Chapter 96: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [96]
Kamisato Ayaka felt conflicted.
Just a moment ago, she had only slightly lost her balance. As a swordsman of Kei Den level, there was no way she would have actually fallen.
Yet, just as she was about to regain her footing, Luo Qing's hand had reached out and wrapped around her waist, holding her steady and preventing her from turning.
He had held her quite firmly—so much so that she could feel his strength through her clothes.
Could it be... Mr. Luo Qing did it on purpose?
Ugh...
"No harm done."
Luo Qing pretended as if nothing had happened, turning to address the onlookers.
"What I demonstrated just now was the first form of the Breath of Thunder technique—'Thunderclap and Flash.' This is what you'll all be learning over the next month. I hope you'll all be able to master it and make it your own."
Aside from Teresa and Kujou Sara, everyone in the crowd looked stunned.
The faint golden lightning that had crackled around Luo Qing as he drew his sword, the sheer power of that single strike—it left them all speechless.
If they could master that technique, their sword skills would improve dramatically.
Excitement spread across their faces.
Luo Qing then turned back to Kamisato Ayaka with a look of approval.
"Miss Kamisato Ayaka, your swordsmanship is quite impressive. From today onward, you'll be our class representative. Do your best, alright?"
"Huh...?"
"M-Master, what does 'class representative' mean...?"
"It means you're the senior student of the class~."
"Oh... um..."
Ayaka bowed her head, feeling a bit embarrassed.
Meanwhile, the other young swordsmen present had caught on.
It was obvious that Master Luo Qing had a thing for the Kamisato heiress, which was why he kept focusing on her!
But the Kamisato heiress didn't seem to mind. In fact, she looked a bit shy...
Could it be that the two of them were actually...?
Curiosity was in human nature, and as the crowd speculated on their relationship, Luo Qing made a grand gesture, signaling Teresa to bring up the large case.
Under everyone's gaze, Teresa reluctantly opened the case, assembling the giant phonograph and placing it on the platform.
"Alright, everyone! Line up in four rows!"
Luo Qing's command had the crowd quickly falling into formation, mirroring their earlier positions.
"As the ancients say, 'A healthy body is the foundation of revolution.'"
Standing tall on the stage, Luo Qing declared seriously, "Before we begin formal training, it's crucial to start with some daily warm-up exercises. Miss Teresa, my assistant, will now lead you in a warm-up routine!"
He gave Teresa a meaningful look.
[+1 Frustration Value from Teresa]
Understanding his command, Teresa stepped forward, her face troubled, and spoke loudly to the crowd.
"Everyone, follow along with me. I'll demonstrate each move one by one."
With the crowd's eyes on her, Teresa hit the play button on the phonograph.
Suddenly, the Tenryou Commission's courtyard was filled with an upbeat, catchy tune.
"Thump~ thump-thump-thump~ thump-thump-thump-thump, the vast horizon is my love~ the flowers bloom at the foot of the endless green mountains~ what's the rhythm that's the most groovy~?"
"..."
Except for Teresa and Luo Qing, everyone—including Kamisato Ayaka—looked utterly bewildered as they stared at Teresa.
Kujou Sara, who stood in the corner, furrowed her brow and shot a questioning, bewildered look at Luo Qing.
In response, Luo Qing merely smiled, his expression saying, Everything's under control, before stepping forward with a warm smile.
"Don't just stand there, everyone! Move along with Miss Teresa~."
He raised his voice.
"Oh, and by the way, Kujou Sara just said that if you don't follow my instructions, you'll be in trouble~."
The crowd froze, turning their gaze to Kujou Sara.
She remained silent, pretending not to notice, effectively confirming Luo Qing's statement.
"..."
[+1 Frustration Value from Kamisato Ayaka]
[+1 Frustration Value from Umekawa Koko]
[+1 Frustration Value from Shibizai Oji]
[+1 Frustration Value from Zaou Keiko]
...
[Total Frustration Value Earned: 40]
...
Seeing the notification from his system, Luo Qing smiled.
The group had forty students, and he had a full month. If he kept them busy with enough activities—like leading them out to perform group dances in Hanamizaka—he would have no trouble squeezing out more frustration points.
Adding these to his current thirty pulls, a month's time should be enough to get that resurrection armor.
Though it would be a bit tough on Miss Kamisato Ayaka...
Now that he had the Shogunate's tacit approval, the students had no choice but to follow along.
They had no other option but to mimic Teresa's movements and begin the dance.
Standing at the center of the first row, as the heiress of the Kamisato Clan and a prominent figure in the Yashiro Commission, Ayaka had no choice but to comply. She followed Teresa's lead, her movements a bit clumsy.
Ayaka was not much of a dancer. Even with something as simple as a group dance, her moves were a bit stiff compared to the others.
Meanwhile...
Luo Qing stood on the platform, pretending to scan the crowd. In reality, his eyes kept drifting back to Kamisato Ayaka.
Seeing her trying so hard to keep up—her serious yet adorably awkward attempts to follow along—made his heart melt.
If it weren't for the public setting, he would've pulled out a camera and snapped dozens of pictures of her.
But after watching for a while, Luo Qing felt like something was missing.
Observing the enthusiastic but awkwardly clad dancers, he finally realized what was off.
He approached Kujou Sara, speaking quietly.
"Miss Kujou Sara, didn't the Shogun order you to fulfill my reasonable requests?"
"Hmm?"
Kujou Sara looked him up and down, feeling a sense of foreboding at the intense look in his eyes.
"Yes, the Shogun did say that—as long as it's reasonable."
"Well, you see..."
Luo Qing pointed to the crowd on the training ground, who were still dancing awkwardly. He spoke with all seriousness.
"Don't you think they're missing something?"
"Missing... what?"
Kujou Sara was confused.
"A proper set of workout clothes!"
"...?"
"Look at them. Their kimonos are way too loose. It's not practical for dancing at all."
Luo Qing explained earnestly, "I heard there's a tailor shop in Hanamizaka called Ogura Textiles that can make custom outfits. How about you go order some for me?"
"..."
Kujou Sara's expression darkened. She had a million complaints running through her mind, but she didn't know where to start.
Was the Shogun's order for him to teach them group dancing? And now he wanted custom workout clothes?
Could he be any more outrageous?
"It's only reasonable to get them proper attire for training, right?"
Luo Qing added.
"..."
He had a point, and Kujou Sara found herself at a loss for words.
---
Thanks for reading! Let me know if you spot any mistakes or inconsistencies!
If you wish to support me or read ahead here's a link! [patreon.com/WiseTL]
Chapter 97: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [97]
"Does that mean you agree, Miss Kujou?"
Luo Qing's eyes sparkled with excitement as he rubbed his hands together. "How about we go to Ogura Textiles right now to discuss the details?"
"..."
"There's no need. I'll handle it myself," Kujou Sara replied, trying to remain composed. "Luo Qing, you should focus on teaching the sword techniques."
Watching Luo Qing's enthusiasm, Kujou Sara couldn't understand why the Shogun tolerated him so much—even overlooking his trespassing into Tenshukaku.
"No, no, the essence of workout clothes can't be conveyed with just a few words. I have to go with you, Miss Kujou," Luo Qing insisted.
"And what about things here? Aren't you going to oversee your students, Mr. Luo Qing?"
"Ah, don't worry about it. It's all part of my grand plan."
Luo Qing waved dismissively and led Kujou Sara out of Tenshukaku, heading for Hanamizaka.
As they walked away, the young swordsmen left behind at the training grounds continued practicing the odd group dance with Teresa leading them. Confusion clouded their thoughts.
These were some of Inazuma's most talented swordsmen, yet here they were, dancing to this bizarre music.
Could it be that this guy had no intention of teaching them real sword techniques and was just messing with them?
...
Meanwhile, Luo Qing had only two goals in mind: to draw the revival armor from the gacha and to see Kamisato Ayaka in workout clothes!
Ignoring the cold expression on Kujou Sara's face, Luo Qing led her to the entrance of Ogura Textiles.
Due to the Sakoku Decree, Ogura's sources of fabric had dwindled, leading to a drop in customers.
When the owner, Miss Ogura, saw a stranger entering with the Kujou Clan's eldest daughter, she rushed out with a respectful bow.
"Miss Kujou, how can I assist you today?"
"Ask him. I'm just here to accompany him," Kujou Sara replied, nodding toward Luo Qing before stepping aside.
She had little interest in fashion, and her role here was only to cover the expenses.
"And what may I call you, sir?" Miss Ogura asked, directing her attention to Luo Qing.
"Luo Qing will do."
While answering, Luo Qing took a look around at the shop's various clothes and fabrics.
"I heard you can do custom orders here?"
"Yes! What kind of outfit do you have in mind, Mr. Luo Qing?"
"Hmm..."
Luo Qing thought for a moment. It was difficult to describe the essence of workout clothes with words alone. So he asked Miss Ogura, "Do you have a pen and some paper? I'll draw it for you."
"Certainly, one moment."
Miss Ogura quickly fetched some design paper and a pen from the counter, handing them to Luo Qing.
Taking a seat, Luo Qing began to sketch, relying on his memory to capture the image he had in mind. Thanks to his previous experience in intelligence work, drawing was a necessary skill, and soon enough, he completed his sketch.
Miss Ogura took the sketch, and her eyes widened.
On the paper, a girl with neat bangs was dressed in sky-blue, form-fitting shorts, revealing her pale thighs. Her tight white top clung to her figure, accentuating her curves, with a small navel peeking out from beneath the fabric.
Huh...
Miss Ogura's face flushed slightly.
She thought to herself that Mr. Luo Qing's taste in clothing was... unique.
"This is just the design for the girls. The fabric should be breathable and absorb sweat. Do you think you can make it?" Luo Qing asked calmly.
"Y-Yes, that's not a problem!" Miss Ogura stammered, then asked, "When do you need them ready by, Mr. Luo Qing?"
"No rush, I haven't even drawn the boys' design yet."
Luo Qing waved his hand and quickly sketched a more casual and less detailed version of workout clothes for the boys.
He wasn't interested in how they looked, so the design was relatively simple.
"By the way, Miss Kujou, how many students do we have in total?" Luo Qing inquired.
"Fourteen girls, twenty-six boys," Kujou Sara answered without hesitation.
"Alright, fourteen sets for the girls and twenty-six for the boys. Miss Ogura, how soon can you have them ready?"
"F-Forty outfits...?" Miss Ogura's voice faltered. She had never received such a large order before.
"Although it's not a huge quantity, forty outfits will still take time... It might take about two weeks?"
Luo Qing shook his head. "That's too long. Can you do it in a week?"
"Well..."
Miss Ogura glanced at the design of the revealing outfit for the girls, thinking of the rent she still hadn't paid this month. Steeling herself, she said, "I... I can manage! But if you want it expedited, Mr. Luo Qing, it will cost extra!"
"Money isn't an issue. We'll come back to pick them up in a week, then?"
"Yes... Yes!" Miss Ogura agreed, feeling a sense of determination.
Completing forty outfits in a week might just cause her sewing machine to overheat, but she had no choice. It was the only way to keep her shop running.
...
After discussing a few more details with Miss Ogura, Kujou Sara paid the deposit, and the two made their way back to the Tenryou Commission.
By the time they returned, it was nearly noon.
After spending an entire morning training, the forty young students had fully mastered the choreography of the group dance. They no longer needed Teresa to lead them—just playing the music was enough for them to follow along.
Since Luo Qing hadn't told them to stop, they assumed they had to keep dancing.
And so, for the entire morning, Teresa watched the group repeat the strange dance again and again.
As she observed these confused yet diligent young swordsmen, Teresa couldn't help but remember her own days of training under Luo Qing's guidance.
They were so innocent back then...
Seeing Luo Qing and Kujou Sara return, Teresa waved her hand to signal a break.
"How's the training going?" Luo Qing asked as he approached.
"Reporting to Mr. Luo Qing, they've all learned it! They can now complete the dance without my guidance!" Teresa replied enthusiastically, her expression eager to be praised.
"Very good."
Luo Qing nodded approvingly and turned his gaze to the students.
Most of them looked lost, clearly wondering what the purpose of all this was.
They had come to learn swordsmanship, not how to dance.
Then his gaze landed on Kamisato Ayaka.
Sweat glistened on her delicate face, her cheeks flushed a rosy pink, and her chest rose and fell as she caught her breath.
When Ayaka noticed Luo Qing's gaze, she didn't look away. Instead, she met his eyes and smiled.
For some reason, she found that she enjoyed dancing with everyone.
Maybe, when she got back, she could teach it to her brother and Thoma. They could dance together.
Yes, and maybe she could also invite her friends from the Yashiro Commission's End to join in.
---
T/N: ...good for you Ayaka.
Thanks for reading! Let me know if you spot any mistakes or inconsistencies!
If you wish to support me or read ahead here's a link! [patreon.com/WiseTL]
Weekly Power Status
200+ Power
Ranking 
388 Power
stone 
Paragraph comment