7-3 Who Is the Goddess of Battle?

As you already know,

when the leader of the Punishment Force draws her sword, an execution battle is imminent.

............

Any opponent must die.

And if that should happen to include a former commander, then that is what will have to be.

There is no escape for you, Yoruichi!

For someone who's spent as many years hidden away as you have, it doesn't seem to me like you've gotten any stronger, Yoruichi.

Well you, on the other hand... Looks like you've let your skills get rather dull and rusty.

I told you not to underestimate me.

Yoruichi Shihoin... Your time has passed!

I stayed and grew stronger while you ran and hid from the battlefield for a hundred years, and now you're going to pay for it with your life, Yoruichi.

Compare us. Between you and me...

...which of us shines as the better warrior?!

I know. You didn't think the likes of me even had anything to hold back, did you? That's what you were thinking.

?!

You've never seen such a fighting technique before, have you?

It's unique because it combines elements of both Hakuda and Kido. It's something I created myself.

You should feel privileged, actually. This technique has only been perfected recently. So you're the first victim of it in actual combat conditions.

It doesn't even have a name yet.

Wrong. It has a name.

What did you just say?

It's called "Shunko."

You don't know what you are talking about!

The fact is, I really didn't want to have to resort to using this technique against you.

You'd better be careful, Soi Fon.

Because to tell you the truth, even I can't control this technique very well.

I remember the first time I met her. It was like meeting a goddess.

From that day on she was my idol. I worshipped her; she was everything I wanted to be.

Then, seven years after I joined the Force, came the day I was named to the Commander's Personal Guard Squad.

You're just thinking too much. Relax, Soi Fon, you're doing fine.

No, I'm not! I'm not good enough, and I'll never be. I don't have anywhere near enough skill or strength to protect you, Lady Yoruichi. I-I'm lacking in every single way.

You know what? You're just like I was. I've even caught myself thinking of you as my little sister sometimes.

That's such a beautiful thing for you to tell me, Lady Yoruichi. But I don't deserve it.

I swear I will always be by your side to protect you. You can count on it.

Ahh... So it's a promise then?

I was so happy. I couldn't have guessed what was about to happen...

It happened so suddenly - you disappeared without a trace, without any warning at all.

It was such a betrayal... From a person I'd devoted myself to; someone I'd worshipped like a goddess. You lied. You lied to me!

I can never forgive what you did, Yoruichi.

There could be no forgiveness for the way you betrayed my trust and devotion... Not ever!

Tell me...

Tell me why...

Help me understand.

Why didn't you take me with you? I would've gone anywhere with you. You must've known that.

Oh, Lady Yoruichi...

............