Anime: Fight Sukuna at the beginning?.

Chapter 543 The Tide Has No Return - The Next Second, You and I Will Both Die
The fishing rod, which had been sheathed, fell to the ground before it could be removed.

It looks like just a simple wave.

He revealed a little bit of his masculinity, but because he was in a hurry to get into the mission, he hadn't had time to understand his 'intentions' yet.

It's like the sun high in the sky.

When poured onto the hot stone slab, it evaporates into liquid at a speed visible to the naked eye.

The piercing light of the sword vanished without a trace.

He stared at Fang Yi's suddenly dilated pupils.

And a wary expression.

The merman, wielding a fine, snow-white longsword, wore an unusually mocking smile.

"Ha! Is it because your invincible 'special technique' has been cracked that you're unusually distracted during the battle?"

"Or were you misled by the trivial words I casually uttered, words that came from ambiguous memories?"
"That's really stupid."

The fishman's words traveled through the air to the ears of the man and everyone else.

next moment.

The dim space lit up.

A dazzling yet mottled sight.

Like sunrise.

It surged and churned with the gentle breeze descending from the clouds.

The blade's gleam resembled the sea surface, shimmering with countless tiny fragments of light.

It appeared in mid-air in front of Fang Yi without any warning.

It brought an extremely eerie tranquility that could be described as 'peaceful,' which strangely negated the man's 'state' through the 'state' itself.

It also illuminated the face of the fishman holding the long sword.

The arrogance inscribed on it is like a completed line drawing, with colors just beginning to be added.

It was revealed to everyone.

At the same time, along with that eerie blade of light.

It kept magnifying and getting closer to Fang Yi.

They were about to begin dismembering the man.

Only then did the three onlookers vaguely glimpse the peaceful glint of the blade.

A murderous intent that sends a chill down your spine.

Only after I felt my skin did I belatedly experience the burning, stinging sensation.

I heard the word "bad habit" in the fishman's words.

Then everyone realized something.

The fish-men launched an attack on Fang Yi.

At a speed that transcends the transmission of words.
-
However, before she could even glimpse or touch the man's body...

The strange flashes of blades began to dismember the bodies of the crowd.

A feeling of worry arose in his heart, and doubts began to spread: "How did that fishman manage to deceive the captain's senses and get so close?"

A very loud "air leak" sound echoed in the air.

"Pfft!"

He sensed the unusual emptiness of the air as the longsword struck.

Looking at the man in front of her, who was split in two and turning into steam.

The merman realized his attack had missed.

The already small pupils shrank to almost the size of pinholes.

I've been scammed?

Did he use a technique similar to those fish-men, creating illusions through [Shadow Rift]?

After realizing the reality.

The fishman's hand holding the long knife.

An extremely rare, theoretically unthinkable tremor of uncertainty also appeared.

【How can this be? 】

How could such a low-level technique possibly fool someone who possesses and can fully utilize their 'realm'?

But then, in the next instant...

This is the turmoil caused by the enemy's astonishing and unknown skill.

It only existed and survived for a millisecond within the fish-man's body.

It was then promptly discarded by the merman.
-
The fishman suddenly stopped in his tracks.

His feet were driven into the ground as if nails were driven into the ground.

He swung his long sword to the side again, unleashing a second strike.

Before the fishman's dazzling sword light could even appear.

A crisp and loud sound filled the air.

This put the fishman's mind at ease.

The three people nearby made a sound of clashing and sighing.

"clang!"

The fishman parried and deflected the sudden attack of the snow-white blade with his pale white longsword.

And on the man's [Kiriichimonji - Reforged].

It created a very ugly scene.

This indicates that the two men used longswords of different qualities.

Durability is decreasing rapidly.

The gap at the end of life.
-
Looking at what appeared on the right, the long sword had already been pulled back.

Fang Yi is poised to act.

The fishman's body trembled again.

This time, however, what flowed through my body was no longer the fear of unknown techniques.

It wasn't anger or disappointment at not achieving anything.

Instead, for some reason, this 'cold' body...

The excitement has reignited.

Looking at the enemy before him.

Realizing something, the fishman took a slight breath.

An arrogance etched on his face, like an oil painting.

It vanished without a trace in an instant.

Instead, heartfelt admiration arose.

"To accomplish such a thing is to rely on a 'fragile' swordsmanship that has not yet given rise to 'intention' and a simple longsword that has not yet achieved any great feats."

"Your mind works faster than the doubts in your heart."

"Your physical body is also exceptionally strong!"
-
Listening to the fishman's words.

For the first time, he unleashed his full power, using the long-unheard-of [Shrinking Ground - Enhancement].

However, they failed to achieve anything.

Because of the "Deathly Words and Remains" in my possession, I have combined it with the other party's words.

And the abilities that the other party displayed were completely out of place with the style of this world.

Fang Yi had some guesses about the other party's identity and origin.

The conclusion has already been reached.

The person's identity before their death.

They must be reincarnators who died here, just like that [Dead Words] who crashed.

Or perhaps, like myself, a warrior who nearly conquered the entire mission world and obtained the [Great Achievement].

Is this the work of the "Prophet" again? Or has something unexpected happened in this "derivative world"?

[It turns out that more than one powerful reincarnator has perished here?]

Despite some doubts, I sensed a hint of danger.

But Fang Yi responded with unusual calmness, which carried a provocative tone.

"You're not bad either."

"Whether it's a knife or a person."

"As a 'whetstone,' it can be classified as having a good 'quality.'"

Hearing the man's mocking words.

The merman did not launch an attack, but hesitated for a moment.

She started dismantling the man on her own.

"A truly confident and bold technique."

"You moved and created the illusion the instant I struck the hem of your clothes, didn't you?"

Looking at the man's slightly torn coat.

The admiration on the fishman's face instantly turned into visible respect.

"If we break down the timing of this moment of action into the dense markings on a ruler..."

"If you choose to make your move even a millisecond earlier than the target, you will not be able to fool my senses and I will detect it."

"And if you are even a millisecond late, all your options will be cut in half by me."

"Only by hitting that precise and error-free 'scale' moment, which is one in a thousand, can this be achieved."

The merman raised his long, white sword like a man.

He uttered his final praise.

"Your talent in combat is truly unmatched."

"It's like a building standing in a low, chaotic slum."

"A dazzling 'skyscraper' that would put anyone who saw it to shame."

Then, it swung its long sword down at the man again.

He revealed a smile that, for some reason, was both ferocious and sorrowful.

"But I was born to destroy it."

"It was only created to destroy you and destroy me."

"'monster'."
-
The same unpredictable and eerie flashes of sword light.

Once again, it appeared out of thin air before the man along with the fishman, and plunged into the man's chest.

There was no response.

He simply tightened his grip on the long sword in his hand.

It begins to gather the magic and moisture in the air.

Head straight towards yourself.

Fang Yi was trying to confront himself head-on.

The merman uttered words that sounded slightly regretful.

"Why are you still unwilling to 'switch' to the 'true skills' and weapons that give rise to the 'realm', and instead continue to choose to use a knife and knife techniques?"

"Should we say that you have your own principles and beliefs, which is admirable?"

"Or is it just stupidity?"

Facing an enemy brewing an attack with astonishing power.

The fishman did not change his moves.

All it did was let the 'meaning' of 'calm seas and vast oceans' emanating from the long sword in its hand surge forth.

It lunged at the man, tearing at him.

But nothing you do will help!

"Those of you who have seen my knife should now understand one thing."

The fishman looked at the man in front of him.

He uttered a declaration of extreme confidence.

"If it's a knife."

"Your 'superficial' and rigid approach has failed to generate your own beliefs and understanding."

"A sword technique that no one can take away from you, a unique 'intention' that belongs only to you."

"They are absolutely no match for me."
-
"Zheng——"

A low hum, like a long sword slicing through the air, rang out.

The air suddenly became heavy.

Fang Yizheng clearly perceived this.

The [Spiritual Source Returning to the Edge] that had just gathered on the blade, and even the blade energy that would condense in the next moment.

And the [Transformation of Mortals into Iron] used to spread out the 'Realm' for protecting the long sword.

The opponent wielded a long sword, using 'intention' as a means.

In that instant, towards the created 'boundless sea'.

It was completely 'cut off', or rather, 'stagnated'.

It was as if the entire space was shrouded in an invisible giant net.

All the magic and moisture that converged on the man, and even the 'boundary' that covered his weapons, had been 'severed'.

Then things returned to calm.

That was a kind of "suppression" that could not be achieved by a simple slash.

It was flowing from the fishman's knife.

Like the ocean, it can swallow up all the surging tributaries.

Without showing any ripples.

It reflects the author's talent and understanding of swordsmanship.

It does not allow any trickle to flow into this 'sea'.

Show no 'waves' in front of yourself.

This also effectively deprived men of the possibility of continuing to 'leverage' power.

This left the man completely defenseless during the attack.
-
"clang!"

A crisp sound echoed through the space.

He easily made the long sword in Fang Yi's hand tremble.

The long, white sword groaned as it struggled to bear the weight.

A glint of confidence flashed in the fishman's eyes.

"Do you understand now?"
"This 'boundless Dead Sea' is a reflection of my sword, and also the 'weight' of the 'great achievements' I have built."

"If you insist on using only your own knife to fight, you will die."

The merman raised his knife again.

It was as if a 'judgment' had been raised and brought down, announcing the outcome of the battle.

He uttered a declaration that sounded like a curse.

"The next cut will crush your blade."
-
Fang Yi noticed that the 'durability' of the long sword in his hand was about to run out.

His pupils suddenly contracted.

Two more collisions and this longsword will be completely destroyed.

There was only one chance to make a mistake.

If one wants to win solely through swordsmanship, then one must hone one's swordsmanship skills in battle.

While [California Seiko] is still being nurtured by the soul and is not yet readily available for use.

After the next collision
You must understand the other party's method of moving quickly by deceiving your senses.

And the meaning, which has many similarities with the element.

And try to touch the [Element]. Relying on this shaky longsword.

Find a way to resolve both issues and kill the other.
-
After realizing this.

It is blessed with the abilities of "Insight" and "Return of All Things to Nothingness".

A man who can continuously 'analyze' and understand the enemy's attack principles, and then crack them.

He breathed a sigh of relief.

It seems that they have fallen into a 'desperate situation'.

This moment, titled "Seizing the Initiative," describes the 'afterglow' emanating from the dazzling talent flowing through a man's body.

Before the opponent could swing their longsword.

So they took the initiative to initiate it.

It's like a solution to a problem that's already eager to 'jump out' on its own initiative.
-
As time is stretched infinitely in a man's field of vision.

The enemy's breath, the beads of sweat on his nose, the vibrations in the air—all froze in that moment.

Then, the man found the method he wanted and smiled with satisfaction.

He uttered words that made the fishman's heart skip a beat.

"So, I've already glimpsed and 'mastered' the method."

Is it because of the idea that "you are me, and I am you"?

Sensing the [Following Wish] wrapped around his left hand, which became incredibly hot through the [Spirit Origin].

And that banner of sincerity that radiates light.

He took something out of his personal space and held it in his hand.

The man simultaneously gripped the longsword with both hands, triggering the [Absolute Blade] technique.

He uttered a few words of nostalgia.

A bond is formed with the swordsman through a contract.

The chanting used when the ability 'shared' is activated.

"One step, beyond sound."

The fishman's gleaming white longsword suddenly fell, its blade gleaming with a 'calm sea' light that completely enveloped the man in front of him.

However, the blade only pierced through a fading afterimage.

"What? This speed?"

The fishman's heart tightened suddenly.

The man and the blade actually passed over the fishman's longsword and disappeared into space.

Then the sharpness created by the snow-white longsword was like a broken meteor.

It sliced ​​through the air from the fishman's unexpected back.

It brought with it the scent of death.

And the man's chanting, like that of a grim reaper reaping lives.

"Two steps, without interruption."

Faced with the fishmen in front of them, this "boundless dead sea" was so 'calm' that everything seemed to have stopped.

The man seemed to have chosen the option of taking the long way.
-
The fishman wielded his longsword but returned empty-handed.

She sensed the man behind her in an instant.

I was shocked.

What?! Even faster than before?!

Is this the full power of his physical body?

However, despite the surprise, the enemy's strength was still hidden.

But the fishman did not panic.

Instead, he casually loosened his grip on the long sword.

Its small body simply sank downwards.

The body, which was about to be split in two by Fang Yi's longsword, mysteriously vanished into thin air.
-
The next instant, a very hoarse sound, like the cracking sound of a wall collapsing, came from the air.

"Clap!"

It is unknown when or how the fish-men were switched positions to face Fang Yi directly.

He held a long, white sword.

He once again precisely intercepted Fang Yi's longsword.

In the dimly lit space, several dazzling sparks burst forth.

However, the outcome of this collision was different from the previous one.

The knife in Fang Yi's hand, though sealed by the gathered magic and moisture, was extremely fragile and completely suppressed in quality.

But it still did so in an almost ferocious manner.

It tore open the fishman's 'intention' to 'stop' everything.

The fish-man's breath hitched.

In that instant, it felt that the person holding the long sword in front of it was not Fang Yi.

Instead, it was a giant dragon breaking free of its restraints and baring its fangs at him.

[A single collision was enough for him to recognize the existence of 'intention'.]

[His swordsmanship underwent an incredible leap, instantly escaping his disadvantage?]

Do such people really exist?

The fishman's eye twitched slightly.

While it was in shock.

Fang Yi's calm and unwavering voice rang out again above the fishman's head.

Three steps.

"Absolute Blade!"

[Noble Phantasm: Three-Stage Thrust of Ignorance]

The man had already used the [Noble Phantasm] that his Heroic Spirit had shared with him.
-
As the man flashed into the air, he swung a long sword that seemed to herald divine punishment, like a thunderbolt.

A blurred overlap appeared, revealing an unparalleled and unhindered aura, radiating a blade light with power far exceeding that of usual.

Along the top of the fishman's hairless head.

With extreme speed, it sliced ​​open the fishman's scalp and severed his skull.

It was embedded in the fishman's brain.

We need to follow the fishman's head.

It completes a full and axially symmetric division into two.

However, the brain had already been cut open.

A fish-man on the verge of death.

A strange, almost fanatical smile appeared on his lips.

"Finally, finally."

"You've finally fallen into the trap that will kill you."

"After I deliberately displayed 'meaning' and uttered those messages that misled you into ignoring the 'elements'."

[Element Manifestation/Static]

[Changes stalled]

As the merman pointed his finger at himself.

Without any warning.

next moment.

The long knife in the man's hand was originally slicing open the fishman as smoothly as if it were tofu.

An extremely strange sense of stagnation also came through.

It was impossible to cut further down or to pull the fishman's body away.

It's as if the fishman has been temporarily given the setting that he is "unable to change in any way".

"To win, to kill you, and to kill me."

"End this pathetic 'deep dive'."

"I received an extra 'blessing' called [Element] that completely counters you."
-
I sensed it appearing out of thin air above my head.

The man seemed to be preparing to loosen his grip on the long sword.

The thought flashed through my mind the instant that I thought, "As expected, he's going to abandon his sword!"

The fishman's eyes were beginning to lose focus.

Her dilated pupils were fixed on the man.

The enemy's location was firmly imprinted in the dying brain and transmitted to every cell in the dying body.

The fishman officially revealed the truth about his 'teleportation'.

They played this true 'trump card' meant to destroy their opponent.

[Element Manifestation/Static]

[Rejection of Stagnation]

In a world that appears to be playing at a slightly slower pace, like a video being played at 0.5x speed.

The only version of myself that can move at a normal speed.

With all his might, he swung his longsword at Fang Yi's fishman.

He uttered words of relief.

"Then goodbye, brilliant enemy."

"The next second, you and I will both die."

"As agreed, I will die completely, and you will officially 'dive into the deep sea' and become..."
-
The only response the fishman received was a calm utterance from the man.

Like a judge striking the gavel to deliver a verdict.

There was no response whatsoever.

"So this is how you 'move'? You slowed down everyone else's time, but not yours."

[Pre-set Time, Double Speed]

Sensing the [Magic Mark] on his arm, which was rapidly consuming magic power.

Looking at the world slowing down in his eyes, he saw a fishman whose 'playback speed' was now matching his own.

And the long sword that the other party was swinging at him.

Fang Yi was rapidly retreating.

He flashed a perfectly standard smile.

"It's a truly ingenious way to manipulate time, and it's not easy for others to see through your secrets and flaws, thus conveying information about your abilities."

"Compared to my skill, which can only accelerate my own time."

"It's become much 'safer' now."
-
However, the only response Fang Yi received came from the fishman's slightly unfocused eyes.

The words "I must kill you" are engraved on his face, a startling determination.

And then it roared at the man again.

It exudes a sense of calm and tranquility, like a spent arrow.

This causes the man's body to unconsciously become sluggish again.

There was no way to avoid the 'intent' of a long knife piercing the chest.

There were also 'water ghost statements' coming out of the fish's mouths.

"Leave it here!"

"Then, become like me."

The only response the fishmen received was the air that suddenly became scorching hot.

And Fang Yi's somewhat flippant and arrogant reply.

"That won't work."

Heat Death

The air was filled with an intense heat that filled the fishmen with despair.

As the man crushed the wooden board in the "Scroll of the Deceased" that recorded the swordsmanship of that "fallen genius".

Two techniques were extracted.

By using the learned [Flame Magic] to meet the prerequisites for activating [Heat Death], the technique was successfully activated.

Fang Yi's body seemed to be on fast-forward.

Once again, he could counteract and break free from the 'stagnation' imposed upon him by the fishman.

They became 'active'.

He gracefully and effortlessly dodged the murloc's longsword.

Towards an enemy that is marching toward death.

He uttered the words of farewell.

"It's better for you to bear the burden of death alone."

"I have quite a few people I've never met who I'd like to meet."

"And you've made promises to say goodbye to quite a few people, haven't you?"
-
And the man who responded to Fang Yi.

There was only silence, and a despair ashen in the fishman's eyes.

Seeing the despair in the enemy's eyes.

After uttering those words.

He observed that the enemy before him had a vacant stare and was already on the verge of death.

But no kill notification sound came through.

The fish-man's entire body seemed to merge into the ground.

Using the enemy's words.

Fang Yi vaguely sensed something.

They approached the fishman.

It summoned the fog that symbolizes the "Grim Reaper in the Fog".

He gripped the longsword amidst the fishman's astonished gaze.

As it pressed down, it continued its bloody act of splitting the enemy in two.

He repeated his farewell words once more.

"It's better for you to bear the burden of death alone."

"What do you think?"

The senses emerged as the man's long blade sliced ​​downwards through the body.

The aura of death, which he had longed for, was gradually drawing closer.

A hint of gratitude flashed in the fishman's eyes as he looked at Fang Yi.

It decisively and cleanly threw down the long knife in its hand.

He uttered his last words to the enemy who had dismembered him.

"Thanks.

"Please take my [Blade of No Tide], it will help you master 'Intent'."

"Good luck.

"You are very strong; perhaps your fate will be different from mine."

Before he could finish speaking, the fish-man was split in two.

He died content.

And this created a hint in Fang Yi's ear that indicated an extra gain.

You have earned the respect of an enemy.

You will gain additional benefits due to the effect of [The Enemy's Respect].

(End of this chapter)