Power- a curse or a boon

I no longer remember how much time has passed. My body is reaching its limit, and despite all my efforts, I have yet to land a single hit on Musashi. Even with only one arm, I am utterly powerless against him. He gazes at me, his expression unreadable, before speaking.

"Do you think simply standing there will accomplish anything? Think. Think beyond what you believe possible—change your approach. Remember, opportunities do not come to those who wait; they come to those who create them. Now, come. Fight me."

I grit my teeth and charge forward, engaging him once more. We exchange strike after strike, the clash of our blades echoing through the air. Time loses meaning as the battle drags on. But as the fight continues, I begin to notice it—his movements slowing, his breathing growing heavier. Blood seeps from his wounds, staining the ground beneath him.

"Stop this, old man! You're going to die!" I shout, desperation creeping into my voice.

But he does not listen. He presses forward, his determination unwavering. I know that the only way to stop him is to land a hit—but how? He is far too strong, and I am far too weak.

Frustration wells up inside me, an unbearable weight pressing down on my chest. Anger surges through my veins, raw and unrelenting. Why does it always end like this? Why am I never strong enough? Why can't I protect the ones I care about?

And then—everything goes black.

When I open my eyes, the world feels distant, fragmented. The sound of someone sobbing reaches my ears. I turn my head and see Shen, tears streaming down his face as he screams.

"Hitoshi, stop it!"

Stop? What does she mean?

I glance down and feel it—resistance. My hands tremble as I follow the length of my sword, and then I see it.

Musashi stands before me, his body motionless, his blood spilling from the gaping wound in his stomach—my blade buried deep within him.

My breath catches. My mind reels.

"No… No, no, no, no! Nooo, Musashi!"

I scream, but there is no response. There never will be.

Mushashi is dead.

And I am the one who killed him.