"Although I’m not quite sure what level of skill that Adachi possesses... But I suspect he’s not a match for Tachibana Aoto."
"Tachibana Aoto could probably defeat this Adachi in just a few moves."
Chiba Eijiro listened quietly as Chiba Domon Shiro spoke, then smiled, "Fourth Brother, it’s rare to hear you praise soone... It’s really unexpected."
"...I’m rely stating a fact," Chiba Domon Shiro replied blandly.
"I didn’t expect even you, Fourth Brother, to have such a high opinion of this Tachibana Aoto..." Chiba Eijiro returned his gaze to the arena, "Now I’m even more eager to see what this person’s skills are really like."
...
...
"The ’Little Tengu of the North Guard Station’ Tachibana Aoto is up against the well-known rising star Adachi Fumitaro... didn’t think the first match would be so interesting!"
"I think that’s impossible. That Tachibana Aoto has such rich combat experience, he’s cut down countless ’Radical Anti-foreigner Faction’ lunatics. As for that Adachi... I’ve never heard of him having any experience with real sword combat against people."
"Lacking real combat experience doesn’t necessarily an his skills are inferior."
"I still bet Tachibana Aoto has a bigger chance of winning, but he might have to put in so effort to beat Adachi, since this Adachi has gained so fa for his exceptional swordsmanship two years ago."
"Well, I think so too."
"I actually think Tachibana Aoto and Adachi might have a fierce battle, considering that I’ve heard Adachi is also quite strong?"
...
The conversations from the martial observatory inevitably reached the ears of the Shiwei Hall and Little Chiba Sword Dojo group.
Upon hearing that so spectators said "Aoto and Adachi will have a fierce battle," Chiba Shigetarou couldn’t help but show an amused expression.
Two months ago, during the "Plum Blossom Festival" held at the Red and White Battle, they had an intense fight with Shiwei Hall.
Therefore, regarding Aoto’s skills... Chiba Shigetarou and his companions knew far better than these ignorant onlookers.
Chiba Shigetarou crossed his arms over his chest, grinning:
"A fierce battle... how could it be a fierce battle..."
"Mr. Tachibana’s victory over Adachi is surely unquestionable."
"Although that Adachi is indeed strong, he could probably only last a few rounds with Aoto."
"Sazanoko, what do you think?" Chiba Shigetarou turned his head and asked Sazanoko beside him.
Responding suddenly to Chiba Shigetarou’s question——Sazanoko almost effortlessly replied calmly:
"Mr. Tachibana’s victory should be without question."
"But unlike my brother, I don’t think Adachi can only hold out for a few rounds."
"I have seen Adachi’s match before. This Adachi is no ordinary person."
"His skill may not be equal to Mr. Tachibana’s, but he is definitely not weak."
"For Mr. Tachibana to defeat him, it’ll still require so effort."
"If Mr. Tachibana isn’t careful or underestimates the opponent, there’s even a chance Adachi could turn the tables."
Chokata was only one seat apart from Sazanoko and Chiba Shigetarou... the now vacant seat of Aoto.
Due to the proximity, Chokata heard the sibling’s conversation word for word.
Upon hearing Sazanoko’s words, Chokata first pressed his lips tightly.
Followed by... Chokata’s lips curled into a peculiar smile.
...
...
"’There’s quite a portion of contestants with the strength to plunge you into a difficult battle’..." Kondo, sitting on Zhouzhu’s imdiate left, repeated Zhouzhu’s earlier statent to Aoto with a bitter smile, in a tone only he and Zhouzhu could hear.
After a silent sigh escaped his slightly parted lips, Kondo tilted his head towards Zhouzhu, continuing in that whispering tone:
"The lie we collaborated on to prevent Mr. Tachibana from getting conceited... today’s finally the day it’ll co out."
Zhouzhu acted as if he hadn’t heard Kondo at all, scratching an itch on his back with his left hand and stroking his smooth chin with his right, gazing eagerly at the arena ahead.
With an enigmatic smile on his face.
...
...
The judges of the competition are two vassals of the Aizu Domain, whose hair is mostly white.
Having donned his protective gear, Aoto walked to the center of the arena, carrying the bamboo sword that had been thoroughly inspected by the judges, with no issues, standing on the east side opposite Adachi.
In such swordsmanship competitions, a protocol must be adhered to before start: both contestants first sheath the bamboo sword at their left waist, half-squat on the ground, bow to each other, then simulate drawing the sword, slowly unsheathing the bamboo sword from the left waist and stand up.
After completing this simple protocol, the duel can begin.
Taking advantage of the bowing ritual to Adachi opposite him, Aoto half-shut his eyes and took several deep breaths.
——This Adachi is said to be quite strong... Famous and powerful, he seems to be second only to that "Three Heroes."
——He might just be one of the "opponents of equal strength" my master ntioned multiple tis...
——Didn’t expect my first match in this competition would be against such a skilled opponent.
During recent tis, Zhouzhu, Kondo, and Chokata would frequently remind Aoto: In this Aizu Marquis Swordsmanship Competition, there are nurous skilled participants equal to you, be cautious and do not underestimate anyone during the contest.
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