7-1 The Killers High

I sense Kotetsu is nearby. Go down and get that arm looked after.

Right!

Well? What are you waiting for? You want to fight, don't you?

Fight?

Where's all that cocky talk of yours? I thought you said you were the strongest Quincy. The only way to prove you're the strongest is by crushing the strongest!

So come on! Let's get the real battle started.

That means no more distractions. Instead of picking on little girls, try fighting the enemy right in front of you!

(What was that? What was it he just said?)

("The only way to prove you're the strongest is by crushing the strongest." I'd never even thought of something like that.)

(Nobody has ever tried to lay a finger on me.)

(Because it's so obvious. It's obvious that I'm the strongest.)

(That's why there's no need for me to prove it by killing someone. And also, why I've never felt the desire to "crush" anyone.)

(So then, why? Why?)

(Why is it that I want to crush this man so badly?!)

Thought you weren't gonna do that. Use your hands. That's a good look. I guess this thing is finally gonna get to have some fun.

("A good look"? I don't know how I look right now, but... It's strange. Why... Why do I feel so...so...)

(...so good right now?!)

You're repeating yourself. I told you, I can cut through steel!

(It's stuck!)

You're repeating yourself. And it didn't work any better this time.

(Crap!)

(I realized too late that I had been cut! That momentary lapse has left me open to his next blow!)

(No way. Why can't I stop his sword? Am I really going to lose to...to this?)

(No! Impossible! It can't be! This can't be happening!)

What's the matter? Did you just imagine yourself losing this fight to me?

You're right! Thank you.

What the hell for?

What you said, it made me realize that all I had to do was wipe away any thoughts of defeat and death. Now I can no longer die. Do you regret saying it?

I never regret anything!