"Without tangible achievents that make them truly look at us with new eyes, no matter how eloquent you are, arguing until they’re speechless won’t completely change their real inner thoughts."
"So — I really want to win right now."
"Today, win this competition that’s about to begin!"
"Compared to our original ’desperate fierce attack’ tactic, I personally believe my strategy has a better chance of winning."
"I want to use my strategy against the Little Chiba Sword Dojo. Even if the odds are slim, I’ve decided to push forward without hesitation."
"What about you? What are your thoughts?"
Aoto once again shifted his gaze, scanning the solemn faces of everyone present.
"Are you willing to accompany in using this strategy, which has just a slightly higher chance of success than the ’fierce attack tactic’, and fight to the last mont?"
With those words, Aoto closed his mouth.
He quietly awaited the response of the group.
Once again, everyone from Shiwei Hall looked at each other.
Compared to when they first heard of Aoto’s slightly reckless strategy, the light in their eyes had changed sowhat — every eye was now filled with a touch of determination and resolve.
The usually silent Kondo was the first to respond.
He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and then looked at the student originally appointed as their Grand General.
"Asai, give the Array Feather Robe of the Grand General to Mr. Tachibana."
...
...
After quietly listening to how Aoto devised this strategy, the expressions on the faces of those present showed a remarkable change.
Led by Chiba Shigetarou, Sazanoko, and Yamanaka, a batch of students from the Little Chiba Sword Dojo pressed their lips together tightly, silently savoring Aoto’s detailed description of the entire process of formulating his strategy, replaying their recent defeat, recalling step by step how they followed Aoto’s "script," and ultimately conceding defeat.
Chiba Domon Shiro, who had a bit of an unhappy encounter with Aoto earlier in the morning, stared at Aoto with a complicated expression.
Zhouzhu and Abi showed pure joy.
Kiryu smiled oddly, watching Aoto with contemplative eyes.
"...Hahaha." After a brief silence, Chiba Dingji laughed heartily, "Truly, a hero capable of defeating over two hundred ’Anti-foreigner Faction’ rioters with just a little over twenty samurai..."
"An exquisite arrangent of strategies."
"In this match, we from Little Chiba Sword Dojo lost without injustice."
"You’re too kind," Aoto smiled modestly, "One major reason Shiwei Hall was able to win today is largely due to our good luck."
At this mont, no one noticed — standing slightly behind Kiryu, Mukiwa was staring at Aoto with a dazed expression.
This was her second ti witnessing Aoto turning the tide and achieving victory from a weak position.
The last "Snowy Night Chaos," due to poor visibility and being preoccupied with other concerns during the night, did not leave a very clear or deep impression in Mukiwa’s mind about Aoto’s command over the warriors to repel the enemy and leading Saito into the formation.
Yet today, seated safely and comfortably in the audience, she witnessed the entire process of Aoto leading Shiwei Hall’s swordsn to defeat Little Chiba Sword Dojo.
Aoto calmly waited in the "Main Array" for the best mont to launch a counterattack; when the ti arrived, leading Chokata into the fray, breaking through several mbers of the Little Chiba Sword Dojo; the casual way Aoto explained why he devised this strategy... all these scenes related to Aoto replayed over and over in Mukiwa’s mind.
Mukiwa, who was staring intently at Aoto’s face, her eyes slowly started to emit a radiant glow.
Two faint blushes crept onto her cheeks.
...
...
That evening—
Edo, at a certain restaurant—
"Master, stop pouring more wine..." With his face flushed red, Aoto hurriedly waved his hand at Zhouzhu, who was about to refill his wine glass, "If I keep drinking, I’ll really be drunk..."
The result of today’s competition... was perfect for both Shiwei Hall and Yudashima Tenman Temple.
Visitors who ca to watch the match thoroughly enjoyed it, and the Divine Master’s vision of lifting spirits through a popular event was fully realized.
A match that was originally deed hopelessly unwinnable actually ended in miraculous victory? Not having a grand celebration for that would be inappropriate!
Thus, as night fell and the "Plum Blossom Festival" concluded successfully, Zhouzhu very generously decided to host a lively celebration for everyone who participated in today’s match at a sowhat upscale restaurant.
Abi, who normally valued money highly, unexpectedly did not oppose Zhouzhu’s generous decision to treat everyone.
Having defeated the Little Chiba Sword Dojo... and on such a grand stage as the "Plum Blossom Festival," everyone from Shiwei Hall felt a great sense of vindication, eating and drinking with abandon.
As the biggest hero in today’s victory, Aoto naturally beca the star of the celebration banquet tonight.
Led by Kondo, everyone ca one by one to toast Aoto.
Aoto had no particular fondness for alcohol nor disgust towards it either.
His principle with drinking was: never get drunk.
Therefore, after being urged by Kondo and others through several rounds of sake, Aoto, already feeling slightly unsteady on his feet, began to resolutely declare: I won’t drink anymore, don’t pour more.
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