The author almost didn’t sleep the entire night again.
But it’s not because of physical or ntal health issues.
As for the reason, the readers should understand.
Sigh... a thousand words turn into one sigh...
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At this mont——
In a corner of the audience seats to the east——
"Wow..." Shusairo raised his head, looked at the sea of people surrounding him, and couldn’t help but shrink his neck, "There are even more people now... I didn’t expect so many people to co watch the competition..."
Shusairo felt very fortunate now—he and Asi made a point of coming early today, otherwise, they certainly wouldn’t have been able to grab a spot in the audience seats.
"Oh, Shusairo!" Sitting beside him, Asi tugged on the sleeve of his feathered robe, "The match is starting, look quickly!"
"Oh, oh..." Shusairo withdrew his gaze from surveying his surroundings, looking forward to the arena.
Shusairo had never been interested in martial arts competitions.
If it weren’t for his wife persuading him to watch today’s Aizu Marquis Swordsmanship Competition, saying he might get inspiration for his writing, he probably wouldn’t have gone out at all today.
Alright then... Shusairo let out a silent sigh.
Since I’m already here, I might as well try to watch until the end...
...
...
Aoto’s first opponent in the match was a swordsman nad Adachi Fumitaro.
Speaking of this Adachi... he is a rising star in the Edo Swordsmanship World.
He hails from Qinwu Hall, which teaches the Ono Ichidōryū Stream. It is said that his sword is both fierce and swift, and even so veterans who have practiced swordsmanship for many years are not his match.
In terms of overall strength and reputation among the younger generation in the Edo Swordsmanship World, Adachi could be said to be second only to figures like Niitsuma Kan, who is praised as one of the "Three Heroes".
When the announcer called out Aoto and Adachi’s nas, exclamations rose from the audience seats.
The recently famous "Little Tengu of the North Guard Station" Tachibana Aoto, was facing Adachi Fumitaro, whose strength and reputation were second only to the "Three Heroes"—a powerhouse clash like this right from the first match could only excite the spectators!
"Mr. Tachibana, do your best!" Chokata waved both fists, which he had raised to his chest, at Aoto, who was already standing up with his sword.
Chiba Shigetarou raised his hand and patted Aoto’s back: "Good luck, Mr. Tachibana!"
Sazanoko didn’t verbally encourage Aoto like Chokata or her brother; she rely nodded slightly in his direction.
Kondo and Hijikata also offered words of encouragent to Aoto, who was about to take the stage.
"Mr. Tachibana." At this point, Aoto heard Zhouzhu call out to him seriously, "Rember what I told you: never be arrogant or underestimate your opponent."
"Your current strength is indeed quite good, but this competition is full of strong competitors."
"A whole group of outstanding new talents led by the ’Three Heroes’ is participating in this competition."
"From what I know, quite a few of the contestants have the strength to give you a tough battle."
"Stay focused, give it your all, and don’t take anything lightly."
Seeing Zhouzhu’s serious expression, Aoto couldn’t help but straighten his face as well.
Aoto nodded forcefully, "Yes!"
After nodding to acknowledge the friends who encouraged him, Aoto took several deep breaths to simply adjust his state before striding towards the arena with head held high.
But at this mont, an idea flashed through Aoto’s mind, and he turned his head, frowning as he looked towards the left side audience seats.
Was it an illusion... Aoto had just felt like soone had given him a vicious glare...
He glanced several tis in the direction where he thought he had sensed the gaze coming from.
All he could see was a vast sea of heads, and finding nothing, Aoto could only withdraw his gaze and continue striding towards the arena.
Aoto’s feeling wasn’t actually wrong—soone indeed had glared at him fiercely just now.
...
...
Seated not far behind Saito Mijuro in the Training Hall was Niitsuma Kan, who was looking at Tachibana Aoto, who had already crossed the audience seats and entered the arena, with gloomy eyes and muttering in a volu only audible to himself:
"So he’s that Tachibana Aoto..."
Within Niitsuma Kan’s gaze towards Aoto was an undisguisable envy.
Aspired to beco a mber of the Chiba family and use them as a stepping stone to realize his ambitions, he had been casting fervent glances at Chiba Dingji and the others ever since they appeared at the arena, closely observing every move of the Chiba family.
Therefore... the cordial greetings from Chiba Shigetarou to Aoto and proactively sitting with Sazanoko beside Aoto were all noticed by Niitsuma Kan.
Seeing Chiba Shigetarou’s enthusiastic attitude towards Aoto, Niitsuma Kan couldn’t help but wrinkle his brows.
To successfully beco a son-in-law of the Chiba family, he had always actively sought to interact with them, particularly with Chiba Shigetarou, being Sazanoko’s brother, striving to build a good relationship with them.
However... Chiba Shigetarou had always been extrely indifferent to him.
No matter how much goodwill and kindness he showed, Chiba Shigetarou remained unmoved.
Despite my efforts, I’m still not valued by Chiba Shigetarou, whereas this Tachibana Aoto is warmly received by him... Besides feeling envy towards Aoto, Niitsuma Kan also felt a sense of crisis.
The good relationship Sazanoko’s brother had with a certain young man was not good news for Niitsuma Kan.
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