Seeking the World's Strongest Swordsman

So this was the difference between a warrior and a man who fought as a soldier. Raw power wouldn't avail him and no amount of swinging this blade would bring him victory. Tatsuya's eyes saw it though he caught a glimpse of the movement. Just a glimpse by watching and focusing on those muscles. He was able to see it coming if only a fraction of it. The power and strength of performing this technique day by day. Tatsuya could see it with his eyes glimmering what could be an answer. He couldn't be sure without further practice. But he had a small amount of time to do something here. This was going to hit him but he could save his zanpakuto. He used the moments of speed he got acting quickly so his blade was out of the way. But as for saving himself, that wasn't possible. Tatsuya would take the brunt of this in the chest and be sent skidding backward. Tatsuya couldn't fathom the gap at the moment as his body tried to fall over. But something stubborn in him refused to collapse here and now. Within his lips, he tasted the metallic taste of blood trickling around. His body had an ache upon it long forgotten but this told him something. He was alive as he could feel his chest rising and falling. His eyes staring at Stefan somewhat defiantly as he didn't intend to fall. He wouldn't let his knee's buckle though they felt heavy. Everything felt heavy even his eyes after that technique. But he saw it and understood how it worked to an extent. It was an eye-opening experience. This was the blade of the strongest Swordsman in the world. He would challenge him again when he gained more experience. He held no illusions about this fight as he gripped tightly his zanpakuto. Tatsuya wouldn't fall not for anyone or any person. The pain was another memory that always played in one's mind. He'd not flinch over anything else or fall to a knee for Stefan. No that would be disrespectful for a challenger to do. One who'd seen and learned much as a warrior should of. Tatsuya's spirit wasn't broken if anything it had been ignited again.

He'd spent so long combating those who were weaker. His body and skills had rusted and been long since sleeping. He couldn't help but do something as a smile began forming. It was more of a grin like a madman had once done previously. This world was such an exciting place with strong people in it. He could enjoy himself in this garden for the rest of time. New Honoji didn't provide challenges such as these for him. He didn't land a scratch on Stefan during this duel with the man. Tatsuya could feel his mind slipping as his eyes stared at Stefan. Never losing focus as his frame took a fighting stance. But his body had since passed it's limited here. Reiatsu or no he couldn't fight anymore and it was clear of such. He wouldn't give in or bow out like this as he tried to fight to maintain it. His brain and body just disagreed on one important topic. Tatsuya's threshold for damage was large as he maintained it. Even to the point of losing consciousness in the middle of the fight.

His body remained alert and ready to go even now as his mind fell. Into a void of slumber since that blow inflicted such damage to him. Power was what Stefan held it was what Tsubasa held also. Was pure Swordsmanship worth the fifteen hundred years he devoted to it? Had he truly gained nothing in that time to come remotely close? This was a clear defeat but why did he smile and enjoy this fact? It was just a long road that had lead to this junction? No, he wouldn't believe and would die before giving in. Scars on the back were a dishonor to the swordsman. His back was clean and had few injuries since he faced all things. Including the being Stefan Soan with his body first. He protected his zanpakuto understanding the lesson he was being taught. Even if he was older this old dog had some lessons left to learn. So that was was the message in this encounter discover and fight more people. See where he could go with his growth as he journeyed in search of conflict and battle.

After that, the lights had gone out and Tatsuya was left standing ready to continue fighting. But his mind had long since gone out and his eyes showed that faded nature as he stared at Stefan unblinking and moving.