Ren took the first strike by tossing down his makeshift smoke screen and shooting his handgun at Yu.
Yu responded by slicing the bullet in half. A tarot card appeared in front of him. He reached out and crushed it, summoning Byakko, who locked on to a location obscured by smoke.
Ren noticed that the Persona saw him immediately and waited for its charge. Maybe Yu thought he was off guard.
Byakko dashed over in a blink, its claw sliding down.
Ren used his Third Eye, and it felt like time slowed. He quickly summoned Jack Frost.
"Bufu!"
A giant dome of ice appeared and shattered on the impact of Byakko's claw. The ice and the tiger began to fade.
The smoke cleared, and Yu was still standing in place.
"Okay, maybe I should take this more seriously," Yu mocked.
"Oh, come off it. I know you're full of shit."
---
Rukia was shocked. That was a very high-level opening exchange. Her eyes were glued to the two, who were now clashing blades, Izanagi and who she presumed was Arsène doing the same.
"It's like watching a rogue and warrior fight," Yosuke said in surprise.
"Ren never used to fight like that," Naoto said, watching with a furrowed brow.
"We're called Thieves for a reason!"
"Har har har," Rise said mockingly.
Ryuji was watching carefully, along with Morgana and Shiho. They were focused. They were guessing that Ren had been holding back a bit when he was with them. He had done some pretty absurd stuff once in a while in the Palace.
"A team whose leader is powerful, but whose teammates are weak is a difficult thing for the leader. It's very frustrating," Rukia said quietly.
The Thieves felt their determination renew.
"I really don't like fighting, but—" Orihime began, then looked at Ren's smiling face as he clashed with Yu.
---
Ren and Yu backed away from each other to catch their breath.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Izanagi," Arsène said respectfully as he rose behind Ren.
Izanagi appeared behind Yu.
"Ah. Arsène Lupin. I've heard much about you. Would you like to taste my lightning?"
"Ah, divine lightning. What a treat! Would you mind if I stole some?" Arsène said with a proud chuckle.
The two were circling each other, mirroring Ren and Yu, who were looking for openings. Ren's eyes glowed a rich gold.
"Mazio."
Ren's Third Eye was active, and he was able to predict the areas where the lightning would strike.
At least, he hoped so.
He used the movement technique taught by Yoruichi, weaving through the lightning before dropping into a spin and swiping at Yu's leg.
Yu didn't block in time and was knocked into the air. Ren threw a palm strike, hitting him in the chest and knocking him back.
Ren thought it was a smooth motion, but he didn't expect the sleeve of his jacket to be sliced right at his elbow.
"Oh shit. That was close," Ren said in shock.
He took off the jacket and tossed it aside as he watched Yu stand again.
"Pixie, Dia."
"Good. That should be enough." Yu smiled. "What martial art was that? I've never seen that movement technique."
"You barely even tried," Ren grunted in frustration.
"Your adaptability is good. I almost envy it. My fighting style is fast too, but not nearly as unpredictable. Keep that up."
---
'Where did he learn that movement technique?!' Rukia wondered in confusion. 'That's definitely the first movement technique they teach at the Academy.'
Rukia had to ask. But she would wait until after her fight.
It was going to be against Yu, since she had more combat experience than everyone there.
---