Yuu 346-350

Title: The National Championship Begins

Given that this was a dual national competition, by nine in the morning, Kyoto University’s gymnasium was already bustling. The sound of chatter filled every corner.

Not to mention the participants, there were also plenty of young people who came to spectate, mostly students from nearby schools or universities. They stood on the second-floor platform, looking down at the competitors preparing to fight. They pointed and talked loudly.

Meanwhile, the participants didn’t have to jostle with the curious onlookers.

Guided by staff, they entered the gymnasium through a dedicated entrance.

Of course, only registered kendo club members were allowed in the first-floor competition area. The three girls had to head to the second floor to watch.

The massive gymnasium was divided into several zones. To save time, multiple matches would be held simultaneously. The format was a brutal single-elimination system.

Once a winner was determined, the loser was immediately eliminated. There were no rematches for redemption—so the defeated team would either head home or enjoy Kyoto until the championship ended, to make the trip worthwhile.

Amid the growing commotion, the venue was packed. Many people stood, leaning against the railings, waiting for the matches to begin.

There were also numerous cameras set up around the area, preparing for live broadcasts and interviews, which would be directly linked to TV stations, ensuring the national championship received the attention it deserved.

Yuu thought that at this moment, Sora was probably turning on the TV, munching on chips, and eagerly awaiting her brother’s gallant performance.

…Hopefully.

Sora had stayed up late gaming last night and wouldn’t wake up without him dragging her out of bed. Even if she missed the live broadcast, he’d set the video recorder to capture the match, so it wasn’t a big deal—that’s the kind of thing his otaku little sister would do.

While thinking about trivial matters, under the staff’s guidance, Yuu and the other kendo club members entered the rest area. After swiftly putting on their kendo gear, they lined up and entered the competition zone.

Sobu High’s match area was number 5. The space was well-prepared, the 9x9-meter square so clean it could reflect light.

After winning a match, they could return to the rest area to recover. Once winners from other areas were determined, they’d be drawn to compete in different zones.

Today, they’d fight up to the quarterfinals. Tomorrow was the semifinals. The day after, in the morning, they’d determine the champion alongside the fencing matches. After the award ceremony, they could return by bullet train—the reason they weren’t taking the bus back was because Yuu considered Yukino and the others. It was the result of his special negotiations with the coach.

Honestly, it wasn’t about the budget. For a trip that could be done in two hours, there was no need to spend eight hours practicing endurance.

“I’ve told you about our opponents this time. They’re the best in Hyogo Prefecture, Toyodai Himeji High School… They’re very strong. This first match will be tough. Don’t underestimate them.”

Amid the coach’s serious instructions, everyone looked toward the opposing team, also led by staff. Deep breaths sounded one after another. Then, except for Yuu, everyone nodded earnestly.

“Osu! We’ll give it our all!”

Not every team that made it to the nationals was the best in their prefecture. There were also many second-tier teams that capitalized on luck, letting stronger teams fight each other while they slowly climbed up.

But clearly, the team from Toyodai Himeji exuded a strong aura, their steps steady. They didn’t flinch under scrutiny. Their leader even raised his chin as if challenging them, his eyes brimming with confidence.

If they underestimated them, even though Sobu High was a top team in Chiba Prefecture, they could lose here.

More participants entered.

The atmosphere on the first floor was tense and serious. Meanwhile, the second-floor platform grew noisier. Many eyes scanned each area. Some focused on teams they supported, while others glanced left and right flirtatiously, laughing and discussing how shiny a participant’s bald head was or how bad their buzz-cut hairstyle looked.

As both sides removed their face guards and sat calmly on opposite sides of the area, waiting for the match to begin, the coach quietly approached Yuu and whispered:

“Tenkuji-kun, Himura-kun predicts the first four matches will end in a draw. We’ll have to rely on you to win in the end.”

Yuu raised an eyebrow in surprise. “Why? Does he have a power-level detector?”

“No…” The coach gave a wry smile. “Himura-kun said it’s a samurai’s intuition. Even though he hasn’t seen footage of the opponents, his insight and intuition are always spot-on. He’s almost never wrong.”

“I see.” Yuu looked past the coach at Himura, sitting with the vice-captain.

Himura smiled and nodded at him. His hopeful and enthusiastic gaze gave Yuu goosebumps. Yuu quickly turned back to the coach. “Got it. Leave it to me.”

The coach patted his shoulder, as if placing the responsibility on him. As he turned to leave, he muttered, “If Himura-kun could compete too, with two aces on our side, this national championship would be a breeze…”

Though a bit rude, Yuu couldn’t help but sigh. “These guys’ confidence is oddly high. Aren’t they afraid there’s a participant stronger than Captain Himura?”

All of Japan didn’t just have his kendo dojo. Weren’t there also schools like Kashima Shinden Jikishinkage-ryu, Keishicho-ryu, Yakumaru Jigen-ryu, and others?

This was a national championship. Who knew if an unknown high schooler might appear, crushing every match with their family’s inherited swordsmanship.

Maybe they’d been beaten too often in practice and genuinely thought no one was stronger than Himura?

So, for Yuu, who’d defeated him twice, they had unshakable confidence that they wouldn’t lose.

Looking at the competition area, Yuu slowly exhaled. His eyes gradually sharpened. His expression turned serious.

(Beyond a person, there’s another person; beyond the sky, there’s another sky. I can’t be too careless either… If I can lose to someone else, even with the system’s cheat, I might as well drop out of school and go back to the countryside to raise kids.)

His girlfriend was watching from above too. As a man, he had to show his best side.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Time passed slowly.

The head referee entered the arena. He raised his hand, signaling the match was about to start. Representatives from Sobu High and Toyodai Himeji also entered the competition area. They bowed to each other and crouched.

Their bamboo swords pointed directly at their opponents. The tips trembled slightly.

“Begin!”

As the flag was raised, both sides stood with their swords. As the tips swung, it marked the start of the national kendo championship.

-

Title: Who’s the Big Bad Wolf, Who’s Little Red Riding Hood

“The opposing team looks like a bunch of losers. If Yuu were fighting, the match would be over easily. I don’t get why they’re dragging it out.”

On the second-floor stands, Masuzu swung her legs, casually giving her assessment.

Her eyes weren’t on the ongoing match. She just stared straight at someone’s serious face. Occasionally, she let out a soft, foolish giggle, lost in her own world.

Yukino, who had been holding back the entire trip, was focused on watching the match. Hearing that comment, she couldn’t help but retort, “Don’t talk like that. That high school is a regular at nationals too. Their strength is on par with our kendo club. Especially their captain. I just checked the data. He got into high school on a sports scholarship. I heard he’s almost never lost a match…”

“My Yuu has never lost at all, including in most sports besides kendo.” Before Yukino could finish, Masuzu seized the opening and countered, “You don’t trust Yuu. Are you rooting for the opposing team, Yukinoshita-san?”

“That’s not what I meant.” It felt like debating with a fanatical idol stan. Yukino couldn’t help but press a hand to her chest, taking a deep breath to keep her cool voice steady.

“Natsukawa-san, I’m just saying, don’t underestimate any participant who’s made it to nationals. If you really care about him, please analyze Tenkuji-kun’s chances of winning from a fair and objective perspective—”

“Haaah…”

Letting out a heavy sigh, Masuzu crossed her arms over her chest. She deliberately puffed out her chest and said discontentedly, “What’s there to analyze 100%? Yukinoshita-san, why won’t you believe in my Yuu? Is there anything about him not worth believing in?”

“…”

This was clearly provocation.

Her slender eyebrows twitched continuously. A cold aura emanated from her. A wintery chill descended upon the gymnasium.

For once, in front of someone other than her sister or Yuu, Yukino felt an anger that made her chest tight.

(Her unreasonable, self-centered attitude is getting more and more like that person.)

(This world is getting filthy again.)

“Yukinon, calm down! Calm down! Getting mad at her will only make you suffer more!”

Before the icy bomb could explode, Yuigahama quickly grabbed her sleeve and whispered advice.

“I’m perfectly calm, Yuigahama-san.”

Though she said that, Yukino flashed a cruel smile. Her cold face declared, “It’s quite sad, but I seem to have gotten used to dealing with difficult people like this… The saying ‘getting used to the stench of a fish market until you can’t smell it anymore’ must be like this.”

“The anger I get from the pet, I’ll fully repay to its owner. So, Yuigahama-san, you don’t need to worry about me fighting with Natsukawa-san.”

“How can I not worry? You’re clearly so mad you want to take it out on Yuu for revenge…” Her advice failed. Yuigahama gave a wry smile, then turned to Masuzu on the other side, speaking in a desperate tone, “Natsukawa-san, too. Don’t be like Yuu-kun, always provoking Yukinon’s emotions… Can’t we just get along?”

“Since Dango-chan said so, of course, no problem!” Masuzu immediately smiled. She obediently folded her hands in her lap and turned to Yukino with a gentle, graceful smile. “Let’s get along, Yukinoshita-san.”

Her eyes still cold, Yukino said bluntly, “Sorry, if you keep acting like this, I can’t get along with you.”

“Then how about I give you a riddle to improve our relationship?”

Without waiting for a response, Masuzu spoke up. “Once upon a time, after the Big Bad Wolf was punished by the hunter, Little Red Riding Hood went back to the forest for something. But on the way, she met the wolf’s wife, who wanted revenge. She had a brilliant idea. She stuffed two apples in her chest and managed to escape—so, why was that?”

Yuigahama asked curiously, “Because the wolf’s wife ate the apples first and got full?”

“WRONG!”

Masuzu crossed her arms and solemnly announced the answer.

“Because Little Red Riding Hood’s grandmother was eaten by the Big Bad Wolf. Now she’s Big Red Riding Hood, so the wolf’s wife wouldn’t seek revenge on her.”

“…”

(You think you’re funny?)

While Yuigahama was still confused, not grasping the riddle’s meaning, Yukino had already shifted her gaze back to the match area. She decided that from now on, no matter what Masuzu said or did, she wouldn’t pay attention.

Don’t argue with someone who’s got issues. It’ll only make you look petty and harm your health.

As they chatted, the first match had ended. No points were scored.

The second match featured a fierce bald guy who looked strong and impressive. His aggressive attacks were perfectly countered by his opponent. Clearly, it was an even match.

“So, there’s a high chance he’ll have to fight.”

For some reason, despite her discomfort with Yuu because of Masuzu, Yukino began looking forward to seeing him fight and end the match quickly.

Ten minutes passed. The second and third matches had ended. Out of five matches, three had ended in draws. The remaining ones were the most thrilling: the vice-captain and captain matches.

At the same time, many people had noticed the stalemate in area number five. Besides the unpredictable outcome, they were more interested in the dark-skinned girl and the handsome short-haired guy who stood out among the bald and buzz-cut men.

The girl who fought in the third match, after putting on her face guard, bowed to the handsome short-haired guy, their captain. Then she ran to the match area and crouched in front of her opponent.

From then on, Yuu’s match was certain.

Yukino straightened her back, focusing more on the scene where bamboo swords clashed. Occasionally, she glanced at him unintentionally, then casually looked away.

Because she was so focused, when a familiar voice sounded beside her, she didn’t react immediately. She nearly jumped and screamed.

“He looks so handsome in his kendo uniform too. He’s truly amazing.”

“Ah!” Before she could scream, Yukino quickly pressed her lips together. She furrowed her brows tightly to hide her surprise and stared at Haruno, who had casually sat beside her.

“Sister, when did you get here?”

“Of course, I just arrived~” Haruno affectionately ruffled her head, unbothered when Yukino coldly brushed her off. She moved past and cheerfully greeted the two girls beside her.

“Yahaalooo! Long time no see, Yui-chan, Masuzu-chan~”

Both were startled by the sudden greeting. Yuigahama and Masuzu responded with different levels of warmth.

“Haruno-san, long time no see… You really came to watch the match.”

“Sorry, I don’t recall us being that close.”

-

Title: The First Meeting of the Three

“Eh? So cold~”

Raising her eyebrows slightly, her left hand propped her cheek against her thigh. Haruno looked at Masuzu with keen interest. “Didn’t we have such a fun chat already? Is that still not enough to be friends?”

“Rather than a chat, wasn’t it more like you came to dig information out of me? I don’t think that kind of thing builds friendship.”

Masuzu bit her lip slightly. She suppressed the fear rising in her heart under those deep, piercing eyes. Smiling politely, she kept her distance.

“Forget the past. Yuu was well taken care of by you yesterday, Haruno-san. I’m really sorry you had to get caught up in our little fight.”

“No worries, no worries~” Haruno smiled and waved her hand. Her tone was cheerful and gentle. “Besides, Shimogamo Shrine was really fun. The sacred tree for matchmaking, love fortunes, and all that—it’d be even more fun if I went with a guy and a girl! If anything, I should thank you for giving me this chance.”

“Oh, is that so.” Her eyebrow twitched. Anger replaced her fear. Masuzu smiled with quivering lips. “Good to know. My boyfriend shouldn’t be too rude. For example, refusing to pray or get a fortune with you. He’s very loyal. He always keeps his distance from other women for my sake.”

“Exactly! When I accidentally bumped into him, he did seem a bit reluctant. Such a good boy~”

“Accidentally? A bit?... Oh, is this the new generation’s green joke? Senpai, are you sure you’re not automatically editing your memories because you’re too sad?”

“Sad? I wouldn’t be sad over something so small~ So many fun things happened yesterday. Want me to tell you one by one? Like walking down the romantic red maple path. I remember every scene so clearly. My memory can’t be wrong.”

“Hmph… Being able to date someone else’s boyfriend so gleefully. You’re truly worthy of being a mature college student. At least I couldn’t do something like that.”

“You’re mad? Calm down, calm down~ I wouldn’t steal a little kid’s boyfriend. That’s too boring. Unless you really don’t want him, I might reluctantly take him.”

“Don’t worry. Yuu and I are bound by inseparable fate. There’s no room for an older woman to meddle.”

“Wow, such a sharp tongue. Just like Yukino-chan when she’s mad~”

Haruno kept smiling, friendly and kind like the big sister next door.

But anyone could tell she wasn’t serious at all. She was just having fun, teasing like she was playing with a small animal.

In contrast, Masuzu’s expression grew darker. Her hands on her knees unconsciously clenched. Like a silver Persian cat arching its back, she was on high alert, ready to face Haruno.

Yukino, caught between them, somehow felt extremely displeased by this scene.

(Is this what it’s like when my sister toys with me?)

(Their levels of composure are so obvious… She’s a monster even she can’t defeat. No wonder Natsukawa-san is getting dragged along.)

(But…)

(They didn’t just run into each other on the street—they went sightseeing at Shimogamo Shrine together?)

She frowned slightly. The thought crossed her mind that her sister had lied to her, and she hadn’t noticed. A wave of frustration surged, making her unconsciously bite her soft lip. Her discomfort toward someone deepened.

But before she could fully process her feelings, she felt her sleeve being tugged. Yukino adjusted her expression and turned. Yuigahama looked like a small hamster caught between two snakes, cautiously glancing left and right.

“Yukinon, what do we do… The atmosphere feels so dangerous right now. Haruno-san and Natsukawa-san aren’t going to fight…”

At this moment, it was just an undercurrent hidden beneath a calm surface. If Yuu happened to show up in front of them, would it trigger a massive wave of war?!

Yuigahama was worried about that. Though she didn’t know when Yuu got so close to Haruno, she had to defuse the situation. At the very least, she couldn’t let them keep arguing like this…

“Let him deal with it himself after the match. After all, all these problems started with him. It has nothing to do with us. No need to be an exhausting, unappreciated mediator.”

Yukino spoke with a cold expression and an unfriendly tone.

She glanced at Haruno beside her, her eyes showing dissatisfaction. “If you want to chat, go chat outside. Don’t disturb me watching the match.”

Yuigahama quickly reacted, looking down at the match below. She said cheerfully, “Look, the vice-captain’s match is over! Yuu-kun’s finally up!”

As soon as she spoke, Masuzu stopped caring about sparring with the cat burglar. She quickly looked down, activating her phone’s recording mode. She aimed the camera at the man in a face guard slowly walking to the match area. She wouldn’t miss any critical moment.

Though it was hard to see from this angle, the writing on the (tare) below his waist indeed read Tenkuji.

Haruno shrugged indifferently. She also looked at the match area where the captain’s match was about to begin.

Under their gazes, the two figures in face guards, their faces obscured, crouched and bowed with their bamboo swords. As soon as the referee signaled the start, the participant from Toyodai Himeji High stood up half a beat faster. His feet hopped lightly in place. The tip of his sword moved up and down.

“Hah—!”

Then, with a sudden loud shout, without much probing, just three seconds after the start, the bamboo sword in his hand swiftly slashed toward the Sobu High participant.

It was an incredibly fast overhead strike, over in the blink of an eye.

To the spectators in the stands, they couldn’t even see what happened. The confrontation was already over.

The two bamboo swords and armored figures crossed briefly. After a crisp collision sound, one stepped forward a few steps, standing casually. The other stood in place, holding his bamboo sword high as if unaware of what had happened.

“Men! Ippon ari!”

One referee and two assistants raised their flags. They also added a point on the scoreboard for Sobu High’s captain—if he scored one more point, the match would end immediately.

In the stands and below, the crowd watching area number five fell silent for a moment. Then, as if just realizing, they gave resounding applause to the participant who scored, slowly returning to his ready position.

“One more point, and he’ll win. Yuu-kun’s amazing, go for it!” Yuigahama clapped vigorously, her face flushed with excitement. She was so thrilled her three buns bounced.

“Of course. All the stalemates before were just a prelude. A true hero has to appear at the most critical moment!”

Nodding in agreement, Masuzu kept recording. She stared at him through the camera with a smile—though she couldn’t see his face at all. She could only identify him by the (tare) below his waist and his position.

“So fast. I didn’t even see it clearly, but the result’s already out.” Unlike their excitement, Haruno rubbed her chin, speaking with slight regret. “Though I didn’t think he’d lose, isn’t he winning too easily? This is a national championship.”

“The skill gap is too big.” Yukino said in her usual tone.

“Hmm~?” Shifting her gaze, her lips curled mischievously like a Cheshire cat. Just as Haruno was about to tease her sister, the signal for the second round sounded below, forcing her to refocus.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

After losing a point as if slaughtered, the Toyodai Himeji participant could only change tactics. He no longer attacked proactively with confidence. Instead, he kept his distance from the Sobu High participant, constantly moving his feet and shifting his sword tip to probe. He randomly targeted four areas: head guard, body guard, hand guard, and thrust.

His opponent seemed calm and steady, undisturbed by the provocations. He simply kept his sword tip forward. His feet seemed to step forward and back slowly in a certain rhythm, waiting leisurely for his opponent to attack first.

With only one minute left, the Toyodai Himeji participant, without warning, abandoned his probing stance. He suddenly slashed diagonally toward his opponent’s hand guard.

“Haah!”

His echoing shout was answered by his sword missing, instead getting hit on the side of his body.

“…D-DOU! Ippon ari! Match over!”

As the participant who stepped back lightly, his posture always stable, looked their way, the three referees snapped out of their daze. They raised their flags and declared Sobu High’s victory.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Clapping vigorously, Yuigahama blinked in confusion. “It’s over? Though it lasted longer than the first, something feels off. I didn’t understand it at all…”

“The second time was just as much a slaughter. But this time, his opponent made the mistake.” Masuzu said, saving her recording. She shrugged indifferently. “Maybe he was scared of Yuu. His shout was loud, but his courage was small, so he’s truly a loser.”

“No, it’s not that simple.”

Asuna shook her head. Still looking at the participants bowing and leaving the area below, she said seriously, “Himeji High’s footwork was flawless. His intent to attack was well-hidden. After probing so long, even if he couldn’t fight up close and gain an edge, he shouldn’t have missed…”

She pressed her moist lips together, tucking her brown hair behind her ear. With slight disbelief, she continued:

“So, the most likely explanation is that the Sobu High participant did something to make him misjudge the target, casually guiding his own sword forward to hit the body guard effortlessly.”

“Ultimately, the key to victory was his terrifying reaction speed and attack… That’s the fastest level I’ve ever seen.”

After Asuna’s explanation, everyone who was initially confused understood. Even Yuigahama grasped about 70%, letting out an admiring “Oohh~.”

“In short, Yuu’s amazing… But it’s impressive you could see their fight so clearly.”

Asuna looked at them and smiled humbly. “As a participant, this kind of observation skill is a must.”

“…”

After her words, no one responded. Silence lingered for a few seconds.

“Who are you!?”

Masuzu and Yuigahama shouted in shock simultaneously, staring at the brown-haired girl who’d suddenly appeared behind them.

“Eh? M-Me?”

Realizing her rudeness, Asuna’s face flushed. She awkwardly scratched her cheek, then smiled and nodded to everyone.

“Nice to meet you all. I’m Yuuki Asuna. I heard you talking about the match in area number five, so I couldn’t help sharing my observations… I’m really sorry for butting in!”

“I don’t mind. Thanks for explaining…” Seeing her beautiful, refined face, Yuigahama tilted her head slightly, feeling like she’d seen that face somewhere.

Masuzu wasn’t too interested in her. She quickly lowered her head, looking back at her phone, sending a message to Yuu, who’d returned to the rest area.

As for Haruno, after a moment of surprise, she greeted Asuna enthusiastically:

“Wow, isn’t this Kouichirou’s little sister? What a coincidence to meet here~”

“Haruno-san, hello. My brother is very grateful for your help at school.”

Placing her hands on her knees and bowing gracefully, Asuna gave a wry smile. “I’m here to compete. Honestly, I’m more surprised to meet you two here.”

“I didn’t help much.” Haruno replied casually, with a sincere wave. “I came to find friends and check on my sister. I just happened to come watch the match with them.”

“Really?” Asuna tilted her head, looking at Yukino with slight doubt.

Yukino nodded. “Nice to meet you. I’m Yukinoshita Yukino. I came to Kyoto for club business to watch the match. The two here are from the same school.”

Facing the calm but polite response, Asuna still smiled gently. She glanced at Yuigahama and Masuzu, then looked back at Yukino.

“Are you all in the kendo club?”

“No.” Yukino had no intention of explaining too much to an outsider. She said lightly, “We’re members of the Volunteer Club. We came to help the kendo club win the championship as outside supporters.”

“Outside supporters? Win the championship?” Asuna frowned, thinking for a few seconds. She pointed to the now-empty area number five, as if realizing something. “So the captain… his name is Tenkuji Yuu. Is he also a member of your club?”

Hearing that, Yuigahama and Masuzu couldn’t help but stare at her in surprise. Even Yukino unconsciously raised an eyebrow.

Only Haruno maintained her mysterious smile, her fox-like eyes darting between the four girls.

“You know him?” Perhaps because she’d been teased so much earlier, Masuzu asked with a slightly rude tone.

“Eh… Know him or not know him? Isn’t it obvious?” Realizing what the silver-haired girl was actually worried about, Asuna gave another wry smile.

“His (tare) says Tenkuji. Plus, you were calling him Yuu or Yuu-kun. Anyone could guess his name… Relax, I’m not his fan or a stalker.”

Yuigahama and Masuzu exchanged glances. Their faces flushed with embarrassment over the suspicions that had arisen in their hearts.

“Y-Yeah, true.”

“Sorry, my tone was too harsh.”

-

Title: Moku-riki (Eye Ability)

Yuu removed his stifling face guard, shook out his hair, and let out a sigh.

“Not bad. Seeing his smug expression before the match, I thought he was some legendary samurai descendant…”

(Turns out he was only slightly stronger than the dark-skinned girl on their team. Not even close.)

Yuu won the match with little effort.

Four draws and one victory. It was a common match score. However, the duration of one match was shockingly short—7.04 seconds. The first six seconds were spent by the Himeji High participant hopping around, dragging out the time. Their actual fight lasted just one second.

Yuu was satisfied enough with this. He had no interest in breaking the fastest-time record, so he let his opponent probe in the second round. He waited for the attack, then defeated him. He didn’t expend much energy.

At that moment, the referee signaled for both teams to gather in the center of the arena to bow, then return to their respective rest areas.

Once the door closed, the kendo club members, who had been holding back and staying silent on the field, removed their face guards and erupted into loud cheers.

“Yesss, we won!”

“One match down! The quarterfinals are secured.”

“You’re too timid. Toyodai Himeji was predicted to reach the semifinals. If we beat them, there’s nothing left to fear!”

“Idiot, don’t jinx it! If something bad happens, you’ll be the scapegoat!”

Watching them talk with such enthusiasm, Yuu couldn’t help but smile. He sat on a chair, still in his gear, removed his hand guards, grabbed a water bottle, and took two sips.

“When’s the next match?”

The one who answered was the Kendo Girl who had once asked for advice on approaching the club president.

“Reporting, Sensei! All matches will finish in half an hour. After the draw and arena assignments, the next match will start around eleven. We can go back for lunch!”

“I got it… and don’t call me Sensei.” Yuu glanced at the Kendo Girl, who stood upright with a serious face. He set down his water bottle and began removing the heavy kendo gear.

Like a fan admiring her idol, the Kendo Girl watched him take off his gear, rubbing her hands over her chest. Her dark eyes seemed to sparkle.

“Then, Tenkuji-senpai! You were amazing. You defeated their captain without any resistance. I couldn’t even see your speed from this close… We won this match thanks to you!”

Yuu’s expression remained flat. He didn’t feel proud of the praise.

“No. If you guys hadn’t held your ground earlier, I wouldn’t have had the chance to fight… Keep it up. Since this is a team match, the victory belongs to all of us.”

“…”

He didn’t lower his voice, so the other members surely heard his casual words. The rest area fell silent for a moment. No one spoke. They just stared at Yuu, who was starting to take off his pants—his hakama.

Even the bald guy who had opposed him the most at the start couldn’t help but feel moved. After exchanging glances, several of them suddenly lined up around him and bowed seriously.

“Thank you so much!”

Though a bit late, the Kendo Girl also straightened her face and bowed gallantly. “Thank you so much!”

“Tch, really…”

Feeling a bit itchy, Yuu awkwardly scratched his neck. He set his gear aside and looked at them with an annoyed expression and a sharp tone.

“Wait until we win the national championship to thank me. You’re putting so much pressure on me now. Be careful, I’ll request the Gyokuryuki match format later, so none of you will get a chance to fight.”

“Yes! We’ll fight with all we’ve got!”

Their camaraderie peaked at that moment. Their faces were full of smiles. The wave of their voices seemed like it would break down the rest area’s door.

The coach and Club President Himura watched the heartwarming scene from the side. The vice-president, with his broken arm, even took off his glasses, so moved that he wiped the corner of his eye.

At the center of the atmosphere, Yuu couldn’t help but wonder—was this a society where the strong preyed on the weak, or one where everyone was a masochist?

He’d never thought he’d become so close with the kendo club members. He’d planned to have no further ties after this match…

Oh well. No one minded having more friends.

“You guys rest. I’m going for a quick walk outside. I’ll be back before the match.”

“Yes! Have a pleasant trip!”

“…If you can’t say anything sensible, just stay quiet.”

Taking his phone and wallet, Yuu sighed and left the rest area.

Masuzu had sent a message asking about his next plans. After he told her the match schedule, she told him to meet up outside the gymnasium.

What could he do in an hour? Maybe wander around Kyoto University, though he might not even finish. There were too many places worth visiting.

But it was better than his girlfriend sulking and hiding in her room, only able to go to a shrine alone to sightsee.

While thinking about this, as Yuu was about to leave the participants’ passage on the first floor, a voice suddenly called out from behind.

“Hey, Sobu High!”

“Huh?” The tone wasn’t friendly, so Yuu turned around, unsurprisingly showing an unfriendly face. “Who are you?”

“I’m Yamamoto, the one you fought earlier. You don’t even remember your opponent’s name?!” His handsome face looked extremely annoyed. He quickly walked up to him.

Yuu rolled his eyes, looking too lazy to care.

“Who told you to have such a common last name? If it was Hosho or Kiryu, I might’ve remembered a bit… Whatever, it’s not important. What’s up?”

Though his opponent seemed aggressive, Yuu didn’t think he was here to hit him—cough, to have a private revenge match.

“I just want to ask one thing.” Taking a deep breath, Yamamoto, the loser, asked seriously, “Why did my sword miss?”

This pointless question, if overheard by others, would make them doubt his brain—shouldn’t he be asking himself why he missed?

But Yuu wasn’t surprised. The three referees probably had the same doubts; they just didn’t come to him directly for answers.

After all, only someone staring at him up close would experience an illusion like double vision.

He sighed and said helplessly, “Yamamoto, have you ever read Hunter x Hunter? The manga in JUMP that might not end until you die.”

“Huh? Yeah…”

Yamamoto looked confused, completely clueless why he mentioned a manga at that moment.

Yuu kindly explained, “There’s a move called Ashigane used by the Zoldyck family. It creates an afterimage by adding or subtracting weight to steps, confusing the enemy—at that moment, your focus was only on my sword. So, of course, you didn’t notice I altered my body’s movements.”

After finishing, he had nothing more to add, so he turned to leave.

“…” Yamamoto opened his mouth, stunned for a moment. Disbelieving, he shouted at his back, “Isn’t that a move from a manga?! How could you…”

“That’s why you lost to me.”

Without turning, Yuu put one hand in his pocket and casually waved the other.

“If I couldn’t even do that, how could I become the national champion? Try harder next year, Yamamoto.”

With those words, his figure was swallowed by the light from the exit and disappeared from Yamamoto’s view.

His pride and confidence shattered, the boy named Yamamoto widened his eyes. His hands hung limply at his sides. He stared blankly at the empty exit, silent for a while.

“…So cool.”

Muttering, Yamamoto clenched his fists tightly. He felt an excited thrill from his racing heartbeat. A fire different from before ignited in his eyes.

“It’s decided—he’s my next goal! His name’s Tenkuji. From Sobu High in Chiba Prefecture… Just wait, I’ll come back to fight again once I master that Ashigane!”

His tall, reliable back seemed etched clearly in his heart.

The path ahead was clear. A fiery shonen manga-like development slowly began—

“No, the story’s going off track again.”

Yuu held his forehead, speechless. After a few seconds, he felt a twinge of regret.

This was the first time he’d experienced something like this. He couldn’t resist showing off a bit when no one else was around. Thinking back, it was a little embarrassing…

Thankfully, no one else saw.

This had nothing to do with Masuzu. So, even if the world’s storyline reset, the facts that had happened wouldn’t change.

For example, the fact that he met Haruno at the autumn festival didn’t change, even though he parted ways with Asuna.

So, after leaving the gymnasium through the participants’ passage, Yuu saw a group of girls waiting for him not far away. He couldn’t help but ponder.

“My dear system.”

[What’s up, Host?]

“If I rush over there now and shout I’m the man with the system!, can you help me rewind time to before I left the rest area?”

[Sorry, that’s not possible.]

“Damn you.”

“…”

-

Title: Tenkuji Yuu’s Love Debt Shareholders’ Meeting?

Yuu slowed his steps, his brow slightly furrowed.

How did it come to this?

The sight of two ex-girlfriends and his current girlfriend gathered together made Yuu instinctively want to flee. This time, he didn’t dare face reality.

It was like a meeting of debt collectors… What, was there such a thing as Tenkuji Yuu’s Love Debt Shareholders’ Meeting?

But after calming down and thinking carefully, no, he had no reason to run.

As long as they didn’t remember the past, Yuu had no need to feel guilty—he was still himself, the innocent, loyal guy who’d never had a girlfriend. There was no way a harem-like situation would befall him.

The crease on his forehead smoothed out. Yuu strode confidently, meeting the eyes of those waiting for him under the lamppost.

Now there was just one issue: Why was Asuna, whose match wasn’t until the afternoon, hanging out with them?

Thankfully, from Masuzu’s current expression, it wasn’t the worst-case scenario he’d imagined.

With a calm heart, Yuu greeted them as if nothing was wrong.

“Haruno-san’s here too… Are you all going to walk around together?”

“If you don’t mind Onee-san tagging along.” Haruno replied with a smile, winking at him. “You were so cool in the match earlier. I almost fell for you.”

“Don’t say stuff like that in front of my girlfriend. I don’t want to go home and kneel on a washboard.” Yuu rolled his eyes. After naturally taking Masuzu’s hand, he turned to Yukino.

“So? A group stroll around Kyoto University?”

Yukino crossed her arms and nodded calmly. “We’re not interested in the kendo matches. It’d be a shame to waste an hour in the stands. We can’t exactly go somewhere farther either… After all, we came to support you. Until this morning’s matches are over, our schedule will revolve around yours.”

Even if they didn’t, no one would really blame them. The difference was just when they’d have fun.

But with Yukino’s personality, she’d never overlook something important. She wouldn’t choose to go sightseeing just because she wasn’t interested in the matches.

They were in Kyoto instead of at school because they came to support Yuu and his kendo club teammates. They were supposed to wear cool cheerleader uniforms and shout encouraging slogans like other schools’ support groups.

But thanks to Yuu, that part was skipped… Though if it had actually happened, Yukino wouldn’t have joined, even if it was a club activity.

“Alright. You went to the Kyoto University Museum yesterday. I’ll follow your lead then. Just make sure to keep track of time.”

After saying that casually, Yuu finally noticed the brown-haired girl standing a clear distance from the others. He tilted his head slightly, asking in confusion:

“Who’s this…”

Her glossy brown hair still hung loosely behind her. Her demeanor was graceful and elegant, like a princess from a refined family. Yet, in her posture and eyes, there was the confident air of a cool swordswoman. And that familiar direct gaze.

Asuna gave him a small smile, her tone soft and polite.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Yuuki Asuna, a second-year student from Kurayuri Girls’ Academy.”

“…Nice to meet you.”

Yuu paused for a moment, then returned a smile. “I’m Tenkuji Yuu from Sobu High. You’re Kou-nii’s little sister. I’ve heard a lot about you from him.”

“Eh? You know my brother?” Asuna blinked in surprise, then grew nervous. “I didn’t know… He didn’t say anything weird, did he?”

“You’ll have to ask him yourself.” Yuu grinned innocently. “I suggest giving him a good beating before asking. It can’t hurt.”

“Haha…” Asuna laughed awkwardly.

Was this really her brother’s friend and not his enemy?

Through quick conversation, Yuu learned what he cared about.

First, Asuna had initially seen a photo secretly taken by her juniors. From them, she learned Yuu might be one of the competing students, and she didn’t recall seeing him on the fencing participant list. She came to the kendo match this morning on a whim and apologized to them.

Then, she was lucky enough to see him on the field. When Asuna planned to apologize after the match, she overheard Masuzu and the others talking about it. She couldn’t resist chiming in, and they ended up getting acquainted.

Finally, at Haruno’s suggestion—someone she’d only met once and could barely call an acquaintance—Asuna would join them until the afternoon matches, as a friend.

Yuu understood completely.

In other words, if Haruno hadn’t meddled, Asuna would’ve left after apologizing and wouldn’t have interacted with him much.

(…Maybe it’s just a coincidence? Maybe it was just Haruno-san’s spur-of-the-moment idea.)

(This isn’t some law of attraction between people who are somehow alike.)

Yuu sighed quietly. He didn’t want to overthink it.

(Thankfully, the system said Asuna rejected the materialized wedding ring. I don’t need to worry about seeing something and thinking of someone.)

Because of that, Asuna’s danger level was far lower than Haruno’s.

Even if they reconnected, there shouldn’t be anything to worry about.

…Right.

Even if Asuna had once said, “Even if I forget you, no matter how many times, I’ll remember you.”

In the end, what Yuu heard was still—

“Nice to meet you.”

To him, nothing was more relieving than that.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

There were plenty of attractions near Kyoto University.

Outside the campus, there were Kyoto Gyoen and Heian Shrine.

On campus, there were the Kyoto University Clock Tower Centennial Hall and the Kyoto University Museum.

Five girls and one guy, six people, wandered the vast campus. Chatting, they strolled around the rarely-seen Kyoto University grounds.

From start to finish, Yuu held Masuzu’s hand, keeping his distance from Haruno and Asuna. This made his jealous girlfriend unusually well-behaved the whole way. Masuzu only held onto the match recording, gushing about how cool he was swinging his sword, trying to make him blush.

Unfortunately, with Yuu’s thick skin, he naturally accepted the praise without a care. This made Yukino sneer repeatedly from the side—so much that Yuu worried she’d get sinusitis.

An hour passed quickly. After touring Kyoto University, they returned to the gymnasium. Those competing prepared for their matches, while the others headed to the stands.

But after parting from them, Yuu hadn’t reached Sobu High’s rest area when a voice called out from behind.

“Tenkuji-kun, please wait a moment!”

Yuu turned around, looking in surprise at the brown-haired girl jogging toward him.

“Yuuki-san? They…”

“Everyone’s already gone to the stands. I suddenly remembered something I wanted to ask you, so I made an excuse to come down…”

Her participant card hung on her chest. Asuna tidied her slightly messy hair. Her beautiful, fair face was flushed. Her clear brown eyes held a hint of hesitation as she looked at him.

“Tenkuji-kun, um… I hope you don’t misunderstand. I know you have a girlfriend, and I have no intention of hitting on you.”

“Yeah? And?”

Her preamble and introduction made Yuu a bit wary.

Her fingers lightly clenched at her side. Asuna took a slow breath, her sparkling eyes looking at him seriously as she asked:

“Have we ever met somewhere else?”

“And… have you ever played a virtual reality game called Sword Art Online?”

“…”

Yuu blinked, then said oddly, “No. Didn’t we already say ‘nice to meet you’? As for that virtual game, Kou-nii did give me a headset, but I gave it to my little sister. Now it’s just gathering dust at home.”

“…I see.”

Sighing for no reason, Asuna lowered her head and bowed. “Sorry for asking something so sudden.”

“Don’t worry about it. Maybe we passed each other at a supermarket and didn’t notice.”

Waving his hand casually, Yuu smiled at her. “Go back up and watch the match. Masuzu has a bit of an odd personality and doesn’t have many friends. I hope you can get along with her, Yuuki-san.”

“Of course! Natsukawa-san is a very interesting person. I hope we can be good friends too.”

Asuna returned a smile, clenching her small fist. “Good luck in the match!”

“Thanks for the support.”

The friendly, pleasant atmosphere ended with those words.

They turned in opposite directions. In the shadows where they couldn’t see each other, the smiles on their faces slowly faded. Serious, confused expressions emerged. They both pressed their lips together, unable to let go of something.

A moment later.

The rest area door closed. Footsteps climbed the stairs to the second floor.

The final kendo match of the morning was about to begin.