[ It's a relief, having Chizuru out of the way. Even if he trusts his aim enough, there's still the possibility Kazama might dodge in the wrong direction or do something really dirty and put her in the way by purpose, and at least those small chances are gone as well now she's on the floor, even though he's sure she must have been hurt again because of it. He'll look at her later and help her for sure, but he doesn't exactly have time for that now when parrying Kazama's strikes is taking absolutely all of his focus.
(If this was any other situation, one where he didn't have to turn into a rasetsu, then he might have actually enjoyed this battle, one where he's just fighting someone one on one and not being sure at all if he'll even win.)
The odds are still on Kazama's side since he does manage to strike Shinpachi more often than the man manages to strike Kazama - the difference between a demon and someone who's only halfway there - but it doesn't mean as much when every single time Kazama's sword digs into his flesh there's only that momentary pain he's used to anyway after so many battles before the wound closes itself like it never even existed. If there's anything annoying about it then it's the fact that the scent of blood is filling his mind, but he tries to shove it to the background and focus on fighting, winning - he's not so sure how he's going to win from Kazama's superior strength yet, but he'll find a way. He'll drive him off somehow and take Chizuru back safely, it's all he can think about.
Shinpachi only manages to block the demon's attack half, and the edge of the blade still cuts a fine line across his chest, the wound knitting itself together easily. ]
Like hell I went this far just to lose from you..! [ He pulls his katana back only to have it meet Kazama's when he swings it forwards again, the sound of steel on steel resounding between the trees. Shinpachi realises too that they might as well be here all day at this rate, or until Shinpachi's body gives up on healing, but it's not like he sees a clear opening or opportunity to end this quickly either. Chizuru must not be able to get up either with the way she's just there on the floor.. damn, even the hardest thing he's ever done wasn't the easy way out, huh? ]
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(If this was any other situation, one where he didn't have to turn into a rasetsu, then he might have actually enjoyed this battle, one where he's just fighting someone one on one and not being sure at all if he'll even win.)
The odds are still on Kazama's side since he does manage to strike Shinpachi more often than the man manages to strike Kazama - the difference between a demon and someone who's only halfway there - but it doesn't mean as much when every single time Kazama's sword digs into his flesh there's only that momentary pain he's used to anyway after so many battles before the wound closes itself like it never even existed. If there's anything annoying about it then it's the fact that the scent of blood is filling his mind, but he tries to shove it to the background and focus on fighting, winning - he's not so sure how he's going to win from Kazama's superior strength yet, but he'll find a way. He'll drive him off somehow and take Chizuru back safely, it's all he can think about.
Shinpachi only manages to block the demon's attack half, and the edge of the blade still cuts a fine line across his chest, the wound knitting itself together easily. ]
Like hell I went this far just to lose from you..! [ He pulls his katana back only to have it meet Kazama's when he swings it forwards again, the sound of steel on steel resounding between the trees. Shinpachi realises too that they might as well be here all day at this rate, or until Shinpachi's body gives up on healing, but it's not like he sees a clear opening or opportunity to end this quickly either. Chizuru must not be able to get up either with the way she's just there on the floor.. damn, even the hardest thing he's ever done wasn't the easy way out, huh? ]