Declaration

"You can't be serious. Do you actually plan to fight Xiu after what he did to your friend?" The man next to me asked as I walked over to Akari who was just starting to pick herself up.

"I take it you're also going to challenge me?" Xiu asked, giving me a curious look.

I gave Xiu a dumbfounded look as I put Akari's arm around my shoulder, "hell no!"

The entire crowd practically fell to the floor because of my response. Like hell I was going to fight a martial arts master when I had zero experience with it. Seriously, what was I supposed to do against someone like that? I don't even have full control of my aura yet.

"Not yet." Akari said, pushing away from me so she could stand in front of Xiu.

The fire in Akari's eyes from earlier had returned as she stood in front of Xiu. I was about to stop her for a second but she extended her arm as a way to tell me to stop moving. She took one deep breath before bringing her arm back and pointing towards Xiu.

"You're absolutely right about me lacking experience. That's why I decided to set off from my dojo and travel the tree with John and his group. So mark my words, next time you see me, I'll be the greatest martial artist to ever live!" Akari shouted.

Xiu smiled to himself, "I patiently await the day we cross paths again then."

Xiu had a relieved look on his face before turning away and walking towards the crowd which had moved out of his way to create a clearing. Akari continued to stand there until Xiu left our line of sight.

"I think the effects are starting to kick in again." Akari quickly said before collapsing onto the ground and passing out.