Chapter 114: Saeko vs Maki
As the morning sun bathed the kendo tournament arena in a warm, golden embrace, it cast elongated shadows that stretched across the highly polished wooden floor. In this tranquil yet charged setting, Maki and Saeko, donned in immaculate white kendo uniforms, stood poised with their shinai, their resolute determination etched upon their countenances. An aura of anticipation enveloped the surroundings, and the spectators in the stands held their collective breath, poised for the imminent clash.
Maki and Saeko, their fates intertwined through a history of camaraderie and rivalry, exchanged a wordless, meaningful glance, the depths of their mutual understanding unspoken but profoundly felt. On this momentous day, they shared a common aspiration—an unwavering hunger for victory. Yet, in the crucible of this battle, only one would emerge as the triumphant victor.
At the referee's authoritative command, the contest sprang to life, and the resonating clash of shinai reverberated throughout the arena. Maki's strikes were executed with a swiftness that belied her calculated precision, while Saeko, equally proficient, responded with an elegant finesse, parrying and counterattacking with grace. The spectators in the stands gasped in sheer awe as the two warriors moved with a fluidity akin to lightning, their virtuosity in the art of kendo laid bare for all to witness.
Sensing the ebb and flow of the battle, Maki recognized the imperative for a tactical shift. She focused her attention keenly on her defense, poised like a coiled spring, waiting for the precise moment to unleash her offensive onslaught. Saeko, attuned to Maki's strategic shift, mirrored her approach, reinforcing her own guard with unwavering resolve.
The mesmerizing dance between these two formidable fighters persisted, their movements a mesmerizing ballet of strikes and counters. The collective tension of the audience reached a fevered pitch, for Maki and Saeko were entrenched in an arduous battle, their skills and determination evenly matched as they relentlessly pursued the elusive mantle of victory.
In that pivotal moment, Saeko's discerning gaze honed in on the minuscule opening within Maki's formidable defense. It was a fleeting opportunity, a mere fraction of a second, and she seized it with unwavering determination. In a blur of motion, Saeko propelled herself forward with lightning speed, her bamboo sword aimed unerringly at Maki's exposed shoulder.
Maki, ever the vigilant warrior, swiftly perceived the impending danger and reacted with a resolve that matched her opponent's. With a powerful swing of her own shinai, she intercepted Saeko's lightning-quick strike. The resulting impact was nothing short of thunderous, the sheer force of their collision echoing throughout the arena. The audience, held captive by the intensity of the moment, gasped in sheer amazement at the sheer power unleashed by their clash.
Saeko's eyes burned with unyielding determination as she maintained relentless pressure, refusing to relent in her unrelenting assault. Her singular objective was to breach Maki's formidable defenses, to establish her mettle in this critical juncture. Yet, Maki was a force to be reckoned with, her inner reservoirs of strength and resolve coming to the forefront. She countered Saeko's advances with a rapid succession of strikes, each one pushing her adversary back, step by step.
In the midst of the fierce battle, a singular thought echoed through Maki's mind, her determination unwavering: "I cannot afford to lose."
...
Before the onset of the tournament, in the bustling heart of Shinagawa, Tokyo, an almost tangible tension hung in the air. The highly regarded Kendo competition, where skill, honor, and tradition converged, loomed on the horizon. Anticipation reached a fever pitch as all eyes turned to the three illustrious Kendo clans: the Zenin Clan, the Busujima Clan, and the Hiroshima Clan, alongside the esteemed Kendo schools, such as the renowned Kitachin Itto-ryu school.
Over decades, these clans and schools had engaged in a fierce struggle for supremacy, each showcasing its distinct techniques and unwavering determination. The Zenin Clan, celebrated for their versatility, excelled in various disciplines, encompassing marksmanship, martial arts, and, most prominently, kendo. Despite their multifaceted capabilities, they were primarily revered as a kendo lineage—a designation their grandfather, Musashi, had held in great esteem. Musashi had earned renown for his ingenious swordsmanship, often outwitting his adversaries. Tragically, his unwavering pride ultimately led to his demise in battle.
Within the Zenin clan's ancestral chamber, a passionate dispute raged between Maki, the gifted young woman, and her father.
"Father, as I've stated time and again, I harbor no intentions of entering matrimony in the near future," Maki's discontent was vividly etched upon her countenance.
Deeply dissatisfied with her father's insistence on arranging her marriage against her will, Maki felt as though her destiny was being decided without her consent.
"No, Maki, this is for your own future and the sake of the clan. I'm certain you'll come to appreciate him if you spend some time together," Ogi Zenin, her father, persisted with unwavering determination.
"He's not to my liking, Father. He couldn't even best me in combat, and yet you want me to marry him."
"That was in your childhood. I'm confident he's improved over the years. Unlike you, who ceased training and immersed yourself in frivolous reading. Why can't you be more like that Busujima girl?" Ogi's vexation was palpable.
"You mean Saeko, yes? I've heard she went to great lengths after that incident, with her uncle orchestrating that so-called 'Bride Training.' It appears she's searching for a partner who can meet her demands, but I'm certain she can't surpass me."
"Ah, you underestimate that Busujima girl. Very well, if you manage to defeat her in the upcoming tournament, I promise not to mention marriage again. However, should you falter, you will be obliged to entertain the winner of the men's division tournament."
"Tsk. Are you truly convinced that individual will emerge victorious again?"
"Yes, I am. So, do you accept this wager? Or are you afraid of the possibility of losing?" Her father sported an almost sinister grin, evidently confident that she would agree to this proposition.
"I'm not afraid, Father, and I accept your terms," Maki declared resolutely before departing the room, her destination elsewhere as she prepared herself for the formidable challenge that lay ahead.
Within the Zenin dojo, Maki, who had earlier engaged in a fiery dispute with her father, now channeled her energies into rigorous training, gearing up for the impending tournament with unwavering resolve.
After the grueling practice session, Maki decided to unwind with a soothing bath. As the warm water enveloped her, it caressed her smooth skin, accentuated her toned thighs, and gently traced the contours of her ample bosom, highlighting her natural beauty. While luxuriating in the bath's embrace, she idly reached for her cellphone and fortuitously stumbled upon an exhilarating announcement from her newfound favorite light novel author, Wakamono-sensei. It appeared that two new volumes of his literary works would soon grace the library's shelves, and Maki could hardly contain her excitement. The prospect of delving into the author's latest creations thrilled her, and she eagerly anticipated the opportunity to lose herself in the world of his words.
....
Returning to the present moment, minutes seemed to stretch into eternities as the intensity of the duel between Maki and Saeko escalated to a fevered crescendo. The spectators in the arena remained transfixed, their collective gaze locked upon the relentless exchange between these two warriors. Each movement, each strike, bore witness to their unrelenting hunger for victory. In this hallowed battleground, neither combatant would yield, and the audience was left spellbound by the sheer spectacle of their indomitable resolve.
With each thunderous strike and precise parry, Maki and Saeko pushed their physical and mental limits to the brink, their powerful kiai resounding through the arena like a battle cry. Rivulets of sweat streamed down their determined faces, and their once-pristine white uniforms now bore witness to the relentless intensity of their clash.
In a pivotal moment that would define their confrontation, Saeko unleashed a lightning-fast strike that caught Maki off guard. The bamboo sword found its mark with unerring precision, resulting in a resonant thud as Maki's shinai was forcefully disarmed from her grip. The arena, which had previously echoed with the sounds of their fierce combat, fell into an abrupt, almost reverential hush as Saeko stood triumphant, her chest rising and falling with the tremendous effort she had exerted.
Then, as though stirred from a collective trance, the crowd erupted into jubilant cheers. "Kendo Flower! Kendo Flower!" They chanted Saeko's nickname with unwavering enthusiasm, their voices reverberating throughout the tournament arena.
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Chapter 115: The white-haired guy desire to fight Hachiman
"It seems Maki lost," Mai observed. She noticed her sister's expression, a mix of sadness and a hidden smile. Mai understood the weight of their father's bet and wondered if her sister's emotions were related to that.
Perhaps it had something to do with that man? Maki glanced at Hachiman, seeing her sister looking at him earlier with a smile on her face, indicating her recognition of his formidable skills.
The white-haired guy with a blindfold chuckled, anticipation clear in his eyes as he said, "I can't wait to see her crying face later. Oh, and I really want to challenge that kid." He opened his left eye from beneath the blindfold, his gaze brimming with interest as he looked at Hachiman.
"But, Gojo-sensei, that guy practices kendo, unlike you, who are a master of karate and taekwondo. You both have a disadvantage," the pink-haired boy pointed out.
"What are you saying, Yuji? Did you forget that Gojo-sensei is also a swordmaster, even if it's not publicly known?" Megumi clarified.
"Oh, right, I forgot. Hahahaha," Yuji laughed, momentarily forgetting about Gojo's impressive skills.
The girl with short brown hair couldn't hide her annoyance as she said, "Can you please stop laughing?"
Saeko stood at the center of the polished wooden arena floor, her triumphant smile a testament to the culmination of years of unwavering dedication and relentless discipline. The applause from the crowd was not solely for her victory but for the unwavering spirit and exceptional skill she had displayed.
Maki, despite the disappointment of her defeat, couldn't help but smile amid the exhaustion. She recognized that Saeko had earned this victory through her relentless commitment and remarkable prowess, just as Maki herself had earned Saeko's respect. In that moment, their bond as both friends and rivals remained unshakable, and the kendo arena had borne witness to a match that would be spoken of with reverence for years to come.
"You've won this round, Saeko. It's clear you've trained tirelessly. Next time, it will be me seeking vengeance, and I will emerge victorious," Maki declared, her voice resolute.
Saeko responded with a warm smile, her eyes reflecting the depth of their friendship. "With Hachiman as my sparring partner, I've grown stronger thanks to his guidance. I will always accept a duel with you, Maki," she replied with heartfelt sincerity.
Maki's curiosity was piqued. She silently mused, "So, Wakamono-sensei's real name is Hachiman."
Amidst the cheers and applause of the crowd, as they exchanged bows and acknowledgments, Maki and Saeko understood that this moment marked not the end of their rivalry but the beginning of an ongoing pursuit of excellence in the world of kendo.
Approaching them, Hachiman offered his sincere congratulations to Saeko. Maki, however, chose to feign ignorance, despite recognizing his voice and expressions from a previous encounter at a signing event where he had worn glasses.
Saeko took the initiative to introduce Hachiman to Maki, explaining his role as the captain of their school's kendo club and her cherished sparring partner. Hachiman, displaying humility, introduced himself as a first-year student and extended a warm greeting to Maki.
Maki, displaying warmth and openness, assured him, "Nice to meet you too, Hikigaya Hachiman. Considering you're Saeko's dear friend and sparring partner, just call me Maki."
Hachiman was pleasantly surprised by her welcoming attitude. "Is that okay?"
With a smile, Maki nodded in affirmation. "Absolutely, Hikigaya-kun."
"Then you can call me Hachiman too," he thought to himself.
As their friendly exchange concluded, Maki noticed the growing commotion within the crowd. "Alright, I should head out now; it looks like things are getting chaotic. Goodbye," she said, turning her attention toward the reporters gathered at the forefront of the crowd.
In the Hikigaya residence, Komachi watched the intense battle between Maki and Saeko with wide-eyed astonishment. She couldn't help but be captivated by the beauty and grace of their kendo match.
Komachi's gaze remained fixed on the duel between Maki and Saeko, her admiration evident in her words. "That must be the senpai Onii-chan was talking about. She's not only an incredible fighter but also stunning," she whispered, her voice filled with genuine appreciation for Saeko's remarkable skills and presence.
Meanwhile, in the Zenin residence, Ogi couldn't hide his disappointment despite secretly wanting Maki to lose. "So, you've been defeated after all, Maki. Now, I'll have to wait for the results in the men's division," he muttered, aware that the competition in the men's kendo division was fierce, particularly with the formidable "One Strike Shura" in the mix.
Ogi's thoughts took an unexpected turn, and his excitement was palpable. "A 16-year-old with such incredible talent... Imagine if we could have his lineage! Their child would be a true prodigy," he mused, his mind racing with the possibilities of raising a kendo practitioner with such extraordinary potential.
In the Nakiri residence, Senzaemon Nakiri, the patriarch of the Nakiri family, couldn't help but burst into laughter as he watched the recent battle involving Busujima, clearly amused by the twists and turns of the tournament. He was also intrigued by the unexpected participation of Maki Zenin, suspecting that Ogi might have had some hidden motivations behind it.
"Hahahah! Busujima girl really emerged victorious in that battle. I still can't believe that Zenin girl participated in this tournament. It seems like that Ogi kid has some plans up his sleeve again," Senzaemon chuckled heartily as he observed the unfolding events.
Erina Nakiri, his granddaughter and one of the most renowned culinary talents, watched the tournament with admiration. "As expected, Saeko-neesan, she is truly strong," she commented, acknowledging Saeko's prowess.
Hisako Arato, Nakiri's dedicated secretary, nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Erina-sama," she replied with admiration for Saeko's skills.
Senzaemon, always one to inject humor into the situation, couldn't resist teasing Erina. "Now it's time for the battle with Young Hachiman. I'm sure this will be easy for him, and he might become as popular as you, Erina, or perhaps even surpass you," he said with a mischievous laugh.
Erina couldn't help but respond playfully, defending her reputation. "Hmph, I don't think so, Grandpa. If he manages to defeat me in cooking, but in popularity, I'll still be more famous than him," she retorted with a confident smirk.
Senzaemon laughed heartily at his granddaughter's spirited response. After the thrilling conclusion of the women's group duels, it was time for the highlight of the tournament – the battle for the championship in the men's division, a showdown that promised to be equally intense and captivating.
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