Akihiko manages to parry the first few blows, redirecting them away from him with careful movements. But the parries are unsteady, unsure.
Why the hell are you still holding back?!The next hook, however, sends Akihiko sprawling, as Akihiko lets out a grunt, pulling himself to his knees.
If I lose control, I...Who in the hell do you think you are, Sawatari? What's stopping you? You and me, we always went after the bad guys with no hesitation. No fuss. You find the truth, you protect others, and damn the consequences to yourself. It was never about enjoying the fight!You throw yourself in the way of danger. You ran headfirst into everything. You LOVE being in harm's way. I'm just a manifestation of that, Akihiko. I don't know anything you don't already know about yourself. ...You seek the truth. You seek justice. You like doing it. If you like punching a few fools...Honda had it right. You're the one who knows when to stop. A single slip could be unforgivable.So don't slip, stupid.Akihiko snaps back to reality as Mildred hails another blow towards him. He manages to catch her wrist, trying to parry the strike, but his hand falters. Her punch is robbed of some of its force, but Akihiko is still thrown back a fair bit, releasing a few pained grunts.
So what if you like a fight? That won't stop you from being a hero of justice. Was it easy for all those heroes? This is your struggle.Silence.
Saya needs you. She's your north star? Please. She's your princess, you're her knight. So pick up your damn sword and fight already! If not for justice, if not for truth, then because she needs you! That black-masked bastard....who knows what he'll do to her? ...you drive a hard bargain.I'm you, dumbass. We drive a hard bargain.Akihiko picks himself up off the ground, rubbing the dirt off his face, readying himself.