The close contact maintained for one more second, with Bīng Xuě's arm partially surrounding Aku's neck and pressure adjusting millimeter by millimeter. The difference at that point wasn't marked by force, but by exact placement of each support. Aku maintained low chin, forearm interposed between his throat and his companion's arm, creating minimal but sufficient space to prevent control from closing completely. His rear foot slid a few centimeters outward, seeking wider base, and his hip turned in the same direction, breaking alignment Bīng Xuě needed to complete control.
That adjustment changed rhythm.
Aku pushed with forearm upward, freeing neck, and at same time introduced shoulder under Bīng Xuě's arm, forcing him to release to not lose balance. Contact broke, and both retreated half step, but this time Aku didn't limit himself to recovering distance. His front foot advanced immediately, entering line Bīng Xuě had just abandoned.
Transition was clean.
