"The Match Begins"
The long Hagun Academy representative selection tournament finally reached its final round.
Twelve undefeated contestants, after more than ten matches, would compete for the six spots in the Seven Star Sword Festival.
The most anticipated match was undoubtedly the one between the 〈Worst One〉 and 〈Raikiri〉.
Ikki Kurogane was already a prominent figure at Hagun Academy.
Since the selection tournament began, he, as an F-rank sword master, had defeated top-ranked sword masters like 〈Hunter〉 .
He'd continued winning, effortlessly defeating opponents with higher ability values.
As Kurogane Itsuki had worried, many saw Ikki Kurogane as an idol.
The espionage incident further pushed him into the spotlight. Many were watching his final match.
His opponent was the academy's strongest, Touka Toudou; everyone was eager to see if Ikki Kurogane could create another miracle.
Drake defeated his opponent in three seconds, securing his spot. He went to Ikki Kurogane's match, waiting for him.
This match was highly anticipated; the arena was full; Drake couldn't find a seat.
Kurono Shinguuji saw Drake and gestured him to the stands below.
"I thought you'd wait at the entrance with Kurogane Shizuku."
Drake shook his head. "No need! Shizuku told Ikki; I'll wait here!"
Nene Saikyo fanned herself. "You two are close!"
Nene Saikyo understood the friendship between Drake and Ikki Kurogane; it was like hers with Kurono Shinguuji.
An unpleasant voice interrupted.
"You're quite relaxed."
They looked; they showed their dislike; the voice belonged to someone unwelcome.
Akaza Mamoru, in a red suit, his body like a wine barrel, approached, wiping sweat.
"The weather is hot today!"
Nene Saikyo said sarcastically, "Red Raccoon, what brings you here?"
Akaza Mamoru ignored her, smiling. "Don't be so aggressive! It's not me; it's this master! I met him; he asked me to guide him.
Ah… Master, this way!"
They saw an elderly man behind Akaza Mamoru.
Akaza Mamoru's respect was understandable; the short old man in a hakama was a prominent figure.
"Finally found you! This academy is huge! I'm lost!"
The old man seemed like a lost old man, but no one would mistake him for an ordinary person.
"Hey! Old geezer!"
Nene Saikyo reacted strongly; she knew him well—her master, Japan's oldest sword master, the 92-year-old 〈Fighting God〉, Nangou Torajirou.
"Hohoho! My favorite disciple still has a sharp tongue; that's what makes you cute!"
Nene Saikyo was called "walking public indecency" by Kurono Shinguuji, but she was like a shy girl.
"Cu… cute, di… disgusting! Stop being mushy!"
Nangou Torajirou turned to Kurono Shinguuji. "Kurono, long time no see; last time, you were pregnant. How was the delivery?"
Kurono Shinguuji smiled. "Thanks to you!"
Nangou Torajirou looked at Drake.
"You're the kid from Shinryuu Temple!"
Drake nodded. "Yes, thank you for your care!"
Nangou Torajirou waved his hand. "I received much care from the Elder; this is just repayment.
Is the Elder well?"
Drake replied, "He's healthy; his voice is strong when scolding people!"
Nangou Torajirou laughed. "I've been scolded by him; I understand your hardships!"
Nangou Torajirou was called Master for a reason; his age represented decades of experience and wisdom.
He quickly bonded with Drake.
Kurono Shinguuji asked, "Why are you here, Master Nangou?"
Nangou Torajirou said, "To see Touka's match… I could watch at the Seven Star Sword Festival, but her opponent is 'Kurogane'; I have to see this!"
Touka Toudou, like Nene Saikyo, was Nangou Torajirou's disciple. Her Raikiri combined Nangou Torajirou's "Otogiri" swordsmanship with her ability.
Nangou Torajirou and the Kurogane family had a deep connection.
Decades ago, Nangou Torajirou and Kurogane Ryuma (later called the "Great Hero") rose to prominence among Japanese sword masters.
They competed, fought together, and gained fame. They were comrades and rivals.
Knowing his disciple would duel his rival's descendant, Nangou Torajirou had to see the result.
"But! Master Nangou, today's match might be interrupted!"
Akaza Mamoru interrupted, changing everyone's expression!
"What?" Kurono Shinguuji raised an eyebrow; Akaza Mamoru's malice felt ominous.
The arena's announcer spoke.
"Ikki Kurogane and Touka Toudou's match is starting. But Ikki Kurogane hasn't arrived at the preparation room!
If he doesn't arrive within ten minutes, he'll forfeit."
"Didn't Director Akaza say he'd come with Ikki and refused our greeting?" Kurono Shinguuji's anger was barely contained.
Akaza Mamoru grinned. "Oops! I forgot! Sorry! The branch isn't far; he can take the train!"
With malice, he added, "Unless he's too ill to make it!"
'Damn it! I was careless!'
Kurono Shinguuji regretted trusting Akaza Mamoru!
She hadn't expected Akaza Mamoru to be so despicable. Ikki Kurogane was already ill; he used this underhanded tactic.
Kurono Shinguuji raised her fist, about to attack.
Nene Saikyo stopped her. "Kurono, don't rush! Ikki accepted the duel; we watch it end.
We'll deal with him later!"
Nene Saikyo's tone was murderous, but she calmed Kurono Shinguuji.
Drake admired Akaza Mamoru; he could smile with two former world third-rankers glaring at him.
Drake felt their killing intent. They wouldn't let him off, regardless of the result!
Nangou Torajirou looked at Drake. "You don't seem worried; aren't you friends with the Kurogane kid?"
Drake smiled. "I believe he won't be defeated; he'll arrive and win."
Drake's expectation wasn't wrong; minutes later, the announcer declared Ikki Kurogane's arrival. The match was about to begin.
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