Chapter 10: Volume 2 - CH 3

(translation)

The morning before the battle with Ikki, at around 9 am, Ayatsuji Ayase woke up lazily.

She was napping in her own room after parting ways with Ikki at midnight. She was tired because of all the match preparations, and equally because of the negotiations with Ikki. After crawling out of the neatly arranged double bed, she saw a letter from her roommate on top of the table.

「I will not be coming to see the match because I was told not to yesterday. However, I want you to consult me if there is something troubling you. I am very worried whenever I see you because you have become gloomier nowadays.」

"…Truly, what a worthless woman I am."

Betraying a benefactor, and troubling her roommate this much―

「Sullying our pride, and even throwing aside your own. Can you still remain proud even if you manage to regain that 'something' with such means!?」

"…Ku."

The question, which had been thrown at her with a sorrowful tone, was still echoing deep within her ears. It was not a very good condition to be in. Even though there was a match she just couldn't lose today.

This had to be corrected immediately. She had to change the mood and lighten it up. Having thought that, Ayase decided to use the time in the morning to go to a certain place.

About fifteen minutes by train from Hagun Academy's nearest train station, Ayase arrived at the intended facility: a large white building soaring into the cloudless summer sky. This was Shishido General Hospital. It was the nearest big hospital from the Hagun Academy. Room number 515 was Ayase's destination.

She directed herself with familiarity, arriving at her destination without incident, and opened the sliding door. Inside the private room was a solitary lonely bed. And by the bedside, there was a beautiful middle-aged woman sitting on a pipe chair. The middle-aged woman let out a sound in surprise when she looked at Ayase, who had just opened the door.

"Oh my, isn't it Ayase-chan!"

"Hello, Auntie Suzuka."

"Hi~ What's up at this time of the day? What happened to school?"

"Today I am free to decide whether to attend. Students who have representative selection matches are exempt from taking classes on the day of their match. That's why I made some time to come and visit."

"I see. Be it the selection matches, or the thing with roommates. The new principal sure does interesting things."

When she had explained the policies of Kurono, her aunt had given her consent.

Her aunt stood up from the pipe chair, went towards the bed, and―

"Big brother, your cute daughter came to meet you―"

―called out to the man lying on the bed.

Cheeks that had been hollowed, and disfigured into the shape of cheekbones; skin with cracks like those of dried up land, and hands, slim like twigs from winter. That man, who had withered like a mummy, was the father of Ayase. He was Ayatsuji Kaito.

"Good morning, Father."

Following her aunt, Ayase, too, called out to him. But Kaito didn't return the greeting. Without any response, he just continued to sleep.

That was right…. He had been continuously sleeping for two years.

"Well then, it'd be bad if a stranger disturbs father and daughter. I'll be at the coffee shop. Till what time are you gonna be here, Ayase-chan?"

"I have the match in the afternoon, so I'll leave at noon."

"Okay~ Then, I'll return somewhere around that time. See ya~"

Her aunt left the room while waving her hand in bye-bye.

She was such a cheerful person whenever Ayase saw her. Ayase wished she would share a little bit of that liveliness with her brother.

…No, even father was―

At that moment―

"…Ku…n."

Kaito, who was on the bed, moved his withered lips just a tiny little bit with trembling weakness.

"Father…."

It was the usual thing. He was whispering the same habitual words. She couldn't hear his voice. It was not in a voice which could be heard. However, Ayase remembered the movements of those lips.

(Sorry.)

"…Tsk!"

Krrr. Ayase's teeth ground together. Ayase bore the feelings of sorrow and vexation, which was almost enough to make her shout, by grinding her teeth. From that day, Kaito had always continued to apologize to Ayase. That he was not able to protect. That he was not able to entrust. All alone, eternally within that rainy season.

※　※　※

Listen well, Ayase. Never lose your pride no matter what. Our sword is the power to kill people. You people's gifts are the power to surpass other people. That is why you cannot lose your pride. If you lose it, your actions will just turn into mere violence. Always be polite, help the weak, and hate the wicked. Never ever let yourself be tied by your own power, and no matter what kind of opponent, always face them fair and square. Become a knight that won't be a shame to others, or to your own self.

Those were the words that Ayase's father, the 'Last Samurai' Ayatsuji Kaito, always told her. The responsibility of those who had power. Kaito understood it so well that he was able to impart the sword and its morals into Ayase who was born as a Blazer. To make sure that she would not become a cheap and arrogant human drunk on her own power.

Kaito's training, even if she had said it with flattery, was not a gentle one. Harsh. One could very well say that it was harsh. But, even so… Ayase loved the strength that Kaito talked about. She loved the gallant back of her father when he was swinging his sword. She loved Kaito's big and rough hand that used to caress her head whenever she showed growth.

A small dojo, about ten disciples, her father, and herself. By no means was it a luxurious lifestyle, but there was warmth in that flow of time.

It was a time filled with happiness. Ayase wished from the bottom of her heart that such a time would always continue.

But, that wish of her's was cruelly crushed. On that rainy day, two years back…. By a single man who barged in on her daily life.

※　※　※

It had been two months after Ayase enrolled in Hagun Academy. The rainy season had just arrived.　The season where the sky was covered by heavy rain clouds and even the wind felt damp and humid.

After class had finished, without returning to the dorm, Ayase was holding an umbrella within the rain and was moving towards her house's dojo. Her purpose was of course, to learn swordsmanship that she, no matter what, just wouldn't be able to learn at school.

When Ayase was in the first year of her middle school, Kaito was diagnosed with a heart disease that was impossible to cure even with cutting-edge medical treatment, and now he was barely able to swing a sword. The last time Kaito held the sword was when Ayase's admission into Hagun was decided. It was to entrust her with the secret technique that he himself had developed. To be blunt, his body was no longer in the condition to swing a sword. But, in the dojo, there were disciples who learned the Ayatsuji single-blade style from Kaito. Even if they were few in numbers, they were still warriors not unlike Ayase, whom from a young age had learned the sword under the Last Samurai.

Among them, Sugawara from cram school, although a far cry from Kaito, was way stronger than Ayase. That was why for Ayase to receive training from him, she traveled to her home three times a week. Because she wanted to become strong enough quickly to be able to use the secret technique that her father had entrusted her with.

Thus, commuting had, more or less, become a routine.

But, on that day, after passing through the left, opened gate for disciples, she met with a variant that was not supposed to exist within her daily life.

"Eh?"

The one she encountered was a tall youth who was holding an umbrella. His hair was dyed in a light color, and there was a cigarette in his mouth. His gaze was sharp like a hungry wolf, and a tattoo of a skull could be seen from inside the untidy uniform of Donrou Academy. A youth with an atrocious yet brutal appearance who was probably worlds apart from the appreciative world of dojos or martial arts.

Ayase, who was normally no good with the opposite sex, stepped back without thinking upon seeing the overbearing appearance of the teenager.

"…Huhu."

The boy, Kurashiki Kuraudo, laughed at that as if to tease her.

"See ya."

And disappeared into the gray town covered with clouds.

"Who was that person…?"

Why did someone with such a suspicious appearance come out of her house? To boot, someone who was wearing Donrou Academy's uniform. In other words, he was a Blazer. He should have no business with a swordsmanship dojo. Did he stop by to get directions or something? While thinking that, Ayase started walking towards the dojo inside the house.

And―

"Shit! I won't forgive that bastard!"

The voice of Sugawara, who could be said to be Ayase's childhood friend, resounded within the dojo. Wondering what happened, Ayase hurriedly entered the dojo after sliding the door open.

Inside the dojo the usual energetic sounds of swords could not be heard. Rather, including Sugawara, about seven disciples were standing still, doing their best to hold back their rage and shock. Their instructor, Kaito, was kneeling as well while keeping his eyes closed with a difficult expression on his face.

"What is going on? Did something happen?"

Ayase asked Sugawara.

"Just now, some strange punk just suddenly intruded on us, and asked for a match with the title of this dojo at stake."

"A dojo challenge, was it?"

"Yeah, but Sensei's body is already worn-out, and above all the Ayatsuji single-blade style forbids such matches with stakes."

Ayase also knew of that. The sword of Ayatsuji existed to protect. Kaito had always talked about it. It was a sword meant not to cause useless scuffles, or to show off one's strength. Under that notion, the Ayatsuji single-blade style forbade any and all fights except for official matches.

"That is why, Instructor had refused the match, and then…."

"That bastard insulted Instructor by calling him a coward, fiasco, and failure, and then he even spat on his face!"

"Even though he was just a mere punk! Acting high and mighty just because he can use some ability… kuh."

Disciples started raising their angry voices one after another. Since the time of their childhood, they had been visiting the dojo frequently, and they respected Kaito as if he were their own father. That's why they probably could not forgive that Kaito was made fun of.

Ayase shared that feeling. Someone had spat on her father's face. Just by hearing that alone her body's temperature had risen two times.

"Damn it, his footprints are still there. To think he came to a sacred dojo with his shoes on… tch. If Master's body was in perfect condition, that brat would have gotten his ass handed to him…."

"That is incorrect, Nitta."

Kaito responded in a sharp voice upon the words that one of his pupils said.

"I couldn't have accepted even if my body was in a perfect condition, because the Ayatsuji's sword exists to protect people. It is not a sword that should be swung for useless scuffles. This is not an era to protect people with the sword, but that purpose should not be forsaken or abandoned."

"Y-yes! I am sorry! I will reflect on this with all of my spirit."

Nitta bowed to the reprimand, which was filled with a peaceful yet sharp tone, of Kaito.

"Good. Others too, all of you have stopped their hand. As a punishment practice swing a thousand times!"

After explaining Ayatsuji's sword philosophy, Kaito swiftly changed the atmosphere of the place. The disciples replied with "Osu!" and followed the order. With that the usual liveliness returned to the dojo.

"Well then, Ayase-chan, hurry up and change into dojo clothes. After all, I can't let Ayase-chan turn into a Blazer like that who's drunk by his own power. I'll train you properly today, too."

"Yes, please take care of me!"

Ayase finally relaxed after seeing that the dojo had regained its energy, and hurried to the locker room.

But, on her way… she smelled a scent that she never smelled inside the dojo. That was the smell of tobacco left behind by him. That lingering scent would always, always coil around Ayase's beloved daily life like a snake with its menacing tongue out.

And worse, that premonition was right on.

※　※　※

The next day. Just like yesterday, Ayase came to the dojo within the annoying rain.

"Hello~ …Huh?"

After greeting and opening the door of the dojo, she found Kaito, who was sitting on a cushion.

"It's only you, father? It's unusual for the others to be later than me."

"That's right, it's a first for all of them to be late at the same time."

Kaito tilted his head, puzzled. Although all of them were never late together, there were times where one or two of them would come late. It was probably a coincidence that all of them were late together.

"Well, they'll come around sooner or later. Now, since we're finally alone together after a long time, I'll personally see to your sword practice."

"I am happy that you will see it, but… you're not allowed to swing the sword yourself, got it? Since Father is sick."

"Ayase is such a worrywart. Don't worry, I'll just look it over. My body isn't in good condition because of the continuous rain these past few days."

Ayase decided to show Kaito the stances before trying the secret technique, which she learned from him when she enrolled into Hagun Academy, while waiting for the other disciples. Ayase aimed her wooden sword, and opened her stance a tiny little bit. She lowered her waist a bit and released strength from her shoulders. She traced the movements of Kaito from within her memory of that day. One by one, carefully.

But―

"No."

Kaito immediately rebuked.

"Don't loosen your hand when you release strength from the shoulders. Tighten your wrists more, but don't put too much force. All while keeping the stances in mind."

"Th-That is difficult."

"If you can't do it, then you won't be able to master the secret technique. I'll show you how it's done one more time."

After saying that Kaito reached for the wooden sword that was setup on the wall, but―

*Stare*

"…."

*Stare―*

"…I get it, I get it. I won't swing it, okay."

Kaito surrendered by raising both of his hands up to Ayase, who was looking at him from the back with a look of reproach in her eyes.

"For goodness sake, you really resemble your late mother in that regard. Your mother, too, reproached me by sending glares like those rather than saying it with her own mouth."

"It's only natural, because Mother taught me that if Father ever tried to do something stupid, I can stop him by doing that."

"It's not funny to be dominated by both generations of mother and daughter."

Kaito sighed once, and moved towards Ayase's back. He hugged her from behind and held on to her hands, which were gripping the wooden sword.

"Listen well: keep your wrists at this angle. The vital point behind this secret technique is not to disturb the stances by inserting too much power."

While explaining the vital point of the secret technique, which he had entrusted her with when she was going to go to Hagun, Kaito was simultaneously helping Ayase with her posture. Feeling the sensation of rough and stiff palms that were wrapped around her hands...

…They are big, Father's hands.

Ayase loved that sensation which could not be referred to as gentle.

Now that I think about it…. It's been a long time since the he last taught me this way.

"…Fufu."

When she became conscious of that, for some reason she became extremely happy. Ayase squeaked out a smile.

"What happened? Laughing all of a sudden."

"It's nothing. I just thought it's been long time since Father taught me various things in this manner. I was somewhat happy about it."

Ayase suddenly leaned on Kaito's thick chest and brought her face closer.

*Ba-bump Ba-bump* While listening to her beloved father's heartbeat―

"…It would be nice if such a gentle time continues forever."

She whispered to herself.

"…."

Words from Kaito didn't follow. Of course, because Kaito knew that wish couldn't come true. Of course, Ayase, too, knew that. Kaito no longer had very long to live. The time when this heartbeat, which she was listening to right now, would stop was steadily approaching. That is why Kaito had taught the immature Ayase the secret technique which she could not handle right now.

For how many more years would Father be able to live?

She had already made her resolve to part with him. But that was why Ayase wished that the last day to be as tender as this moment.

-And that wish was betrayed in the cruelest of ways.

In that moment, the sliding door of the dojo suddenly opened. Ayase and Kaito turn their eyes over to the entrance, thinking that finally the disciples had come. Certainly, there was one of the disciples there. It was Sugawara.

But―

"Su-Sugawara-san―!"

Ayase's face turned pale in an instant. That was because Sugawara was there in a form that was painful to look at with bandages and gauze all over his body and face.

"Those injuries, just what happened?"

Kaito, who was shocked too, rushed to Sugawara's side.

Upon seeing his instructor run up to him, Sugawara for almost burst into tears, and...

"Instructor…. I, I am so sorry!"

Just like that prostrated, almost like hitting his head on the floor of the dojo. Although his face couldn't be seen, his sobbing voice could be heard.

Kaito immediately understood that it wasn't something trivial.

"Raise your head. These injuries… it seems you didn't get these by falling down or something. Just what happened?"

"Th-That is, we were done in by that man who came by yesterday…."

"What…!?"

"Yesterday night, when we were on our way back from dojo, he was waiting to ambush us seven…. Then, all of sudden he attacked us with a stick! That guy is insane! Without any hesitation he tried to smash other people's heads. He is insane, mad I tell you…. That's why, with no other way out, all of us fought back, but…."

Sugawara sobbed heavily once at that point, and―

"We were helpless! All seven of us together weren't even able to touch him when he wasn't using his ability, nor was he even covering his body with mana."

"…!"

Ayase gulped, shocked upon hearing those words. Including Sugawara, other disciples too, like Ayase, had been learning the sword of Ayatsuji since their childhood―and for them to be that helpless against someone.

That guy, he was that strong….

"Even though we were trained by Instructor for so many years… we were played around with by that delinquent! I am very sorry!"

"You don't have to apologize anymore! More importantly, are the others all right!?"

"…Nitta was beaten to a pulp and that's why she was treated with a capsule, but all of the others were hospitalized. "

Capsules could only be used by claiming health insurance; otherwise it would be very costly. Therefore, it seemed within the seven of them, with Sugawara and Nitta out, five of them were still confined to bed. The ones with severe injuries were diagnosed with injuries such as their arms would never return to normal, et cetera.

After confessing all of that, at last Sugawara raised his head.

"Sensei… we were able to come this far because we admired you. We wanted become proud men like Sensei, but… I really don't want to say this but just what were we doing for so many years…!?"

He asked Kaito while weeping.

"…."

Upon seeing her elder-pupil's miserable figure, Ayase was at a loss for words. The head coach, Sugawara who taught Ayase the sword, couldn't be seen anywhere. Those eyes were stained with fear and despair. His heart had been twisted so much that he won't be able to return to his usual self anymore. Wrong, it was not just Sugawara―

"I am sorry. We won't touch the sword from now on…."

While crying heavily, Sugawara pulled resignation letters for seven people from his pocket. Yes, just like Sugawara here, the other six, who were not present, also had their hearts broken.

"Cruel…."

Why did he do something like this? How can someone do something like this? Even though everyone gave their best since childhood and walked straight down the path of the sword. How can someone play around with peoples' hearts and break them? Ayase could not comprehend it.

And the man who did such incomprehensible things―

"Haha! I came around at an interesting time."

""!?""

He appeared in the dojo as though he was aiming for such a timing.

"To think everyone quit, maybe I bullied them a bit too much."

"Hi-hiiiii!"

The moment Sugawara saw that figure, he screamed like a girl flapping his four limbs to hurry inside the dojo.

"Hey, hey, don't run away like that. You'll hurt my feelings."

Kuraudo stepped inside the dojo while laughing in a vulgar manner.

"D-Don't come, please don't come inside, hi-hiiiiii!"

"S-Stop! He's getting scared!"

Not being able to see the pathetic figure of her comrade who had always walked down the path of the sword with her, Ayase stepped forward to protect Sugawara.

But her shoulder was grabbed by a rough hand. It was Kaito.

"What business do you have here?"

"The same business as yesterday."

"I thought I had refused."

"I just thought if I drop by today I'll get a different answer. Hahaha!"

"I see. So, just to drag me out you did such things to my disciples?"

"Ya. But yesterday I wasn't able to get my hands on that woman there."

"…Why?"

"Huh?"

"Why do you do such things? Aren't you a Blazer? Be it school or the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival, you should not be lacking in opponents wherever you run wild. In spite of that why do you obsess with me so much?"

"Don't ask me something weird again, old man. Does the edge of a warrior's heart dull when he retires?"

"…!"

At those words, Kaito slightly widened his eyes.

"Haha…. Well, it's all good. The reason is simple, it's because I want to show off my strength, my power. It does not matter if they are Blazers or normal people. I want to show it to every single one who catches my interest!"

Ayase burned with anger at Kuraudo's motive, which he had just spoken about as though he was snarling at Kaito.

"For something so worthless… you did such cruel things!"

"Worthless? Ha! What is? I just want to get it on with someone strong, I want to crush strong people. Aren't feelings like that natural?"

"Don't mess with me!"

She wouldn't stand around as this guy did whatever he wanted.

"It doesn't matter how many times you come, the answer will still be no! This is not a place where someone like you can just barge in on, because we don't swing our swords around just to show off our strength! Father, let's call the police immediately!"

But, Kaito whispered.

"No, I can't let it go like this. The Ayatsuji single-blade style dojo accepts your challenge. Whoever gets in the first two strikes wins the match. We will only use wooden swords. Real swords are not allowed, got it?"

Of all things, Ayatsuji Kaito went ahead and accepted Kuraudo's challenge.

"Wh-Wha, Father!!!"

"Se-Sensei!"

The moment they heard of his motive to accept Kuraudo's challenge, the two disciples, whose faces had turned blue, tried to stop Kaito.

"Please stop it, Instructor! You shouldn't fight with someone like this! Above all, your heart…!"

"That's right, Father! You won't be able to fight with that kind of body! If you want to do it that bad, then I will fight in your stead!"

Kaito's daughter, Ayase, and even Sugawara, who had curled up with fear of Kuraudo, tried to stop Kaito desperately. But Kaito smiled slightly at that.

"Thank you, you two. I take pride in the kindness of you two who worry about me, but that is precisely why―"

The words that were spoken before had been burned into Kaito's mind.

「Just what were we doing for so many years…!?」

"There is no way I can forgive this guy who hurt you all!"

He couldn't leave this to others. He had to defeat this man with his own two hands. Kaito stared at Kuraudo like an ogre, and in his eyes there resided resolve and determination.

Upon seeing that expression, Ayase was at a loss for words. She had already understood it, that now he would not be stopped with her words.

"…I understand. I won't stop Father if he is willing to go that far. I, too, will see this through as the judge."

"Yes, I will leave it to you."

"Win at all costs… Father."

A violent voice called out to Ayase, who was wishing as though praying, from the side.

"Hey, if you're done talking then let's get started already. I've got tired of waiting."

"…I know."

Ayase frowned at the voice she didn't want to hear, then hit the ground with her heel and threw a wooden sword at the demanding Kuraudo.

"Haha, what a violent woman."

"Rules are, like Father said, the first one to get two strikes on his opponent wins. The weapons of this match are wooden swords. The use of mana is forbidden. Is that clear?"

"Yeah, it wouldn't have any meaning if it's not a match on equal grounds."

Kuraudo's canines gleamed like fangs when he smiled. His eyes were, now, looking only at Kaito.

On the other hand, was Kaito concentrating? He was just standing there with the wooden sword in his right hand, and with his eyes closed.

It seems that both had completed their preparations. That's why, Ayase as the judge―

"Then, both of you stand in front of each other. Start!"

The match of those two had started.

※　※　※

"Haha! Here I come!"

The moment when 'start' was shouted, Kuraudo ran towards Kaito, covered in winds. He obliterated the distance by pure leg strength, and swung his sword down on Kaito's head. There wasn't even a trace of technique in that single stroke, which ripped the atmosphere. He had not transmitted power from his legs, nor used lats by closing his armpit; he didn't do any of those.

It was a wild swing with just the power of his arm behind it. Obviously, it was a sword play belonging to an amateur.

Fast!

Even from the eyes of Kaito, who was a master, that swing seemed abnormal. He concluded that it would be dangerous to receive it upfront. Kaito quickly escaped the trajectory of the slash by sliding his feet to the side.

In that moment, Kuraudo's wooden sword grazed the tip of Kaito's nose, and split the floor of dojo.

"What monstrous strength…!"

Ayase, the judge, raised her voice, feeling awed. It couldn't be helped because a slash, which was capable of splitting the floor, had grazed her father's face.

But, Kaito was different. He purposefully let it graze him. Adjusting the distance by sliding your feet was a basic skill of swordsmen. He did so, because it was to keep the opened distance short for him to counter. A full swing enough to split the floor; of course, the opponent wouldn't be able to take defensive stances soon enough to block the counter. That single moment becomes the deciding factor in a match with a master as an opponent!

And countering was Ayatsuji single-blade style's forte.

The moment when the tip of Kuraudo's sword plunged into the floor, Kaito slide his foot forward shortening the distance by half a step. That was Kaito's attack range.

"―!"

Kaito let out a small sigh and, this time, he was the one who attacked. Aiming for the same body area as Kuraudo, the head, he brought down his sword. But Kaito's swing was beautiful, incomparable with Kuraudo's barbaric swing, and faster. That speed was the same as light's. Even if he was sick, he had been still known as the Last Samurai in the past. The extraordinary genius. The very idea of comparing his sword play with an amateur's was foolish. Kuraudo, who had missed on his very first attack, could not escape the fate of being hit by that swing.

Or so it was supposed to be.

"Hahaha!"

*Thump*

Kaito's hands became numb after receiving the recoil of his own attack. It was not the head of Kuraudo that he felt he had hit. It was the wooden sword of Kuraudo that was launched at Kaito's attack. He repelled it with his own sword. Kaito's bone cracked because of that impact.

"You seem to be surprised, old man. Did you think you would be able to wrap it up like that?"

"…Yes. To tell you the truth, I didn't think you would repel it."

That was truly a surprise. One could say it was completely unexpected. But Kaito wasn't just some inexperienced swordsman to be shocked by every move of his opponent.

That's some instincts he's got there.

It seems he had predicted Kaito's counter. That reaction speed could not be explained any other way. It was beyond the speed of humans.

However, it was not a problem even if he stopped a move. Kaito still had tricks up his sleeves.

"Here! I'll return the favor!"

Again, he swung down his sword just like before without any beauty, with the same speed and at the same place.

Obviously, that power was truly dreadful. There was no doubt that his wooden sword would get crushed if he received it upfront.

Even so, Kaito received it with his wooden sword. Was he not able to escape? No, this was Kaito's plan. If his counters were not going to work, then he didn't need to dodge the attacks.

The moment the two wooden swords clashed, before his wooden sword could break, Kaito moved his wrist, and changed the angle of the wooden blade with which he received the attack, and let the impact of the attack out.

Because of that, Kuraudo's wooden sword slid out and he lost his posture.

Dodge and receiving are just a part primitive defense mechanism. Martial arts exist on a higher level. It creates groundbreaking defensive techniques.

In other words, that was a deflection. It involves receiving the opponent's attack and then using that same attack's power to parry it off. With it the opponent floats; he loses his balance and a decisive opening is forcibly created. And this time for certain, Kaito seized that opening.

"Ha… ha…."

The moment when the judge, Ayase, confirmed the state of affairs―

This feeling….

After feeling the resistance from the strike, Kaito felt his heart throb.

…What is this feeling?

"As expected of Instructor! Your movements didn't seem like a sick person!"

"Father… amazing….! As expected, Father is amazing!"

The disciples raised their voices in delight after seeing him score the first point. To that, Kaito smiled at them concealing the inexplicable bad feeling that was welling up inside his heart, and then moved his gaze back towards the enemy.

Kuraudo was standing up while holding his side.

"Hahaha… As one would expect of the Last Samurai, this is the first time I've received such sharp blow. However… is this all you've got? ―If so, you'll die, old man."

Even after receiving the first strike, Kuraudo still did not lose his fighting spirit. The light in his eyes, still burning and hungry, pierced Kaito.

"As if. It starts from here on, brat."

"Good… then, I'll be coming at you seriously, too!"

While smiling like a brute, Kuraudo once again closed the distance by charging in with pure leg strength, and for the third time, swung his sword downwards.

He doesn't learn…! Such an amateurish move.

Certainly he predicted and parried the counter. Those moves were something. But, he just swings his attacks around with emotions and brute strength. That kind of sword play, with just power behind it, didn't pose any threat to an excellent swordsman.

I'll end it with this…!

Kaito, once again, took the stance for deflection with his sword at his left side. He'd deflect the attack, and finish it. Kaito, Ayase, who was watching from the side, and Sugawara, too, believed that.

At that moment, Kuraudo's wooden sword disappeared like mist.

Wha…!?

In that instant, the sound of Kaito's ribs breaking echoed inside the dojo.

※　※　※

Kaito fell down after being hit in the torso by Kuraudo's wooden sword. He violently convulsed, but Kuraudo got a fair point in, to which no one could complain about.

However, Ayase didn't have the composure to calmly announce the point, because on the floor, Kaito was suffering from lung hemorrhage while holding his side. The amount of blood being lost was excessive. It was obvious from one look that his internal organs had ruptured. Realizing that, Ayase ran over to Kaito with a pale face.

"Father! Are you all right!?"

"Don't come!"

But, Kaito, while still spewing blood, stopped Ayase who was approaching him with a loud and strong voice.

"The match has not ended yet…! If you can't judge fairly then step back!"

"This is not the time to be saying such things!"

"AYASE!"

Kaito, who was still spewing blood, shouted at Ayase who was still coming towards him, having ignored his words. Ayase was scolded and shouted at multiple times in the past, but this time it was entirely different. She felt fear, as though her heart was directly attacked. His shout was like a wild animal's roar.

"This is my battle! Don't interfere!"

"A… a… Fa… ther!?"

Ayase lost her standing at Kaito's serious shout that she had never heard before.

"Don't worry! …I'll definitely win!"

Kaito stood up while spilling blood from his mouth. His red eyes were fixated at just one point, towards Kuraudo. His burning fighting spirit seething.

"Here I come! Boyyyy!!!"

Kaito dashed.

"Haha! The result will be the same no matter how many times you try."

Kuraudo took him head on. For the third time their swords clashed. However, it was just one-sided now. Kaito had already suffered a fatal wound. With his offense and defense it was becoming clear that he had rusted due to not having held the sword for several years.

He was being pushed back. He was being pushed back mercilessly by random swings, which didn't contain even an ounce of beauty or technique and were only swung with pure, brute force. Now, he could not even attack, and he was just barely parrying the random attacks.

And, to deliver the ending blow to Kaito, now, whose entire body was covered in wounds, Kuraudo once again released the same attack that took one point from Kaito before. Aiming for the torso.

Kaito quickly took a defensive stance to that. A stance intending to receive the attack. However, just before clashing with Kaito's wooden sword, Kuraudo's wooden sword once again disappeared like mist and hit Kaito's body.

This time it was swung down on his skull.

It was incomprehensible. How did a sword, swung towards the torso, come from above the head. That action had probably surpassed the abilities of humans. Was it some kind of trick? They could not understand it. No one could tell what it was.

However, the wooden sword, which swung down, certainly existed above Kaito's head and mercilessly crushed his skull. Or so it was supposed to be.

"What!?"

That strike which was supposed to be the decisive blow didn't strike Kaito's skull and ended up falling towards his nape. The attack broke his collarbone. Kaito barely avoided it so that it won't become a point.

"Kuh…. You can't call this a point… boy!"

"Haha, you're just someone who failed to die! Don't struggle!"

After kicking Kaito in the stomach, and widening the distance between them, Kuraudo once again resumed his violent barrage of attacks. Even if an attack on the collarbone didn't count as a point, it didn't change the fact that it drained Kaito's stamina. Kaito's movements were now dulled to the point they were incomparable from before, and they lacked their usual brilliance, and then uncountable blows were delivered to Kaito.

The sharp attacks of the wooden sword broke his bones, cut his skin, and splashed his blood all over the dojo. Even then… even then, Kaito didn't let him hit the places that would give away the point. Even when his whole body was covered in blood, he still stood on his two legs and continued to fight.

…Why!?

Ayase could not comprehend Kaito's actions. It was obvious who was going to win. Even so, why didn't they stop fighting? Why didn't he surrender?

"Stop… stop already!"

Sounds of flesh being smashed echoed.　And every time they echoed, Kurauｄo's red-dyed wooden sword splattered blood.

"Hahahahahahahahahahahaha!"

Kuraudo, who was covered in blood, laughed. His laughter resounded.

Now, Kaito was just being hit around. It was no longer about victory or defeat, it was no longer about the match. Ayase broke into tears, and could no longer see what kind of expression Kaito was making or if he was even conscious at all.

If she didn't stop this.

If she didn't stop this.

If she didn't stop this, her father would be killed!

Ayase understood that, but, even so she could not move. Even when Kaito's blood soiled her clothes, and even when Kaito's teeth broke and got stuck to his cheek. She was not able to gather power in her waist because of Kaito's roar from before.

"Stop, please stop it! I don't need this dojo! Just please stop hitting Father!"

Ayase could only scream. But, Ayase's scream… didn't reach the two who were standing on the verge of death. Kaito still didn't surrender, and Kuraudo didn't stop swinging his sword.

"―"

In an instant, Kaito, whose entire body was covered in blood, unleashed a final strike. He aimed his wooden sword from between his eyes towards Kuraudo, and advanced.

"Ooooooooooooooooo!!!"

"!"

Did he sense something from the dying prey who could only defend pointer blows? Kuraudo's expression stiffened. But Kuraudo didn't retreat rather he swung his wooden sword down with all his might. He aimed for Kaito's head who was advancing towards him.

Even towards the nearing wooden swords that was tearing the air, Kaito didn't stop his advances. No, rather he did not even move his wooden sword that was held between his eyes, and he didn't take precaution towards the lighting like slash that's coming down from above.

It was suicidal attack. The meaning of that seemingly reckless conduct―

That stance is―!

Ayase knew it. That was the result of the Last Samurai Ayatsuji Kaito's entire life, the secret technique of Ayatsuji's sword. The only hidden technique capable of breaking this situation.

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But… there is no way Kaito, who had become weak due to illness and injured in the battle, would be able to use it.

"Ssstttttoooooooppppppppp!!!"

The merciless attack broke Kaito's skull and consciousness.

"Ah…."

The second point was taken. The moment that was settled, Kaito's body fell to the floor.

"Aaaaaaaa!!!"

Ayase ran towards Kaito, half crazed. She called out to him numerous times, but Kaito didn't respond. Kaito's mouth was just spilling out fresh blood.

"No, nooooo!"

"…Hmm, this is boring. This got settled pretty quickly."

With a *Clack*, Kuraudo threw the wooden sword he was using in front of Ayase. It was dyed dark from blood, and there were a few cracks here and there due to having broken so many bones. Upon seeing the state of the wooden sword, Ayase's consciousness got covered in red because of the amount of killing intent she was emitting. That hard wooden sword had continued to hit her father until it became like this.

"You fienddddd!!!"

Having lost all reason, Ayase charged towards Kuraudo after materializing Hizume.

But the arm that was about to swing Hizume was caught by Kuraudo and he easily lifted Ayase's body up.

"Don't lose your temper like that, I have no interest in weaklings."

"Let me go! Let me gooooo!"

"First of all, this isn't the time for you to go at it with me, am I right?"

After saying that, Kuraudo threw Ayase on top on Kaito's body.

"Tch!"

With that Ayase, too, remembered what she needed to prioritize and do.

"Sugawara-san! Ambulance! Call an ambulance! Hurry!"

"O-Okay!"

Ayase gave out orders to Sugawara who was standing in a corner of the dojo. Meanwhile Ayase franticaly tried to wake Kaito by calling out to him. After looking at those two with a cold and bored look, Kuraudo left the place, leaving a few words behind while departing.

"Pack up all of your luggage and leave. This place doesn't belong to you guys anymore."

Ayase gritted her teeth in bitterness. At that moment, Kaito let a sound resembling a moan from his chest.

"So…r…ry……."

"Father!"

She looked at Kaito, but he was still unconscious. He was just letting out words of apology like weak sighs.

Two years ago, on that day, Ayase had lost everything. The dojo's sign, its land, and everything else was stolen by Kuraudo… and she had not met with the other disciples ever since.

And, Kaito, too, having been cruelly beaten, had fallen into a coma. He had still not woken up. Kaito was still inside that nightmarish day, and… he still continued to apologize till this day.

Sorry, sorry.

To his disciples that he was not able to protect. And to Ayase because he let everything of the Ayatsuji single-blade style get stolen.

…Father might not able hold on until this winter.

That was the diagnosis that the doctor had given. She had already made up her resolve when his illness was diagnosed. She already understood it.

But she just couldn't allow herself to leave her father in that nightmare for eternity. That alone she could never allow. That's why in these past two years Ayase had challenged Kuraudo, who had become the new master of the dojo, numerous times. To reclaim the dojo that her father risked his life to protect.

However, there was no way that Ayase would be able to win against Kuraudo, whom even Kaito couldn't beat. Ayase was put down numerous times by Kuraudo who treated her like a kitten that was trying to play with a lion.

At first, he was having fun showing his comrades the sight of a pitiful woman who was desperately trying to defeat him. Maybe he got bored of it, but recently she was being turned down without being given a chance to face him. Now, the only way to fight him was for her to appear in the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival, and beat Kuraudo who would appear there, too.

Ayase and Kuraudo were both third years now. The limit of Kaito's life was approaching. The coming Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival would be her last chance. If she lost, her father's soul would forever be caught in the darkness of despair. She couldn't forgive that.

Then the only choice left was to use any means necessary to win. To get results. She would prioritize that above anything else. The means did not matter. She didn't think it was the right thing to do, but by no means was she wrong either. If the weak wanted to win against the strong, then he or she did not have the luxury to choose his or her ways. That was the reality.

"I will reclaim the dojo at all costs. Even if Kurogane-kun never forgives me."

…Then, finally, she could say to her father, who was wandering deep inside the despair, that it was fine now, and he didn't have to apologize anymore.

Once more, Ayase recalled everything and settled her feelings. She would no longer waver. She would no longer hesitate. Even if she couldn't boast to anyone.

She would win at any cost, and get the dojo back, because that was everything to Ayatsuji Ayase.

"Thank you for waiting! It's time, so we will be starting the first match in the sixth training arena! I, Isogai of the Broadcasting Club, along with Oreki Yuuri, a homeroom teacher of the first year, will be your commentators for this match! Oreki-sensei, you seem to be in a good condition today!"

"It's because it's still the first match~ I will become the same ol' Yuuri that everyone loves when we get to around the third or so match~ ♪ But, it's still good. I've got about a liter of blood in reserve~"

"I see! It seems there will be a rain of blood in the broadcasting corner again! Well then, everyone, we will carry out the awaited introductions of the participants!"

The female student of the Broadcasting Club began introducing the first player.

"First, in the blue corner, with his perfect games; having won ten out of ten matches, and the one who is now the center of attention, the F-Rank knight, Kurogane Ikki!"

The audience burst into cheers the moment Ikki showed up in the stadium. The fans who came to cheer the Failure Knight on were female students.

"The stadium got filled with shouts the moment he showed up! He has amazing popularity!"

"Kurogane-kun has lots of female fans―"

"Even though he is so strong despite being a F-Rank, it feels like he isn't being rewarded!"

"Does Sensei understand this feeling?"

"A little while ago no one took notice of him, and he was just a nobody who had repeated the same year, but after the changes in Hagun's system, he stood out after displaying his ability in actual combat and weaponry. Now, the Failure Knight is considered to be one possible candidate for the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival! What kind of fight will he show us today!? And, today the one facing him has appeared in the red corner! With the same splendid record of ten wins out of ten matches, and wishing for her eleventh victory, the D-Rank third year knight, Ayatsuji Ayase!"

After Ikki, Ayase appeared, her black hair fluttering.

"For some strange reason she is also from a house that practices the art of the sword, which is very rare these days, like the contender Kurogane. They both had won their every match with sword techniques. From the information provided by Kagami-san from the Wall Newspaper Club it seems that she is actually a disciple of contender Kurogane who had been giving her lectures! In other words, today's match is between a master and his disciple! Will the disciple be able to overcome her strong master!?"

"*Cough* This will become a critical moment for Ayatsuji-san."

"Yes. Unlike contender Kurogane who had fought off competitors like the Hunter and Runner's High, contender Ayatsuji had won against lower E-Rank knights. Realistically speaking she was extremely lucky to have continually won ten matches."

"What kind of Blazer is she~?"

"We have little to no information regarding contender Ayatsuji. We don't have any data because she didn't participate in last year's competitive matches even once, and like I said before, she had won her matches with sword skills alone this year. That is why we don't know what kind of ability she is hiding up her sleeves! The existence of the trump card that contender Ayatsuji is hiding will increase the excitement of this match! Well then, both of them are now on the starting line!"

The two of them faced each other with a distance of twenty meters between them in the middle of the ring that was about a hundred meters long. Like it had been announced a little while ago, both of them were comrades who had practiced the sword and had spent time together. But, at present, there was no longer such a relationship between them.

…Such a scary face.

Ayase thought, looking at Ikki's expression. She had never seen such a strict and grim expression on Ikki's face before. He was mad. At Ayase who had dirtied herself with a conduct called foul play that a martial artist should never lay his hands on.

But Ayase didn't feel sorry. Because she had already decided to walk down this path.

Rather… this is more convenient.

Ikki's mana had not completely recovered because of Ayase's preparations. He should not be able to use Ittou Shura anymore. On top of that, Ikki was clearly straining himself. That was not his usual posture, she could easily see that.

Anger robbed his composure, and lack of composure always connected to the decline of potential. Since the difference between them was obvious, she had to remove whatever was removable from Ikki's fighting power. That is why, this could be said to be a pleasant byproduct of her actions.

Furthermore… Ayase had a trap that could very well be called a trump card. She had already prepared it at dawn before the face off with Ikki.

Now that he has lost his composure, he might just jump into that trap.

"Now then, Everyone, please cheer them on! MATCH START!"

The moment the buzzer to start the match was hit―

"―!"

With the reaction speed of a sprinter, the swordsman with the black katana rushed towards Ayase. Bending his body low, a sprint like a gale that used his entire body's springs and not just leg strength. It was a complete surprise attack, raising the curtains of the match.

Ayase, who hadn't yet taken a good hold on the red Japanese sword Hizume, would not be able to counter it.

But, that was only if they were just swordsmen. The two of them were Blazers!

"You fell for it!"

Along with her voice, Ayase's device Hizume released a red light, resembling fresh blood, from the blade of her sword.

―Blood flew from Ikki's entire body.

"Guhh, ahhhhh!"

Ikki fell while shouting in pain. Upon examination, Ikki's entire body was covered in wounds made by long slashes.

"Wh, wha wha wha wha what was that just nowwwwww!? Suddenly contender Kurogane's body has been hacked up! Just what the heck happened!?"

"What!? What happened!? There is blood coming out of the Failure Knight!"

The audience was stirred by the sudden turn of events. No one understood what happened in that moment.

However, only a Blazer can do something like slice-and-dice an opponent who was far away. That was the ability of Ayatsuji Ayase's Device Hizume.

My ability is to open the wounds given by the blade of Hizume.

By manipulating the wounds given by her sword at will, her ability allowed her to make any kind of small wound into a fatal one. In other words it was an ability to deepen vital wounds.

However, this was only when it was used on humans. Her ability could also be used on the atmosphere. By manipulating the parts of the atmosphere that were cut by the blade of Hizume she could instantly, or after a certain time, create blades of vacuum.

That was her Noble Art, Mark of the Wind.

Before dawn, and before she went to meet with Ikki, Ayase had come to this sixth training arena, which was to become the stage for her match, and laid down the land mines of slashes by cutting up the entire ring with Hizume.

I've laid out more than a hundred of these marks all over the ring. Even if Kurogane-kun is a master in seeing through things, there is no way even he can defend against attacks that can't be seen! In reality, he just easily fell for one of my traps.

Of course, this was against the rules. It wouldn't be a problem if she marked around during the match, but it was completely against the rules to set up traps on the stage before the match had even begin.

But, because the kamaitachi couldn't be seen, it was hard to notice the trick. She was worried that Oreki, who was a mage knight, might be able to see through it. But Oreki still hadn't called off the match due to foul play. Then―

I can do this!

She had outwitted Oreki. Ayase certainly felt the attack hit.

The vacuum blades created by Mark of the Wind was a byproduct of conceptual magic. Honestly, it lacked the power to kill the opponent, and thus was not a decisive move. But a slash of Hizume was a different story. With Ayase's ability, the match would be decided if Ikki received even a scratch from the blade of Hizume, because she could make any kind of wound, no matter how small it was, and open up and tear the flesh until the bone to make it fatal.

In other words, Ayase's goal was to corner Ikki with Mark of the Wind and then slash him once with Hizume.

If I can do that, then I'll be able to win.

The problem was, when could she charge in to deliver the wound?

Ikki was no average swordsman. Ayase understood it the best due to directly taking classes from him. If she made one wrong move, she would be defeated instead. She had given him some damage with that surprise attack, but that didn't make him fall down, it only stopped his charge. He still had his guard up to at least fend off attacks even while he was wounded.

…That's why, it's too early. It can't be helped, and his actions would mean only one thing if Kurogane-kun doesn't charge at me now.

His charge had been stopped, and in return it ended up with him receiving heavy wounds. There was a breather for a while to reconfirm his emotions and posture. Then―

"Oh, contender Kurogane took a step back! Has he decided to retreat and reconfirm the situation before the unknown slash!?"

I'll aim for that!

"Gahhhh!?"

"Ahh!? How could this be? Contender Kurogane was slashed from behind this time! What is going on in that ring!?"

Ayase had created a prison out of slashes. There was nowhere to run. Ikki finally fell to his knees after suddenly being slashed from behind.

A complete opening, and that was for Ayase―

A once in a lifetime chance!!!

She would end it here; with that in mind, Ayase rushed forth towards Ikki.

"Contender Ayatsuji takes the offense the moment Contender Kurogane fell to his knees! This is bad! He won't be able to demonstrate his prized sword technique in that position!"

Ayase had the choice to drag out the battle since she had created the prison of slashes, but she was afraid.

Kurogane-kun was able to beat even that Hunter.

And he didn't just beat him. The important thing here was the fact that he managed to beat Hunter after receiving all of his attacks and even broke that famous Area Invisible.

In that fight Ikki was not able to see Hunter until the very end. Despite that, the Worst One still caught Hunter and defeated him. Ikki had frightening insight. With that it wouldn't be odd for him to trace Ayase's thoughts back and see through the places that had Marks of the Wind.

She wouldn't think about it if it was someone ordinary, but Kurogane Ikki just might do it. Even if she dragged out the match and chipped his stamina off little by little, it'd be bad if he managed to recover mentally during that.

The frightening part about the Worst One wasn't his physical strength but his mental power that supported his insight.

That's why―I'll charge in now! It'd be fine if I just hurt him a bit! The match would be decided with just that!

"Haaaaaaa!!!"

"And contender Ayatsuji fiercely attacks! Rush, rush, ruuuuush! She is raining down slashes by the scarlet blade at contender Kurogane, who is on his knees! Is blocking the attacks in that unstable position the best contender Kurogane can do!? Will he get sliced by the rain of slashes just like that!? …No!? Wh-What a thing! Contender Kurogane is completely defending against the rain of red slashes despite being at a disadvantage and in an unstable position with the blade of Intetsu! He is not letting even a single slash from the blade which keeps falling down on him from above pass!"

…Kuh…!

She couldn't reach him. Even though all she needed to do was scratch him a little bit, that little bit seemed so far away. Ayase was astonished at Ikki who was, despite being in a disadvantaged position, blocking all of her attacks by using techniques that relied on the wrists alone.

As expected… of the knight who was even called the Crownless Sword King by some. He wouldn't let her win easily. Moreover, Ikki stood up while blocking the rain of slashes.

"Haa!"

"Contender Kurogane, while blocking the sword strikes from his opponent in that position, stands up and finally counterattacks!"

He launched a wide and big slash to her head.

It wasn't Ikki's style to strike with power alone, but that was all a part of his plan.

―This was not a counterattack like the commentator had said.

Even if he was able to make a comeback, the rhythm that was lost because of receiving the attacks in that disadvantageous position wouldn't come back so simply. Ikki wished to create some distance, thus the wide swing. If his opponent dodged, it would obviously increase the distance between them, and even if the opponent received the attack it would still shake her off because of the power of the strike and distance would be created between them.

It'd be advantageous for Ikki no matter which of the two she chose. It was an attack with a plan behind it. However, Ayase had read that plan of his!

Here!

She read his movements and understood that this was a chance to win. Ayase's Ayatsuji single-blade style was a school that specialized in the counter by deflection.

It is normally impossible for someone of my level to actually counter a strike from a serious Kurogane-kun.

Ikki's swordsmanship was too agile. If she recklessly tried to make a move, she would be the one getting burned.

But this strike from above was a different matter altogether.

This intimidating strike was just to gain some distance from a glued opponent. Though it was violent and rough it didn't have that agility and sharpness.

If it was this strike, then even I can counter it.

She decided it in an instant. Ayase readied Hizume and slid the hammer-like strike outside. Simultaneously, Ayase put strength into her leg and moved her body forward, aiming for a counter. She passed by Ikki whose upper body was afloat and swung Hizume aiming for the torso.

I got him!

Ayase gained definite confidence in her judgment.

But―rather than getting the sensation of cutting abdominal flesh, what she felt was the resistance of having hit something hard.

He was able to guard it! Why!

Even though she had slid his blade to the side, how was he able to guard in that timing?

The answer lay in Ikki's hand.

He blocked Ayase's counter strike with Intetsu's hilt.

"Oooooooo! The moment when we thought he was countered, contender Kurogane blocked the counter with the hilt of his sword! What an amazing trick play!"

"Kurogane-kun used the same guard in his mock battle with Stella-chan. Guarding attacks, which couldn't be guarded with the blade, with the hilt. A defense that uses both the blade and the hilt, as always the cross range is impregnable."

…Kuh! Now that I think about it, Kurogane-kun was able to guard in this strange manner, too…!

Upon Oreki's explanation, Ayase clicked her tongue. What amazing power of concentration. But why is he able to maintain such concentration? Even though he had lost his composure―

"―!?"

Thinking about it, Ayase, who looked at Ikki's expression, was stunned.

His expression didn't contain even an atom of anger or impatience that he showed before. Ikki had regained his composure. He was looking over at Ayase with eyes so tranquil that it reminded one of a fountain that didn't create even a single ripple.

It can't be…. I was lured in…!?

Ayase reacted immediately to chills she felt on her back. She kicked off the ground and gained a considerable amount of distance from Ikki's attack zone. She was on guard thinking an attack from him would follow, but Ikki didn't chase her. Ayase was just standing still in one place but there were no attacks that followed her. She thought she was either under a misunderstanding or maybe she was being excessively cautious.

Either way, it's back to square one.

There were still many traps left. She didn't wish for a prolonged battle but it would be meaningless if she went for a decisive battle only to get bitten herself.

As she had thought, she had to be more careful next―

"…I am glad."

In that moment, the samurai with the black katana, who was her opponent, sighed as though he was relieved at something.

"Eh?"

Glad? About what? That she opened up distance between them? Ayase was trying to think hard about the meaning of those words.

"As I expected, Ayatsuji-san is a person just like how I imagined you to be."

Her thoughts froze before Ikki's smile that was filled with happiness.

There was a woman who wore a gentle smile upon hearing Ikki's words. She was his homeroom teacher, and she was one of the commentators and supervisors of this match. It was Oreki Yuuri.

This morning she was listening to Ikki for his reasons for damaging school property as his homeroom teacher.

"Sensei, in my match today, which Sensei will be supervising, my opponent will undoubtedly cheat."

"BU――!!!"

Oreki spurted out coffee and her nose started bleeding upon the sudden revelation.

"Wh, eh!? I'll stop my nosebleed; meanwhile, please explain yourself!"

There, Oreki heard all about the incident between Ayase and Ikki, which occurred last night. That Ayase called Ikki out. After calling him out, how she jumped down from the roof to reduce Ikki's strength. About how he broke the school building using his ability to save her.

"Su-Such a thing happened…?"

If this story was true then it would be a red card. Expulsion would be bit far-fetched, but this act would definitely remove her from matches.

"Bu-But how do you know that she will cheat in the match?"

"…When she severed the fence she was not doing anything, but I definitely heard the sound of a long sword in that moment. By deducing from that, though I don't know the exact mechanism behind it, I think Ayatsuji-san's ability is positioning slashes at various places, which can be fired off randomly. If she has that kind of ability then it won't be a mistake to assume that she has probably placed traps all over the sixth training ground where the match is going to take place today. After all, she tried to fake a suicide to kill my trump card, and for sure, she will use any means necessary to defeat me in the match."

"Well of course, for someone who did such a thing, I don't think she will use fair play in the essential match…. Mu mu mu~ but attempted suicide and obstruction… those are, in fact, big problems you know."

"But, with just my testimony it won't count as proof, right?"

"Yeah. Sensei trusts Kurogane-kun, but due to my own circumstances I won't be able to move with just a testimony. But, I got the big picture. Sensei will be on the lookout, too. If I find any signs of foul play I'll stop the match immediately. So you can relax now, Kurogane-kun."

"No, please don't call off the match for foul play."

Blood gushed out from Oreki's nose again. Oreki, while feeling anemic and extremely dizzy, blocked her nose with tissue and asked Ikki.

"Eh? What, what do you mean? I completely don't understand what you're saying!? Then, why did you tell me about this here and now?"

"If you asked me about the reason why I broke the school building, I'd have no choice but to tell you. Furthermore, even if Oreki-sensei didn't hear this from me you would have probably noticed Ayatsuji-san's foul play, and when you did, you would stop the match immediately. But… I don't want you to stop the match."

"Why!? If foul play really does occur, then Kurogane-kun will win by default due to Ayatsuji-san's forfeit. You do understand how important it is to win just a single match in this representative selection contest, don't you?"

"Yes, I do. If I don't remain undefeated, I probably won't be selected as a representative."

"Yes, to be blunt, from your current development, if you don't attain a complete victory you won't be selected as the representative. You understand that, and yet you wish for me not to call off the match for foul play?"

"Yes, please don't, Sensei."

Oreki couldn't comprehend it, because Ikki should be craving for victory more than anyone. Oreki knew Ikki from the time when he took his entrance exam, since she was the one responsible for his entrance exam. She had never seen a student with as strong a determination and sense of purpose as Ikki's.

Oreki was greatly saddened because someone like him had wasted an entire year because of the irrationality of the world of adults. Then, the school system had changed and he had finally gotten an equal chance this year. He should want to win even if he had to use underhanded methods. Despite that, why was he lowering his head for someone who broke the ultimate taboo as a knight against him?

"…Won't you tell me the reason?"

"Because I want to believe."

"…You want to believe?"

"Yes…. I had always been thinking from the time I met her during midnight. As a friend told me, if I cut my ties with her here and now, I'll surely win the match due to her foul play. But would that really be alright? I thought again and again but I couldn't find an answer… but I understood one thing clearly."

"What is it?"

"My feeling that I don't want to cut ties with her…. That is why I thought I will believe until the very end that Ayatsuji-san has been cornered by something and due to that she has lost sight of herself."

Ikki knew. Whenever she got closer to her father's sword by a slight margin she would merry around happily like a small child. Ikki knew that smile of Ayase. Ayase's words from her saying how she loved his hands which had roughened from wielding a shinai. He could not believe all of that was a lie.

"That's why I've decided. I would believe the usual Ayatsuji-san and not the one I saw last night."

When people are desperate they become blinder than they think, to the point where they lose sight of themselves. Ikki knew that because he had experienced it himself. And the only thing that could save people like that were words from someone they held dear.

That was why, if Ayase was like him who, at the time, was not able to hear the cries of his own heart due to being too desperate, then―

"I want to help her. That's why, Sensei, please allow me this last chance to confirm her true intentions."

…Good grief, there is no knight who will be able to refuse after hearing something like that.

Always be with justice. Be honest even against your enemy. An ideal self that everyone aiming to be knights dream about.

Oreki was the same, that is why she accepted Ikki's request. Of course she saw through Ayase's foul play at the first glance but she didn't call off the match., because she had decided to leave the match and the heart of the lone girl to him.

She would not interfere. Oreki silently watched over Ikki.

Do help her, your precious friend―

To be frank, everything was in the palm of Ikki's hand from the start. He already knew there were traps set all over the ring. He had already seen through the fact that she did not want to prolong this battle. That was the reason Ikki jumped towards the slashes of his own free will to make her go on the offensive, aiming for a decisive battle.

All of that… was to talk with Ayase through clashing their swords.

I should have done this from the start.

Ikki smiled bitterly at his own foolishness.

Ah yes, that's right, there is no way a man like him, who couldn't even recognize the feelings of the one closest to him, his lover, for an entire month, could ever understand Ayase with words alone. In the end, he only had the sword. He could only understand the true feelings of other people through the sword.

But, now, with certainty, Ikki saw Ayase's true feelings.

"I am glad…. As I expected, Ayatsuji-san is how I imagined you to be."

"…What do you mean?"

"I meant, Ayatsuji-san was not someone who could act like nothing happened after doing something wrong."

"…I was wondering what you'd say… ahahaha. After being beaten to a pulp, you sure have some nerve to say such nonsense. Isn't this a bit too much? No matter what, aren't you being too much of a nice guy?"

Ayase glared into Ikki's eyes, talking and scorning in the same manner as she did last night on the rooftop. But―

"It's not nonsense."

Ikki wouldn't be deceived by that false expression anymore, because swords didn't lie.

"Your sword play, steps, rhythm, breathing, every single thing is messed up. Forget about what I taught you, you aren't even able to perform what you already knew from before. Even the execution of a counter, which is your specialty, is shaky. That's why it was parried with such ease. You can't deceive your soul no matter how much you try to make yourself look bad in your head. Swordsmanship is made up of heart, technique, and body. There won't be any real power in a sword if your heart wavers…. Ayatsuji-san, you're a proud person, more so than you think yourself."

"I-It's nothing like that!"

Upon Ikki's deduction, Ayase suddenly raised the volume in her voice.

"I am not wavering! I experienced it two years ago! It doesn't matter how proudly you fight. If you lose, everything will be over! There is no meaning in mere pretty words that won't bring any results! Because you can't protect if you don't win! That's why I'll use any means necessary to win! No matter what methods I have to use I'll win, and take everything back!"

Rather than being a rebuttal against Ikki, those were words meant to persuade herself. Ikki understood that. By becoming that desperate she was closing her ears to the scream of her heart. Just like his past self.

"…Then, there is only one thing left for me to do."

That was to let her hear the scream of her own heart. That was the only thing to do now. That's why Ikki pointed the tip of Intetsu towards Ayase.

"With my weakest I'll make you regain your pride."

So he declared.

"Ooh! Contender Kurogane lowered his upper body! Just like in the beginning, it's the attack stance! Even after receiving those mysterious slashes there is no sign of nervousness on his face! The Worst One plans on attacking! It can't be that he already saw through the mysterious slashes!?"

Ayase immediately reacted to that action. She stepped back to further the distance. Her reaction had composure, but her mind was greatly discomposed.

I am in the wrong!? Scream of my heart!?

What kind of blabber is that? There is no way such a thing is possible.

No matter what I have to do, I just have to take back the dojo to relieve Father!

She was not wavering, nor trying to deceive herself. Ikki was just trying to lead her astray. Ayase strongly persuaded herself with those words and tried to avoid thinking deeply.

―If you say that much, then very well, I'll end this match with the same mistake you talked about!

The distance she had created by back-stepping was thirty meters. And in between was the minefield of slashes. She had completely memorized the speed of Ikki's charge in the beginning. Next time she'd be able to activateMark of the Wind with more lethal timing!

"Here I come, Ayatsuji-san."

In that instant, Ikki raised his upper body and ran forward!

Here!

Upon that action, Ayase opened the wounds of Mark of the Wind that were in front of Ikki. The gap in the atmosphere that suddenly opened was the guillotine of vacuum that cut everything it touched. He wouldn't come out unscratched if it touched him. But―

"Wha―!?"

Kurogane Ikki's body rushed forward like a bullet, incomparable to the speed he showed in the beginning, and left Ayase's blade behind before the vacuum opened. ―That super-speed was the same as Ittou Shura!

"What speed! Contender Kurogane finally uses his trump card Ittou Shura!"

Wh, why!? That trump card should have been sealed…!

Oreki's voice reached a baffled Ayase.

"Well, that is not Ittou Shura―"

"Eh? Is that true, Oreki-sensei?"

"That is just like everyone, he is only speeding mana emission."

Mana emission!

Ayase realized her mistake at those words.

Mana emission was to release one's mana to accelerate and enhance oneself. It was an enhancement technique that many other Blazers used unconsciously. Of course, Ayase used it as well.

"Kurogane-kun doesn't have much mana unlike other students, so if he uses it like this he will run out of mana after using it once or twice. That is why he doesn't use it normally. But, 'does not use it' is different from 'not being able to use it'. He probably, for some reason, can't use Ittou Shura this time. That's why I think he is using this as a replacement."

As Oreki had said, 'does not use it' is different from 'not being able to use it'. Normally Ikki 'does not use it' because he doesn't have much mana. But, now since the amount of mana required to use Ittou Shura will not recover in time, he doesn't have a reason not to use mana emission to enhance himself. That's why he used it. By releasing all of his existing mana, although only once, he was able to produce speed that was not inferior to Ittou Shura!

I was too concerned about Ittou Shura!

What a fatal mistake. Ikki had already stepped into a range where his sword can cut her by using just a single super-speed step.

Mark of the Wind wouldn't make it in time.

She was completely outwitted mentally.

However, this isn't the end!

He had broken into her range. She could not avoid a clash of swords. But only just once, she had to endure this clash with all she had and open the distance between them once more! Then, Ikki's mana would have run out. He wouldn't be able to perform a bullet-like start then.

My chance of winning exists there! I have to overcome this clash at all costs!

Ayase swung Hizume while screaming intensely, and slashed at Ikki who was before her eyes―

That blade slashed through empty air.

"―Eh…."

Ikki was, for sure, before her eyes―

Ayase's slash, which was swung with all her might, had only scratched the tip of Ikki's nose, while he was running towards her. It didn't reach him. Had she miscalculated the distance between them? No. Certainly, Ikki was within the range of her sword. But, that Ikki disappeared like a mirage, and another Ikki from behind him was running towards her.

Ayase blanked out. She could no longer understand what was going on. But that confusion was not meaningless. This was one of original techniques Kurogane Ikki possessed, a technique rivaling the seventh secret sword, Raikou. With radical footwork he creates an afterimage before himself while running to confuse the distance between him and his opponent.

"Fourth secret sword―Shinkirou[1]."

At that moment, the blade of Intetsu swung with all of his might slashed through air and Ayase.

"It's overrrrr! Contender Kurogane's attack was a clean hit!"

Upon the voice, which dislodged from the accumulation of scenes, the audience, too, raised loud cheers.

"Contender Ayase has fallen to the ground! However she is not bleeding…! What is going on…?"

"*Cough, cough*…Yes, that is because he changed his device into Illusionary Form the moment before slashing her."

"Then, does that mean she only got exhausted and did not necessarily received a fatal blow?"

"Yes, that is correct."

"But why did he do such a thing? Does it mean that he does not want to hurt women?"

"That's not true. I was slashed by him in the past. Probably, from the start he was just aiming to tire her out… because this time around, wining is not Kurogane-kun's only goal."

Oreki whispered to herself, and looked down upon the ring.

The fallen Ayase was trying to get up by putting strength into her limbs. Ayase, while trembling, raised her head and glared at Ikki who was standing before her.

"…What are you… trying to do here…?"

"About what?"

"Don't play dumb… why are you not cutting me down…!?"

"I don't have to. Ayatsuji-san can't fight anymore."

Making fun of me…!

She was made light of. Thinking of that action as insult Ayase flexed her limbs. One does not receive any physical damage if she is cut by a Device in Illusionary Form. Only her stamina gets depleted. Ayase had confidence in her stamina, to the point where she can easily keep up with Ikki and Stella on their morning runs. A fatigue of this level did not mean anything to her.

"…Huh?"

That's how it should have been… but she could not feel any power in her body.

"…Why…?"

She had to stand up, she had to win this fight, or else everything will be over. She won't be able to save her father…. Why, why?

My heart… was it this cold?

Her heart wasn't stirring. She couldn't feel her fighting spirit to stand up once more by mustering the last of her strength.

Ayase realized upon feeling that fact. That her soul was rejecting such a fight which didn't have pride in it.

I see…. This is the scream of my heart….

When people were cornered, they were only able to stand back up because they have pride within their hearts. That they could still do it. That they should still do it. Not to give up. They encouraged themselves like that.

Ayase, too, had been doing so all along. No matter how hard the training was, no matter how much her hands got blistered, she was able to endure it all because she had pride in herself who wielded the sword of Ayatsuji.

But… for the Ayase who rejected that same pride….

"…It's just as Kurogane-kun said."

She no longer had the power to stand up.

"…It's my loss."

"Wow, there is the surrender sign from contender Ayatsuji! The match ends with this~~! As expected, it was the Worst One, contender Kurogane, who won! With this, contender Kurogane has eleven consecutive wins! The eleven consecutive wins he earned by defeating famous people like Hunter and Runner's High! We can now say it with confidence that he will be a representative for the Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival!"

Glancing over the excited cheers of the audience, Ayase let out a dry laugh.

"So uncool… forget about abandoning it, I couldn't even maintain it…."

The words that came out of her mouth were meant as a sneer at her own half-hearted self.

But, that sneer―

"You are not uncool."

Ikki rejected it strongly.

"Eh…?"

"You wandered, were mistaken, and in the end lost sight of yourself, but you had not thrown it away yet, and that is Ayatsuji-san's strength."

And Ikki asked while extending his hand to the fallen Ayase.

"Ayatsuji-san, please tell me… what was taken away from you by that Sword Eater? What was it that pushed you so far?"

"What do you plan to do after hearing something like that…."

"I'll get it back."

There was not even a bit of hesitation or falsehood in those words. If Ayase relied on him, Ikki would fight for her without any hesitation. She understood that, and precisely because she understood it that, she said―

"…I cannot tell you, because it doesn't have anything to do with Kurogane-kun after all."

She could not let him fight against such a monster. She could not let such a kind man get hurt because of someone half-hearted like herself.

Father is enough. I can't let such a thing happen to him too.

That was why Ayase was concealing everything. But―

"Then, I'll just investigate the matter."

"Eh?"

"I'll investigate everything by following you around and researching you."

"Wha, what are you saying…."

"I'll inquire about everything, and get everything back for you. Ayatsuji-san, too, stalked me before, so we'll be equal with this. Thus, I have no reason to listen to your complaints, do I?"

Incomprehensible. What "we'll be equal with this"…? This was not balancing debt, just increasing it.

"…Why…?"

Ayase couldn't stop the trembling in her voice, nor could she stop the miserable tears.

"Even though I betrayed Kurogane-kun…. Even though I did such horrible things…. Why… are you trying to help me?"

Ayase asked with a trembling voice. Ikki's answer was filled with clarity.

"I don't need a reason to wipe my friend's tears."

"…!"

For a moment Ikki's figure overlapped with Kaito's in Ayase's eyes. The figure of her father that climbed the stage of battle for the sake of his apprentice. Ikki was the same as him. Even if he was spat on or jeered on, he would not take out his sword for things trivial like those. But, if his precious comrades are hurt, he would not hesitate in the slightest to draw his sword.

Ah…. Yeah, that's how it was….

Since when had she lost sight of it? This, right here, was the figure she had been chasing so badly after in that dojo. Ayase looked at her own hands. They were blistered hands that couldn't be said to be pretty even as flattery. Just like her father and Ikki, they were the hands of a swordsman.

That's right, I just wanted to be a cool swordsman like Father. That's why I wielded the sword.

She was confronted by Kuraudo's violent strength just once, and lost the sight of herself in the impatience of trying get the dojo back. Where her pride was, Ayase had finally remembered that and squeezed her hands, strongly.

At that moment, Ayase's heart finally decided.

"…Kurogane-kun… please help me… !"

The thing she should do now was not to go against the teachings of her father, and betray her own pride and bask in self-pity like a damsel in distress. It was to ask this gentle yet strong boy for his help, and believe in his victory.

That's why Ayase took Ikki's extended hand.

"I just wanted to hear those words."

Upon those words, Ikki smiled like he was really happy and strongly gripped Ayase's hand.

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