Chapter 284: Ichigo vs Kenzo [1] Thwack! Crack! Hikari launched a desperate overhead strike with all his remaining strength, hoping to break through Noah’s seemingly unshakeable defence. CLANG! The impact created a resounding crash that echoed across the venue, but Noah caught the strike on his blade and held it there effortlessly. Hikari pushed down with everything he had, yet couldn’t budge Noah’s position. "Impossible," Hikari gasped, his eyes widening as he realised the vast difference in their actual strength levels. Whoosh! With a gentle twist of his wrist, Noah deflected Hikari’s blade aside and touched his own sword tip to his opponent’s chest—a clean, decisive finish that demonstrated complete control over the match’s outcome. The referee stepped forward immediately. "Winner: Noah Carter!" The crowd erupted in appreciative applause, recognising they had witnessed an exceptional match. "Can you believe this is his first tournament?" one spectator remarked with obvious amazement. "Hikari has reached the semifinals three times before, and this newcomer just ended that streak completely." "The technique was really good," added a retired swordsman. "But it’s his physical power and composure that’s truly remarkable. Most first-time competitors show nerves against someone of Hikari’s reputation." "Did you see how he absorbed those impacts?" another observer noted with growing excitement. "Hikari’s strikes were landing clean, but Carter didn’t even flinch. That level of physical conditioning is extraordinary." "Master Tanaka has found himself a genuine prodigy," concluded a tournament sponsor. "This young man could most certainly shock everyone in the upcoming matches." Noah approached Hikari for the traditional post-match acknowledgement, recognising the skill his opponent had demonstrated despite the decisive outcome. "That was excellent swordsmanship," Noah said with genuine respect. "Your technique showed the countless years you spent in training. Well done." Hikari nodded with gracious acceptance despite his obvious disappointment. "You’re incredibly strong, Carter. I’ve never faced someone who could absorb impacts like that while maintaining such form." "Thank you for the good match," Noah replied, understanding that Hikari’s level 8 swordsmanship represented true talent by Earth’s standards. If Hikari had been born in Esta with access to mana-rich environments and magical training resources, he might have reached adept rank capabilities. Unfortunately, Earth’s limited magical foundation, sparse mana, and lack of enhancement resources created developmental ceilings that even dedicated practitioners couldn’t overcome through effort alone. The disparity between worlds highlighted how the environment shaped potential as much as natural talent or determination. As Noah approached the stands where he had previously been standing, Ichigo waited for him with a grin spread across his face. "That was incredible! The way you handled Hikari’s combinations was like watching a master at work! And that final move where you just held his overhead strike, bro, you were killing it!" Noah rolled his eyes at the over-the-top praise that Ichigo was known for delivering after every performance he witnessed. "You’re exaggerating again," Noah replied with amused tolerance for Icigio’s tendency toward hyperbole. He patted Ichigo firmly on the back in a gesture of encouragement. "Good luck with your fight. Don’t underestimate that guy Kenzo—he made it this far for a reason." The friendly pat sent Ichigo stumbling forward several steps; Noah’s strength clearly caught his friend off guard despite the casual nature of the gesture. "Chill out, man!" Ichigo protested with mock indignation as he regained his balance. "Are you trying to injure me before my match starts so we don’t have to face each other in the semifinals?" Noah laughed at the dramatic accusation. "If I wanted to sabotage you, I’d come up with something more creative than a friendly pat," Noah replied with amusement. "Besides, I’m looking forward to potentially facing you in the finals. It would make for an interesting match." The tournament announcer’s voice echoed across the venue, calling for the final quarterfinal match to begin. Ichigo’s expression shifted from playful complaint to focused determination as he prepared for his own challenging bout. "Time to show them what I’ve got," Ichigo declared whilst slapping both of his cheeks as a way of showing he was ready. Ichigo then started heading toward the competition area where his opponent, Kenzo, was already waiting. Soon enough, both contestants stood on the platform. Kenzo’s wide smile remained on his face as he said. "My dear friend Ichigo, it’s a great surprise for me to meet you this early on. I would have loved to meet you in the finals. But it seems like fate didn’t have that in store for the both of us, so we shall work with what we have. What do you think?" 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺 Ichigo scratched the back of his head with an embarrassed smile. "Thanks, man, I didn’t want to face you this early on either. Like you said, it’s fate, and we can do nothing but give our best to make this match as enjoyable as possible to everyone watching." Kenzo nodded his head, agreeing with Ichigo’s words. "Indeed, we can only do our best to make this match...as enjoyable as possible. Right, do you remember what I said about these matches in the spring?" Ichigo placed his hand on his chin as if trying to remember. "Aah, you said something about how these matches show...the true side of competitors?" Kenzo laughed before saying, "Yeah, sort of." Before both contestants could continue their conversation, the head referee walked to the platform and stood before them both. "Same rules as always, you have both fought two fights already. You would only lose when you lose your sword, having lower points when time runs out or when either of you decides to end the fight." The referee said, as he looked at Kenzo, who simply smiled in return. Ichigo nodded his head, the usual smile on his face replaced by a serious expression. Just like everyone else in this tournament, Ichigo was here to win. Father...I will win this tournament for you. I hope you are watching... Ichigo thought, his brows knitting and his hands clenching uncouncsiously. For the first time since entering this resort, Noah, who was watching from the sidelines, spotted a truly resolute expression on Ichigo’s face.