Rising One (11)

The referee held Kaya and Kutsuna Suzu's hands on either side. When the result was announced, he raised Suzu's hand high. Suzu rejoiced like a child. Masaki's team, including Kaya, was in a somber mood. Their best fighter had lost miserably, and their strategy had completely backfired. The coaching staff of Masaki's team would feel guilty, and Konomi Kaya couldn't help but feel self-loathing.

This is why showmanship and trash talk were double-edged swords. While they could help shake the opponent's mental state, when they failed, it backfired spectacularly. Konomi Kaya had been going around saying she had no match in the tournament, and now she was paying the price.

As time passed, her face became more swollen. The nosebleed had stopped, but her face was a mess. Even in lower weight classes, direct hits inevitably caused facial injuries. Suzu's face was slightly red from taking punches, but her injuries would naturally heal over time.