"Did you happen to say something? I don't think I heard right" Kato questioned, continuing to act like a blowhard.

Yoichi took a step forward, unafraid. "You heard perfectly, braggart. If you're not going to train like everyone else, get the hell out of here. The arena is a sacred place and so many people are here to study and practice their combat styles," he exclaimed, looking Kato in the eye. "There is a corner of the tatami still free" he added, pointing to the open space of the large stone square, bordering the peach trees.

​​

A few seconds of silence followed that statement. Dozens and dozens of warriors from other guilds stared at Yoichi. Most of them had never seen him and had never witnessed anyone expose themselves so much against the Heralds.

"Who's that guy with the blond hair?"

"Does he know who he's talking to?"

"Pff! Another poor fool who's going to be ripped to shreds by Kato".

The warriors in the crowd began to chatter amongst themselves, not trusting the unfamiliar-looking boy. Kato enjoyed a certain reputation there, and his name was one of the best known of his guild among the young promises.

Compared to the veterans of the Emperor's Heralds, Kato had less experience and was much younger. However, his manner and the arrogance passed on to him by Yozo, the guild leader, made him one of the most respected apprentices in the guild.

In a world where the survival of the fittest ruled, the blue-haired warrior behaved like a large predator ready to show his teeth in order to win exclusivity on a hunting ground.

Often it had been enough just to act bossy to get his way, without necessarily fighting and putting himself on the line.

"Is this you again? I remember you," he growled, pretending not to know Yoichi, as if he were reciting a script.

"You know exactly who I am. I kicked your ass in front of the Ambershire gates, remember that?" Yoichi chuckled, showing a whole new side of his character.

"Woo!"

"Oh my goodness!"

Once again, Yoichi's statement struck a chord with the audience, drawing more and more people around the stone tatami. Even some of the Dojo's regulars, having finished their meditative sessions, were intrigued by the crowd and approached.

Yoichi's companions moved away from him, following Takamori's silent orders. Among them, Toshi was the only one who had never seen Yoichi fight.

Kato's expression showed all his anger, which was slowly turning into violence. With his fists clenched and arms stretched downwards, without adding anything else, he grabbed an object from his pocket and, screaming, slammed it on the floor. "Saganath!"

The tip of the Demon Tooth wedged between two of the huge stone bricks of the sacred tatami and the summoning process began. A blue and red stream of air was expelled swirling from the magic object, beginning to form the outline of the newly summoned demon.

What?! Did he choose not to summon his Kuwatako? What is he up to? Yoichi thought, marveling at the fact that Kato had no intention of fighting with his Oracle.

Under the air current, which began to dissolve in the air, an elongated body with large red scales took shape. Two large antennae protruded from the demon's head, and at the same time, in the lower part of its body, two strong claws were forcefully closed like two pincers.

When the summoning process was completed, the strange demon of Kato showed itself to everyone, while the rays of the sun sparkled on its red exoskeleton, the same color of the Heralds' armor.

A large lobster-like being stood on the stone tatami with its tiny crustacean legs, opening and closing its crab-like claws towards Yoichi.

Two small black eyes were suspended over chitinous protuberances, and the demon's mouth was hidden by many tiny fangs that exited and entered a small indentation located under the antennae.

The tail of Kato's demon was also covered by a sturdy exoskeleton. Just by looking at it, Yoichi realized that the one in front of him was a water-type demon and wondered how it could move in a place that was devoid of its belonging element.

I'm pretty sure this piece of shit summoned a water demon because he remembers my Kenji's powers. He's still convinced that my Oracle is a fire-type Nekage, he doesn't know that water is totally ineffective against the draconic flame! Yoichi reflected, finding an answer to his question.

"I don't care about your comrades or your traitorous guild leader!" Kato barked loudly, talking about Takamori. "I'm going to hurt you so bad that your tamer career will end here and today, kiddo!" he growled, fomenting his water demon, which made a strange noise and continued to move its claws in a threatening manner.

If I fought with Ichiro, its attacks would be super effective against a water demon. However, I'm afraid my Inoshuma's fighting level is too low to face such an opponent and I can't use its skills well yet, Yoichi pondered.

At the same time, by summoning Kenji, I could only make use of its enhancement skill. I can't let anyone notice the dragon flame, not yet!

"Come on, people! Come closer! See what happens to those who dare to challenge the power of the Emperor's Heralds!" Kato shouted, opening his arms and trying to draw as many people as possible towards the tatami.

During those frantic seconds, the whole tatami was surrounded by spectators. What had always been a sacred place of worship under Ryutaro's control had turned into a ring for underground fights.

Yoichi left his backpack and small leather pouch on the ground, moving a little closer to his opponents. If he defeated Kato, the blue-haired warrior would leave him and his companions in peace for a long time.

This was his chance to practice Kenji's enhanced skill and the fighting style Nobunaga had taught him that morning. Certainly, with a warrior as fast as Kato it would have been better not to be distracted for a second.