Akito is getting tired, and he knows it's from mental strain rather than anything physical because none of this is really real. He falters the next time he lands after an aerial kick; only a momentary wobble, but his opponents take advantage. Not willing to give anyone the satisfaction, Akito doesn't let out a single utterance of pain, or even a flinch. Instead he uses the close quarters to rip more than just throats with his teeth, and stab and slice deeper.

Hurry up, he thinks, not understanding why Gene is struggling so badly.