Bleach: Gazing Mirage

Mei's speed was unparalleled as she utilized Shunpo to disappear from Kira's line of sight. In an instant, she reappeared, launching an attack from Kira's blindside. Mei's blade sliced through the air with deadly precision, aimed at Kira's flank.

 

However, Kira's instincts and reflexes were as sharp as ever. She masterfully dodged the attack with graceful footwork, sidestepping Mei's strike just in time. With a sly smile, Kira taunted her opponent, "You know the best thing about fighting a skilled opponent? You can easily figure out where they'll attack from even with your eyes closed."

 

As if to prove her point, Kira turned to show Mei her closed eyes. She had discarded the use of her vision, realizing that it couldn't keep up with Mei's lightning-fast movements. Instead, she relied on her spiritual sense, honed through years of training, to detect the subtle fluctuations in Mei's reiatsu.

 

Mei, undeterred by Kira's taunt, launched another flurry of attacks. Her movements were a blur of precision and speed, as she aimed to exploit any opening she could find. However, Kira's closed eyes allowed her to focus solely on sensing Mei's reiatsu. It was as if she could feel the movements of Mei's spirit and predict her strikes with uncanny accuracy.

 

Mei's change in strategy proved effective as she mixed up the speed of her attacks, alternating between slow and swift strikes. This variation made it challenging for Kira to predict the exact timing and rhythm of Mei's movements. Even with her eyes closed, Kira couldn't rely solely on her spiritual sense to anticipate Mei's attacks.

 

Their swords continued to clash with incredible speed and precision, creating a mesmerizing display of skill and sparks. Kira's movements were fluid and controlled, as she deftly parried Mei's strikes and countered with calculated precision. Mei's swift and relentless assault began to press Kira, slowly but steadily. Mei’s zanpakuto held a  passive ability, which radiated cold air and reishi with each strike, making her opponent's task more challenging. With every block, Kira's hands grew colder, and the chilling reishi began to infiltrate her body.

 

Sensing that she needed a moment to regain her composure, Kira released a burst of reiatsu, creating the illusion of preparing a powerful attack. Mei, falling for the ruse, moved back and assumed a defensive stance. This brief respite allowed Kira to catch her breath and assess the situation.

 

However, Mei wasn't about to give Kira too much time to recover. Seizing the opportunity, Mei threw her zanpakuto, Shiro no Shikaku, at Kira. The blade sailed through the air, and Kira, distracted by its trajectory, tilted her head to avoid it. It was a momentary lapse in concentration that Mei exploited to her advantage.

 

Using Shunpo, Mei swiftly moved behind Kira, grabbing Shiro no Shikaku in the process. She followed up with her zanpakuto's ability, Fuyu no kōtō (Winter Cut), imbuing her sword with freezing energy. With each cut, Mei's strikes caused Kira's body to become more rigid. The cold energy made it increasingly difficult for Kira to move, and she could feel her own reiatsu leaking out of her body.

 

Kira managed to react in time to avoid the full brunt of Mei's attack, but she wasn't unscathed. Two small cuts adorned her body as a testament to Mei's skill and precision. Kira knew she had to adapt quickly if she wanted to turn the tide of the battle back in her favor.

 

“You’re a bad match for me you know,” said Kira whose attempt to engage Mei in conversation proved futile, as Mei remained completely focused on the battle. Her dedication and concentration were unwavering as she continued to press her advantage.

 

Mei once again vanished from sight, this time concealing her reiatsu entirely. Kira was left with only her heightened senses to rely on. Suddenly, the sound of something cutting through the air reached her ears, and she narrowly dodged the attack. The sound repeated, and Kira found herself forced into a defensive posture, unable to see her elusive opponent.

 

Realizing that she was at a disadvantage, Kira listened intently for any cues. When she heard the telltale sound of an attack, she reacted swiftly, raising her hand and feeling the pain of a blade piercing her hand as she grabbed her assailant's wrist. Mei became visible once more, her blade still embedded in Kira's hand.

 

Mei was now visible so Kira wasted no time, with her other free hand Kira amied index and middle fingers at Mei. She then recited the incantation, "Jikai seyo rondanīni no kokken. Ichidoku shi yakiharai mizukara nodo o kaki kiru ga. Bakudō #9. Hōrin! (Disintegrate, you black dog of Rondanini. Look upon yourself with horror and tear out your own throat. Way of Binding #9. Disintegrating Circle!)" This generated an orange-hued tendril with spiraling yellow patterns, which wrapped around Mei’s body.

 

However, Kira knew that the Bakudō wouldn't hold for long, as she could see parts of the tendril starting to freeze due to Mei's zanpakuto ability. With time running out, Kira recited another incantation, “Dengeki no chikara, banshō ni yadorishi raitei, sono mi ni yadosu na. Hadō #11 Tsuzuri Raiden! (Power of lightning, thunderous force within all creation, do not dwell within this body. Way of Destruction #11 Tsuzuri Raiden!)” Kira’s body generated an electric current that traveled through the tendril, damaging Mei and causing her to let out a muffled groan.

 

The combination of Bakudō and Hadō caught Mei off guard, and she struggled within the confines of the spell. It was a calculated move by Kira to gain the upper hand in their intense battle. Mei finally broke free of the frozen tendril and retreated.

 

Mei vanished again causing Kira to chuckle as she said, “This again? You’ll fare no better th…” Kira couldn't help but chuckle, believing that Mei's tactics were becoming predictable. However, her confidence was misplaced. Kira's taunting words were cut short.

 

In an instant, a powerful suction force pulled Kira backward. Before she could react, Mei's blade was at her neck, and Mei herself stood confidently behind her. The sudden turn of events left Kira speechless as Mei declared her victory, "Looks like I did fare better this time. The match is mine."

 

Kira realized that Mei had used a cunning and unexpected tactic to secure her victory. She had underestimated her opponent's adaptability and resourcefulness. With a sigh of acceptance, Kira lowered her blade and nodded in acknowledgment of Mei's win.

 

"You got me this time, Mei," Kira admitted with a faint smile. "Well done. I admit my defeat."

 

Kira had proven to have a great advantage due to her strong sword skill, versatile kido, and her battle experience. However, Mei had ultimately emerged as the victor, due to the fact that although Kira had tried to use mind games Mei ignored them and used them against Kira instead. In the end, Kira’s cockiness and cunning spell her own doom.

 

As they both sheathed their swords, Mei offered a genuine smile. "Thank you, Kira. I won, but I’m sure if you had used your zanpakuto’s ability then I would have lost. Although, I was unable to see your full strength, I still believe we’ll make a good team."

 

Kira returned the smile. "You did see my true abilities, Mei. Don’t sell yourself short. Like I said your ability is just a bad matchup with mine, is all. I make no excuses, you won, fair and square. Besides, you also refrained from using your true strength, so I should be the one disappointed instead."

 

With their spar concluded Kira dispelled the two barriers hiding their presence.