful blows, it didn't require only intelligence but also reflexes, agility and speed that far surpassed the average martial artist.

But the tide would turn, with Tetsuko reminded of the fact there was no need for them to concern themselves with the opinions of others when they had each other, that they powerful feelings for each other were more than enough of a testimony for how much they meant for one another.

Tetsuko's breathing started to relax, her tension still higher than usual till the swordswoman explained herself. "Mhmm~ That rage you felt are the kindling embers of Shura's essence within you. Fortunately, it seems that even Shura's fury is no match when it comes to the warmth your bond with Elise brings. Too often have I heard stories of those similar to Shura losing themselves to their bloodlust, they become wrathful demons that lose sight of their own self, and in some cases they even succumb to a rage so intense that they would turn onto their own allies."

Shizune smiled briefly when Tetsuko expressed her gratitude, and soon the duo was engaged into their fight once more. Elise meanwhile continued to watch with baited breath at the ongoing fight. Tetsuko's sudden crescent overhead was a perfect parry, the blades clashing onto one another, locked in a struggle when finally Tetsuko overpowered her, the swing slamming Shizune downwards toward the ground when all of a sudden...

"Limit Break: Ichi"

A sudden burst of heat escaped from Shizune's body, her eye giving an eerie red glow while the moment she collided against the ground her feet seemed to angle at an almost unnatural state, her body shifting forwards with the same flexibility of a beast rather than a human, so nimble did the collision at the ground and conversion in a forwards dash become, the sword swing made by Tetsuko was still between her and her target, and Shizune didn't intend to go through this the easy way! The only way she would consider it a victory is by breaking the blade of Shura!

"Heh~ That's what I wanted to see~ Now that I'm fighting Shura's successor I can at last use my Quirk~" The blade pushed violently against Tetsuko's own with an inhuman strength, as if she was clashing against a bear or a giant oni on terms of physical strength. "It be only fair for you to learn about my quirk since I know quite a bit about yours~ My Quirk is called Limit Break, it allows me to release the restrains of the human body to tap into the dormant potential within. Simply said, with my quirk I can surpass the limitations of the human body~ Although I am only permitted to go up to the Seventh release, anything higher would become too dangerous for both of us~"

And then Shizune acted, her lips curving into a smirk. "Limit Break: Ni!" An even more intense burst of heat came from her body, the pressure on Tetsuko's blade growing unlike any attack she had endured before in a clash!