It truly is a skill for a prefectural mascot to sell well nationwide—or even worldwide.
The Kendo practitioners in Kumamoto Prefecture all look like bears.
Generally—the sturdier the body and the greater the strength—the more advantageous it is—especially in a limited space.
At this moment—quite a few people have been attacked by the Kumamoto Bear—and their swords have fallen to the ground.
It was a complete rolling. Like a large truck crushing a child—not on the same level.
"Which school won the Tamaryokki Championship last year?" Sakurai asked.
"Fukuoka First—full name—Fukuoka First High School."
"No shady dealings?" Sakurai whispered.
This is Fukuoka—so is it only schools from Fukuoka that can win first place?
"No—they're just purely strong. Last year—Shuchiin Academy was unlucky to meet Fukuoka First at the start—otherwise—they would have at least reached the quarterfinals," Kojima said with a sigh.
The qualifiers blocked others' path to victory—it was truly unfortunate.
To be honest—last year—many in Shuchiin Academy's Kendo Club could fight—but only Kojima could be called a strong one.
The captain of Fukuoka First High School—that guy was incredibly strong—practicing ancient sword arts—and had been training in Shinto-ryu techniques since childhood. Kojima couldn't defeat him—and the school's overall strength was also inferior—so the loss was perfectly reasonable.
Kojima recalled—sighing with emotion: "Ancient Kendo truly has its merits. The legend of 'heart and sword as one'—where the heart controls the sword—might actually be true."
"Kojima—I think humans should still believe in science. You should listen less to these unreliable things," Sakurai said.
You look so serious—as if it's real.
What 'heart and sword as one'? I've held a bamboo sword for so long—why haven't I felt anything?
[...]
Hmm? Shinobu seems to have something to say.
Is she going to complain?
Kojima nodded at his words: "That's true—in modern society—where are there any supernatural powers?"
Kojima continued watching the match.
"Our school's team seems to have met a formidable opponent."
Upon hearing this—Sakurai realized that Miyazaki Ikki—as the second-in-command—was in a tough battle.
His sword and his opponent's were locked together at the tsuba—and with both exerting force—neither could gain an advantage.
He vaguely heard a shout—'Hah!'
Miyazaki Ikki shouted as he retreated—then delivered another overhead strike.
His opponent was not to be outdone—aiming the tip of his bamboo sword at Miyazaki's kote—intending to attack.
Seeing this—Miyazaki had no choice but to retreat and defend.
Only the tip of the bamboo sword is effective for attack. To defend the hands—one needs to control the distance well—so naturally—one cannot rush to attack—as it easily exposes weaknesses.
After a while—
The two bamboo swords clashed together again.
Making a slapping sound.
These two were like two bulls wrestling.
"It's a stalemate," Kojima commented. "Miyazaki wants to feint to trick his opponent into making a move—and then counterattack—but his opponent is an even more reckless brute than him."
Miyazaki Ikki—at most—is rough but has some finesse. The opponent is purely brainless.
"A fool can defeat a master—in this match—he's met an evenly matched opponent."
Sakurai said nothing.
"So—can I go change now?"
Sakurai is the vice-captain.
"No—although Miyazaki is foul-mouthed and has a bad temper—he still has skill." As soon as Kojima finished speaking—
Miyazaki Ikki seized the opportunity—striking his opponent's head during a momentary opening in the enemy's attack—scoring the first ippon.
"Men!!!" he shouted.
"He's never scored an ippon against me before—I thought…" Sakurai didn't know how strong the opponent was.
"Don't let him hear that—otherwise—well—he can't do anything to you—so he'll just have to hold it in."
Next—the preliminary rounds proceeded smoothly—without encountering any terrifying opponents—and Shuchiin Academy's Kendo Club successfully advanced to the Round of 64.
The first round of elimination matches will be held the day after tomorrow.
They can rest and adjust for a day tomorrow.
The next day—when he got up for breakfast—he met the Nakano Five Sisters. He heard them say they were going sightseeing in other parts of Kyushu today—as they had already explored Hakata.
Itsuki rubbed her stomach as she spoke—probably having eaten a lot of ramen yesterday.
This time—there won't be a Heavy Crab to eat away her weight. He really hoped she could control herself a bit—and not become 'Itsuki and a half.'
Adjusting one's condition before a match sounds good—but Ohmonto Saburo—the instructor—still made the Kendo Club members train for a considerable amount of time. According to him—this was to maintain their condition—otherwise—their condition would decline if they didn't practice for a day.
Sakurai expressed his thoughts.
Get out of here! I'll be half-dead from exhaustion—how am I supposed to fight tomorrow!?
Fortunately—Ohmonto Saburo still had a conscience and gave everyone a holiday in the afternoon.
First day of the elimination tournament.
Sakurai put on his protective gear and sat in the designated seat.
His posture was seiza.
In this island nation—there are some strange etiquettes to observe. During Kendo matches—one must also ceremoniously crouch down and bow to the opponent.
When going to the Tea Ceremony Club for tea—one must sit in seiza the entire time. Don't ask how Sakurai knew—he went once during a club experience last year and never went again. There were so many cumbersome rituals—it was like taking off your pants to fart—completely unnecessary!
"I heard you're going to be the vanguard starting from the semifinals?" Kojima was also wearing protective gear.
After entering the elimination rounds—Shuchiin Academy no longer let substitute members compete.
"I'm going to take on five by myself," Sakurai honestly stated.
In the mission system—that main quest at the top was still glowing.
To get an extra permanent superpower slot—I'll just have to inconvenience you all.
"Being overly confident isn't a good thing—but with your strength—you do have a chance."
"Kojima—if I start from the semifinals and win two consecutive 1-on-5 matches—and then win the Tamaryokki Championship—would you be angry?" Sakurai gave him a heads-up.
Kojima wouldn't like a free win.
"Are you serious?"
"People always need dreams—otherwise—what's the difference between them and salted fish?" Sakurai's gaze—through the slits of his mask—looked towards the arena.
Upon hearing this—Kojima stood up and went to the instructor's side.
A few minutes later—he returned.
"What did you say to Ohmonto-sensei?" Sakurai asked.
"Hold on—I'm going to be the vanguard," Kojima said.
Otherwise—as the captain—if he won without fighting—his reputation wouldn't be good.
After all—he hadn't played in any matches yet.
"Then I'll be the second-in-command. If you lose—I'll back you up."
The match from the Round of 32 to the Round of 16 went smoothly. Kojima barely managed a 1-on-5 win.
Half an hour later—
The match from the Round of 16 to the Round of 8.
Kojima confidently entered the arena—but accidentally stumbled.
He only defeated two of his opponents.
Although he scored the first ippon against the third opponent—he made a mistake and was scored on twice in a row—losing the match.
"That guy's sword—its weight feels off," Kojima walked over to Sakurai and warned him.
Sakurai picked up his bamboo sword and entered the arena.
The head referee shouted: "Sanbon Shobu—first match!"
"Begin!"
A few seconds after it began—
"Bang!!"
The bamboo swords collided.
At that moment—Sakurai almost thought he had hit a block of iron.
Their swords were pressed together—and their facial protectors were touching.
Sakurai could see his face under the mask.
"Cheating? Your sword—did you add weight to it?"
"What did you say?" the opponent asked—pretending not to know.
Sakurai glanced at the referee out of the corner of his eye.
Logically—at this point—he should inform the referee and have them inspect the weapons.
But Sakurai Saki refused.
He hated cheaters the most in his life!
'You started it. If you can't play fair—don't blame me.'